How Do You Know? by Meredith Schorr (Book Review)

In association with Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host a book review for How Do You Know? by author Meredith Schorr!

How Do You Know? by Meredith Schorr

Book 1: Seeking Happily Ever After Series

Publisher: Booktrope

Publication Date: December 2, 2014

Format: Paperback - 268 pages

               Kindle - 1591 KB

               Nook - 751 KB

ISBN: 978-1620155875

ASIN: B00OGQII9E

BNID: 2940150191693

Genre: Chick Lit / Women's Fiction

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Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a book review program hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.

Book Description:

What if you were approaching the end of your thirties and all of the life milestones you took for granted in your youth suddenly seemed out of reach?

On the eve of her thirty-ninth birthday, Maggie Piper doesn’t look, act, or feel much different than she did at twenty-nine, but with her fortieth birthday speeding toward her like a freight train, she wonders if she should. The fear of a slowing metabolism, wrinkling of her skin, and the ticking of her biological clock leaves Maggie torn between a desire to settle down like most of her similarly aged peers and concern that all is not perfect in her existing relationship. When a spontaneous request for a temporary “break” from her live-in boyfriend results in a “break-up,” Maggie finds herself single once again and only twelve months from the big 4.0. In the profound yet bumpy year that follows, Maggie will learn, sometimes painfully, that life doesn’t always happen on a schedule, there are no deadlines in love, and age really is just a number.

In this mature coming of age novel, Meredith Schorr, best-selling author of light women’s fiction, digs deep and raises the age old issue of the ‘proverbial clock’ that haunts many women,in a way that is refreshing and sassy no matter your age or relationship status


My Book Review:

In How Do You Know?, author Meredith Schorr weaves a wonderful women's fiction story that is a must read for every woman.

Maggie Piper is on the cusp of turning thirty-nine, and as she takes stock of her life, she realizes that her biological clock is ticking loudly, and wonders if the various life milestones are out of reach. Realizing that she is at a crossroads in her life, and only has a year until she hits the Big 4-0, she embarks on a personal journey of self-discovery that will teach her a valuable lesson that life milestones don't happen on schedule, and that age is just a number.

I absolutely loved following Maggie's story, she is a sassy lady that anyone can relate to. I saw so much of myself in Maggie, I found myself smiling as she pondered the various life milestones, I too once found myself in her shoes, so I couldn't help but cheer for her as she embarked on her year long personal journey of self discovery. Author Meredith Schorr weaves a lovely story that is like a breath of fresh air, it flows so smoothly that you can't help but find yourself immersed in Maggie's story.

There is enough drama, humor, laugh-out-loud moments, and even a bit of food for thought that makes you stop and ponder your own life's journey. How Do You Know? is simply a refreshing food for your soul kind of story that will stay with you long after the last word has been read.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention that I love the fabulous book cover featuring the famous landscape of the city that never sleeps, I wouldn't expect anything less from a true New York girl.


RATING: 5 STARS 

About The Author

A born and bred New Yorker, Meredith Schorr discovered her passion for writing when she began to enjoy drafting work-related emails way more than she was probably supposed to. After trying her hand penning children’s stories and blogging her personal experiences, Meredith found her calling writing chick lit and contemporary women’s fiction. She secures much inspiration from her day job as a hard-working trademark paralegal and her still single (but looking) status. Meredith is also the co-founder of BookBuzz, a live author/reader event held annually. She is a loyal New York Yankees fan and an avid runner. How Do You Know? is her fourth novel.


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The Unseen Kingdom by Daniel R. Mathews (Book Spotlight)

In association with Pump Up Your Book, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the virtual book tour event for The Unseen Kingdom by author Daniel R. Mathews!

About The Book

The Unseen Kingdom by Daniel R. Mathews

Publisher: Lost Legacy Press

Publication Date: September 19, 2015

Format: Paperback - 562 pages 
               Kindle - 1234 KB

ISBN: 978-0990710721

ASIN: B00OGQII9E

Genre: YA / LGBT / Horror / Science Fiction


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Discuss this book in our PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads by clicking here: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/17505392-the-unseen-kingdom-by-daniel-r-mathews

Book Description:

A group of friends must band together to defeat an ancient evil in Daniel R. Mathews’s terrifying debut, The Unseen Kingdom.

In a small New England town, thirteen-year-old Tommy Wilson’s biggest worry is coming out to his close-knit group of friends. All of that changes, however, when the boys discover a dream portal to R’lyeh—home to the Titan god Cthulhu himself.

Inhabited by monstrous creatures and eerie children who have appointed Tommy and his friends their new “apostles,” R’lyeh becomes a horrifying yet darkly fascinating world that proves to be increasingly real.

Meanwhile, the town’s population is suddenly overrun with a mysterious epidemic that threatens everyone. As the boys struggle to cope with what is happening, Tommy comes closer than ever to discovering the dark secret that lurks within R’lyeh itself—but will the price prove to be too costly? And, can the boys unlock the link between the secrets of R’lyeh and the devastation of their town’s population before it’s too late?

A truly unique work of fiction, The Unseen Kingdom is an LGBT coming-of-age novel skillfully infused with edge-of-your-seat horror, resulting in a wildly entertaining novel that will leave you guessing until the very last page.

Book Excerpt: 

CH A P T E R 1

The dust covered yellow school bus rumbled down the cracked asphalt road, shaking the children inside. Tommy’s body was inclined back against his seat, his feet planted at the top of the green vinyl covered seat in front of him. He alternated between glancing at his best friend Brian and peering out the window at the blur of the fading autumn colors along the road. Kevin was sitting rather imperiously at the back of the bus, grimacing down at his cell phone that he removed from his pocket every couple of minutes.

Unable to resist commenting, Carlos leaned across the aisle. “Alright, what’s the deal, Kevin? You got a hot date or something?”

Kevin’s face flushed slightly. “Uh…yeah! Jealous much?”

Despite his retort, his hands were shaking. Sunlight streaming through the windows revealed a rather puffy ring of black and blue flesh underneath his right eye. Tommy spotted the clumsy attempt to hide the bruise with makeup. For an instant, the two boys’ eyes met but Kevin cast his eyes downward, looking ashamed. He looked at his phone again, and Tommy knew why.

A smirk curled across Carlos’ lips as he quipped, “Yeah, right. Your left hand isn’t a date!” A chorus of chuckles emanated from the kids sitting in front of the group of boys.

Kevin turned to face him and punched the boy in the shoulder with a dull thwack. Before he could say anything, Kevin leaned back in his seat and said, “Just FYI, it’s my right hand.” The children in earshot giggled at Kevin’s assertion.

After rubbing his shoulder, Carlos looked back at Kevin. “Seriously, dude, what’s up?” Tommy looked over at him and discreetly touched his own face, to draw Carlos’ attention to Kevin’s bruise. After Carlos had realized what he meant, the group became quiet.

Kevin put his phone away, leaned back against the window facing his friends and forced a smile. “The only problem I have is your ugly face.” Carlos flipped Kevin off, and poked Jacob who was giggling at his expense.

Tommy glanced at Brian and smiled. When he returned the smile, Tommy looked down, his face brightening. Carlos and Jacob nudged one another and pointed at the pair. Carlos was dozing in the sunlight, while Jacob leaned against him listening to music on his headphones, watching Tommy and Brian with bemused interest.

Kevin shook his head and grinned knowingly back at Jacob. Tommy caught the boys’ conspiratorial glances and turned his head to the side. He felt he was the punch line of an inside joke sometimes, but wasn’t quite sure why. His curiosity was interrupted by his cell phone vibrating in his pocket. He dug the phone out and read the text message from his mother.

“Yeah! It’s here!” Tommy exclaimed as he pumped his fist in the air excitedly.

His voice rousted Carlos from his slumber. “What’s here? Another My Little Pony?” he asked.

“Your birthday was last month, dork. No, my Halloween costume,” Tommy responded matter-of-factly.

Kevin spun his hand around in a circle. “Uh, and...”

“It’s a surprise!” Tommy said with a mischievous grin, staring into Brian’s grey eyes.

Carlos huffed with annoyance. “Dude, if you wear the same costume as me again this year I’m going to kick your ass.”

“You’re still going as the red Master Chief, right?” Tommy asked with sudden concern. Carlos nodded affirmatively. “You’re going as a Templar, right, Brian?”

Brian responded affirmatively, “I got some chain mail, and Mom bought me a historically accurate tabard and helmet to go with it! Now if I could use Dad’s old sword, the outfit would be perfect.”

“Even with the sword, I’m still going to own you,” Carlos said confidently. He looked over at Kevin. “You decide on an outfit yet?”

Kevin shrugged, breaking eye contact with the others. “I don’t know if my father’s going to let me go.”

“He’s gotta! There’s going to be ten thousand dollars in prizes. This is going to be the best Halloween ever!” Tommy said exuberantly.

“And, you know, nobody does Halloween better than us!” Brian proclaimed proudly.

“Alright...alright. I’ll come up with something, I’m sure,” Kevin assured his friends.

“What about you, Jacob?” Kevin asked.

Jacob smiled. “It’s a secret.”

“I’ll take care of this,” Carlos said, poking him mercilessly in the side, causing him to squeal. The bus driver cleared his throat loudly, glaring at the boys through the rear view mirror.

“Quit it!” Jacob protested, his face turning red enough to mask his pale freckles. “I’m going as a vampire,” he surrendered begrudgingly.

“God, another sparkly vampire!” Carlos teased.

“No way, dork! A real vampire!” he retorted. Tommy and Brian laughed and applauded.

Tommy leaned back and peered out the window again. The bus sputtered to a stop, letting a few children out. He sang under his breath, “Eight more days to Halloween, Halloween. Eight more days to Halloween, Silver Shamrock.” Brian’s reflection in the window beamed at him while Carlos and Kevin simultaneously rolled their eyes.

As the bus rounded a bend adjacent to the swamp that surrounded much of the town, Tommy caught a glimpse of a boy wearing filthy blue denim overalls and a wool beret. However, the boy disappeared behind the veil of swirling white smoke left by the bus’s exhaust. There was something inherently disquieting about the boy.

The bus ride grew progressively quieter as the bus approached the end of its daily journey. His eyes widened when he saw the same boy from earlier emerging from behind a row of wild hawthorn bushes. This time he made direct eye contact with the mysterious boy. A wicked smile danced across the child’s otherwise emotionless face, causing Tommy’s body to shudder involuntarily. There was something terrible in the child’s visage, forcing him to look away from those hollow, soulless eyes that invaded his consciousness. Tommy looked up to see the bus driver staring intently at him through the rear view mirror. The rest of the group had fallen into their own little worlds, lulled into virtual slumber by the constant droning of the engine and swaying of the bus. He sank down in his seat, trying to avoid the bus driver’s penetrating stare. He glanced over at Brian, who was playing with his phone.

Tommy felt some relief when the final stop was reached and it was time to offload. Carlos, Jacob and Brian were already halfway down the aisle before the bus reached a stop, leaving Kevin and Tommy as the last passengers to disembark. As Tommy descended the stairs, the bus driver reached out and grabbed his hand. “You’ve seen them, haven’t you?” he asked.

A startled Tommy gave the bus driver a bewildered stare as he struggled to withdraw his hand from the man’s tight grasp. “Seen who? What are you talking about?” he asked, growing fearful of the man’s narrowing eyes.

“The children of the Great Unseen have revealed themselves to you, and now it’s your turn to hear HIS call,” the man whispered in a raspy voice. He tried to back away as the man’s eyes darkened, much like the boy he had seen earlier.

“You’re hurting me!” an increasingly flustered Tommy stammered, trying to pull away from the man’s grip.

Like a passing summer storm, the man’s face brightened, and he released Tommy’s wrist. “Well, what are you waiting for, boy? It’s Friday night. You got the whole weekend ahead of you. Now git!” He smiled warmly at the astounded boy. Tommy stepped off the bus, confronted by Kevin and Brian.

“What the hell happened?” Kevin demanded.

Tommy could do little but shrug his slender shoulders. “I don’t know. He was mad about something; it didn’t make any sense. Whatever it was, he got over it quickly.”

Kevin watched with concern as the bus disappeared down the road, before turning his attention to the dilapidated two-story greyish white house in front of him. “Well, I can’t stall any longer,” he said with a sigh.

“What are you doing guys doing tonight?” Tommy asked.

Kevin shifted his weight. “I think I better stay in and work on homework.”

Brian said, “I promised Mom I’d clean up around the house tonight, but I’ll have the rest of the weekend free after my homework is done.” Tommy looked a little dejected, but at least this afforded him some time to check out his Halloween costume.

“We’ll see you tomorrow morning, right?” Tommy asked Kevin expectantly.

Kevin forced a smile and gave him a playful push. “Yeah, Bro, I’ll see you guys tomorrow. We’ll go into town or something.” Tommy and Brian said their good-byes and the boys parted company for the day.

Tommy’s house was a little larger than Kevin’s, painted a similar weather-beaten white although clearly more care and maintenance has been put into his house than Kevin’s. He bounded through the front door, his eyes scanning the entranceway and hallway for any signs of his package. He poked his head into the kitchen, spying the nondescript brown box sitting on the table between his mother and father.

He made a beeline for the package before his mom intercepted him. “Not even an acknowledgment of us being in the room?” she mockingly admonished him, wiping the curly locks of blonde hair from his face.

“Stop, Mom! Hi, Dad!” he blurted out as he reached for the box.

“So, remind me why you needed to spend six months of your allowance for this?” his father asked while Tommy tore open the package excitedly.

“It’s a surprise for...” Tommy cut himself short. “I mean, I’m just looking forward to Halloween.” The boy delved into the contents of the package, procuring large sheets of fine brown fur wrapped in translucent plastic.

“Is there something you’d like to talk to us about?” his father asked softly, casting a glance at his wife.

“You know, you can talk to us about anything,” Tommy’s mom said soothingly.

Tommy pulled out the lower jaw of the werewolf costume, running his fingers along the jagged teeth as he looked up at his parents with confusion. “What are you talking about?”

“Well, we thought maybe you’d like to talk about someone,” Tommy’s father said.

Tommy thought for a moment, unsure where his parents were going with this line of questioning, though admittedly he felt embarrassed as a sloppy grin crossed his face imagining Brian’s reaction when he sees the costume. Before he could assemble the pieces in his mind, he blurted out Kevin’s name.

“Kevin? What about him?” his mother asked, casting a confused gaze over at her husband on this unexpected subject.

“I think his dad beat him up last night. He was wearing makeup to cover up a black eye, but he didn’t have it yesterday,” Tommy said, looking out the kitchen window toward Kevin’s house. “I’m worried about him,” he added.

“That’s a serious accusation, Tommy. Has Kevin given you any indication of this?” his father asked, looking troubled.

Tommy shook his head. “No, but he acts afraid to go home. Every day on the bus you can see him start shaking the closer we get.”

“That’s a worrying sign, Tommy, but we need to know the whole story. Kevin is lucky to have you as a friend. I think the best thing you can do right now is be there for him, and let him know that when he’s ready to talk, you’ll listen,” his father instructed.

“Is there anything else, anything Kevin’s said that would make you feel there’s trouble with his father?” his mother interjected.

Tommy thought for a moment. “Kevin’s mentioned his dad drinks a lot. I think that’s when he gets in trouble.”

His mother rolled her eyes and shook her head. “Isn’t it always?” she whispered to no one in particular. “Your father is right, Tommy. Let know Kevin that you’re there for him. There is a counselor at your school trained for this kind of thing, so Kevin has options if he’s in trouble.”

“Couldn’t you talk to his dad, make him stop?” he asked his father.

Tommy’s father leaned back in his chair and sighed. “It’s not that easy, kiddo. Nobody likes to be told how to raise their child, and I’m afraid if we stick our noses into his business, he might take it out on Kevin. It would be best if the school became involved in this.”

Disappointed, Tommy knew this was a problem that couldn’t easily be solved. He pulled out the remaining mass of soft brown fur and the upper jaw of his werewolf costume. “Some assembly required,” he moaned, pulling out a plastic bag full of plastic claws.

“I hope you’re not expecting me to do all the work,” Tommy’s mother warned.

“Uh, no, of course not, Mom!” he replied, his bright, blue pleading eyes belying his underlying intent.

“Well, if you like I can take the measurements and help you get started this weekend,” his mom offered diplomatically.

His face brightened. “Thanks, Mom, that’d be awesome!”

“Alright, go get started on your homework. Dinner will be ready in about an hour,” she concluded, sending the Tommy and his costume out of the kitchen.

His father shook his head and laughed. “I have a feeling this is going to be an unforgettable Halloween.”

Tommy bounded into his room, and spread all the individual components of the werewolf costume across his bed. The macabre mass of soft fur, jaws and claws melded naturally with the horror movie posters hanging on the far wall, above the shelves filled with rows of horror movie DVDs and a couple dozen similarly themed novels. He plopped himself down in his wooden desk chair and rummaged through his backpack for his homework assignments.

About The Author

An avid reader of science fiction, horror, and fantasy, Daniel R. Mathews is a novelist and nonfiction writer whose books feature LGBT youth braving danger with honor and dignity, including his personal memoir, The Demons of Plainville, and debut horror novel, The Unseen Kingdom.

For the past two decades, Mathews has worked as a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified ground instructor, meteorologist, and a member of the web development and Internet technical support community. He currently lives in Flagstaff, Arizona.

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Virtual Book Tour

http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2015/09/21/pump-up-your-book-presents-the-unseen-kingdom-virtual-book-publicity-tour/

Click on the above link for a schedule of tour participants.

Geli Voyante's Hot Or Not by Elle Field (Book Review)

In association with Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host a book review for Geli Voyante's Hot Or Not by author Elle Field!

Geli Voyante's Hot Or Not by Elle Field

Publisher: Independent Self Publishing

Publication Date: October 15, 2013

Format: Paperback - 320 pages

               Kindle - 902 KB

ISBN: 978-1492702559

ASIN: B00FY12QUM

Genre: Chick Lit / Women's Fiction

Buy The Book:

Amazon - US

Amazon - UK

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Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a book review program hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.

Book Description:

“I think I will always be known as the Hot or Not girl, defined by it for the rest of my career. Even my tombstone will read: Angelica “Geli” Voyante, beloved trendsetter. Death? Not Hot. 

Yet, it doesn’t sound right. Why won’t anyone realise that there is more to me than this fickle persona I have inadvertently become?” 

Geli Voyante is bored of being the Hot or Not girl, even if it has the perk of sitting next to Theo, the newspaper’s very Hot political columnist. She’s also getting a little lonely being single.

When her arch-nemesis Tiggy Boodles gets engaged, and other loved ones start to settle down, it’s time for Geli to convince Theo that she’s not as shallow as her column suggests and, more importantly, she’s the one for him. Geli should remember though that there are always two sides to every story, and that applies to people, too…


My Book Review:

What's a girl to do when everyone she knows is settling down and getting engaged?

Geli Voyante's Hot Or Not is an entertaining chick lit tale that will keep the reader in stitches. Set in London, author Elle Field weaves a fast-paced tale that follows twenty-five year old Angelica "Geli" Voyante, who writes the weekly trendsetting newspaper column "Hot or Not." Everything is going great in Geli's life except in the romance department, and when she starts noticing that everyone is starting to settle down and getting engaged, especially her frenemy Tiggy Boodles, Geli is determined to jump on the couples bandwagon and pursue her crush on her "hot" co-worker, political columnist Theo Bones. But Geli's madcap pursuit doesn't go exactly as planned, leading her to discover that not everything is as hot as it seems, and that not everyone is quite who they appear to be!

Geli Voyante's Hot Or Not is a lighthearted and fun tale that has a great mixture of wit and humor that easily draws the reader into Geli's story. The reader is taken along for ride as Geli's life gets complicated when she has to deal with family issues, romance dilemmas, and work issues. And when you add in quirky characters, plenty of drama and rivalries, Geli's crazy antics, and surprising twists and turns, this enjoyable story has enough laugh-out-loud moments that is sure to keep you turning the pages!


RATING: 4 STARS 

About The Author

Elle Field lives in London with her boyfriend and their cat. She enjoys exploring new places, watching musicals on the West End, and eating her way around London's culinary delights.


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Plan Bea by Hilary Grossman (Book Release Day Event / Contest Giveaway)

In association with Booktrope Publishing, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the book release day event for Plan Bea by author Hilary Grossman!

Plan Bea by Hilary Grossman

Publisher: Booktrope

Publication Date: October 14, 2015

Format: Paperback - 241 pages

               Kindle - 2146 KB

               Nook - 755 KB

ISBN: 978-1513704494

ASIN: B016E6FS4G

BNID: 2940150954861

Genre: Chick Lit / Women's Fiction

Buy The Book:

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Amazon - UK

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Book Description:

How well do you really know the people in your life?

Annabel O’Conner has the perfect husband, two adorable children, an amazing job, and the mother from hell! Annabel doesn’t like it but has come to terms with the fact that her relationship with her mother, Bea, deteriorated to the point of forced and strained communications. However, an unscheduled call from Bea turns her world around and makes Annabel question everything she believed about her life.

Despite the fact secrets, lies, and misplaced blame have destroyed the women’s relationship; Annabel reluctantly agrees to help Bea plan her wedding. Little does Annabel know the impact of her decision.

In this Women’s Contemporary Fiction novel, Hilary Grossman explores the complex relationship that exists between mothers and daughters in a light-hearted and relatable manner.



*** Dangled Carat - $.99 Sale! Amazon

About The Author

Hilary Grossman loves to find humor in everyday life. She has an unhealthy addition to denim and high heel shoes. She likens life to a game of dodge ball - she tries to keep as many balls in the air before they smack her in the face. When she isn't writing, blogging, or shoe shopping she is the CFO of a beverage alcohol importer. She lives on the beach in Long Island.


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Plan Bea Goodreads Contest Giveaway: 

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/enter_choose_address/156282-plan-bea

Book Cover Reveal Promotion from Marching Ink

In association with Marching Ink, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the book cover reveal event for Peri in Progress by author Cat Lavoie and All I Want For Christmas (A Holiday Novella Collection)!

Peri in Progress by Cat Lavoie 
Publication Date: October 28, 2015
Genre: Chick Lit
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26988197-peri-in-progress


Book Description:

You know what they say about best-laid plans…

After a disastrous thirty-first birthday party where she gets stood-up by a man she isn’t supposed to be dating, Peri McKenna decides it’s time to change what hasn’t been working—which is pretty much everything. Her love life is going nowhere fast, she’s bored to tears by a job that makes her the office pariah, and the lifelong junk food addiction that used to be somewhat quirky is now positively problematic. To top it all off, her newly-purchased home is falling apart and wishful thinking hasn’t done much to fix the leaky roof.

It’s time be an adult now that she’s officially ‘thirty-something.’

But when the first step of Peri’s self-improvement plan backfires, she starts to wonder if change might be overrated.

Enter Milo Preston, an up-and-coming chef who’s in town to take over a local restaurant. When Peri and Milo begin working together, she finds it hard to ignore his easy charm and captivating emerald-green eyes. Since Milo is her best friend’s estranged brother, Peri has to keep reminding herself that he is completely off-limits. As they grow closer, Milo introduces Peri to new foods, the joy (and pain) of jogging, and makes her think her luck might finally be turning. But when the past catches up with them, Peri finds herself back at square one. Will she be able to sort herself out—or will the roof cave in on her once and for all?

All I Want For Christmas (A Holiday Novella Collection) by Samantha March, Laura Chapman, Cat Lavoie 
Publication Date: November 11, 2015
Genre: Holiday Novella Collection
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26986398-all-i-want-for-christmas


Book Collection Description:

Making Christmas by Laura Chapman 

While settling into a new career in a new community, Ivy is determined not to let the holiday season pass her by. Enter the grownup advent calendar: twenty-four days of festivities to celebrate Christmas. What begins as a bit of fun turns into a mission to spread cheer when she meets Everett. After learning about his bad Christmas attitude, she invites him to join her quest. Despite his initial reservations, Everett quickly gets caught up in the spirit of the calendar. But when new feelings surface and are impossible to ignore, Everett’s inner curmudgeon threatens to put a damper on the whole experience.


Nine Ladies Dancing by Cat Lavoie 

Casey Ellis is the last person who should be planning her office’s holiday party. Convinced she’s plagued with chronic Christmas bad luck, Casey isn’t interested in tempting fate. But when putting on a party planner hat seems like a good way to get closer to her longtime crush, Casey takes charge—and braces for impact. When things start to fall apart—just like Casey knew they would—will she run and hide, or will she learn that bad luck can sometimes turn out to be Christmas magic in disguise?


The Christmas Surprise by Samantha March 

Juliette Mabry is a happily married stay-at-home wife and mother...until there appears to be trouble brewing in her nearly ten-year marriage. Juliette takes it upon herself to find out if her husband is up to no good, but does she want to know the truth? Everything is revealed on Christmas, and Juliette is in for her biggest Christmas surprise.


What Happens at Midnight by Laura Chapman 

Romantic comedy junkie Natalie lives out those fantasies in real life three New Year's Eves in a row when fate throws her together with the same handsome stranger. A heartbreaking turn of events leaves her swearing off of love, forevers, and the holidays (bah humbug). That is until the mystery man from her past reappears years later. Over a holiday season, Natalie struggles to reconcile the whimsical notions of her past with the practical sensibilities she has worked so hard to develop. With the countdown to a new year looming, she must decide whether or not she is willing to give happily ever after another shot.

Everything She Forgot by Lisa Ballantyne (Book Review)

In association with Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the virtual book tour event for Everything She Forgot by author Lisa Ballantyne!

Everything She Forgot by Lisa Ballantyne

Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks

Publication Date: October 6, 2015

Format: Paperback - 432 pages

               Kindle - 1113 KB

               Nook - 693 KB

ISBN: 978-0062391483

ASIN: B00SG1ELOG

Genre: Mystery / Suspense / Thriller

Buy The Book:

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Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.

Book Description:

Driving home, Margaret Holloway is rear-ended and trapped in the wreckage of her car. Just as she begins to panic, a stranger pulls her free and disappears. Though she escapes with minor injuries, Margaret feels that something's wrong. Flashbacks to the crash are dredging up lost associations from her childhood. And somehow, Margaret knows that it's got something to do with the man who saved her life. As Margaret uncovers a mystery with chilling implications for her family and her very identity, Everything She Forgot winds through a riveting dual narrative and asks the question: How far would you go to hide the truth-from yourself?


My Book Review:

In Everything She Forgot, author Lisa Ballantyne weaves an intriguing suspense thriller that captivates the reader's attention and makes it hard for them to put the book down. Set in London and Scotland, and alternating between the present (2013) with flashbacks to the past (1985), this multi-layered story features four alternating perspectives with intertwining themes of love, family, childhood trauma, sacrifices, secrets, lost memories, choices made, and consequences.

When Margaret Holloway is involved in a near-fatal car accident during a blizzard and is saved by Maxwell Brown, a mysterious burn-scarred stranger, long-held suppressed memories from her childhood come to the surface. As Margaret searches her memory to uncover her hidden traumatic childhood past for her true identity, the author intertwines Margaret's search with a man's abduction of his seven year old daughter, and a newspaper man's determination to uncover the abduction.

Everything She Forgot is a fascinating suspense thriller that interweaves four people's lives in a riveting tale that has enough drama, tension, emotions, secrets, and surprising twists and turns that easily keeps the reader turning the pages in search of what will happen next. This is a complex and slow-building multi-layered story that makes the reader ponder about buried family secrets and the choices that are made. It delves into such issues as child abduction, PTSD, and how a person's mind can suppress traumatic truths when one chooses to protect themselves. I loved how the author takes the reader on a long-winding journey that alternates between the past and the present via the four major characters, their intertwining stories dovetails into one that ultimately brings a family's relationship full circle.

Author Lisa Ballantyne weaves a haunting story that will stay with the reader for a very long time.


RATING: 4 STARS 

About The Author

Lisa Ballantyne was born in Armadale, West Lothian, Scotland and studied English Literature at University of St Andrews. She lived and worked in China for many years and started writing seriously while she was there. Before being published, Lisa was short-listed for the Dundee International Book Prize. Her debut novel, The Guilty One was translated into over 25 languages, long-listed for the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award and short-listed for an Edgar Allan Poe Award. The Guilty One was also the Autumn 2012 Richard and Judy Book-club Winner. She lives in Glasgow.


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Virtual Book Tour

Everything She Forgot by Lisa Ballantyne ~ Virtual Book Tour Event Page

Tour Schedule:

09/14/2015 Showcase @ Books Chatter
09/15/2015 Review @ A Fold in the Spine
09/16/2015 Review @ Wall-to-wall books
09/18/2015 Review @ 3 Partners in Shopping
09/19/2015 Review @ The Book Divas Reads
09/21/2015 Review @ Tales of a Book Addict
09/22/2015 Review @ JulzReads
09/24/2015 Review @ Vics Media Room
09/26/2015 Showcase @ Hott Books
09/28/2015 Review @ Kritters Ramblings
09/30/2015 Review @ Booked on a Feeling
10/02/2015 Review @ From the TBR Pile
10/07/2015 Review @ Books Direct
10/07/2015 Showcase @ Writers and Authors
10/08/2015 Review @ Lazy Day Books
10/09/2015 Review @ Book Babble
10/09/2015 Review @ Deco My Heart
10/10/2015 Review @ Rockin Book Reviews
10/11/2015 Review @ Bookalicious Traveladdict
10/12/2015 Review @ Jersey Girl Book Reviews
10/13/2015 Review @ Deal Sharing Aunt
10/14/2015 Review @ Book Club Librarian
10/15/2015 Review @ Curling up by the Fire
10/16/2015 Review @ b00k r3vi3ws

Ex-Treme Measures by Mickey J. Corrigan (Book Review)

In association with Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the virtual book tour event for Ex-Treme Measures by author Mickey J. Corrigan!

Book Review

Ex-Treme Measures by Mickey J. Corrigan

Publisher: September 18, 2015

Publication Date: The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

Format: Paperback - 238 pages

               Kindle - 544 KB

               Nook - 272 KB

ISBN: 978-1509203413

ASIN: B013XZU1BG

BNID: 2940151148313

Genre: Chick Lit / Mystery / Suspense

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All Romance eBook

The Wild Rose Press

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Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.

Book Description

Vanna Treme runs a domestic investigations agency in downscale Deport Beach, Florida. She spies on cheating spouses while struggling to recover from her own imploded marriage. Vanna's unique PI firm also offers Ex-Treme Measures, special services designed to get rid of the marital problem. Forever.

Ringo, Vanna's trusted assistant, a hunky ex-cop, is worried. Their clients are lying to them, local competition is moving in, and everyone in South Florida is crazy or untrustworthy—or both. But Vanna refuses to listen. She heads for the superficial glitter of Palm Beach, where the hits just keep on coming her way.

Ex-Treme Measures combines humor, action, and evolutionary biology to investigate some of our culture's most pressing mysteries, including why men act like men, and why the hell women put up with it.


Book Excerpt:

“S’up, Van? You’re drinking like you’re in Dublin.” His frown deepened. “It’s that bastard ex of yours, isn’t it? He upset you today.” Ringo leaned farther across the marble-topped table between us, his impressive biceps bulging from under his tight white T-shirt. “I’m gonna have to beat that guy’s nasty ass, no matter what you say.”

Nasty ass. I swallowed hard. Some beer lurched back up my esophagus, so I swallowed again and shook my head. “This is not about Ashton. We got worse shit to take care of.” I held up my empty. “Get me another one of these suckers, and we’ll discuss.”

My assistant did as he was told. That was the best thing about sleeping with a man on an irregular, unpredictable basis. He would do anything to sleep with you again. Including refilling your drink order. Especially refilling your drink order.

Over a second round of ES, my new favorite drink, I told Ringo about Bella and Steven Cantor’s unfortunate business arrangement. I kept my voice real low. Not that the Tam clientele cared to listen. The second best thing about our favorite bar—the Prada crowd has no interest in other people’s business. They’re way too wrapped up in their own.

Ringo shrugged and sipped his beer. “So? We find out who this joker is, where he hangs. If he’s local, I eliminate the competition. He don’t know we exist, but we know all about him. Art of War—prepare to meet the enemy. I’ll handle this. No problem.”

My thirst had eased up, fortunately, so I was able to consider Ringo’s viewpoint on the issue with a somewhat clear head. Three beers, and I’d be three sheets. More, and they’d be scraping me off the walls. Vanna Treme does her Jackson Pollock impersonation. Again.

It was my turn to shrug. “Easy to say, but I don’t think so. Cuz I doubt it’ll be so simple. Here’s the thing. She hired this guy over the Internet. Never met him, has nothing but a phone number and a name. Mr. Grey.”

“As in, Fifty Shades of?” Ringo’s mind was headed down the single track men all jumped on after a drink or two. Already he’d undressed me in his mind and was licking his way up from my bare toes. I could almost feel his sandpapery tongue swirling around my right ankle bone.

When I shivered, he laughed. He knew exactly what I was thinking he was thinking. Because he was. Thinking it, I mean.

I gave him the look. The one that said, Okay, have it your way with me. But let me have a few drinks first.

My Book Review:

What's a girl to do when her marriage fails and she is stuck in a funk? Why seek revenge and start a domestic investigations agency of course!

Ex-Treme Measures is an intriguing tale that follows the crazy adventures of Vanna Treme, when she starts a domestic investigative agency in order to help others expose and get rid of their no good cheating spouses.

Ex-Treme Measures is written in the first person narrative that easily draws the reader into Vanna's attempt to recover from her failed marriage via her domestic investigations agency. Set in Deport Beach and Palm Beach, Florida, the reader follows Vanna and Ringo, her hunky ex-cop assistant, investigate cheating spouses and using Ex-Treme Measures special services to get rid of the marital problem forever. But their investigations gets a bit messy, dangerous, and their well-laid plans don't always go as expected, especially when Vanna can't seem to let go of her own failed marriage.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this crazy good story. I really liked Vanna, she's a straight-talking, street smart girl who easily draws the reader into her story with an edgy dark sense of humor. I loved the spin on domestic investigations that author Mickey J. Corrigan weaves, there is a sense of reality to the marital issues that kept me wanting to see what would happen next as Vanna and Ringo put their investigative plans and techniques into action. I loved the balance of humor and drama that is interwoven in the story, it keeps you engaged, and the unexpected twists and turns makes this story that much more thrilling a read that leaves you wanting more.

Ex-Treme Measures is an entertaining and edgy women's mystery story that is a blast to read!


RATING: 4 STARS 

About The Author

Mickey J. Corrigan writes pulp fiction, literary romance, and psychological thrillers. Her stories have been called "delightful pulp," "oh so compulsive" reads, and "bizarre yet believable." Recent books include the edgy novellas in The Hard Stuff series from The Wild Rose Press; the neo-noir satire The Blow Off; and the thriller Songs of the Maniacs from Salt in the UK. Salt will release her new novel in 2017.


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Virtual Book Tour

Ex-Treme Measures by Mickey J. Corrigan ~ Virtual Book Tour Event Page

Tour Schedule:

October 5 – Mallory Heart Reviews
October 5 – Dena Haggerty
October 6 – I Love My Authors
October 7 – Chick Lit Plus
October 9 – Ashley Book Blog
October 9 – Granny Loves to Read
October 12 – Jersey Girl Book Reviews