First of State by Robert Greer

A prequel to the CJ Floyd Mystery Series

CJ Floyd is twenty years old, just returning from a back to back tour in Vietnam Nam.  Before he left for war though, he stashed an antique porcelain license plate behind the wall in a local pawn shop.  CJ collects old memorabilia, and although his collections will probably never be complete, he'd sure like that license plate back.

When he goes to the pawn shop, he heads directly to the wall where he had stashed the plate a few years ago.  But the wall is new, and covered with faded photographs.  He meets Wiley Ames, a veteran of WWII who came home with half of his arm lost.  He runs the pawn shop now, and recalls the plate that CJ is looking for.  He knows there's a connection between him and CJ, he just can't quite put his finger on it.

CJ is having problems sleeping and night sweats and asks Ames for advice.  The two strike up a friendship, so when Ames and his buddy Chin are found murdered, CJ's already fragile world is turned upside down.  He tries to find his friends killer but hits a break wall everytime.  So, to try and overcome his depression,  he joins his uncles bail bondsman business and becomes a bounty hunter.

When a license plate shows up at a flea market five years later, CJ knows it had to be one in Ames collection.  It triggers the murders all over again and this time CJ is ready to investigate.   Filled with twists and turns, compelling and likeable characters and a solid plot, First of State is a engaging mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat.  I have not read the CJ Floyd mystery series, so I did not know these characters.  Fans of the series though, will enjoy reading of them when they were younger and how they all met.  Thumbs up!!

KT Tunstall - Tiger Suit - Review

Remember the Grammy nominated song, "Black Horse and a Cherry Tree"?  I think most of us know that song, and how upbeat it was and very easy to sing along to.  Well, KT Tunstall has a new album just out, Tiger Suit, and it's sure to rise straight up the charts.

Alot of instruments is used on this album, blended with electric techno, completing a highly entertaining album.  Her song titled, Fade Like a Shadow, is already on the top 20 hit at radio.  Her voice lends a bluesy quality to her music, with enough techno to make it danceable, and enough pop to make it current.  The lyrics are easy to sing along to.  It's one of my new favorite albums!   I think of the collection, the first song, Uummannaq Song is my favorite.  It's so upbeat!! I love it.

If your lookin for some new music, for your ipod, your car, or in general, give KT Tunstall's new album, Tiger Suit, a whirl.  It's very catchy and enjoyable!!

Dewey Winners

Thanks to Hatchette Books for sponsoring this giveaway.  Winners have 48 hours to reply to email, or a new winner will be chosen.  Didn't win? Head over to my giveaway page - lots of entry opportunities!

Kate Tow... CONFIRMED

Shannon Nau.... CONFIRMED

Shelley Tib.... Past time frame

Congratulations!

Blog Hops!

Supporting Susan G. Komen for the Cure - Pepperidge Farm

Most people like cookies.  Add in some chocolate, and I'm there.  Pepperidge Farm has some really nice ones, and those Milano ones? Oh gosh yes!  October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but we should be aware all year round.  Share a Milano moment, and Pepperidge Farm donates 50 cents to the cause! That will add up quickly if you all participate. 

 When someone posts a personal Milano Moment on Milano's Facebook Page in October, Pepperidge Farm will donate $.50 per Moment up to $50,000. 

http://bit.ly/MilanoFacebook

Double Chocolate Milano and a nice cold mug of milk - at the end of an extra stressful day and when the kids are tucked away in bed - this is my moment.  Complete bliss!

My Give A Damn's Busted by Carolyn Brown

Larissa Morley is the newest owner of the Honky Tonk, a bar where people come to relax, dance, and listen to good ole country music.  Larissa has had a rough time of it, so settling into her new (fixer-upper) home and bar, she feels like she has come home.  She takes no sass from anyone and gives as good as she gets.

Hank Wells has been investigating Larissa and really wants to get his hands on the Honky Tonk.  He can't figure out why she won't sell when the price is so good.  He figures he'll lay low and get to know her personally and maybe then he can convince her.

But one look at the handsome cowboy and Larissa feels her heart dive to her knees.  She wants a real cowboy to knock her socks off, but her friends tell her Hank is a fake.  Hank finds himself falling hard for Larissa and tries to back off, but he can't help himself.

When secrets begin to reveal themselves, it may be more than a give a damn busted, but some hearts.  It's gonna take some passion, sweet words, and a whole lot more if these two want a future together.

Carolyn Brown's Honky Tonk series is such a winner! I love cowboys and country music, and each book just gets better.  It's like revisiting an old friend when I open the pages.  Her characters are strong-willed, opinionated, and full of grit and sass.  I know it's a winner when I'm laughing and crying and singing along as I go along.  I can't wait for the next one in the series!! 

Raising The Dead Winners

Winners have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen. The winners of Raising the Dead by Chauncey W Crandall IV, MD are

Benita Gl.. - CONFIRMED

Cheryl Fre... CONFIRMED

Robyn L... Past 48 hours

Congratulations!

Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk (Audiobook) Giveaway

Featuring David Sedaris's unique blend of hilarity and heart, this new collection of keen-eyed animal-themed tales is an utter delight. Though the characters may not be human, the situations in these stories bear an uncanny resemblance to the insanity of everyday life.

In "The Toad, the Turtle, and the Duck," three strangers commiserate about animal bureaucracy while waiting in a complaint line. In "Hello Kitty," a cynical feline struggles to sit through his prison-mandated AA meetings. In "The Squirrel and the Chipmunk," a pair of star-crossed lovers is separated by prejudiced family members.

With original illustrations by Ian Falconer, author of the bestselling Olivia series of children's books, these stories are David Sedaris at his most observant, poignant, and surprising.

THIS IS AN AUDIO BOOK

Listen to an Excerpt

Thanks to Hatchette Books, I have three (3) copies to giveaway to a Minding Spot Follower!

-Only residents of the U.S. or Canada are eligible to win

-No P.O. Boxes, please.

Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if they win the same title in two or more contests, they will receive only one copy of the title.

Winners announced October 17th

THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED

Case File: Canyon Creek, Wyoming by Paula Graves Giveaway

What was supposed to be a quiet vacation in scenic Wyoming turned deadly when Hannah Cooper became the target of a serial killer. Although she survived the attack, the ordeal was far from over. But she wasn't alone. Not when Riley Patterson appointed himself her protector.

Beneath Riley's strapping, solemn exterior hid a hard-driving sheriff who would stop at nothing to catch a killer. He promised Hannah safety, but it was the danger he posed that drew her in. Riley was as much a mystery as the man who sought to take her life. Trapped on his ranch, with no one but each other to trust, only justice could set them free...and possibly separate them forever.

Thanks to the Harlequin Ambassador Program, I have three (3) copies to giveaway!

Must be a Minding Spot Follower

USA only

Winners Announced October 18

THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED

Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil Review and Giveaway

When my husband had heart trouble a few years ago, we were told to change his diet.  We've tried a multitude of products but we finally found a winner with Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil.  I love coconut, but my husband could take it or leave it.  When we opened the jar, the smell of the islands immediately assailed our senses.  I could smell it all day.  Hubby thought it smelled ok, but it worried him that when I cooked with it, it would affect the taste of our food. 

He worried for naught.  The oil worked wonderfully! In fact, my skillet had no sticking and the food wasn't greasy, nor did it taste like coconut.  A bonus?  We felt better afterward too! No greasy mouth and seemed to have more energy.  We won't go back to that other stuff, Coconut Oil is superb!  We are having fun now trying it with different recipes that can be found here using Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil.

As a cooking oil, its chemical structure is kept in tact and therefore is resistant to mutations of fatty acid chains even when used in higher cooking temperatures, unlike most vegetable oils. Research shows that the medium chain fatty acids found in coconut oil boosts the body’s metabolism, raises body temperatures, and helps provide greater energy which can lead to weight loss.

GET A COMPLIMENTARY BOOK!

You will be able to acquire your own complimentary copy of our Virgin Coconut Oil book by taking part in our Referral Program: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/referral_program.htm. Choose “Referred by a Friend” and enter  User ID: 6533687 on your first online order, the book will be automatically added to to your order.

WIN A JAR OF TROPICAL TRADITIONS VIRGIN COCONUT OIL

MANDATORY ENTRIES

You MUST be a Minding Spot follower

Subscribe to Tropical Traditions Newsletter 

BONUS ENTRIES

Follow Tropical Traditions on Twitter

Check out the Coconut Recipes HERE and come back and comment which you'd like to try

Subscribe to Minding Spot by Email

Tweet this giveaway - up to 2 x daily - leave link

CONTEST IS OPEN TO USA AND CANADA ONLY

Winner will be announced on October 17th.

THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED

 Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy, Book 6) by Richelle Mead

Release Date: December 7, 2010

No Description at this time - but it is said to be the last in the series, unfortunately!! Richelle Mead does say this on her site though, and it has me excited!!

Last Sacrifice will be the last book about Rose, but it'll be followed by a spin-off series still set in the Vampire Academy world. Side characters we know from the current series will now be our main characters, and there'll be a whole new storyline (not the last one told from a different perspective). So far, there is no exact release date, but you can expect it near late summer/early fall of 2011.


At the moment, I'm not allowed to reveal the title, premise, or full cast of characters. I can tell you that it'll be written in third person, so we'll get a number of characters' perspectives. One of them will be Sydney. The others are a secret for now. Also, expect a cameo from Rose. :)

The Unnamed by Joshua Ferris - Review and Giveaway

Tim Farnsworth has a rare and unnamed disease.  In the opening pages of Joshua Ferris's newest novel, Tim reveals that "it's back." It seems that they, his wife and daughter, have gone through two previous episodes of this life-altering disease.  Now, they are about to start their third one.


Tim has a disease that causes him to walk, and walk, and walk until he is emotionally and physically exhausted.  His disease takes him across many states and many climates, often times resulting in harm to his body.  When he comes back to himself, he calls his wife Jane to come get him.  It's a shocking and devastating disease. 


His family is left  behind when Tim leaves, never knowing where he is going, or if that will be the last time they see him.  Will he come back dead or alive? Tim, while he walks, is always trying to get control of his body and his mind sometimes gets confused.  For a successful and well-to-do lawyer, his disease risks everything.  With the disease back, Tim cannot work, and they may lose their house and more.


The Unnamed is a heartbreaking story, yet it shows the strength of the human mind and body.  What lengths will one go to to protect those they love?  The story, ultimately, was a little longer than it needed to be to get the point across.  There are only just so many walks before it becomes annoying to this reader.  But I did enjoy the novel and the unique perspective and storyline. 

Thanks to Hatchette Books, I have one copy to give away to a Minding Spot Follower

USA and CANADA only.  No PO Boxes

Winner announced October 17th.

THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED

One Fine Cowboy Winners

What fun with Joanne Kennedy here visiting! One Fine Cowboy is a real treat - so be sure to pick up your own copy.  Winners of their own copy are

Barbara E - CONFIRMED

J.L. Jackson - CONFIRMED

Winners have been emailed.  If no response within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen.  Congrats!!

To Fetch a Thief: A Chet and Bernie Mystery by Spencer Quinn

I've read alot of books with animals as one of the main characters.  But I've never read a book narrated by a dog -- until now.  This is the first Chet and Bernie book I have read, but it is the third in the series with Dog on It, and Thereby Hangs a Tail preceding it.

PI Bernie Little runs the Little Detective Agency, along with his partner and counterpart, Chet, a very intelligent and watchful dog.  Not much gets past him.  When the two are staking out a motel for a man who things his wife is two-timing her, it's pretty boring.  Until they see two visitors come and leave the establishment, one they later realize is dating Bernie's ex-wife.

Bernie's ex-wife asks him to watch their young son, and offers some tickets to the circus that has come to town, so the three of them set off for a fun-filled evening.  Chet is in doggie heaven with all of the smells and his son is excited with all of the going ons. But his excitement quickly turns to disappointment when they realize the Big Top is closed. 

It seems that Peanut the elephant and his trainer has disappeared.  The police are investigating but Bernie's son thinks that he should get involved since that is what he does for a living.  Chet ambles about the big tent and pokes his nose in Peanut's trailer, gathering a scent into his nose.  He follows the smell, his nose leading the way, but pauses when he realizes that it leads out of the Big Top and into the desert. 

Bernie thinks they should let the police do their job, but then Popo the Clown approaches Bernie and Chet and hires them to find the missing duo.  They set out on a journey of dangerous proportions enclosing around them, unbeknownst to them.  Chet will need all of his senses if he hopes to get them all home safely and find Peanut and her trainer.

Like I said, I've never read a book with a dog narrator, but I found it absolutely delightful.  I fell in love with Chet and the mystery had me up turning the pages into the wee morning.  This is a series I highly recommend if you love reading about pets, or mysteries.  And that cover is marvelous!!

Venom by Jennifer Estep

I'm a bit late for this review, but I am very glad I waited to finished Web of Lies before I read Venom.  This is one of those rare series that just gets better with each book. 

In Venom, retired assassin Gin Blanco aka the Spider, is still trying to decide what to do with the information about her sister Bria, whom she thought dead, her half-broken heart from Detective Donovan leaving town, and the powerful Mab, who killed Gin's family.

But when she finds out that Mab's head man is stalking and terrorizing a local vampiress, Gin decides to do some pro bono work.  Elliott Slater must die and Gin is just the person to do it.  But then things get complicated when the new cop in town to take Donovan's place turns out to be one Bria Coolridge - Gin's long lost sister.  Bria doesn't recognize Gin and Gin doesn't want to fill her in yet on who she is.  After all, Bria is a stellar police officer and Gin is an assassin.

But then Gin and Finn are following Slater when they see them attack a small house, one inhabited by Bria.  It seems Mab wants Bria dead at all costs, and it will take everything within Gin's power to stop it.

Venom is full of action, suspense, wonderful character development, and yummy food.  Gin loves to cook and her concoctions make my mouth water.  I'm really looking forward to the next installment in this series, Tangled Threads.  I can't wait to see how Gin's romance with Owen blossoms or dies, and if Bria and Gin find out they are sisters, and if Gin can take down the most powerful elemental ever ... Mab.  A must read for any fantasy or paranormal reader. 

Good Boss, Bad Boss by Robert I. Sutton, PHD - Review and Giveaway

"I believe that managing is like holding a dove in your hand.  If you hold it too tightly, you kill it, but if you hold it too loosely, you lose it." Tommy Lasorda

Truer words never spoken.  Good Boss, Bad Boss is basically a study of behavorial science research of what good and bad bosses do.    As a boss myself, I found it very insightful.  It's taken me a few years to get that balance needed to one, make my employees feel valued and respected, but two, to achieve desired results.

This book talks about what bad bosses do, you know the ones - they have no respect for you or what you do, they think they are better than you - they take all the credit for your work and ideas.  They are only worried about themselves.  Then, it discusses what a good boss does, which is quite the opposite.

Studies show that those with a good boss are less likely to have a heart attack - have less stress.  Which, I can completely understand! I refuse to work for a bad boss - life is just too short in my opinion.    Whether your a boss or you have a boss, this is a very fascinating work.  There's always room for improvement!!

Thanks to Hatchette Books, I have one copy of Good Boss, Bad Boss to giveaway. 
USA and CANADA only.  No PO Boxes
Must be a Minding Spot Follower to Enter.
Winner announced on October 12th.

http://twitter.com/work_matters

http://bobsutton.typepad.com/

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Robert-I-Sutton/125186137521713

THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED

Her Best Friend Winners

Thanks to everyone who decided to give Harlequin a whirl :) The Amabassador Program is really nice! Winners have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen. 

Victoria - CONFIRMED

SiNn - CONFIRMED

Heather A - CONFIRMED

Congratulations!!!

An interview with award-winning romantic suspense author Cherish D'Angelo and a giveaway

An interview with award-winning romantic suspense author Cherish D'Angelo

1.  Did anything in particular spark the idea behind the storyline of Lancelot's Lady?

When I first started writing Lancelot's Lady back in 2002 (when it was titled Reflections), I had two main bits of inspiration that came in the guise of questions. The questions that inspired me were: 1) What would happen if the heroine was stranded on an island with the hero and she couldn't leave for a duration of time because there was no boat and the radio was broken? 2) And what if there was a case of "mistaken identity"?

2.  Do you know ASL? Or was that something that you had to reference for your book? I found Misty to be an enchanting character, and to see how she copes and those around her to be very realistic.

I know some rudimentary basics of ASL―the alphabet and some basic signs. The alphabet I learned in Brownies and never forgot. I can even spell my name. The other signs I learned from a good friend who knows some ASL as she was a teacher. She taught me some important signs, like "friend" and "bitch". I had heard somewhere along the way about how names are often turned into signs, made special by people who knew each other. Something about that seemed poignant and I brought that into the story. Misty surprised me with her character growth throughout the novel. Though she isn't in on every scene, when she is everything seems lighter, funnier...sweeter.

3.  What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

If you mean style-wise, I think it's that I have the ability to use humor where appropriate, even when tacking terrifying issues or scary situations. I like to show all facets of my characters, to make them more real. Some have very dry senses of humor. Others are a bit goofy. Some don't show their humor because it's how they guard themselves.

4.  What book(s) are you currently reading?

I just finished reading One Child by Jeff Buick, a fantastic read that I highly recommend. I'm now reading an ARC (advanced review copy) of a new novel titled The Thiessen Affair by Mozelle Richardson. I haven't made my mind up about it yet. And I've started reading

Evidence by Jonathan Kellerman on my Kobo iPhone app. I have a lot of books on my TBR piles!

5.  Are you working on another novel? If so, can you tell us a bit about it?

I am ALWAYS working on another novel. LOL. I am working on a new thriller titled Submerged. It's one I've been planning for a while and I just know it's going to be good because the story excites me and inspires me. Though Submerged IS fiction, the main character is based on a childhood friend who faced some major challenges in his life. My friend bravely allowed me to interview him about his experiences and use them in my novel.

Submerged is the story of drug addict Marcus Taylor, former paramedic turned 911 operator, who is submerged in guilt and drowning in pain from past mistakes and horrific events. Marcus isn't really living life; he's just existing. Until something happens that makes him face his past and his choices. Something that makes him realize that it's never too late for redemption.
Even typing this description gives me shivers and a sense that Submerged may make it really big. I can already envision a movie. I smell popcorn. Mmm, there's the hot butter now.

6.  If Lancelot's Lady were made into a movie, who do you see playing Jonathon and Rhianna?

I had to think of this for a blog post over at My Book, The Movie. I really see actress Rachel McAdams (The Notebook, Sherlock Holmes) as Rhianna. She's very pretty, but not glamorously beautiful, so she fits the physical characteristics of Rhianna. Plus she's feisty and funny when she wants to be.

I'm torn though for casting an actor for Jonathan. As an older adult in my 40s, I see Josh Holloway―James Ford (aka"Sawyer") from LOST―as the brooding Jonathan, but "Sawyer" would have to darken his appearance and change his eye color. If a film was made for a slightly younger audience, then I'd have to say that Ian Somerhalder―"Damon" from The Vampire Diaries―fits Jonathan to a T. He's dark, brooding, has blues eyes and is HOT as hell. Yeah, he could do Jonathan.

Lancelot's Lady ~ A Bahamas holiday from dying billionaire JT Lance, a man with a dark secret, leads palliative nurse Rhianna McLeod to Jonathan, a man with his own troubled past, and Rhianna finds herself drawn to the handsome recluse, while unbeknownst to her, someone with a horrific plan is hunting her down.

Lancelot's Lady is available in ebook edition at KoboBooks, Amazon's Kindle Store, Smashwords and other ebook retailers. Help me celebrate by picking up a copy today and "Cherish the romance..."

You can learn more about Lancelot's Lady and Cherish D'Angelo (aka Cheryl Kaye Tardif) at http://www.cherishdangelo.com and http://www.cherylktardif.blogspot.com. Follow Cherish from September 27 to October 10 on her Cherish the Romance Virtual Book Tour and win prizes.

Do you enjoy flawed characters in romance novels, ones that aren't over the top gorgeous, or have personality or character flaws?

Leave a comment here, with email address, to be entered into the prize draws. You're guaranteed to receive at least 1 free ebook just for doing so. Plus you'll be entered to win a Kobo ereader. Winners will be announced after October 10th.