Book Review: Crave

Katie June 13, 2014 0 Comments

Crave is about a reporter, Harper, who is trying to figure out where a local girl disappeared to.  She is a workaholic and doesn’t even have time to grocery shop.  While she is trying to figure out what happened to the missing girl, she is asked by a friend at work to cover a local band’s concert. The band is called Crave. When she sees a news story on the TV that the missing girl may have been on her way to their concert before her disappearance, she thinks that the band may have some sort of insight as to why she disappeared.

The lead singer seems to have some attraction to Harper, and Harper seems to be attracted to him.  But weird things are happening – when she goes to leave the show and go back to her car, she is attacked by what appears to be wolves. The lead singer, Cass, has eyes that turn red when he confronts them.  While Harper has thought she has seen it all – this is certainly something new to her.  Just what is she getting herself in to?

I have to say that I liked the paranormal aspect to this book – although almost right away when she heard the growling I had a feeling I knew what we were in to.  This story was short and I really like that – if I can read it in a couple of hours that’s awesome.  I wasn’t particularly a fan of the ending at first – if the book ended just maybe a couple of paragraphs sooner, I’d have liked that much better.  However, after doing a bit of research it appears that there will be an additional book coming out relating to this first book – so now it makes sense, it was setting everything up for the sequel.  And of course I loved the fact that the whole story revolved around a band!

About the Book

As a reporter for the Wakefield Post, Harper Erkstine has seen everything. From murders to robberies, all of her recent stories have ended with tragic consequences so great, that she began to question if she made the right career choice for herself.

While all of her friends were dating, or going to clubs, she was winning journalism awards for covering the latest drive-by shooting or a home invasion that cost someone she knew, their lives.

She loved her job, it was rewarding to be a crime solver and get to the truth of the matter. As much as she loved her job, but the hours of a Metro beat reporter began to descend her into burn out mode.

She craved balance. A break, a welcome distraction every now and then. She forgot what it was like to have fun, to take a breath, smell the roses.

Was it wrong to want a great career and to have some kind of a personal life? She couldn’t remember the last time she had a date or danced with someone from the opposite sex.

In the middle of working on a missing person’s story that has rocked her town to the core, Harper decides as a favor to her friend and colleague to do a feature on local an up and coming rock band, called ‘Crave.’

It was a break from her routine, but Harper soon discovers that this band may have ties to the missing person, not only does she question why, but she also finds there is more to this band than just their music?

Book Review: How to Get Ainsley Bishop to Fall in Love with You

Katie June 13, 2014 1 Comments

How To Get Ainsley Bishop to Fall in Love with You is about Oliver Holmes, a high school student who is a bit different than everyone else.  He likes to make lists – all kinds of lists.  But the most important list currently is the one that he made called “How to Get Ainsley Bishop to Fall in Love with You”.  Each item on his list is a chapter, which explains what he needs to do and how he tries to do it.  He has a process for his lists – which so far have worked.  He’s got his eye on the prize – Ainsley – and isn’t going to let anything stop him with reaching his goal.

The character of Oliver reminded me a lot of myself back when I was in high school – minus the whole lists thing. (Although I make lists now!) He is determined to win her over with a great birthday present. Throughout the book he tries to find out more about her and get closer with her so that he can find out what the perfect gift is.  Of course, Ainsley also has a boyfriend that makes things difficult as well!

The story is very cute and a quick and easy read.  I won’t let you know if Oliver’s process ends up working on this particular list or not – because you’ll need to read it for yourself to find out!

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

1. Join the Drama Club

2. Do Your Research

3. Provide Something She Needs

4. Make Her Feel Secure and Important

5. Pay Attention!

6. Be a Good Friend

7. Be More Attractive

8. Be Complimentary, But Not Obsequious

9. Establish Rapport

10. Be Encouraging and Supportive

11. Give Her Space

12. Admit When You’re Wrong and Apologize

13. Find the Perfect Birthday Gift

14. Tell Her How You Feel

Seventeen-year-old Oliver Wendell Holmes (Yes, his parents are just that peculiar, but his brother’s name is Sherlock, so it could have been worse) knows that he’s different. He’s quirky, awkward, and he’s okay with that. Oliver also likes making lists—meticulous procedures for achieving his goals, step-by-step. Whether it’s “How to Get an A in Chemistry” or “How to Get Accepted to MIT,” he has a process, and it’s worked for him so far. He doesn’t even care that the popular kids mock him. Oliver’s got his eye on the prize.

So when he decides it’s time to declare his feelings for Ainsley Bishop, the girl of his dreams, it’s only natural for him to make a list—a point-by-point strategy to win her heart. He knows it will take a grand gesture for her to see all he has to offer, and her approaching birthday provides the ideal opportunity for Oliver to put his plan into action.

Finding the perfect gift is a challenge Oliver meets with his usual dogged determination. He’ll need to watch her carefully for clues to pinpoint exactly what he should give her. And along the way, he might just learn that what Ainsley really needs is not quite what he expected.

Book Review: Heated

Katie June 13, 2014 0 Comments

Heated is the 2nd book in the Most Wanted series of novels, the first was Wanted which I reviewed back in January!  This book features a different one of “The Knights”, Tyler. (Book 1 was about Evan.)  I have to say, I preferred the first book.

In Heated – we meet a cop named Sloane.  She doesn’t trust anyone, yet somehow when she meets Tyler, she trusts him and isn’t sure that she should.  Tyler and his pals may be involved in some shady business but Tyler ends up winning Sloane over.  Things end up getting hot and heavy with them (it is a romance book, after all) and it seems like things may end up working out with them – but then there is a trust issue that pops up with one of the subplots that is going on.

As far as the romance aspect of the book goes – it certainly was heated, but I found the storyline lacking a bit. I couldn’t get into it as much as the first book and maybe I shouldn’t really be comparing the two as much as I am and did, but when it is somewhat a continuation of one story to another you kind of can’t help yourself.

Overall not a terrible book, but not one of my favorites due to the storyline.

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

For fans of Fifty Shades of Grey, Bared to You, and Release Me comes an all-new erotic series of three enigmatic and powerful men, and the striking women who can bring them to their knees.

I knew better than to risk my heart.
But fierce passion comes at a high price.

I grew up believing in right and wrong, good and evil, black and white. I knew better than to trust. And then I met Tyler Sharp.

Bold, charming, and dangerously sexy, Tyler always gets what he wants. But his smile can be deceiving, his dealings sordid, his ambitions ruthless. I thought I was the one woman strong enough to resist him, but our need for each other was too urgent to deny.

One look and I was in trouble. One touch and I was hooked. One night and I became his.

And now that I’ve fallen, there’s no going back.

Heated is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

Book Review: The Handmade Marketplace

Katie June 13, 2014 0 Comments

If you are a crafter and are thinking about selling your items whether it be online or offline, then you definitely need to check out The Handmade Marketplace.  Personally, I have not thought about creating craft to sell – but I have been considering opening an Etsy store (or rather, re-opening) to sell some of my extra supplies that I get when I buy “scrap bags” or kits.

But it’s always been in the back of my mind that hey, sometimes I make some cool shapes on my cutter and maybe I can start selling them because other people will want to use them too?

The book has a lot of great tips on getting websites (good for anyone who wants a website, not just craft related!) and picking business names. (again, good for anyone who has a business not just craft related ones!)

There is also tons and tons of advice from other successful craft store owners and you know I loved the fact that each person had their own handwriting font to go along with their advice 🙂

The book certainly gave me a lot of good things to think about if I do decide to start trying to sell some of my creations.  A must read for any crafter looking to make some money from their creations and share their art 🙂

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review, I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

Since its original publication in 2010, Kari Chapin’s The Handmade Marketplace has inspired thousands of crafters around the world to find the courage and know-how they need to make money — and even to make a full-time living — from doing what they love best. Now, this best-selling guide has been completely revised and updated to include solid information on the latest on-line and social media opportunities for sales and marketing, as well as fresh advice and invaluable tips from successful crafters and artists. With Kari Chapin at your side, you can live a more creative life and enjoy a lucrative career at the same time.