Two Reviews And A Giveaway

‘Variety’s the very spice of life, That gives it all its flavour.” ….William Cowper, THE TASK (1785)

That’s what I enjoy about books, there’s so much variety to select from. And that’s what I’m offering today - a variety of genres to whet your reading appetite. I have 2 reviews and a giveaway, all from different genres.

First up, let’s head west and take a look at a western romance novel with a slight twist.

COWBOY FEVER by Joanne Kennedy

COWBOY FEVER is your typical western romance with sexy cowboys, horses, and damsels in distress. However, this story has a couple extra layers that might surprise you and give you a different take on the genre.

Teague Treadwell has been the typical ‘bad boy’ cowboy growing up. But when a person he loved went away to better themselves, Teague decided it was time to get his act together. Taking over the ranch from his alcoholic father, Teague turned it into a profitable business raising rough stock (bucking horses and bulls). In addition, Teague has taken on the role of caring for his older brother, Troy, who has Down Syndrome.

The typical ‘girl-next-door,’ Jodi Brand enjoyed being a tomboy but used her good looks to become Miss Rodeo America. From there Jodi went East to model for six years. During that time she also studied and got a degree in special education.

Jodi returns to her hometown determined to leave the glam life behind and build a successful therapy riding program for disabled children. Troy wanting his independence inspired her.

While Jodi and Teague are drawn to each other from their childhood friendship, there are several obstacles in their way to happiness. One in particular is Courtney Skelton, a spoiled, rich want-to-be cowgirl who wants Teague all to herself.

The caring and concern Teague and Jodi feel for each other give the story depth. Author Joanne Kennedy gives a new layer to the story when she addresses the issue of children with disabilities. She shares how therapy programs work to give these individuals more independence. COWBOY FEVER is a tender love story with a lot of heart, emotion and inspiration.

Author Joanne Kennedy’s website is http://joannekennedybooks.com/

Cowboy Fever by Joanne Kennedy, Sourcebooks Casablanca, @2011, ISBN: 978-1-4022-5141-2, Paperback, 416 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this book and it was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Next we take a trip to see what evil underworld creatures are up to in a paranormal romance with a dose of humor.
 

DEMONS ARE A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND by Linda Wisdom

Working in law enforcement is hard work especially when the criminals are nefarious creatures.

But Maggie O’Malley is good at her job. She’s well trained and is a member of The Hellion Guard, a secret branch of law enforcement. Not to mention, she’s a 700-year-old witch.

Declan is the sexy owner of the Damnation Alley bar. It’s his responsibility to keep the creatures from coming through the bar’s portal and creating havoc for humans. He’s also a half fire demon.

Maggie and Declan must join forces to help protect Courtney, a teenager who is number one on the Maylan human sacrifice list. If Courtney is sacrificed, a major bad guy will be freed. While dealing with the teenager and trying to keep her safe, Maggie and Declan have to also deal with their growing feelings for each other. Fire demons and witches don’t mix well.

DEMONS ARE A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND is a delightful read with witty and eclectic characters. My favorite is Ella, the diamond encrusted Black Widow Spider with ruby eyes who doubles as Maggie’s tattoo.

Author Linda Wisdom has done a wonderful job of creating a fantasy world with lovable characters you’ll want to visit again and again.

Author Linda Wisdom’s website is www.lindawisdom.com

Demons Are A Girl’s Best Friend by Linda Wisdom, Sourcebooks Casablanca, @2011, ISBN: 978-1-4022-5439-0, Paperback, 384 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this book and it was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

We end our journey today with a look at a fiction thriller that will be released on May 5 and is up for a giveaway.

TABLOID CITY by Peter Hamill

I’m able to giveaway 2 copies of Peter Hamill’s newest release, TABLOID CITY, thanks to Anna and the good folks at Little, Brown and Company.

Here’s a brief synopsis of the book:
In a stately West Village townhouse, a wealthy socialite and her secretary are murdered. In the 24 hours that follow, a flurry of activity circles around their shocking deaths: The head of one of the city's last tabloids stops the presses. A cop investigates the killing. A reporter chases the story. A disgraced hedge fund manager flees the country. An Iraq War vet seeks revenge. And an angry young extremist plots a major catastrophe.

The City is many things: a proving ground, a decadent playground, or a palimpsest of memories-- a historic metropolis eclipsed by modern times. As much a thriller as it is a gripping portrait of the city of today, TABLOID CITY is a new fiction classic from the writer who has captured it perfectly for decades.

Pete Hamill is a novelist, journalist, editor, and screenwriter. He is the author of 20 previous books including the bestselling novels FOREVER and SNOW IN AUGUST and the bestselling memoir, A DRINKING LIFE. He lives in New York City.

Click on the following link to hear an excerpt and/or video of TABLOID CITY - http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/books_9780316020756.htm

To enter this giveaway, send me an e-mail (mcbookshelf@gmail.com) with the subject line, “Win Tabloid City.” Your message should include your name and mailing address. The contest is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only and no post office box addresses can be accepted. In addition, Hachette advises winners that they will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if they win the same title in two or more contests, they will receive only one copy of the title in the mail. (Winners here have always be great about letting me know if they have already won the book somewhere else so another winner can be selected. However, this announcement is something that has to be passed along from Hachette). And, just so you know, I don’t share the mailing information or use it for any other purpose. The deadline to enter the giveaway for a chance at 1 of 2 copies of  TABLOID CITY (ISBN: 9780316020756), a 288 page hardcover editioin, is 8 p.m. (EST) on Saturday, May 7.

Do you like variety in your reading?