BLOG TOUR: One Hundred Names by Cecelia Ahern

HI there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place that never quite learned the meaning of the word "no" when it comes to possibly great reads.

Today, we are closing out the week with another blog tour (imagine that!), this time around we're hosting a Fiction title, from an author we've grown to love for no matter if her work is on paper or the big screen, it's just THAT good!  Without further ado, today's book of choice is...

One Hundred Names

by

Cecila Ahern

9780062248633

William Morrow

About the book...

Scandal has derailed Journalist Kitty Logan's career, a setback that is soon compounded by an even more devastating loss. Constance, the woman who taught Kitty everything she knew, is dying. At her mentor's bedside, Kitty asks her—what is the one story she always wanted to write?
The answer lies in a single sheet of paper buried in Constance's office—a list of 100 names—with no notes or explanation. But before Kitty can talk to her friend, it is too late.
Determined to unlock the mystery and rebuild her own shaky confidence, Kitty throws herself into the investigation, using her skills and savvy to track down each of the names on the list and uncover their connection. Meeting these ordinary people and learning their stories, Kitty begins to piece together an unexpected portrait of Constance's life. . . and starts to understand her own.

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This is a hard one to pinpoint.  On the one hand you have a story about losing yourself as well as the world around you through some faults of your own, while life tries to balance itself yet again.  On the other hand, we've a slower moving storyline that seems to be bubbling just below the surface that'll keep you on edge despite all the difficult times coming her way.  Kitty is commendable in the fact that she doesn't give up, she knows when to put the pedal to the metal and she has a keen eye for a story.  It may not seem like it here but thanks to Candace's influence, Kitty will live to write another day....it's just gonna take A LOT of time, a lot of energy, and a lot of patience.  

Author Cecelia Ahern

What I especially liked about the story aside from our quirky leading lady would have to be conversing with Birdie.  She's exceptionally friendly, polite and courteous...not to mention that her ordinary life really adds up to something memorable.    I enjoyed the challenge that the list provided and welcomed the chance to connect the dots so to speak as we made new acquaintances.  I reached and stretched for the ending never quite knowing where the road would take us next yet being pleasantly surprised at the outcome encountered...though I do admit to also be equally frustrated!  I finished and was like....wait, that's it?!?!  Leave it to this author to break the mold on preconceived notions and leave you wanting more.

In conclusion, a novel with heart from an author who knows how to make her characters connect with the reading audience.  You'll wonder at their choices.  You'll laugh at the absurdity of it all.  You'll ponder, process, and start all over again.....but rest assured, if you felt a bit lost like our leading lass at the start, by book's end, you just might have the inspiration to reach the dreams you were holding in.

ARC for review courtesy of Trish at TLC Book Tours.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as the current and future tours on offer, be sure to stop by the official site.  This book is available now via William Morrow Paperback, an imprint of Harper Collin's, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf near you.

Until next time...happy reading!

BLOG TOUR: The Hero's Guide to Being an Outlaw by Christopher Healy

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers, the site that loves to indulge the many sides of my reading personality...and share it with all of you.

Today, if you couldn't tell, we are once again playing hostess to a blog tour presented by the fabulous folks over at Walden Pond Press.  (Hi guys! ~waves~)  It features the third and final installment in the Hero's Guide to.... series/trilogy and although we've glanced at the book in passing on the first stop, NOW we get to REALLY dig in.  Ready to read all about it?  Let's!  Today's featured book of choice is....

The Hero's Guide to Being an Outlaw

by

Christopher Healy

Illustrated by
Todd Harris

9780062118486

Walden Pond Press

About the book.....

Prince Liam. Prince Frederic. Prince Duncan. Prince Gustav. You think you know those guys pretty well by now, don’t you? Well, think again. The Princes Charming, along with Ella, Snow, Rapunzel, and Princess Lila are caught and arrested for the murder of Briar Rose. The heroes are simultaneously shocked and sad to hear of this news. But a series of suspicious events leads them to believe that not only is Briar still alive, but some unseen evil is working its way into the throne rooms of all thirteen kingdoms. It’s up to the League to break out of prison, find Briar, and uncover the nefarious plot before the entire country is destroyed. 

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Oh the wonderful web THIS series has weaved!
All the Prince's Charming are back and better (or worse?) than ever with even more foes to attempt to discharge, a murder most heinous to disprove, and assorted feelings that need sorting out.  There's old friends and new friends, old enemies and well, even older ones that are now counted among the new ones, devious plans that go WELL beyond the normal scope of things and traitors on all sides of the game.  It's really and truly a befuddlement of a story with a trip through all thirteen kingdoms that would make any mapmaker's head spin (thanks to Smimf!  Speedy fella...)...and you know what?
I LOVED IT!

It was a befitting end to the League of Princes (that should be extended to also say "...and Princesses as well as assorted friends") tale and a story the bards would gladly sing about for eons to come...if they could that is.  (NOPE!  Not telling!)  The tale does get lengthy but remember, we're covering A LOT of ground here and not all of us have those awesome boots that turn a trip round the world into a hop skip and jump.  The good news for reluctant readers?  You won't even notice the length as the pages fly by whilst battling Lord Rundark and his evil henchmen, barely escaping the bounty hunters on your trail, narrowly missing the chance to be turned into chum thanks to some mighty powerful...glowing globes?  Not everything is what it seems, nor everyone...something to remember when traversing through the text.

I love how each Prince and Princess has his/her day.  They all learn more about themselves and each other while working towards a common goal...well, most the time anyway.  The sum up at the end allows you to see each kingdom come into its own, though whether or not their somewhat loved rulers are there to see it is another mystery all together.  (Nope.  NOT TELLING!)  Favorite characters?  Such a hard decision, but if I must narrow it down....Princess would be Ella (she's not afraid to be who she is, consequences and opinions be darned), Prince would be Frederic (even I was surprised by my choice but really, he's a lover of words, how can you go wrong!), Bounty Hunter would be...someone I can't reveal (sorry, it'd ruin it all!), non-princess would be Jerica (you'll meet her along the way), and side character would be Blink and Deedle (when I hosted my first stop to introduce them, I hadn't met them yet....they are some brave little guys and really helpity help!).

In conclusion, a grand adventure in the making for readers young and young at heart.  Although it can be read as a stand alone, it's MUCH better if you've read the first two...additional back story, references that make more sense, the whole nine yards as they say.  See your preconceived notions of the princes and princesses shattered.  Watch as new friendships are made.  Smile as realizations about their heart's true matches are revealed.  Laugh at their antics.  Chuckle at their reactions and lack thereof.  Root for your favorites and jeer at the enemies...because really, there ARE enough of them...but be certain who is who before the jeering begins.  After all, first impressions are important, but they aren't the end all to end all; sometimes the heart of gold within simply needs time to shine.

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OH...and one more thing.
WE HAVE A WINNER!

That's right!

The winner of the SIGNED COPY of this FABULOUS book is...


TAMMY S.

*the crowd goes wild*


Way to go and congratulations!
Also, I have to agree, Duncan is a bit of an oddball but one of the good guys through and through.

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Special thanks to Debbie (and the whole team!) at Walden Pond Press for the chance to participate in this FABULOUS tour....and the chance to host TWO spots along the way!  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as the first two installments, feel free to click through the link provided in this post...and to continue the bookish fun, be sure to check out the official BOOK TRAILER as well as the other stops on the tour....

Hero's Guide to Being a Blog Tour 

5/1 - The Book Rat

Author Christopher Healy

5/5 – Icey Books

5/6 - Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

5/7 - The Book Monsters

5/8 - The Book Rat

5/9 - A Foodie Bibliophile in Wanderlust

5/12 - Word Spelunking Book Blog

5/15 - Buried in Books

5/16 - KidLit Frenzy

5/19 - Mundie Kids

5/20 - The Flashlight Reader

5/21 - Bunbury In the Stacks

5/22 - The Hiding Spot

5/23 - Novel Novice

5/24 - Paigeintraining

5/26 - Mundie Kids

5/26 - This Kid Reviews Books

5/27 - This Kid Reviews Books

5/28 - Small Review

5/29 - Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

5/30 - The Haunting of Orchid Forsythia

To discover more from the publisher's ever growing catalog, connect with them online via their blog, Facebook page, Pinterest presence, or capture their tweets on Twitter.  This title is available now, as are the first two installments, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf near you.

Until next time...and happy reading!

The Dinotek Adventures book 3, The Secret Dinosaur by N.S. Blackman

Hi gang!

Welcome back to another day here in the land of books, books, and MORE books....Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're taking a step back into the land of Children's Fiction with the third and final installment of an amazing dinosaur type adventure fit for both guys and gals of just-beginning-to-read age to somewhere more into adulthood.  Straight from Dinosaur Books Ltd, London it's today's book of choice.... 

The Dinotek Adventures:

The Secret Dinosaur, Book 3

By

N.S. Blackman

9780992752521

Dinosaur Books Ltd, London

They’re BAAACKKK…and there’s danger afoot!

We begin where we ended…book 2 that is…at our new home on Jurassic Mountain.  Everyone has found a place to call their own, even our little leading man, Marlin Maxton.  Problem is…despite their fondness for Marlin, a land of the past, even filled with cutting edge living cybertronic dinosaurs, is no place for a human boy.  He needs his human friends, he needs his family, and the world at large needs his influence as well.  A kind heart may get trampled on from time to time, but it DOES have an impact on the bigger picture.  So, it is with much sadness in their metal hearts that the Dinoteks do the “right” thing and let their young friend go…but not for long…  *dun dun dunnnn*

That’s right!

It’s another adventure with the Dinoteks and if you have no earthly clue of the fabulous creatures I’m talking about, you best click on over to my review of the first two installments.  Just sayin’…  ^_^  Anywho, they ARE indeed back and just as much havoc follows in their giant footsteps, through no fault of their own of course.  It’s all the nefarious doings of Mr. Grubbler and Howard H. Snickenbacker.  *cue dire music*  No worries, though; Marlin is on the case.  He’s not about to let his friends fall into their greedy, merciless hands…even if he has to take on the whole lot of diggers and mechanical what-nots himself.  (Don’t worry, he’s not completely alone…and there’s even a SURPRISE addition to the group!  Someone familiar and yet new.  You’ll see…or rather read.)

In my book, this final (or is it?) installment of the Dinotek series does not disappoint.  It delivers a continuation on an evolving story without time gaps or uncertainties, perfect for beginning readers as well as those well on in years.  It allows little ones to expand upon their reading skills and vocabulary while still giving their imaginations a work out.  It lets older readers enjoy a romp with DINOSAURS again and yet in a NEW way.  The author balances fact with fiction, marvel with menace, very well in my opinion and made this an enjoyable read through and through.  Recommended for those readers just starting out and those that may have read a book or twenty; as long as you have imagination and a bit of free time that needs filling, this book, nay SERIES, will easily find a home on your shelf.

Surprise review copy received courtesy of Sonya McGilchrist.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this installment as well as the complete Dinotek series, be sure to stop by the official site or follow along on Twitter!  This title is available now via Dinosaur Books, London, so be on the look out for it on a bookstore shelf or online retailer near you…but you know, it’s always best to start with book 1 when given the choice.  *hint hint*

Until next time…happy reading!

SPOTLIGHT on Luminis Books!

HI guys!

Welcome back to the site that aims to put the bookish fun in your day, EVERY day....Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're shining the spotlight on a publisher that you may or may not have met before with a blog tour stop that's unique, but more on that part later.  They're relatively new, having landed on the scene about six years ago, and they're mission is to publish meaningful literary fiction for children AND adults.  

Luminis Books was launched in October 2008 with a mission to publish meaningful literary fiction for children and adults. As an independent publisher, Luminis has the opportunity to champion excellence in literary fiction from new authors who might not get the attention of the larger houses. Our size gives us strength as it enables Luminis to cultivate strong, collaborative, long-term relationships with our authors in bringing their work to market. Our commitment to our titles continues well beyond the publication date.

Our principals have over 25 years of experience in all aspects of publishing from production and acquisitions to sales and marketing. Our PR/Marketing team is creative in its approach and well connected in the industry. Our artists and designers produce distinctive and effective covers for our titles. Luminis has the talent and experience to produce books of the highest quality and then effectively market them to the trade and consumers.

SITE   |   FACEBOOK   |   TWITTER

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Sounds good to me....you?

In keeping with their mission, there's a special blog tour that's been sweeping through the blogosphere. celebrating their spring collection.  Seeing as how I love to share curious things I come across, I thought I might shine a spotlight on them for you.....you know and maybe even add to your wish list.  You can thank me later.

Ready?  Here goes...

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The Field by Tracy Richardson

There is more to Space than space.  Eric Horton has been having visions - terrible dreams that wake him up at night - of explosions and fire and someone screaming.

On the soccer field, he’s been in the ‘zone’, saving shot after shot as one of the starting keepers for his high school varsity team with what feels like supernatural awareness of where the ball is going to go next. And the connection he feels with Renee, the hot new exchange student from France, seems almost like he’s known her forever. But all these wild visions and synchronicities are nothing compared to the strange experiments Renee’s dad is cooking up in the physics lab at the University. He’s asked Eric to take part in these tests, and that makes Eric question whether what he’s seeing and hearing is reality, or something far beyond it.

Then when his best friend Will starts drinking way too much and Renee has eyes for other guys, Eric loses the edge he’s always had in the goal, and confidence in himself. If he’s going to pull it together, Eric must tap into a part of himself that he never knew existed, and that might just be the part that connects us all.

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Antiphony by Chris Katsaropoulos

What if the universe is really a giant thought?  Theodore Reveil is one of the leading lights in String Theory physics, on his way to present his latest research at a triumphant meeting of his colleagues from around the world, when he realizes he has lost the notes for his presentation.

At the podium, in the midst of his distraction and confusion, he poses the question: “What if the universe, instead of being a giant machine, is really a giant thought?” 

Then he crosses a line which he can never step back over again, saying, “The infinities and singularities in these equations may be telling us that what we are missing is unknowable in terms of physical science. These unsolvable terms in our equations may be roadsigns pointing to consciousness—to God—as the missing piece of the puzzle.”

Antiphony traces the downward spiral of Theodore’s career in the wake of what he has said, and the remarkable transformation that leads him into the depths of madness . . . or the revelation of the Final Theory, the ultimate secret of the universe. 

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Ghosts of Tom Joad: A Story of the #99 Percent by Peter Van Buren

A story about growth, failure, and redemption, Ghosts of Tom Joad traces the rise of the working poor and the don’t-have-to-work-rich as it follows the fortunes of the protagonist Earl. A product of the post–Korean War era, Earl witnesses his parents’ kitchen table arguments over money—echoed in thousands of other Rust Belt towns—experiences bullying, relishes first kisses, and comes of age and matures as a man before the economic hardships of the 1980s and 1990s wear on his spirit. Earl takes his turn at a variety of low-paying retail jobs in the new economy before becoming mired in homelessness and succumbing to meth, alcohol, and destitution. As he takes a final, metaphorical bus ride, Earl reflects on his past, considering the impact of the war on his father—and, subsequently, on himself—his own demise, and the romance between himself and Angel, which ultimately redeems him. This is a tale about the death of manufacturing, the deindustrialization of America, and a way of life that has been irrevocably lost. Anyone interested in the impact of political and business policy on the American Dream will be drawn to this profound, humorous, and moving novel.

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So, that's that.

Now, I'm curious.

What title or titles peaked YOUR interest?

Any particular reason?

Don't be shy, the comments are open!

Special thanks to Samantha at JKSCommunications - Literary Publicity for the chance to bring this publisher a few steps closer to you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on the titles featured as well as the publisher themselves, be sure to click through the links embedded above.  Be on the look out for all the other stops along this tour through the end of the month.

Until next time...happy reading!

BLOG TOUR: When We Met by Susan Mallery

Hi there ladies and gents!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers and thanks for stopping by this Memorial Day.  Here's hoping you and the fam, friends, or new acquaintances, are all having a raging good time.  Hats off and bookmarks up to all the soldiers near and far on this day of remembrance. A moment of silence if you please....

Thanks guys.

Now, on with the review...

--------------------------------

Today, I am pleased as punch to play host to a blog tour via Meryl L Moss Media Relations for the one, the only...Susan Mallery!  Yep, that's right guys.  I've fallen victim to yet another Fool's Gold installment and really?  How could you blame me?  Oh well, I suppose you could but you won't.  Know why?  Because I'm going to share my insights into the read AND you're going to dig them SO much that you'll (more than likely) join me in reading at least a book or two of this growing series.  So, ready to read all about the latest addition?  Let's!  Today's book of choice and blog tour guest is...

When We Met

(A Fool's Gold Romance, Book 13)

by

Susan Mallery

Harlequin

9780373778652

About the book....

Angel Whittaker earned his scars the hard way, but the scars that can’t be seen are the ones that haunt him the most. Since he moved to Fool’s Gold, California, he’s cobbled together a life for himself as a bodyguard trainer. If he’s not exactly happy, at least his heart is safe.

Working with pro-football superstars taught tough-talking PR woman Taryn Crawford one thing—she can go toe-to-toe with any man. But then dark, dangerous former Special Ops Angel targets her for seduction…and challenges her to resist his tempting kisses.

Even in four-inch heels, Taryn never backs down. Unless, somehow, Angel can convince her that surrender might feel even better than victory.

AMAZON  |  B&N  |  IBOOKS   |   BAM

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

***Content CAN get steamy a time or two...

...BUT...

...the story is SO worth any blush moments.***

I gotta say, I've fallen in love with the whole Fool's Gold crew....and considering I've only read a handful of the titles (if even that), that's saying something.  Author Susan Mallery certainly has a knack for drawing her readers in, keeping them close, and giving them reason to care.  I love how each of the stories connects with one another, not only by locale either.  You've heard me say before how I'm not overly enthused by LARGE casts, HOWEVER, this series handles it with finesse.  Each story centers on one couple-to-possibly-be individually, but then you're meeting the local gals for drinks at Brew-ha-ha, or catching the fellas as they work the court in a b-ball game.  Maybe you're traipsing over to the Paper Moon to see what Isabel has scored this week for her newish boutique adventure, or stopping over at Consuela's to see how she's holding up from all the "pick-a-date" pressure she's been battling.  You see?  It's ONE couple's story but each title adds another layer to the community, the extended family that's being built.  Really....I love it!

Now, this book in particular places us in the presence of one Angel Whittaker, kick butt ex-military with wicked moves both, well...okay, we'll leave it at that (*ahem*)...and Taryn Crawford, a one woman force of PR heck that can turn a phrase into gold, rock killer heels anywhere, anytime, and is not afraid to say what she wants.  Can you see where we're going here?  Oh, really....you think so?  Let me set you straight then....though they may seem like a match made in heaven or elsewhere, neither is looking for anything lasting; let's just say there's A LOT of baggage worthy of its existance and it's turning words like committment, trust, and true love into four letter muttered utterances.  Of course, that doesn't mean all socializing is off limits and they definitely use that to their advantage, but you know what they say....it's often the thing you're looking for the least that finds you the fastest. *wink wink*

In conclusion, a welcome addition to the Fool's Gold series with a new potential couple (hey, I'M NOT SPOILING IT!) to know, understand, and adore.  They're not the touchy feely teddy bear type, more the kick butt, ask questions later and oh yeah, rock some Jimmy Choos in the process kind.  There are moments that will touch your heart, proving that even the strongest among us have weaknesses...in fact, they are what make us so strong in the first place.  There are times you'll laugh your socks off, like when Angel had to braid hair or Taryn had to talk to the mayor about changing their town slogan.  Don't see the funny part?  Read the book, you will.  ^_^  Recommended for adult readers that like their stories with ACTUAL story, heart, romance...and a little spice just to kick things up a notch.  

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About the author....

SUSAN MALLERY is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 80 novels, with more than 25 million books sold worldwide. Mallery is known for creating characters who feel as real as the folks next door, and for putting them into emotional, often funny situations readers recognize from their own lives. Susan’s books have made Booklist’s Top 10 Romances list in four out of five consecutive years. RT Book Reviews says, “When it comes to heartfelt contemporary romance, Mallery is in a class by herself.” With her popular, ongoing Fool’s Gold series, Susan has reached new heights on the bestsellers lists and has won the hearts of countless new fans. Susan grew up in southern California, moved so many times that her friends stopped writing her address in pen, and now has settled in Seattle with her husband and the most delightfully spoiled little dog who ever lived. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.

SITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOOGLE+

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ARC for review courtesy of Alissa at Meryl L Moss Media Relations and the folks at Harlequin Books.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as the growing series, be sure to stop by the official Fool's Gold site.  To discover more about the author or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided in the post above.

Until next time....happy reading!

Seal Team Six Outcasts: Easy Day for the Dead by Howard E Wasdin and Stephen Templin

GOOD DAY LADIES AND GENTS!

WELCOME TO TODAY’S EDITION OF SATISFACTION FOR INSATIABLE READERS….THE PLACE TO BE WHEN YOU’RE LOOKING FOR YOUR NEXT GREAT READ.

WHY AM I YELLING AT YOU?

(YOU KNOW, TYPING ALL IN CAPS?)

GOOD QUESTION…EASY ANSWER!
THE REASON IS THAT, ALTHOUGH YOU CAN’T HEAR IT, I’M ALSO SAYING ALL OF THIS INTRO IN A MILITARY-LIKE FASHION AS A WAY TO PREFACE TODAY’S FEATURED TITLE.  SOUND GOOD?  HOO-RA!  (^_^)

SINCE MY THROAT IS GETTING SORE FROM YELLING, LET’S CUT RIGHT TO THE CHASE.  GET READY TO SHINE THE FLOOD LIGHT ON TODAY’S FEATURED TITLE FOR BOTH GUYS AND GALS….

Easy Day for the Dead

(A Seal Team Six Outcasts novel)

By

Howard E. Wasdin

And

Stephen Templin

9781451682977

Gallery Books

About the book…

They started as soldiers. They became elite warriors. Now they are The Outcasts: The heroes the world will never know. . . . 

Alex Brandenburg: Smart, steady, and facing a cross­roads in his life and career. The SEAL Chief Petty Offi­cer is the Team Leader—leading his team into a living hell. . . .

John Landry: The quiet Cajun believes in God and fights like the devil. He’s making a high-altitude jump with a nuke strapped on his back.

Catherine “Cat” Fares: Fluent in Arabic. Fluent in femi­nism. Fluent in warfare . . . and stuck working with a bunch of savages. . . .

Francisco “Pancho” Rodriguez: Even if the world catches on fire, he figures it will just have to wait . . . until this laughing Mexican-American shows up to save the day.

Their Mission: Blow up a secret Iranian biological warfare site with a suitcase-sized nuke. The Catch: Getting out alive . . . then going back for more. . . . 

Drawn from the elite SEAL Team Six, these men and women are working deep in a program called Bitter Ash: taking on the kind of missions that, if they were exposed, will always be denied. For these warriors, every op is the highest possible risk and any moment could be the last. So they deal with it. And then wait for the next call.

Now the call has them parachuting into a harsh des­ert on the border with Afghanistan, meeting a beautiful agent who will lead them to a top-secret Iranian site that must be totally destroyed. For Alex Brandenberg and his fellow SEALs, this mission is like most oth­ers: Nothing goes according to plan. And when they’re done, they’ve only just begun.

Going back into Iran for a second time brings Bran­denberg and his team face-to-face with a maniacal Revolutionary Guard officer who knows Alex’s identity and is hot on his trail. The SEALs must free a hostage in Lebanon. Then the fight takes them halfway around the world—in a frantic battle of courage and fighting skill that America cannot afford to lose. . .

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Yes!

This motley crew of a dream team is BACK and better than ever with a mission that is sure to knock your socks off.  Story wise, there’s action, adventure, clandestine meetings (both tactical and non *ahem*), and multiple surprising turns of events.   From a mission that just won’t seem to end to affairs of the heart that bring conflict to their little group, new friends you didn’t know you had, old faces that are anything but friendly, it’s frantic pace will grab your attention and sustain you through the final chapter (which, by the way, has a few SURPRISES in and of itself!).  Things get sketchy several times over and we lose several people along the way (possibly even TWO close to home and some in ways you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemies! *dun dun dunnnn*) but they only add to your desire to reach the end THAT much faster.

Character wise, we have the fab four….nuff said right?  Yes and no.  Alex is a fab leader (and not so hard on the eyes) and deep down a good guy (no really, he is!)…even if his mouth and his heart aren’t quite connected at all times (emotional expression…it’s a work in progress).  Cat is a strong female character (love it!) who’s not afraid to let her feelings while still providing cover for her fellow teammates.  Mild mannered…may not be the best way to describe her but she can pull off most any cover given so watch your back!  Speaking of keep an eye out, John is certainly the quietest member of the group but he packs quite a punch.  Did you read that part at the top about his airplane jumping with a nuke pack on his back?  Yep…totally happened (well, in the story anyway).   He’s a BAD-A** whether it’s apparent from the start or not….and yet, he also has a LARGE heart; probably one of the biggest on the team.  You’ll see it when the coast is clear.  Last but not least, helping to keep that coast clear is Pancho.  He’s a force to be reckoned with to say the least.  He believes in living life to its fullest, and stealth is not exactly his middle name.  Still, if you need a guy at your side to help mow the line, count him in every time.  We wouldn’t trade them for the world, but those we meet (and sometimes lose) along the way leave their marks as well…for better AND worse.   

Let’s see, on the side of “good”, we’ve got Danny (a short lived acquaintance), Miguel (who knows how to bring the fire power), and then there’s Leila, their contact in Iran.  She ends up tagging along for the better part of the story REALLY getting both under their skins, beneath their collars and behind a few of their defenses.  Then there’s the darker side of the character list and those most memorable would be three heads of the operation; Major Khan, Lieutenant Saeedi (known as Pistachio) and General Tehrani.  Word to the wise, they are much more dangerous than your average Joe.  Much. So, don’t let your guard down completely…you never know what’ll happen.  *-*

All in all, another great read in a series that may not seem for all from the outside, but story wise, its got what it takes.  It’s definitely one of those I’d tell skeptical readers not to purely judge by its cover…or even by the slightly heavy handed descriptions of the gadgets, gizmos, and things-that-go-BOOM.  (Think about it guys, that was BOUND to happen….it was written by those in the know!)  If you do, you’ll be treated to a story that shows the characters red-white-and-blue for their country, themselves, and each other…with a surprising amount of both heart pulsing AND heart stopping moments.  Recommended read for adult readers due to limited risqué content but a definite proliferation of weaponry and violence.  We’re not talking serial killers here, but it IS a war type novel so use your head folks.  Trust me when I say though, the story itself shines through it all.

Review copy received courtesy of author Stephen Templin and the great folks at Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as the first release in the series (Seal Team Six Outcasts), be sure to stop by the publisher’s site.  To learn more about the minds behind the stories, seek thee out the author’s websites and Twitter feeds as linked in this post.  This title was released December 2013 in hardback and is scheduled for a paperback debut August 2014.  Do I suggest you wait until then?  Umm, that would be a definite NO but whatever fits your reading schedule and book collection so long as you check it out!

Until next time…happy reading!

BLOG TOUR: Prejudice Meets Pride by Rachael Anderson

Hi guys!

Welcome back to the site that aims to bring you something bookish every day of the week, Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today's weekend kicker-off-er comes to us via blog tour and stars a Contemporary Romance that's clean as can be.  Don't worry though, clean does not mean there are no sparks flying about.  (^-^)  Ready to read all about it?  Today's ebook of choice and blog tour guest is....

Meet Your Match, Book 1:

Prejudice Meets Pride

by

Rachel Anderson

About the book....

After years of pinching pennies and struggling to get through art school, Emma Makie’s hard work finally pays off with the offer of a dream job. But when tragedy strikes, she has no choice but to make a cross-country move to Colorado Springs to take temporary custody of her two nieces. She has no money, no job prospects, and no idea how to be a mother to two little girls, but she isn’t about to let that stop her. Nor is she about to accept the help of Kevin Grantham, her handsome new neighbor, who seems to think she’s incapable of doing anything on her own.
Fun, compelling, and romantic, Prejudice Meets Pride is the story of a guy who thinks he has it all figured out and a girl who isn’t afraid to show him that he doesn’t. It’s about learning what it means to trust, figuring out how to give and to take, and realizing that not everyone gets to pick the person they fall in love with. Sometimes, love picks them.

AMAZON   |   BARNES & NOBLE   |   KOBO

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Think Pride and Prejudice with a modern day twist.  

Emma is the newly transplanted girl in town.  With two kids in tow, a vehicle that gets her noticed for all the wrong reasons and a stubborn streak you can see a mile away, it's easy enough to spot the PRIDE in this group.  As for the PREJUDICE, he arrives in the form of Kevin, her next door neighbor  and hot bit of pediatric dentistry.  Opposites may attract but if these two would only get out of their own ways, they might just have a chance at something they never say coming that will change their stars in a BIG way.

In adjective land, I'd go with sweet, adorable, laugh inducing, heart warming, just to name a few.  The story is as sweet as can be with characters you can't help but love.  Emma for her stubborn independent streak as well as her BIG heart, selflessness, and creativity  (love the girls room!).  Kevin for his gentlemanly ways, swoon worthy package overall, and the many blunders he both navigates and falls flat into.  The two of them together, PRICELESS.  Believe you me, you'll be cheering them on screen after screen and by ebook's end, be ready for more.  Good thing too, seeing as this is book 1 of a SERIES.

In conclusion, a book PERFECT for Contemporary Romance fans as well as those in love with Women's Fiction and Chick Lit.  It's light.  It's sweet.  It's a sugary treat to add to your reading list this weekend with a guaranteed good time for one and all.  The content remains PG13 throughout so the reading audience remains broad.  Feel free to click on over to most of your favorite online retailers and grab a copy of this wonderful read today.  

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About the author....

A USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can’t sing, doesn’t dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.

BLOG   |   TWITTER   |    FACEBOOK

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Ebook for review courtesy of Kathy at I Am a Reader, Not a Writer.  (THANKS!)  To discover more about this title, be sure to check out the rest of the tour as it makes its way through the blogosphere.  This title was released this past April via HEA Publishing, so be on the look out for it on a virtual shelf near you.

Until next time...happy reading!