Chosen by Denise Grover Swank

I am a big fan of chick lit (no, really!) but every once in awhile I like to dip into another genre. When Denise Grover Swank questioned me about CLP Blog Tours being a good fit for her second novel––the paranormal romance Chosen––I immediately jumped at the chance. Denise impressed me on a whole new level when I read her debut Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes for her first blog tour go-round. Not surprisingly, my other bloggers jumped at the chance to host her again––even those who don’t normally go for paranormal reads. So how did Denise do with Chosen?

Stellar! Another page-turner that had me biting my nails and desperately clicking the ‘next’ page on my Kindle. Emma Thompson and her five-year-old son Jake have been on the run from bad men for years. Though Emma isn’t positive what these men want with her son, she knows it has to do with Jake’s ability to see into the future. While on the run, Emma meets Will, who offers to help her escape. Little does Emma know that Will is actually on the job––he is a mercenary who has been given orders to capture Emma.  Chosen is full of twists and turns and gasping and heart-breaking and blushing moments. The paranormal/fantasy aspect of Jake seeing in the future and the tattoos that mysteriously appear on Emma and Will are well written and flow with precision.  I was on my seat almost the entire time reading this, and the cliff hanger ending will leave you wanting to yell at Denise to hurry up with book number two! Another five star review for a Denise Grover Swank novel, who clearly shows her writing skills and ability to work with multiple genres.

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**Everyone who leaves a comment on Denise’s tour page will be entered to win a $10 Amazon gift card! If you purchase your copy of Chosen from October 31- November 21 and send your receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, you will get five bonus entries!**

http://www.denisegroverswank.com/

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http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4921525.Denise_Grover_Swank

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http://twitter.com/#!/DeniseMSwank

A Parfait Murder by Wendy Lyn Watson

When Wendy Lyn Watson asked on Facebook who wanted to review her latest mystery, A Parfait Murder, I signed myself right up. After reading the first, I Scream, You Scream, and thoroughly enjoying the delectable mystery, I knew I wanted to follow the series. I did miss the second book, Scoop To Kill, but I have that on my list to read. For the third book in the Mystery A La Mode series, Tally’s cousin Bree gets an unexpected visit when her ex-husband appears back in town. Sonny shot off seventeen years prior, after Bree got pregnant with her daughter Alice. After never making child support payments, Sonny shows up with a flashy business proposition for the town- and a stunning female on his arm. Sonny hires Kristen Ver Steeg as his lawyer, but she winds up dead- and Bree is holding the gum. Tally knows her cousin is innocent, but with all the evidence and motives pointing straight at Bree, Tally knows she doesn’t have long to clear her cousins name. Meanwhile, Tally is trying to successfully date Finn Harper, a childhood friend and sweetheart who got away, but when a complicated family secret gets revealed, Tally and Finn’s relationship is forever changed.

Once again, I had a great time diving in to this fun mystery series. And seriously- who doesn’t love these covers? They grab my attention right away. Watson brings back heartfelt characters with a lot of personality, and I really enjoyed getting to know Alice. The ending with the family secret simply shocked me, I really can’t say I saw that one coming. There were a few other plot twists that caught me off guard as well, which I love. The suspense was up there, and I think readers will have a great time reading A Parfait Murder. Be sure to check out the rest in the series as well!

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Savor the Danger by Lori Foster

The drooling continues on with Savor the Danger, the next in line from Lori Foster and her hunky mercenaries. This story focuses on Jackson and Alani, Trace’s younger sister. The two wake up in bed together after a night of passion, but Jackson can’t remember a thing. He knows he’s been drugged, but he doesn’t know by who or why. Alani is devastated that Jackson doesn’t remember being with her, or the words he said to her in the middle of the passion. Jackson and Alani tiptoe around their true feelings, afraid of what the other is truly thinking. I really loved Savor the Danger, and I was a bit worried after Trace of Fever fell flat for me. I loved that the action started right away, and not just the sexual stuff. Since the story opens with Jackson waking up not remembering anything, I was immediately intrigued by what was going on and who was after him. I was gripped throughout the story, and loved learning about Dare, Trace, and their wives. This is such a fun and intense series and I definitely recommend. Will be looking forward to the next book!

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Hotel No Tell by Daphne Uviller

Hotel No Tell is the second book from Daphne Uviller that features Zephyr Zuckerman, after Super in the City. I always worry when I don’t read the first book, as in this case, but it was fairly easy to pick up on the story. Zephyr is working as a junior detective with the New York City Special Investigations Commission, and finally has a great case handed to her- where she gets to go undercover. Working as a hotel concierge at the Greenwich Village Hotel, trying to crack a money laundering investigation, Zephyr finds herself a mystery inside the mystery- why was the guest in room 502 found near death? Was it suicide, or an attempted murder? What does the sweet older guest have to do with it, and could her friend Lucy be involved? Zephyr sets out to solve all the mysteries, but the toughest mystery of all is her love life. Though she is madly in love with her boyfriend, she doesn’t want kids-ever- and he does. Should she compromise for love? And how will she solve her work mysteries and finally be taken seriously as a detective?

Like I said, it was easy to fall into the character’s lives. I really enjoyed Zephyr’s friends and their problems. I thought Lucy was hilarious with her suburban mom crisis, and though Macy was a bit out there, her stories were intriguing to read about. This book is very fast-paced, almost a bit too fast for me in the beginning. I couldn’t really keep up with who was who and where they came into the story and where this plot point was taking me, etc. Maybe that has a bit to do with me not reading the first book? It through me off for awhile, but as I kept at it, I thought the book slowed to a pace that could keep my interest. Uviller has some great comedic moments throughout the story, and the descriptions of New York were a lot of fun to read about. Once the actual mystery stuff got underway, I was really into the story and trying to figure out who did what and how everyone was connected. Overall, funny and interesting read that I would recommend to chick lit fans, but not a favorite of mine.

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When You Dare by Lori Foster

I don’t usually go for the romance novels, but something about When You Dare by Lori Foster made me say yes to reviewing it. Maybe it was the hunkalicious piece of man meat on the cover- who knows. But I decided to take a chance, and I am glad I did. I really enjoyed this suspenseful romance that has just that filling the pages- a whole lot of suspense and a whole lot of steamy romance. The main characters are Dare Macintosh and Molly Alexander, and the story begins with professional mercenary Dare rescuing Molly from Tijuana and a human trafficking setup. Molly, a best-selling author of scandalous romance novels, fears she was no ordinary kidnapping. Someone planned to take her- and that someone could possibly be her father. Or her ex-boyfriend. Or a disgruntled fan that was not happy with the way she redeemed a character in her latest book. With her life in danger, Dare decides to become Molly’s bodyguard, protecting her until they can figure out who would want Molly dead. But in the process of trying to keep herself alive, Molly starts to see Dare in a very different light. A very sexy light. And Dare is trying to keep his feelings for Molly shoved below the surface so he can keep her protected. But the more they try to ignore their feelings, the more the want builds between the two.

I thought When You Dare was excellent! Molly’s character was strong, a fairly independent chick who was ready to track down her kidnappers. And Dare was scorching the pages! You could sense his sex appeal from miles away. I thought the suspense was great, I really wasn’t positive who the culprit was until closer to the end. There were a few oddities about the story that caught my attention, like in the beginning where Molly didn’t seem at all frightened when it came to Dare, nor didn’t ask him many questions about why or how he rescued her. There were a few instances like that which I picked up on, but I still really got into the story and the characters. There were a lot times where I didn’t want to put this book down! The plot was fast paced with enough twists to keep my attention firmly on the story. Even if you aren’t usually a romance/suspense reader, I would give Lori Foster a chance. She won me over!

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Rock Bottom by Erin Brockovich & CJ Lyons

One of my favorite thriller writers, CJ Lyons, teamed up with environmental and consumer activist Erin Brockovich to create the dramatic thriller Rock Bottom. The story follows heroine AJ Palladino, an environmental activist and single mom to a son with a disability, David. When AJ returns to her hometown of Scotia, West Virginia, she is thrown into the middle of a mystery. The well known lawyer who had hired her as clerk to assist in his new case has died- and it looks like he could have been a homicide. When the lawyer’s daughter, Elizabeth, determinedly takes on the challenge of finding his murderer, AJ becomes involved. The story plays out in twisty sub-plots: David’s father and his past with AJ, the mining company that could be poisoning the town, the mystery behind AJ’s parents and their refusal to speak to her, and more.

Write what you know is a big piece of advice that authors often give, and it is clear that is what Brockovich and Lyons did. While I did enjoy all the mystery/thriller aspects, some of the environmental talks left me a bit confused. I don’t know much about saving the environment and the toxins and mining machines, etc, so I felt a little drowned when the book became heavy on those subjects, simply because I couldn’t grasp what was being talked about. But I did enjoy the suspense, and trying to figure out who killed the lawyer along with AJ and Elizabeth. I loved David’s character and the positive outlook the little boy had. The ending was shocking and unexpected to me, yet I thought it summed up the message the story wants you to get from reading. This is the first in a series from Brockovich and Lyons, and I do think I would give the second novel a try.

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Lucky Stiff by Deborah Coonts

Lucky O’Toole, the feisty heroine from Deborah Coonts novel Wanna Get Lucky? is back and better than ever. In the second novel, Lucky Stiff, Lucky is now happily dating female impersonator/singing extraordinaire Teddie, and still working for the luxurious Babylon Resort and Casino on the Vegas strip. On a seemingly normal night, a swarm of bees escapes from an exhibit, and Lucky’s normal streak is over. The domino effect begins, starting with a DA naked and locked hotel closet, a bookie with no conscience found dead in the shark tank, and Lucky’s good friend at the top of the suspect list. Could the DA and bookie be relevant to one another? And can Lucky handle all the Babylon’s problems on top of her love life, which is spinning out of control after Teddie is offered a recording deal?

Lucky Stiff is even better than the first, which is usually pretty rare. I liked that even though this was a sequel, it could easily be a stand alone as well. And Coonts doesn’t fill the pages with information readers would find in the first novel, she gives just the right amount of needed info and moves on with the new plot line. The writing borders on raunchy, with sex being a hot topic amongst all the characters- especially Lucky’s Madame mother- who is auctioning off a young woman’s virginity. Readers will enjoy the fast paced scenes, the picture of a glittery and glamorous Vegas with an underlying of secrets and sin. I heard from Coonts that she is currently working on a third in the series, and I cannot wait to read it!

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Wanna Get Lucky? by Deborah Coonts

Wanna Get Lucky? is the first in the Lucky O’Toole Las Vegas mystery series by Deborah Coonts, and I loved it! The story follows heroine Lucky, who is in her thirties and works as the head of Customer Relations at a mega casino and resort on the Vegas strip. Lucky has dedicated much of her life to her work, after the Big Boss took a chance on her and gave her a job at only fifteen years old. Since then, Lucky has worked herself up to achieve everything she has. Her tough exterior comes from growing up in the Sin City, and also from her mother, who runs a brothel. Lucky is used to solving problems, from irate guests to drunken fights, and people counting cards in the casino. But when the lovely Lyda Sue drops to her death from the helicopter owned by Lucky’s resort and the pilot goes missing, Lucky has a new task to handle- murder.

Wanna Get Lucky? is a fast-paced, keep you on your toes novel. I love a good mystery, and Coonts adds in so many plot twists and new character developments that I couldn’t figure this one out until the end. The main character is a gem, a tough female not afraid to speak her mind and get her way. I loved reading about her love life as well, and the mom who is a Madame- hilarious! The only part I didn’t love so much was it was a bit stereotypical. The Big Boss was like a mobster, and sometimes the Vegas scene seemed like what people who have never been to Vegas might think it’s like. But I’ve been there, and it wasn’t quite like what is described. Then again, I was a tourist visiting for a few days. But, I also think this is an aspect that makes the book so much fun to read. It’s drama, it’s mystery, it’s fiction. Wanna Get Lucky? is over the top, a novel readers can get lost in. I cannot wait to read book number two- Lucky Stiff.

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Snake Skin by CJ Lyons

Even though I love chick lit and all things girly, I am also a fan of mysteries and thrillers. When I reviewed my first book from CJ Lyons, Blind Faith, I was blown away by the creative story lines, the intense drama, and breathtaking speed at which I flew the story. When CJ approached me and offered to send me a copy of Snake Skin, of course I said yes!

Snake Skin follows Lucy Guardino, or Supervisory Special Agent Guardino when she is on the job. Lucy is an average mom, in love with her husband, and trying to find a common bond with her teenage daughter. But she also carries a forty-caliber Glock and goes undercover to find criminals for the FBI’s Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement squad. Lucy works to take down criminals who abduct and abuse children, and often puts her life on the line to save the innocent. But when her current case starts hitting too close to home and may be at the hands of an insider, Lucy must work quickly to save a young girl- and possibly her own daughter.

Lyons uses her own experiences from working as a pediatric ER doctor to help the scenarios and characters come to life. Again, I flew through this novel, trying to connect the dots and find the killer along with Lucy. Snake Skin isn’t just from Lucy’s point of view, readers will be able to get into the minds of other FBI workers, as well as the abducted girl and her abductor. This is another great read from CJ Lyons, and I think women will enjoy that kick ass hero portrayed by Lucy.

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These Things Hidden by Heather Gudenkauf

These Things Hidden by Heather Gudenkauf gave me chills throughout the entire story. It begins with Allison Glenn, a 21 year old Iowa native who is serving time in prison for a crime that is not immediately known. Allison is about to be released, and will finish out her sentence at a halfway house in her hometown. Once the golden girl of her family, excellent grades, good at sports, a college future in mind, Allison’s family has now shunned her very existence. But the one person Allison is desperate to talk to is her little sister Brynn. Brynn was there that night, she is the only other person who knows what really happened. And when Allison unexpectedly finds a missing puzzle piece from that horrendous night, she needs Brynn more than ever.

This story is deliciously thrilling, covering Allison’s point of view, Brynn’s, and even more characters that add to the mystery. The characters haunted me when I had to stop reading, making this book absolutely impossible to put down for long periods of time. Halfway through the story I thought I had it all figured out, and then another twist would be thrown in, completely catching me off guard. It wasn’t until the very last chapter that the entire mystery is laid out for you, and Gudenkauf did a magnificent job at weaving in so many plot points and keeping the suspense at a high level throughout. These Things Hidden is a mystery, a thriller, but also a beautifully touching story on family, innocence, and the bond of sisters.

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