Guest Post & Book Promo: RARITY FROM THE HOLLOW by Robert Eggleton!

Today we have a guest post from author Robert Eggleton, as well as a promo for his book, Rarity from the Hollow! Rarity has been featured here before, but the book is new and improved, so be sure to check it out below.

Guest Post:

Hi Amanda. Thanks for the opportunity to talk about books that I like and some of my favorite books.

Of Great Appeal – Books, Books, Books

Like a roller coaster ride, a beach vacation, or, well, use your own imagination here, the enjoyment of some books ends once the last page has been read. Other stories, like a lasting love, linger on for days, weeks, maybe for years, consciously or subliminally adding to our enjoyment or understanding of life itself in a much deeper way. Depending on my mood, that’s the books that I like the best, the stories that linger and resurface unexpectedly – books of any genre that have a literary element. 

Are you looking for short-term thrills or true love in literature?

Life can be tough, that’s for sure. Most of us need to escape reality at least every now and then, in one way or another, and to some degree. Some people get totally blitzed on drugs or alcohol…. Of course, all of life’s problems are still there, maybe worse, when these folks sober up. Other people will binge on food, video games…. Of all addictions, reading is the least harmful, and often healthful or beneficial during our individualized pursuits of happiness.

Sometimes, depending on my mood, I will pick a quick escapist novel, stay up all night reading, feel awful the next day, and forget about the experience the next day afterward. I read books in all genres, including romance. I don’t finish them all, however. If it’s a cookie-cutter novel with only the names of the characters changed from other similar stories, I’m sorry but life is too short to relive the same fantasies over and over again. Even if I’m in the mood for a short-term escape from reality, I try to pick something that at least sounds different based on book reviews.

Rarity from the Hollow, my debut novel, was likely the result of my interest in most genres. It is adult literary science fiction, sort of, but, mostly, this novel is genre bending and reflective of my broad reading interests and disinterests. One found: “…soon I found myself immersed in the bizarre world… weeping for the victim and standing up to the oppressor…solace and healing in the power of love, laughing at the often comical thoughts… marveling at ancient alien encounters… As a rape survivor… found myself relating easily to Lacy Dawn… style of writing which I would describe as beautifully honest. Rarity from the Hollow is different from anything I have ever read, and in today’s world of cookie-cutter cloned books, that’s pretty refreshing… whimsical and endearing world of Appalachia n Science Fiction, taking you on a wild ride you won’t soon forget….” http://kyliejude.com/2015/11/book-review-rarity-from-the-hollow/

I like books that include real-life issues, like racism or poverty, or metaphors and allegories of such in fantastical setting, and that are character-driven. Like I said before, I’ll read simple escapist novels with fast action plots sometimes, but mostly as filler between my major investments of time in more literary reads. After all, even Harry Potter addressed racism when he gave a sock to Dobby, the House Elf, to free him from slavery.

I’ve read so many books in my lifetime, representing every genre that I know about, it would be impossible to pick the ones of greatest appeal. I’m looking forward to reading more in the relatively new genre, “CliFy” – science fiction with climate change as a predominate theme. Daniel Bloom, a journalist living in Taiwan and who also posted a glowing review of Rarity from the Hollow on Amazon, has been credited with coining the term for that genre, similar to how Wikipedia also credited Ursula K. Le Guinn with coining the term “Social Science Fiction.” With so much political debate about climate science after the 2016 presidential election, I bet that Clify takes off with readers.

Okay, I’ve stalled long enough. I’ll give you one title of a favorite book: The Color Purple. I especially loved the genuine sounding colloquial dialogue of this story. Other than that book, don’t ask me about why I picked this book a minute from now because I would likely give you a different title as the most appealing novel that I’ve ever read, and another title, and another title, and …………………….

Take care and I hope that you appreciate Rarity from the Hollow.   

Blurb:

Lacy Dawn's father relives the Gulf War, her mother's teeth are rotting out, and her best friend is murdered by the meanest daddy on Earth. Life in the hollow is hard. She has one advantage -- an android was inserted into her life and is working with her to cure her parents. But, he wants something in exchange. It's up to her to save the Universe. Lacy Dawn doesn't mind saving the universe, but her family and friends come first.

Rarity from the Hollow is adult literary science fiction filled with tragedy, comedy and satire.

“The most enjoyable science fiction novel I have read in years.”

—Temple Emmet Williams, Author, former editor for Reader’s Digest

“Quirky, profane, disturbing… In the space between a few lines we go from hardscrabble realism to pure sci-fi/fantasy. It’s quite a trip.”

—    Evelyn Somers, The Missouri Review

. "…a hillbilly version of Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy…what I would have thought impossible; taken serious subjects like poverty, ignorance, abuse…tongue-in-cheek humor without trivializing them…profound…a funny book that most sci-fi fans will thoroughly enjoy." -- Awesome Indies (Gold Medal)

“…sneaks up you and, before you know it, you are either laughing like crazy or crying in despair, but the one thing you won’t be is unmoved…a brilliant writer.” --Readers’ Favorite (Gold Medal)

“Rarity from the Hollow is an original and interesting story of a backwoods girl who saves the Universe in her fashion. Not for the prudish.” —Piers Anthony, New York Times bestselling author

“…Good satire is hard to find and science fiction satire is even harder to find.” -- The Baryon Review

Comfort Zones: Please note that there is a mention of a child having been murdered in this novel, by the meanest daddy on Earth. However, there is no scene and she plays a comical and annoying ghost most of the story. Here's a finding by Awesome Indies about the first edition to help you decide if this novel is too far outside of your comfort zone: “a hillbilly version of Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, only instead of the earth being destroyed to make way for a hyperspace bypass, Lacy Dawn must…The author has managed to do what I would have thought impossible; taken serious subjects like poverty, ignorance, abuse, and written about them with tongue-in-cheek humor without trivializing them…Eggleton sucks you into the Hollow, dunks you in the creek, rolls you in the mud, and splays you in the sun to dry off. Tucked between the folds of humor are some profound observations on human nature and modern society that you have to read to appreciate…it’s a funny book that most sci-fi fans will thoroughly enjoy.” http://awesomeindies.net/ai-approved-review-of-rarity-from-the-holly-by-robert-eggleton/ The early tragedy feeds and amplifies subsequent comedy and satire.

Please also note that the character mentioned above (Faith) is a victim of sexual abuse. Sexual content in the novel:

• While the protagonist occupies the body of an eleven year old, she is the product of genetic manipulation by Universal Management for millennia;
• Lacy Dawn began her trainings via direct download into her brain five years before the beginning of this story, so she has been fed information about every known human subject, including biology, reproduction, economics…for years before readers are introduced to her (ET involvement is an opening chapter reveal);
• Her best friend, Faith, as a sexual abuse victim, has a sad and unhealthy awareness of sexuality;
• The android has no private parts, "not even a little bump," and is much less mature emotionally than Lacy Dawn throughout the story;
• There are no sex scenes in the novel and only references, including the disclosure about Faith's victimization by a reference and as a flashback with no scenes;
• As the android pursues humanity and starts going through an accelerated human development stage, he never develops any actual sexual interests but does try to kiss Lacy Dawn on the cheek once;
• Lacy Dawn vows not to have sex for the first time until after she is married -- a traditional and now unusual family value;
• She is fourteen years old when the novel ends and has typical teenage interests but remains untouched, not even a first real kiss;
• There are normalized sexual references and innuendos between Lacy Dawn parents after their romance was rekindled -- the father was cured of PTSD and the mother's self-esteem improved, in part, because she got new teeth as part of the deal to save the universe;
• But, the above sexual references are presented as puns, nothing on screen, and are milder than most romance novels that I've read, such as by Nora Roberts.  

Piers Anthony, best selling fantasy author during the '80s and '90s, found that my novel was “…not for the prudish.” Kevin Patrick Mahoney, editor of the once noteworthy site, Authortrek, found that my story was, “…not for the faint hearted or easily offended….”   An early voice in the first chapter speaks about things that no child should know. It is that of a traumatized child – a voice most of us never listen to, or want to hear, but in real life is screaming. I'm a retired children's psychotherapist. The language and concepts in this story are mild in comparison to some of the stuff that kids have said during actual group therapy sessions that I have facilitated over the years. By child developmental stage, it is similar to the infamous early adolescent insult in E.T.: “penis breath.” It is tame in comparison to the content of the popular television series, South Park, which has been devoured by millions of teens. My story does include marijuana smoking, but that subject has been frequently broadcast in the news as state move toward legalization, when legislation is introduced, or debates emerge. Except for a scene involving domestic violence in the third chapter, there is no violence or horror -- no blood, guts, gore, vampires, or werewolves. The “F word” is used twice, but the all other profanity is mild colloquialism. Rarity from the Hollow is a children's story for adults with a HEA ending like a romance novel.

Political Allegory: You may be interested in this press release:  http://www.pr4us.com/pr-2618-trump-presidency-predicted-in.html. The original © was 2006. You would have to read the novel to find out how Lacy Dawn, the protagonist, convinced Mr. Rump (Bernie Sanders) to help talk Mr. Prump (Donald Trump) into saving the universe. The political allegory includes pressing issues that America is fighting about today, including illegal immigration and the refuge crisis, extreme capitalism / consumerism…. Mr. Prump was a projection of Donald Trump based on the TV show, The Apprentice. Part of the negotiations in the story occur in the only high rise on planet Shptiludrp (Shop Until You Drop), a giant shopping mall and the center of economic governance, now more easily identifiable as Trump Tower. There is no political advocacy in the story, other than sensitizing readers to the huge social problem of child maltreatment, but the allegory is much more obvious now that Donald Trump is a household name. A similar press release: http://www.pr.com/press-release/695122 .

Positive Reviews of the first edition: The first edition of this novel had a formatting error that has been corrected. The second reads much smoother. Despite the formatting problem, the first edition was awarded two Gold Medals by major book review organizations, was named one of the best releases of 2015 by a Bulgaria book critic, and received twenty-six five star reviews and forty-three four star reviews by independent book review bloggers. An unsolicited Top 100 Amazon Reviewer found:

"Rarity from the Hollow written by Robert Eggleton, to be fully honest, was much more than expected and a great read – semi-autobiographical literary work full of beautiful and ugly things, adventure, romance, pain and humor…."

About the Author: I recently retired after 52 years of contributions into the U.S. Social Security fund so that I could write and promote my fiction. I’m a former mental health psychotherapist in West Virginia. But, after coming home drained from working with child abuse victims, I didn't have the energy left to begin its self-promotion. Author proceeds have been donated to a child abuse prevention program in my home state. http://www.childhswv.org/ A listing of services that are supported can be found here: http://mountainrhinestones.blogspot.com/2015/06/review-giveaway-rarity-from-hollow-by.html.  

 BUY LINKS:

www.lulu.com/shop

Amazon - eBook
Amazon - Print

DogHornPublishing

Find Robert Online:

http://www.lacydawnadventures.com

Goodreads

Facebook

Twitter

Google+

LinkedIn

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Review: MINE TO HAVE by Jade Sinner!

Release Date: June 30th, 2016

Type: Novella, Erotic, 18+, Taboo, Series-that-works-as-stand-alones

About the Book: Max...

I didn't ask for any of it. I didn't want any of it.
I had a life. A playboy reputation and money to burn.
But then it happened...all the things I didn't want...
Most of my family gone—taken by a distracted driver.
My father's multi-billion-dollar conglomerate thrust upon me.
And her, Lacy, my niece (sort of), in need of a guardian.

Here's the moral of this story (the only one): life doesn't give us what we want.
Or does it?

Three years later...Lacy's an adult and right under my nose, almost literally. No longer a girl, she's a woman with sexy curves and a way of taking over my every thought. I know it isn't right—she calls me uncle—but then again...maybe it is time for life to give me what I want. After all, she was given to me. She's mine to have. Standalone, fun, short, sexy contemporary romance. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a notch in your bookgasm belt! [Description from Goodreads.com]

My Review: Okay, I'll admit, I'm one of those people that like to read taboo things now and again. Sure, sometimes the step-siblings things interests me, but only if they weren't raised together. I have some (not many), but some personal standards. So I probably would have given this book a shot anyways - but considering who the author is? I was 100% interested. I am a Jade Sinner fangirl, what can I say. For a new author (well.. a new writing team, I guess), I'm already in love. Or maybe lust.

This is a very sexy, hot, fan-yourself, short read. It is due to this that the characters are not very fleshed out, and their relationship moves fast. Mind you, when it comes to erotica, sex usually happens pretty quickly. Isn't that why we're reading it after all? If you want something in depth, simmering, slow burn, that kind of stuff.. you're definitely going to want to give this one a pass. But if you want a book that will fog up the windows, look no further than Mine To Have. Or Jade Sinner in general.

In my personal opinion, I didn't love this one as much as Duncan: The Deal (see my review HERE), but it still left me squirming in my seat!

Cover Lovin': Yes, please! I do so love the jacket with no shirt combo.

Recommendation: This is one of those taboo-without-really-being-taboo books. So make sure you're aware of what you're getting into.

Final Rating: If I were to give this book a review solely for the plot itself, it would probably be a three or three and a half star read. But Jade Sinner knows her way around a sex scene, and I definitely got into it.. so that bumped it up to four stars.

Make sure to get your copy of Mine To Have by Jade Sinner from Amazon.com today!

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Disclaimer: I received a free copy in exchange for a fair and honest review. HTML

     

Max...

I didn't ask for any of it. I didn't want any of it.

I had a life. A playboy reputation and money to burn.

But then it happened...all the things I didn't want...

Most of my family gone—taken by a distracted driver.

My father's multi-billion-dollar conglomerate thrust upon me.

And her, Lacy, my niece (sort of), in need of a guardian.

Here's the moral of this story (the only one): life doesn't give us what we want.

Or does it?

Three years later...Lacy's an adult and right under my nose, almost literally. No longer a girl, she's a woman with sexy curves and a way of taking over my every thought. I know it isn't right—she calls me uncle—but then again...maybe it is time for life to give me what I want. After all, she was given to me. She's mine to have.

**These characters are not really related.

Warning: This is a fun, dirty book about forbidden love with a predictable HEA. If you like that sort of thing, it's guaranteed to make you grin. There's no cheating, and it's embarrassingly hot. We took a storyline that everyone has heard and pushed it beyond its limits. Then again, this quick read might not be for you, but if it is, we promise not to tell your secret.

If you decide to give Mine to Have a try, know you were warned!

Max will have you calling UNCLE!

 

AMAZON

     

    Jade Sinner is two friends, two New York Times bestselling authors, and two chicks with a secret. We like to write sexy, dirty books—the kind of books that would make both of our mothers blush. Since we don't want to see that across the Thanksgiving dinner table, we came together and created Jade. If you have a secret too—if you like to read books that make you not only blush but flush—if you like quick reads, hot guys, naughty love stories, super-steamy sex scenes, and the promise of always having an HEA (Happily Ever After) then we have the books for you. We won't tell your secret if you don't tell ours... Then again, if you like our books and you don't mind telling the world about our dirty little secret, by all means, please, share! We promise to keep writing until we have enough to keep you and your friends busy with bookgasms late into the night! You're welcome! FACEBOOK / Newsletter  

Review: ROYAL WEDDING by Meg Cabot

Release Date: June 2nd, 2015

Type: Series, Book 11, Young Adult, New Adult, Adult, Chick Lit, Women's Fiction, Humor, Contemporary, We'll never be royals (royals)..

About the Book: From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Princess Diaries series, comes the very first adult installment, which follows Princess Mia and her Prince Charming as they plan their fairy tale wedding—but a few poisoned apples could turn this happily-ever-after into a royal nightmare.

For Princess Mia, the past five years since college graduation have been a whirlwind of activity, what with living in New York City, running her new teen community center, being madly in love, and attending royal engagements. And speaking of engagements. Mia's gorgeous longtime boyfriend Michael managed to clear both their schedules just long enough for an exotic (and very private) Caribbean island interlude where he popped the question! Of course Mia didn't need to consult her diary to know that her answer was a royal oui.

But now Mia has a scandal of majestic proportions to contend with: Her grandmother's leaked "fake" wedding plans to the press that could cause even normally calm Michael to become a runaway groom. Worse, a scheming politico is trying to force Mia's father from the throne, all because of a royal secret that could leave Genovia without a monarch. Can Mia prove to everyone—especially herself—that she's not only ready to wed, but ready to rule as well? [Description from Goodreads.com]

My Review: This was everything I could have hoped for. The Princess Diaries is such an iconic series, and one I remember fondly from my younger years. I picked up the series a little later than most, I was twenty at the time, but that didn't mean I loved it any less. And when I heard there was going to be another book, I might have just squealed out loud. But I was also very, very nervous. Could this hold up to the series I loved so much? Is it too late for Mia to really get some sort of happily ever after?

Let me tell you - I was not disappointed. The characters all held true to their former selves, and you can even see the growth and maturity in them since the last time we got to see them, those many years ago. I'll admit, this book could have had a lot of issues, and I still would fangirl all over it. But really, it felt right. I got the happy ending I needed, and Mia became the amazing princess I always knew she would be.

This may be silly, but I want to thank Meg Cabot for writing this. The readers that grew up with Princess Mia will always have a special place for her in our hearts, and Meg Cabot gave us a gift by writing this book.

Cover Lovin': Look at it, just look at it! It's perfect. While the Princess Diaries books I remember reading were all pink, this pale blue gorgeous-ness is perfect for Mia.

Recommendation: For long-time fans of the series, for new fans of the series, for everyone. This series is a classic, and Royal Wedding is just what everyone needs. Side note: For a similar read, try The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan!

Final Rating: FIVE out of FIVE stars! Amazing, wonderful, I'm so happy I could cry. Maybe I did cry, you can't prove anything.

Get your copy today!

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Disclaimer: I received a free, advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

RAGT15! Reader Author Get Together - After the Magic - Part 2!

So, the post from Tuesday contained books that I received for free while attending the 11th annual Reader Author Get Together. This post, I'll be highlight the books (and their authors) that I bought during the event. It's just so convenient that Barnes and Noble sets up a store in a boardroom featuring books by the attending authors. It's also not so great for my wallet. But definitely worth it!

First up, a picture of my entire haul for the weekend - books both free and paid for, and some (not even all!) of the swag I accumulated. 

Like Tuesday's post, if you click the title of the book, it will take you to Goodreads. Click on the author's name and you will be taken to their website to find all kind of goodies!

A BUCKHORN SUMMER by Lori Foster. Of course we have to start off with the Queen herself! Lori Foster started this event because she wanted a way to connect readers and authors, and have it be affordable. And boy is it! They could charge way more, and you would still get more than your moneys worth in free books, swag, events, and food. While I haven't even read any of the Buckhorn series, I bought this book. You may be asking why (or not, I'm telling you anyways) - that's because this book is only available in print at this event, and all proceeds go to the Animal Adoption Foundation. This is a wonderful no kill animal shelter located about thirty minutes away from me. Not only does Lori support them throughout the year with generous donations, but this event is a great opportunity for Lori to raise even more money for one of their favorite charities. Besides being an animal lover - I absolutely support this because, well, I got my own dog there. Mattie is my best little buddy, and I am so grateful that the Animal Adoption Foundation was there to give her a chance. 

TESLA'S IMPRINT by Kimberly Adkins. Long time readers of this blog will recognize the name Kimberly Adkins. During my blogoversary several years ago, Kimberly Adkins generously donated a prize. One of the cool things about the Reader Author Get Together is that authors are encouraged to sit at tables with new readers, and chat during meals. This is how I met Kimberly. We sat at her table several years ago, and she always makes sure to come say hello every year since. She's a super fun person, and I love her work. She's also a huge Doctor Who fan, and donates nerdy baskets for the benefit raffle at RAGT (all the proceeds from the raffle go to One Way Farm, another amazing charity!). Be sure to check out Kimberly Adkins' website and see what fun paranormal stories she has in store for you. 

MASTERS AT ARMS & NOBODY'S ANGEL by Kallypso Masters. So I first became aware of this author due to the fact she was giving out back scratchers with a funny slogan on it. So during one of the book signings at the event, I decided to have a quick chat and figure out the reading order of her books. For those interested, this book is available FOR FREE on kindle (go here to purchase), but I decided on the paperback version. Why, you may ask? Because I wanted her to sign my book, but most importantly - instead of signing "nice to meet you," this lovely author writes "Great to PERVERT you!" I can't pass that up! Another book I can't wait to sink my teeth into! 

ALIENATED by Melissa Landers. This is one of those books I have had my eye on for so long, and knowing that the author was going to be at the event, I couldn't pass up the chance! Melissa was very kind and fun to talk to, and Alienated will now have a proud place on my bookshelf. I've heard such amazing things about this series, and frankly, I'm ashamed it has taken me this long to take the purchase plunge. 

OWNING VIOLET by Monica Murphy

. I read this book, enjoyed it, and thought the name sounded vaguely familiar. It wasn't until I saw the author list for RAGT that I realized this is the author of One Week Girlfriend, which I obsessed over for months, but also the author of Fair Game, which keeps taunting me every time I look at my kindle wishlist. I did get the chance to meet Monica Murphy and had her sign my favorite author bag (a canvas bag I decorated myself, and currently has a dozen something signatures by favorite authors I have met.. sans John Green who was unable to sign anything but books, alas..). Unfortunately this copy of Owning Violet remains unsigned due to my own poor planning.. but hey, I got to meet her and now I own this book I loved - so who cares!

Last, but oh certainly not least...

BETTER WHEN HE'S BOLD by Jay Crownover. So what if I haven't even read the first book in this series yet? I own it, and now I own a signed copy of the second one. I love Jay Crownover and I'm fairly positive she can do no wrong, so I know Better When He's Bold will be a signing star in my collection. I got to visit with her and take selfies, she signed my bag, and then later signed my book. And when I visited her table at the open signing event, she said "You want some... you know what, I'm not even going to ask - you get goodies!" and gave me plenty of magnets and keychains. If you love some seriously good New Adult and you're desperate for more? You need to read Jay Crownover, for sure! 

Thank you so much for go through my book haul with me! And be sure to check out the above links, not just to the authors and their books, but also to the two charities I mentioned (found under Lori Foster and Kimberly Adkins). 

I already cannot wait until next year. 

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

REVIEW: "Outcast" by Robert Kirkman

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Type: Graphic Novel, Comic Books, Demons, Exorcisms, Paranormal, Supernatural, The Demons are Coming the Demons are Coming!

About the Book: Kyle Barnes has been plagued by demonic possession all his life and now he needs answers. Unfortunately, what he uncovers along the way could bring about the end of life on Earth as we know it! [Description from Netgalley.com]

My Review: Wow, this comic book had be obsessively flipping the pages, eager to find out what happened next. Maybe it was my obsession with the show Supernatural, or maybe that I studied a lot of early American history (and the witch trials that went along with it), but I find the idea of demons of possession fascinating. Scary as all get out, but fascinating.

Kyle is an Outcast, and he doesn't know what that means, but he knows that his blood can force demons out of a possessed person. And as one could guess, the demons are not too happy that he is aware of his abilities. I cannot wait to see where this series goes. I probably wouldn't have picked it up on my own, had they not sent it to me to review. But I would have definitely missed out on the start of something great. Can't wait to read more!

Cover Lovin': This cover doesn't give the reader much idea of what is going on, but it's certainly something that would grab the reader's attention if they saw it on the shelf.

Recommendation: For fans of darker comics and graphic novels. Kirkman is well known for his Walking Dead comics, so I'm sure fans of that would be happy to cross over to a new series as well.

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars (4/5). This is dark, creepy, and scary, but oh so good. I can't wait to see where this goes, and what an Outcast can really do!

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda at Novel Addiction ~!~

REVIEW: "Love Game" by Elise Sax

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Type: Contemporary, Mystery, Romance-y, Book 3, Small Town, Matchmaking and Murder

About the Book: Perfect for fans of Janet Evanovich, Jennifer Crusie, and Katie MacAlister, Elise Sax’s wickedly funny Matchmaker series proves that the road to love comes with a few dead ends.

Five months have passed since Gladie Burger came to Cannes, California, to join her eccentric Grandma Zelda in the family matchmaking business, and Gladie is quickly mastering the rules of attraction. Her latest fix-up is still going strong and Gladie’s bank account is back in the black—until a rival matchmaker arrives in town and has both Gladie and Zelda seeing red.

Not only is self-proclaimed psychic Luanda Laughing-Eagle stealing Grandma Zelda’s clients, but Zelda is convinced that Luanda’s ESP is total BS. She tasks Gladie with exposing Luanda as a fraud, but Gladie’s attention is diverted when murder comes a-calling. Spencer Bolton, the gorgeous chief of police and Gladie’s on-again, off-again flame, wants her to stay out of the investigation—and away from the deliciously chiseled detective who also aims to win Gladie’s heart. But the one thing Gladie’s learned is that in business, love and murder . . . it’s always personal.

My Review: When I added this book to my Goodreads' "currently reading" shelf, I happened to glance at other reviews mentioning the fact that this book is more mystery than romance, so I was prepared. I think I would have felt let down if I hadn't prepared myself for a mystery. Don't get me wrong, the book is good, and I enjoyed it immensely, but despite what the book itself and the cover might tell you, this is no fun romp of a romance. 

I always thought the highest praise you could give an author's characterization is that their characters feel real - and "Love Game" fits that bill. I've known some seriously grumpy old ladies, and I can imagine Ruth fitting right in with them. Heck, I've known a few Spencer and Luandas in my time, for that matter. Each character had their flaws and problems, and I loved them for it. I already want more of the series and more of the characters, but there is no notion of a fourth book in our future.

While mystery is not my top genre, I thought the mystery in "Love Game" was solid, and worked out well. Gladie clearly has a gift for getting into trouble, but she also has a gift for getting them all out of it. She may stumble into the mess, but she's bright and plucky, and she can figure out how to solve whatever problem is looming. 

Cover Lovin': I like this cover. I think this would be a great cover... for a different book. This cover implies a fun, contemporary romance. And while Gladie has her share of romantic feelings in this book, "Love Game" is essentially a mystery novel with some relationship issues thrown in. The rest of the covers in the series are about the same - more love than mystery.

Recommendation: For fans of Stephanie Plum that want a bit more of a modern take. For mystery lovers that love that small-town dynamic, with a bit of spicy romance included. For readers who understand that love is complicated and sometimes you just can't figure out what you want. 

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars (4/5). I couldn't put it down, I'm eagerly looking up the first two books in the series to read, and I instantly searched for any news about another book.. all signs of a 4/5 level book.

My plea to the author: Please please please write more of this series! I want to know what happens now with that little ending snafu. Release it e-book only, email me possible spoilers, whatever it takes - I just need to know!

Find the author at her website for more information.

The Series So Far:
Book 1: An Affair to Dismember

Book 2: Matchpoint

Book 3: Love Game