Review: It Takes Two to Tangle

It Takes Two to Tangle (Matchmaker Trilogy - Book 1) by Theresa Romain

Publication Date: 09/03/2013
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Imprint: Casablanca
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency
Pages: 352
ISBN-10: 1402283997
ISBN-13: 978-1402283994

(Received for an honest review from Sourcebooks Casablanca)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, IndieBound

Theresa Romain on the WEB: Website, Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads

Excerpt from It Takes Two to Tangle, courtesy of 

Synopsis:

Wooing the Wrong Woman...

Henry Middlebrook is back from fighting Napoleon, ready to re-enter London society where he left it. Wounded and battle weary, he decides that the right wife is all he needs. Selecting the most desirable lady in the ton, Henry turns to her best friend and companion to help him with his suit...

Is a Terrible Mistake...

Young and beautiful, war widow Frances Whittier is no stranger to social intrigue. She finds Henry Middlebrook courageous and manly, unlike the foppish aristocrats she is used to, and is inspired to exercise her considerable wit on his behalf. But she may be too clever for her own good, and Frances discovers that she has set in motion a complicated train of events that's only going to break her own heart...

Thoughts:

Theresa Romain begins her Matchmaker trilogy with It Takes Two to Tangle. Set in the Regency period, it is the story a man returned from war with scars both physical and emotional, who believes finding just the right wife will solve all his problems. Romain uses strong characters, witty banter and Cyrano de Bergerac type situation to bring her story to life for readers. With everything from secret letters to a duel, this novel has all the right elements of a great historical romance!

Writing about the ton and the Regency time period is often a challenge for some writers. Theresa Romain, however has done her homework. Her characters, as well as, the customs of the times and the societal rules are all represented well in It Takes Two to Tangle. I found it interesting that the author was able to show why it was so very important for the hero to reclaim is place in society and why the ton was so hard to accept those who faced any kind of adversity. I liked the fact that Romain did not turn her story into a history lesson but was able to add bits and pieces of interesting things about the Regency period without overwhelming the reader. 

The heroine Frances was a jewel. She wasn't perfect and had things in her past that caused her pain and embarrassment. She was a war widow and was somewhat resigned to the fact, though she longed for love and appreciation. By not signing her name on the first letter she writes to Henry she sets herself up for a lie. And one lie leads to another and another until Frannie is in deep trouble, when she realizes she is falling in love with a man who thinks she is someone else. I liked her frank manner and her wit. She was sharp and intelligent and readers will find a very interesting character.

Henry is such an interesting character. Not only was he a solider, but also an artist. When a tragic injury takes both of those careers from him, Henry's determination is nothing less than amazing. I got a little sidetracked as to why he believed finding the perfect wife was the answer to all his troubles, but it certainly added to the plot. Henry was like a bulldog, focused, determined and somewhat blind to what was right in front him... but let's face it... most men are! (LOL). 

It took a little while for the plot to wind around to where it needed to go for Francis and Henry to find their happy ever after, but I think that was part of the beauty of it. Love doesn't happen overnight, not even in Regency times. I liked the fact that Romain, made it real journey for these characters to get past their own issues. Francis nearly sabotaged the relationship by lying to Henry in the first place and Henry was so blinded by his plan, that he nearly lost the love of his life. They were both really good at getting in their own way. I thought Romain did a fantastic job of working it all out. Including Henry's issues with the lose of his hand. 

This novel flows very well. The transitions are smooth and the story was really interesting to me. I liked the whole Cyrano-ish plot device and the duel was amazing. This is definitely a must read for Regency fans and for those who want something a little different. In short... I loved it!

It Takes Two to Tangle is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

Be sure to check out my interview with Theresa Romain for your chance to win a copy of her book.


About the Author:

Historical romance author Theresa Romain pursued an impractical education that allowed her to read everything she could get her hands on. She then worked for universities and libraries, where she got to read even more. Eventually she started writing, too. She lives with her family in the Midwest.

Interview and Giveaway: Theresa Romain

Please join me in welcoming Theresa Romain to Debbie's Book Bag today. Theresa is here promoting her latest release, It Takes Two to Tangle. I got the opportunity to ask Theresa a few questions that I think you will enjoy. Check out the giveaway details at the end of the post of your chance to win a copy of her book.

DEB: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
TR: Thanks so much for letting me join you today! Besides being a writer, I am a wife and mom, an indifferent cook, a book addict, and a classic movie fan.

DEB: What was your inspiration for this book?
TR: I started with the characters, because I wanted to write a hero and heroine different from any I’d explored before. The heroine, Frances, is a little older than the hero, and she has a more scandalous past than he does. Oddest of all, she’s a widow who truly loved her first husband. My hero, Henry, has tried to prove himself as an artist and soldier, but he suffers a terrible injury that ends both careers. Once I put those two together, a Cyrano-ish plot grew in which they find their way to love through secret letters that allow them to learn about themselves—and eventually, build a new life.

DEB: Is it a single title or part of a series?
TR: IT TAKES TWO TO TANGLE is the first book in the Matchmaker trilogy, but each story will stand on its own. Readers will be able to dive in at any point.

DEB: What kind of research did you do on the Regency period for this one?
TR: In hindsight, I bit off a lot by giving my hero TWO occupations. I researched troop movements during the Napoleonic Wars, finding just the right regiment and division that would lead my hero across Europe and into terrible places. Since he’s an artist too, I also researched historic painting methods and pigments. Oh, and dueling etiquette! To say more about that might be a spoiler…

DEB: What comes first a good character or the story?
TR: It depends (sorry!). For IT TAKES TWO TO TANGLE, the characters came first. For the next Matchmaker book, TO CHARM A NAUGHTY COUNTESS (May 2014) the plot of the story—which takes place during the uncommonly cold year of 1816—shaped the character of the super-responsible and very stressed hero.

DEB: Do you have a favorite author or genre you read for pleasure?
TR: I read historical and contemporary romance for pleasure all the time. But for a change of pace, I also like historical nonfiction or narrative nonfiction. I’ve liked all of David McCullough’s books (and if you’re an audiobook fan, he reads most of his own books and is a wonderful narrator). And right now I have a few library books out on the history of dining. Maybe they’ll be useful for research—or maybe just for fun! I’m a big trivia buff.

DEB: What was your reaction when found out your first book would be published?
TR: I was on my lunch hour at work when I saw an email from an editor saying she’d like to talk about an offer—so I had to suppress my shriek and act very professional. But when I got home, I heard her phone message and had my husband confirm it was real. What I did next is sort of foggy, but I probably jumped up and down for joy!

DEB: Do you have advice for new writers?
TR: Don’t give up! The only way to finish a book is one word, one page, one chapter at a time. Also, it’s great to have support as you work toward finishing that book. Find a friend or loved one who will encourage you to stick with it, and consider joining a writers’ organization. For romance writers, there’s Romance Writers of America at the national level, plus chapters at the state and local levels and for subgenres (like historical, paranormal, LGBT).

DEB: Tell us something readers may not know about you.
TR: I’m left-handed, and maybe that’s why when I learned to write, I wrote in perfect mirror handwriting. That must have been a surprise for my parents and teachers! I don’t remember how they got me to start writing left to right. Maybe with a mirror.

DEB: What are you working on right now?
TR: I recently turned in the third book of the Matchmaker trilogy to my editor, and I’ll soon be working on revisions for the second one: TO CHARM A NAUGHTY COUNTESS, out in May 2014. Since I also write holiday historical romances, I’m now writing the fourth book in that series, which will be out in October 2014.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

The publisher is sponsoring a giveaway for one copy of It Takes Two to Tangle by Theresa Romain.

~ You must be an email subscriber to participate.
~ US Addresses only.
~ The deadline to enter this giveaway is Midnight EST, September 24th.

1. Please leave a comment describing a situation where you had a friend help with someone you liked or didn't like.

2. Please fill out the FORM.

Review: Against the Ropes

Against the Ropes by Sarah Castille

Publication Date: 09/03/2013
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Imprint: Casablanca
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Pages: 368
ISBN-10: 1402284853
ISBN-13: 978-1402284854

(Received for an honest review from Sourcebooks Casablanca)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, IndieBound

Sarah Castille on the WEB: Website, Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads

WARNING: Due to the graphic nature of the novel and except is only appropriate for readers over 18 years of age.

Excerpt from Against the Ropes, courtesy of the author's website.

Synopsis:

He scared me. He thrilled me. And after one touch, all I could think about was getting more...

Makayla never thought she'd set foot in an elite mixed martial arts club. But if anyone needs a medic on hand, it's these guys. Then again, at her first sight of the club's owner, she's the one feeling breathless.

The man they call Torment is all sleek muscle and restrained power. Whether it's in the ring or in the bedroom, he knows exactly when a soft touch is required and when to launch a full-on assault. He always knows just how far he can push. And he's about to tempt Makayla in ways she never imagined...

Thoughts:

Sarah Castille explores the underground world of mixed martial arts (MMA) in her novel, Against Ropes. What happens when a shy, sweet young woman meets an uber-sexy, alpha male fighter? Sparks fly! Opposites certainly attract in this one and Castille characterizations are spot on. With everything from debt collectors to society mavens, Against the Ropes is a combination of eroticism and emotional drama. One woman trying to find her place in the world, didn't expect to find it in a fighting ring. While one man trying to settle his past wasn't prepared for an innocence that captivates his heart. Great debut!

Sometimes writing a review for a book that is somewhat adult in nature is difficult. There so many cheesy words and innuendos it's hard to concentrate on what's really good about the novel. It's hot... it's steamy... it sizzles... passionate, fiery, wild. It goes on an on. I can certainly be accused of using those words to describe a lot of books, but not this one... Against the Ropes is a horse of a different color. It has all of the elements I have described above of course and let me tell you, you are going to need air-conditioning and a very cold drink when you read it, but it has something a lot of books of this type don't have... substance.

Sarah Castille probably didn't set out to write a deeply moving love story that will have readers in tears and hiccups. She probably wanted to write a book that really told a story. One that had romance and emotion and passion to spare, but one that also didn't lean heavy on the sex to the exclusion of everything else. Not only does Against the Ropes have all that, but it also has the story of young woman who is trying to find herself, where she fits. And a man who knows he has issues and has found a way to make those issues work for him. That part of the book was just as interesting as the hot-blooded parts. 

I loved the MMA angle. Mixed Martial Arts has seen a lot of popularity because of shows like Ultimate Fighter and that sort of thing. But I don't think those kinds of shows really show what these fighters face. The kind of men that thrive on this kind of lifestyle. A true alpha male. I enjoyed reading the ins and outs of the MMA fights and it gave the overall atmosphere of the book a kind of surliness. A darker aspect that really worked with the theme.

Makayla was a good heroine. She had her quirks and reading the book with her POV was a little tedious here and there but overall it worked. She was certainly the opposite to Max's more worldly wise character. Max was wealthy and very sure of himself. She was still finding her way. She was really surprised at some of the kinkier things that she enjoyed. She was kind of like a flower blossoming out in this novel. Feeling her way and seeing who she was. I liked her a lot.

Max was super sexy. He was confident and once he knew what he wanted he was willing to do what it took to get it. He was forceful at all with Makayla but he opened her eyes to parts of herself that she was afraid to face. Max has his demons and most them he had tamed before he met Makayla, but there was still a dangerous edge to him. No wonder they called him "Torment". Control issues were tormenting him. I loved the fact that this book not only explored Makayla's journey to finding herself but Max's journey to coming to terms with himself as well. An amazing debut! 

Looking forward to a lot more from this author!

Against the Ropes is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

Check out my interview with Sarah Castille for your chance to win a copy of Against the Ropes.


About the Author:

Recovering lawyer, karateka, and caffeine addict, SARAH CASTILLE worked and traveled abroad before trading her briefcase and stilettos for a handful of magic beans and a home near the Canadian Rockies. Her steamy, contemporary romantic tales feature blazingly hot alpha heroes tormented and tattooed for your reading pleasure.

Interview and Giveaway: Sarah Castille

Please join me in welcoming Sarah Castille to Debbie's Book Bag today. Sarah is here promoting her novel, Against the Ropes. Check out your chance to win at the end of this post and my review of Sarah's book later today! I got to ask Sarah a few questions about her latest book, and her writing career. Enjoy!

DEB: Sarah, tell us a little bit about yourself.
SC: I have always been a story teller. When I was young, I kept my younger siblings entertained for hours with fantastical stories in which they played the starring roles. It wasn’t long before I put pen to paper and gave my stories life of another kind. I won story and poetry contests through high school and university but when I hit law school, I lost my inspiration to write. The long hours kinda did me in. After a near fatal illness, I took a break from law and started to write again. I haven’t looked back!

DEB: What was your inspiration for this book?
SC: I got lost driving home one night and wound up in an industrial estate. The only building with lights turned out to be an MMA gym. The fighters (all smokin’ hot) were falling over themselves to help me. I think it was the alpha male reaction to “female” and “lost”. By the time I left (tank filled, phone charged, front seat filled with water bottles and protein bars courtesy of my courteous fighters), I had an idea of a story.

DEB: Is it single title or part of an on-going series?
SC: We have three books planned, all set in the same MMA world but each is a stand alone, single title. The second book, In Your Corner, tells the story of Amanda and Jake, two secondary characters in Against the Ropes, and is due for release in Spring 2014.

DEB: Were you always fascinated by martial arts or is this just an idea you got for the series?
SC: When I was growing up my family was very involved in martial arts. I practiced Karate from the age of 9 and earned my Brown-Black belt in the style, Shito-Ryu. And, of course, my little munchkins are now involved!

DEB: What is it about the alpha male heroes that you think draws romance readers?
SC: I think romance readers are drawn to an alpha male’s confidence and control. He never apologizes. Never explains himself. Never backtracks. He is a leader and expects people to follow. But more than that he is mysterious, and charismatic with a hint of danger thrumming beneath his skin and an aura of raw power around him. He is the bad boy who needs to be tamed, because we know as we peel away the layers, we will find the soft center underneath. This is Torment, my fighter. And he has more than a few layers Makayla has to peel away. 

DEB: Do you have a favorite author or genre that you like to read for pleasure?
SC: I love me a good OTT Kristen Ashley book but I also read a lot of erotic romance!

DEB: How long have you been writing and what was your first experience with the publishing industry like?
SC: I have always been a writer but I only seriously started writing with the goal of finishing a book three years ago. My first experience with the publishing industry was very positive. I got great peer feedback on my first book, erotic legal thriller, Legal Heat, through RWA chapter contests and found my agent through a contest. I signed two contracts my first year with two different publishers, each of whom have been amazing to work with.

DEB: Do you have advice for new writers?
SC: The two things that helped me the most were joining a local writing group and entering RWA chapter contests. I met some wonderful people in my local romance writing group who were very generous with sharing their knowledge of the industry and very willing to give their time to help out a new writer. The chapter contests gave me an opportunity to get anonymous feedback on my work and I learned a lot about the craft just from the judge’s comments.

DEB: Tell us something about yourself that readers may not know.
SC: Hmmm. I eat chocolate, only if it’s frozen. Half my freezer is full of frozen chocolate bars. Often, I will make the munchkins eat frozen veg just so I can use the space for chocolate bars. This makes me a good Mom. Kids eat veg. Mom eats chocolate.

DEB: What are you working on right now?
SC: I am working on the third book in the Against the Ropes series. Still trying to come up with some new and nifty names for fighters, so if anyone has suggestions, I would love to hear them.

SC: Thank you very much to Debs Book Bag for hosting me today!

Sarah Castille

DEB: Check out my review of Against the Ropes by Sarah Castille later today!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

The publisher is sponsoring a giveaway for one copy of Against the Ropes by Sarah Castille.

~ You must be an email subscriber to participate.
~ US Addresses only.
~ The deadline to enter this giveaway is Midnight EST, September 23rd.

1. Please leave a comment describing your idea of the perfect alpha male.

2. Please fill out the FORM.

Review: Geek Girls Don't Date Dukes

Geek Girls Don't Date Dukes (Geek Girls - Book 2) by Gina Lamm

Publication Date: 09/03/2013
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Imprint: Casablanca
Genre: Historical Romance/ Time Travel
Pages: 320
ISBN-10: 1402277628
ISBN-13: 978-1402277627

(Received for an honest review from Sourcebooks Casablanca)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, IndieBound

Gina Lamm on the WEB: Website, Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads

Books in the series:

The Geek Girl and the Scandalous Earl (2013), Geek Girls Don't Date Earls (2013)

Coverart: Click the image for a larger, clearer view of the covers in this series.

Excerpt from Geek Girls Don't Date Dukes, courtesy of Amazon's Look Inside feature.

Synopsis:

The Royal Treatment

All Leah wanted was a little gallantry. But in this day and age, chivalry was most definitely dead. If only there were a way to travel back in time and snag her very own duke...

Avery Russell was polishing some boots when a woman fell through the bedchamber mirror into his arms. All he could make out from her breathless babbling was some nonsense about "my one true love, Your Grace." Clearly the chit was mad if she couldn't tell a valet from a duke!

As much as Avery wanted to give in and give her a good tumble, he knew it wouldn't be proper. No, he'd take as long as necessary to convince Leah that sometimes a duke just won't do.

Thoughts:

Gina Lamm's Geek Girls Don't Date Dukes is a Regency romance with a time travel twist. The second book in the Geek Girls series is over top, with a fairy-tale like quality. Readers who love the Regency period will find this a fun romp that is also historically accurate. Lamm's knack for comedic writing is center stage with this novel, about a young girl who dreams of finding her one true love. Readers looking for a historical romance with a light and humorous attitude will love this one!

Gina Lamm is a writer who knows how to use her funny bone. Her writing is both entertaining and light, with a fresh quality that is hard to miss. Lamm uses a style of writing that will make the reader giggle and shed a tear. She blends lighthearted situations and circumstances with the harsh reality of living in the Regency period. Readers will find Lamm's off the cuff approach full of surprises and contrasts to the normal Regency read.

When most readers pick up a Regency era novel, they have some expectations. The ton is usually written with a lot of glamour and elegance. High fashion and ballgowns. It's very flashy and decadent, when in reality that was not necessarily how things were. Gina Lamm does not shy away from the less than desirable parts of the time period, describing the street life and hard working people behind the scenes in Regency England. I thought it was a very interesting tactic to use in a novel. It sort of sets the reader off balance a bit and allows them to realize early on that this historical romance is not your typical happy ever after.

The lead characters in this story are both very different and enchanting in their own way. Leah is a young woman who wants a little romance in her life. Things just don't seem to be working out for her in the real world and traveling back in time like her friend Jamie did in the first book in the series, seems like the perfect answer. I thought Leah had a lot of spunk and determination. When things didn't turn out just like she thought they would, she persevered and made lemonade out of lemons. She was a delightful character, full of charm and vivaciousness. She lands herself in some sticky situations and proves that finding love isn't exactly easy no matter what time period you land in.

The star of this book was really the hero, Avery. I liked the fact that Lamm once again goes against the norm for Regency romances by making the hero, not a duke or an earl, but a hard working valet, who does a little boxing on the side. Avery is a real man's man. He is resourceful and knows how to accomplish his goals. I liked everything about him. He shines in this story and possesses a strength that makes him the epitome of a good leading man. Lamm writes Avery with a touch of sexiness that leads to a very steamy romance with Leah.

This novel is high on the romance meter. Like everything else Lamm does, she writes her love scenes with gusto. Readers will find themselves drawn in quickly by the tension that exists between Leah and Avery. Every encounter becomes more and more romantic and more seductive. I loved the fact that Lamm doesn't shy away from this aspect of the book. Her writing certainly sizzles and the romance between this hero and heroine is hot and steamy to say the least. Have a fan and glass of iced-tea on hand when reading this one! (swoon)

Geek Girls Don't Date Dukes is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

About the Author:

Gina Lamm, a bellydancing, wisecracking, marshmallow-addicted geek, loves nothing more than penning funny, emotional tales of love, lust, and entertaining mishaps. Married to a superhero, she lives with her beloved family in North Carolina, surrounded by tobacco farms, possums, and the occasional hurricane. She also writes erotic romance for Ellora's Cave under the pen name Regina Cole. Visit www.ginalamm.net for more info.

Giveaway Details:

Check out the SOS Aloha blog for an interview with Gina Lamm and your chance to win a copy of Geek Girls Don't Date Dukes. The giveaway ends on September 7th, so make haste, LOL!

Review: The Promise

The Promise (Restoration - Book 2) by Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley

Publication Date: 09/01/2013
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Imprint: Revell Books
Genre: Inspirational Fiction
Pages: 304
ISBN-10: 0800721497
ISBN-13: 978-0800721497

(Received for an honest review from Revell Books)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, ChristianBook, IndieBound

Dan Walsh on the WEB: Website, Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Pinterest

Gary Smalley on the WEB: Website, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads

Books in the series:

The Dance (2013), The Promise (2013)

Coverart: Click the image for a larger, clearer view of the covers in this series.

Excerpt from The Promise, courtesy of Amazon's Look Inside feature.

Synopsis:

For the last five months, Tom Anderson has been without a job, a fact he's been hiding from his wife Jean--and everyone else. He leaves each morning, pretending nothing has changed, and spends his disheartening day rotating through two coffee shops and the library, using their wi-fi to search for a job on the internet. The stress of keeping this secret is beginning to put serious strain on his marriage and it looks like the legacy that began with his father is still at work, slowly destroying the bond between Tom and Jean. Can their mutual trust--and love--be restored?

Combining the literary talents of Dan Walsh and the relationship expertise of Gary Smalley, The Restoration Series pulls back the curtain of a family that has laid their foundation on shifting sand, but is slowly rediscovering genuine love and the power of forgiveness.

Thoughts:

Author Dan Walsh has teamed up with one of the most respected authors and speakers on relationships in the country, Gary Smalley, to bring readers the second book in the Restoration series, The Promise. Walshs' literary prowess is well complimented by Smalley's vast experience and knowledge on marriage and the family and this series reflects the faith and beliefs of both men. Readers who are looking for a book that focuses on building relationships and keeping love alive and vibrant will find  this series deeply meaningful. 

The Promise is basically a love a story with a twist. The main characters Jean and Tom are already married. In most books of this kind it's a typical boy meets girl, they fall in love and live happy ever after, but Walsh and Smalley understand that is not always how the story ends. I loved the fact that the authors understood today's culture and the pressures that marriages face. It is a whole lot harder to stay together than it is to break-up these days and I think they really captured that idea and homed in on what it takes to make it work.

It doesn't take a genus to figure out that today's family is so much different than it ever has been before. There are so many complications, like the economy and the internet that have become factors in how a marriage is not only structured, but how it evolves. I think Walsh and Smalley have gotten to heart of the issues in the Anderson family in The Promise. 

Tom has lost his job and can't face telling his wife. He is so stressed that it has begun to cause him to be irritable and ashamed of himself for lying and now it effecting everything he does, including his relationship with Jean. Meanwhile Jean is having issues of her own, trying to build her own confidence and love for herself. I liked the fact that the authors were able to show that even when both partners have changes and trials going on in their lives, they can still pull together and see each other through as long as they trusted in God and held to the vows they made each to each other. 

I really felt like this book was as much a counseling session as it was a novel. But that didn't take anything away from the story. It was riveting in a very different way. It was so realistic and heart felt that readers will probably shed a tear or two along the way. These are characters that readers become invested in. They want to see this family survive, because that gives them hope that they can survive too. It holds a light up and says, this is the way you do it. Don't give up! 

I applaud the authors for taking this approach. It is a story that will appeal to the young and the old. It kind of transcends some the barriers between regular fiction and inspirational fiction. Readers from both spectrum's will appreciate what Walsh and Smalley have done here. Showing how important a father's role in the family is and how the mother is such a center and focal point. The Promise is just an all around great piece of fiction with an inspiring message. A romance with a twist!

Available September 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

About the Authors:

Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of several books, including The Dance with Gary Smalley, The Discovery, and The Reunion. He has won three Carol Awards, and two of his novels were finalists for RT Reviews Inspirational Book of the Year for 2011 and 2012. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Dan served as a pastor for 25 years. He lives with his wife in the Daytona Beach area, where he's busy researching and writing his next novel.

Gary Smalley is one of the country's best-known authors and speakers on family relationships and has appeared on national television programs such as Oprah, Larry King Live, and TODAY, as well as numerous national radio programs. He is the bestselling and award-winning author or coauthor of many books, including the Baxter Family Redemption series with Karen Kingsbury and The Dance with Dan Walsh. Gary and his wife Norma have been married for 49 years and live in Missouri.

Giveaway Details:

Check out this post on Dan Walsh's Blog for details on how to win of five copies of The Promise by Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley. The deadline is September 17th.

Review: Trapped

Trapped (Private Justice - Book 2) by Irene Hannon

Publication Date: 09/01/2013
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Imprint: Revell Books
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense
Pages: 400
ISBN-10: 0800721241
ISBN-13: 978-0800721244

(Received for an honest review from Revell Books)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, ChristianBook, IndieBound

Irene Hannon on the WEB: Website, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads

Books in the series:

Vanished (2013), Trapped (2013)

Coverart: Click the image for a larger, clearer view of the covers in this series.

Excerpt from Trapped, courtesy of the author's website.

Synopsis:

When librarian Laura Griffith's sixteen-year-old sister disappears on a frigid February day, leaving only a brief note behind, Laura resolves to do whatever it takes to track down the runaway teen. That includes recruiting ATF agent turned PI James "Dev" Devlin to help. But the deeper he digs, the more he begins to suspect that something sinister is at work in the girl's disappearance. And the closer he gets to uncovering the truth, the clearer it becomes that the situation isn't just dangerous--it's deadly.

Chilling and at times terrifying, Trapped is the latest thrilling read from Irene Hannon, the queen of romantic suspense. Hannon outdoes herself with this fast-paced tale of fear, deception, and just the right dose of romance.

Thoughts:

Irene Hannon is the queen of Inspirational Romantic Suspense! With over 40 books to her credit, Hannon never disappoints. Her latest book, Trapped is the second book in the Private Justice series, following the three partners in the Phoenix Inc. detective agency. Hannon's attention to detail and her riveting storytelling are just some of the reasons fans turn to Hannon for all things suspenseful. A teenage runaway, and a sociopathic villain will have readers on the edge of their seats with this one. A great addition to the series.

Reading one of Irene Hannon's books can be a really hair raising experience. More than once the hair on the back of my neck has stood up as I read her detailed descriptions of crime scenes and got in the head of the villains she writes about. Hannon has an uncanny style of writing and makes the reader feel like they are not reading a book, but seeing the story play out in real time. That eerie quality is present in most of the romantic suspense that Hannon writes and Trapped is certainly no exception.

Hannon characters are always easy to identify with and realistic. In Trapped you have a sixteen year old girl who doesn't want to be told what do, and who makes some critical mistakes that lead her down a very dangerous path. Anyone with siblings knows that sisters and brothers do not always see eye of eye on everything, but they always love each other,and that's a definite factor in this story. It was that sisterly bond that drew me in as a reader. Hannon was able to present the relationship between Laura and Darcy in such a way that it was captivating and made me want to see where it went. Once I began getting into the book, I found it hard to put down because of the suspense but also because I needed Laura to find some kind of resolution and for Darcy to be to understand that Laura did the things she did and had the rules she did because she loved her. It became very important to me that these things were worked out. That's the skill of an author who knows how to write good characters.

Speaking of characters James "Dev" Devlin is an excellent example of writing a character who has character. I loved the fact that Hannon doesn't make Dev perfect. He was a strong character with morals and beliefs that he used to lead his life and that made him a true hero. But he had some baggage of his own which made him that much more likable and believable. 

Hannon crafts the romance between Luara and Dev with a deft hand. She sticks to the idea that the Darcy's disappearance is the primary subject and doesn't let the romance take away from that, but only add to the urgency and suspense. Dev and Laura's romance was sweet and poignant. They both relied on God to see them through this situation and to lead them in the way their relationship should go. I liked the fact that Hannon doesn't shy away from her own beliefs and incorporates them into the book so completely, that they are only a natural extension of the story and not a sermon.

The teenage runaway theme was so well drawn and researched that it will certainly make the reader take a look into their own experience with teens who are in trouble. I often think that if I found that troubled teen before the bad guy did, how different the story would be. I think in today's society we are so often caught up in our own selfish world's we forget that there are those out there that need our help and Hannon clearly understands that.

One thing I do have to say about this book. The villain that Hannon portrays for readers here is absolutely chilling. Hannon lets readers into the mind of sociopath with such clarity that it is almost horrifying to think that people like this exist. He is certainly a troubled soul and Hannon makes it very clear that it didn't have to be that way. I loved the way she creeps the reader out with this guy, but doesn't really scare them. It was good vs. evil in a very realistic way. I loved it.

Available September 2013, at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

About the Author:

Irene Hannon is the author of more than 40 novels, including Vanished and the bestselling Heroes of Quantico and Guardians of Justice series. Her books have been honored with two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, a Carol Award, a HOLT Medallion, a Daphne du Maurier Award, and two Reviewers' Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine. Booklist also included one of her novels in its "Top 10 Inspirational Fiction" list for 2011. She lives in Missouri.

Giveaway Details:

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