Always With a Book

Virtual Tour and Review: Murder on the Down Low by Pamela Samuels Young

Virtual Tour and Review: Murder on the Down Low by Pamela Samuels Young

First line: Dr. Quentin Banks was a man’s man. From the back cover: Savvy L.A. attorney Vernetta Henderson takes center stage in another fast-paced legal thriller that erupts into a scandalous tale of vengeance. Prominent African-American men are being gunned down on the streets of Los Angeles, leaving police completely baffled. The victims are all quintessential family men. Well-Educated. Attractive. Successful. But appearances can be deceiving. At the same time,…

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Giveaway Winners – Not My Daughter

Giveaway Winners – Not My Daughter

CONGRATULATIONS to Tore Teresa Carol Regina Colleen winners of Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky Random.org selected the winners. Thanks to all who entered the giveaway!

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Giveaway Winner – Hollywood Ending

Giveaway Winner – Hollywood Ending

CONGRATULATIONS to Karen K winner of Hollywood Ending by Lucie Simone Random.org selected the winner. Thanks to all who entered the giveaway!

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FIR ’10: Reading Question #11

FIR ’10: Reading Question #11

FIR is hosted by Katrina atCallapidderdays. Every Tuesday this fall, Katrina will be posting a question about reading. Today’s question: Do you ever read the end of a book before you actually get there? Have you sneaked a peek at the last page or two to find out what happens? Or do you faithfully avoid the final pages until you’ve “earned” them by reading to that point?   No, I…

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It’s Monday – What Are You Reading? (12.6.10)

It’s Monday – What Are You Reading? (12.6.10)

  It’s Monday What Are you Reading isthe perfect way for me to begin my week and allows me to focus on what needs to be read and to see what I have or have not accomplished the previous week. I also enjoy discovering new books by visiting other participants blogs. Books Completed last week: Little Bee by Chris Cleave (library book) Murder on the Down Low by Pamela Samuels…

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Review: Little Bee by Chris Cleave

Review: Little Bee by Chris Cleave

First line: Most days I wish I was a British pound coin instead of an African girl. From the inside cover:  We don’t want to tell you WHAT HAPPENS in this book. It is a truly SPECIAL STORY and we don’t want to spoil it. NEVERTHELESS, you need to know enough to buy it, so we will just say this: This is the story of two women. Their lives collide…

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Review: American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld

Review: American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld

First line: Have I made terrible mistakes? From the back cover: A kind, bookish only child born in the 1940s, Alice Lindgren has no idea that she will one day end up in the White House, married to the president. In her small Wisconsin hometown she learns the virtues of politeness, but a tragic accident when she is seventeen shatters her identity and changes the trajectory of her life. More…

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Month in Review: November

Month in Review: November

Here are my reading stats for November! Books read:  12 Books I read (reviewed ones have * and link to review) The Big Short* by Michael Lewis Honeymoon* by James Patterson Hollywood Ending* by Lucie Simone Happy Ever After* by Nora Roberts Not My Daughter* by Barbara Delinsky Safe Haven* by Nicholas Sparks The Love Goddess’ Cooking School* by Melissa Senate Anne of Avonlea* by L.M. Montgomery Cross Fire* by…

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Review: Anne of the Island by L.M. Montgomery (audio book)

Review: Anne of the Island by L.M. Montgomery (audio book)

From the back of the audio case: Anne of Green Gables, the story of a mischievous, carrot-topped waif, is beloved by generations of girls. Now Anne has grown into a lovely woman. Leaving the tranquility of her home on Prince Edward Island, she begins a new life on the mainland as a freshman at Redmond College. Will she be ready for the challenge of a cranky professor who thinks education…

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Giveaway Reminders

Giveaway Reminders

Don’t forget to enter the following giveaways: Hollywood Ending by Lucie Simone ends November 28th ENDED Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky (5 copies available) ends November 30th ENDED

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FIR ’10: Reading Question #10

FIR ’10: Reading Question #10

FIR is hosted by Katrina atCallapidderdays. Every Tuesday this fall, Katrina will be posting a question about reading. Today’s question: Do you have multiple books going at once? Or do you prefer to stick to one book at a time?    Up until just recently, I have always had the same answer to this question – no, I only read one book at a time. But, I have finally started…

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Teaser Tuesdays (11.30.10)

Teaser Tuesdays (11.30.10)

MizB of Should Be Reading hosts Teaser Tuesday. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: Grab your current read Open to a random page Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that other…

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Review: Cross Fire by James Patterson

Review: Cross Fire by James Patterson

First line: It had been months since Kyle Craig had killed a man. From the inside cover: Detective Alex Cross and Bree Stone’s wedding plans are put on hold when Alex is called to the scene of the perfectly executed assassination of two of Washington DC’s most corrupt: a dirty congressman and an underhanded lobbyist. Next, the elusive gunman begins picking off other crooked insiders, sparking a blaze of theories…

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It’s Monday – What Are You Reading? (11.29.10)

It’s Monday – What Are You Reading? (11.29.10)

  It’s Monday What Are you Reading is the perfect way for me to begin my week and allows me to focus on what needs to be read and to see what I have or have not accomplished the previous week. I also enjoy discovering new books by visiting other participants blogs.   ***I was away last week, so I am including the last 2 weeks. Books Completed in the…

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Review: Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery (audio book)

Review: Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery (audio book)

From the back of the audio case: In the first sequel to Anne of Green Gables, Lucy Montgomery’s feisty red-headed heroine is now sixteen and a school teacher in the small village of Avonlea on Prince Edward Island. Although older, she isn’t necessarily wiser – and she hasn’t outgrown her mischievous antics. She learns how complicated life can be when she takes two new orphans at Green Gables under her…

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In My Mailbox (32) 11.28.10

In My Mailbox (32) 11.28.10

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Every week I’ll post what books I’ve received either by mailbox/library/store. For Review (0) Library (0) Purchased (1) –  Key Lime Pie by Josi S. Kilpack Borrowed from family member (0) From Paperback Swap – (0) Won (0) – **It was quiet this week, but that’s ok – maybe I can catch up on all…

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Review: The Love Goddess’ Cooking School by Melissa Senate

Review: The Love Goddess’ Cooking School by Melissa Senate

First line: According to Holly Maguire’s late grandmother, revered on Blue Crab Island, Maine for her fortune-telling as much as her cooking, the great love of Holly’s life would be one of the few people on earth to like sa cordula, an Italian delicacy. From the back cover: Holly Maguire’s grandmother Camilla was the Love Goddess of Blue Crab Island, Maine – a Milanese fortune-teller who could predict the right…

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A-Z Wednesday: P 11.24.10)

A-Z Wednesday: P 11.24.10)

Welcome to A-Z Wednesday!! A-Z Wednesday is hosted by Vicki at Reading At The Beach. To join in, visit her blog for the guidelines and leave your link in a comment. THIS WEEK’S LETTER IS: “P” My book is: The Bachelor by Carly Phillips Synopsis from Amazon: The small town of Yorkshire Falls and its colorful inhabitants including a mysterious panty-raider and a fun-loving but devious mother are a sturdy…

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Review: Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks

Review: Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks

First line: As Katie wound her way among tables, a breeze from the Atlantic rippled through her hair. From the inside cover: When a mysterious young woman named Katie appears in the small North Carolina town of Southport, her sudden arrival raises questions about her past. Beautiful yet self-effacing, Katie seems determined to avoid forming personal ties until a series of events draws her into two reluctant relationships: one with…

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FIR ’10: Reading Question #9

FIR ’10: Reading Question #9

FIR is hosted by Katrina atCallapidderdays. Every Tuesday this fall, Katrina will be posting a question about reading. Today’s question: Once you begin a book, do you feel compelled to finish it? Or have you been known to give up in the middle of a book, to walk away from a book that is just too annoying, boring, etc.? I have to say I think I have only abandoned one…

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Teaser Tuesdays (11.23.10)

Teaser Tuesdays (11.23.10)

MizB of Should Be Reading hosts Teaser Tuesday. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: Grab your current read Open to a random page Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that other…

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In My Mailbox (31) 11.21.10

In My Mailbox (31) 11.21.10

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Every week I’ll post what books I’ve received either by mailbox/library/store. For Review (1) The Tapestry of Love by Rosy Thornton Library (1) House Rules by Jodi Picoult (audio book) Purchased (1) –  Cross Fire by James Patterson Borrowed from family member (0) From Paperback Swap – (0) Won (0) – What’s in your mailbox?

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Review: Happy Ever After by Nora Roberts

Review: Happy Ever After by Nora Roberts

First line: Grief came in waves, hard and choppy, buffeting and breaking the heart. From the inside cover: #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts cordially invites you to meet childhood friends, Parker, Emma, Laurel, and Mac – the founders of Vows, one of Connecticut’s premier wedding planning companies. Parker Brown turned the quartet’s childhood game of Wedding Day into their dream jobs. And now she’s the face of…

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Guest Post and Giveaway by Barbara Delinsky

Guest Post and Giveaway by Barbara Delinsky

Please join me in welcoming Barbara Delinsky, author of Not My Daughter to Always With a Book! If you missed my review, you can read it here. Today Barbara guest blogs about her moving from writing romance novels to fiction. Enjoy and be sure to enter the giveaway below! Breaking Out is Hard to Do… Okay. I know what at least a few of you are thinking. “Barbara Delinsky –…

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FIR ’10: Reading Question #8

FIR ’10: Reading Question #8

FIR is hosted by Katrina atCallapidderdays. Every Tuesday this fall, Katrina will be posting a question about reading. Today’s question:Where do you get the books you read? Are you a faithful library patron? Or maybe a bookstore junkie? Do you exchange books with friends or family members? I tend to get my books from a number of places… * Library – I do use the library, sometimes more often than…

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Teaser Tuesdays (11.16.10)

Teaser Tuesdays (11.16.10)

MizB of Should Be Reading hosts Teaser Tuesday. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: Grab your current read Open to a random page Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that other…

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Virtual Tour and Review: Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky

Virtual Tour and Review: Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky

First line: Susan Tate never saw it coming. From the back cover: When Susan Tate’s seventeen-year-old daughter, Lily, announces she is pregnant, Susan is stunned. A single mother, she has struggled to do everything right. She sees the pregnancy as an inconceivable tragedy both for Lily and herself. Then comes word of two more pregnancies among other high school juniors who happen to be Lily’s best friends. The town turns…

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It’s Monday – What Are You Reading? (11.15.10)

It’s Monday – What Are You Reading? (11.15.10)

It’s Monday What Are you Reading isthe perfect way for me to begin my week and allows me to focus on what needs to be read and to see what I have or have not accomplished the previous week. I also enjoy discovering new books by visiting other participants blogs. Books Completed Last Week: Happy Ever After by Nora Roberts (mine) Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky (review – book…

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In My Mailbox (30) 11.14.10

In My Mailbox (30) 11.14.10

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Every week I’ll post what books I’ve received either by mailbox/library/store. For Review (0) Library (2) Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery (audio book) Anne of the Island by L.M. Montgomery (audio book) Purchased (6) – all from library book sales Spoken from the Heart by Laura Bush One for the Money by Janet Evanovich…

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Book Tour, Review and Giveaway: Hollywood Ending by Lucie Simone

Book Tour, Review and Giveaway: Hollywood Ending by Lucie Simone

First line: “Nothing too hard.” From the back cover: Trina Stewart needs cash. Fast. She’s barely got enough dough to keep her fanny off the streets, let alone any spending money for hot nights clubbing on Sunset Strip. And her job teaching English as a Second Language is seriously lacking in both pay and glamour. But not just any job will do. She’s after a real Hollywood job. The kind…

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Book Blogger Hop 11.12.10

Book Blogger Hop 11.12.10

It’s been a while since I’ve participating in the hop, but I couldn’t resist this week.   Brought to you by Jennifer at Crazy For Books, the Book Blogger Hop is a fun way to get to know other book bloggers. This week’s question:  “If you find a book that looks interesting but is part of a series, do you always start with the first title?”    ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY YES! I…

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Book Blogger Holiday Swaps

Book Blogger Holiday Swaps

December is my favorite time of year – I love everything about the holiday season, from decorating the house to shopping for gifts for loved ones to baking yummy holiday treats, plus my birthday also happens to be during this time! I saw a few blogs mentioning some holiday goings-on, so I decided to check them on. I am participating in the Book Blogger Holiday Swap for the first time.…

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Review: Honeymoon by James Patterson

Review: Honeymoon by James Patterson

First line: Things aren’t always as they appear. From the inside cover: How does it feel to be desired by ever man and envied by every woman? Wonderful. This is the life Nora Sinclair has dreamed about, the life she’s worked hard for, the life she will never give up. When FBI agent John O’Hara first sees her, she seems perfect. She has the looks. The career. The clothes. The…

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Giveaway Winner: The Life O’Reilly

Giveaway Winner: The Life O’Reilly

CONGRATULATIONS to Mary winner of The Life O’Reilly by Brian Cohen Random.org selected the winner. Thanks to all who entered the giveaway!

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Review: The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine by Michael Lewis

Review: The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine by Michael Lewis

First line: The willingness of a Wall Street investment bank to pay me hundreds of thousands of dollars to dispense investment advice to grown-ups remains a mystery to me to this day. From the inside cover: When the crash of the U.S. stock market became public knowledge in the fall of 2008, it was already old news. The real crash, the silent crash, had taken place over the previous year,…

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A-Z Wednesday: N (11.10.10)

A-Z Wednesday: N (11.10.10)

Welcome to A-Z Wednesday!! A-Z Wednesday is hosted by Vicki at Reading At The Beach. To join in, visit her blog for the guidelines and leave your link in a comment. THIS WEEK’S LETTER IS: “N” My book is: Vision in White by Nora Roberts Synopsis from Amazon: The frighteningly prolific Roberts kicks off a frothy series about four friends who form an all-inclusive wedding service called Vows. Mackensie ‘Mac’…

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FIR ’10: Reading Question #7

FIR ’10: Reading Question #7

FIR is hosted by Katrina atCallapidderdays. Every Tuesday this fall, Katrina will be posting a question about reading. Today’s question:How did you get into reading? When and how/why did you really become “a reader”? I don’t remember at what age I actually learned to read, but I can always remember having books around me. My father was a teacher when we were younger and I always remember him bringing home…

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Teaser Tuesdays (11.9.10)

Teaser Tuesdays (11.9.10)

MizB of Should Be Reading hosts Teaser Tuesday. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: Grab your current read Open to a random page Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that other…

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It’s Monday – What Are You Reading? (11.8.10)

It’s Monday – What Are You Reading? (11.8.10)

It’s Monday What Are you Reading is the perfect way for me to begin my week and allows me to focus on what needs to be read and to see what I have or have not accomplished the previous week. I also enjoy discovering new books by visiting other participants blogs. Books Completed Last Week: The Big Short by Michael Lewis (library, book club book) Honeymoon by James Patterson (mine)…

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In My Mailbox (29) 11.7.10

In My Mailbox (29) 11.7.10

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Every week I’ll post what books I’ve received either by mailbox/library/store. For Review (2) Murder on the Down Low by Pamela Samuels Young Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky Library (1) Little Bee by Chris Cleave Purchased (2) –  The Queen’s Captive by Barbara Kyle Happy Ever After by Nora Roberts From Paperback Swap –…

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A-Z Wednesday: M (11.3.10)

A-Z Wednesday: M (11.3.10)

Welcome to A-Z Wednesday!! A-Z Wednesday is hosted by Vicki at Reading At The Beach. To join in, visit her blog for the guidelines and leave your link in a comment. THIS WEEK’S LETTER IS: “M” My book is: Scarlet Feather by Maeve Binchy Synopsis from Amazon: Bestselling author Binchy (Tara Road, etc.) again explores the depths of family relationships in an 11th warm, involving drama. Set in contemporary Ireland…

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FIR ’10: Reading Question #6

FIR ’10: Reading Question #6

FIR is hosted by Katrina atCallapidderdays. Every Tuesday this fall, Katrina will be posting a question about reading. Today’s question:Where do you love to read? Note: I don’t mean where do you actually do most of your reading, because that might be the carpool line, the work cafeteria, or even the bathroom (if you have to escape from a few small children in order to read a chapter of your…

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Teaser Tuesdays (11.02.10)

Teaser Tuesdays (11.02.10)

MizB of Should Be Reading hosts Teaser Tuesday. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: Grab your current read Open to a random page Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that other…

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Month in Review: October

Month in Review: October

Here are my reading stats for October! Books read:  11 Books I read (reviewed ones have * and link to review) Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return* by Marjane Satrapi Love Means Zero* by Daisy Jordan Mini Shopaholic* by Sophie Kinsella Let’s Eat* by Denise Burroughs Devil’s Food Cake* by Josi S. Kilpack Don’t Blink* by James Patterson The Life O’Reilly* by Brian Cohen Perfection* by Julie Metz Love…

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Book Tour, Review and Giveaway: What I Thought I Knew by Alice Eve Cohen

Book Tour, Review and Giveaway: What I Thought I Knew by Alice Eve Cohen

First line: This was going to be a solo show. From the back cover: Alice Cohen was happy for the first time in years. After a difficult divorce, she had a new love in her life, she was raising a beloved adopted daughter, and her career was blossoming. Then, she started experiencing mysterious symptoms. After months of tests, X-rays, and inconclusive diagnoses, Alice was sent for an emergency CAT scan…

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Review: 1022 Evergreen Place by Debbie Macomber

Review: 1022 Evergreen Place by Debbie Macomber

First line: Almost home. From the back cover: Dear Reader, Guess what? I’m falling in love! With Mack McAfee. My baby daughter, Noelle, and I have been living next door to Mack since the spring. I’m still a little wary about our relationship, because I haven’t always made good decisions when it comes to men. My baby’s father, David Rhodes, is testament to that. I’m so worried he might sue…

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Review: Don’t Blink by James Patterson

Review: Don’t Blink by James Patterson

First line: Lombardo’s Steakhouse on Manhattan’s tony Upper East Side was justly famous for two things, two specialties of the house. From the inside cover: Lombardo’s Steakhouse in New York is famous for three reasons: the menu, the clientele, and now, the gruesome murder of an infamous mob lawyer. Effortlessly, the assassin slips through the police’s fingers, and his absence sparks a blaze of accusations about who ordered the hit.…

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In My Mailbox (28) 10.31.10

In My Mailbox (28) 10.31.10

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Every week I’ll post what books I’ve received either by mailbox/library/store. For Review (0) Library (0) Purchased (0) – From Paperback Swap – (0) Won (1) – The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender (from CMash Loves to Read) What’s in your mailbox?

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Review: Love Me If You Dare by Carly Phillips

Review: Love Me If You Dare by Carly Phillips

First line: As the elite of Manhattan sipped champagne and whispered in hush tones, Rafe Mancuso patted the Glock hidden beneath his tuxedo jacket. From the back cover: When hostage negotiator Rafe Mancuso takes a bullet to save Sara Rios, his former partner, his actions make him a bona fide hero – and New York City’s newest most eligible bachelor. Then Rafe admits that Sara is much more than just…

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Review: Devil’s Food Cake by Josi S. Kilpack

Review: Devil’s Food Cake by Josi S. Kilpack

First line: “Have you seen Thom yet?” Sadie asked, craning her neck to peer into the corners of the temporary stage set up at the front of the ballroom at the Carmichael Hotel. From the back cover: Calling All Book Lovers! Please join us this Friday as the Garrison Library welcomes favorite son Thom Mortenson for a special appearance to discuss his bestselling novel Devilish Details. It’s guaranteed to be…

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