Review: #1 MUSE by T. Gephart!

My Review: This was just so, so, so CUTE! I laughed, I snorted, I blushed, and man, I got a taste of this author in a 1001 Dark Nights bundle that I read a little ways back, but I feel like I didn't get the full awesomeness that was T. Gephart's style. It was fast-paced, fresh, and fun.

I absolutely loved Claire and Nick. Gephart does a fantastic job giving her characters genuine reactions, and a true-life feel. Claire was hilarious, awkward, nerdy, and basically.. someone I can see myself being best friends with. Or heck, if Nick wasn't so perfect for her, I'd want her for my own.

Cover Lovin': Loving this style!

Recommendation: Can be read as a stand-alone, though some familiarity with the previous books is helpful.

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars (4/5)!!! This was a fun, and funny, romance. I'm definitely going to have to check out the rest, because this one was great!

Today we are celebrating the release of #1 MUSE by T. Gephart! This is a contemporary romance, standalone title that you won't want to miss!

This novel is part of T. Gephart's #1 Series.

 

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#1 MUSE by T. Gephart (#1 Series, #5)

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Synopsis:

Landing a writing gig in Hollywood was just as difficult as becoming an actor, and something Claire Becker had learned the hard way.

Sure, she didn’t have to conform to ridiculous beauty standards and give up her love for raw cookie dough, but the sting of rejection burned all the same. The only things that kept her sane were her two amazing roommates and her guilty pleasure—writing fan-fiction.

Getting lost in her own world, she’d forget that she had yet to land her dream job, and instead spent time with her dream man—Nick Larsson. Well, at least in the literary sense. Too bad he wasn’t aware or an active participant—her fictional love life, outstanding.

Tall, good-looking and sexy beyond comprehension, Nick Larsson not only had a famous last name—and four equally smoldering brothers—but was talented beyond belief. A star on the rise with a critically acclaimed series, his body and face were what fantasy scripts—and dreams—were made of. Made for some pretty steamy writing opportunities too.

And yes, it was probably “wrong” for Claire to objectify him, but it wasn’t like anyone knew about it. Just her, and her two amazing, supportive roommates.

Or at least they were amazing and supportive, and bound to be missed after Claire killed them.

In a moment of unexplained insanity, one of them —or both, each as bad as the other—sent her latest installments to the man himself.

Cue panic of epic proportions.

All Claire needed to do was sneak into his apartment and retrieve the misappropriated story before Nick, or anyone else, read it and mistook her for a creepy stalker. Although, breaking and entering probably wouldn’t convince anyone to the contrary either.

Claire was going to get the best material of her life, or end up with a restraining order. Either way, the story was getting a hell of lot more interesting.

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AUTHOR INFORMATION:

 

T Gephart is a USA Today and International bestselling author from Melbourne, Australia.

With an approach to life that is somewhat unconventional, she prefers to fly by the seat of her pants rather than adhere to some rigid roadmap. Her lack of "plan" has resulted in a rather interesting and eclectic resume, which reads more like the fiction she writes than an actual employment history. She'd tell you all about it, but the statute of limitations hasn't expired yet. But all those crazy twists and turns have led her to a career she loves—writing romantic comedy.

When she isn't filling pages with sassy and sexy characters with attitude, she's living her own reality show in the 'burbs of Melbourne with her American husband, two teenage children, and her fur child—Woodley.

She loves adventure, to laugh, travel, and strives to live her life to the fullest.

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Review: DO YOU LIKE MY WIENER? by Brenda Rothert!

Today we are celebrating the release of Do You Like My Wiener?: a non-expert's no-nonsense guide to dating by Brenda Rothert. With laugh-out-loud mishaps and heartfelt advice, bestselling romance author Brenda Rothert shows readers that while dating these days can be the worst, great men aren’t just fictional. Check out the links below to grab your copy now!

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Check out www.DoYouLikeMyWiener.com for exclusive details and fun extras!

My Review: Any one who has read my blog knows I'm a fiction type of girl. But that doesn't mean I don't enjoy my share of nonfiction - and this is a perfect example. This is a laugh-out-loud, hilarious look at real life and dating. I've read this author's fiction titles, and enjoyed them greatly, so it's a pleasant surprise that her style works just as well in a non-fictional setting. 

The dating world can be a very scary place - but after reading this book, I think it really helps put things in perspective. Yeah, it's tough out there, but clearly, having a sense of humor about the whole thing helps. Not only does this book have some great advice, and real-life experience, but the fun and approachable style gives readers the confidence to get out there and try it themselves!

Cover Lovin': Fun!

Recommendation: For humor and nonfiction fans. Romance readers would enjoy this as well, if they're in the mood for something different. 

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars (4/5)!! Fun, funny, and a great read!

Do You Like My Wiener?: a non-expert's no-nonsense guide to dating by Brenda Rothert

Book Blurb:

With laugh-out-loud mishaps and heartfelt advice, bestselling romance author Brenda Rothert shows readers that while dating these days can be the worst, great men aren’t just fictional. Ladies, we’ve all been there…a good first date is wrapping up and we’re sure a second date is likely after a great goodnight kiss beside our car. He’s tall, funny and charming. FINALLY a good one. He asks to get in the car, which seems natural since it’s cold outside. And then, once inside, another kiss, and he exposes himself and asks us if we like his wiener. Wait, what? You haven’t been there? Guess that one only happened to me. What about the guy who spends most of a first date complaining bitterly about his ex-wife? The one with the guy who cops to his criminal record over dessert? Dating these days can leave a girl frustrated and disgusted. But fear not, I’m here to help. I’m a veteran dater, having spent a fair amount of time in the cheap-cologne scented trenches. And while I am admittedly not an expert, I can help you avoid my mistakes. I’ll show you how to prepare yourself for dating, how to spot the red flags and how to laugh off the misadventures you will inevitably have. And hopefully, how to avoid an awkward wiener encounter of your own.  

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AUTHOR INFORMATION:

 

Brenda Rothert is an Illinois native who was a print journalist for nine years. She made the jump from fact to fiction in 2013 and never looked back. From new adult to steamy contemporary romance, Brenda creates fresh characters in every story she tells. She’s a lover of Diet Coke, chocolate, lazy weekends and happily ever afters.

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Review: THE NEGOTIATOR by Avery Flynn!

Release Date: April 24th, 2017

About the Book: Wanted: Personal Buffer

Often snarly, workaholic executive seeks “buffer” from annoying outside distractions AKA people. Free spirits with personal boundary issues, excessive quirks, or general squeamishness need not apply. Salary negotiable. Confidentiality required.

Workaholic billionaire Sawyer Carlyle may have joked he needed a “buffer” from their marriage-obsessed mom, but he didn’t need a waiting room filled with “candidates” to further distract him. (Thanks, bro.) But when a sexy job applicant shooes his mom and the socialite in tow out of his office, Sawyer sees the genius of the plan. And the woman. In fact, Miss Clover Lee might just get the fastest promotion in history, from buffer to fake fiancé…

This “free-spirit” might look like hot sunshine and lickable rainbows, but she negotiates like a pitbull. Before Sawyer knows what hit him, he’s agreed to give up Friday nights for reality tv, his Saturdays for flea markets (why buy junk still baffles him), his Tuesdays and Thursdays for “date nights” (aka panty-losing opportunities if he plays his cards right). And now she wants lavender bath salts and tulips delivered every Monday? 

Yup, she’s just screwing with him. Good thing she’s got this non-negotiatable six-weeks-and-she’s-gone rule or Sawyer may have just met this match… [Description from Goodreads.com]

My Review: Hot rich guy that is too absorbed in his business to really date? Check.
Free spirited woman that has no problem standing up to a guy trying to tell her what to do? Check.
A fantastic author that writes a super hot, and super funny story? Check, check, check!

I was only a few pages in, and I had already chuckled or snickered several times. And then the further I went, the more I laughed, groaned, and became addicted. I've been a fan of Avery Flynn for what feels like forever - ever since she first released her Laytons series (though it was originally released under a different title). She has never let me down. I've loved every thing I've read by Flynn, but I have to be honest with you guys... The Negotiator is my favorite to date. As much as I loved the Laytons, Sawyer and Clover have blown them out of the water.

This book was just.. fun. I loved seeing the two butt heads - seeing Sawyer at a loss for words because this woman beat him at his own negotiating game. I didn't want to stop reading when my lunch break was over, and I was desperate to get back to it when I got off work. It's a fast, enjoyable read that I would totally recommend to contemporary romance fans wanting a cute, humorous story.

Cover Lovin': That model.. Excuse me while I go swoon.

Recommendation: Perfect for contemporary romance fans. No prior knowledge necessary.

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars (4/5)! Cute, fun, funny, and a truly great read.

Get your copy of The Negotiator from Amazon today!

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Disclaimer: I received an advance copy in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

New release: THE SPARK by Sylvie Stewart!

What happens when a muscle-bound manwhore crosses paths with a dynamic spitfire with an impulse problem? Just wait and see in The Spark by Sylvie Stewart.

Sylvie Stewart is an author of Romance and Romantic Comedy. Like the characters in her books, North Carolina is where Sylvie calls home these days, and she can’t get enough of the great weather and fun adventures NC offers. She and her husband love arguing over which of them is the funniest. It’s usually a tie (or so she lets him think). When she’s not writing, she can be found hanging out with her husband and kids or reading, Romance being her favorite genre, of course. And she knows that life wouldn’t be worth living without a lot of laughter, friends, and wine!

https://www.facebook.com/SylvieStewartAuthor/

NEW STANDALONE ROMANTIC COMEDY - The Spark is the much-awaited second book in the Carolina Connections series from Sylvie Stewart. It can be read as a standalone with a HEA.

Trailer - https://youtu.be/iX87Oa8uac0

When your back is against the wall, can you change the person life’s experiences have molded you to be?

Fiona Pierce is many things to many people. Dutiful daughter to her loving parents, fiercely loyal friend to her very tolerant bestie, half-assed employee to her laundry list of bosses, and dedicated fashion goddess and spreader of good cheer to the world at large. But Fiona is hiding something behind her irresistible smile – something she’s determined to keep to herself.

Mark Beckett doesn’t do complicated. Saddled with lingering baggage from his childhood, Mark sails through life one girl at a time – with frequent gym breaks in between. He likes his life just how it is and doesn’t see any need to change his work-hard/play-hard attitude.

When an unexpected blast from the past threatens to turn his family's life upside down, Mark finds help in the unlikeliest of places – specifically the pint-sized princess who has a knack for pushing his buttons.

Can you overcome your fears and embrace the happiness you might just deserve? And, perhaps more importantly, can you really fall in love with someone who is so damn insufferable?

Find out in The Spark by Sylvie Stewart.

This book contains adult language and sexual content inappropriate for readers under 18.

Amazon - http://amzn.to/2kGKpYg

iTunes – http://apple.co/2fXl1aF

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Kobo - https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-spark-19

Amazon UK - http://amzn.to/2gPH596

Amazon AU - http://amzn.to/2hxUghh

Amazon CA - http://amzn.to/2gZF0sU

Scribd - http://bit.ly/2ggsgew

Inktera - http://bit.ly/2h20fM6

24 Symbols - http://bit.ly/2k46b4u

EXCERPTS:

Excerpt from: “Chapter Five – I’ll Take Hell if Purgatory Is Anything Like This”

Sitting at a small table in the corner was a tiny shift of a girl I’d encountered once before.

The encounter had not gone well.

I’d tried to hit on her and she’d not only rebuffed me, but she’d insulted me repeatedly and without reason. It was just my luck to run into Fiona Pierce on what happened to be one of the shittiest mornings I’d had in a long while.

Unable to cease being a member of the male species, I looked her over and despite her diminutive size and overall insulting tone, I still found her to be physically appealing. What can I say? I own a penis.

She has delicate features but huge green eyes and light blond hair that falls around her shoulders and sweeps over her forehead. It’s almost as if an ever-present breeze accompanies her wherever she goes, causing her hair to float around her face in constant motion. There was just…something about her, some hint of fire I’d noticed the very first time I’d spotted her across Laney’s backyard. It was the very thing that had propelled me toward the deck where she’d been standing, where I’d then proceeded to bomb in a most spectacular fashion. That had been the day after Thanksgiving and I hadn’t seen her in the months since.

Until today of all days.

You can stay up to date on all things related to Sylvie Stewart and her Romantic Comedy series here: The Spark

Website: www.sylviestewartauthor.com

Facebook Author Page - www.facebook.com/SylvieStewartAuthor

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Goodreads Author Page - www.goodreads.com/author/show/15303783.Sylvie_Stewart

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 Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Review & Excerpt: REAL GOOD MAN by Meghan March!

     
Type: Contemporary Romance, Book 1, Duet, Small town boy meets big city girl, Why can't I meet a hot guy over text?

My Review: You know I love myself some bad boys - but I'm starting to think I need to move on to the Good Men. First I'm going to start with what I thought this book did incredibly right, and I'd love to see more of - Logan cleaned up his act all on his own - it wasn't because he met some woman with the magical touch that helped him become a better man. I'd love, love, love to see more authors do this. Another great example, for any interested, is Too Hot To Handle by Tessa Bailey - which is another of my all-time favorites, just like this is starting to be. Logan was a trouble-maker when he was younger, but he matured right the heck up.

Of course, that doesn't mean he doesn't have his naughty moments. I'll be honest with you, my glasses fogged up a time or two. Logan might be a Real Good Man, but that doesn't mean he doesn't know how to sweet talk a woman - and by that, I mean his dirty talk had me blushing, in all the right ways. And while the dirty talk steals the show, his banter with Banner is just as fun. Banner can hold her own, not only again Logan, but when talking back to the smart-@$$es around her.

In all seriousness, I loved this book. If it wasn't for the fact that I had to get to bed so I could actually be awake and alert for work the next morning, I would have started it all over again the second I finished it. It was exactly what I needed and wanted - a fun, funny, hot contemporary romance that had me instantly adding Logan to my book-boyfriends list, and Banner to my best-friends-wishlist. I absolutely cannot wait for the second book so I can find out how their story is going to end.

Cover Lovin': Excuse me while I fan myself.

Recommendation: You'll be desperate for book 2! So get ready to one-click as soon as you finish Real Good Man. And a note: characters from other books/series by Meghan March are mentioned in RGM, but if you don't know them, no worries!

Final Rating: FIVE out of FIVE stars (5/5)!!! I could not put this down. It had me laughing out loud, and squirming in my seat.

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

 From USA Today bestselling author Meghan March comes a sexy new duet. We've all had the bad boys, now it's time for a Real Good Man. Fall for a woman over text messages? No way in hell. Reality can never be as good at the fantasy, right? Wrong. It’s better. Banner Regent is smart, funny, and she’s so far out of my league, she might as well be royalty. I’m a mechanic from Kentucky. She’s a New York City party girl. We were never supposed to meet, but one text started something neither of us saw coming. How do you seduce the woman who already has everything? Show her what it’s like to be with a real good man.   Real Good Man is book one of the Real Duet. Logan and Banner's story will conclude in Real Good Love, releasing January 17, 2017.  

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          Finally, fifteen minutes after we said we’d meet, Logan Brantley walks into the tapas bar. Every curse word known to woman—and several I make up on the fly—flash through my brain. This isn’t fair. Logan Brantley is even sexier when he’s not dressed in camo and carrying a big gun. More than one head swings in his direction. Women flip their hair and uncross and re-cross their legs as he steps up to the hostess stand. A shaft of possessiveness lights up inside me, right along with nervous energy and my pounding heart. Back off, bitches. He’s not here for you. I hear the low rumble of his deep drawl when he speaks to the hostess. She gestures in my direction, and he turns. Piercing blue eyes find me at the table where a lone water glass sits in front of me. Liquid courage should definitely have been on the menu. Why didn’t I order a drink? Because I’m an idiot. Because I thought I could handle this. Now my heart is hammering so loud, my voice will probably be inaudible, or even worse—quaver when I speak. Logan walks toward me with long, sure strides. He’s taller than I realized. And broader. And bigger. Everywhere. He’s wearing a black Henley that stretches across his chest, leaving no doubt of the fact that the man is built. And his jeans. Jesus. They’re worn and snug in all the right places. The picture I found was clearly not recent, and it’s not just the fact that his brown hair is longer and shaggier. He’s one of those men who age well. Logan stops in front of me when he reaches the tall bar table. He says nothing as his gaze drops to the toes of my boots and drags up every inch of my body. “You’re a hard woman to find.”            

Meghan March has been known to wear camo face paint and tromp around in woods wearing mud-covered boots, all while sporting a perfect manicure. She's also impulsive, easily entertained, and absolutely unapologetic about the fact that she loves to read and write smut. Her past lives include slinging auto parts, selling lingerie, making custom jewelry, and practicing corporate law. Writing books about dirty talking alpha males and the strong, sassy women who bring them to their knees is by far the most fabulous job she's ever had. She loves hearing from her readers at meghanmarchbooks@gmail.com.

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Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Promo and Excerpt!: FOLLOW THE DOTTED LINE by Nancy Hersage!

Today I'm promo-ing FOLLOW THE DOTTED LINE by Nancy Hersage! And she graciously provided an excerpt, so check that out below. Buy links provided below.

About the Book:

A tale of endearing family dysfunction wrapped up in whopping good mystery!
Andrea Bravos is jolted into action when the ashes of her ex arrive in a burger box via the US mail. Andy’s quixotic adventure to find out what happened will upset the officials of several small countries, insult the founders of three major religions, give her four adult children acid reflux and lead her to assault with a deadly golf club. Bizarrely, the story is almost all true: even the avocados, WWII spy, IRS agent, palm reader and that spider. Move over Marple and Plum, here comes Andy!

Get your copy of FOLLOW THE DOTTED LINE today!

AMAZON 

EXCERPT:

Chapter 8

Cremains of the Day

“What the hell are cremains?” asked Lilly.

“It’s the industry term for ashes,” Andy said, after she got up and refilled the margarita glass herself. “Cremated remains. Cre-mains. Get it?” She waited, but the girls weren’t going to be sidetracked. “Okay. Okay. Here’s what happened. I just wanted to get some basic information. The cause of death. Did your dad have a will? Stuff like that. But getting that information is harder than you think without knowing just where and when he died and without, you know, technically being related to him anymore.”

“Oh, my god,” said an alarmed Lil, “you didn’t try calling Tilda, did you?”

“Me? Call Tilda? Absolutely not.” Andy shot optic daggers at Harley, who had no doubt about keeping his mouth shut this time. “All I had were the ashes, so I just went from there.”

“From there—to where, Mom?” Sam asked.

“Well, to at least confirming that he’s dead,” said Andy. “And that is what’s in the box. The DNA results from the cremains.”

All eyes now returned to Harley, who was still holding the FedEx package.

“They can get DNA from ashes?” Lil asked, skeptically.

“No,” Sam informed them. “It’s almost impossible to get DNA after cremation. Don’t you people know anything about science?”

“But this company we found online said they could test for DNA,” said Harley. “And we had to fill out a Cremains Acknowledgement Form and everything. And they promised we’d get most of the ashes back. For burial. Or whatever.”

“To be accurate, they said there was a 50/50 chance they could get DNA from their testing,” said Andy, trying not to look as ridiculous as she was feeling. “I thought it was worth a try.”

“We’ll that sounds like a scam, Mother. So I’m not even going to ask you what you paid,” said Sam. “Your bad. Now open the package.”

Harley tried to hand the box to Andy, but she waved him off. You do it, genius, she thought to herself, then said, “Would you mind?”

He dutifully slit the clear plastic wrap covering the cardboard with his fingernail and took out the paper envelope addressed to Andy. She waved her hand again, and he opened the letter.

“Read it,” she said, draining her glass.

“Dear Ms. Bravos,” Harley read. “Please find enclosed the laboratory results for the cremains testing performed by our company on the samples you sent us recently.”

“Wait a minute,” Sam interrupted. “Didn’t you have to send them a sample of Dad’s DNA for comparison?”

“Yeah,” was all Andy felt compelled to answer.

“So how did you get Dad’s DNA?”

“I, ah, had some,” Andy replied. “From a while ago.”

“You had some? Really? From a while ago? Care to enlighten us?” said Sam.

“Not really. But if I do, there will be no laughter, is that clear?” She could see Sam biting her lip in anticipation. “I mean it.” Both girls nodded agreement. “I have a lock of your father’s hair,” Andy said. “From when we were dating.”

Sam couldn’t help herself. A guffaw, if ever Andy heard one! She scowled back.

Lil put her hand on her mother’s and smiled affectionately. “I think that’s sweet.”

“Shut up,” said Andy. “Let’s get this over with.”

Harley continued. “The specifics of the test results are contained on page two of this letter. However, a summary of our findings indicates the following. Number one, the sample cremains were not suitable to extract for a DNA profile.”

“Bingo!” Sam said.

Having slipped from defensive to defeated in record time, Andy sighed audibly. “Would you mind, Sam? Let’s not make me feel like a bigger fool than necessary.”

Sam relented immediately. “Right. I’m sorry, Mom.”

“Want me to read number two?” Harley asked.

“Number two?” said Andy.

“Of the summary. Number two says, ‘The sample cremains show no signs of organic material and therefore do not, in all likelihood, include human tissue.’” Harley looked up, awaiting further instruction.

“Let me see the letter,” Sam said, taking the paper from Harley. She looked first at page one and then at page two. “It means the ashes are probably fake,” she said.

“Probably?” Lil wanted to know.

Sam grabbed the invoice. “The test cost $99, Lil. I doubt these folks can tell the difference between a corpse and cat litter.”

“But if there’s no organic material present,” Andy reiterated, reading the results for herself, “that means Tilda sent us dust.”

It took a few moments for the implications to sink in. And the one that sank in fastest was the bizarre behavior of the widow-in-chief.

 “Why on earth would Tilda send fake ashes?” asked Sam.

“Maybe she just wanted to keep his real ashes for herself,” Lilly theorized. “We all agree she’s weird.”

“Or maybe it’s her way of flipping us off,” Sam offered.

“Or maybe he’s not dead,” said Andy, trying to squeeze herself back into the conversation. It worked.

“Why would she pretend he’s dead?” asked Sam, genuinely confused.

“Who knows?” mused Andy. “She hated it every time Mitch tried to call your dad. She was jealous. Some women are like that. Especially women who marry a guy with children and don’t have any of their own. So she decided to tell us he was dead to get us out of their, you know, busy and satisfying lives,” Andy concluded, with what she thought was just the perfect touch of contempt.

“And you think a fake cremation would be okay with Dad?” Lil wanted to know.

Andy considered this and said, “I don’t know. I don’t know what to think.”

“Well,” Sam pointed out, “Dad still could be dead. These just aren’t his ashes. Whatever’s going on, this test doesn’t actually get us anywhere, Mom.”

The kid holding the faux remains raised his hand slightly, as if he were waiting to be called on before he spoke.

“What is it, Harley?” Andy asked.

“Why don’t you just call Uncle Mark? You know. On his cell. See if he picks up.”

Out of the mouth of boobs, Andy thought.

Sam picked up her phone and dialed.

“Hi, Samantha,” boomed the voice on the other end of the line. “What’s up?”

“Hi, Mitch. Sorry to call in the middle of work.”

“No problem.”

“Listen, I want you to call Dad.”

“Call him? How do I do that?”

“You have his cell number, right?”

“Yeah. But he’s dead, Sam. Remember?”

“I know. Just call the number.”

“Call the number? I don’t want to call the number.”

“Just do it, will you?”

“Why?”

“Mom had the ashes tested. They’re questionable. We want to know if he’s still taking calls.”

“Those weren’t his ashes?!”

“It turns out there’s room for doubt.”

“Well, that certainly creeps me out, Samantha. Why have I been nominated to make the call?”

“Because you’re a big boy, Mitch. Just do it.”

A long beat, as Mitch considered his responsibilities. “Okay. Hold on.” He clicked off, and the little review committee waited in silence. He was back on the line a minute later.

“Sam?”

“Did you get him?”

“No. The number’s no longer in service,” Mitch told her. “What does that mean?”

“Damned if I know,” said Sam. “I’ll get back to you.” And she hung up.

The possibility that Tilda Trivette might have been screwing with Mark Kornacky’s remains seemed to jettison his children into action in a way that the man’s reported death had not. In the two hours before Lilly had to leave for the airport to catch her plane back to Idaho, Team Kornacky came together in a rare show of unity.

 Huge thanks to author Nancy Hersage for providing us with an excerpt from Follow The Dotted Line! Make sure to get your copy from Amazon.com today!

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Review: F*CK THAT: An Honest Meditation by Jason Headley

Release Date: April 12th, 2016

Type: Humor, Nonfiction, Meditation, Oooh Pretty Pictures!

About the Book: Let this book help you find peace with the challenges that surround you. Because they are f*cking everywhere. [Description from the back cover.]

My Review: My job can be stressful sometimes, so I tend to drift towards books about meditation... and funny books. Usually, I don't find them in the same text, so imagine how excited I was when I found this gem! F*ck That combines gorgeous pictures with curse words, and some legitimately good advice. It's not just humor to be funny, and not just cursing to be crude. Sometimes life just gets you down, and you need an expletive or two to truly express how your day is going. F*ck That can help you channel that inner grump into something a little more healthy - or at least a little more humorous.

What I loved the most about this book is that while reading, I can imagine calming music in the background, and a soothing voice reading the text to me, all while I look at the pretty, serene pictures. And really, all that alone would be enough to get me out of any bad mood I might find myself in.

Is this the best meditation book you will ever find? Hardly. Is this the funniest book you'll ever read? Definitely not. But it is an entertaining cross between the two, and worth a look through.

Cover Lovin': Beautiful cover! And fits right in with every other meditation book I've seen.

Recommendation: Curse words abound, so be prepared.

Final Rating: THREE out of FIVE stars (3/5). This was a fun, funny, quick read. Worth a look through!

Make sure to grab your copy of F*ck That from Amazon.com today!

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

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

Review: HOW MAY WE HATE YOU by Anna Drezen & Todd Dakotah Briscoe

Release Date: May 17th, 2016

Type: Humor, Nonfiction, This is real life y’all

About the Book: Most people think hotel employees are effortlessly cheerful, naturally helpful, and genuinely like their work. 

Most people are wrong.

Find out what really goes on in the world of hospitality with this hilarious book full of funny and absurd stories, anecdotes told in dialogue, factoids, and hoax pop quizzes by two veteran concierges who paid their way while working at a combined 50 hotels in and around Times Square. They are very pleased to help you learn the following: 
·         The Truth About Bed Bugs
·         The Mythology of “Loyalty Programs”
·         The 411 on Hotel Residents
·         And so much more

Filled with photographs and infographics, How May We Hate You? is both romp and commentary on the hospitality industry and life behind the nametag. [Description from Goodreads.com]

My Review: I work at a public service desk, so I can’t help myself - I love to read stories from others that work in public service. We downtrodden have to stick together! Humor is definitely my coping mechanism for a rough day - and I can tell authors Anna Drezen and Todd Dakotah Briscoe are the same. When I originally looked into this book, I figured it would just be a bunch of funny stories from the authors’ time at the concierge desk. And while yes, there were definitely funny anecdotes along the way, this book is definitely so much more.

Included in this book you’ll find some actually helpful advice - though it’s mostly stuff you should already be doing anyways. Be nice to people, and they will do everything they can to help you. Be rude, and no one will want to go out of their way to do anything special for you. It also cleared up some confusion about exactlya concierge can and cannot do. The meaning has changed considerably over the years, and I will admit, even I have been confused a time or two about what they can help me with.

If you want a quick, humorous read - give this book a shot. It’s worth it.

Cover Lovin’: Simple, yet sweet.

Recommendation: For anyone that needs a quick laugh - and doesn’t mind a quirky sense of humor.

Final Rating: THREE out of FIVE stars (⅗)! Fun, quick read. But ultimately nothing to write home about.

Make sure to grab your copy of How May We Hate You today!

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Disclaimer: I received a free copy in exchange for a review.

Review: THE SCAM by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg!

Release Date: September 15th, 2015

Type: Series, Mystery, Suspense, Con Artists & Thieves, Nick Fox can steal my heart anytime

About the Book: Nicolas Fox is a charming con man and master thief on the run. Kate O’Hare is the FBI agent who is hot on his trail. At least that’s what everyone thinks. In reality, Fox and O’Hare are secretly working together to bring down super-criminals the law can’t touch. Criminals like brutal casino magnate Evan Trace.

Evan Trace is running a money-laundering operation through his casino in Macau. Some of his best customers are mobsters, dictators, and global terrorists. Nick and Kate will have to go deep undercover as high-stakes gamblers, wagering millions of dollars—and their lives—in an attempt to topple Trace’s empire.

It’s a scam that will take Fox and O’Hare from the Las Vegas strip, to the sun-soaked beaches of Oahu’s North Shore, and into the dark back alleys of Macau. Their only backup—a self-absorbed actor, a Somali pirate, and Kate’s father, and an ex-soldier who believes a rocket launcher is the best way to solve every problem. What could possibly go wrong? [Description from Goodreads.com]

My Review: Anyone who has read this blog for a long time will know that I have a slight obsession with thieves and conmen. I can’t help it. I’m drawn to fiction involving not-so-great characters. For instance, White Collar and Leverage are two of my all-time favorite TV shows. So of course, when I read the information about the first book in this series, I had to have it. And if we’re judging just by my love of thieves, this entire series would be five star material.

But alas, that’s not an option. I do love this series. It’s fun to read, I can definitely see the partnership between Evanovich (the characterizations) and Lee Goldberg (the mystery/con aspects). The characters are funny and endearing, especially the oddballs, which is Evanovich’s specialty. And Goldberg knows his way around a mystery. Everything works and moves as it should - but if this book was a machine, it’d be a simple one.

The Scam is the fourth book in the Fox and O’Hare series - and already, they are starting to feel formulaic. The con is planned, begins with everything going along as it should, and then suddenly something complicates that con, and the con evolves into conning that complication as well. Don’t get me wrong, the formula works.. I just wish Evanovich and Goldberg would throw a wrench into their own plan and give us something weird and different.

That definitely started to happen at the end. This ending is a cliffhanger and.. well, it felt different, original, and fascinating. So of course, I’m going to read the next book. Even if this ending was just like the previous ones, I would read the next book. I love conmen and thieves. But this ending gives me hope that the series is going to evolve. Fingers crossed that holds true.

Cover Lovin’: This fits all the rest of the covers - simple, but effective.

Recommendation: Several past gigs were mentioned, and an old character returns - so prior knowledge of the series is recommended. And be prepared to pre-order the next one after this cliffhanger!

Final Rating: THREE POINT FIVE out of FIVE (3.5/5) stars! If you were to ask me to rate it just based on the ending, the rating would be higher, for sure. But this book is entertaining, but ultimately simplistic.

Make sure to get your copy of “The Scam” by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg. And be sure to check out the previous books in the series if you haven’t already!

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review. Thanks, Netgalley!