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Review: The Truth About Love & Lightning

February 20, 2013

The Truth About Love and LightningTitle: The Truth About Love & Lightning
Author: Susan McBride
Series: n/a

Summary: As far as Gretchen Brink is concerned, the tornado that just ripped through her land has nothing on the storms of a different sort happening all around her. Her grown daughter, Abby, has returned home with news that she’s pregnant, and no, she’s not sure whether she’s going to marry the father. A man with no memory has been dropped practically on her doorstep. And the not-so-little white lie she’s been telling for years is about to catch up with her.

Abby is sure that the mysterious man is her long-lost father, Sam, who has finally returned just when she needs him most. As Abby, Gretchen, and the Man Who Might Be Sam get closer, the lie Gretchen told all those years ago begins to haunt her. When her secrets come out, and Sam’s past is finally revealed, will it tear down this fragile life they’ve built–or will the truth bring them all closer together?

My Thoughts: The Truth About Love & Lightning by Susan McBride was a lot of fun to read. While everything is related, there are a few stories going through the book. We have Gretchen and her daughter, Abby, following the tornado mentioned in the summary. We also have the history of Gretchen and Sam’s relationship, as well as some of his ancestors. Put all together, it’s an amazing look at a few generations within one family.

I found myself really rooting for all of the characters – well, except the sheriff. Didn’t like him one bit, and really wanted Gretchen to stand up to him more than she does. And, honestly, I’m not entirely sure what his purpose is so far as the wider plot is concerned, (spoiler – highlight to read) except maybe to mislead readers into thinking he’s Abby’s father. But, otherwise, he’s just an annoying fly of a character.

With the exception of the stories from the past, this book is pretty much about a few short days in the lives of these characters. We jump into Abby’s ordeal, and are kicked out before she even reaches the end of the first trimester. It’s not a problem, though, as the story works perfectly. And, really, I think the story is more Gretchen’s story and Sam’s story – and not necessarily their story together. While their stories do intertwine at various points, there is much that is separate, too. But, it’s all valuable insight into these characters, their lives, and how things are in April 2010.

I really liked this a lot and would highly recommend it.

4 StarsSource: Received as part of a blog tour promotion on TLC Book Tours.

Read It: Get your own copy HERE. (This is a Book Depository link, and purchase through this link will result in my receiving a small commission at no cost to you. Your support is appreciated!)

Susan McBrideAbout the Author: Susan McBride is the author of women’s fiction, including The Truth About Love and Lightning, Little Black Dress, and The Cougar Club, as well as the award-winning Debutante Dropout Mysteries. She calls herself an “accidental cougar” after meeting a man nine years younger in 2005 when she was a St. Louis Magazine “top single.” They were married in February 2008 and live happily ever after in a suburb of St. Louis. She is a six-year breast cancer survivor and often speaks to women’s groups about her experience. In January 2012, she was named one of St. Louis’ “Most Dynamic People of the Year” by the Ladue News. In April 2012, she was given the “Survivor of the Year” Award by the St. Louis affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. In late June of 2012, Susan and her husband, Ed, had their first child, Emily. As Susan likes to say, “Life is never boring!”

Visit Susan at her website, susanmcbride.com.

Tour Info: For the main page for this blog tour, including more reviews of this book on other blogs, visit TLC’s post.
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Review: Into the Darkest Corner

January 30, 2013

Into the Darkest CornerTitle: Into the Darkest Corner
Author: Elizabeth Haynes
Series: n/a

Summary: When young, pretty Catherine Bailey meets Lee Brightman, she can’t believe her luck. Gorgeous, charismatic, and a bit mysterious, Lee seems almost too perfect to be true.

But what begins as flattering attention and spontaneous, passionate sex transforms into raging jealousy, and Catherine soon discovers that Lee’s dazzling blue eyes and blond good looks hide a dark, violent nature. Disturbed by his increasingly erratic, controlling behavior, she tries to break it off; turning to her friends for support, she’s stunned to find they don’t believe her. Increasingly isolated and driven into the darkest corner of her world, a desperate Catherine plans a meticulous escape.

Four years later, Lee is behind bars and Catherine—now Cathy—is trying to build a new life in a new city. Though her body has healed, the trauma of the past still haunts her. Then Stuart Richardson, her attractive new neighbor, moves in. Encouraging her to confront her fears, he sparks unexpected hope and the possibility of love and a normal life.

Until the day the phone rings . . .

My Thoughts: Into the Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes is intense. Very intense. And just about impossible to put down. I started reading early yesterday and finished sometime around 2:15 a.m. It just grabs you pretty much from the start and won’t let go. Despite the quite heavy subject, it actually is a fast read. I think in part because of the way it holds its reader. This is an emotional – and somewhat graphic – story. I wanted to cry for Cathy at various points. I also wanted to kill Lee at just about those same points. There are some shockers thrown in there, a few of which caught me by surprise. I even seem to remember gasping at one point or another (thankfully no one else was home at the time :oops: )!

Cathy is so amazingly strong. Firstly, to live through what she lived through. Secondly, because her transformation – no, not transformation, but rather growth – is astounding. She likely will always have some anxiety and/or OCD thanks to her ordeal, but she’s not going to let it rule her. She’s not going to be defined by it. She’s not going to give in to the fear.

Lee is a character I don’t understand. What the heck is his problem? What happened to make him so incredibly awful? At one point she asks who broke his heart, and he says Naomi. But, knowing the lies he tells – and apparently believes – about his relationship with Catherine, I doubt any of what he told her about Naomi is true. Well, at least any of what he told her about the relationship.

The book is well-written. While at first I was a little concerned about whether I’d be able to keep things straight in my head (it alternates through most of the book between “then” and “now”), but looking back found I had no trouble at all. I’m sure her going by Catherine then and by Cathy now helps tremendously. Plus, she’s such a different person, it’s very easy to know exactly who you’re with at any given point.

If you’re a sensitive reader, beware. There’s (obviously) a lot of violence, plus very strong words. Very strong. And rape, of course. After all, he owns her, so he can do what he wants … anyway, just be aware that those things are in there. If you can’t stomach such things, then it’s likely not a good book for you. But, if you can, then I highly recommend it. Highly.

5 StarsSource: Received as part of a blog tour promotion on TLC Book Tours.

Read It: Get your own copy HERE. (This is a Book Depository link, and purchase through this link will result in my receiving a small commission at no cost to you. Your support is appreciated!)

Elizabeth HaynesAbout the Author: ELIZABETH HAYNES is a police intelligence analyst. She started writing fiction in 2006 with the annual challenge of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and the encouragement of the creative writing courses at West Dean College. She lives in a village near Maidstone, Kent, with her husband and son.

You can visit her at elizabeth-haynes.com, connect with her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter.

Tour Info: For the main page for this blog tour, including more reviews of this book on other blogs, visit TLC’s post.
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12 Comments Filed Under: blog tour, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,


Review: Vanity Fare

January 17, 2013

Vanity FareTitle: Vanity Fare
Author: Megan Caldwell
Series: n/a

Summary: Molly Hagan is overwhelmed.

Her husband left her for a younger, blonder woman; her six-year-old son is questioning her authority, and now so is she. In order to pay her Brooklyn rent and keep her son supplied with Pokémon and Legos, not to mention food and clothing, she has to get a job—fast.

So when an old friend offers Molly a freelance position copywriting for a new bakery, finding romance is just about the last thing on her mind. But the sexy British pastry chef who’s heading up the bakery has other thoughts. And then so does Molly, when she meets the chef’s intimidating business partner—who also happens to have a secret that might prevent Molly from getting her own happily ever after.

My Thoughts: After finishing Vanity Fare by Megan Caldwell, my only thought was, “loved it!” Yup. That was it. But, I suppose, that’s not sufficient for a review, now, is it? I mean, why did I love it? What is so great about this book? Why do I think you should definitely read this?

Well … let me think for a minute.

Still thinking …

OK, now I’m just playing with ya! ;-)

During the course of reading, I couldn’t help but liken this book to just about anything by Jane Austen – especially Pride and Prejudice. We have Simon, the Britt, and Nick, the intimidating one. I couldn’t help but think of the two men our heroine in P&P was drawn to, one of which was a good man and the other not. Oh, and Vanity Fare has animosity between the two men, too. I’m not sure if the (what to me was obvious) parallels (there are more, but I’m not telling what they are) to P&P was on purpose, but fellow P&P loves likely won’t mind. Plus, really, the whole book doesn’t reek of Austen. (And, I suppose, “reek” might not be a good choice of words, as I happen to like Austen. But I digress.) It’s actually quite original. And a lot of fun.

I loved Molly. She cracked me up. She has great wit and is a lot of fun. And she grows. A lot. Her transformation is gradual, impressive, and believable. She has a heart. Despite her issues with her mother, she’s able to put those aside when needed.

Nick is amazing. He sounds hot. His personality is awesome. And he loves kids! As a mom, a man who loves kids is extra-hot! He’s definitely a contender for this year’s Top Boyfriends list! ;-) Swoon …

Let’s not forget the food. The descriptions (and names) are clever and enticing. There are a few recipes in the back, too! And they sound, good.

Suffice it to say that I really, really enjoyed this (even though it made me hungry). It’s fun, cute, sweet, and engaging.

Favorite Quotes: There were several that cracked me up, struck a chord, or otherwise were notable. (Caldwell is a fantastic writer.) Here are a couple:

What was it about dedicating your life to another person that made you give up so thoroughly on yourself? Did having a child mean you lost what made you your own person in the first place? ~ page 40

I feel pretty confident saying that most mothers likely can relate to these questions. Lord knows I’ve asked myself something along these lines at least once some point after each of my three children entered the picture. I wouldn’t trade them for the world – or my own identity/person – though.

There I was, Molly Hagan, having dinner with possibly the most beautiful man I’d ever seen outside of a movie screen and I was annoyed. With him. With me for being with him. With him for knowing her, no matter how he’d known her. With the other him for being with her now.

Gah, it was enough to make me wish I were better at geometry, there were so many triangles flying around ~ page 174

I just thought that was a nice example of Molly’s wit. It’s not the best example, but still a good one.

5 StarsSource: Received as part of a blog tour promotion on TLC Book Tours.

Read It: Get your own copy HERE. (This is a Book Depository link, and purchase through this link will result in my receiving a small commission at no cost to you. Your support is appreciated!)

Megan CaldwellAbout the Author: Megan Caldwell grew up in a remote town in New Hampshire where she devoured every book of fiction in her well-read parents’ library. An English literature major at Barnard College with double minors in political science and religion, Megan wrote and edited reviews for a music industry magazine for fifteen years. Eventually, she became editor-in-chief and went on to develop conference programs for the industry. Now she is the community manager for Heroes and Heartbreakers, a romance novel website, where she blogs daily as Megan Frampton about the fiction she reads. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and son.

Find out more about Megan at her website, connect with her on Facebook, follow her onTwitter, and see what she’s pinning on Pinterest.

Tour Info: For the main page for this blog tour, including more reviews of this book on other blogs, visit TLC’s post.
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Review: Things Your Dog Doesn’t Want You to Know

November 5, 2012

Things Your Dog Doesn't Want You to KnowTitle: Things Your Dog Doesn’t Want You to Know
Authors: Hy Conrad & Jeff Johnson
Series: n/a

Summary: Dear Human:

Your dog probably puzzles you. Most of us do that. And most of us would like to keep things as they are: humans in the dark, dogs with the upper hand.

But we dogs are about to let you in a little secret. Okay, a lot of secrets. We graduated first in our obedience class three times. This should tell you something. Puppies know that they’re being cute. They’re using you. We don’t sound anything like those silly voices you use to imitate us. We hate those ridiculous names you give some of us. Moonbeam is not a dignified name for a mutt. You might want to check your herb garden for fertilizer. We are only wearing this stupid birthday hat so we can get some cake. No self-respecting dog cares about his birthday. We are not spoiled, certainly not in comparison to teenage girls. We are in charge of the house. We let you pretend that you are. We’d be lost without you. We love you.

My Thoughts: Things Your Dog Doesn’t Want You to Know by Hy Conrad and Jeff Johnson is just hilarious. Absolutely hilarious. I was laughing so hard at some points that my kids were running over to find out what was so funny. Of course, half the time they didn’t get the joke … but they’re still young (ages 9, 6, and 5). My oldest asked if she could read it after me, so I just handed it off to her. :-)

It’s not full of constant hilarity. Let’s face it; that would make reading nearly impossible. Between gasps for breaths and tears in your eyes, you’d be hard pressed to make it through a few pages, let alone the entire book. The parts that aren’t hilarious are absolutely adorable. The different dogs’ personalities are so unique and so fun. I can’t really decide on a favorite. (Although, I must say that I was disappointed that there wasn’t a beagle in there. We have a beagle, and I think he’d have another unique, and equally hilarious, perspective on things!) And the ending, it was so sweet. The very final story was just sweet. I actually felt the prickle of tears threatening by the time I finished reading that story.

If you like dogs – or (like me) you live with one (or, God forbid, more) and tolerate him/her – then you should read this book. You’ll see your own dog(s) in many of these stories, and wind up wiping tears of laughter from your eyes.

5 StarsSource: Received as part of a blog tour promotion on TLC Book Tours.

Read It: Get your own copy HERE. (This is a Book Depository link, and purchase through this link will result in my receiving a small commission at no cost to you. Your support is appreciated!)

Hy Conrad and Jeff JohnsonAbout the Authors: Best known for his work in mysteries, Hy Conrad was one of the original writers for the groundbreaking series, Monk, working on the show for all eight seasons, the final two as Co-Executive Producer. In a related project, Hy was Executive Producer and head writer of Little Monk, a series of short films featuring Adrian Monk as a ten-year-old. His latest TV work was as writer and Consulting Producer for White Collar.

Hy is also the author of hundreds of short stories and ten books of short whodunits, which have been sold around the world in fourteen languages. Hy’s first mystery novel series, Abel Adventures, will debut in 2012 with the publication of Rally ‘Round the Corpse. And his first full-length comedy/mystery play, Home Exchange, premiered at the Waterfront Playhouse in May 2012. He lives in Key West and Vermont with his partner and two miniature schnauzers. (www.hyconrad.com)

Jeff Johnson spent most of his working life in advertising agencies, currently as General Manager of Cramer-Krasselt in New York City.  He is the author of The Hourglass Solution:  A Boomer’s Guide to the Rest of Your Life and co-authors (with Paula Forman) a national online advice column called Short Answers, which also appears in newspapers all along the east coast (from Massachusetts to Florida). Jeff lives in Vermont and Key West and is on the Board of Directors of the Waterfront Playhouse and the Florida Keys SPCA.

Tour Info: For the main page for this blog tour, including more reviews of this book on other blogs, visit TLC’s post. You can read sample chapters on the book’s website.

Challenges: Counts for Free Reads 2012.
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8 Comments Filed Under: blog tour, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,


Review: Virgins

November 1, 2012

VirginsTitle: Virgins
Author: Caryl Rivers
Series: n/a

Summary: For the seniors at Immaculate Heart High, hormones jousted with the quest for the State of Grace, and the hormones usually won. The Map of Forbidden Sexual Delights extended its boundaries nightly in the back seats of tail-finned cars. But the girls of Virgins also wanted more. Who could they grow up to be in a word where women were supposed to be seen, but not heard?  They were rebels with a cause, before their time.

My Thoughts: I had heard that Virgins by Caryl Rivers was hilarious. But, I just don’t agree. It made me chuckle in a few spots, and made me smile in many more, but I didn’t find it laugh-out-loud funny. And definitely not hilarious. Still, the story is interesting, compelling, and has very interesting characters. I think that, as a teenager, I would have really enjoyed this book. As an adult, though, I think my perspective is just way too different to appreciate it as much.

I don’t really have any real complaints, unless you count my being a bit dissatisfied with the ending.

spoiler
I really wanted to see Sean choose Peggy instead of going off to seminary. They both obviously really love each other, and I wanted them to be together. I guess I’ll just hope that Sean discovers that the priesthood isn’t for him, and he finds her and they live happily ever after.

I should add that I’m not Catholic. Never have been, so I don’t understand much of the Catholic-themed references. Maybe if I had more experience with Catholicism I would have appreciated this much more.

3 StarsSource: Received as part of a blog tour promotion on TLC Book Tours.

Read It: Get your own copy HERE. (This is a Book Depository link, and purchase through this link will result in my receiving a small commission at no cost to you. Your support is appreciated!)

Caryl RiversAbout the Author: Caryl Rivers has been called “one of the brightest voices in contemporary fiction.” Her novel Virgins was an international critical success, published in the US, UK, Sweden, Germany and Japan. It was on many best seller lists and in paperback (Pocket Books) sold more than a million copies. Her novels deal with American women trying to find a foothold in a rapidly changing world. She was included in the book Feminists Who Changed America from the University of Illinois Press.

She is a nationally known author, journalist, media critic and professor of Journalism at Boston University. In 2007 she was awarded the Helen Thomas Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society of Professional Journalists for distinguished journalism. She is the author of four novels and nine works of non-fiction, all critically acclaimed. Her books have been selections of the Book of the Month Club, Literary Guild, Doubleday Book Club and Troll Book club. The Chicago Tribune says of her,  “Few other writers are as funny as she, and none funnier. Yet she is capable of wrenching your heart and soul.”  There are film offers in place for the new edition of Virgins.

Her articles have appeared in the New York Times magazine, Daily Beast, Huffington post, Salon, The Nation, Saturday Review, Ms., Mother Jones, Dissent, McCalls, Glamour,Redbook, Rolling Stone, Ladies Home Journal and many others. She writes frequent commentary for the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Boston Globe, Chicago Tribuneand Womensenews. Of her book Selling Anxiety: How the News Media Scare Women, Gloria Steinem says it “will save the sanity of media watchers enraged or bewildered by the distance between image and reality.”

She has co-authored four books with Dr. Rosalind Barnett, senior scientist at the Women’s Studies Research Center at Brandeis—the latest (2011) being The Truth About Girls and Boys: Confronting Toxic Stereotypes About Our Children. Articles based on the book won a Casey medal for distinguished journalism about children and families and a special citation from the National Education Writers association.

You can find Caryl online at her website.

Tour Info: For the main page for this blog tour, including more reviews of this book on other blogs, visit TLC’s post.

Challenges: Counts for Free Reads 2012.
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Review & Giveaway: Ironskin by Tina Connolly

October 16, 2012

IronskinTitle: Ironskin
Author: Tina Connolly
Series: Ironskin #1

Summary: Jane Eliot wears an iron mask. It’s the only way to contain the fey curse that scars her cheek. The Great War is five years gone, but its scattered victims remain—the ironskin.

When a carefully worded listing appears for a governess to assist with a “delicate situation”—a child born during the Great War—Jane is certain the child is fey-cursed and offers help.

Teaching the unruly Dorie to suppress the curse is hard enough; she certainly didn’t expect to fall for the girl’s father, the enigmatic artist Edward Rochart. Jane knows Rochart cannot love her, just as she knows that she must wear iron for the rest of her life. But what if neither of these things is true? Step by step, Jane unlocks the secrets of a new life—and discovers just how far she will go to become whole again.

My Thoughts: Ironskin by Tina Connolly is a beautiful book. The cover is gorgeous, and the inside is, too. (While I don’t always mention it, I never fail to notice the beauty of a bound book – especially when it stands out from others, as this one does.) No, the beauty of a book doesn’t necessarily reflect the narrative (see The Red Queen for an example), but it certainly adds to my enjoyment of a book. (And, in all honesty, it’s one more reason why I’ll almost always prefer a bound book to a Kindle copy!)

What about the story? you ask. Oh, well, there is that. In short, it’s good. I found it slow at first, but not painfully so. It just didn’t suck me in quickly. There’s the quite-important background information, an introduction to the world of this novel. There’s getting to know our characters, especially Jane and Dorie. Once things really start happening, it becomes a fast read.

I’ve heard this called both a retelling of Jane Eyre and a steampunk Beauty and the Beast. I can see elements of both. In the acknowledgments, however, the author says the similarities to Jane Eyre were something someone else pointed out to her. I honestly can’t comment much on the similarities; it’s been a very long time since I read Jane Eyre. And, really, does it matter? I love Tina Connolly’s writing style. She has a way with words that I found quite enjoyable. I am very much looking forward to the sequel!

If you’re a fan of steampunk, read this. If you have fond memories of Jane Eyre, read this. If you like stories with fey, read this. If you just like a good story, read this. I highly recommend it.

4.5 StarsSource: Received as part of a blog tour promotion on TLC Book Tours.

Read It: Get your own copy HERE. (This is a Book Depository link, and purchase through this link will result in my receiving a small commission at no cost to you. Your support is appreciated!)

Tina ConnollyAbout the Author: TINA CONNOLLY lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband and baby boy. Her stories have appeared in Strange Horizons, Fantasy, Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Highlights Magazine, and the anthology Unplugged: Year’s Best Online SF 2008. Her young adult dystopia play, Witebox, will premier in Portland in 2013. Connolly is a frequent reader for Escape Pod and Podcastle, and works as a face painter, which means a glitter-filled house is an occupational hazard. Ironskin is her first novel.

Tour Info: For the main page for this blog tour, including more reviews of this book on other blogs, visit TLC’s post.

Challenges: Counts for Free Reads 2012.

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Giveaway Time!

I am able to offer 1 lucky reader a copy of Ironskin! I do not require anything in order for you to enter. Simply leave a comment to on this post. ONE ENTRY PER PERSON. Entries will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. (Central) Saturday, November 3, 2012. The winner will be chosen randomly with the help of the WordPress plugin And the Winner Is… and I will send the lucky winner an e-mail notification. (It will come from proudbooknerd(at)gmail(dot)com, so make sure to add this address to your safe list or address book to ensure it doesn’t get lost in junk/bulk mail.) If I do not get a response within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen. With apologies to those of you abroad, this giveaway is only open to readers in the U.S. and Canada.
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Review & Giveaway: The Candidate by Paul Harris

September 28, 2012

The CandidateTitle: The Candidate
Author: Paul Harris
Series: n/a

Summary: The novel begins with an assassination attempt. On a freezing winter’s night Jack Hodges, a little-known U.S. presidential candidate, speaks at a sparsely-attended town hall meeting in Iowa. It is a few weeks before the Iowa caucus, the first contest in the nomination process to be a candidate for President.

Hodges is a charismatic former general with a dedicated team of believers including campaign staffer Mike Sweeney. But the campaign is a disaster. Ignored by the media, his candidacy barely registers in polls. Everyone assumes the established frontrunner, Virginia Governor Harriet Stanton, will easily win.

But that single night in Iowa transforms the race. A female assassin waits for Hodges to take the stage. As he speaks a shot rings out. She misses but the incident propels Hodges – who heroically shield his wife from the gunfire- on to the front pages. Yet no one knows the identity of the shooter. Police arrest a mysterious dark-haired woman but she refuses to say a single word. Her name, age, even her nationality, is a mystery.

Finally people pay attention to the Hodges campaign. Guided by his outspoken and outrageous campaign manager, Dee Babineaux, Hodges becomes a passionate, outsider rebel candidate pitted against Stanton, the lifetime career politician. Crowds now flock to his rallies inspired by his powerful message of hope and change.

But as Hodges’ campaign climbs in the polls, Babineaux realises it is vital to discover the identity of the mysterious woman who tried to kill him. She gives the task to Mike Sweeney, a true believer in Hodges’ cause. He must find out the woman’s name and history before anyone from Stanton’s campaign or the media does. As Sweeney uncovers more and more information, Hodges’ campaign, guided by the ruthless genius of Babineaux, goes from strength to strength. By the time Sweeney finds out the true identity of the would-be assassin, he faces a choice that could effectively determine who could be the next President of America.

My Thoughts: The Candidate by Paul Harris is a fast-paced, gripping story that makes one wonder about the state of American politics. Let’s face it, we Americans know it’s messed up. There’s no denying that. And this book, wow. I know it’s fiction, and I sure hope it’s super, super dramatized – that the political landscape isn’t quite so horrible. I’m guessing, though, it’s closer to reality than I’d like.

Election and politics aside, the story moves fast, starting with a bang and moving on out until the exciting finish. This is one book that I found very, very hard to put down. I wanted to see the dirt that Mike’s digging up. I wanted to see just what exactly was the explanation behind the assassination attempt – and the wire transfers mentioned early in the story. Some ideas for what it was were floating in my head, and as things progressed I found my hunches were pretty close – if not completely right. Still, there are some surprising revelations, and the full details are something – and not a good something.

The biggest problem I had was, once again, editing. It left much to be desired. Lots of grammar needs fixing, and when talking about an energy burst, it’s adrenaline (not Adrenalin, which is trademarked and has something to do with synthetic epinephrine; in this book, we’re talking about adrenaline rushes). While some of the things are likely things many readers will easily overlook, or maybe even not notice, it’s hard for me to comprehend how the editing process missed so many things. The biggest one is the aforementioned Adrenalin/adrenaline issue, but there are times when sentences don’t read very smoothly and other such things. Still, the story is good enough that I feel confident that fans of suspense will greatly enjoy it. If it wasn’t for the editing problems, I would have given it 5 stars.

4 StarsSource: Received as part of a blog tour promotion on TLC Book Tours.

Read It: Get your own copy HERE. (This is a Book Depository link, and purchase through this link will result in my receiving a small commission at no cost to you. Your support is appreciated!)

Paul HarrisAbout the Author: PAUL HARRIS is a US Correspondent for The Observer, a British weekly that is the oldest Sunday newspaper in the world, and also its sister daily paper The Guardian. He has been based in the US for the past nine years covering all aspects of American political and cultural life from Hollywood stars to Washington politics. He is currently covering his third presidential election having previously reported on George W. Bush versus John Kerry in 2004 and John McCain versus Barack Obama in 2008. His experiences covering those races, especially the epic battle between Obama and Hillary Clinton for the 2008 Democratic nomination, were the inspiration for The Candidate.

Prior to his posting in the US, Harris was a journalist based in Britain and Africa. He has covered wars and conflicts in Iraq, Pakistan, Sudan, Somalia, Burundi, South Africa and Sierra Leone. His first novel, The Secret Keeper, was set in Sierra Leone against the backdrop of that country’s brutal civil war. He lives in New York (but fantasizes about living in France).

Tour Info: For the main page for this blog tour, including more reviews of this book on other blogs, visit TLC’s post.

Challenges: Counts for Free Reads 2012.

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Giveaway time!

I am able to offer 1 lucky reader a copy of The Candidate! I do not require anything in order for you to enter. Simply leave a comment to on this post. ONE ENTRY PER PERSON. Entries will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. (Central) Saturday, October 13, 2012. The winner will be chosen randomly with the help of the WordPress plugin And the Winner Is… I will send the lucky winner an e-mail notification. (It will come from proudbooknerd(at)gmail(dot)com, so make sure to add this address to your safe list or address book to ensure it doesn’t get lost in junk/bulk mail.) If I do not get a response within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen. With apologies to those of you abroad, this giveaway is only open to readers in the U.S. and Canada.
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