Sunday, May 29, 2011

Book Review: Already Home by author Susan Mallery

I received this book through netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

If you've read my reviews most everyone knows i am a fan of Susan Mallery. This book came out in April and i was interested but wary to read it. I'll tell you why. lol Susan herself said on her Facebook page this was not like the other contemporary romances she's done. This one would make you tear up and possibly cry a bit. It's more serious that her usual stuff. I tend to shy away from that stuff because i like to laugh with my contemporary romance and i like to not have to feel quite that much emotion reading. If you get my meaning.I finally got down to business and read it this week and wow she was right it was emotional but it still had those funny moments i like so much.

From Susan Mallery
ALREADY HOME is one of the most emotional stories I’ve ever written, a story of a woman who learns to open her heart and, in the process, discovers that love doesn’t wait for an invitation. Jenna Stevens is still reeling from a recent divorce and recuperating from wounds inflicted by a husband who belittled her at every opportunity. A classically trained chef, Jenna no longer believes she’s capable of the leaps of creativity that once won her praise from her instructors and from food critics, so she moves back to her hometown in Texas to open a retail cooking store.


Just as Jenna’s settling into her new career and beginning to feel like she’s on even ground, her birth mother barrels her way into Jenna’s life. Jenna doesn’t want or need a second mother, especially a vegan mother named Serenity who would have named her Butterfly. But while Serenity listens to signs from the Universe, she easily ignores Jenna telling her to go away. With gentle but insistent pressure, she will find a way to open Jenna’s heart.

And once the heart is open, anything can happen!

That really explains the book very well. I struggled with what i thought all the way through. It's not predictable at all. Some books you can kind of guess where it's going but really i didn't get much of a hint until i was far into the book and even then i wasn't sure. The characters are very well fleshed out and i became attached with all of them. My favorite is Dragon who in the book is Jenna biological brother. I'd love to read a follow up to this book on his and Violet (Jenna's friend)story. Even in a Novella if necessary. This was a very enjoyable book with alot of emotional but also some humorous moments to make you laugh. I give Already Home 4 out of 5 Modokker Book Pick stars. Read more about this book and Susan Mallery's other books including her latest series Fools Gold by going to her website http://www.susanmallery.com/. You can find her on Facebook and Twitter as well.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Free Book Friday! Free ebook. Barbara Freethy One True Love.

It's Friday so why not get yourself a free ebook today. If you don't have a full size ereader you can download apps for most devices to enable yourself to read them. You can usually download something to read them on your laptop or desk PC as well. Today we have Barbara Freethy ebook " One True Love".

She Walked Back Into His Life ...


The last place Lisa Alvarez expected to find herself was babysitting for her ex-sister-in-law's three rambunctious kids. But when Maggie called her up and begged for time alone, something in Lisa made her say yes - for one weekend she'd leave behind the career she'd built and her new fiancé. But Lisa never expected her handsome ex-husband Nick to show up on the doorstep, walking back into her life, and taking over more than the weekend....

And His Heart

Nick can't believe how Lisa has changed over the years - and how she's stayed the same. His heart still races when her eyes catch his, his pulse pounds when she's near. After tragedy pushed them apart, Nick spent eight years rebuilding his life and his soul. Can he risk losing his heart again, for a second chance at true love?

 Click the following link to get it from Amazon. One True Love Barbara Freethy

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Book review: My One and Only by author Kristan Higgins

I received this book through netgalley.com for my honest review and opinion.

Kristan Higgins is a new to me author. This was the first book of hers that I've ever read. My One and Only is a wonderful but complicated story of Nick and Harper. Nick fell for Harper really hard when she was only 20 and he was but a few years older. They married, Nick had big ideas for his life and Harper had alot of fears. Things went from bad to worse and then a couple misunderstandings and then they were divorced. Thirteen years later Harper's sister is marrying Nick's brother and they meet once again.

Just when she thought she had life and love all figured out…


Divorce attorney Harper James can’t catch a break. Bad enough that she runs into her ex-hubby, Nick, at her sister’s destination wedding, but now, by a cruel twist of fate, she’s being forced to make a cross-country road trip with him. And her almost-fiancĂ© back at home is not likely to be sympathetic.

Harper can’t help that Nick has come blazing back into her life in all of his frustratingly appealing, gorgeous architect glory. But in Nick’s eyes, Harper’s always been the one. If they can only get it right this time, forever might be waiting—just around the bend.

This to me what a very complicated story with lots of secondary characters. This didn't bother me i enjoyed all the characters. Harper's mother abandoned her when she was on 13 years old. She thought they were close so her heart was shattered. She couldn't seem to communicate with her dad either. These things combine to make her a cynic. She can't let anyone in for fear they'll leave. When Nick leaves her after a misunderstanding she goes back to her where her family is and gets a divorce from Nick. Now at her sisters wedding she finds Nick. There's a little love hate going on but the spark is still there. After the wedding everyone leaves but Harper gets stuck stranded there with no airport shuttle because they've closed down the airport while something is repaired. Guess who is still there with a car and offer to drive her to the next nearest airport. That's when the really journey begins of Nick and Harper. Honestly this book will make you tear up at least a couple times maybe more. Life is messy and complicated and this book shows that but also the wonder of love and what it can do. The one thing i did not understand was the use of the word crotch and a curse word. Maybe this is a regional slang thing. If anyone knows I'd love to hear about it. lol I thought it was a typo at first but it's throughout the entire book so i guess not. To read more about this book and Kristan Higgan you can find her at her website by clicking www.kristanhiggins.com and on Facebook by clicking www.facebook.com/KristanHigginsBooks . I give My One and Only 4 Modokker Book Pick Stars.

Monday, May 23, 2011

GIVEAWAY! The Billionare's Unexpected Heir by author Kathie Denosky

I have been lucky enough to participate in Harlequin's Ambassador program. The selection this time is Kathie Denosky's "The Billionaire's Unexpected heir. I have never read this author which makes this program fun. You get to read new to you authors sometimes. You can find out more about Kathie Denosky and her books on her website by clicking here. I'm giving away a copy of "The Billionaire's Unexpected Heir" this week here on the blog. Just leave me your email address and tell me what you're reading right now and if you are liking it or not. Giveaway ends on Wednesday June 1st.

Book review: Creed's Honor by author Linda Lael Miller

Note i received this book through netgalley.com for my honest opinion and review.
Creed's Honor due out May 31, 2011

I've been a fan of Linda Lael Miller's for quite some time. I think it started when i read one of the McKettrick books with the four original brothers Holt, Rafe, Kade and Jeb (love those names). After i finished those i started looking at the rest of her books and have enjoyed quite a few. She is the very best at writing cowboys i think. Creed's Honor is the 2nd in her latest cowboy trilogy. If you've read Linda at all you know this is not her first trilogy of book on the wonderful Creed men. One of the things i like about her books is they inter-relate is some way fashion or form and i love those glimpses you get to past character from other books. A Creed in Stone Creek is the first in this series and i reviewed in here on the blog here. In that one we met Steven Creed cousin the Creed twin brothers Connor and Brody. We get to see a little of Steven and his now wife Melissa with his new family in Creed's Honor. In this book we get to focus on Connor Creed. Connor and his twin brother Brody parted ways years ago over a incident with a girl. Connor is the responsible brother and stayed in Lonesome Bend Colorado to run the family ranch while his twin just runs wild. No one really is sure where Brody's been or what he's been doing.

Creed's Honor

Connor Creed knows exactly who he is: a hard-working rancher carrying on his uncle’s legacy in Lonesome Bend, Colorado. Maybe a small-town cowboy’s life isn’t his dream, but he owes the man who took him in as a kid. Until the identical twin brother he’s been estranged from for years reenters his life.


Connor struggles with identity issues as he gets to know his wilder brother. And then he meets Tricia McCall, a beautiful woman who knows a thing or two about living someone else’s dreams. Together, they just might find their own dreams right here in Lonesome Bend…

I liked Steven well enough but i think so far Connor is my favorite in this series. Connor Creed is the responsible twin and runs the family ranch. He seems pretty content with his life even though something is missing. Tricia McCall has put her life on hold to come to Lonesome Bend to sell her fathers property a old Drive in and lodge or sorts. He saved the land and businesses for her thinking they would be worth alot of money someday and he'd have left her something worthwhile. No one seems to want to buy the property though until Connor twin brother Brody arrives and announces he's sticking around for good and bids on the property. Connor and Tricia slowly get close and you wonder if Tricia's going to stick around for Connor or leave once the property is sold. I like how in this and the first book in the series you get the seeds to the next book. In this one you get a peak here and there into the third book "The Creed Legacy" Brody's book.  Lovin the cowboys! Check out this book and all the books related to this series here on Linda Lael Miller's website. I give Creed's Honor 4 out of 5 Modokker Book Pick stars. Another great bowboy romance for Linda lael Miller.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Book review: The Sweetest Thing by author Jill Shalvis

The Sweetest Thing is the second novel in The Lucky Harbor series by author Jill Shalvis. This series is about 3 sisters that inherit a Inn from their deceased mother in Lucky Harbor, Washington. The first in this series is Simply Irresistible that told Maddie and Jax's story. I reviewed it here and the blog and loved it. This book is Tara and Ford's story.

Two Men Are One Too Many . . .


Tara has a thousand good reasons not to return to the little coastal town of Lucky Harbor, Washington. Yet with her life doing a major crash-and-burn, anywhere away from her unfulfilled dreams and sexy ex-husband will do. As Tara helps her two sisters get their newly renovated inn up and running, she finally has a chance to get things under control and come up with a new plan for her life.

But a certain tanned, green-eyed sailor has his own ideas, such as keeping Tara hot, bothered . . . and in his bed. And when her ex wants Tara back, three is a crowd she can't control-especially when her deepest secret reappears out of the blue. Now Tara must confront her past and discover what she really wants. If she's lucky, she might just find that everything her heart desires is right here in Lucky Harbor.


Tara is still working in the restaurant in town and getting the kitchen at the Inn ready to feed their guests when they open. Ford is still hanging around Tara driving her nuts when her ex husband shows up and adds himself to the mix. Tara's race car driver ex-husband Logan has decided he wants her back. Ford wants her too so the fight is on between the two. Add to this a secret from Tara and Ford's past shows up. Seventeen years ago Tara had a child fathered by Ford when she was only 17 years old. She knew that she was not ready for the responsibility so she gave the baby up. She's never been able to forgive herself for it either even if it was the right thing to do. Even though Logan keeps trying to push his way back into a relationship with Tara, Ford is the one who captures her heart, There is so much funny dialog in this book and the relationship between Ford Tara and their daughter Mia will get to you pretty quick. I just love love love Ford. He is a rock for Mia and Tara.  If Tara didn't want him I'd take him lol There is one more installment in this series Head over Heels which will be the third book which will be Chloe and Sawyer's story. You can a excerpt for this at the back on The Sweetest thing or you can read it on Jill Shalvis website by clicking here. You can read a excerpt for The Sweetest Thing and Simply Irresistible on her website as well. i give The Sweetest Thing 5 out of 5 Modokker Book Pick stars. This was one of those books i enjoyed from start to finish and will definitely read again.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

The Romance Dish: Hot Dish for May

The Romance Dish: Hot Dish for May: "In celebration of the new movie, THOR, I have decided to make this month's Hot Dish the actor who portrays Thor -- Chris Hemsworth. Thos..."

Review: The Guy Next Door by authors Lori Foster, Susan Donovan and Victoria Dahl

The Guy Next Door is a anthology with three great books inside. Kind of like a chance to try out possibly 3 new to you authors. This is why these books are fun. I have read Lori Foster before she is one of my fav authors as well as Victoria Dahl. I have only read one of Victoria Dahl's series and that's the deliciously funny Tumble Creek series. This is the first time that I've read Susan Donovan that i know of though. I only knew that Lori Fosters novella is this is a intro to her Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor series so i had to hurry up and read that so i could be ready for that first book in that series. I've read and reviewed the first two in that  series here, When You Dare and Trace of Fever on the blog. I read that first then set it aside for a bit to read other stuff. I am so happy i got back to it this past weekend and read the second two books in this because wow good stuff!

Victoria Dahl's contribution introduces you to a new series that she is coming out with this fall called The Donovan Brothers Brewery series. I have to tell you her novella Just a Little Taste is just that a little taste! Wow she reels you in and  leaves you hanging. What a  tease! Leaves you something to look forward to this fall though so that's great right? Eric Donovan is always the responsible brother. In a moment of insanity he pretends he's his brother Jamie so he can have a one night stand with a gorgeous women who doesn't realize he's not the wild brother. This story is continued later this fall.

Susan Donovan is a new to me author. Love when i get to read one of those and love what i read. Her contribution to The Guy Next  door is called Gail's Gone wild.  In this one 36 year old Gail decides to go along with her 17 yr old daughter and her friend on spring break to Key West. What she didn't expect is to find a hot sexy 38 year old Jesse next door to her rental. Jessie who has burned by women before is really JD Batista (Jessie to friends and family) but Gail doesn't recognize him as the best selling author of thrillers that he is. When he finally comes clean can things work out between the two of them after spring break?? This one was so much fun. Gail gets to experience a freedom of life she never got to before since she got pregnant and married young and has had responsibilities.Divorced for a while now and her daughter almost grown it's time to let loose some right?  It was great to see this story unfold and see how the 17 year old daughter reacts to her mom getting a life!

Here some little bits from each novella

Lori Foster Ready, Set, Jett!
A vacation from her no-strings romance with her sexy next-door-neighbor. That's what Natalie Alexander needs to get her head—and heart—together. But her solo trip south turns into a disaster—until gorgeous Jett Sutter turns up with another challenge.
You can read a excerpt for this book on Lori's website by clicking here. Make sure you check out the series Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor that this novella introduces you to.

Susan Donovan Gails' Gone Wild
Single mom Gail Chapman insists on chaperoning her teenage daughter's spring-break trip to Key West. But she never expects to face temptation—in the hunky form of Jesse Batista, the mysterious man in the cottage next door.


Victoria Dahl Just a Little Taste!
The Donovan Brothers Brewery series, set in a family-owned microbrewery in Boulder, Colorado, opens with the novella "Just One Taste" in the anthology The Guy Next Door.
Eric Donovan is the oldest of the family, and he's always responsible and well-behaved. After all, he has to set an example for his brother and sister, right? Well...

All-work-and-no-play businessman Eric Donovan won’t be distracted by a “businesswoman” who’s all wrong for him. Beth Cantrell owns a woman’s erotica shop! And she has a juicy little secret. Can she tempt him to put pleasure before business for once?

"Just One Taste" is the start of his story with Beth Cantrell. What happens when they meet up again later? You'll find out in Real Men Will, out in November! Find out more about The Donovan Brothers Brewery series on Victoria Dahl's website by clicking here .

I have to say that before i read this the reviews i heard about were pretty mixed but i loved all three. Susan Donovan's novella was a great funny refreshing read and Victoria Dahl reminded me who i loved her writing and Lori Foster what can i say i love romantic suspense and her novella puts your foot in the door to a great series of books so far with The Men who Walk the Edge of Honor series. I give amply titled book The Guy Next door 4 and 1/2 Modokker Book Pick Stars.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Been MIA.

Sorry everyone my computer caught itself a really nasty virus last weekend and it was in the shop since last Monday. I'm back and just posted my review of Vivian Arend's newest release Silent Storm which is out today in ebook format. If my luck holds I'll be posting my reviews of The Guy Next Door that came out in February with novellas from Lori Foster, Susan Donovan and Victoria Dahl. Also this week my review of The Sweetest Thing by Jill Shalvis and Creeds Honor the next book from Linda Lael Miller which comes out May 31st! Love the cowboys don't you?? Stay tuned for more later this week.

Lisa aka Modokker

Book review: Silent Storm by author Vivian Arend

 I received a eARC of Silent Storm from the author for my honest opinion.

Silent Storm is the third book in the Pacific Passions series by author Vivian Arend. I've read the first two and reviewed the second book here on this blog and enjoyed them so it's not a surprise i would enjoy the this one. These are not long books so if your looking for something shorter but fun and sexy and hot these definitely fit the bill. We met  Matthew Jentry and Laurin Marshall in the first book of this series Stormchild. Matthew is a water shifter and a doctor/shaman for his people and Lauren is a teacher for them and a air shifter. There are several possible problems for a air shifter and water shifter to be together. The 3 books work their way thru those problems and so much more.

Love speaks volumes without a single word.


Pacific Passion, Book 3
In the months they’ve traveled together, Laurin Marshall and Matt Jentry’s attraction has grown beyond spectacular sexual passion to into a deeper emotional connection. Still, Laurin wrestles with one last question: how a water shifter and an air shifter can possibly find permanent common ground.

Matt is content to wait patiently for Laurin to realize he has no desire to change her sky-borne nature. Until a giant golden eagle touches down on the Stormchild and tips the delicate balance of more than just the boat.

Laurin’s obvious affection for the newcomer comes as a shock. And so does the flash of jealousy that interferes with his shamanic ability to heal the man’s malady. While Matt struggles to balance his conflicted responsibilities, Laurin attempts to reconcile her undeniable feelings for one of her kind with her desire for Matt.

Somewhere between the ocean depths and the mountaintops, they need to find a love strong enough to call them both home to the Stormchild.


Warning: Familiar lovers (hot) with old rivals (hotter) and a wild curse-melting ménage (hottest yet). Get ready for one exotic paranormal that will make you look to the skies and sea with longing.

If you haven't read the first two in this series you seriously need to. It's not required for reading this one but you'll understand the story better and if you don't you'll have missed out on some sensational sexy scenes and dialog. In this book Matt and Laurin have been together for a while but Laurin is still not sure the two can be together based on where they come from. Matt has been patient with her letting her sort it thru on her own. While Laurin struggles with her doubts and fears someone shows up and throws a monkey wrench in the mix and things get interesting. Although the books in this series  are shorter one they have plenty of great dialogue and move along at a good pace that keeps you reading and wishing there was more at the end. Just my kind of read. The sex scenes aren't bad either lol   You can find out more about the author Vivian Arend and read a excerpt to this book as well as the other two in this series by clicking here .  All 3 ebooks in this series are available thru Sahmain, Amazon and Barnes and Noble. I know at Amazon none are over three dollars.  I give Silent Storm by author Vivian Arend 4 Modokker Book Pick stars. 

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Book review: Something About You by author Julie James

"Something about You" by Julie James is the third book release for author Julie James. I was lucky enough to get my hands on a copy of her 4th release A Lot Like Love a while back and really enjoyed it so i decided to seek out her other books and see if they were as good. If you like FBI guys with your romance this book is a good choice for you. Below is a little bit about the book.

Something About You


Fate has thrown two sworn enemies…

Of all the hotel rooms rented by all the adulterous politicians in Chicago, female Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Lynde had to choose the one next to 1308, where some hot-and-heavy lovemaking ends in bloodshed. And of all the FBI agents in Illinois, it had to be Special Agent Jack Pallas who gets assigned to this high-profile homicide. The same Jack Pallas who still blames Cameron for a botched crackdown three years ago—and nearly ruining his career…

…into each other’s arms

Work with Cameron Lynde? Are they kidding? Maybe, Jack thinks, this is some kind of welcome-back prank after his stint away from Chicago. But it’s no joke: the pair is going to have to put their rocky past behind them and focus on the case at hand. That is, if they can cut back on the razor-sharp jibes—and smother the flame of their sizzling-hot sexual tension…


I loved this one. I literally sat down and read it in one big gulp. lol It had a nice smooth pace that just kept you reading. Three years ago Jack was undercover for the FBI when his cover was blown and a DEA agent was killed and he was injured. Eventually though they thought they had enough evidence to put the evil crack dealer in prison for good, but when it came time to indict the U.S. Attorney's office said they couldn't do it. Namely it was Cameron Lynde a sexy assistant U.S. attorney who informed him that they would not be prosecuting. He was so upset that when approached by a reporter after finding out blurted out a very nasty comment about Cameron. He nearly got himself fired but instead was transferred to a remote post in North Dakota for 3 years. Little did he know that Cameron was the one who went to bat for him to keep from getting fired. He think she's the one who made sure he got transferred. She was still new to the U.S, Attorney's office and didn't want to rock the boat so she had done what her boss told her. Little did she know he had ulterior motives. Flash back to current time and Cameron kind of witnesses a murder of sorts. Guess who is back in town and assigned to the case? YUP Jack Pallas. They decide since Cameron is the only witness and no one knows that she knows something she needs protection. The local police start out with this detail but it isn't long before Jack decides he needs to take over. Can he catch the killer before he gets to Cameron? Will Cameron tell Jack what really happened 3 years ago? There was just the right amount of suspense and romance mix in this book for me. I really enjoyed it. Read this one first then hit A Lot Like Love. They can be read separately but some of the characters are in both. I give Something About You by Julie James 5 Modokker Book Pick Stars. It's been a while since i read a book in one sitting and this one was worth it.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

WINNER Erin Quinn giveaway!

First I'd like to thank Erin Quinn for generously taking time to answer all my interview questions and stopping buy to answer all of your questions. The prize for this giveaway again is a print or ebook copy of either Haunting Beauty or Haunting Warrior the first two books in The Mists of Ireland series. Don't forget to check out Erin's newest release in this series Haunting Desire.

The winner of the Erin Quinn giveaway is SARAH!! Sarah you need to give your email address you forgot to leave it along with which book you'd like and ebook or print copy please.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to check out the interview and ask Erin questions.

Lisa

Friday, May 6, 2011

Book review: Trace of Fever by author Lori Foster

Trace of Fever is the second book in the " Men who walk the edge of Honor" series by author Lori Foster.  This series gets introduced with the novella "Ready Set, Jett" in book "The Guy Next door"  Lori Foster did with fellow authors, Victoria Dahl and Susan Donovan. The first full book "When you Dare" came out April 26th and you can find my review for that book here on my blog as well. "Trace of Fever" will be out in bookstores and online May 31st. How about we start with my favorite the back cover blurb shall we?

Caught in the crossfire of vengeance and desire...


Undercover mercenary Trace Rivers loves the adrenaline rush of a well-planned mission. First he'll earn the trust of corrupt businessman Murray Coburn, then gather the proof he needs to shut down the man's dirty smuggling operation. It's a perfect scheme—until Coburn's long-lost daughter saunters in with her own deadly plan for revenge.

With a smile like an angel and fire in her eyes, Priscilla Patterson isn't who she seems to be. But neither is the gorgeous bodyguard who ignites all her senses. Joining forces to plot Coburn's downfall, Priss and Trace must fight the undeniable heat between them. For one wrong move, one lingering embrace will expose them to the wrath of a merciless opponent….



The book opens with Trace undercover working for Murray Coburn who is in the human trafficking business. Trace's sister was kidnapped by another human trafficker in "When you Dare" and recovered by his best friend Dare so he's on a mission to rid the world of other traffickers. Right now his sights are set on Murray. Unfortunately for him someone else is after Murray too. Priscilla Patterson has a plan to get Murray. She wants him dead. Years ago her mom was caught by Murray and raped repeatedly by him and his friends. She was the result. Her mom managed to get away but was never the same and Priscilla or Priss as she is called never had a normal childhood. They had to always stay under the radar in case Murray came looking for them. Priscilla's mom is passed away now and so she decides it's time to come after Murray. Murray is a nasty evil man and so is everyone around him so Trace decides he is going to protect Priscilla and try to get her out of the situation all together no matter what Priscilla thinks.

I liked this book. I started reading it in the evening and hated to put it down for bed. Soon as i could i picked it right up to finish it. I loved Trace and Priscilla. Priscilla proves she's just as tough as Trace. She doesn't come to the party so to speak empty handed. She's smart and intuitive and prepared herself with self defense techniques and apparently how to handle a gun before coming after Murray. I have to admit i do not care for the name Priscilla or Priss for that matter but that's just me. You meet Chris Dare's gay male friend in the last book and you get some of him in this one too ( love Chris) but you get to meet Chris's friend Matt who is a hair stylist in this one too. Of course Dare and Molly are in this one and you meet Jackson Savor the hero in the next book. I've really enjoyed the characters so far in this series. Can't wait for the next book "Savor the Danger" that comes out July 2011. For this book you'll have to read and see who eventually gets to kill Murray. I'll tell you this it's now who you expect. I give "Trace of Fever" 4 and 1/2 Modokker Book Pick stars. Your can preorder this book now wherever it's sold in paperback and ebook formats.

You can find Lori Foster in these places.
www.lorifoster.com her website where you can find excerpts to all the books i wrote about and other fun stuff
Facebook on Lori's fan page
http://twitter.com/#!/lorilfoster and twitter of course.




Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Book review Chasing Fire by author Nora Roberts

Chasing Fire is the latest release from author Nora Roberts. She was one the first authors to become a fav of mine when i started reading again a few years ago. I don't know if I'll ever get thru her entire back-list it's so huge. lol  The cover for this book is awesome if nothing else you should check that out and be sure to look inside the book cover also for another amazing graphic. Chasing fire is about fire jumpers. Something i know nothing about and was fascinated throughout the book learning about it. How about a little blurb to start things off.

The number-one New York Times-bestselling author delves into the world of elite firefighters who thrive on danger and adrenaline-men and women who wouldn't know how to live life if it wasn't on the edge.


There's little as thrilling as firefighting-at least to Rowan Tripp. The Missoula smoke jumpers are in Rowan's blood: her father is a legend. She's been fighting fires since her eighteenth birthday. At this point, returning to the wilds of Montana for the season feels like coming home-even with reminders of the partner she lost last season still lingering.

Fortunately, this year's rookie crop is one of the strongest ever-and Gulliver Curry's one of the best. He's also a walking contradiction, a hotshot firefighter with a big vocabulary and a winter job at a kids' arcade.


Everything is thrown off balance when a dark presence lashes out against Rowan, looking to blame someone for last year's tragedy. Rowan knows she can't complicate things with Gull-any distractions in the air or on the ground could mean the end-but if she doesn't find someone she can lean on, she may not make it through the summer. . . .


Ok there is alot i liked about this book and some things that bugged me some. The names of the characters were a bit strange but quickly grew on me. Rowan Tripp and Gulliver Curry and Dobie Karstain wow those are some names huh? I have to say so many of the characters endeared themselves to me in no time. I just loved these 3 in particular. Dobie is from Kentucky and lot of the stuff with him reminded me of my husband who is also from Kentucky. I had to laugh out loud at him carrying the bottle of Tabasco sauce in his pocket all the time.  When my husband and i were in the Army we spent time in Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm and it seemed everyone liked the hot sauce on everything. It wasn't for me but my husband put it on everything ( we weren't married yet it's where we met). They even had little tiny bottle of it in the MRE's we had to eat. Even with the serious nature of this book there were so much funny dialog to give you a laugh when you most needed it. Rowan returns to the Missoula Montana base for another season of fighting fires and she is troubled by last seasons death of her friend and fellow jumper Jim who died on the job as her jump partner. It wasn't her fault he made a mistake but she couldn't shake the feeling of guilt all the same. There is always a new crop of rookies that come in to join the zulies ( the fire jumpers) but this year brings in Gulliver, Dobie and Lilly. The three have previously worked together in smoke jumpers school. Gulliver had previously been a Hot shot fighting fires elsewhere before coming to Missoula. Jim's brother Matt comes back for another season unsure of his welcome and feeling odd about the whole thing. Last season before Jim's death he has been dating a cook Dolly who had a bit of a promiscuous reputation. She blamed everyone under the sun for Jim's death not excepting it was his own mistake that killed him. She shows up with a baby she claims is Jim and says she's found god and has changed and needs a job. It doesn't take long to find out she's not changed like she says. As Gull tries working his way into Rowan's life and get to know her on every level Dolly keeps causing trouble and then she turns up dead in a forest fire.  There are many twists and turns in this book but i figured out who the bad guy was before the end.  Sometimes i felt there was to much extra information. To many extra details. I have to remember though that this is what Nora Roberts books are like. Whatever she's telling you about there is lots of info to go with the story. The guy who ends up being the bad guy starts out with a prominent role in this and then kinds of disappears in the middle. That bugged me. All the sudden he shows up again. If he'd been around more through out the book it would've been harder to figure out who was the bad guy. Still all in all i really enjoyed it. Like i said i loved the main characters Rowan and Gulliver and Dobie was just hilarious.  To read a excerpt of Chasing Fire you can find on on Nora Roberts website by clicking here . I give Chasing Fire by Nora Roberts 4 Modokker Book Pick stars.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Haunting Desire by Erin Quinn review, interview and giveaway!

I was lucky enough to receive a copy of Erin Quinn's latest release Haunting Desire from her publisher to read and review. This book is the third book in  the" Mists of Ireland" series. I read the first one thru Romcon 's Readers Crown published authors contest. I had never heard of her before i received the book in the mail and read it. Needless to say i loved it. This series combines paranormal romance with time travel and some science fiction. The first book was Haunting Desire and then came Haunting Warrior and now we have Haunting Desire. How about a a little blurb.

A woman lost in a nightmare


Shealy O’Leary thought the ancient Book of Fennore a myth until she and her father are sucked into the past—and into the cursed no-man’s land called Fennore. There Shealy learns that she has a rare power that their enemy seeks. Aided by the dangerous and compelling warrior, Tiarnan, Shealy must find her father and learn how to wield her gift to save those she loves or die in this waking nightmare...

A man desperate to regain his honor

After failing both his land and people, Tiarnan was damned to spend eternity in the black heart of Fennore. His only hope comes in the shape of a beautiful, frightened woman from the future. For she possesses a gift she is unaware of. A gift with the power to save ...or destroy them all.

A desire that drives their destiny

Together, Shealy and Tiarnan begin their perilous quest—a mission that draws them closer and closer together. And as the odds against them mount, so does their passion. The intensity of their bond electrifies the couple, their love powering Shealy’s gift and Tiarnan’s strength. But their newfound connection threatens to ruin them both—and bring to life a long ago prophecy of devastation and betrayal...

I have to say out of the 3 this one just might be my favorite. I loved Tiarnan in the last book Haunting Warrior. I couldn't wait until this book came out to get his story. I was not disappointed and Shealy,you just feel for her. Both are so tore up with guilt on the inside you just want to make it better you know? Tiarnan and his brother Liam ( love him too) get sucked into the evil book of Fenmore, trapped there forever perhaps with all the scary things inside it. Shealy's tradegy began as a kid when a car accident on the Isle of Fennmore in Ireland kills her pregnant mom and herself almost as well. Her dad moves them away to the states so surgeons can repair all the damage from the accident. Now Shealy wants to go back find answers as to why her mother's body was never found and what else happened the day of the accident. Her dad doesn't want her to go and then suddenly a portal of sorts opens up and Shealy and her dad are sucked into what turns out to be Fennmore and she finds herself with Tiarnan and Liam and her dad gone. Tiarnan and Shealy are drawn together but there are things going on she doesn't understand in this world and the possibility she may have powers to save everyone stuck in the book or destroy everyone. There are so many twists and turns in this book you can't possibly be bored. You can't guess what's going to happen next. Although Tiarnan and Shealy's fate gets decided at the end of this book you get introduced to the what and who the next book in the series will be about. I've never read another series like this one and i can't even begin to figure out how Erin does it. If you haven't guessed it yet i give Haunting Desire 5 out of 5 Modokker Book Pick Stars. For me this is one of those books I'll re read over and over.

Erin Quinn was gracious enough to allow me to ask her a 10 questions. She will also be around to answer any questions you might have for her.

Welcome Erin. First please tell us a little about your new release Haunting Desire.


Haunting Desire is a story of redemption. For Tiarnan, who readers first met in Haunting Warrior, redemption seems to be something he'll never have. He feels he's failed his family, his people and himself. Now he is just trying stay alive....until he meets Shealy O'Leary, a woman from the future who shows him that failure is only a stepping stone to having everything he ever wanted.



1. The Mists of Ireland series is a complicated series of books. There is so much interweaving of characters. I don't know how you did it but i loved the result. Where do you find inspiration for your books. ie. Where do the ideas come from.

I have always been fascinated with the paranormal and so I would have to say my inspiration came from my own interest in it. I love the idea that time is both fluid and circular. It intrigues me to think that the past is not set in stone, that life doesn't end at death, and that history doesn't just repeat itself--it lives and breathes. :)

2. What did you do before you became a writer?
The same thing I do now. Work. I've always had a full time job, which keeps me very busy. Currently I work for Intel (ba ba ba buummmm, blue men and sponsors of tomorrow)

3. The setting and idea for this series to me a non writer and semi-professional reader lol seems really complicated. How do you lay it all out so to speak and connect the dots?
It is complicated and some days I find myself tied in knots and wonder how I got there. I keep notes, of course. But honestly, by the time I finish a book I've read it so many times that alot of it just sticks in that pathetic thing I call a brain, ha ha.

4. Who have been your mentors in writing?
Mentors? Diane Dunaway who is the conference coordinator for the SDSU Writers Conference. Also Jennifer Ashley, multi-published, bestselling author. But also I have many talented friends who are writers and we keep each other going (Kathryne Kennedy, Lynn Coulter, Calista Fox). And then, of course, there are MY favorite authors who I don't know personally but whose books I love. Every time I read a wonderful book, I am inspired to try harder and write a better book.

5. What do you do while waiting for your muse to arrive when trying to write? Do you have a favorite form of procrastination?

Alas, I am never able to wait for my muse. It had better get its butt in gear and be ready when I have time. I as said, I work full time, have a family and I write--which is like having a second full time job. Research sometimes leads me astray and I'll get so involved in it that I don't make progress on the books, but I wouldn't necessarily call that procrastination. I suppose Facebook is a great distractor for me. Oh, and I do like to sleep occasionally. Darn it. LOL.


6. You write paranormal. Is this genre something that you love to write or do you think you'd like to try something else sometime in the future?
I do love the paranormal and I love being able to use my imagination and create worlds and scenarios that exist outside the lines.


7. Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
Honestly, since I was a kid. I remember writing something in first grade and my teacher accused me of copying it from a book. My parents had to come and tell my teacher that I had, in fact, created the description on my own. From that moment on, I understood the power of words and acknowledged my own personal love affair with them.

8. Is there anything particularly challenging in your writing?
Time. I never have enough of it.

9.What were the challenges (research, literary, psychological, and logistical) in bringing your writing to life?
I think every writer worries that they're not good enough. I try to keep that voice from whispering in my ear, but it does. I'm always afraid that my book will be released and readers will hate it. It takes about a week or two of readers telling me they loved it before I start to breathe normally and accept that maybe it's a good book.

10. Haunting Desire is the 3rd book in "The Mists of Ireland series". How many books are going to be in this series and what's up next for you?
Next up is Haunting Embrace, which is the last book in this series and ties it all up (I hope). I just finished it and it's now with my publisher being reviewed. After that I'm going to something entirely new and I'm really excited about it. Not ready to detail it, but I'm loving the story.

Thanks Erin. It's been a pleasure having you on my blog today.

If anyone has questions for Erin Feel free to post them in comments and she will be around to answer them. Erin has also giving away a (print or Kindle) copy of either Haunting Beauty or Haunting Warrior (winners choice) the first 2 books in the "Mist of Ireland" series. To enter answer this question for Erin and please follow this blog. Giveaway ends Friday May 6th. Open internationally.

Have you ever had a paranormal experience? (ghosts, ufos, time travel (ha ha)? If so, tell us about it. If no, what do you like about reading paranormal books?" REMEMBER TO LEAVE A EMAIL ADDRESS SO YOU CAN BE REACHED IF YOU WIN! leave it like this Name AT yahoo dot com. Thanks

You can find Erin on Facebook Erin Quinn
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or her website http://www.erinquinnbooks.com/Books.htm



Sunday, May 1, 2011

Haunting Desire by Erin Quinn Book Trailer Giveaway and interview



Tomorrow I'll be sharing my thoughts on Haunting Desire and a interview i was lucky enough to do with the author of this book Erin Quinn. For now I'm sharing the book trailer for Haunting Desire but be sure to come back tomorrow evening for more including a giveaway.