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Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Perfect You by Elizabeth Scott

Her father has quit his job to sell vitamins at the mall, and Kate is forced to work with him. Her best friend has become popular, and now she acts like Kate's invisible.

And then there's Will. Gorgeous, unattainable Will, whom Kate acts like she can't stand even though she can't stop thinking about him. When Will starts acting interested, Kate hates herself for wanting him when she's sure she's just his latest conquest.

Kate figures that the only way things will ever stop hurting so much is if she keeps to herself and stops caring about anyone or anything. What she doesn't realize is that while life may not always be perfect, good things can happen -- but only if she lets them..


I'll be honest: not one of my favorite books. I won't read it again. I couldn't connect with the character, Kate, and her need to continually push the cute boy away who wanted to be with her and yet couldn't get over her best friend dumping her to be popular.
 I kept reading because of the intriguing relationships throughout the book. I also kept wondering when someone would be honest with themselves and each other.
The boy Kate thinks is hot is always kissing girls in the hall. Kate thinks it's disgusting but then she invites him over and over again to make out in the back alleys of the mall.
While there is a mom and dad involved, they don't have a happy ending.
Also, I get tired of the "F" word in YA.

Rating: PG 17
V: No
L: Yes, sprinkled throughout; "F" bombs
S: Making out, kissing etc

Want to buy it?



First line: "Vitamins had ruined my life."


25% test (p.70):
"I felt stupid for being so nervous before. For spending so much time thinking about the kiss. For thinking it was amazing
I was angry, too. I knew he was just a guy and there were plenty more in the world, but I wasn't going to get a chance to do my first kiss over again and it wasn't fair that it had been ruined.
I faked a headache in my last class and got a pas to the nurse's office. I didn't go there, though.  I went to the gym. I knew Will's schedule, and last period he worked in the coachess' office because the internship he was supposed to have ended when the sponsoring company went bankrupt.
I was walking past the trophy case when the gym office doors flew open and Anna came out, her arms so full of photocopies that all I could see was the top of her head. One of the copies slithered off the top of the pile and hit the floor.
"Crap," she said, and then kicked off one of he shoes, nudging the copy with her foot. I saw her toes try to grab it, and suddenly thought I might cry.
She was still Anna. My Anna, who could pick things up with her toes and who once, on a bet, had picked up two quarters in a row. Twice. Todd had to drive us to the  movies, pay for our tickets, and buy us popcorn because of that.
"Here," I said, and picked up the copy, handing it to her.
She froze for a moment and then said, "Can you put it on top of the stack?"
I did.
"Thanks," she said, sliding her show back on and gingerly shifting the stack of copies to the side a bit, just enough so I could see her face. She was grinning, actually grinning." I guess the..."


Friday, August 26, 2011

Cryer's Cross by Lisa McMann

Kendall Fletcher had big problems even before her two high school classmates went missing. Her intrusive OCD put her at loose ends, constantly searching for lost threads. The Cryer's Cross freshman was shaken by the disappearance of the first student, but she was totally thunderstruck when her close friend vanished. With her mind already in overdrive, she attempts to put together the pieces of crimes that stump even the police. A spooky small town thriller with a fascinating (and infinitely sympathetic) main character.

Wow.
I wasn't sure I'd like this book, mostly because of the cover. Creepy, right? The image fits right in with the story. While it's being hailed as a horror, most of the book (at least to me) is a suspense until the end.
The book opens with someone or something speaking and continues to haunt the story. When Tiffany Quinn disappears, it changes things in the small town where Kendall lives. A new family with an angry teenage son moves into town so he becomes a suspect.
After summer vacation, lives seem back to normal until Nico, Kendall's friend-not-boyfriend disappears throwing her into turmoil. The new boy, Jacian, isn't a likely suspect anymore. Than who is it? The answer will surprise and that is where the creep factor comes in.
I liked Kendall. She has OCD and the one room classroom has to be a certain way every morning. In the end, OCD saves her. And Kendall has two loving parents! Love that part. Kendall's parents help a lot with her OCD and she checks in with them when she feels out of control. Love it.
I liked the relationship of Kendall and Nico. They were friends since they could walk. Kendall sees Nico as a brother but Nico loves her and all her quirkiness. Once he disappeared, I wondered who would love her like he did?
Enter, Jacian. Handsome, angry, soccer player, hating the small town, new guy. I loved the relationship between him and Kendall! In the midst of this horror in Small Town America is a sweet romance. He understands Kendall.
I didn't like the "F" bomb dropped a few times in one chapter. I understand why it's there (showing extreme anger), I just think there are other ways to show anger than with that word.

Awesome, creepy, no way! ending. Quite a twist. I wish there had been more in the story to lead up to the ending so it was more, um, real.

Rating: PG 15
S: No
L: Yes, "F" words
V: Teens disappear, killer on the loose

Want to buy it?

25% test (p. 58):
"Mr. Fletcher turns the TV off. Kendall stares at the blank screen, her hair disheveled, eyes red.
"Kendall," he says. He puts his hand on her arm.
She doesn't move.
"Honey."
Kendall just shakes her head. Whispers, her throat sore from crying. "I can't believe this is happening."
Her father stands up, pulls her to her feet. Hugs her close and whispers, "Come on, pumpkin."
Kendall nods, her cheek against his shoulder. When she pulls away, she sees the shine in his eyes.
He looks away. "Let's go find him."

There are helicopters. News teams are arriving, setting up camp in front of the Feed and Seed shop and inside the farmers' market.
More police mill around than Kendall's ever seen before in one place. Many people drive or walk to the town center, but several come on four-wheelers for the sake of faster off-road searching. Marlena and Jacian are among them. Kendall narrows her eyes.
Sheriff Greenwood stands on the steps of the restaurant with a bullhorn, and he holds it up, testing it out to get everybody's attention."
Kendall looks around. It's barely dawn on a Sunday..."

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Desires of the Dead (Body Finder #2) by Kimberly Derting

Violet can sense the echoes of those who've been murdered—and the matching imprint that clings to their killers. Only those closest to her know what she is capable of, but when she discovers the body of a young boy she also draws the attention of the FBI, threatening her entire way of life.

As Violet works to keep her morbid ability a secret, she unwittingly becomes the object of a dangerous obsession. Normally she'd turn to her best friend, Jay, except now that they are officially a couple, the rules of their relationship seem to have changed. And with Jay spending more and more time with his new friend Mike, Violet is left with too much time on her hands as she wonders where things went wrong. But when she fills the void by digging into Mike's tragic family history, she stumbles upon a dark truth that could put everyone in danger


I like Violet's "secret" of finding the dead., how it happens and what she sees and hears.
The characters weren't as vivid (except Chelsea) as the first book. The mystery was easy to figure out but there is still a couple of twists.
Violet, like many YA heroines, has to solve this mystery herself, or at least that is what she thinks. If she tells anyone, they'll baby her/stop her/protect her. Then, when she's in too deep, viola! She's being rescued by the strong, handsome boy.
I was able to read this book in one night.
Not really interested in reading the rest of the series.

Rating: PG 17
L: yes, swearing throughout with 4-5 "F" bombs
S: Yes. The main character loses her virginity. Her best friend might be pregnant.
V: A couple of dead human and animal bodies

Want to buy it?


25% test (p. 89): (max)
"...or not, she hadn't been careful enough. All of the bodies Violet had found last year had been of missing girls.
They knew. The FBI knew. But how in the world was that possible?

She looked at the woman, trying to convey to her that this was all a mistake. it was her only chance. "I--I think you're confused. Maybe you have the wrong person."
"Violet Ambrose? That's yo. You placed an emergency all from a pay phone almost two weeks ago." She watched Violet guardedly; her eyes narrowed just enough to look doubtful. "In it, you told the operator that you 'heard something.' You didn't say anything about seeing the boy."
It all came crashing down on Violet at once. Her head was spinning. She felt dizzy and sick in an instant.
She closed her eyes, trying to will her head to stop whirling so she could catch hold of her out-of-control thoughts.
She knew she shouldn't have called 911. What had she been thinking?But she'd used a pay phone. She shouldn't be having this conversation.
"I don't know what you're talking bout," she denied, but her voice sounded tinny and hollow, an obvious lie. She thought she was going to be sick. this was some sort of nightmare, almost as bad as her dream about the boy himself.
There was silence, and Violet struggled to keep it together. She needed to find a way out of this,out of her own car, if that's what it took. And away from this woman who had managed to track her down."

Friday, August 19, 2011

Summer's Crossing by Julie Kagawa

 A Midsummer's Nightmare? Robin Goodfellow. Puck. Summer Court prankster, King Oberon's right hand, bane of many a faery queen's existence—and secret friend to Prince Ash of the Winter Court. Until one girl's death came between them, and another girl stole both their hearts.

Now Ash has granted one favor too many and someone's come to collect, forcing the prince to a place he cannot go without Puck's help—into the heart of the Summer Court. And Puck faces the ultimate choice—betray Ash and possibly win the girl they both love, or help his former friend turned bitter enemy pull off a deception that no true faery prankster could possibly resist.

An ebook exclusive novella from Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series.


I love this series! I'm going to buy it for my personal library.
I can't remember how I got this ebook, some promotion for anyone who saw it.  I really enjoyed it. I thought it was a great marketing tool being that it was free. 
This novella is from Puck's point-of-view. He proves to be a loyal friend and great trickster.
Now I'm off, darlings, to read Iron Knight! *squee*

Rating: PG
V: No
S: No
L: a few

 Want it?

 25% (p.17)

"Chapter Two
For Oberon Is Passing Fell and Wrath
It was twilight when we crossed the barrier from the mortal realm into the wyldwood. Then again, it was always twilight beneath the wyldwood’s huge canopy. Sunlight couldn’t penetrate the thick branches of the trees rising hundreds of yards into the air. Unlike the vivid brightness of Summer and the frigid harshness Winter, the wyldwood was eternally dark, tangled, and dangerous. It was constantly changing, so you never knew what you’d run into next.
I loved it. Even though I was Summer, this felt more like home than anywhere else.
“Here we are,” I said, stepping beneath a pair of cypresses twisted together to form an arch between the trunks. Around us, the murk of the wyldwood closed in, though a few lone will-o-the-wisps bobbed through the leaves, looking for lost travelers. Thick black briars crawled between trunks, creeping along the ground as they strangled the life from all other vegetation. “Arcadia isn’t far. I would’ve used the trod that takes us through the quartz caverns, but I’m afraid a lindworm has taken up residence since the last time I was there.”
Ash looked around, always alert, and raised an eyebrow. “You do realize you’ve brought us right into the middle of hedge wolf territory.”"

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Wheat Belly: Lose the Wheat, Lose the Weight, and Find Your Path Back to Health by William Davis MD


A renowned cardiologist explains how eliminating wheat from our diets can prevent fat storage,
shrink unsightly bulges, and reverse myriad health problems.
Every day, over 200 million Americans consume food products made of wheat. As a result, over 100 million of them experience some form of adverse health effect, ranging from minor rashes and high blood sugar to the unattractive stomach bulges that preventive cardiologist William Davis calls “wheat bellies.” According to Davis, that excess fat has nothing to do with gluttony, sloth, or too much butter: It’s due to the whole grain wraps we eat for lunch.
After witnessing over 2,000 patients regain their health after giving up wheat, Davis reached the disturbing conclusion that wheat is the single largest contributor to the nationwide obesity epidemic—
and its elimination is key to dramatic weight loss and optimal health. In Wheat Belly, Davis exposes the harmful effects of what is actually a product of genetic tinkering and agribusiness being sold to the American public as “wheat”—and provides readers with a user-friendly, step-by-step plan to navigate a new, wheat-free lifestyle.
Informed by cutting-edge science and nutrition, along with case studies from men and women who have experienced life-changing transformations in their health after waving goodbye to wheat, Wheat Belly is an illuminating look at what is truly making Americans sick and an action plan to clear our plates of this seemingly benign ingredient.

Another health book on how a food item we are told all our lives is so good for us really isn't. This book has tons of scientific as well as the doctors own studies inside. I really like that he included real people case studies.
Dr. Davis breaks down the scientific part of the study into very easy, bite size (sorry for the pun) chunks to read and understand. Most of the problem comes from genetically altering of our foods.
He also covers a ton of different health issues that he says would be solved if we went wheatless. In a society that is full of wheat products, this will be difficult. I do have a few friends who have Celiac disease. I can't imagine how hard living in this society is!
This is a great book for those who need a better diet or who have a disease caused by wheat. There are a few recipes as well.

Thanks Netgalley for letting me read this book!

Friday, August 12, 2011

Clarity by Kim Harrington

When you can see things others can't, where do you look for the truth?
This paranormal murder mystery will have teens reading on the edge of their seats.
Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It's a gift.
And a curse.
When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case - but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother - who has supernatural gifts of his own - becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most?


I liked Clare's unique family. Each member had their own personality and voice. Each member also has some sort of "talent" like hearing other's thoughts, talking with ghosts, or, like Clare, seeing past secrets. 
I enjoyed Clare except her not forgiving her ex-boyfriend, but that worked out in the end which I was glad for because he moped around and had puppy eyes. It got a little old.
I liked her brother's best friend. 
I hate to say it, but I figured out the killer about half way through. 
I didn't care for the flippant way the older brother slept around. He admits to sticking with tourists because they leave town in a day or two and don't expect a long relationship. Wrong!
The situation of the three teens being put on a serial killer case was unrealistic. No adult in law enforcement would allow teenagers to be put in a dangerous situation.
I didn't know this was the first in a series or I wouldn't have broken my "don't read any trilogies until all the books are out!" rule. But it ended nicely and I could read the next book or leave it at the first...I'll leave it at the first.

Rating: PG 17 (max)
V: Yes. Murders
L: Yes, sprinkled through out
S: Brother sleeps with tons of girls, winkwink, nudgenudge.

Want to buy it?


25% test (p. 61):
""Clare, this is Harry Spellman."
I sat straight up in the bed. Had I missed the meeting? I'd been up half the night worrying. I squinted at my digital clock. Not, it was only eight. "Good morning, Mr. Spellman."
"I wanted to thank you for coming to my office today to meet with Justin and Gabriel Toscano. I also wanted to apologize because I won't be at the meeting."
"No problem. You must be very busy."
"It's not that, Clare. I won't be involved in this part of the investigation at all. Justin will be acting on my behalf. Detective Tosacno's son, Gabriel, will be acting on his behalf. The three of you will need to work together on this."
Mr. Spellman was a nice man. While Justin and I had dated, his parents never seemed to mind my...idiosyncrasies. In fact, they belied in them. I wondered if that had changed. "You don't believe in me?" I asked.
"Of course I do. I always have." He paused for a moment then sighed. "I'll be honest with you, Clare. This is the first murder we've had in Eastport in many years. The townspeople are in a panic. They want to know the police are on the job--not teenagers, not our resident psychic. You know I respect and admire you and your family, but of I want to be re-elected, I need to keep myself out of any...questionable predicaments."
I sighed, too. It made perfect sense. "I understand."
"The same goes for Detective Toscano. He's busy running the formal investigating and he doesn't really buy into this. In fact, he's only allowing his son to work with you as a favor to me."

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.

Unless he can earn a soul.



To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.

With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.

To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.

And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.


First line: "Oy, ice-boy! You sure you know where you're going?" 


Another WOW book! (Look at the front AND back covers! Ash and Puck. Gotta love it.)
The Iron Knight is probably one of my favorite reads this year.
And it might be my favorite book in the series. I want to go back and read the whole series again. (I haven't reread a whole series since Twilight.) I couldn't put it down (or shut it off my iPhone).

The Iron Knight is told from Ash's point of view with twists, turns and obstacles on his way to claiming a soul for himself so he can be with the woman he promised his life to.

Every part of Ash's trip made him better, strengthened him and helped him get closer to his goal to be with Meghan Chase, the Iron Queen.

I loved the Testing Grounds the best.

Along Ash's journey is the ever present Puck, who loves Meghan too. A few surprises in the shape of fellow travelers/helpers show up as well and each must make hard decisions and overcome weaknesses. Even Grimalkin!

The Iron Knight taught the importance of atoning for past mistakes, keeping stories alive and the strength of love.



Thanks to Net Galley, Harlequin Teen and Julie Kagawa for a wonderfully amazing journey.



Rating: PG 13

V: a little. intense scenes

S: mention

L: a couple

Want to buy it? Yes you do!

The Iron Knight (Harlequin Teen) 


25% test:
Sorry. I can't do it without giving away part of the story. I tried but I just can't. You'll have to read the book!!

Evermore by Alyson Noel

Since a horrible accident claimed the lives of her family, sixteen-year-old Ever can see auras, hear people’s thoughts, and know a person’s life story by touch.   Going out of her way to shield herself from human contact to suppress her abilities has branded her as a freak at her new high school—but everything changes when she meets Damen Auguste…
Ever sees Damen and feels an instant recognition.  He is gorgeous, exotic and wealthy, and he holds many secrets.  Damen is able to make things appear and disappear, he always seems to know what she’s thinking—and he’s the only one who can silence the noise and the random energy in her head.  She doesn’t know who he really is—or what he is.  Damen equals part light and part darkness, and he belongs to an enchanted new world where no one ever dies.


An interesting ride as the author delves into the psychic world which the main character hates because it makes her a FREAK.
Ever Bloom can see the dead, hear other's thoughts and know their life stories from a touch. All because of an accident that killed her entire family except her.
She moves with the only living member of her family is wealthy and gives Ever anything she wants from a gorgeous room with a deck and view of the ocean to a huge walk-in closet, flat screen TV, laptop and clothes. Plus, the use of the aunt's credit card anytime Ever wants but Ever doesn't feel worthy for anything good even living.
This seemed very unrealistic and convenient to me.
Ever use to be popular, but with her new "gift" she wants to remain unseen so she finds the lowest low low men on the totem pole and hangs out with them.
Cliche.
Enter smoldering, hot guy, Damen, who every girl wants, including the best friend, but he only has eyes for the main character.
Heard that one before?
Another person has the hots for Damen and wants to kill Ever.
A few problems: if a hot guy continually pulled out-of-season flowers from behind my ears or my backpack or my enemies cleavage, I would question his motives and what he was.
I didn't fall in love with Damen. I didn't really care about him. He kept disappearing and his only explanations were cryptic. Then finally at the end, we get the info dump of who he is, his connection to Ever and why the psycho woman wants to kill Ever.
What I loved: the relationship with Ever's little sister who died in the crash and didn't "cross over."
Not a series I'll finish.

Rating: PG 14 (max)
S: kissing, roaming hands, make out session,
L: Scattered throughout. One chapter had four "F" words in it but no where else
V: Fight, teen killed, one dying

Want to buy it?


25% test (p. 75):
"She shakes her head and looks away, shoulders inking, thoughts turning dark, redirecting all o that anger back on herself. "Don't." She sighs, blinking rapidly, staving off tears. "Don't say a word. If he likes you then he likes you, and there's nothing I can do. I mean, it's not your fault you're smart and pretty and guys are always going to like you better than me. Especially once they see you without your hood."  She tries to laugh, but doesn't quiet make it.
"You're making something out of nothing," I say, hoping to convince her, hoping to convince myself. "The only thing Damen and I have in common is our taste in movies and costumes. that's it, I swear." And when I smile, I'm hoping it plays more real than it feels.
She gazes across the room at Evangeline who's taken hold of Zorro's whip and is demonstrating the proper way to use it, then she turns back to me and says, "Just do me favor."
I nod, willing to do just about anything to put an end to all this.
"Stop lying, You really suck at it."
I watch as she walks away, then I turn to Riley who's jumping up and down, shouting, "Omigod, this has got to be your best party ever! Drama! Intrigue! Jealousy! an almost-cat fight! I an so glad I didn't miss this!"
And I'm just about to tell her to shush when I remember how I'm the only one who can actually hear her and hot it might look a little strange for me to do that. And when the doorbell rings again, despite the fish tail flopping behind her, this time, she beats me to it.
"Oh my," says the woman standing on the porch gazing between Riley and me.
"Can I help you?" I ask, noticing how she's not dress up, unless California casual counts as a costume.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Count Down to Love by Julie N. Ford

Abandoned at the altar, Kelly Grace Pickens finds herself left holding not only the bouquet but also the exorbitant bill for an A-list wedding. Homeless, a once promising singing career floundering, and her life bearing an uncanny resemblance to one of her country music ballads, she reluctantly accepts a last minute offer to appear on a reality TV show akin to the bachelor. Pitted against silicon-enhanced supermodels in four-inch heals, Kelly feels confident that she will be among the first would-be fiancés to be excused. Only, when the mysterious bachelor from New York City, Dillon Black, invites her to stay, Kelly finds herself thrust into the vortex of a game she doesn’t have the first idea how to play. Nursing her hopelessly broken heart while avoiding the foils of her fellow contestants, Kelly is oblivious to Dillon’s affections as she wades through hurt and betrayal to discover, in the end, that she has landed firmly on both feet.

Leaving behind Nashville’s Music Row for the majestic Grand Teton mountains, Count Down To Love takes readers on a journey from duplicity to sincerity as Kelly discovers that being true to oneself is the first step in finding happiness and everlasting love.
 


If you like the Bachelor, romance and true love, you'll enjoy COUNT DOWN TO LOVE by Julie Ford. Kelly is left at the altar. Her cousin tries to help get Kelly's mind off her troubles by making her appear on a Bachelor-like tv show. Instead, Kelly finds herself falling in love with the shows main character.
Kelly tries to stay clear of Dillon, the "bachelor" but it's hard when he seems to return the feelings. But does he really like her or is he just acting for the show??
While Dillon was the perfect main man, I liked him best at the end of the book when he was with his family. I wish we saw more of him in this light; teased, insecure, a brother and a son.

Rating: PG 13
S: kissing
V:No
L:I can't remember so probably no...

Want to buy it?

25% (p. 58ish?):
"...eyes, I sang the lyrics along with the chords.
Past the linen and the lace
And the veil that hides my fave
Is a woman that no one really knows...
No wait, something wasn't right with that last line. I tried again.
Past the linen and the lace
And the veil that hides my fae
Is a woman that I hardly know...
Yes, much better.
When the lights go down
And the cameras aren't around
I can finally start o see who I am...
Those final lines of the chorus came out of nowhere, but I liked them. And I knew the lyrics had come from my heart. With Trevor out of the picture, was I seeing myself in a different light? I sang the last lines again with a slight deviation.
When the lights go down
And I'm on my own
I can finally sart to see who I am...

"What is taht ?"
I jumed and spun to see Dillon standng over me. "What"
"That song. I don't think I've ever heard it before."
"Oh, it's nothing," I dismissed, with a wave of my hand. "Just something I was working on." Iput the guitar down and stood to ace him. "It's sil really."
"No," he said. "Sad, heartfelt...but not silly."
I gave him a timid smile. "Thanks," was all I could get out. I was embarrassed that someone had heard me. I didn't like anyone to hear my songs until they were doen, or nearly done and eneeded help finishing.
"You were amaing with those kids earlier," he said.
"Taht was nothing. I love tchildren," I said as an uncomfrotable chill ran over my bare shoulders. He was closely apprising m. I felt..."

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Double Deceit by Stephanie Humphreys

Someone is watching.

As a young widow, all Elaina Bryant wants is a fresh start. Determined to put ten painful years behind her, she returns to her hometown and moves in with her sister, Natalie. Elaina soon accepts a job working at a small bookstore owned by the handsome Ryan Hill and his mother. Despite her reluctance to become romantically involved with anyone, she is drawn to Ryan and finds herself falling in love.


But someone isn't happy with Elaina's new life and is watching her every move. Her tormentor seems determined to destroy her sanity and her future, but Elaina can't convince anyone the threat is real. Natalie is preoccupied with her own blossoming romance, and Ryan and Elaina's friend Peter seem to believe the threat has been manufactured in her own mind a result of her guilt and grief.


Now Elaina's plans for a new start are crashing down around her. She knows she will have to find the answers on her own before she can ever overcome the past and enjoy love and happiness again. But how can she protect those she loves when she doesn't know whom to trust?


Great, intriguing book that kept me reading from the very beginning to find out who was stalking Elaina Bryant.
Good, clean, suspenseful and romantic book!

Ratings: PG 13
S: kissing
V: Kidnapping
L: none

Want to buy it?


25% test (p. 73):
"Ryan went to the fridge and got out a gallon of milk. "Mom always says milk and cookies are the first step to feeling better." He put the jg on the table and went to get two more lasses from the cupboard. "And please don't tell me it's just emotional eating, as Natalie frequesntly reminds me."
I took the carton and poured each of us a glass. We sat dipping cookies in the mik and enjoying the quiet.
"Si, Peter, I heard Natalie's opinion of the conference, but I'd like to hea what you thought." I pushed the plate of cookies toward him, then picked up my glass and sipped at the milk.
Peter took another cookie and sighed. "The workships were great, and there were lots of people I hand't seen in a long time. The dance went fine until this Chad Edards showed up. I saw him watching Natalie, so it didn't surprise me when he approacched her. he seemed pretty quiet and didn't stray too far from her for the rest of hte eveni. She wasn't too taken with him at first, but he didn't give u. Saturday morning we found him waiting at the doors to the church building. He monopolized her all day long and danced just about every dance with her that night."
'Sorry, man," Ryan said. "Give her time to gorget aobut him. You know he probably won't last for too long."
Peter sighed. "I guess i knew someday she would show some interest in someone. I just wish it had been me. Besides, that guy made me uncomfortable."
"Anyone who shows interst in Natalie makes you uncomforaable," Ryan reponded.
I figured Peter's judgement was clouded by his feelins for my sister. in his eyes, there would proabable be something wrong with any man who showerred her with attention.
"He was so intense," Peter wnet on, "Alomst if he had come to the conference to meet on particular person---Natalie."