Reviewing: Fatal Judgement

Fatal Judgment: A Novel by Irene Hannon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A little preachy for my taste, but a well written and enjoyable story otherwise.


View all my reviews

It's Still Summer Reading Time!

Title: The Summer We Came To Life
Author: Deborah Cloyed
Publisher: Mira
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 320 (Paperback)
On Sale: May 31, 2011

Indiebound Link

Authors Website

Synopsis:

Every summer, Samantha Wheland joins her childhood friends—Isabel, Kendra and Mina—on a vacation, somewhere exotic and fabulous. Together with their mixed bag of parents, they've created a lifetime of memories. This year it's a beach house in Honduras. But for the first time, their clan is not complete. Mina lost her battle against cancer six months ago, and the friends she left behind are still struggling to find their way forward without her.

For Samantha, the vacation just feels wrong without Mina. Despite being surrounded by her friends—the closest thing she has to family—Mina's death has left Sam a little lost. Unsure what direction her life should take. Fearful that whatever decision she makes about her wealthy French boyfriend's surprise proposal, it'll be the wrong one.

The answers aren't in the journal Mina gave Sam before she died. Or in the messages Sam believes Mina is sending as guideposts. Before the trip ends, the bonds of friendship with her living friends, the older generation's stories of love and loss, and Sam's glimpse into a world far removed from the one in which she belongs will convince her to trust her heart. And follow it.

My Take:
Such an interesting book... I loved it, then I was disappointed in it, and then I loved it all over again. None of which I can really explain without giving up all of its secrets and ghosts and ruining the story for you. With a critical eye I can tell you that the language and writing is pleasantly wonderful, the story well crafted, the characters developed enough for you to care... and if you take this story all the way until the end you might find the meaning and lesson I did.

I long ago abandoned the stars & hearts system - but I've given it 4 stars on GoodReads if that helps.

I received this book from PTA for reading & reviewing.

TBR - Yours To Keep

I received an email from those book loving book reviewing contemporary loving bloggers this week (that would be Sarah from Smart Bitches and Jane from Dear Author) alerting me to a book they both loved, a rare occurrence indeed! When the planets align and they both recommend a book I know that I need to take note & get shopping...

Save The Contemporary -

Title: Yours To Keep

Author: Shannon Stacey

Publisher: Carina Press

Genre: Fiction/Romance

Pages: Ebook

On Sale: June, 2011

Authors Website

Synopsis:

Sean Kowalski no sooner leaves the army than he’s recruited by Emma Shaw to be her fake fiancé. Emma needs to produce a husband-to-be for her grandmother’s upcoming visit, and, though Sean doesn’t like the deception, he could use the landscaping job Emma’s offering while he decides what to do with his civilian life. And, despite his attraction to Emma, there’s no chance he’ll fall for a woman with deep roots in a town he’s not planning to call home.

Emma’s not interested in a real relationship either; not with a man whose idea of home is wherever he drops his duffel bag. No matter how amazing his “pretend” kisses are…

It's the 3rd book in the series so I'll be starting at #1...

When Keri Daniels’ editor finds out she has previous carnal knowledge of reclusive bestselling author Joe Kowalski, she gives Keri a choice: get an interview or get a new job.

Joe’s never forgotten the first girl to break his heart, so he’s intrigued to hear Keri’s back in town—and looking for him. Despite his intense need for privacy, he’ll grant Keri an interview if it means a chance to finish what they started in high school.

He proposes an outrageous plan—for every day she survives with his family on their annual camping and four-wheeling trip, Keri can ask one question. Keri agrees; she’s worked too hard to walk away from her career.

But the chemistry between them is still as potent as the bug spray, Joe’s sister is out to avenge his broken heart and Keri hasn’t ridden an ATV since she was ten. Who knew a little blackmail, a whole lot of family and some sizzling romantic interludes could make Keri reconsider the old dream of Keri & Joe 2gether 4ever.

The First Husband

As someone who reads more books in a year than some people read in a lifetime I have become more and more selective about which books I recommend to friends and family. If I recommend every book I enjoy I’m likely going to overwhelm people with my suggestions; now I only recommend the best, and even then I’m selective about what I recommend to whom. The First Husband, is one of those gems I’ve told everyone about.

Title: The First Husband

Author: Laura Dave

Publisher: Viking

Genre: Fiction/Romance

Pages: 256 (hardcover)

On Sale: May 12, 2011

Indiebound

Authors website

Synopsis:

Annie Adams is days away from her thirty-second birthday and thinks she has finally found some happiness. She visits the world's most interesting places for her syndicated travel column and she's happily cohabiting with her movie director boyfriend Nick in Los Angeles. But when Nick comes home from a meeting with his therapist (aka "futures counselor") and announces that he's taking a break from their relationship so he can pursue a woman from his past, the place Annie had come to call home is shattered. Reeling, Annie stumbles into her neighborhood bar and finds Griffin-a grounded, charming chef who seems to be everything Annie didn't know she was looking for. Within three months, Griffin is Annie's husband and Annie finds herself trying to restart her life in rural Massachusetts.

My Take:

Smart, funny, poignant and sweet; The First Husband is an insightful and heartfelt look into the quest of finding oneself, ones’ home, and The One.

I didn’t even know where to start with a review of this amazing novel; I couldn’t find a single word to fault. I enjoyed it so much, from the very first page, that before I was half way through I was telling every reader I know to put it on their own Must Read list. And, when I finished, I closed the book, held it tight, and told my husband that it wasn’t a good book, it was/is a great book. This is one you’re going to want on your bookshelf so order your copy today!

Already Home

Sometimes when there is a lot going on around me, with me, I like the option of turning off my own drama and taking up with someone elses. I'm sure the therapists of the world are diagnosing me as an avoider as I type... my response:
What's your point?
Sometimes it's nice to check out, realize that maybe your problems & issues aren't the worst ever....




Title: Already Home
Author: Susan Mallery
Publisher: Mira
Genre: Fiction/Romance
Pages: 368 (softcover)
On Sale: March 29, 2011

IndieBound Link
Authors Website

Synopsis:

After nearly a decade as a sous-chef in a trendy eatery, Jenna is desperate for a change. She's supported her ex-husband's dreams for so long that she can't even remember her own. Until she sees a for-lease sign near her parents' home and envisions her very own cooking store.

Her crash course in business is aided by a streetwise store manager and Jenna's adoptive mother. But just as she's gaining a foothold in her new life, in walk her birth parents—aging hippies on a quest to reconnect with their firstborn.

Now Jenna must figure out how to reconcile the free-spirited Serenity and Tom with her traditional parents, deal with her feelings for a new love interest and decide what to do about her ex's latest outrageous request. In the end, Jenna will find that there is no perfect family, only the people we love….

My Take:
A fairly quick read for me with an enjoyable storyline and plot. Some of the dialog seemed a bit too perfect and I did feel emotionally manipulated a bit when it was all done, but I think when you pick up a Susan Mallery book you have to expect to shed some tears. The characters were fun to get to know, although their surface wasn't scratched nearly enough. I would be interested to read another book based on the secondary characters of Dragon(fly) and Violet.

On a personal level, the reminder that there is no perfect family came at a pretty good time as I posted on Tuesday.

Guilt by Association

In June of 1994 I was a married mother of one with a full time job in addition to a demanding college schedule. I was young, I was crazy, I was busy, and none of those things kept me from paying close attention as the saga of OJ Simpson began to unravel.

I remember the slow speed chase, the jury selection, and on January 25, 1995, when the trial began I was captivated. It was, after all, hard to avoid the spectacle with all the media coverage it garnered.

For lead prosecuting attorney, Marcia Clark, the trial ended on a sour note. Not only did OJ Simpson & his team walk out of the court room victorious but her career as a D.A. was over... even though this wasn't her first high profile murder trial (she did prosecute Robert John Bardo successfully), it was quite decisively her last.

Perhaps it was my own past with Ms. Clark that drew me to her novel, but what ever it was - I am pleased to have read it.

Title: Guilt By Association

Author: Marcia Clark
Publisher: Mullholland Books (Little Brown)

Genre: Fiction/Crime/Suspense

Pages: 368 (hardcover)

On Sale: April 20, 2011

IndieBound Link

Authors Website

Synopsis:

Los Angeles D.A. Rachel Knight is a tenacious, wise-cracking, and fiercely intelligent prosecutor in the city's most elite division. When her colleague, Jake, is found dead at a grisly crime scene, Rachel is shaken to the core. She must take over his toughest case: the assault of a young woman from a prominent family.

But she can't stop herself from digging deeper into Jake's death, a decision that exposes a world of power and violence and will have her risking her reputation--and her life--to find the truth.

My Take:

An amazing first fiction novel from the prosecutor made famous through the OJ Simpson murder trial. Grounded in what she knows Marcia Clark introduces us to gritty LA District Attorney Rachel Knight. With a supportive team of fellow attorneys and investigators Rachel digs into the mysterious death of a colleague and uncovers something quite unexpected.

It was not lost on me that the authors middle name is Rachel nor that the characters last name could very well be a play on the heroic white knight. I really felt a piece of the author in this, as though she were reliving or wishing for the career she left behind. None of these things affected the quality of the story or the writing, which they very easily could have.

Fantastically paced with an engaging storyline and characters I want to know more about; I'm hoping that Ms. Clark has more Rachel Knight stories to offer.

The Complaints - (not complaining)

I've been sitting on this review for quite awhile because I personally get frustrated when I read a review, want the book NOW, and then can't get it. Previously released in the UK popular crime writer Ian Rankin's newest offering since retiring his popular hero Det. Insp. John Rebus should start appearing on US shelves this week!


The Complaints

Title: The Complaints
Author: Ian Rankin
Publisher: Little Brown & Company (Hachette Books)
Genre: Fiction/Crime/Suspense
Pages: 448 (Hardcover)
On Sale: March 7, 2011

IndieBound Link
Authors WebSite


Synopsis:

Nobody likes The Complaints--they're the cops who investigate other cops. It's a department known within the force as "The Dark Side," and it's where Malcolm Fox works. He's a serious man with a father in a nursing home and a sister who persists in an abusive relationship, frustrating problems about which he cannot seem to do anything.Then the reluctant Fox is given a new case. There's a cop named Jamie Breck, and he's dirty. The problem is, no one can prove it. As Fox takes on the job, he learns that there's more to Breck than anyone thinks--dangerous knowledge, especially when a vicious murder takes place far too close to home.

My Take:

Twist and turns and kept me guessing until the final chapter, even though I announced more than once I had "figured it out". Set in Scotland there was a bit of learning curve figuring out the police hierarchy & system but I loved hearing the voices of the characters in my head speaking with an accent.
Certainly a step out of the box for me genre wise (not an ounce of steam involved) this is a great story, well written and worthy of a mention to those who enjoy the crime/mystery genre.

A Secret Society for your Teen Girl

Shop Indie Bookstores

Title: The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball

Author: Risa Green

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 315 (Trade Paperbook)

On Sale: September 1, 2010

IndieBound Link

Authors Website

Erin inherits a Magic 8 Ball and a set of cryptic instructions from her free-spirited aunt. Erin and her two best friends give it a try and discover that this particular 8 Ball has an uncanny knack for being accurate. But as with all magic, it comes with limits and a price.

An engaging novel, with well developed characters and a unique storyline this novel is another great option for those of you looking for age appropriate books for your teens and pre-teen girls. A total lack of vampires, but with a dose of mystical magic in the form of a pink plastic crystal ball, the heroins of this novel have their hands full trying to crack the code of the ball, navigate the mine field of high school, and keep their social lives moving forward. I couldn't stop reading it and neither did ThePrincess.

**************************************

What’s in your future? Maybe a signed copy of Risa Green’s new novel, The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball, or maybe even a $250 shopping spree! Enter Risa Green's “What Would You Wish For?” Video Trailer Contest and find out if winning is your destiny! See Risa' Greens Website for all the details!

Watch out word, Becky Bloomwood is back!

Shop Indie Bookstores

Title: Mini-Shopaholic

Author: Sophie Kinsella

Publisher: The Dial Press

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 432 (Hardcover)

On Sale: September 21, 2010

IndieBound Link

Authors Website

Becky Brandon thought motherhood would be a breeze and that having a daughter was a dream come true: a shopping friend for life! But it’s trickier than she thought. Two-year-old Minnie has a quite different approach to shopping.

Minnie creates havoc everywhere she goes, from Harrods to her own christening. Her favorite word is “Mine!” and she’s even trying to get into eBay! On top of everything else, Becky and Luke are still living with her parents (the deal on house #4 has fallen through), when suddenly there’s a huge financial crisis.

With people having to “cut back,” Becky decides to throw a surprise party for Luke to cheer everyone up. But when costs start to spiral out of control, she must decide whether to accept help from an unexpected source—and therefore run the risk of hurting the person she loves.

Will Becky be able to pull off the celebration of the year? Will she and Luke ever find a home of their own? Will Minnie ever learn to behave? And . . . most important . . . will Becky’s secret wishes ever come true?

Becky's personality and regular antics are coupled with a determination to prove to everyone she is capable of anything and everything lead to a fun quick read with disaster looming at every turn. Lovers of Kinsella's previous novels are sure to enjoy the latest installment in the life of Becky Brandon 'nee Bloomwood.

A Peek Behind the Veil ~ City of Veils

I've been sitting on this book for longer than I should admit. When it was sent to me I giggled with excitement because it was (a) hardcover and (b) for me. Sometimes I am easily impressed, but sometimes I'm a tougher nut to crack and when it comes to reading my shell is pretty thick.

City of Veils by Zoë Ferraris is not the typical CursingMama reading material but something about this title and its subject matter drew me in. It could have been the headlines generated recently regarding the proposed Islamic Center in New York, maybe it was curiosity, and it just might have been a desire to learn and understand in a different way. Regardless of my motivations I am certainly glad that I stepped out of my literature box and had the opportunity to take a peek into the culture of Saudi Arabia and the Muslim religion while reading this engaging novel. The second in a series this novel easily stands on its own but I have to admit I wish I'd read the first (Finding Nouf) so I'd have had a better insight into the characters of pious dessert guide Nayir (a single man) and forensics lab worker Katya (a single woman) and how their relationship began.




Title: City of Veils
Author: Zoë Ferraris
Publisher: Little Brown & Company
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 440 (Hardcover)
On Sale: August 9, 2010

IndieBound Link
Authors Website

Women in Saudi Arabia are expected to lead quiet lives circumscribed by Islamic law and tradition. But Katya, one of the few women in the medical examiner's office, is determined to make her work mean something.

When the body of a brutally beaten woman is found on the beach in Jeddah, the city's detectives are ready to dismiss the case as another unsolvable murder-chillingly common in a city where the veils of conservative Islam keep women as anonymous in life as the victim is in death. If this is another housemaid killed by her employer, finding the culprit will be all but impossible.

Only Katya is convinced that the victim can be identified and her killer found. She calls upon her friend Nayir for help, and soon discovers that the dead girl was a young filmmaker named Leila, whose controversial documentaries earned her many enemies.

With only the woman's clandestine footage as a guide, Katya and Nayir must confront the dark side of Jeddah that Leila struggled to expose: an underworld of prostitution, violence, exploitation, and jealously guarded secrets. Along the way, they form an unlikely alliance with an American woman whose husband has disappeared. Their growing search takes them from the city's car-clogged streets to the deadly vastness of the desert beyond.

I Spy With My Little Eye

When I was a young reader there weren't a lot of options for those tween/teen years; once I'd exhausted and outgrown Laura Ingalls Wilder and Judy Blume the options became less compelling and eventually I wandered down the slippery slope of Harlequin Romance. Not that there is anything wrong with Harlequin Romance, it just wasn't really age appropriate at 13 and I wonder how I ever got away with reading them.

I marvel at the books available for girls today. With strong authors like Meg Cabot, Ann Brashares, Lisi Harrison, Stephanie Meyer, Sara Dessen, and others focusing on this group of readers they have every kind of age appropriate genre at their disposal.

One of our favorite YA authors is Ally Carter. I stumbled upon her book "I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have to Kill You" at Christmas a few years ago when it was still just available in hardcover. I picked it up to give to ThePrincess and it became the first book she ever read straight through stopping only to eat and sleep.

She get's that from her mom.

As each installment in the Gallagher Girls series has been released we've been sure to pick it up and my daughter has never been disappointed, when Planned Television Arts offered me the latest installment to read & review I knew I couldn't turn them down.


Shop Indie Bookstores

Title: Only The Good Spy Young
Author: Ally Carter
Publisher: Hyperion
Genre: YA Fiction
Pages: 272 (Hardcover)
On Sale: June 29, 2010

Indiebound Link
Authors Website

Synopsis

When Cammie Morgan enrolled at the Gallagher Academy, she knew she was preparing for the dangerous life of a spy. What she didn’t know was that the serious, real-life danger would start during her junior year of high school. But that’s exactly what happened two months ago when Cammie faced off against an ancient terrorist organization dead set on kidnapping her.

Now the danger follows her everywhere, and even Cammie “The Chameleon” can’t hide. When a terrifying encounter in London reveals that one of her most-trusted allies is actually a rogue double-agent, Cammie no longer knows if she can trust her classmates, her teachers—or even her own heart.

In this fourth installment of the New York Times best-selling series, the Gallagher Girls must hack, spy, steal, and lie their way to the truth.as they go searching for answers, recognizing that the key to Cammie’s future may lie deep in the past.

Another quick paced and well written story Ally Carter keeps thickening the plot of who Cammie is and just what it is that puts Cammie in so much danger. Age appropriate and compelling for a wide teen/tween audience I feel comfortable recommending them to most anyone fitting into that category. Although this book could be read out of order, I just can't imagine why anyone wouldn't start at the beginning of the series.... I know I did. I also know that I've also read them each straight through...stopping only to eat, sleep, and go to work.

*****************************

In exchange for reading & reviewing this book PTA supplied ThePrincess & I with our very own copy. She took it the minute it came through the door, read it in 3 days, finally let me have it and then when I finished she took it back for her bookshelf. Apparently it was lonely when it wasn't with the first 3 books.

Simon & His Cat

From Goodreads - a First Reads book:


Cat Training Manual

Simon's Cat by Simon Tofield

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Every person in my house, possibly the cats included, has really enjoyed these fun, true to life story lines of Simon and his lovable, destructive, hungry cat. I am a little afraid to keep the book in the house just in case Jack & Benny try use the book as a training manual.

I don't need no stinkin' training manual! ~ Benny

And, in case you have no idea about Simon or his cat..... here is a YouTube Introduction:

The Castaways

As promised! I've been reading!

This Cover Screams

Summer Read!

Title: The Castaways

Author: Elin Hilderbrand

Publisher: Little Brown and Company

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Pages:368 (Hardcover)

On Sale:July 7, 2009

Authors Website

Indiebound

Synopsis:

Greg and Tess MacAvoy are one of four prominent Nantucket couples who count each other as best friends. After Greg and Tess are killed when their boat capsizes, the islanders mourn the loss. But nothing can prepare the MacAvoys' closest friends for what will be revealed.

My Review:

The Castaways explores not only the aftermath of an unexpected and tragic accident but also the relationships adults form. Written from the perspective of each of the adult survivors of this seemingly close knit group of friends the reader experiences the revelations of how couples friendships form, what binds them, the secrets they keep from each other, and what it is that can destroy them. An enjoyable read I had a difficult time putting down Elin Hildebrand has written a compelling novel I can easily recommend to anyone.

I give The Castaways by Elin Hilderbrand


and

********************************

In exchange for reading & reviewing this book I was provided my own copy by Little Brown and Company.

Sucked In!

A few years back I read in the newspaper (back when the Widget Factory didn't have internet) that certain schools and some churches were telling people not to let their children read Harry Potter and the Sourcers Stone so I, being the kind of person I am, bought it, read it, and quickly passed on for my children. I've been hooked ever since and have even forgiven JK Rowling for Harry Potter and the Dealthy Hallows (sort of).

Having devoured each of those books and being willing to admit that I have enjoyed a Star Wars movie or two (and maybe a book) I became the kind of person who was willing to step outside of the realm of romance & chicklit to dabble in paranormal. I am sure there are people out there who will argue that neither Harry Potter nor Star Wars are paranormal, but I believe that wizards and ewoks are definitely in that genre.

I have not however typically been a fan of vampires or anything that includes shape shifters… until I discovered what I think of as Lite Vampire Lit.

Actually I have to thank Jill Shalvis for Get A Clue which opened me back up for paranormal books…..

After reading Get A Clue I stumbled upon High Stakes by Erin McCarthy (who also wrote Flat-Out Sexy & Hard and Fast) and I managed to get myself SUCKED in. (Do Not Groan!)

Through the 4 books in the series you get to meet & greet the whose who of the vampire underworld and follow along as the fight for political power turns ugly and leads to more than one mortal finding themselves an immortal…

I give the series

because I was really disappointed when I discovered Erin McCarthy’s website notes this as a completed series….

And

For the steamy vamp love.

Shop Indie Bookstores

Shop Indie Bookstores

Shop Indie Bookstores

Shop Indie Bookstores

Teaser Tuesday ~ July 28th

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
Share the title & author

Okay, so I only posted one sentence and I purposely plucked it from the book...but I could not help myself.

Gone to the Dogs by Mary Guterson

Seattle is an indoor kind of place, big on reading and knitting and high in suicide statistics - probably from all the lonely reading and solitary knitting going on behind closed doors.

Shop Indie Bookstores

Teaser Tuesday ~ July 21st 2009

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
Share the title & author

The Divorce Party by Laura Dave

"There are rumors, you know. There are always rumors. Rumors that people take as truth without ever getting into it."

Shop Indie Bookstores

Teaser Tuesday ~ July 14, 2009

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

* Grab your current read & Open to a random page

* Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

* BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

* Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

The Castaways by Elin Hilderbrand

Delilah had been fantasizing about a showdown, but now that it was happening, she was uncomfortable. She had been ambushed; she didn't have her footing. It was a tug of war, and Delilah was about to end up face down in the mud.

Misery and Makeup Do Go Together

***Contest Alert***

Details on how you can win a copy of Misery Loves Cabernet follow my review!

I received Misery Loves Cabernet through Library Things Early Reviewer program; when it arrived I was surprised to find it was the 2nd book in a series - knowing my love for the series you know I wasn't upset. So, off I went in search of the 1st book A Total Waste of Make Up.

Title: A Total Waste of Makeup

Author: Kim Gruenfelder

Publisher: St. Martins Press / Griffin

Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Romance

Pages: 384

On Sale: December 27, 2005

Authors Website

IndieBound

Synopsis:

Charlize "Charlie" Edwards certainly knows, in theory, what it takes to lead a successful and happy life. She owns a nice house in Silverlake, LA's trendiest neighborhood. She has glamorous and loyal friends who accompany her to the hottest clubs in town. And she works as the personal assistant to Drew Stanton, Hollywood's sexiest movie star. But she's also turning 30, chronically single, and faced with serving as maid of honor at her younger sister's wedding. Charlie finds herself struggling to juggle the chaos of wedding planning (while wondering if she'll ever wear the white dress herself), her all-consuming job for lunatic boss Stanton, and a serious crush on Jordan, a photographer on the set of Drew's latest feature--a man who might actually return her feelings.

My Review:

A wonderful debut novel with likeable & loveable characters that left me wanting more so I quickly cracked the spine on the next book in the series.

Title: Misery Loves Cabernet

Author: Kim Gruenfelder

Publisher: St. Martins Press / Griffin

Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Romance

Pages: 358

On Sale: April 14, 2009

Authors Website

IndieBound

Synopsis:

Charlize “Charlie” Edwards finally has it all: a house in Silverlake, L.A.’s hippest neighborhood, two fabulous best friends who always have her back, and a great (though hectic) job as the personal assistant to Hollywood’s hottest movie star, Drew Stanton. ..... Maybe Charlie’s journal of smart-alecky life advice—which she’s always been better at writing than following—has finally helped put her on the right track.

Unfortunately for Charlie, Drew is causing complete havoc on his new movie set, her eccentric family is descending upon L.A. for the upcoming holiday season, and her love life may be back to square one. ........ But there’s nothing misery—or seduction—loves better than a great glass of Cabernet.

(Synopsis has been edited to protect the outcome of A Total Waste Of MakeUp!)

My Review:

Another quick & enjoyable read from cover to cover with enough action, angst and advice to keep the pages turning. Much of the content is built from things readers learn in the first book, so don’t skip ahead, enjoy the entire bottle of wine, I mean series….just grab a glass of your favorite vino and get reading.

CONTEST!!!!!!!!!

If you weren’t lucky enough to score your own copy of Misery Loves Cabernet when it was featured on Free Book Friday (which includes an interview with Author Kim Gruenenfelder) here’s your chance to make this a part of your own private library. St. Martins Press/Griffin has sent me 3 extra copies of Misery Loves Cabernet to be awarded to readers of Not So Humble Opinions.

To enter:

Comment on here with the answer to this question:

Everyone likes to bring wine as a hostess gift at holiday parties, what other great ideas do you have?

The contest will begins at 6:00 AM CST on Thursday July 9th and will end at 3:00 PM CST on Wednesday July 15th. Winners will be posted on Thursday July 16th.

Rules:

• No duplicate comments.
• You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and then leaving a link in the comments.
• You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and then leaving a link in the comments.
• This giveaway is open to US residents, aged 18 and over
• Winners will be selected via random draw, using the Random Number Generator, and will notified by e-mail.
• You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

Good Luck!

WoW ~ July 8th

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

When a Man Loves a Weapon by Toni McGee Causey

Due from St. Martins Press on August 4, 2009

Shop Indie Bookstores

If you haven't yet read the 2 books preceeding this latest installment in the Bobbie Faye triology - I didn't officially review them but I did love reading them - they were known as Bobbie Faye's Very (very, very, very) Bad Day and Bobbie Faye's (kinda, sorta, not exactly) Family Jewels. They were both rereleased, retitled, and recovered in June to Charmed & Dangerous and Girls Just Wanna Have Guns (confused? me too)

Doesn't matter - the next installment is due out August 4th and I can't wait!

Teaser Tuesday - July 7th

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme,
hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.
Anyone can play along!


Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Here's this weeks teaser....

Riding Wild by Jaci Burton

"Lilly climbed up his body and grabbed for the serum.

Goddam, she was a wildcat. While still struggling for breath, Mac rolled her over and pinned her to the ground.

Now this was a familiar position."

Shop Indie Bookstores