Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Review: Kings and Queens by Courtney Vail

Goodreads Summary
Seventeen-year-old Majesty Alistair wants police to look further into her father’s fatal car wreck, hopes the baseball team she manages can reclaim the state crown, aches for Derek…or, no…maybe Alec…maybe. And she mostly wishes to retract the hateful words she said to her dad right before slamming the door in his face, only to never see him again.

All her desires get sidelined, though, when she overhears two fellow students planning a church massacre. She doubts cops will follow up on her tip since they’re sick of her coming around with notions of possible crimes-in-the-works. And it’s not like she cries wolf. Not really. They’d be freaked too, but they’re not the ones suffering from bloody dreams that hint at disaster like some crazy, street guy forecasting the Apocalypse.

So, she does what any habitual winner with zero cred would do…try to I.D. the nutjobs before they act. But, when their agenda turns out to be far bigger than she ever assumed, and even friends start looking suspect, the truth and her actions threaten to haunt her forever, especially since she’s left with blood on her hands, the blood of someone she loves


My Summary
Majesty is the baseball team's manager, who's bff's are on the team.  She loves one of them but which.  She overhears a plot to shoot up a church and tries to stop the violent act.  As Majesty gets closer she disappears.  The murderers are closer than she thinks.


What will Majesty do?  Who should she turn to?


How Distracted Did I Get?
Majesty is a believable character caught between more boys than she can count.  Who to date?  Who to trust?
To be hones, the plot had me drawn in.  I finished the book to the end but I feel certain plot points were too drawn out especially for a YA novel.  The story is well told and intricately woven though just too much for me.  

I gave Kings and Queens 3 Baskets





Review: When God Created My Toes by Dandi Daley Mackall


GOODREADS DESCRIPTION
When God created my toes, did he make them wiggle? Did he know I’d giggle?
Did he have to hold his nose, when God created my toes?
This charming picture book allows your child to imagine what it was like when God created them. From the top of their heads to the tips of their toes they will explore and understand God’s delight in creating them.

Through rhyming lines and vivid illustrations children will gain confidence and self-esteem when they begin to fully realize how perfectly, intricately, and uniquely God created them.


My Description
Ever have questions about when God created you?  When God Created My Toes really has me as an adult thinking about it!

What happens as God creates our different body parts?  A little girl questions and giggles her way to the end.

How Distracted Did I Get?  And My boys for this one
As an adult I thoroughly enjoyed reading When God Created My Toes.  I read it the day I received it in the mail while my boys were out of town I read it 3 times.

My boys LOVE this book I read to my 5 year old at least twice a day and my 17 month old twins sit enthralled while I read to them.

We as a family highly recommend this book to all ages! <3

We gave When God Created My Toes 5 baskets



Sunday, May 27, 2012

Blog Tour Review: Becoming a Butterfly

 
Have you ever been bullied, felt like the loser of your class? Did you do anything to change the fact? Lacey did. All her school years being teased "Lacey-bracey-four-eyed-facey". Lacey and her friends Jade and Tasha decide to have fun taking pics in her moms clothes from growing up with wigs on. They decide to create a profile as Farah and the character takes a life of its own being able to say what she thinks to whomever she wants. Her lifelong crush notices, Henry. They start talking all going well. Then, the new kid, Chase discovers Farrah's identity and blackmails her. Will all work out with Henry or does it take a disaster to make her see the one who truly cares about her?




How Distracted Did I Get?

Again, as with a previous review, I had issues with the cruelty to the main character.  Lacey gets through the tough in her life.  She's tough and sweet and a bit naive.  As with typical puberty years there are ups and downs and craziness.

I reccomend this book if you enjoy YA novels Becoming a Butterfly is a good read that once I got to reading the story I was unable to put my kindle down.

I gave this book 4 Baskets!



May 20th Laura @ The Reading Nook http://thereadingnook123.blogspot.com/ REVIEW & GUEST POST
May 21st Laura @ Colorimetry http://burgandyice.blogspot.com/ POSSIBLE REVIEW, INTERVIEW & GIVEAWAY
May 22nd Taneesha @ A Diary of a Book Addict http://adiaryofabookaddict.blogspot.com/ REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW & 2 GIVEAWAY
May 23rd MaryAnn @ Chapter by Chapter http://www.chapter-by-chapter.com/ REVIEW, GUEST POST, & GIVEAWAY
May 24th Jenni @ Alluring Reads http://www.alluringreads.com/ REVIEW, GUEST POST
May 25th Melissa @ Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf http://melissaseclecticbookshelf.blogspot.com/ CHARACTER INTERVIEW
May 26th Mandy @ I Read Indie http://twimom101bookblog.blogspot.com/ REVIEW
May 27th Tobi @ Forget the Housework, I'm Reading http://forgetthehouseworkimreading.blogspot.com/ REVIEW
May 28th Amy @ Lady Reader's Bookstuff http://ladysbookstuff.blogspot.com/ REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY




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Friday, May 25, 2012

Review:Coveted by Shawntelle Madison


Are you a hoarder?  Got stacks and stacks of "collectibles" in your house?  Me I'm a pack rat because I can't seem to let go of my stuff from high school and college. 

Natalya is your everyday typical werewolf. Well, if you count "collecting" holiday decorations of all kinds is considered a rogue by her local pack.  She goes to a magical therapy group determined to turn her life around. 

With the Long Island Werewolf pack coming to take over their territory they seem to center on Natalya, though she isn't part of the pack.  Enter, Thorn, her ex, the soon to be Alpha after his father, and prodigal son return to help protect the territory.    Encounters with Thorn are ups and downs.  There is also a wizard vying for her attention.

Will Natalya survive the new packs focus on her?  Better yet which yummy man do you think she should end up with.  It's just the beginning for Natalya........


How Distracted Did I Get?
I did love this book.  However to be honest I had issues reading parts of the story due to the pack being mean to Natalya.  I'd put the book down and go back a bit later.  I had issues in middle school where all my friends turned on me and the whole 7th grade year I was shunned.  A little reminiscent. 

Coveted was well written and funny.  Natalya is very believable in the heroine roll.  I couldn't comprehend how it feels to be OCD to the max.  With amazing supporting characters throughout this is definitely a must read.

I gave this book 4 baskets!


Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Review: Take This Regret by A.L. Jackson



One decision you make can make or break the rest of your life.  Be careful of your decisions, Christian wasn't.

Elizabeth is in her final year of college on her way to becoming a lawyer.  She's dating the love of her life and nothing can go wrong.  Elizabeth has been keeping a secret from Christian for a week though.  Will he react the way she's afraid?  Or will he lovingly accept her and they life they created together?

Unfortunately, Christian tells Elizabeth to choose between him and the baby and in her eyes there is no choice.  She walks out to raise her baby on her own with the support of friends and family.  Christian is sure she'll see she's wrong and come running back. 

Everyday for 5 years Christian regrets the decision is made and there isn't a day goes by when he doesn't think of them both. 

Will a chance run in give them a second chance at life together and love or did Christian ruin any chances they ever had?

How Distracted Did I Get?

I absolutely loved this book!  Elizabeth is an amazing strong character.  She shows what mom's everywhere will do for their child.  Christian is a lovable character who made a stupid decision as a kid.  Once he discovers he is living near Elizabeth and Lizzie he does anything to spend time with them.

Take This Regret was heartwarming and gut wrenching at the same time with all the ups and downs.  I had serious issues putting the book down for anything other than my babies.  This book is a definite must read! 

5 Baskets to Take This Regret by A.L. Jackson!

Monday, May 21, 2012

BLOG TOUR, Review & Giveaway: My Enchanted Live by Laura Eno





Emma Winslow turned 18 and heading to college next semester the start to the rest of her life right?

The day of Emma's birthday she is informed she has inherited a house in England.  Off she goes for a vacation to check everything out.  Only a month no big deal.  Emma has no clue when she gets to Wode's Gate her whole life is going to change.  She discovers she is a Sentinel born to protect the gate between the Underworld and the Mundane world.

Emma walks into the world of faeries, dragons, demons, shapeshifters and many more fairy tale creatures.  Oh there's the Sentinel meant to train her, Randolph, who is very yummy and Matthew who says hello and barely says much but he always pops up when she's out.  Also, the king of the Underworld wants Emma.  What's a girl to do?

Will this vacation remain a  vacation or will she stay?  Does she realize the dangers for her are more than ensuring demons stay in the Underworld?

How Distracted Did I Get?

My Enchanted Life grabbed me from the start.  A normal teen girl inheriting a house in another country doesn't happen everyday. Emma was very sweet and normal and didn't see anything extraordinary about herself.  She had average looks in her own eyes, nothing special.
She meets Randolph handsome dark looks although VERY rough around the edges.  His "yumminess" don't make up for his attitude.  Matthew is sweet, kind, and gorgeous green eyes.

My Enchanted Life is a wonderful new world of all kinds of fairy tale creatures that will keep you wanting more.  I'm ready for the sequel and hopefully there will be one! <3

I gave this book 4 baskets. 



Links where you can find My Enchanted Life:










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Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Review: Cancelled by Elizabeth Ann West





What do you think of a Male POV Chick Lit book?  I was not so sure before I started.  On a normal basis I am not fond of books from a male POV unless mixed with a main female POV.

Johnathan Michaels has been in love with Alex since college.  When Alex was single Johnathan was dating someone and vice versa.  Johnathon wakes one morning with a girl he barely remembers from the night before in his bed, Kellie.  He drops Kellie at home and tells her have a nice life more or less even though she wants to "hang out" again.  Just a one night stand for Johnathan.

Johnathan goes to visit his stepmother in Paris for the holidays.  He gets called back to help with an emergency at his and Alex's and their friend Eric's company.  Johnathan and Alex discover they've both had feelings for the other for years and never discovered.  After they start a relationship Kellie pops back up to inform Johnathan he's going to be a father.

In the background Johnathan's bio mom stole from his sisters trust fund by forging his name.  He calls his stepmother, Anna, and tells her about it.  Anna asks him to let her handle the situation and not to call the authorities.  She's hiding something but what?

What will happen with Alex and Kelly? 


How Distracted Did I Get?

I loved this book. To be honest, in the beginning, as Kellie popped back up preggers I wasn't sure I wanted to go on.  I pressed through and I was unable to put the book down!  Johnathan is a sweet, sexy and smart man but he can be a typical man.  Alex and Kellie are extremely different in personalities.  If you are like me in getting attached to characters you will be pulled all different directions.

As for the male POV I loved it!  Rare but I did get to see his emotions throughout the book was fun.  Every once in a while you will see a few other character's POV's also.

This is a definite must read!

I gave Cancelled 4 Baskets! 


It's more like 4 1/2 but I have no graphic for 4 1/2





Now for the giveaway!  Follow the Rafflecopter and good luck!
<3 Tobi


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Monday, May 14, 2012

No! Chick Lit is NOT DEAD Giveaway!

In HONOR of International Chick Lit Month I am doing my first giveaway!

And Thanks to Elizabeth Ann West author of Cancelled this Giveaway is WAY bigger than I planned!

There will be 2 Winners! 

One will win a $20 Gift card to Bath & Body Works and a $10 Amazon Gift Card

The other will win a $20 Gift card to Bath & Body Works and a $10 Nook Gift Card

Elizabeth is Donating the Nook, Amazon and 1 of the Bath & Body Works gift cards so show her some MAJOR LOVE!

Check back tomorrow I will post my review on Cancelled by Elizabeth Ann West & do a mini surprise giveaway!

US Only









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It's the big day!!!!!!

I finished Cancelled by Elizabeth Ann West last night and this am I'll be putting everything together for our giveaway honoring International Chick Lit Month!!!!  Make sure you check back later today and get yourself entered!  So exciting this isn't the normal book review blog giveaway it's a little different!  Share with your friends the more the merrier!

<3 Tobi

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Review: Falling Into Forever by Tammy Turner

Reviewed by Tobi Helton for Readers Favorite

Alexandra is 17 and getting ready to start her senior year in high school.  She and her best friend Taylor are in for a wild ride.  With 3 new mysterious men in her life, her crazy dreams keep her from sleeping well through the night, and a wolf who keeps attacking her she wonders if she will make it through her senior year.  Benjamin, a new kid in school, Taylor is crushing on but he seems to be more interested in Alexandra.  Callahan the new history teacher at school, seems to focus on Alexandra also.  In addition, a gorgeous guitar player in the park everyday who watches her from afar.  Why are they all focused on her? 

How Distracted Did I Get?

Tammy Turner has created a fun new world based in Atlanta, Georgia.  The story drew me in immediately with a story from Alexandra's family's past and brings you all the way to present time.  With supernatural and mystery there isn't much more you could ask for.  That and 3 cute men who pop up every time she turns around. Alexandra is smart and shy and not full of herself at all always in her best friends shadow. As typical for a girl not used to the attention she shy's away. Taylor, Alexandra's bff can drive you nuts but hey it's high school, her life is rough and she needs attention.  All together an amazing book a must read!

I gave this book 5 Baskets


Friday, May 11, 2012

Big News! HUGE!

In HONOR of International Chick Lit month the giveaway is coming!

The Chick Lit Giveaway will START on Monday, May 14!  So here's a hint follow me now on GFC and register for my email.  Thanks to Elizabeth Ann West it's a bigger giveaway than I had planned so get your head start NOW!

US only

<3 Tobi

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Review: Pulled by A.L. Jackson

Soulmates,are they real? Do you have that connection with anyone? Do you feel the "Pull"?

Melanie is married to a jackhole. She is a shell of herself. But will fate bring her together with her one true LOVE? Will she ever quit punishing herself?

Daniel has been alone and miserable for 9 years. One night stands only or forget it. There is only one girl for him but she's happily married and he'll just remain alone.

One night all that will change for the better? For the worse? Grab the book and find out!

Melanie is a strong character caught in horrible circumstances she put herself in. She has the spunk but will she stand up for herself.

Daniel is every girls dream. Who wouldn't want a man who thinks you are the world and no other girl would do! That and he's a doctor! Who needs more?

How Distracted Did I Get?
In a nutshell, The book was great! I had a hard time getting into it. There is a lot of the past to read through but so worth it. Once I got into it I absolutely couldn't put it down. I get too attached to my characters there are ups and downs through the book. You will want to beat the poopy scoops out of a few characters but the book is amazing!
Hope you enjoyed!
<3 Tobi

I gave this book



Saturday, May 5, 2012

Review: Taking Charge by Mandy Baggot

Do you believe in love at first sight?  What about happy endings?

Robyn Matthers does not.  There is no such thing as a normal relationship.  Robyn is coming home from living in England for 9 years to take care of her father, who had a heart attack.  She left after a horrible incident and had not been back since.

Cole Ryan will never care for anyone again.  Caring means they will leave.  Not gonna do that again!

The connecting flight in O'hare Robyn literally runs into Cole.  He helps her to their mutual plane as they have discovered to got to Portage.  Robyn talks her head off.  Nervous as can be she has to face her father and her past and Take Charge and fix the Roadhouse and Hockey Team her dad owns that have gone down hill.

I absolutely loved this book.  Robyn is a great character.  She has a past that she'd like to forget but coming home has made that impossible.  She has spunk and a love for hockey and her dad's Roadhouse.

Cole also has a past.  He is sweet and HOT and who wouldn't want him!? 

Can they both pull together put their pasts behind them and find the love that is truly there?

How Distracted Did I Get?
I gave this book five baskets.  Had I not had a minor emergency with my oldest son I would have finished this book yesterday morning!

If my review isn't enough to get you to buy this book one word TURKEY!!!!!!!!!!!! Could not stop laughing!





Wednesday, May 2, 2012

COVER REVEAL Unchained by J. Lynn!!!!


Between the pissed off creatures that want demon-hunter Lily Marks dead and the fallen angel who just...wants her, Lily is about ready to trade in forever for a comfy job in a cubicle farm.
The fact that she and Julian are civil to one another is enough to have herthrown out of the Sanctuary, but she can't shake her not-so-angelic stalker or how he brings her dangerously close to ecstasy.
Her forbidden relationship with Julian provides the perfect fuel for suspicionwhen a traitor is discovered to be working within the Sanctuary. Lily quicklyfinds herself hunted by well, everyone.
Her only hope is to discover the real traitor before she loses everything--andshe'll need Julian's help. That is, if Julian is really there to help her...andnot destroy her.
Yeah, being a Nephilim isn't everything it's cracked up to be.

UNCHAINEDwill be available in mass trade size wherever books are sold on October 16,2012 and you can pre-order your copies at Amazon,B&N,BookDepository, and BAM

Want a taste of J. Lynn’s adult work and can’t wait till October? You can purchase her contemporary romance, Tempting the Best Man, which is available on B&Nand Amazon.Please note that this is an adult romance, which does contain scenes that couldbe perceived as naughty, naughty and you should be an adult if reading!
 
Oryou can always check out her Young Adult series, The Covenant (Half-Blood) andLux Series (Obsidian) under the name Jennifer L. Armentrout.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

NO! Chick Lit is NOT Dead!!!

Happy Chick Lit Month!!!!!

May is Chick Lit Month!  In honor of one of my favorite genres of Romance Books I'm going to start a giveaway soon!  So here's a hint go ahead and follow me by email and GFC and keep track because it's going to be fun! 

Mad Love to some of my Fave Girls!  Jen Tucker, Dina Silver, L.A. Dale, Elizabeth Ann West, Meredith Schorr, Rose McClelland, Nicky Wells......I could be here all day!  <3  If I missed someone I'm sorry!  You can knock my block off!  LOL

Keep checking back!

<3