Review: Trail of the Spellmans by Lisa Lutz

Trail of the Spellmans (The Spellmans #5)
by Lisa Lutz

Genre: Adult, Chick Lit, Crime & Thriller, Humor, Mystery
Publication: First Published. February 2012
Format: Paperback, 416 pages
Source: Own
Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook

For the first time in Spellman history, Isabel Spellman, PI, might be the most normal member of her family. Mom has taken on an outrageous assortment of extracurricular activities—with no apparent motive. Dad has a secret. Izzy’s brother and sister are at war—for no apparent reason. And her niece keeps saying “banana” even though she hates bananas.

That’s not to say that Izzy isn’t without her own troubles. Her boyfriend, Henry Stone, keeps wanting “to talk,” a prospect Isabel evades by going out with her new drinking buddy, none other than Gertrude Stone, Henry’s mother.

Things aren’t any simpler on the business side of Spellman Investigations. First, Rae is hired to follow a girl, but then fakes the surveillance reports. Then a math professor hires Izzy to watch his immaculate apartment while he unravels like a bad formula. And as the questions pile up, Izzy won’t stop hunting for the answers—even when they threaten to shatter both the business and the family

Clearly, I am reading the fifth book because I thoroughly enjoy the series. I’ve been a fan of the Spellman’s series since the first book and I just can’t get enough of it. In this book, the Spellman’s agency was hired for a few numbers of cases. There was a brother who hired them to follow his sister, a wife who wants her husband's every move tracked, and parents who want their daughter investigated for possible bad behavior.  Of course, Izzy was also investigating the strange behavior of her family member.

I love the whole Spellman’s family. They are always funny. I especially love the interaction between Izzy and her niece, Sydney and the ‘banana’ mystery. I can’t believe that Rae is all grown up. It feels weird a little bit.

This book is definitely one of my favorite. Then again, all the books in Spellman’s series are my favorite. Trail of the Spellman was definitely a quick and fun read. I would definitely recommend this one to anyone who looks for a light, fun read. I can’t wait to read the next book and found out what will happen to Izzy and her family!

On Tour: Secrets of a Spiritual Guru by Tamara Lee Dorris - Excerpt + Giveaway

Tamara Lee Dorris  is now on tour with CLP Book Tours with her book, Secrets of a Spiritual Guru. Please visit her tour page for more blog stops and a chance to win a $20 Amazon gift card.

Secrets of a Spiritual Guru: Real Estate, Yoga & Lies
by Tamara Lee Dorris

Genre: Chick Lit, Humor, Romance
Publication: December 2013
Connect: Website
Buy the Book: Amazon

Meet Melissa Murphy: wine-drinking real estate agent who finds herself "accidentally" assuming the role of a spiritual blogger when her boyfriend leaves her for his yoga teacher. Can she keep her role secret while trying to win her man back? If the lying doesn't kill her, the poses might!

Profound insight on human nature delivered in what seems like a yoga book (it's not), a real estate book (no way), but instead is a woman's fiction, humor tale that will keep readers smiling and longing for more.

Book Excerpt

 In two days I will be closing the biggest deal in two years. And in two months, I will have a birthday. I am ecstatic about the first one and suicidal about the second. A little about me: Previously, I spent eleven years in the retail industry, mostly squandering my paychecks on the employee discount. I like cute clothes. Eventually, though, I decided to get my real estate license. Five minutes later, the market crashed.

            I am one of the lucky ones, though, because for one thing I live with my boyfriend, Ron, who has been around for several years now. OK, four years, eight months, and two days. How do I know this definite time frame? Because my mother reminds me weekly when we chat. I am certain she keeps a little calendar next to the phone entitled, How Long Since Melissa and Ron Have Been Dating Without Getting Married and Giving Me a Grandchild. And it’s not really a weekly chat as much as it is a guilt call, as in, if I don’t call her at least once a week she makes me feel even more guilty than she does about the fact I’ve not yet produced offspring for her viewing pleasure.

            Now, about Ron: He’s a nice guy, really, and pretty cute, too. He’s nice in the sit-on-the-couch-with-a-beer-yelling-at-the-television-screen-when-his-team-is-losing kind of way. Oh, and he has become a bit of an Internet fiend lately. Always on the damn computer. Ron is the one who convinced me to get my real estate license. He said, “You’ve been selling clothes for years; I bet you’d be great at houses.” While Ron had the ability to see the big picture, I found it difficult to imagine that selling houses would be anything at all like working in the Women’s Fine Fashion Department of Haddock’s. After all, it isn’t like you can stand outside the dressing room while someone tries on a house. And customers get so agitated when they try to return a cardigan; what happens when it’s a condo?

            Ron reminded me that with my own condo paid off (thanks to my father’s life insurance policy), and him covering the rest of our expenses (which is precisely how I donated so much of each paycheck to my special clothing and wine account) that living on commission would be a breeze, I would spend less on clothes (I knew he’d been snooping in my closet), and that when I did sell a house, it would be big money. So, I took the required classes online, passed the state exam, and suddenly found dozens of brokers pursuing me. OK, there were actually only two, but they both wanted me really badly. I choose Cal State Realty. Mostly because it’s close to my condo, and the broker reminds me of Sean Connery (without the accent).

            My mother, of course, had a coronary over me giving up such a “promising” career as assistant department manager of such a “fine establishment” where she got to enjoy my employee discounts almost as much as I did.

            “Oh, honey, I think it’s fine you got your real estate license, but you can’t be serious about quitting Haddock’s. There’s this cute little handbag I saw in the window last week—”

            “Yes, Mom,” I say, cutting her off, but knowing exactly which handbag she’s referring to. “I’ve got enough saved, and of course I have Ron…” my words trail off as I consider what shoes I could wear with that damn purse.

            “But I just read that the housing market is crashing. Things are going to get really bad.”

            “I know, but really, I need a change, and I already have a deal in escrow. Do you realize the commission will be like four paychecks?”

            My mother sits silent on the other end.

            “Well, that was pretty easy,” she finally says, referring to the fact that I only took this nice couple out one time, wrote an offer that day, and did most of the paperwork in an hour or two.

            “I know! Just imagine if I am not dead-dog tired from being on my feet all day, hanging up clothes and smiling at rude women.” And staying up drinking wine and eating ice cream from the container.

Author's Bio

Tamara Lee Dorris has been a life-long fan of personal and spiritual development, and has written several books that fall under the category of "self-help." She wrote Secrets of a Spiritual Guru as a way of poking fun at how easy it is to become an online expert. Her other novels revolve around contemporary issues and spiritual enlightenment. Tamara is also an adjunct professor, radio host, and long time real estate professional who has gone crazy selling houses, loves yoga, drinks wine and is still as addicted as ever to personal development. She lives in Northern California with a bunch of annoying animals and her husband. She has four kids that she likes a lot and a mother that drives her nuts. Learn more at tamaradorris.com.

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On Tour: Changes (Family Portrait, Vol. 1) by Gillian Felix - Fun Facts

Changes (Family Portrait, Vol. 1)
by Gillian Felix

Genre: Young Adult
Publication: July 2013
Connect:  Twitter | Facebook | Website
Buy the Book: Amazon 

Adriana Banovic’s 15th birthday sucked! She got fired after eight years of playing Shayanne Montgomery on the #1 soap in the country, found out that her family was on the verge of bankruptcy and worst of all, forced to return to Westwood Academy. Her only saving grace was a chance glance at dreamy mystery boy Haze Lyndon. Armed with only his picture and a determination to find him—even if it means turning Los Angeles over on its ass.

In this young adult novel, you’ll meet Robin Banovic, Adriana’s father; financially challenged, dealing with the death of a family member and his brother’s disappearance. You’ll meet Savannah DaCosta aka Savi, mother/manager; Savi enjoys the life her rock star daughter Leighann has provided. When Leighann makes a choice to end her career, Savi sees it as a personal attack. You’ll meet college boy Haze Lyndon; New to Los Angeles, Haze soon realizes how quickly money changes hands in the City of Angels. Will he return to questionable ways to survive or go back to the safety of his family in Wisconsin?

Fun facts about Changes Vol. 1, (Family Portrait)

Writing Adriana’s character was fun and challenging because she is such a bitch. It’s tricky because she shares the leading role with Leighann, who is sweet, and kind—they are polar opposites of each other. They both grew up in the entertainment industry but that’s about all they have in common. Adriana makes no apologies for who she is, she is reckless and wild and I’m sure some readers will hate her. It is only later on in the series you get to really see why she is the way she is. 

Even though Leighann was a bigger star than Adriana, she was more protected by her mother. Savi may have her ways, but she shielded Leighann from a lot of the outside world. So when Leighann defies her and ventures out into the ‘real world’, she begins to see how scary things can get.

Leighann’s fascination with the ‘real world’ is based on the fact that she has never had a ‘normal’ life. She sits in the tour bus and looks at the fans through the one way glass and thinks that their life is so easy, and she longs for that. She wants to meet a boy, go to the movies, and do things normal teenagers do.

Westwood Academy of Higher Learning is a super school on steroids as one reviewer described it: “we mustn't forget the whole larger-than-life high school scene on steroids in a world where appearances often mean more than substance”

The school is high tech and ridiculously over the top with chef catered lunches, marble floors, digital lockers, Jacuzzi. Seriously, I’d want to go to that school. How does any body get any studying done? 

Astrid Wilson is the Kim Kardashian of Westwood Academy. She decks out in Prada and all the latest designs by the hottest designers. No body can throw a hissy fit like Astrid. When Adriana returns to Westwood Academy, Astrid’s status is threatened especially where her boyfriend Warren is concerned.

Family Portrait is based on a television series I had written. The script got lots of interest in Hollywood but nothing came of it, so I decided to turn it into a book series. I have two seasons, 24 episodes of the television series already written. 

Book two combines a couple episodes from the script. Changes Vol. 1 is equivalent to the pilot episode—it introduces the audience to the characters. The script for television was meant for prime time so I had to tone it down—a lot. The book is the raw version—drug use, foul language, sexual situations. The characters can get away with a lot more in the book than they could on screen, which is good for Adriana and Kevin’s character, because later in the series they really get naughty.

Right now I am working on Vol. 2 called The Banovic Siblings. In this book the siblings mostly Adriana and Kevin’s past catches up with them and their secrets are getting too close to home. Love triangles and tangles start to form with some of the supporting characters. Leighann’s character starts evolving, her sister L’Wren has a very powerful and emotional storyline which took a lot out of me to write. It really made me ‘go there’ which stretches me as a writer. Book two is a bit darker than Changes.

I think Vol. 2 may be available in November or December, 2013. It still has the whole process to go through with the story editor, the proofreader and the cover still has to be designed. I usually write like a fiend at night—Sunday through Thursday sometimes Friday nights.

On the Facebook fan page fans can rummage through the character’s closets. Right now there is an app on there called Adriana’s closet and coming soon: Leighann’s wardrobe, Astrid’s locker, the sound track to go with some of the scenes, Westwood Academy emblem reveal, Westwood Academy gear, fun trivia’s, first read of the novels before they are published. So sign up. 

Thanks for having me. Purchase a copy of Changes Vol. 1 (Family Portrait) here.

The reviews on Amazon:

“Each character has a story to tell, and I see their stories being entwined together, for better or worse as author Gillian Felix builds a strong and intriguing foundation for a new series with her novella, Changes, book 1 in the Family Portrait series.”

“Part soap opera, part teen struggle in a world where they are expected to “follow the crowd” and feed the frenzied tabloids fodder for the prying eyes of the masses, all while dealing with personal and family crises, I see a huge following for this new series! I know I’m going to watch for more!”

“So many drugs, schemes, and much more. One girl just wants to be normal. One girl just wants the limelight. Selfish motives abound and changes are coming for everyone. It's Hollywood....”

“This book has many interesting characters and I am looking forward to the next volume. I was sorry to see it end.”

Review: The Reluctant Assassin by Eoin Colfer

The Reluctant Assassin (W.A.R.P. #1)
by Eoin Colfer

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Time Travel, Young Adult
Publication: April 2013
Format: Hardcover, 321 pages
Source: Own
Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook

Riley, a teen orphan boy living in Victorian London, has had the misfortune of being apprenticed to Albert Garrick, an illusionist who has fallen on difficult times and now uses his unique conjuring skills to gain access to victims' dwellings. On one such escapade, Garrick brings his reluctant apprentice along and urges him to commit his first killing. Riley is saved from having to commit the grisly act when the intended victim turns out to be a scientist from the future, part of the FBI's Witness Anonymous Relocation Program (WARP) Riley is unwittingly transported via wormhole to modern day London, followed closely by Garrick.

In modern London, Riley is helped by Chevron Savano, a seventeen-year-old FBI agent sent to London as punishment after a disastrous undercover, anti-terrorist operation in Los Angeles. Together Riley and Chevie must evade Garrick, who has been fundamentally altered by his trip through the wormhole. Garrick is now not only evil, but he also possesses all of the scientist's knowledge. He is determined to track Riley down and use the timekey in Chevie's possession to make his way back to Victorian London where he can literally change the world.

I was so excited when I found out that Eoin Colfer had a new book, W.A.R.P. I was even more excited when I found out that there will be time travelling in this one. The beginning of The Reluctant Assassins was captivating. I found that whatever was happening to Riley was a bit mysterious. I wanted to know what happened and what will happen to him. Then, there’s Chevron Savano, a very young FBI. The two met and found themselves in a run from that evil Garrick.

I think The Reluctant Assassins had a potential to be a great read. But sadly, this book did not really grab me. The plot was good, but there is something lacking in this one. The middle part of the book—that part where Riley and Chevie ran from Garrick—was a bit bland. I love Eoin Colfer’s writing and dialogue that makes me laugh, but I think it didn’t really work with this one. Perhaps I would enjoy this series after a few more books just like I did with Artemis Fowl.

On Tour: Last Diner Standing by Terri L. Austin - Review

Terri L. Austin  is now on tour with CLP Book Tours with her book, Last Diner Standing . Please visit her tour page for more blog stops and a chance to win a $20 Amazon gift card

Last Diner Standing (Rose Strickland Mystery #2)
by Terri L. Austin

Genre: Chick Lit, Cozy Mystery, Romance
Publication: December 2012
Format: ebooks
Source: ARC, CLP Blog Tour
Connect:  Twitter | Facebook | Website | Goodreads | Henery Press
Buy the Book: Amazon | Kobo | Barnes & Noble

Rose Strickland is having a blue Christmas. Her friend is arrested for attempted murder, her sexy bad guy crush is marked by a hit man, and her boss is locked in an epic smackdown with a rival diner. Determined to save those she loves, Rose embarks on an investigation more tangled than a box of last year's tree lights. With her eclectic gang at the ready, Rose stumbles across dead bodies, ex-cons, chop shops, jealous girlfriends, jilted lovers, and a gaggle of strippers in a battle for freedom she might not survive.

I actually read this one without reading the first book of the series, Diners, Dives & Dead Ends. At first I was quite confused with the characters. I didn’t know who is who as we weren’t properly introduced (since I skipped the first one). But the confusion didn’t last longer. The plot and the awesome characters with so much personality covered it all and I found myself enjoying this read. 

Last Diner Standing was engaging and hard to put down. Rose and her friends made me laughed with their witty dialogues. The plot and mystery was well written. I really enjoy reading how Rose and her friends will solve everything to help to clear Janelle’s name. I love how I have to keep guessing till the end to figure out what happened and who the killer was. Last Diner Standing is definitely a great cozy mystery. I definitely am going to read the  first book and am looking forward to read the next one!

Author Bio:

As a girl, Terri L. Austin thought she’d outgrow dreaming up stories and creating imaginary friends. Instead, she’s made a career of it. She met her own Prince Charming and together they live in Missouri. She loves to hear from readers.

On Tour: Entrusted by Sherry Rummler - Excerpt + Giveaway!

Sherry Rummler  is now on tour with Irresistible Reads Tours with her book, Entrusted . Please visit her tour page for more blog stops.

Entrusted
by Sherry Rummler

Release date: January 22nd, 2013
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Tour: Irresistible Reads Book Tours
Connect: Facebook | Website

Anna Bertram was not prepared for this. Not after all she had been through. A mothers love, so deep; wasn’t it her job to protect? Anna had poured her heart and soul into raising Justin. When he unexpectedly dropped out of her life, she was left devastated.

Was it fate?

A chance meeting with a young soldier on a beach in Maine, who had left a pocket-sized book in the sand, a photograph tucked neatly inside. The photograph portrayed two soldiers in Army fatigues, one being the soldier, the other her son Justin. With this clue, Anna is desperate to find the soldier who could possibly lead to her estranged son. Is it too late to reclaim the close relationship they once shared?

Mistakenly Anna believed she was responsible for her sons future. In her zealous search to reunite, she finds the unexpected, love and forgiveness. Journey with Anna, as she learns to let go and surrender to divine destiny. And give thanks for the gift that she was entrusted.

Book Excerpt

Do you want a ride to a hardware store?” Anna offered.

“Would you mind giving me a ride home? It’s closer; I have a slew of plugs back at my house. I don’t want to put you out or anything, but it would be a long walk for me from here.” He looked to the sun slowly sinking in the evening sky. “By the time I’d get back, it would be way after dark.”

Anna looked at his stature. He was only a few inches taller than her, but his strong build and wide shoulders made him seem rugged and tall. “Sure. I’ll get my keys.” She picked up her shoes and salad, leaving him to wait at the pier. Entering the cabin, she found them on the table, and she paused to gaze at Steve Henderson through the window. He was bent over his boat looking for something. It was comforting to look out and see a man at the end of the pier.

Part of her wanted him to stay; the stranger filled the emptiness that surrounded her like a cloud. She watched as he brushed his hand through his hair, put his hands on his hips, and looked at his abandoned boat. He turned to look back at the cabin, and she rushed through the screen door, embarrassed in case he’d caught her watching him. Steve walked toward her, and the two got into her car.

Author's Bio

Sherry Rummler is a graduate of Carroll University in Wisconsin.

She is the proud mother of two fine young men. Blissfully married to her best friend, she resides in Wisconsin with her husband, where one son has left the nest to pursue a college degree and the other is on the cusp of spreading his wings to take flight.

She is currently working on her next novel.

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Review: Inferno by Dan Brown

Inferno (Robert Langdon #4)
by Dan Brown

Genre: Adult, Adventure, Crime & Thriller, Mystery
Publication: May 2013
Format: Hardcover, 480 pages
Source: Own
Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook

In his international blockbusters The Da Vinci Code, Angels & Demons, and The Lost Symbol, Dan Brown masterfully fused history, art, codes, and symbols. In this riveting new thriller, Brown returns to his element and has crafted his highest-stakes novel to date.

In the heart of Italy, Harvard professor of symbology Robert Langdon is drawn into a harrowing world centered on one of history’s most enduring and mysterious literary masterpieces . . . Dante’s Inferno.

Against this backdrop, Langdon battles a chilling adversary and grapples with an ingenious riddle that pulls him into a landscape of classic art, secret passageways, and futuristic science. Drawing from Dante’s dark epic poem, Langdon races to find answers and decide whom to trust . . . before the world is irrevocably altered.

Inferno was exciting right from the beginning with Robert Langdon finds himself in Italy with no recollection of what is he doing in there. He had memory lost and someone wants him dead. I was definitely hooked! I wanted to know what was going on. It was exciting to see Robert trying to figure out what he was doing in Italy, figure out who he was dealing with while escape from the authorities as well as the people who wanted him dead.

It was definitely thrilling to follow Robert Landon in his new adventure with Dante’s Inferno. I love the mystery surrounding the provost and deducing who the bad guy was. But after a few more episodes of Robert running away from people who he was not sure he could trust, I got bored. I was stupefied when Robert found out why he lost his mind. 

Inferno, in my opinion was an okay book. It was definitely better than the lost symbol, but not as good as Da Vinci Code or Angel and Demon. I enjoyed the first ¾ of the book, but not the other ¼. I thought that the ending was a bit bland. But still, I’m looking forward to read more works from Dan Brown.