CHASING PERFECT by Susan Mallery

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CHASING PERFECT
A Fool’s Gold Romance #1
Source: Purchased at store
  • Mass Market Paperback: 376 pages
  • Publisher: HQN Books; Original edition (April 27, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0373774524
  • ISBN-13: 978-0373774524
SYNOPSIS:

Welcome to Fool’s Gold, California, a charming community in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. There’s lots to do and plenty of people to meet, especially women. Because there’s just one tiny problem in Fool’s Gold: the men don’t seem to stick around. Maybe it’s the lure of big-city life, or maybe it’s plain old bad luck, but regardless of the reason, the problem has to be fixed, fast. And Charity Jones may be just the city planner to do it.

Charity’s nomadic childhood has left her itching to settle down, and she immediately falls in love with all the storybook town has to offer — everything, that is, except its sexiest and most famous resident, former world-class cyclist Josh Golden. With her long list of romantic disasters, she’s not about to take a chance on another bad boy, even if everyone else thinks he’s perfect just the way he is. But maybe that’s just what he needs — someone who knows the value of his flaws. Someone who knows that he’s just chasing perfect.

MY THOUGHTS:

As regular readers of my blog,  you know I love this author’s writing! She is an auto-buy for me when she has new books being released. When this book was released, I immediately bought it! 

Welcome to Fool’s Gold!  The way the author set up the town was amazing. I instantly felt like I was part of the town.  The characters were enjoyable and the writing was great! Charity is an independent woman who gets a new job as city planner in a town that is lacking men. She is introduced to Josh, who is a retired world-class cyclist trying to lay low in his hometown. 

Yes, it’s the typical girl meets boy, girl falls for boy, they fall madly in love kind of story, but there is so much more that is involved in the story that you forget about the basic principles of the romance genre.  It has suspense in the form of a thief, side characters that will keep you laughing and curious to read their stories in future books, and romance that will leave your heart fluttering.

I so enjoyed visiting Fool’s Gold and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. If Fool’s Gold were a real town, I would be moving there in a heartbeat!
MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!

TOUCHING DARKNESS by Jaime Rush (Review & Giveaway!)

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TOUCHING DARKNESS
Author: Jaime Rush
Source: Author/Publisher
*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*
  • Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
  • Publisher: Avon; Original edition (April 27, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0061690376
  • ISBN-13: 978-0061690372
SYNOPSIS:
They live ordinary lives, but they are extraordinary. They are the Offspring, children of a mysterious experiment gone awry—and they are in terrible danger. 
Nicholas Braden has an uncanny psychic talent for finding things—which is why he’s been recruited for a covert government program designed to hunt down terrorists. While his work for a shady controller named Darkwell is leading him down some very questionable alleyways, it’s also bringing him closer to Olivia, Darkwell’s stunning young assistant. A “good girl” with a wild, secret side, Olivia tempts Nicholas in ways he never believed possible—and in his business, a loss of control could prove fatal.
But there is something not right about the operation. And as Nicholas and Olivia’s passion reaches a white-hot intensity, chilling reversals of good and evil, of right and wrong, suddenly threaten their very survival. 
MY THOUGHTS:
Nicholas is the Offspring from parents that were experimented on. The Offspring have special powers. He falls for the assistant Olivia, who works for Darkwell.  This book had the true paranormal feel to it with some passionate romance that brings the term Paranormal Romance to life. This book was my first novel I have read by this author except for a short story. I truly loved this story and can’t wait to get my hands on the others in this series! It had suspense, drama and romance all rolled into one. I would love to get inside the authors head and see what is store in the future!
MY RATING: 

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!

GIVEAWAY:
Thanks to author Jaime Rush, she is donating one copy of Touching Darkness and one signed bookplate to a lucky commenter! 
Rules:
You must live in the USA or Canada
No PO Boxes
To Enter:
Just leave a comment on this post with an email address! 

Contest will run until 5/9/2010 and the winner announced on 5/10/2010

WE HEAR THE DEAD by Dianne K. Salerni

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WE HEAR THE DEAD
Author: Dianne K. Salerni
Source: Sourcebooks Fire
* I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*
  • Reading level: Young Adult
  • Paperback: 448 pages
  • Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire (May 1, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1402230923
  • ISBN-13: 978-1402230929
SYNOPSIS:
Maggie:
I began the deception when I was too young to know right from wrong. Only with the passing of time did I come to understand the consequences of my actions.
Kate:
I do not believe that I have ever intentionally deceived anyone. Maggie has a different understanding of the events that have happened. To her the spirits were always a game. For me they were my life’s calling. I have no regrets.
It starts as a harmless prank…then one lie quickly grows into another. Soon Kate and Maggie Fox are swept into a dizzying flurry of national attention for their abilities to communicate with the dead. But living a lie is sometimes too much to handle, even if you have the best intentions. Based on a true story, We Hear the Dead reveals how secrets and lies can sometimes lead you to what’s real and what’s right. And how sometimes talking with the dead is easier than talking with the people around you.
MY THOUGHTS:
Let’s start with the cover of this book.  I loved the time period portrayed from the clothing on the girl and the colors were captivating.  I fell in love with this cover as soon as I saw it. Standing in front of the old time curtain, just as it is opening, gave you the feeling of peeking inside the book. It was a great cover that captured my interest right away.
What was so amazing is how the book is based on a true story.  The characters of Kate and Maggie kept my interest throughout the book.  I wanted to see if they were going to be able to pull off the ruse. The book mesmerized me, and would keep even the teens mesmerized!  The book has mystery and suspense that will keep you turning the page for more.
MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!

THE HANDY LAW ANSWER BOOK by David L. Hudson Jr.

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THE HANDY LAW ANSWER BOOK
Author: David L. Hudson Jr.
Source: Online Publicist
* I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*
  • Paperback: 450 pages
  • Publisher: Visible Ink Press; 1 edition (April 1, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1578592178
  • ISBN-13: 978-1578592173
SYNOPSIS:
Combining practical legal tips with an exhaustive review of the law in the United States, this comprehensive reference answers more than 1,200 questions ranging from Where did the word tort come from? and How are state court judges selected? to Where did the first U.S. Supreme Court meet? Useful advice includes how to find a lawyer, how to file a complaint against a lawyer, how to document discrimination in the workplace, and how to handle oneself in court. Interspersed throughout are fun sidebars highlighting important cases and explanations of legal terms as well as entertaining information on bizarre and frivolous lawsuits, including one where a prisoner in Colorado sued prison officials after he injured himself during an escape attempt. With a wide range of information suitable for various knowledge bases—from junior high to junior college—this is an ideal source for anyone looking to get a better understanding of the law.
MY THOUGHTS:
Every once in awhile I try to read a  nonfiction book that is geared to a certain subject.  Visible Ink Press is my go to source usually for these kind of books.  When I was offered this book for review, I jumped on the chance.  I have a teenager at home who is struggling with history and government research and this book helped alot.
Anything you wanted to know about law is more than likely in this book.  My daughter and I both liked the section on the Constitution and the Ammendments.  It broke everything down for us and explained everything to where it was easy to understand.  The book has tons of frequently asked questions on many subjects with helpful answers that are clear and to the point.  Some of the things addressed in the book are:
  • Bankruptcy Laws
  • Credit Score and Laws to protect it
  • Criminal Justice
  • The Judiciary Process
  • The Constitution
  • Our Founding Fathers
  • Family Law and more!
Overall this is a great reference book to have in your home.  Perfect for teens as they go through the harder History courses in school as well.  My daughter and I both were very pleased with this one!
MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!

(ARC Review) RUMOR HAS IT by Jill Mansell

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RUMOR HAS IT
Author: Jill Mansell
Source: Sourcebooks
* I received this ARC free of charge in exchange for an honest review*
  • Paperback: 416 pages
  • Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (May 1, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1402237502
  • ISBN-13: 978-1402237508
SYNOPSIS:
Would you be tempted?
Newly single, Tilly Cole impulsively accepts a job offer in a small town as a “Girl Friday.” Fun job, country house, fresh start, why not? But soon she finds herself in a hotbed of gossip, intrigue, and rampant rivalry for the town’s most desirable bachelor—Jack Lucas.
Rumors of Jack’s “love ’em and leave ’em” escapes abound, and Tilly decides to do the mature, sensible thing… avoid Jack at all cost. But the more time Tilly spends with Jack, the more the rumors just don’t make sense. Tilly doesn’t know what to believe… and Jack’s not telling.
MY THOUGHTS:
I think I have just found a new author to join my favorites list!  I loved this book.  The author easily captured romantic comedy without going overboard and the book flowed great!  I enjoyed both of the main characters and all the little stories that were included in it as well.  The author had no problems setting up the smaller characters with juicy story even when the focus was on Tilly and Jack.  
The cover is also playful and cute which fits the style of this book perfectly.  The author does have many other books out besides this one, so I will definitely have to check out some of her others. A new to me author that just made it to my favorite authors’ list!  Move over Shopaholic, Rumor Has It is on the way!
MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!

READ AN EXCERT HERE: Sourcebooks