This Chick Read: Darken the Stars (The Kricket Series book 3) by Amy A. Bartol

Darken the Stars is the third and final book in this series, and I, like all of the other fans of this series are left saying “What?”  I loved how Kricket, who had been terrified of Kyon in the previous books, see’s his faults, but comes to care for him anyway.  Ok, if you’ve read my previous reviews for Under Different Stars and Sea of Stars, you know that Kyon has been cast as the evil character.  But, as with all great storytellers, this author gave us some insight into why he was so crazy, and also why Kricket was so important to him. Continue reading “This Chick Read: Darken the Stars (The Kricket Series book 3) by Amy A. Bartol”

This Chick has 5 E-Books to #Giveaway !

I collected so many goodies at the RT Booklovers Convention last week and I’m going to share them with you!  The five e-books that I will be giving away are: Continue reading “This Chick has 5 E-Books to #Giveaway !”

This Chick Read: The Undoing (Call of Crows) by Shelly Laurenston

Shelly Laurenston is a paranormal romance author, whose past books feature men and women who turn into lions and tigers and bears, oh my!  As a fan of paranormal romances, one of my biggest pet peeves is a shifter romance that makes the story only about the romance.  Because it’s not weird enough that we are reading books about wolves and panthers having relationships (insert “sex” here), right?  Ms. Laurenston writes exactly those kind of books!  BUT, the difference is that the story actually has a plot, other than the main characters relationship, although, don’t get me wrong, it’s a big part of it.   Continue reading “This Chick Read: The Undoing (Call of Crows) by Shelly Laurenston”

This Chick Read: Best of My Love by Susan Mallery

Last week, on my flight to the RT Booklover’s Convention in Las Vegas I read Susan Mallery’s brand new novel Best of My Love.  It seemed to be kismet that I had picked this book to read because her name was featured predominantly on our badges,  her books were handed out as gifts while we waited in line, and she and Robyn Carr hosted a session for their fans, thanking them for their support.  I was excited, this being my first Susan Mallery book that I’ve ever read, that I was able to honestly say that I was a fan.  This book was fantastic! Continue reading “This Chick Read: Best of My Love by Susan Mallery”

#RT16 Book Fair in Vegas

Saturday was the last day of our trip to the RT Convention in Vegas.  The Book Fair was from 10a-2p, and around 800 Authors were present.  Even though my book count at that point was 108, and I spent $110 shipping home two boxes this morning, there were a few book items that I still needed to have!  The people who had bought a week long convention pass got in a half hour earlier than the rest of the masses so you’ll note its kind of empty.  A half hour from when I took these photo’s, it was packed wall to wall!  Continue reading “#RT16 Book Fair in Vegas”

Friday at the #RT16 Convention in Las Vegas

It’s been a whirlwind few days at the RT Convention!  We are trying to keep up our energy and pace, but I’ll admit we slowed down a tad on Friday.  We did a couple of games, interacting with some authors for Wheel of Romance for a chance to win books and swag. Continue reading “Friday at the #RT16 Convention in Las Vegas”

Thursday at the #RT Convention

I started out the day failing miserably at answering questions about YA books, movies and TV series at the YA: You’re Never too old for YA session.  Our table was hosted by Kiera Cass, author of the Selection series and Rosamund Hodge, the author of the Cruel Beauty series.  Although I was horrible at the game, these tables had the best swag, and the chance to talk to these authors was priceless!
Kiera Cass and Rosamund Hodge

My sister and I then preceded to play Sports Romance Jeopardy.  Unfortunately, with the exception of Kristen Callihan’s Game On series, I have not read many sports romances, so I didn’t improve my record.  However, we sat at the table with Heidi McLaughlin, who was awesome!  She also was horrible at the sports romance category, but better at the general sports questions.  Heidi is also the author of Third Base (The Boys of Summer book 1), a book I have picked up so many times!  She gave me two, and signed a copy to give away on my blog, so keep an eye out for that soon!

The highlight of my day was at the next event Tattoo’s and Tini’s.  I was able to finally meet one of my favorite romance authors, Kristen Ashley!  I have reviewed her books Sebring and did a compilation review of her Rock Chick series.  She was absolutely awesome, and as real as she is on her Facebook page.  She very graciously allowed me to have my picture taken with her even though the line was long.


At this same event, I had a chance to chat briefly with Laura Kaye, who also writes under the name Laura Kamoie, co-author of America’s First Daughter.  I received one of her romance novels in my bag, so I’m excited to try out her style in this genre.  I expect great things!


I ended my day at a HUGE book signing by the Kensington authors.  The highlight for me was getting a copy of Mercury Striking, which I have read and reviewed.  She was very gracious, and lovely!

What a great day!  I came away with 36 books, which brings my two day tally to 57.  Good God!  Two more days to go!

This Chick is at the #RT16 Convention!

My sister and I took a girls trip this year and decided to go to the RT Convention in Las Vegas.  Wednesday was my first day, and it was soooo busy!  There are reader parties, writer seminars, and social events, all booked back to back.  My feet were ok (thanks to my new shoes!), my back hurt a bit, and my mind was spinning!  I had a 30 minute private meeting with Cherry Adair to discuss a novel I am writing.  I’ve entered her challenge called Just Finish the Damned Book Club, and she was nice enough to meet with those of us who were at the event to give us a little private advice.  Thanks Cherry! Continue reading “This Chick is at the #RT16 Convention!”

My Interview with Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie authors of America’s First Daughter


Stephanie and Laura, thank you so much for taking the time to answer a few questions for my blog about yourselves, and your new book America’s First Daughter.

ME: You both have successful careers as authors in a different genre, romance. Where and how did the idea come up to make the leap and collaborate on a historical fiction novel, and how was Patsy Jefferson chosen as the subject matter?

SD/LK: This novel, which explores the life and times of Martha “Patsy” Jefferson Randolph, the eldest daughter of our third president, was years in the making. It started one night when we were having dinner together and discovered a mutual interest in American history. Over burgers at a writing conference, we wondered what Jefferson was like as a father, not just a founding father.

At the time, Laura was a history of professor by day teaching senior seminars on Jefferson at the U.S. Naval Academy as well as a romance author by night, whereas Stephanie split her writing time between romance and historical fiction. We got the crazy brainchild to combine our experiences in co-authoring a book about Jefferson’s eldest daughter, and immediately raced back to the hotel room to research. Frankly, we had no idea the journey we were about to embark upon. We didn’t know that it would take five years, three agents, eighteen thousand letters and a road trip to get this book out.

But we did know, right from that very first night, that we had stumbled upon a great untold American story.

Continue reading “My Interview with Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie authors of America’s First Daughter”

This Chick Read: Sea of Stars (The Kricket Series book 2) by Amy A. Bartol

The majority of Sea of Stars finds Kricket running with Trey Allairis, away from everyone who wants to control her, and through her, her powers of being able to see and change the future.  With the exception of Trey’s two Cavar brothers, Jax and Wayra, she does not trust anyone else on Ethar.  From what we have seen of the other men on Ethar, and how the men from this planet treat women, I don’t blame her. Continue reading “This Chick Read: Sea of Stars (The Kricket Series book 2) by Amy A. Bartol”