I Love You to Death by Natalie Ward

The worst thing in the world that could happen to someone is to loose a loved one. It is something no one ever wants to think about specially if you feel whatever happened to that loved one was your fault. 

Asha is just a normal girl trying to live a normal life. She wants everything everyone wants everything every person desires. A family, friends, to love, to be loved and for once just once that she won't loose those closest to her. Asha feels it is impossible to have a normal life. She has lived in fear after loosing everyone she loved specially after loosing the last person she had left, after loosing the love of her life. She feels she has nothing else left to live for. Everything changes when she finds the letter Sam had left for her. Asha still wont let anyone in she keeps to herself but no matter how much she tries to keep Luke away he will not give up because from the moment he saw her he wanted to make her happy. From the moment he saw her he never wanted to loose her.

I always enjoy a book that can really come to life. "I love you to death" did that. The characters were real, the plot perfect, nice flowing words and fantastic description of what was happening. The playlist was an AMAZING touch too. All the songs were perfect for all the chapters and of course they are all my favorite songs. It is funny cause all but 5 songs are in my iPod playlist. They just fall perfect perfect for every chapter. Really made me get the chills. 

What I loved the most about this book and all the books I read is when they can make my soul fly out of my body, dance, float around and jump with happiness. The feeling that this books give me is amazing. I cannot explain at all as much as I try. But i'm sure everyone feels them too when they bump into the pages of a great book. Including the goosebumps when those certain parts come to life. Those goose bumps are one serious deal that I can only feel with reading AWESOME stories like this. A million of applause for Natalie Ward. 

I have to admit that for a moment I wanted to just stop reading this book, my view was so so blurry sometimes. My eyes hurt, my head, and even my brain hurt. I couldn't make that knot in my throat go away. I have read quite a few books that make me cry in some parts but this book either made me cry of happiness or sadness but it always managed to squeeze a gazillion tears out of me. Already had expected the worst but loved the ending. "I Love you to Death" did not disappoint me. I was once again a happy reader and once again cried of happiness. A must must read and a must must re-read really recommend it. You will love this book. Just have a clenex box close by, you will need it. 

Dexter in The Dark (dexter #3) by Jeff Lindsay

It is an ordinary day in the job of a blood splatter expert. Dexter is called to a crime scene when he arrives something about the crime scene forces his dark passenger go into hiding. Dexter seeks for answers, what made his dark passenger hide? Where did his dark passenger go and how could he get him to come back. 
Will he have to live a simple life with-out his dark passenger? 

Now I know why ShowTime didn't make the kids (Cody and Astor) as interesting in the show as they were in the book. In this third book we get to know Dexter a little more. We get to know what, where his dark passenger came from and who Dexter would be with ought his dark passenger. 

What I liked the most about this 3rd book was seeing a whole new Dexter being scared of almost everything almost having some kind of feelings. It was in so many ways funnier too. I couldn't stop laughing in some parts of the book. I was a little confused though when the story started going more to the supernatural side. At first I was a little confused by that but as I kept reading I thought it was pretty good though the idea of seeing dexter stupefied by the music he heard calling him wasn't very fun (I just dont like seeing Dex defeated by anything.) Even with a few little things I wasn't totally loving I still liked the plot and enjoyed reading Dexter in the Dark. It has pretty good dark humor and really love that dexter does not make mistakes like in the show.

Delta Legend By Kelan O'connell

 

Calvin Pierce and his childhood friend Rashawn Fontaine successfully hot wired a Cadillac from an impound yard. With a few complications but they managed to get away. They thought they had made it with no problems but then they were stopped by a police car. Lucky for Calvin the judge let him get off easy and he decided to let Calvin's mom decide what she would do. Calvin's mom decides to send Calvin off to the Delta where he will be helping his great uncle Samuel Diggs in his repair shop. Calvin thought he would be arriving to a very boring town where nothing exciting ever happens but soon after his arrival he will discover the Delta is not as boring as he thought. He will be face to face with a very old creature who the few people that knew about it believed the stories of the creature to be folklore or simple stories told to scare children.
Better late than never! I won this ebook on Laura's blog a little while ago( quite a little while) I hadn't been making much time to read. Everyday is a busy day for me so I really haven't been reading much. But I decided since for me October means halloween I decided to finally read Delta Legend because it sounded like a good story to read around this time. It's the first time I have read a book where there has been so many important characters with very interesting stories and background. So I cannot decide who was my favorite character because all of them were interestingly fun. Though Calvin Mei Li and Jess made me laugh a whole lot more Burt, Gladys and Ray were very fun characters.
 I love the water when I was little my mother had a hard time keeping me away from the water. I was always sneaking out and the place where my mother will always find me at was at the river that was a block away from my house lol. I still love the water but I have read so many books, heard stories and now I am a little scared of getting inside rivers or things like that. Freaks me out a little to think about what might be deep inside the water. Doesn't stop me from getting in the water but I will not get far in lol. After reading this book I'm very scared I will always be thinking about this creature when I see water. To me the scariest thing was when Calvin was in the water and he had no idea the creature was in there. For a moment I thought he was going to get eaten.
Delta legend will keep one in the edge of one's sit, it engrosses you in the story, it is easy to read, it is entertaining, will be hard to put down, has realistic characters each perfectly introduced in a few pages with entertaining stories, it will make you laugh, neatly put together and neatly written a really fun fun read. I give it five stars. A GOOD READ.
Thank you Kelan and Laura for the giveaway I am happy I won this book and to finally get to read it. : ) great job with this interesting story Kelan O'connell.

Dearly Devoted Dexter By Jeff Lindsay

I cannot say which was more terryfying. Well truth is I can. What happened to Doakes in this book compared to what happened to him in the TV show was by far the worst way for Dex to get rid of him. What I don't know is which I liked more. the more I read the more I could not compare the show to this second book of the series book. This is truly the first book that I cannot argue or be disappointed in any way they are both different in their own unique way and I like that from both of the 2 books...m Goodreads summary: He's a charming monster... A macabre hero... A serial killler who only kills bad people.Dexter Morgan has been under considerable pressure. It's just not easy being an ethical serial killer - especially while trying to avoid the unshakable suspicions of the dangerous Sergeant Doakes (who believes Dexter is a homicidal maniac...which, of course, he is). In an attempt to throw Doakes off his trail, Dexter has had to slip deep into his foolproof disguise. While not working as a blood-spatter analyst for the Miami Police Department, he now spends nearly all his time with his cheerful girlfriend, Rita, and her two children, sipping light beer and slowly becoming the world's first serial couch potato. But how long can Dexter play Kick the Can instead of Slice the Slasher? How long before his Dark Passenger forces him to drop the charade and let his inner monster run free? In trying times, opportunity knocks. A particularly nasty psychopath is cutting a trail through Miami - a man whose twisted technique leaves even Dexter speechless. As Dexter's dark appetite is revived, his sister, Deborah (a newly minted, tough-as-nails Miami detective), is drawn headlong into the case. It quickly becomes clear that it will take a monster to catch a monster - but it isn't until his archnemesis is abducted that Dex can finally throw himself into the search for a new plaything. Unless, of course, his plaything finds him first... With the incredible wit and freshness that drew widespread acclaim to Darkly Dreaming Dexter, Jeff Lindsay now takes Dexter Morgan to a new level of macabre appeal and gives us one of the most original, colorful narrators in years. My review: I cannot say which was more terryfying. Well truth is I can. What happened to Doakes in this book compared to what happened to him in the TV show was by far the worst way for Dex to get rid of him. What I don't know is which I liked more. the more I read the more I could not compare the show to this second book of the series book. This is truly the first book that I cannot argue or be disappointed in any way they are both different in their own unique way and I like that from both of the 2 books I've read and the TV show.

WHOEVER YOU ARE SIGNED PAPERBACK GIVEAWAY WINNER

Wendy H.

I notified the winner already, thanks everyone who entered I really appreciate that you guys entered the contest. I will be having more soon so keep an eye out. And congradulations Wendy I hope you enjoy your prize!

Hereafter by Terri Bruce

Goodreads Summary:

Thirty-six-year-old Irene Dunphy didn't plan on dying any time soon, but that’s exactly what happens when she makes the mistake of getting behind the wheel after a night bar-hopping with friends. She finds herself stranded on Earth as a ghost, where the food has no taste, the alcohol doesn’t get you drunk, and the sex...well, let’s just say “don’t bother.” To make matters worse, the only person who can see her—courtesy of a book he found in his school library—is a fourteen-year-old boy genius obsessed with the afterlife.

This sounds suspiciously like hell to Irene, so she prepares to strike out for the Great Beyond. The only problem is that, while this side has exorcism, ghost repellents, and soul devouring demons, the other side has three-headed hell hounds, final judgment, and eternal torment. If only there was a third option …

Excerpt:
She got up and got dressed, her back to him.

“I’m leaving,” she said. “Tonight. Now. As soon as I get my stuff.”

He blew a cloud of smoke and didn’t say anything.

“Well, it’s been nice knowing you!” she cried, stung by his lack of response.

“What is it you modern girls say?” he asked sardonically. “Don’t get your panties in a bunch? If you wait twenty minutes I’ll get some pants on and come with you.”

She whirled around. “I mean I’m going through the tunnel.”

He stubbed out his cigarette. “I know what you meant.” He threw back the covers and stood up. For a second relief flooded through her.

Then it faded. She shook her head. “Ernest, you can’t…”

He was hunting for his clothes. “Don’t worry about it, Princess. I suspect if anyone tries to give me any grief you’ll clonk them over the head with one of these clogs of yours.” He tossed a shoe to her.

She shook her head again, even though he wasn’t looking at her. “It’s not that. It’s just that…you and me…”

He heard the uncertainty in her voice and straightened up quickly. “Don’t be stupid,” he said, but he sounded more alarmed than irate.
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My Review

Before I won an ebook copy of Hereafter I had read the first few pages of the book. As soon as I read them I knew this book would be a really good read specially because I believe in a lot of the things that where talked about in the story. In some parts of Mexico people have a tradition called El Dia de Los Muertos it is very similar to the Chinese celebration and their believes but it is celebrated two days only November 1st and 2nd. I celebrate it every year and always set up my altar with my ofrendas(offerings). To me it is the most amazing traditions we have besides posadas of course it's just so incredible to be part of a tradition like this and celebrate it. That is why I really enjoyed the story. Terri Bruce did a fantastically amazing job with this story. The best way to write a book about a beautiful tradition and different culture's believes about what comes after death.

I really do hope that if there is an afterlife similar to that, that it really won't be hard to have things, that you don't have to work or be homeless. It would be terrible to carry all the things you own around. I do hope we can read because I would miss that terribly. That would be the worst thing that could ever happen from my point of view lol. In a way this story frightened me I sure hope it would be a little easier after going to the light.

Besides the story being amazingly written I also loved the book cover. That's what caught my attention as soon as I saw the book and I've got to say I never judge a book by its cover at all. What I usually do is read a small paragraph of the review or the book summary and that is when I say I've got to read this book. After that it goes on my to read list then to find time to read it. The color of the cover is beautiful, the light behind Irene the red dress she has on is just stunning. Everything in the cover looks amazing.

I think that on all my reviews I like saying who my favorite character in the book was and why he/she was my favorite character. In this book Jonah was the best I loved, loved, loved his character. He was so great, he was always there for Irene even if she was so cruel with him most of the time. Poor kid he had so many problems and he still had to deal with Irene. He was one of those friends that would be hard to find and I was pretty sure he had feelings for Irene too. He was so fun in a healthy way, funny, serious when he had to be and smart which was why I loved his character. Don't get me wrong I completely understood Irene I'm sure it was a nightmare for her to realize what she was missing once she died and to know she could never get all that back. That would be a perfectly created hell in my opinion. What I thought was great once she came back to her senses was that she did not want to live like that and wasn't very sad she died she excepted it and wasn't being dramatic about it. What she was mad about and was hard for her was to think about what would happen if she went to the light. She was just afraid about what she didn't know, didn't see and what was waiting for her beyond the light. Which was a very good reason to be freaking out trying to forget about it while she could. Would I recommend this book to people I know who love to read? Definitely yes. Hereafter is a must read. I enjoyed reading it and I definitely know you will too.

Whoever You Are review & Giveaway

Book Description:

What defines you…

Are you defined by your family, your career, your accomplishments? What happens when something you think defines you changes?

Emily McGinn, a recurring character from Where Secrets Lie, believes she knows exactly who she is and where she belongs in the world, until she receives an inheritance from an unknown benefactor. Uncovering the source of the inheritance leads Emily to discover buried truths undermining what she thought was a straightforward life. As the truths alter Emily’s perception of the people closest to her, her perception of herself shifts as well.

Set in the unique foothills community of Boulder, Colorado and its environs, Whoever You Are questions not only how we define ourselves, but also how we define family and whether we bear any responsibility for the actions of those who came before us

Review:

I received a copy of this ebook as a gift from Donna Marie Lanheady in exchange for my honest review.

Gosh I can't imagine having to go through what Emily did. I would be totally heartbroken. I would just be lost. It would be hard to forgive the person who failed and hurt someone you loved and even if I did, things would change in my opinion. Emily is so brave and strong. So even though it was hard for her she always knew exactly what to do.

Sometimes we think we know everyone we are close to like the palms of our hands. Until an unexpected discovery that makes you open your eyes and notice that even the people you trust the most are capable of hiding life changing truths. When this secrets are revealed it not only makes you doubt everything about your life it even makes you uncertain of who you are. But it also helps you get to know those around you better and discover who will be there by your side to support your decisions, understand and respect them. It is also hard because sometimes you would lose someone you love in the process of finding yourself.

My favorite character was Katie. She was so supporting, never questioned, disagreed or made Emily feel any different after Emily's parents told her the truth. I felt Eric really needed someone to slap him and bring him down to earth. I understood what his worries were but mostly he sounded selfish. If it wasn't for him acting the way he did all throughout the story I would've liked him. Whoever You Are really got to me. The saddest part was when I read the last page. I couldnt stop myself from reading the last 2 pages over and over again before finally closing the book. Whoever You Are is an amazing, captivating, refreshing and realistic story. Donna Marie Lanheady did an extremely amazing job with this novel, it was easy to read and flow through the story. A strong plot, characters you can relate to and feel so real. It is definitely a must read.

Thank you Donna Marie Lanheady for letting me read this fabulous novel it was better then what I had expected and thank you for offering to giveaway a paperback copy of Whoever You Are!




Excerpt:

Chapter 1 – A Few Regrets

“Forgive me for saying this, Grace, but I’m concerned about Sterling’s reaction.” James removed his reading glasses and laid them atop the papers on his desk.

Grace shifted her gaze away from him.

“Yes, I understand, Jimmy. I just can’t deny this child any longer.”

Grace was the only person who called him that anymore. Coming from anyone else, it would make him cringe. However, the reality embodied in Grace’s appearance dimmed his smile.

Despite the weariness Grace’s illness etched upon her face, her sitting posture remained erect. Her silver hair was styled in a classic bob, her makeup sparse and tasteful. The tailored suit she wore held its lines even on her thinning frame.

Word was, Grace had a heart condition that could not be cured in spite of having the financial means to pursue any treatment. Given her labored breathing and her skin’s bluish hue, the doctors must be running out of options. Given these changes to her will, Grace must be running out of time.

“Would you like to include a personal letter to explain?” James asked.

“No, I’ll tell Sterling about the changes myself.”

“Actually, I was thinking about the girl. This will likely be quite a shock for her.”

To say the least. James had been their lawyer and friend back then too, back when Hunter insisted they renounce the child for the sake of decorum. It was clear to James then, doing so broke Grace’s heart. It was clear to him now, her heart never mended.

“I considered it,” Grace said, “but how can I possibly condense a lifetime into a letter?” And the choices. How in the world would she ever justify the choices?

James fiddled with his fountain pen, which Grace had given him last year for his birthday. Every year it was the same gift just a different model, a different color or design, and each year he looked forward to seeing what she chose. Odds were, the pen in his hand would be the last.

“No,” Grace said, “it’s better not to try. A letter like that would just muddy the waters. I don’t want to burden her with empty explanations or pleas for forgiveness. What’s done is done.”

It was too late to give this child anything but a token and an opportunity to discover who she was. It’d be up to the child to seize the opportunity or not.

“If she asks you any questions, Jimmy, just point her in the right direction and let her find her own way. If she’s anything like her mother, she’ll do just fine.”

“All right, Grace, whatever you say.”

A longer sample is available at Amazon!

Thanks!

The giveaway is for one signed copy of the paperback.
US residents only.
Blogger will determine winner and forward winner’s mailing information to Donna Marie Lanheady.

About the Author

Although Donna lives on the east coast now, she was born in a suburb of Denver, moved near Boulder as a teenager, and lived in the Boulder area for much of her adult life, which is why she chose Colorado as the setting for her first two novels, Where Secrets Lie and Whoever You Are.

Books captivated Donna at a very young age. All those years and all those books inspired her to become a writer. The journeys the books took her on enthralled her. Their ability to make something imaginary seem real is what spoke to her, got into her blood, and would not let her rest. She had to write!

Donna loves to hear from readers and listen to their perspectives on her novels. It fascinates her how people can look at the same thing and see it in so many different ways, so if a reader ever wants to tell her what they think or just wants learn more about her, find her on Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter.

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