Baited by Roxanne McNeil

First, isn't this cover beautiful and intriguing? 

Second, my thoughts on the book:
Wow. It did take me a few chapters to get into this book, but then every time I had to put it down, I kept thinking about the characters and what they were going to do, how they were going to resolve things, and how things would play out in the end. I was not disappointed. I loved the bit of secrecy and why it was necessary and the challenges it brought because in the end, it really mattered. I loved Reylen's development and that she knew all things fishing--which I, personally, would probably take a pass on the cleaning part haha. 

Recommend!

**I received an ARC. The review is my own opinion. 

Adventure!

An adventure novel about four lucky kids and a mysterious, but thrilling ride for fans of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or Jurassic Park!

CastleCorp and the famous Castleton brothers are unveiling the World's Greatest Adventure Machine! The roller coaster is an experience like no other, and four lucky kids have won the chance to be the first to ride it.

There's Trevor, whose latest stunt got him in trouble at school again. There's Devin, whose father is pushing him to be the next Internet sensation. Nika's wealthy grandfather isn't too pleased about her participation. And Cameron, he'll be the first to tell you, is a certified genius.

The whole world is watching. But as the kids set off on their journey, they begin to realize that there is perhaps more to their fellow contest winners than meets the eye. And the Adventure Machine? It might just have a mind of its own.

Join the contestants on their wild ride if you dare. Your adventure starts now!

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Other blogs you can check out on this fun tour:

August 14: Katie's Clean Reads Collection, My Book a Day

August 15: LDS & Lovin' It, Min Reads and Reviews

August 16: Rachelle J Christensen, Lisa is a Bookworm

August 17: Peggy Urry, Literary Time Out Rorie

August 18: Why Not? Because I Said So, Literary Time Out Tarah

Before you read what I thought about the book, take time to enter the giveaway!

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My take: I don't normally read Middle Grade, so take everything I say with that in mind. I would give this book 3 1/2 stars (out of 5).

What I struggled with: Keeping track of the characters in the beginning and several places throughout the book I wasn't sure whose point of view I was in. In the end, there was an inconsistency that I still am not sure whether it was intended or not.

Things I liked: The concept of the book, that the kids had to work together to 'solve' the adventure, once I got into it, it kept my attention, it didn't wrap up too neatly (meaning it wasn't just solved with a magical wave of a wand or good luck--which is a very good thing).

Would definitely recommend.


*I received a copy of the book in exchange for a fair review. All opinions are my own.

Justice by Karen Robards

Just finished the egalley from Simon and Schuster. It was free, but this does not influence my review.


After reading a bunch of free stuff from Smashwords, I was looking for something on a higher level. This delivered. I could not put it down. I forced myself to stop so that I could make dinner for my kids (and it was one of those 'quick' dinners). 


I would give this a four out of five stars. It would have gotten more but I dislike foul language - especially the f-bomb. It also has some descriptively steamy parts, so for those looking for clean romance, you'll want to pass on this one.


I liked the plot, I liked the twists, and I LOVE the last line. (I cannot quote it since it is not published yet, besides, it would spoil things). You'll just have to read it to find out. Don't look, just read the book because it won't mean anything unless you do.

So, the premise of the story from Amazon's website: Feisty criminal attorney Jessica Ford has done her best to comply with the orders of the Secret Service’s unofficial witness protection program ever since she became the lone witness to the First Lady’s murder. She changed her name, dyed her dark hair blonde, and traded her sturdy black-rimmed glasses for contact lenses. Unfortunately, winning her first high-profile case for prestigious Washington, D.C., law firm Ellis Hayes, and subsequently landing her face all over the news, is not exactly “keeping a low profile.” Or so says hunky Secret Service agent Mark Ryan, whose newest assignment—despite Jess’s stubborn protests—is keeping her safe at all costs. It just so happens he’s also her ex-boyfriend.

The trial earns Jess a permanent spot on the firm’s elite legal defense team, replacing an associate who eloped suddenly and never came back. It’s the chance of a lifetime. But Jess’s mind has raced with questions from the moment the prosecution’s star witness shocked the courtroom with an electrifying revelation involving the handsome son of a powerful U.S. senator. Was the pretty, young mother intimidated into changing her story on the stand? Why will she not return Jess’s calls? Did Jess’s ambitious predecessor on the case really just abandon her successful career? Or did both women mysteriously disappear?


After Mark rescues Jess from an attacker outside her apartment, she begins to consider the possibility that she is a target. Maybe it’s not so bad to have her irresistibly charming and hard-bodied former lover around for protection. Maybe. The question is, which of the many inadvertent enemies Jess has made recently is he protecting her from? The investigation leads her to some startling coincidences—and to a teenage runaway who may just hold the missing link . . . if Jess can find her.


As Jess hurtles closer to the truth—and the sexual tension between her and Mark grows hotter than ever—she finds herself in a race against the clock to find the answers before what she doesn’t know gets them both killed.

The Stranger She Married

Disclaimer: I purchased this book and received no compensation from the author for this review.

Back of the book:
When her parents and only brother die within weeks of each other, Alicia and her younger sister are left in the hands of an uncle who has brought them all to financial and social ruin. Desperate to save her family from debtor's prison, Alicia vows to marry the first wealthy man to propose. She meets the dashing Lord Amesbury, and her heart whispers that this is the man she is destined to love, but his tainted past may forever stand in their way. Her choices in potential husbands narrow to either a scarred cripple with the heart of a poet, or a handsome rake with a deadly secret.

Cole Amesbury is tormented by his own ghosts, and believes he is beyond redemption, yet he cannot deny his attraction for the girl whose genuine goodness touches the heart he'd thought long dead. He fears the scars in his soul cut so deeply that he may never be able to offer Alicia a love that is true.

After yet another bizarre mishap threatens her life, Alicia suspects the seemingly unrelated accidents that have plagued her loved ones are actually a killer's attempt to exterminate every member of her family. Despite the threat looming over her, learning to love the stranger she married may pose the greatest danger to her heart.

I have always loved a good romance! My definition of good romance is not Danielle Steele-esque, but rather follows the old fashioned Victoria Holt style. So, did I think this was a good romance story? Yes, I did. Enough romance to satisfy the romantic in me and enough adventure to keep me hooked. I read this one in a day - took it with me in the car as I chauffeured around my kids. Departing from my usual loathing of red lights, I actually hoped for them so I could read a few more paragraphs as I waited. The characters were appealing and well-developed and there were enough twists and turns that I had to keep on reading. The characters stayed with me even after I finished reading. There were a few copy errors, but that aside, I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I have thought about lending out my copy, but can't part with it yet. So, for now, I highly recommend buying your own and reading it. To read an excerpt from this novel and check out other works by Donna Hatch, check out her website at http://www.donnahatch.net/.

I am looking forward to her novel 'Guise of a Gentleman' coming in April 2010.