Holiday Stars of Pocket Star eBooks {+ Giveaways}

I’m happy to be participating in the celebration of the Holiday Stars of Pocket Star eBooks.

Thanks to Melissa and the good folks at Simon & Schuster, I have a print copy of ANGELS IN THE SNOW and BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE to giveaway. BABY, which is an anthology, contains REKINDLE THE FLAME. Please see the end of the post for more details on both giveaways.

Whether it be stars in the sky, stars atop trees, or stars who offer great reads, all are holiday stars to savor. The holiday stars of Pocket Star eBooks offer perfect escapes for winding down this holiday season.

KATE MEADER

Rekindle the Flame (Nov. 30)

Romance / Contemporary / Holidays

 

S&S

IBOOKSTORE(eBook)

KINDLE(eBook)

NOOK(eBook)

GOOGLEPLAY (eBook)

►Rekindle the Flame is the Hot in Chicago series prequel e-novella for $1.99 by Pocket Star EBooks

►Melting Point is the mm romance e-novella from the series by Pocket Star EBooks

►The Hot in Chicago series: Flirting with Fire (#1), Playing with Fire (#2), Sparking the Fire (#3 in September 2016)

►Playing with Fire is a PW Best Book of 2015 for Romance/Erotica

“[A] flawless contemporary…Deft characterization, high stakes, and unabashed sexual hunger drive the gripping fast-paced story.”

DANI-LYN ALEXANDER

The New Year’s Wish (Nov. 30)

Romance / Contemporary / Holidays

 

S&S

IBOOKSTORE(eBook)

KINDLE(eBook)

NOOK(eBook)

GOOGLEPLAY (eBook)

►Also indulge in Dani-Lyn Alexander’s The Perfect Gift Pocket Star EBook!

“Alexander paints a reliable, feel-good romance for the season that hits all the right notes, which is exactly what readers will seek for the holidays.”

—Library Journal

MARIAH STEWART

If Only In My Dreams (Nov. 30)

Romance / Contemporary / Holidays

 

S&S

IBOOKSTORE (eBook)

KINDLE (eBook)

NOOK (eBook)

GOOGLEPLAY (eBook) 

►The final installment in the Chesapeake Diaries, Driftwood Point, will publish June 21, 2016. If you can’t wait until then, indulge in the recent New York Times bestselling Chesapeake Diaries #9, That Chesapeake Summer

REXANNE BECNEL

Angels in the Snow (Oct. 27)

Romance / Contemporary / Holidays

 

S&S

AMAZON

B&N

BAM

INDIEBOUND

IBOOKSTORE(eBook)

KINDLE(eBook)

NOOK(eBook)

GOOGLEPLAY (eBook)

►Tune in to UP Friday, December 18th, 7:00 pm ET to watch the movie Angels in the Snow!

►MovieTrailer

►Also indulge in Rexanne Becnel’s The Christmas Train Pocket Star EBook!

“A sweet tale of unconditional family love.”

—Library Journal

RAQIYAH MAYS

The Man Curse (Nov. 16; Pocket Star / Karen Hunter EBook)

Fiction / African American / Contemporary Women

 

Buy Links on this page: http://books.simonandschuster.com/The-Man-Curse/Raqiyah-Mays/9781476792941

►Interview with Ebony

►A Little Respect & Romance | African American Fiction (and More) “VERDICT There’s a lot to like about this eBook original. Meena has a good heart but manages to make lousy decisions with men, a problem that will have many female readers nodding in agreement. Making her fiction debut with a novel that is equally raw, profane, and touching, Mays is a promising author to watch.” —Library Journal

ADRIAN PHOENIX

Thinning the Herd (Jan. 4)

Fiction / Fantasy / Urban

 

Buy Links on this page: http://books.simonandschuster.com/Thinning-the-Herd/Adrian-Phoenix/9781451645354

►”Uproariously funny urban fantasy.”

—Publishers Weekly

► “It was fun, it was ridiculous, it was funny, it was, at times, even epic in a glorious, over the top action movie kind of way, it was cartoony and yes it was often puerile. And I enjoyed it.”

—Fangs for the Fantasy

GABRA ZACKMAN

Double Down (Jan. 11) is book 3 in The Bod Squad series

Fiction / Romance / Contemporary

 

Buy Links on this page: http://books.simonandschuster.com/Double-Down/Gabra-Zackman/The-Bod-Squad-Series/9781476789279

►“Game On is a thrilling romantic caper filled with double crosses, gadgets, and just the right amount of heat…Zackman’s debut mixes romance, pop culture, and espionage into a page-turner that plays with expectations. Readers will find a fast-paced story that is equal parts action and romance.”

—Library Journal

L.J. OLIVER

The Humbug Murders: An Ebenezer Scrooge Mystery

Fiction / Mystery & Detective / Historical

 

► “Houses of ill fame, naughty noblemen, mutilation and murder, opium dens, conspiracies, blackmail, dim-witted coppers, and a cast that includes, among others, Fagin, the Artful Dodger, Mr. Pickwick, Ebenezer Scrooge, and Charles Dickens himself—it's all here in Oliver's tale set during the run-up to Christmas, 1833…Oliver includes enough action and sufficient twists and turns to provide some fun by the fireside, accompanied, perhaps, by a nice glass of Madeira.”

—Publishers Weekly

►“VERDICT: This series launch from Oliver is a gritty period mystery that features clever appearances by Dickens and several of his characters.”

—Library Journal (What’s in Santa’s Book Bag?)

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Thanks to Melissa and the good folks at Simon & Schuster, I have a print copy of ANGELS IN THE SNOW and BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE to giveaway. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Monday, Dec. 21.

To enter, just click on the Rafflecopter widgets below and following the instructions. The widgets may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. A winner will be selected by the Rafflecopter widgets and I’ll send emails with the subject line “Thoughts in Progress ANGELS IN THE SNOW Giveaway” and Thoughts in Progress BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE Giveaway.” The winners will have 72 hours to reply to the email or another winner will be selected. PLEASE be sure to check your spam folder from time to time after the giveaway ends. If you win and you’ve already won the book somewhere else or you just decide for whatever reason you don’t want to win, once again PLEASE let me know.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Remember, Christmas is just around the corner and books make great gifts. Are you giving anyone a book for Christmas this year?

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To Brew or Not to Brew {+ Giveaway}

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A cozy murder mystery with a spunky, independent female protagonist is always a treat. Put that protagonist in a unique career and you have a fun read for sure.

Author Joyce Tremel has created such a protagonist and setting in TO BREW OR NOT TO BREW, the first installment in her new Brewing Trouble Mystery series. Protagonist Maxine ‘Max’ O’Hara is trying to open her craft brewpub, The Allegheny Brew House, but keeps having problems including the death of the assistant brewmaster/chef.

After returning to Pittsburg with her brewmaster certificate from Germany, Max is eager to open her craft brewpub. She encounters numerous problems, but when her assistant brewmaster/chef is discovered dead she begins to think someone is out to shut her down before the doors ever open. Determined to achieve her dream, Max sets out to find her friend’s killer and open her pub.

The author has combined intrigue and suspense with loyalty and determination to make an entertaining story. The characters are realistic, well-developed and likable. With an eye for detail and rich descriptions, the author draws readers into the setting which is a combination of real places and make-believe.

Moving at a steady pace, this tantalizing mystery holds your attention all the way through. Twists and turns will keep you guessing. Several tasty recipes mentioned throughout the book are also included as an added bonus, along with a special preview of the next entry in the series, TANGLED UP IN BREW.

TO BREW OR NOT TO BREW is a captivating start to what promises to be an enticing new series.

To Brew or Not to Brew by Joyce Tremel, A Brewing Trouble Mystery Book #1, Berkley, @2015, ISBN: 978-0425277690, Mass Market Paperback, 304 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Thanks to Danielle and the great folks at Berkley, I have a print copy of TO BREW NOT TO BREW to giveaway. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Thursday, Dec. 17.

To enter, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and following the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. A winner will be selected by the Rafflecopter widget and I’ll send an email with the subject line “Thoughts in Progress To Brew or Not to Brew Giveaway.” The winner will have 72 hours to reply to the email or another winner will be selected. PLEASE be sure to check your spam folder from time to time after the giveaway ends. If you win and you’ve already won the book somewhere else or you just decide for whatever reason you don’t want to win, once again PLEASE let me know.

Thanks for stopping by today. Are you familiar with craft brewpubs? Do you like spunky female protagonist?

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Devoted in Death…..Wonderment in Death

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DEVOTED IN DEATH by J.D. Robb

When it comes to sadistic killers and suspenseful plots, author J.D. Robb continues to entertain readers of her Eve Dallas ‘In Death’ series.

Narrator Susan Ericksen does a superb job bringing the various characters in Robb’s story to life. Ericksen gives a unique voice to each characters in such a way it seems there are several narrators at work. She conveys the emotions of the moment with great flare enhancing the story.

In DEVOTED IN DEATH Robb introduces readers to a twisted couple who express their love for each other through torture and murder. She explores the lengths some will go to prove their emotions in brutal ways.

At the same time, Robb flips the coin and shares the true meaning of deep love between couples, as well as the love of friends. She highlights the wonderful and truly terrible ways love can be expressed through various characters.

This time around a couple are making their way to New York by leaving a trail of bodies in their wake. The couple kidnaps, tortures and then kills the victims to fulfill their own twisted sexual desires.

When the latest victim is discovered in New York, Lt. Eve Dallas and her team begin searching for the killer. Before long Eve sees a pattern and when two more people go missing under similar circumstances, Eve pulls out all the stops to find them before they are killed.

The story moves at a fast pace as readers are drawn into the future of New York City. The setting has aspects of the future but is easy to believe. The characters are well-developed, realistic and most especially likable (except the killers, of course).

DEVOTED IN DEATH can be read/listened to on its own even though it is the 41st installment in the series. Returning fans will be delighted to catch up with their favorite characters. New readers/listeners won’t be left in the dark, but might find they want to know backstories on the main core of characters.

This riveting thriller will hold you captive from beginning to the dramatic ending.

Devoted in Death by J.D. Robb, In Death Book #41, Narrated by Susan Ericksen, Brilliance Audio, @2015, ISBN: 978-1480593107, Unabridged, 10 Discs, Run Time: 12 Hours, 21 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

WONDERMENT IN DEATH by J.D. Robb

Alice in Wonderland takes on a twisted new meaning in author J.D. Robb’s novella, WONDERMENT IN DEATH.

Narrator Susan Ericksen performs her usual magic bringing the various characters to life. Her mannerisms and cadence enhances the emotional ups and downs for listeners.

What appears to be a typical murder/suicide turns out to be a twisted tale of deceit. Lt. Eve Dallas is assured the killer would never harm her brother so she begins to dig deeper.

As the investigation continues, the clues begin to resemble Alice in Wonderland. Time is running out for the Mad Hatter’s next victim as Eve and her team search for the killer’s hidden place.

Robb has taken her core cast of characters into a fairy tale-like setting in this novella. The plot moves smoothly and at a steady pace holding your attention until the very end. The twists and turns puts a new spin on Alice and the tea party of childhood tales.

WONDERMENT IN DEATH is an intriguing tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Wonderment in Death by J.D. Robb, In Death Novella, Narrated by Susan Ericksen, Brilliance Audio, @2015, ISBN: 978-1501223730, Unabridged, 3 Discs, Run Time: 3 Hours, 34 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Are you a fan of the In Death series? Do you enjoy audio books?

Murder Most Howl {+ Giveaway}

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Author Krista Davis shows her affection for animals throughout her amazing Paws and Claws Mystery series.

In her latest release, MURDER MOST HOWL, Davis puts a new spin on attracting tourists to the pet-friendly town of Wagtail, VA. This charming story will have you howling with laughter even as you’re trying to solve the murder.

Holly Miller is busy running the Sugar Maple Inn while her grandmother is on vacation. To draw in tourists, the merchants in Wagtail are hosting a weekend-long murder mystery game. Holly has a full house at the inn and a blizzard is predicted.

The storm blows in the night the game gets underway. Trouble soon overshadows the game’s fun when a second body is discovered. This time, however, the victim really is dead and a killer is on the loose. Holly, with the help of her four-legged companions, sets out to find the real killer so the game can continue in fun.

Davis has created a lovable, fun setting where humans and pets live in harmony. The small town atmosphere enhances the story. The characters – humans and animals – are likable and well-developed. Readers can relate to the bond between the pets and their owners.

MURDER MOST HOWL moves at a steady pace and holds your attention from beginning to end. The twists and turns makes for an intriguing mystery that will keep you guessing. Murder, intrigue, lovable animals, a touch of romance, and a game makes this a tantalizing read.

This is the third entry in the series, but can be read as a standalone. Davis has included tasty recipes for humans and animals as an added bonus.

Animal lovers will adore this series. But you don’t have to be a pet person to enjoy this delightful cozy murder mystery.

Murder Most Howl by Krista Davis, A Paws and Claws Mystery Book #3, Berkley, @2015, ISBN: 978-0425262573, Mass Market Paperback, 304 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Thanks to Danielle and the great folks at Berkley, I have a print copy of MURDER MOST HOWL to giveaway. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Thursday, Dec. 17.

To enter, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and following the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. A winner will be selected by the Rafflecopter widget and I’ll send an email with the subject line “Thoughts in Progress Murder Most Howl Giveaway.” The winner will have 72 hours to reply to the email or another winner will be selected. PLEASE be sure to check your spam folder from time to time after the giveaway ends. If you win and you’ve already won the book somewhere else or you just decide for whatever reason you don’t want to win, once again PLEASE let me know.

Thanks for stopping by today. Would you like to live in a town like Wagtail where pets were welcomed everywhere? Do you or have you ever cooked for your pets?

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Here Today, Gone Tamale {+ Giveaway}

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A journalist taking a new career direction and a Tex-Mex restaurant setting are a unique combination for a new series by author Rebecca Adler.

HERE TODAY, GONE TAMALE is the first installment in Adler’s A Taste of Texas Mystery series. This is a delightful story that blends family, friends, good food and small town atmosphere with an intriguing murder mystery.

Josie Callahan has lost her newspaper job in Austin, her fiancé dumps her and he unfriends her on Facebook. Packing up Lenny, her Chihuahua, Josie returns to Broken Boot (Texas) to help out in Milagro, a Tex-Mex restaurant owned and operated by her aunt and uncle.

The town is gearing up for the Wild, Wild West Festival and a tamale making party is held at Milagro. Even a heated discussion between jewelry designer Dixie Honeycutt and committee chairperson Elaine Burnett doesn’t put a damper on the activities. However, that changes when Dixie is found dead a short-time later behind Milagro and the restaurant’s part-time waiter is arrested. Josie’s reporter instincts take over as she becomes determined to find the real killer.

The author has created likable characters that readers will find appealing. The interaction among the characters pulls readers in. The mystery will keep you guessing as the story moves at a steady pace.

With an eye for detail and a taste for delicious dishes, the author blends the search for the killer with the on-going activities of a restaurant. She stirs in eccentric characters and a touch of romance for a well-seasoned story mystery lover will devour.  

HERE TODAY, GONE TAMALE is a sizzling start to a fun new series. Readers are also treated to a number of Tex-Mex recipes mentioned in the story.

Here Today, Gone Tamale by Rebecca Adler, A Taste of Texas Mystery Book #1, Berkley, @2015, ISBN: 978-0425275917, Mass Market Paperback, 304 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Thanks to Danielle and the great folks at Berkley, I have a print copy of HERE TODAY, GONE TAMALE to giveaway. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Wednesday, Dec. 16.

To enter, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and following the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. A winner will be selected by the Rafflecopter widget and I’ll send an email with the subject line “Thoughts in Progress Here Today Giveaway.” The winner will have 72 hours to reply to the email or another winner will be selected. PLEASE be sure to check your spam folder from time to time after the giveaway ends. If you win and you’ve already won the book somewhere else or you just decide for whatever reason you don’t want to win, once again PLEASE let me know.

Thanks for stopping by today. Do you enjoy finding recipes as an added bonus when reading a book? Are you a fan of Tex-Mex food? 

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