Tuesday, June 30, 2015

RELEASE DAY BLITZ: Hard to Let Go (Part 2)

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We are so excited to bring you the Release Week Blitz for Laura Kaye's HARD TO LET GO! HARD TO LET GO is the 4th novel in Laura's Hard Ink Series, published by Avon Romance. Grab your copy of this sexy, suspenseful book today!!

  Hard to Let Go - cover

Amazon | B&N | iBooks| Kobo

Hard to Let Go on Goodreads

EXCERPT:
Taking a deep breath, Beckett knocked on the door.
No answer.
He turned the knob, and the door opened.
“Go away,” came a strained voice. 
Beckett poked his head through the opening. Kat sat in a ball in the corner, her legs pulled up to her chest, her arms hugging herself tight.
“Aw, Jesus, Beckett. Really?” Her face was splotchy and her eyes watery, though he didn’t see any tears.
Ten-to-one she was going through some adrenaline letdown right now, too. Which no doubt made it all worse. That shit could fuck you up even when you were used to how it left you feeling drained and shaky, by how all the stress you’d suppressed during the height of the crisis boomeranged twice over after the fact.
He came into the room, closed the door, and turned the lock for good measure. And then he crossed to Kat, scooped his arms under her knees and behind her back and lifted her up against him.
She smacked his chest. “Put me down.”
“No.” He moved to the edge of the bed.
“I don’t need this right now, Beckett. Put me down.”
“Yes, you do,” he said, sitting on the edge of the mattress. He pulled her face in against his throat and smoothed her hair back from her cheek. She trembled against him, just the littlest bit, her skin hot to the touch. He pressed a kiss to her forehead and hugged her tighter. “You did good, kid.”
Every one of her muscles went tight. Her hand fisted in his shirt. And her breath caught as she buried her face against his neck and shoulder.
Then Kat burst out crying.
And it was like being torn apart and put back together, all at once. He hated her pain, but he adored that she wasn’t hiding herself from him, and that she was letting him be there for her.
He didn’t shush her, or try to talk her down, or encourage her to dry her eyes. To be sure, her tears were like daggers in his heart—they hurt like fucking hell. But the only way she was going to feel better was to let this shit out. Ironic realization for him—he did actually see that. But just because you could see what was good for others didn’t mean you had the first goddamned idea how to apply those principles in your own life. And that was a problem for another time anyway.
What mattered right now was Kat. What mattered … was Kat.


Hard Ink Series Trailer:
About HARD TO LET GO: Beckett Murda hates to dwell on the past. But his investigation into the ambush that killed half his Special Forces team and ended his Army career gives him little choice. Just when his team learns how powerful their enemies are, hard-ass Beckett encounters his biggest complication yet—a seductive, feisty Katherine Rixey. A tough, stubborn prosecutor, Kat visits her brothers’ Hard Ink Tattoo shop following a bad break-up—and finds herself staring down the barrel of a stranger’s gun. Beckett is hard-bodied and sexy as hell, but he’s also the most infuriating man ever. Worse, Kat’s brothers are at war with the criminals her office is investigating. When Kat joins the fight, she lands straight in Beckett’s sights . . . and in his arms. Not to mention their enemies’ crosshairs. Now Beckett and Kat must set aside their differences to work together, because the only thing sweeter than justice is finding love and never letting go.     HTLG Reviews Tease Praise for HARD TO LET GO: “Kaye wraps up her bestselling series with this action-packed story, highlighting her talent for alpha military heroes, hot romance, and an ensemble cast of characters who are unique and engaging. A super sexy, high-octane romantic suspense novel that concludes the popular Hard Ink series in a completely satisfying way.” ~Kirkus Reviews “TOP PICK! Kaye brings her Hard Ink series to a spectacular conclusion that successfully wraps up the overarching mystery and brings closure to her compelling characters. Kaye really nails it with this awesome book and series!” ~RT Book Reviews “HARD TO LET GO will blow you away! Anyone who has been following Laura Kaye’s fantastic Hard Ink series will expect something great for the last book in the series, and to say HARD TO LET GO does not disappoint would be the understatement of the year! Ms. Kaye writes sex scenes like it’s nobody’s business, and the blistering chemistry between Kat and Becket will leave you panting and begging for more! If you expected world-class action in HARD TO LET GO, think again and multiply that by ten! HARD TO LET GO has to be the most explosive conclusion to a series ever! Do not miss it at any cost!” ~Fresh Fiction And don’t miss the other Hard Ink books, now available:

HARD TO BE GOOD

  Praise for the Hard Ink Series: "TOP PICK! If you're looking for danger, gritty action, and sizzling passion, then Kaye has just the book and the series for you." ~RT Book Reviews Magazine   HTLG Available Now     Author PhotoAbout Laura Kaye: Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty books in contemporary and paranormal romance and romantic suspense. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.        

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Happy Reading!!
Melissa

RELEASE DAY BLITZ: Hard to Let Go (Part 1)

HTLG RWB banner

 

We are so excited to bring you the Release Week Blitz for Laura Kaye's HARD TO LET GO! HARD TO LET GO is the 4th novel in Laura's Hard Ink Series, published by Avon Romance. Grab your copy of this sexy, suspenseful book today!!

  Hard to Let Go - cover

Amazon | B&N | iBooks| Kobo

Hard to Let Go on Goodreads

It is the 4th book in the series called Hard Ink.   Here are the other books in this series: 
Book #1- HARD AS IT GETS 
Hard as It gets

Book #2- HARD AS YOU CAN
Hard as You Can
Book #2.5- HARD TO HOLD ON TO
Hard To Hold On To
Book #3- HARD TO COME BY
Hard To Come By Cover
Book #3.5- HARD TO BE GOOD
Hard to Be Good - Cover


Author Photo
About Laura Kaye: Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty books in contemporary and paranormal romance and romantic suspense. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.        

Website | Facebook |Twitter | Newsletter SignUp

 
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Later today I will post an excerpt of Hard to Let Go.

Happy Reading!!
Melissa

Monday, June 29, 2015

Review: SEAL's Code

For this review, I chose SEAL's Code: Bad Boys of SEAL Team 3: Book #10 by Sharon Hamilton, which is my second book I have read by this author.  This book comes out tomorrow, June 30. 

I received a copy of the ebook for a honest review of this book.

Here is a brief description from Goodreads:
Danny Begay has tried to drive out the voices of his ancestors for most of his young life, but the life springing from his Navajo roots will not die. Summoned back to visit his dying grandfather, one of the original Navajo Code Talkers. Ashamed he has disappointed his hero grandfather he buries himself one more time in the arms of a stranger before he goes back to his home in Northern California.

Luci Tohe teaches at the reservation school, safeguarding the health of her ailing mother and little sister’s future, at the temporary expense of her own. She doesn’t expect the young Dine warrior she meets to be anything but a distraction from her loneliness. She knows she will dream about their hot encounter for years.

Danny cleans his life up, joins the Navy and becomes a SEAL, where he becomes the man he knew he was destined to become. Between deployments, he goes back visit the girl he cannot get out of his mind. The reservation has become a dangerous place for Luci’s family and soon Danny is embroiled in not only saving Luci, but her whole family as well.
 


Another great book by Sharon Hamilton!!  I love reading about Navy SEALs.  It is in my top 4 (Firemen, Marines, Cowboys).  I was a little bit confused in the beginning of the book, but I understood why after a chapter or 2.  In Book #1, we had the main character already being a SEAL in the beginning, but in this book, Danny had to go through some growing up to do and then, he decided to get his life together and being a SEAL was just what he needed.  

In this book, we got a lot.  
Seals!!!
Mystery
Suspense
Hot Sex
Action
Great Chemistry
Action


Luci is my favorite character.  Luci is a strong woman and would do anything for her family.  Her sister, Sarah, is everything to her and will protect her.   She meets Danny because she is lonely.  Danny has denied his heritage and refused to listen to the voices of his ancestors, but when he needed them, there they were.  

There are 2 things about this book that stood out for me.  I don't remember reading a book about the Native American heritage and it was nice to read about.  The other thing is that this SEAL was not a SEAL in the beginning of the book.  


☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Would I recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Would I read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!
Melissa 
Review coming next: Fallen Seal Legacy by Sharon Hamilton

FTC Disclosure: The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company has provided me with a copy of this book for review or I have purchased the book with my own funds.  The opinion I share about the story are mine and have not been influenced by the The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company if received for review.




Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Review: Burning Seduction

For this review, I chose Burning Seduction by Vella Day.  This is the 5th book of the Montana Promises series.  
Book #1- Promises of Mercy
Book #2- Foundation for Three
Book #3- Montana Fire
Book #4- Hart to Hart

I received a copy of the ebook for a honest review of this book.

Here is a brief description from Goodreads:
Ever since Rock Hard Detective, Trent Lawson, was assigned to keep Charlotte Hart safe a few months back, he hasn’t been able to stop thinking about the sexy and headstrong woman. When Charlotte moves to Rock Hard, he boosts his effort to seal his heart. His job means everything to him. Too bad, passion flares the moment he sees her again.

After Charlotte’s shooting incident, she’s desired Trent. He’s everything she’s dreamed of in a man. Determined to have a future with him, she sets out to seduce him, but before she has the chance, a man is murdered, and she’s caught in the middle.

Intrigue and danger come between the new lovers, and Trent’s convinced being with him could put her in peril. What does she need to do to convince him they belong together no matter what?
 

I love going to Rock Hard, Montana.  It is like going home to visit dear friends.  I have only read book #4, Hart to Hart, but it was great to see Charlotte and Trent get their own book.  I do want to read books #1-3. 

I love that this book had so much.
Mystery
Romance
Hot Sex
Murder
Passion
Heart ache
Intrigue
Action

My favorite character is Charlotte.  She is a strong woman, who follows her heart.  She goes after what she wants and nothing gets in her way.  Charlotte wanted Trent and she planned to seduce him.  Oh my, those scenes were the best!! (You have to read this book for more information!!)

The chemistry between Trent and Charlotte was very hot and passionate.  I think when you feel passion like that you need to grab it and never let go. Both of you will have fears, but you need to work through those fears to realize what is the most important thing- each other together.

I really hope that Vella Day will have another book in this series.  Ok, more than one!  I love how she had me guessing who murdered and why.  I love that this book had mystery and romance in it.

☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Would I recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Would I read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!
Melissa 
Review coming next: SEAL's Code by Sharon Hamilton

FTC Disclosure: The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company has provided me with a copy of this book for review or I have purchased the book with my own funds.  The opinion I share about the story are mine and have not been influenced by the The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company if received for review.

Monday, June 22, 2015

Review: The Inheritance

For this review, I chose The Inheritance by Morgan K. Wyatt, which is my first book by this author.

I received a copy of the ebook for a honest review of this book.

Here is a brief description from Goodreads:
Melody’s work as a hospice nurse both gives her life purpose and rips her heart out when her patients die. Her latest client left her his lakeside home. After years of living in foster homes, Melody seizes the opportunity for a real home. 

Her happy residence comes to an abrupt halt when her benefactor’s missing nephew, Levi, shows up. A bomb shattered his leg and life, which left him in need of a safe place to figure out the rest of his life. The will leaves the house to both of them, but only if they cohabit for a year. Otherwise, the house goes to a third party. 

Melody detests Levi for never writing or visiting his dying uncle. Levi considers Melody little more than a gold digger similar to his ex-wife. There’s no way he’ll let her have his inheritance.

This book was very emotional.  It had me crying, laughing, and being grateful for my life with my family and husband.  Levi and Melody are very strong likable characters. 

Melody has trust and self esteem issues.  She was in foster care.  Levi lost his parents and was sent to live with his Uncle Roy.  This is a believable story.  Uncle Roy set up his will the way he did on purpose.  There are 2 reasons, but you will need to find out by reading this book.

My favorite part of the book was the end of it.  It was very romantic.


☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Would I recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Would I read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!
Melissa 
Review coming next: Burning Seduction by Vella Day

FTC Disclosure: The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company has provided me with a copy of this book for review or I have purchased the book with my own funds.  The opinion I share about the story are mine and have not been influenced by the The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company if received for review.

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Review: Rewind

For this review, I chose Rewind: Book 2 Immortality (The Van Burens 2) by Katie St. Claire.  I have read book #1, Second Hand Stops and I want to read Book #3.

I received a copy of the ebook for a honest review of this book.

Here is a brief description from Goodreads:
Julia Malone is on a collision course with hidden family secrets, lost loves, unexpected twists of fate, and abilities that are sure to change the game as Van Buren Industries goes full steam ahead with their plans to launch Immortality. This is book II in The Van Buren Series.


I really loved book #1, Second Hand Stops, so I needed to read this book to have my questions answered.  Again this  is not in my normal range of what I read, but I liked the description.   I like to read whatever I can get my hands on.  

Julia is so full of spirit and full of questions for those around her.  She is definitely curious.  Julia wants to know who she is, why a man left her at Lillian's doorstep, and does she have any family? What she is about to learn is a lot more than a person should learn.  It is WOW!

I have had some of my questions answered, but now I have even more questions.  I hope my questions are answered in Book #3, which I can not wait to read.

☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Would I recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Would I read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!
Melissa 
Review coming next: The Inheritance by Morgan K. Wyatt

FTC Disclosure: The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company has provided me with a copy of this book for review or I have purchased the book with my own funds.  The opinion I share about the story are mine and have not been influenced by the The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company if received for review.

Friday, June 19, 2015

Review: Pete Sebastian, Coach

For this review, I chose Pete Sebastian, Coach by Jean C. Joachim.  This is in the First & Ten Series.  This is book #3 in this series.  Book #1 is Griff Montgomery, Quarterback.  Book #2 is Buddy Carruthers, Wide Receiver, which I have read and reviewed.  I must read book #1. 

I received a copy of the ebook for a honest review of this book.

Here is a brief description from Goodreads:
Pete Sebastian, Coach Bass to his team, thought he had his life under control until smart, alluring Jo Parker sashayed into a front office job with the Connecticut Kings. He locks horns with the beautiful female when she implements new ideas to clean-up the team’s rep. Was she there just to push him around or was she the one woman he’s been seeking?

Struggling toward success in the man’s-man world of the NFL, Jo Parker has relied on her brains and determination to get ahead. But her new job at the Kings has one hurdle she hadn’t counted on – a sexy coach standing in her way. How can she kept her mind on her job when all she wants is to get closer, much closer, to the coach?

Can Coach Bass handle a woman in the boardroom and bedroom? Can he keep his heart safe or will the revelation of a secret destroy his dreams, leaving him alone once more?
 


Another Touchdown by Jean C. Joachim!!  I loved this book a lot. Pete acts like his is this big man, who doesn't want anyone to know what he is feeling, but deep inside him he's a teddy bear especially when it comes to his twin daughters. 

We see drama, conflicts, love, PR events, and more.  Pete and Jo had this undeniable chemistry that they couldn't fight. Jo didn't want anyone in the office or team to know about them at first.  It isn't what others say that is important. It's how you can for one another is important. 

Loved that Domestic violence and anger management was written into this book. I hope to see this in a book or 2 again. 

I can not wait to read book #1 and any other books in this series. 

☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Would I recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Would I read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!
Melissa 
Review coming next: Rewind: Book 2 Immortality (The Van Burens 2) by Katie St. Claire

FTC Disclosure: The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company has provided me with a copy of this book for review or I have purchased the book with my own funds.  The opinion I share about the story are mine and have not been influenced by the The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company if received for review.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Review: Jackson: The Sons of Dusty Walker

For this review, I chose Jackson: The Sons of Dusty Walker (The Sons of Dusty Walker Book #2) by Randi Alexander, which is my first book by this author.  The Sons of Dusty Walker is a 4 book series about each of Dusty's sons, but each one written by a different author.
Book #1- Dylan - Jodi Redford
Book #3- Kilian - Desiree Hart
Book #4- Rogue - Sable Hunter

I received a copy of the ebook for a honest review of this book.

Here is a brief description from Goodreads:
When rodeo bronc rider Jackson Walker’s father passes away, he’s shocked to find he’s not the only son of Dusty Walker. His dad had three other families at compass points around the country. When a stipulation in Dusty’s will requires him to live in his dad’s house and work at his company for one week, Jackson heads to Red Creek, Kansas to get it over with, so he can get the hell back to his regularly scheduled life. 

Computer engineer Rori Hughes needs to solidify her position in Dusty’s company, but the only one of his four sons available is Jackson, and Rori has a mighty low opinion of rodeo cowboys. Finding inconsistencies in the computer files, Rori and Jackson work together to solve the mystery, but their constant contact fires a red-hot desire that burns wild between them. 

Spending their days at Dusty’s opulent lakeside home, and their nights together making love, they both ignore the warning signs that point to their attraction becoming more than merely sexual. Jackson’s time in Red Creek is coming to an end, but can he follow his original plan and leave town, breaking away from smart, beautiful, sexy Rori?

I really enjoyed this book.  I have not read the first book in this series or any other besides this one, but I do plan to.  I want to know more about each of Dusty's sons.

Jackson found out that his dad had 3 other sons to 3 different woman in different states.  He has brothers that he never knew about.  His dad died and he has to go to Red Creek, Kansas for the reading of the will.  That is definitely a lot to take in.  What is his brothers like?  Are they like him?  Do they all look alike or like his dad?  Why didn't they know about one another?

Rori is adorable when she is with Jackson, but will Jackson want to stay put? Will he move on?  They both have this chemistry that they can not explain.  Will Rori be able to give Jackson up when he leaves?  Will Jackson want to leave Rori behind?  Read to find out!!

I will be reading the other books in this series.  If you have the Kindle Unlimited, these 4 books are a part of that (at the time of me writing this up).

☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Would I recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Would I read more from this author? Yes! This series? Yes!

Happy Reading!
Melissa 
Review coming next: Pete Sebastian, Coach by Jean C. Joachim

FTC Disclosure: The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company has provided me with a copy of this book for review or I have purchased the book with my own funds.  The opinion I share about the story are mine and have not been influenced by the The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company if received for review.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Review: Yours All Along

For this review, I chose Yours All Along by Roni Loren, which is my first book, but it won't be my only book from this author.

I received a copy of the ebook for a honest review of this book.

Here is a brief description from Goodreads:
The new Loving on the Edge romance from the New York Times bestselling author of Nothing Between Us turns on the heat between two men who wonder how much they’re willing to risk in the name of love.

Four years after an accident tore their friendship apart, Hunter and Devon are living separate lives. Hunter is now the all-America hero—a congressman’s son and a pro pitcher in Houston preparing to marry his beauty-queen girlfriend. Devon is in Dallas running a new restaurant. 

But when Hunter unexpectedly shows up in Devon’s bar, Devon can’t turn him away. Damn it if the man isn’t still gorgeous. But engaged? Hell no. All he’s doing for Devon is bringing back memories of their college-roommate days, and the night their relationship went too far. Turns out Hunter has never forgotten it either.

Now Devon can’t help but be drawn in all over again by the only guy who’s ever gotten close enough to break his heart. Maybe one more night together would be enough for both of them to finally move on. Or maybe one night will change everything…

Hunter and Devon are in the same frat in college and they were also roommates.  Hunter did not know what his feeling were all about.  He was afraid of what his controlling father would do to him.  

I love the story line between Hunter and Devon.  Add in a fiancee to the mix.  What will Hunter choose Devon or his fiancee?  The life his dad wants or the life he wants?

I am surprised Hunter did not fight his dad more once he had his own career.  His dad was rude.  It was more than rude.  It was controlling, abusive, and more.

Now this is my first m/m genre.  If you like m/m genre, then you must read this book!

☆☆☆☆
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
Would I recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Would I read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!
Melissa 
Review coming next: Jackson: The Sons of Dusty Walker by Randi Alexander

FTC Disclosure: The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company has provided me with a copy of this book for review or I have purchased the book with my own funds.  The opinion I share about the story are mine and have not been influenced by the The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company if received for review.

Monday, June 15, 2015

Review: Butterfly Child

For this review, I chose Butterfly Child by Silvia Corradin.

I received a copy of the ebook for a honest review of this book.

Here is a brief description from Goodreads:
Butterfly Child is the story of a mother’s journey through grief and incredible challenges. From the stillbirth at full term of her first baby, followed by a miscarriage, to the birth of her son Nicky, diagnosed with Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa, a rare skin blistering disorder that requires extensive wound care and is considered life threatening. Challenges include Insurance Companies refusal to cover the most basic needs for any EB patient to Silvia’s trying to make sense of her situation, from a divorce to a remarriage and another scary pregnancy. Her youngest son, Connor, is 100% healthy and she never, ever, takes it for granted. 

This book is full with so much love for her child.  Silvia would move mountains for Nicky not to live in pain every day.  Add in her own heart ache.  Losing a child at term.  Then, a miscarriage.  Silvia finally had a child to love and to be the mother she always knew was in herself, but now she had to rethink how her future would be with a child with special needs.  Most of us never heard of EB, Epidermolysis Bullosa, until we hear about someone with it or we see something on social media like Facebook.  I learned about EB years ago when I joined a group that Silvia was in.  I later learned about her son and I wanted to know more.

A favorite quote of my was "How well we (Silvia and Nick) were dealing with this", which was said to Silvia by a nurse.  Well, how else were they to deal with this? When life throws you a curve ball, you move in a different direction.  That is what they had to do.  In order to keep Nicky healthy, they had to do everything in their power.

I can not believe the insurances issues that Silvia was having.  I believe that the bandages are keeping Nicky healthy.  Why can't an insurance company see that?  I know why, but I can't say it.  It is like denying needles or insulin for those with diabetes.  I do have a couple stories about a friend with diabetes, but he always gets what he needs to treat diabetes.  

I do believe when Silvia said that this experience made her more forgiving and understanding and a little kinder.  I also believe that Silvia was meant to be a mother to a child with EB.  Think about it.  Back when Nicky was diagnosed, she could not find much information.  Silvia created a website to educate others on EB.  In the process, other EB families found her and she was no longer alone.  Now this book.  It will help some many families who get those words told to them about their child.  You know the words I am thinking about.  "Your child has Epidermolysis Bullosa"  and most parents would probably be saying "What?"  These parents would search the internet like Silvia did, but this time they would find good information.

Are you thinking should I read this book?  My answer is yes!  It is emotional, but it is a mother's journey of everything she has been through with a child with a rare fatal disease.  Now, if you are a mother to a special needs child, then I think you will see yourself in Silvia here and there.  I know I did.  I am a mother to a special needs child.  No, my daughter does not have EB, but her disease is rare.  I will not get into this here, but another post about special needs children soon.  It is also about a strong admirable woman, who learns her way to who she is today.  Without all of these struggles, who would we all be? 

My opinions of this book is my.  It is hard to keep my reviewer half away from my special needs mom half.  I am the same.  I see so many things that Silvia wrote that I could have written.  The isolation.  The no help from family and friends.  How Silvia grew up (I went to a Catholic School from Kindergarten to 8th grade).  The one thing I know more than anything is mourning that perfect little baby you dreamed about.  It took me awhile to get over my anger and to find the good in my life.  Yes, I had a child with a rare disease, but she was so happy.  It was hard not to see it in her.


☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Would I recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Would I read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!
Melissa 
Review coming next: Yours All Along by Roni Loren

FTC Disclosure: The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company has provided me with a copy of this book for review or I have purchased the book with my own funds.  The opinion I share about the story are mine and have not been influenced by the The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company if received for review.

Upcoming Giveaway

I want to do a giveaway.  I have been thinking about this for awhile now.  I am not sure what ebook or if I will do a gift card from Amazon for a certain amount yet.  We will have the giveaway once I hit 25 followers with Google Friend Connect.   Then, I would love to do another giveaway at 50 in a few months.

To join my blog, scroll down a little bit and find the photo below.  Click where it says Join this site.  Then, finish what Google tells you.


Comment below and tell me what ebook you want or a gift card for Amazon.   Happy Reading!!
Melissa

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Thursday's Thought: Butterfly Child

I wanted to get this out as soon as I finished it, but forgot to post it this past Thursday.  My daughter just finished school that day and I forgot.

I wanted to talk a little bit about a book that I think needs to be highlighted.   The book I am talking about is called Butterfly Child by Silvia Corradin.  

It is about Silvia's son, Nicky, who has Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa, which is "a rare skin blistering disorder that requires extensive wound care and is considered life threatening" (from Goodreads description).  

Here is a photo of Nicky with the Butterfly Child book.

I firmly believe that we need to learn as much as we can when it comes to rare diseases such as EB.  There is so much out there on diseases like Diabetes, Heart Disease, Breast Cancer, but these rare diseases are not that well known.  I know I did not hear about EB until many years ago when I met Silvia in group we were both in. When I learned about her son, I knew I had to know more.  My daughter was diagnosed with a rare disease, too.  I may not understand everything that Silvia was going through, but I understand a lot.

Here is Nicky when he was 2 1/2 years old.  Think about you being a parenting a child with a rare disease.  How would you feel if he or she lives in pain every day?  You would do everything there is and more.  That has been Silvia's mission in life.  To get information about EB out there, to help find a cure for her son.  About this time in Nicky's life Silvia began taking photos of Nicky's blisters.  She did this as a way to explain how awful this disease it.  Silvia had people compare these blisters to severe eczema.  I believe there is nothing worse that these blisters.  Think about a time where you had 4 or more minor blisters on your foot.  Then, think what it would be like it 2 of those minor blisters were like Nicky's.  How would you handle that?  Now think of you being a child.  A child who lives in pain every day.  

Nicky is almost 8 years old here.

We need to stop judging those around us.  Everyone goes through a struggle sometime in their life, but maybe that struggle did not last long.  Think of Nicky, who lives every day with this.  Please be kind to kids like Nicky or any kids with a special needs.

To learn more about Nicky, Silvia and her wonderful book, Butterfly Child: A Mother's Journey, please click: HERE for her website.

Happy Reading!
Melissa


All of these photos are being posted with the permission of the owner, Silvia Corradin.

Review: Redemption

For this review, I chose  Redemption (Heaven on Earth book #2) by Reana Malori.  I have read the first book in this series, Escape on Heaven, which I loved.  I love how we met Ethan in Book #1.  He is a protector of Adele and still is.  Now Ethan thinks he met a woman he wants to get to know better.

I received a copy of the ebook for a honest review of this book.

Here is a brief description from Goodreads:
Ethan Dickerson had experienced tragedy in his life. That one event changed him forever and the course of his life was set. He was a protector. His mission was to protect those who could not protect themselves. Becoming a Navy SEAL was the obvious choice for him and he was damn good at his job. 

Vanessa Baldwin was a widow with a young son. Her husband taken from her while serving his country in a desert so far away. Her heart was set against ever falling in love with another man who risked his life on a regular basis. Someone who could be taken away from her in the blink of an eye. 

Two scarred people trying to find their way in this world, find each other. As soon as he lays eyes on Vanessa, Ethan knows there is something special about the single mother. He is a man on a mission and his goal is Vanessa’s heart. A lifetime of loving her is the only option he’s willing to accept. 

It’s time for Ethan to find his Redemption.

Once again, I fell in love with all of the characters in this book.  The tragedy that Ethan has gone through is so sad, but you will have to read it to find out.  Very emotional.  Then, Vanessa has her own tragedy.  Can they find their way together?  Will Vanessa put all of her fear behind her and enjoy what they could have together?  

In my review from Escape to Heaven (Book #1), I said that I would really love to see the 5 men- Ethan, Tyler, Tony, Daniel, and Noah- to have a book of their own.  I knew there was a Book #2, but did not read the description.  Now I need to say this.  I hope the other 4 men- Tyler, Tony, Daniel, and Noah-get their own books.  I will definitely read those.  I love how this family come together.  It is not about blood, but the love for one another and protecting those you love.

Vanessa and Ethan has this attraction that either of them could fight.  Vanessa was questioning how one could find true love so fast.  I do believe that you can find true love fast.  I did.  I also think when 2 fall together so well that everything fits together like a puzzle then why fight it?  I do understand why Vanessa was questioning things.  She lost her husband while he was serving his country.  How could Vanessa take another chance on love with a military man?  She is afraid of losing him, but this time her son is old enough to ask those questions.

Loved this book a lot.  I can not wait to read any books on the 4 other "brothers" of Adele and Ethan if there are more books.


☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Would I recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Would I read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!
Melissa 
Review coming next: Butterfly Child by Silvia Corradin

FTC Disclosure: The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company has provided me with a copy of this book for review or I have purchased the book with my own funds.  The opinion I share about the story are mine and have not been influenced by the The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company if received for review.

Friday, June 12, 2015

Review: Second Chances

For this review, I chose Second Chances by Kristi Rose.  This is in a series called A Coming Home Short Story and is book #1.  Book #2 is called Once Again.  Reason to Stay is Book #3 and He's The One is Book #4.

I received a copy of the ebook for a honest review of this book.

Here is a brief description from Goodreads:
Fourteen years earlier Lorelei Parker gave her innocence and heart to her best friend, Cole Williams, but instead of a forever love she ended up heartbroken and losing him. After a long absences Cole, now a local football hero, has returned to his hometown hoping to garner Lorelei's forgiveness. For them absences has not made the heart fonder but the divide greater. The unresolved manner in which their relationship ended makes healing and moving forward seem insurmountable. If they can put their past behind them, Lorelei and Cole may find a second chance at a future together. 

This was a very good read for a short story.  Lorelei Parker has been living in her hometown for years.  Now that the love of her life is back in town, she starts questioning some things.  (Read to find out).   

Lorelei is so mad at Cole, but we do not know why at first.  What happened that has her so mad at him?  Does she have a good reason? (I think so)  Now you know I am not going to tell you what, who, when, how, etc.  Read the book!!  They both seem to want each other, but things from their past is stopping them.

There is no cliffhanger.  I had an issue with the end of the book and the epilogue.  Us readers are missing (to me) details.  I am not going to get into because I want you to read this book.  I don't want to give anything away.  

☆☆☆☆
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
Would I recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Would I read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!
Melissa 
Review coming next:  Redemption by Reana Malori

FTC Disclosure: The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company has provided me with a copy of this book for review or I have purchased the book with my own funds.  The opinion I share about the story are mine and have not been influenced by the The Publisher/Author/Book Tour Company if received for review.