Heather McCoubrey's Blog

Cassie throws the first punch in a brawl at Winchester Abbey Girl’s School. Her subsequent suspension is a glitch in Cassie’s master plan; Finish School/Get Job/Leave Home (and never come back). As punishment her mother banishes her to Ludlow Park, their creepy ancestral home. In the dark of a stormy night Cassie finds herself transported to 1714, the beginning of the Georgian period. With the help of a lady’s maid and an obnoxious gentleman, Mr Charles Stafford, Cassie must unravel the mysterious illness afflicting Lord Miller. If Lord Miller kicks the bucket the house goes to Reginald Huxley, the brainless cousin from London. Cassie’s task is to figure out who is poisoning the Lord of Ludlow without exposing herself to the ridicule of her peers, getting herself committed to the asylum or worse, married off to the first man who will have her. Cassie must learn to hold her tongue, keep her pride in check and reign in her rebellious nature – because the fate of her entire family, for generations, rests on her shoulders.

Meanwhile, Lady Cassandra Miller frantically searches for her smelling salts or her trusted governess Miss. Blythe, whose soothing advice she would dearly love. Instead Cassandra finds some woman and a boy squatting in the Ludlow mansion; her father, her lady’s maid and all the servants have magically disappeared. Tell-a-vision, the In-her-net, horseless carriages and women wearing pantaloons; Cassandra is afraid that she might have inhaled fowl air causing her to temporarily lose her senses. Only when both girls can get over their pride, societal prejudices and self-importance will they be able to return to their rightful century. Until then, they are free to wreak maximum damage on their respective centuries.

This YA novel, The Wolf Mirror by Caroline Healy, was an interesting read. The idea of the book intrigued me and the author did a pretty good job detailing the differences between present-day and the early 18th century. Cassie and Cassandra were interesting characters - I would have loved more interaction with Lady Cassandra in present-day, as I think the humor level of her trying to fit in would have been worth the extra word count. I do understand the book was about Cassie, and really her issues, but developing Lady Cassandra would have been worth it.

I don't read many YA novels, so I'm not sure how they typically flow, but this novel seemed to skip pertinent information - or assume you already knew something. The author was fond of introducing plot twists and new characters without leading them in, which I found confusing at times.

Overall, I think most of the characters were well-developed and the story was cute and entertaining. I enjoyed the time travel and learning about the early 18th century. I must say, I second Cassie's issue with showing covered ankles! I did enjoy the final chapter as the author wrapped up the story and tied the remaining story lines up. I give this book 3.5 stars.

About the author: Caroline Healy is a writer and community arts facilitator. She recently completed her M.A. in Creative Writing at the Seamus Heaney Centre, Queen’s University. She alternates her time between procrastination and making art.

In 2012 her award winning short story collection A Stitch in Time was published by Doire Press. Fiction and commentary has been featured in publications across Ireland, the U.K. and more recently in the U.S. Caroline’s work can be found in journals such as Wordlegs,The Bohemyth, Short Story Ireland, Short Stop U.K., Five Stop Story, Prole, Literary Orphans and the Irish Writers’ Centre Lonely Voice

Her debut Y.A. novel, Blood Entwines was published by Bloomsbury Spark in August 2014 and she is in the process of writing the second book in the series, Blood Betrayal, as well as a short story collection, The House of Water.

She has a fondness for dark chocolate, cups of tea and winter woollies.

(More details can be found on her website www.carolinehealy.com)

Find Ms. Healy here: Web, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Instagram, Pinterest

The Wolf Mirror

written by Caroline Healy

expected publication February 2017

find it here: (affiliate links) Barnes & Noble, Amazon, iBooks, Goodreads

On the eve of one of mankind's toughest races, accompanied by thirteen of America's rarest dog breed, rookie musher Kyle Walker only has one thought in mind: win. Discovered in the lowlands of South Carolina, the Carolina grays have traveled over five thousand miles to face off in the 2003 Yukon Quest. But one dog stands above the rest—King.

When an unexpected storm strikes, Kyle Walker and the reigning champion are forced to turn back. Stranded at the checkpoint, Kyle and his dogs find solace in a young veterinarian with auburn hair and keen green eyes—Jenna Maynor.

In this storm another race is forming, one of an Inuit man racing to save his family. Presented with the choice to help, but at the risk of his and his dogs’ lives, Kyle Walker ventures into the unknown in search of a mom and two young daughters.

The Yukon Quest was founded on the premise that a dog driver and his team should be a self-sufficient unit capable of challenging varied terrain and severe weather. But these conditions may prove to be too much, even for Kyle and King.

Wow! I was hooked from the first page of this really fabulous book. The writing was clear and I felt as if I was actually there with Kyle the entire way through the book. I could feel the softness of the dogs' fur beneath my fingers, feel the tension between Kyle and Jenna, feel the chill of the wintry Alaskan air...

This was a different type of book for me, but one that I enjoyed immensely. I've been intrigued by the dog sled races for a few years now and I really liked how this book took you deep inside the intricate issues associated with the racing. Even the care of the dogs was fascinating - it makes sense that they'd need the extra TLC, but to delve into exactly what kind of care they get pre-race and during each checkpoint was very neat. The budding romance between Kyle and Jenna was fun to witness and I hope there's more to their affair in the next book. I was on the edge of my seat during Kyle's search for the mother and daughters and stayed up late to find out what happened with Faith.

This is definitely a story that will stay with you long after you've read the last page...and luckily this is a series so you don't have to go through story withdrawals for long. I've just picked up Hope in Every Raindrop (book two in the Faith, Hope and Love series) and am eager to continue reading Kyle and King's story.

About the author: Wesley Banks was born in 1983 and grew up on the west coast of Florida. He graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Civil Engineering. After spending over 7 years building movable bridges from Florida to Washington he decided to focus on his true passion: writing.

Wesley recently moved from Florida to Oregon to get back to the great outdoors that he loves so much. He lives with his wife Lindsey, and his two dogs Linkin and Story. Most of his time these days is spent writing, with as much rock climbing, hiking, or skiing as he can fit in.

Find Mr. Banks here: web, blog, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest, Instagram

Faith in Every Footstep

written by Wesley Banks

published by Chasing Pace Publishing, 2016

find it here: (affiliate links) Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Goodreads

2016 was complicated: I had a 1-year old running around, I lost my writing mojo, I got frustrated with the industry. I just wanted to curl up in a ball and quit. And I suppose you could say I did that. From July until November 1, I did exactly that. I stopped writing, I stopped marketing, I stopped everything. But then my husband said something to me: "What's your definition of success?" I took it a step further and asked myself if my definition had to be the same as everyone else's?

So on November 1st, I began my sixth year of NaNoWriMo, and added 35,000 words to my current work-in-progress, True Love's Revenge. It was the first time in three years that I hadn't won, but I sure had more words at the end of the month than I did at the beginning. For me, NaNoWriMo this year wasn't so much about winning as it was about getting myself back into the habit of writing, finding my muse, and trying to work around a busy and precocious toddler.

With a brand new year at my feet, I feel like I have a renewed energy and purpose. What is my definition of success? Writing, Entertaining, Publishing MY books on MY terms. Writing is my creative outlet - it's something I need to do because the stories and characters that live in my head won't leave me alone otherwise. So I craft these stories and they entertain the masses. I'm grateful that people enjoy my stories and I hope with time, more people will get to enjoy them. So I've lowered my expectations - no, not lowered - I've adjusted my expectations. I'm not in this to get rich (though that would be nice!) or to be famous - I'm in this to create stories that resonate with my fans and to entertain them - to hopefully give them an escape for a time. I think that's a pretty good goal.

So with all that in mind, I've been thinking over the past month about what I would like to accomplish in 2017. So, here in no particular order, are some goals I have for the year:

1. Publish. I have two projects that are on the front burner. True Love's Revenge and the romantic suspense trilogy Harper's Fear, Josh's Will and Hannah's Truth. I have a tentative plan to get the first out by the beginning of the summer and the trilogy out toward the end of the year...but I'm not going to push it. They both need some serious work and I want to put out the best story I can, so I'm not going to rush.

2. Read and Review. 2016 brought a new challenge as I signed up to be a reviewer for Every Free Chance Reader. I still review Indie books on my site and I do blog tour reviews, as well. But I like to read all books and reviewing is important there too. For the authors and the readers. So I want to read, read, read this year.

3. Write More in Free Time. Now that Scrivener is available for iPhones and iPads, I can take my writing everywhere! I used to use EverNote and Scrivener, and toward the end of a novel it got bulky. I had to make sure I had everything in both places. Now I just have to make sure I have it in ONE place, which is a relief. I have access to my entire novel at the tip of my fingers. So now while I'm waiting on the littles during ballet, tae-kwon-do and whatever else they're up to, I can be writing.

4. Work on Mary's Stories. I've gotten away from Mary in the past year and if I'm ever going to write her story, I need to get back to writing her life.

5. Publish Littles' Work. My littles write great stories and they've been begging me to publish their work. It's not ready for Amazon or Apple or Barnes & Noble, but those free-reader sites would be perfect.

6. Marketing. It's pretty far down on my list because I don't have the skills. It takes up valuable writing time and since I don't really know what I'm doing, it takes far longer than it probably should. So I'll sign up for book signings, I'll call the local paper and see if I can get a story in there, maybe even call the local morning show and see if I can get on there too. And I'll keep up with my favorite social media stuff...as long as it doesn't interfere with my writing.

7. Participate in Writing Groups. I'm a member of Romance Writers of America (RWA) and through them I've found a couple of groups that I've joined but stayed on the outer circle. It's a confidence issue, plus a time issue - but I know these groups will be useful - for networking, knowledge and friendship - so I plan to make more of an effort to participate.

8. Newsletter. I have one and I plan to send one out every month this year. I'd also like to grow the newsletter, so that'll require some research. I want to be able to reward my newsletter readers and give them special treats like bonus chapters, deleted scenes, gifts, and more.

9. Contests. I've gotten away from entering the free writing contests and I really want to get back into those this year. The First Line is my favorite and I plan to do that one this year. The first story is due Feb 1st - 3000 words or less. And all the stories submitted have the same first line. I also like Writer's Digest Your Story Competition. Sometimes they utilize a first line and sometimes its a picture.

I think that about covers it. I'm feeling positive about my goals and I think with a new frame of mind, adjusted expectations and the goals written down in black and white, it's going to be a great and productive year.

What are your plans for the new year?

Happy New Year!

~Heather xoxo

I read a lot of books this year. While not as many as I'd hoped, I managed 49 books. I have narrowed it down to six books and one series.

2016 was the year of the series for me. I read a total of seven series in various stages - either the entire series, some beginning books or I finished up a series. Personally, I love series. It makes me happy to follow the characters through the phases of their lives. I think I've mentioned before that I'm rather nosey and it's always a curiosity for me to know what happened later. After the happy-ever-after, were they truly happy? Did they have children? Did they buy the house with the white-picket fence? I think some of you would argue that it shatters the illusion - knowing all that. And with some books, I would agree with you. But the majority of books that I read, I want to know more.

Here are my best reads of 2016 in no particular order:

Dying for Rome: Lucretia's Tale by Elisabeth Storrs - This book retells the historic story of the tragic girl whose death inspired the men of Rome to rise up against a tyrant king and establish the Roman Republic. Was she a victim or a champion? A pawn in political schemes or the catalyst for rebellion? In this vivid short story, Lucretia’s character is explored to reveal a tender portrait of a young girl misused by men who transforms into a woman with a passion for justice.

This whole series has captured my imagination and undivided attention. I took Latin in High School and since have been fascinated with Ancient Rome. Dying for Rome: Lucretia’s Tale opens Short Tales of Ancient Rome, a new Elisabeth Storrs’ short story collection investigating the legends and history of Rome from a fresh perspective. I picked up this book while I was waiting for Juno's Call, book three in the Tales of Ancient Rome series, to be released. Storrs' writing instantly grabs your imagination and pulls you under her spell. These books are not ones you can just set down - they will have you forgetting to handle the housework, ignoring your children's homework questions and basically being worthless until the last sentence. They will also have you stalking her Goodreads page for new releases!

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon - In 1945, Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon—when she innocently touches a boulder in one of the ancient stone circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach—an "outlander"—in a Scotland torn by war and raiding border clans in the year of our Lord...1743. Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire's destiny in soon inextricably intertwined with Clan MacKenzie and the forbidden Castle Leoch. She is catapulted without warning into the intrigues of lairds and spies that may threaten her life ...and shatter her heart. For here, James Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, shows her a passion so fierce and a love so absolute that Claire becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire...and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.

I've heard for years that this is a great series but I just never had the time to read the books. Then a friend lent me her copy of the first season of the show and I knew after one episode that I had to read the books. So I put the show on hold, bought the first book and read it on and off for a month. It took me about two weeks to get into the book but once I made it halfway, the book picked up steam and I didn't want to put it down. I had to find out what happened. It is the first book in a super long series and I found some of the scenery scenes and emotional scenes to be repetitive. But the story, the romance, the love, the fantasy of it - it's a great one. One that captured my imagination and my heart and had me reading through three more books in quick succession. I plan to finish the series in 2017.

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins - EVERY DAY THE SAME: Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning and night. Every day she rattles down the track, flashes past a stretch of cozy suburban homes, and stops at the signal that allows her to daily watch the same couple breakfasting on their deck. She’s even started to feel like she knows them. Jess and Jason, she calls them. Their life—as she sees it—is perfect. Not unlike the life she recently lost. UNTIL TODAY: And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. Now everything’s changed. Unable to keep it to herself, Rachel goes to the police. But is she really as unreliable as they say? Soon she is deeply entangled not only in the investigation but in the lives of everyone involved. Has she done more harm than good?

This book surprised me. I was all set to have another Vanishing Year read, but the more I read the more I had to find out what happened. I had an inkling of who the bad guy was, but I was never sure! I was fascinated with the story, with Rachel's struggle with sobriety, with Rachel's struggle in general - her personal story was super intriguing. I really enjoyed reading the knotted relationships and trying to guess how it would all unravel in the end. I'm looking forward to watching the movie now!

Twin Piques by Tracie Banister - Forensic accountant Sloane Tobin and kooky pet psychic Willa may have the same face, but that’s the only thing these identical twins have in common. How she can read the hearts and minds of animals has always been a mystery to Willa, and her rotten luck with men is equally baffling. Although she’s been looking for “The One” for what feels like forever (A teenage marriage to a French mime and dating a guy named Spider seemed like good ideas at the time!), optimistic Willa refuses to give up on love. When she meets Brody, the handsome rose expert hired to save her grandmother’s garden, she’s instantly smitten, but why does he keep sending her mixed signals? Does he return her feelings, or is their attraction all in her fanciful head? Unlike her twin, Sloane has zero interest in romance. Her passion is her job, where she uses her gift for numbers to take down slimy embezzlers and asset-hiding spouses. When she’s assigned two high profile cases, Sloane feels confident the promotion she’s been angling for is within her grasp. But will her plan to climb the corporate ladder be thwarted by difficult clients, her co-worker-with-benefits, or – most surprisingly of all – her own sister? And how’s she supposed to stay focused on the drama at work when her childhood friend, Gav, moves in next door and the spark between them becomes impossible to ignore? To get what they both want, can Willa and Sloane band together and rely on each other’s strengths? Or will their differences drive them apart once and for all?

I've read and reviewed all of Tracie's books and I had a blast reading this one. I sped-read through this book, it was that good. I couldn't put it down and I didn't want to. Sloane (I love that name) and Willa (this one too!) are some of the most relatable characters you've ever "met" and I really enjoyed getting to know them. I would really like to get to know them better with a sequel (hint, hint) but I don't imagine I'll get my wish. This book had the comedic relief, the drama of romance, the swoon-worthy male characters and an interesting plot that made you want to turn the page.

The Family Plot by Brea Brown - Whitney Faelhaber is a strong, independent woman. Just ask her, and she’ll tell you. Over and over again. When her favorite aunt passes away and bequeaths to her what feels like an entire life in Small Town, USA, Whitney’s supposed strength and independence meet their biggest challenge, to date. Leaving her family, a boyfriend, and a budding career in academia, Whitney moves to Morris, Maine, to settle her aunt’s numerous affairs and take up running Velvet Printing, Aunt Vel’s pride and joy. “Culture shock” doesn’t begin to describe Whitney’s intro to Morris. To make things even more uncomfortable, the townsfolk seem intent on matchmaking her with the local oddball, Eric Mulligan. But romance with anyone—much less a socially awkward mortician—is the last thing on Whitney’s agenda. Her goal is to learn everything about her aunt’s business as quickly as possible, so she can return to her “real” life in Boston and oversee things from afar. As Whitney digs through her aunt’s finances, looking for spare change to fund the operational fixes that will allow her to escape back to Boston, she discovers some strange discrepancies with no obvious explanations. But Weirdo Mulligan seems to know more than he’s letting on. And when Whitney finally drags the truth from him, it changes her entire view of the aunt she thought she knew… and the course of her own life.

I haven't read all of Brea Brown's books, but of the ones I've read, this is my favorite. I first read this book as a beta reader (like a screening for a movie) and I fell instantly in love with the characters, the story and the setting. I am a Maine girl, so reading this book was like taking a quick trip home. When I read the final version, I had a serious case of book hangover. It took me at least a week to pick up another book - I was so hung up on these characters and the story. This is another book that I feel needs a sequel or maybe a series, I would really love to know what the rest of Whitney and Eric's story will be. And there are a couple of secondary characters in the story that reached in and stole a piece of my heart and I think it would be so cool to find out the rest of their story too. But I digress - this book will restore your faith in humanity and romance...Whitney & Eric's slow slide into a true and lasting love will leave tears rolling down your cheeks when you're finished.

Out of My League by Brea Brown - Maura Richards has a plan for her life—it involves not having a plan. From biding her time at a long-term temp job to ending relationships before they get too serious, Maura’s only commitment is to being noncommittal. When she meets Jet Knox, the starting quarterback of her beloved hometown football team, she dismisses their encounter as a thrilling brush with celebrity she can drag out at parties for a few years, and nothing more. Jet has other ideas. He’s someone who’s made a living setting—and scoring—goals. Wooing Maura is his latest objective. Everyone in Maura’s life seems to have an opinion on her relationship with the All-Pro QB, but with so many swirling opinions, rumors, and doubts, Maura must rely on the judgment of the very last person she feels she can trust: herself.

Yes, more Brea Brown...but another swoon-worthy effort from one of my favorite authors. This one is about a non-committal woman named Maura and a hunky football quarterback named Jet. Football is one of my favorite sports and you can find me most Sundays in front of the television watching whatever game I can get. Going behind the scenes in this book was something of a treat and a special look at the lives of our favorite players and their significant others. This book is the first in a trilogy - The Underdog Trilogy - and I'm super excited for the next books to be released!

The Titan Series by Cristin Harber - Fall into Cristin Harber’s world. She has three bestselling series: Titan, Only, and Delta. They operate in one “world”, meaning that if you start in one series, you might recognize a passing character in another book! She writes military romance, romantic suspense, new adult, and contemporary romance in all book lengths and in several formats. Her men are all Alpha with a heart of gold. And the female leads are strong, smart and amazing. These books are fast reads, impossible to put down and will have you swooning by page five. You can't go wrong with this steamy series!

And there ya have it - my best reads of 2016. I hope you enjoyed this post and that it gave you some ideas for your own TBR pile.

Happy Reading!

~Heather

Ameriguns

written by Scott King

published by Createspace, 2016

find it here: (affiliate links) Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Book Depository, Goodreads

 
About the book - from Goodreads: After surviving a mass shooting, FBI Agent Nathaniel Ryder is forced to confront his worst fears as AMERIGUNS, a group of lone wolf gunmen, put Washington D.C. under siege. When Ryder’s superiors suspect him of orchestrating the terror, he must go on the run, unable to trust his co-workers or friends. Only he can clear his name and put an end to the killings.

 


About the author: Scott King is a writer, photographer, and educator. He was born in Washington D.C., and raised in Ocean City, Maryland. He received his undergraduate degree in film from Towson University and his M.F.A. in film from American University. “DAD! A Documentary Graphic Novel,” Scott’s first book, was published in Fall ’09. In addition to his writing, he is known for his board game photography, specifically his annual calendar that highlights card and hobby games.

Find Mr. King here: web, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Amazon

 

If you would like to review this book, please email us at efcpromotions@gmail.com.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

-Watcher and Firebird-

written by Orren Merton

published by Darkling Books, 2016

find it here: (affiliate links) Barnes & Noble, Amazon, iBooks, Goodreads, GooglePlay

About the book - from Goodreads:

Firebird Alex didn’t know much about the Nephilim until they assassinated her friend in the United States government, kidnapped the man she considers her uncle, and tried to murder her—twice. Now she's learned that they, and their leader "the Watcher,” will stop at nothing to kill her, everyone she loves, and every Seduman on Earth.

Alex must stop their murderous plans even if it means compromising the heroine she’s become.

About the author:

Orren Merton started writing fantasy and science fiction at an embarrassingly young age. In high school, he picked up guitar and start playing up and down California in a few bands, culminating in his industrial rock band Ember After. During that time, magazines, developers, and corporations began to pay him to write and edit music software related articles, manuals, and books. Since then he has written the urban fantasy novel The Deviant and the science fiction novel Skye Entity before working on The Sedumen Chronicles, his current series of urban fantasy YA novels. He lives in Southern California with his family, pets, collection of sci-fi/fantasy memorabilia, and curiously large stuffed animal collection.

Find Mr. Merton here: Web, Goodreads

Zara James never expected to fall in love, leaving the hopeless romantic lifestyle to her friends. She also never imagined she’d be expecting a baby and married to the one guy she fought so hard to keep at arm’s length. Faced with life’s challenges of insecurities, pregnancy hormones, and the pressures of being a new wife in the burbs of Atlanta, Georgia, Zara tries to master them one cupcake at a time. Well, that is until her world is turned upside down by one accident that could change everything.

Hatcher James knew his smart-mouthed wife was the only woman for him years ago. He just had to figure out the correct formula to make her fall in love with him. Putting together the perfect mixture of intimacy, spice, and frosting might just do the trick, and bring joy to both of their lives.

As Hatcher tries to come up with the right ingredients, will all the hard work end in smoke or will they conquer life’s hurdles together, one tasty treat after another?

Sugary Sweets continues the Taste of Love series as we join the gang for some comical scenes, life challenges, friendship, and most of all, love covered in sugar.

International Bestselling Author, A.M. Willard is a true believer of soul mates, and happy ever afters. She enjoys reading, sailing, and of course writing contemporary romance, and romantic comedy with some saucy scenes. Releasing her first novella of the One Night Series on April 12, 2014, has sent her on a new journey in life.

You can find Sugary Sweets on Amazon, Kobo, and iBooks for .99 for a limited time.

The first book in the series, Frosted Sweets, is FREE on Amazon for a limited time to celebrate the release of Sugary Sweets!

Struck by tragedy at an early age, Meri Palmer escaped into the only world she understood. Within the virtual realm of online gaming, she lived a life filled with mythical creatures and thrilling adventures, where she was strong, powerful, clever, and beautiful—everything she believed she wasn't in real life. As the years went by, her desire to cling to her cherished fantasyland only grew stronger.

But when Meri meets Morgan, equal parts gorgeous and goofball, she begins to wonder if the time has finally come to rejoin the so-called real world. Channeling the bravery of her fairy warrior alter ego, Meri slowly lets Morgan beyond the protective walls she’s built around her heart. Just as she finds a comfortable groove in an uncertain world, Morgan succumbs to insecurities of his own, leaving her lost and confused. Through her battle to regain her equilibrium, Meri will discover that even in reality, things aren’t always what they seem.

Will Meri win the battle raging in her heart and summon the will to rescue her knight in shining armor? Or will she give in to the fear and find her game over?

Glynis Astie is one of my new favorite authors, and I'll tell you why: She is versatile, she is funny and her writing just gets better with each book. I read her debut trilogy (French Twist, French Toast, and French Fry), which was loosely based on her own life and enjoyed the books immensely. I was looking forward to reading Gamer Girl, her fourth novel, and was thrilled (a.k.a. stupid excited!!) when she sent me an aRC. I promised to read it and review it (honestly!) and so here we are.

This was a new twist on the Chick Lit genre and I had fun reading it. I liked the glimpses into the MMORPG gaming world (and as a fan and player of World of Warcraft, I could relate!) and I really enjoyed the differences between Meri's online gaming persona and her real life persona. It was neat to see her become more like her online persona as the book continued.

Meri's grandmother was a hoot - if you like an eccentric grandmother, with a fondness for pinching the hot boyfriend's bum, she's for you. I laughed almost every time she was on the pages - she's the type of character you wish you could meet in real life.

The story was unique and I thought Meri's struggle with trusting and letting go were genuine and well done. Morgan, the hot boyfriend, had his own struggles and I wish there had been more about him throughout the book. I felt like I knew Meri's best friend, Declan, a lot better than Morgan. The supporting cast was as unique as the story (both the real life story and the gaming story) and here's another book where I think the characters will stay with me for a little while.

Glynis is hard at work on her fifth novel and can be found on her website, on Facebook, on Twitter and on Goodreads. Gamer Girl and the French Twist trilogy can be found on Amazon.

As always, thank you for reading my review and for supporting Indie authors!

xoxo

~Heather

Forensic accountant Sloane Tobin and kooky pet psychic Willa may have the same face, but that’s the only thing these identical twins have in common.

How she can read the hearts and minds of animals has always been a mystery to Willa, and her rotten luck with men is equally baffling. Although she’s been looking for “The One” for what feels like forever (A teenage marriage to a French mime and dating a guy named Spider seemed like good ideas at the time!), optimistic Willa refuses to give up on love. When she meets Brody, the handsome rose expert hired to save her grandmother’s garden, she’s instantly smitten, but why does he keep sending her mixed signals? Does he return her feelings, or is their attraction all in her fanciful head?

Unlike her twin, Sloane has zero interest in romance. Her passion is her job, where she uses her gift for numbers to take down slimy embezzlers and asset-hiding spouses. When she’s assigned two high profile cases, Sloane feels confident the promotion she’s been angling for is within her grasp. But will her plan to climb the corporate ladder be thwarted by difficult clients, her co-worker-with-benefits, or – most surprisingly of all – her own sister? And how’s she supposed to stay focused on the drama at work when her childhood friend, Gav, moves in next door and the spark between them becomes impossible to ignore?

To get what they both want, can Willa and Sloane band together and rely on each other’s strengths? Or will their differences drive them apart once and for all?

It took me a long time to read Tracie Banister's latest novel. Published in January of 2015, it's been sitting in my TBR pile, screaming for attention. I loved Tracie's other novels and this one was no different. I only regret not reading it sooner. Tracie's books are always well-researched - so much so, that I wonder how she has the time to write her stories. The careers that she chooses for her characters are never boring - and these two are no different: a forensic accountant and a pet psychic; a rose gardener and a graphic novelist/artist. I learned enough by reading this book, to know exactly how to take care of my roses this fall!

I fell in love with the characters, instantly. Willa, whose optimistic outlook on life made me smile the entire way through the book. Sloane, whose no-nonsense, direct approach to life had me reading her parts quickly just to see what would happen next. I rooted for Gav and Brody throughout the book and honestly felt like slapping Sloane once or twice for being so obtuse. This is what I enjoy most about Tracie's books - her characters. They are well-developed, well-balanced and memorable. They stay with me long after I've finished reading the books. I read this one over a month ago and I'm still thinking about Sloane and Willa and wondering what they're up to now.

Tracie Banister is hard at work on her fourth novel, and you can find her on Twitter, Facebook;and on he Blog! You can find Twin Piques and her other two novels (Blame it on the Fame and In Need of Therapy) on Amazon.

As always, thank you for reading my review and for supporting Indie authors!

xoxo

-Heather

National best-selling author Beth Albright does it again with this new Southern page-turner filled with romantic comedy, emotion, passion and laugh-out-loud humor. Grab your best girlfriends and hang on tight for this hilarious, exciting, sassy, southern tale.

Abigail Harper Cartwright was coming undone. As the promotions director for a Tuscaloosa radio station, a huge upcoming Mother’s Day live event could make or break her career. But at the same time, two former lovers have stumbled back into the picture turning her life upside down.

One old boyfriend – who works for a competing radio station, seems to be out to sabotage everything she does, while another may just be her knight in shining armor. But after being dumped during a very public marriage proposal, he may not be able to give Abby a second chance.

To make matters worse, a nosey neighbor has started an epic turf war and azalea bushes, a stolen mailbox and some front porch graffiti are the result. As event day draws near, the dirty tricks at work get more intense and Abby has to call on her sassy sisters to help get to the bottom of it.

And Abby’s new/old love has another love of his own – a three year old thoroughbred horse whose name holds the secret to some long harbored feelings.It all culminates in some Derby Day and Mother’s Day fireworks that will get your heart pounding and tears flowing.

Beth Albright is the author of the award-winning, best-selling series The Sassy Belles, and the nationally best-selling series In Dixie. After spending nearly 15 years as a talk radio host in talk radio, acting as a principal character on the soap opera, DAYS OF OUR LIVES, owning her own acting school and children’s theater, and raising a son who was a nationally ranked figure skater, Beth returned to her roots; storytelling. “In the south, we are good at stories. We hold them close like fine diamonds, polish them up like precious silver, and we hand them down like a priceless heirloom to our young with the hope that they will tell our stories for us when we are buried beneath the red clay of home.” Except from Southern Exposure, Tales From My Front Porch. (Beth’s Memoirist book of essays.) It’s just what we do down south, pass on our stories,” she says. Though Beth has had a remarkable career, literally from New York City to Hollywood, she has never forgotten where she came from, and what she loves: The Deep South! Beth is also a screenwriter, a voice-over talent for commercials, and a nationally known speaker and emcee. Beth lives with her TV producer husband, award winning promotions and branding executive, Ted Ishler. Her son, graduating with Distinction from Berkeley in the top 10%, is on his way to graduate school in the fall.

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