Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn {Thoughts On}

Title: Sharp Objects
Author: Gillian Flynn (website)(Facebook)
Pages: 321 ebook
Source: Library
Rating: 3 of 5

Summary from Goodreads:

WICKED above her hipbone, GIRL across her heart
Words are like a road map to reporter Camille Preaker’s troubled past. Fresh from a brief stay at a psych hospital, Camille’s first assignment from the second-rate daily paper where she works brings her reluctantly back to her hometown to cover the murders of two preteen girls.

NASTY on her kneecap, BABYDOLL on her leg
Since she left town eight years ago, Camille has hardly spoken to her neurotic, hypochondriac mother or to the half-sister she barely knows: a beautiful thirteen-year-old with an eerie grip on the town. Now, installed again in her family’s Victorian mansion, Camille is haunted by the childhood tragedy she has spent her whole life trying to cut from her memory.

HARMFUL on her wrist, WHORE on her ankle
As Camille works to uncover the truth about these violent crimes, she finds herself identifying with the young victims—a bit too strongly. Clues keep leading to dead ends, forcing Camille to unravel the psychological puzzle of her own past to get at the story. Dogged by her own demons, Camille will have to confront what happened to her years before if she wants to survive this homecoming.
With its taut, crafted writing, Sharp Objects is addictive, haunting, and unforgettable.

I was such a huge fan of Gone Girl that I was eager to read Flynn's previous books. When my request for Sharp Objects came up, I put aside the other book I was reading to read this one instead. I was sucked in from the start but didn't love it the same way I loved (not sure loved is the right word) Gone Girl. Had I not read Gone Girl  first, I think that I would have liked Sharp Objects better. The writing was vastly improved between this, her first novel, to Gone Girl, her third. I don't make a point of trying to figure out a mystery but I thought that I had this one figured out pretty soon. Turns out I was sort of right and sort of wrong. It seemed like there were some inconsistencies but it could have just been me. I tried to find holes in the plot of Gone Girl and couldn't find them but this one seemed to have a couple. 

The characters in this one were just as screwed up as I've come to expect with Flynn's characters. Seriously screwed up. At points, painful to read screwed up. Camille was a seriously flawed character but the look into her life was strangely fascinating. I liked her matter of fact way of seeing things. 

The story itself is interesting and I enjoyed the mystery surrounding the murders. The Kansas City Detective, Richard, was a welcome distraction from the rest of the crazy home town people. What a bunch that was! Even he wasn't entirely likable but at least he didn't have all that history with the town and its people. 

I personally found the writing style to match the character of Camille quite well but have read others dislike of the choppy, incomplete sentences. The pacing was well done with the suspense lasting throughout the book. The only thing I didn't particularly like was the ending which felt a bit rushed. Sharp Objects is another solid work from an author that is quickly becoming a favorite. I look forward to reading Dark Places soon.

A solid 3 out of 5 stars...I enjoyed it but had a couple of issues.

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn {Thoughts On}

Title: Sharp Objects
Author: Gillian Flynn (website)(Facebook)
Pages: 321 ebook
Source: Library
Rating: 3 of 5

Summary from Goodreads:

WICKED above her hipbone, GIRL across her heart
Words are like a road map to reporter Camille Preaker’s troubled past. Fresh from a brief stay at a psych hospital, Camille’s first assignment from the second-rate daily paper where she works brings her reluctantly back to her hometown to cover the murders of two preteen girls.

NASTY on her kneecap, BABYDOLL on her leg
Since she left town eight years ago, Camille has hardly spoken to her neurotic, hypochondriac mother or to the half-sister she barely knows: a beautiful thirteen-year-old with an eerie grip on the town. Now, installed again in her family’s Victorian mansion, Camille is haunted by the childhood tragedy she has spent her whole life trying to cut from her memory.

HARMFUL on her wrist, WHORE on her ankle
As Camille works to uncover the truth about these violent crimes, she finds herself identifying with the young victims—a bit too strongly. Clues keep leading to dead ends, forcing Camille to unravel the psychological puzzle of her own past to get at the story. Dogged by her own demons, Camille will have to confront what happened to her years before if she wants to survive this homecoming.
With its taut, crafted writing, Sharp Objects is addictive, haunting, and unforgettable.

I was such a huge fan of Gone Girl that I was eager to read Flynn's previous books. When my request for Sharp Objects came up, I put aside the other book I was reading to read this one instead. I was sucked in from the start but didn't love it the same way I loved (not sure loved is the right word) Gone Girl. Had I not read Gone Girl  first, I think that I would have liked Sharp Objects better. The writing was vastly improved between this, her first novel, to Gone Girl, her third. I don't make a point of trying to figure out a mystery but I thought that I had this one figured out pretty soon. Turns out I was sort of right and sort of wrong. It seemed like there were some inconsistencies but it could have just been me. I tried to find holes in the plot of Gone Girl and couldn't find them but this one seemed to have a couple. 

The characters in this one were just as screwed up as I've come to expect with Flynn's characters. Seriously screwed up. At points, painful to read screwed up. Camille was a seriously flawed character but the look into her life was strangely fascinating. I liked her matter of fact way of seeing things. 

The story itself is interesting and I enjoyed the mystery surrounding the murders. The Kansas City Detective, Richard, was a welcome distraction from the rest of the crazy home town people. What a bunch that was! Even he wasn't entirely likable but at least he didn't have all that history with the town and its people. 

I personally found the writing style to match the character of Camille quite well but have read others dislike of the choppy, incomplete sentences. The pacing was well done with the suspense lasting throughout the book. The only thing I didn't particularly like was the ending which felt a bit rushed. Sharp Objects is another solid work from an author that is quickly becoming a favorite. I look forward to reading Dark Places soon.

A solid 3 out of 5 stars...I enjoyed it but had a couple of issues.

Adding to the Stacks #7

Just one book this week. It's a good one though...

Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay (expected publication date of November 5, 2013 by Thomas Nelson Publishers)

From Goodreads:

Dear Mr. Knightley is a contemporary epistolary novel with a delightful dash of Jane Austen.

Samantha Moore survived years of darkness in the foster care system by hiding behind her favorite characters in literature, even adopting their very words. Her fictional friends give her an identity, albeit a borrowed one. But most importantly, they protect her from revealing her true self and encountering more pain.

After college, Samantha receives an extraordinary opportunity. The anonymous “Mr. Knightley” offers her a full scholarship to earn her graduate degree at the prestigious Medill School of Journalism. The sole condition is that Sam write to Mr. Knightley regularly to keep him apprised of her progress.

As Sam’s true identity begins to reveal itself through her letters, her heart begins to soften to those around her—a damaged teenager and fellow inhabitant of Grace House, her classmates at Medill, and, most powerfully, successful novelist Alex Powell. But just as Sam finally begins to trust, she learns that Alex has secrets of his own—secrets that, for better or for worse, make it impossible for Sam to hide behind either her characters or her letters

Adding to the Stacks #7

Just one book this week. It's a good one though...

Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay (expected publication date of November 5, 2013 by Thomas Nelson Publishers)

From Goodreads:

Dear Mr. Knightley is a contemporary epistolary novel with a delightful dash of Jane Austen.

Samantha Moore survived years of darkness in the foster care system by hiding behind her favorite characters in literature, even adopting their very words. Her fictional friends give her an identity, albeit a borrowed one. But most importantly, they protect her from revealing her true self and encountering more pain.

After college, Samantha receives an extraordinary opportunity. The anonymous “Mr. Knightley” offers her a full scholarship to earn her graduate degree at the prestigious Medill School of Journalism. The sole condition is that Sam write to Mr. Knightley regularly to keep him apprised of her progress.

As Sam’s true identity begins to reveal itself through her letters, her heart begins to soften to those around her—a damaged teenager and fellow inhabitant of Grace House, her classmates at Medill, and, most powerfully, successful novelist Alex Powell. But just as Sam finally begins to trust, she learns that Alex has secrets of his own—secrets that, for better or for worse, make it impossible for Sam to hide behind either her characters or her letters

Love My Library

My local library is celebrating some type of teen reading week. There is a table set up with YA books wrapped to look like presents. Although there are "clues" on the front to help you decide if you'd like it, what's inside is still really a mystery.

I love this idea so much that I want to wrap up all of my books and just randomly pick one. :-) Ian enjoyed opening my book and I picked a good one...Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs. This one has been on my TBR for a while so I'm excited to pick something that I already wanted to read.

Am I the only one that loves this idea? Now taking volunteers to wrap up all my books! :-)

Love My Library

My local library is celebrating some type of teen reading week. There is a table set up with YA books wrapped to look like presents. Although there are "clues" on the front to help you decide if you'd like it, what's inside is still really a mystery.

I love this idea so much that I want to wrap up all of my books and just randomly pick one. :-) Ian enjoyed opening my book and I picked a good one...Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs. This one has been on my TBR for a while so I'm excited to pick something that I already wanted to read.

Am I the only one that loves this idea? Now taking volunteers to wrap up all my books! :-)

Splintered by A.G. Howard {Thoughts On}

Title: Splintered
Author: A.G. Howard
Pages: 371
Genre: YA


First, that cover. Oh my. Even more gorgeous in person. I die. 

I was so looking forward to this one and even though I really liked it, it seemed to drag on a bit. Not sure if it was because I read it during the later hours of a read-a-thon or because I just wasn't in the mood for something that took brain power to follow. Either way, I took longer reading this one than I thought I would.

Most readers know the story of Alice in Wonderland, even if we haven't read the actual book. Splintered was a darker take on the story. Alyssa was a fun character and I liked that she was a skater. Unique. The first of the book sets up the question of her sanity since she hears insects and plants talking. Not normal. 

Once the story shifted to Wonderland, the pace picked up and the action never stopped. I could so clearly picture that world that I actually had a dream about it one night. Chaotic and strange, it was interesting how Howard set up this alternate world.

The other main character, Jeb, was a bit of a pain to me. It wasn't that I disliked him but I didn't really understand their relationship. Seemed too plot convenient at times. And the descriptions of his labret drove me a bit mad. 

The Butterfly Threads store was a place that I not only want to shop at, I want to OWN. Oh the delight.

I wish there had been more with the Hatter because he was my favorite part of the book by far. I found those sections to be really fun.

Overall I was impressed with the storyline and the world building and look forward to reading the next one!

Splintered by A.G. Howard {Thoughts On}

Title: Splintered
Author: A.G. Howard
Pages: 371
Genre: YA


First, that cover. Oh my. Even more gorgeous in person. I die. 

I was so looking forward to this one and even though I really liked it, it seemed to drag on a bit. Not sure if it was because I read it during the later hours of a read-a-thon or because I just wasn't in the mood for something that took brain power to follow. Either way, I took longer reading this one than I thought I would.

Most readers know the story of Alice in Wonderland, even if we haven't read the actual book. Splintered was a darker take on the story. Alyssa was a fun character and I liked that she was a skater. Unique. The first of the book sets up the question of her sanity since she hears insects and plants talking. Not normal. 

Once the story shifted to Wonderland, the pace picked up and the action never stopped. I could so clearly picture that world that I actually had a dream about it one night. Chaotic and strange, it was interesting how Howard set up this alternate world.

The other main character, Jeb, was a bit of a pain to me. It wasn't that I disliked him but I didn't really understand their relationship. Seemed too plot convenient at times. And the descriptions of his labret drove me a bit mad. 

The Butterfly Threads store was a place that I not only want to shop at, I want to OWN. Oh the delight.

I wish there had been more with the Hatter because he was my favorite part of the book by far. I found those sections to be really fun.

Overall I was impressed with the storyline and the world building and look forward to reading the next one!

On not finishing...

I'm in the middle of Fangirl, which I'm having a love hate relationship with. I haven't been able to read and it is due back to the library and can't be renewed. Which brings me to my post. Not finishing books. Getting into the bad awful horrible miserable habit of doing this. Not because I'm not wanting to read the book but because I run out of time.

I have a pretty even mix of reading library books, books I own and books for review. Sometimes the books from the library get left for last and then can't be checked out again. I wish I'd manage my reading stacks a bit better so that it wouldn't happen.

Real Men Don't Text by Ruthie & Michael Dean {thoughts on}

Title: Real Men Don't Text (A New Approach to Dating)
Authors: Ruthie and Michael Dean
Pages: 240
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Publication Date: September 3, 2013
Source: Publisher for review
Rating: 4 out of 5

The title of this one caught my eye since one of my best guy friends recently started texting. He's a real man's man so I was going to send him a picture of the cover. When I realized it was a dating guide, I was even more intrigued.

I enjoyed how the authors (who are married) alternated between chapters. He has a tip in one chapter and she followed up in the next. It was a great way to get a male and female perspective on things. Men and women look at things so differently and his take on things was my favorite.

Another thing I really appreciated was the author's real life experience. She talks about wanting to kiss cute guys at 1 am instead of acting as if women have no sexual thoughts ever. She was real with real struggles and triumphs. The one negative I'd have to say is that if I read one more time about how attractive she was, I thought I'd stab myself with a fork. We get it, you are pretty and men like you. Moving on.

Although this was a Christian guide, I found it interesting that God was presented in such a casual way. There was a definitive right and wrong within but no judgement for doing it your way. I liked that quite a bit because other guides I've read have been so judgmental.

Overall I really enjoyed the no nonsense, different approach to dating presented within. Real men don't text at the last minute to make a date (or more likely, a hook up). They go after what they want. They'll call if they are interested. They will want to see you if they are interested. Nothing new but a great reminder of truths. 

A quick, interesting read. I'd recommend this one to any woman who is single.

Real Men Don't Text by Ruthie & Michael Dean {thoughts on}

Title: Real Men Don't Text (A New Approach to Dating)
Authors: Ruthie and Michael Dean
Pages: 240
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Publication Date: September 3, 2013
Source: Publisher for review
Rating: 4 out of 5

The title of this one caught my eye since one of my best guy friends recently started texting. He's a real man's man so I was going to send him a picture of the cover. When I realized it was a dating guide, I was even more intrigued.

I enjoyed how the authors (who are married) alternated between chapters. He has a tip in one chapter and she followed up in the next. It was a great way to get a male and female perspective on things. Men and women look at things so differently and his take on things was my favorite.

Another thing I really appreciated was the author's real life experience. She talks about wanting to kiss cute guys at 1 am instead of acting as if women have no sexual thoughts ever. She was real with real struggles and triumphs. The one negative I'd have to say is that if I read one more time about how attractive she was, I thought I'd stab myself with a fork. We get it, you are pretty and men like you. Moving on.

Although this was a Christian guide, I found it interesting that God was presented in such a casual way. There was a definitive right and wrong within but no judgement for doing it your way. I liked that quite a bit because other guides I've read have been so judgmental.

Overall I really enjoyed the no nonsense, different approach to dating presented within. Real men don't text at the last minute to make a date (or more likely, a hook up). They go after what they want. They'll call if they are interested. They will want to see you if they are interested. Nothing new but a great reminder of truths. 

A quick, interesting read. I'd recommend this one to any woman who is single.

Adding to the Stacks #7 - Haul of Epicness Part 2

The rest of my haul of epicness! Part one is here.

On the Bright Side, I'm Now the Girlfriend of a Sex God by Louise Rennison - Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging was too funny so I can't wait to read the next in the series.

H.G. Wells Science Fiction Treasury - gorgeous leather like cover and gold trimmed pages on this one. Has 6 complete novels inside. Will be fun to read over a long period of time.

I Never Metaphor I Didn't Like By Dr. Mardy Grother - I love metaphors, similes and the like so this one just looked like lots of fun.

Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez - I tend to shy away from Oprah's book club picks but have read him before and enjoyed it.

Seduce Me by Robyn DeHart - I read an egalley of her  A Little Bit Scandalous so when I saw a print copy of one of her books, I grabbed it.

The Church of Dead Girls by Stephen Dobyns - the title of this one caught my eye. Sounds really terrifying.

If You Dare by Kresley Cole - Kresley is one of the best names on the planet. Haven't ever read one of her books and don't read much romance but thought I'd give it a shot since it was so cheap. Once I looked it up at home I found it was the first of a series. Love that.

Spy High Mission One and Spy High Mission Two Chaos Rising by A.J. Butcher - because it is the first two in a series and heavens knows I need more series books to read.

The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood - usually enjoy her books. This one is a trade paperback size which makes it even better!

The Life and Times of a Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson - seems that I picked up quite a few memoirs. I've never read a Bryson but have heard that he's really good.

Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh - Hardback from the 1950's that had a long letter written to the original recipient. Kinda sad that it wasn't held onto. Awesome book that I've read more than once.

My Antonia by Willa Cather - am I the only person with an English degree that has never read this one? Tsk tsk to me.

The Invisible Touch by Harry Beckwith - a book about marketing. Reviews of this one are all over the place unfortunately.

Cinders and Sapphires by Leila Rasheed - I read this one before so I'm not even sure why I got it. Another ARC. 

Sever (Chemical Garden Trilogy #3) by Lauren DeStefano - not going to lie, have read some really bad reviews of this one but I liked the first one and felt ok about the second one so I want to see how it wraps up. Yet another ARC.

The Maze Runner by James Dasher - I've tried many times to read this one but haven't gotten past the first 50 or so pages. I think that I would like it if I gave it a real try.

The 2-Second Commute - Christine Durst and Michael Haaren - about being a virtual assistant. I've looked into this a couple of times before so I think it should be interesting. 

and the one that I was most excited to get a copy of...

Heist Society (Heist Society #1) by Ally Carter - have read multiple great reviews of this series. Will get to this one soon!

And there you have it. All of my books from the Haul of Epicness. Isn't it super cute that I think I'll get to read all of these?

Adding to the Stacks #7 - Haul of Epicness Part 2

The rest of my haul of epicness! Part one is here.

On the Bright Side, I'm Now the Girlfriend of a Sex God by Louise Rennison - Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging was too funny so I can't wait to read the next in the series.

H.G. Wells Science Fiction Treasury - gorgeous leather like cover and gold trimmed pages on this one. Has 6 complete novels inside. Will be fun to read over a long period of time.

I Never Metaphor I Didn't Like By Dr. Mardy Grother - I love metaphors, similes and the like so this one just looked like lots of fun.

Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez - I tend to shy away from Oprah's book club picks but have read him before and enjoyed it.

Seduce Me by Robyn DeHart - I read an egalley of her  A Little Bit Scandalous so when I saw a print copy of one of her books, I grabbed it.

The Church of Dead Girls by Stephen Dobyns - the title of this one caught my eye. Sounds really terrifying.

If You Dare by Kresley Cole - Kresley is one of the best names on the planet. Haven't ever read one of her books and don't read much romance but thought I'd give it a shot since it was so cheap. Once I looked it up at home I found it was the first of a series. Love that.

Spy High Mission One and Spy High Mission Two Chaos Rising by A.J. Butcher - because it is the first two in a series and heavens knows I need more series books to read.

The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood - usually enjoy her books. This one is a trade paperback size which makes it even better!

The Life and Times of a Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson - seems that I picked up quite a few memoirs. I've never read a Bryson but have heard that he's really good.

Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh - Hardback from the 1950's that had a long letter written to the original recipient. Kinda sad that it wasn't held onto. Awesome book that I've read more than once.

My Antonia by Willa Cather - am I the only person with an English degree that has never read this one? Tsk tsk to me.

The Invisible Touch by Harry Beckwith - a book about marketing. Reviews of this one are all over the place unfortunately.

Cinders and Sapphires by Leila Rasheed - I read this one before so I'm not even sure why I got it. Another ARC. 

Sever (Chemical Garden Trilogy #3) by Lauren DeStefano - not going to lie, have read some really bad reviews of this one but I liked the first one and felt ok about the second one so I want to see how it wraps up. Yet another ARC.

The Maze Runner by James Dasher - I've tried many times to read this one but haven't gotten past the first 50 or so pages. I think that I would like it if I gave it a real try.

The 2-Second Commute - Christine Durst and Michael Haaren - about being a virtual assistant. I've looked into this a couple of times before so I think it should be interesting. 

and the one that I was most excited to get a copy of...

Heist Society (Heist Society #1) by Ally Carter - have read multiple great reviews of this series. Will get to this one soon!

And there you have it. All of my books from the Haul of Epicness. Isn't it super cute that I think I'll get to read all of these?

Black by Russell Blake - Book Blast and Giveaway

Synopsis 

Artemus Black. Perennially down-on-his-luck Hollywood PI whose Bogie fixation is as dated as his wardrobe. With an assistant who mocks him relentlessly, an obese cat that loathes him, a romantic life that's deader than Elvis, money problems, booze, nicotine, and anger management issues, how much worse can it get? When he takes a case that's supposed to be easy money working for a celebrity whose colleagues and surrounding paparazzi are dropping faster than interest in the star's big comeback, the cakewalk turns ugly and Black finds himself in a web of deceit, betrayal, and murder - and bad hair days.

The first in a new series from bestselling author Russell Blake, Black is a detective mystery with a difference that fans of the genre are sure to enjoy.

Book Links: 
Goodreads

Amazon: 

B&N

Praise for BLACK:

PRAISE FOR BLACK:

“A sadistically good writer.” – The Kindle Book Review

“I haven’t been this excited by a new series in a long time. I’ve read five or six Blake books, which were all very good, but he absolutely nails the hard-boiled genre. He has a knack for creating memorable characters and the main character Black and his assistant will not be forgotten anytime soon. I’ve always enjoyed Blake’s humor, but the dialogue between the two aforementioned characters is hysterical. Finally – as usual, Blake moves the book along at a nice pace with enough twists, turns, and adventure to keep any reader engrossed. I can’t wait for the next one in this series.” Trenchgold, Amazon 5 Star review.

“I’ve read several of Blake’s books and this is my favorite. It features well developed characters, great humor, and a fun plot. The writing is also fantastic. I especially love the book’s treatment of LA, and its characters, more often than not leftovers from broken dreams. If you love Elmore Leonard, and who doesn’t, you’re going to love Black. Five stars.”Wright Forbucks, Amazon 5 Star review.

Russell Blake Bio

Russell Blake is the bestselling author of twenty-two novels, including the thrillers Fatal Exchange, The Geronimo Breach, Zero Sum, King of Swords, Night of the Assassin, Revenge of the Assassin, Return of the Assassin, Blood of the Assassin, The Delphi Chronicle trilogy, The Voynich Cypher, Silver Justice, JET, JET II – Betrayal, JET III – Vengeance, JET IV – Reckoning, JET V – Legacy, Upon A Pale Horse, and BLACK. Non-fiction includes the international bestseller An Angel With Fur (animal biography) and How To Sell A Gazillion eBooks In No Time (even if drunk, high or incarcerated), a parody of all things writing-related. Blake lives in Mexico and enjoys his dogs, fishing, boating, tequila and writing, while battling world domination by clowns. 

Media Links:

Twitter

Facebook

Website

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Black by Russell Blake - Book Blast and Giveaway

Synopsis 

Artemus Black. Perennially down-on-his-luck Hollywood PI whose Bogie fixation is as dated as his wardrobe. With an assistant who mocks him relentlessly, an obese cat that loathes him, a romantic life that's deader than Elvis, money problems, booze, nicotine, and anger management issues, how much worse can it get? When he takes a case that's supposed to be easy money working for a celebrity whose colleagues and surrounding paparazzi are dropping faster than interest in the star's big comeback, the cakewalk turns ugly and Black finds himself in a web of deceit, betrayal, and murder - and bad hair days.

The first in a new series from bestselling author Russell Blake, Black is a detective mystery with a difference that fans of the genre are sure to enjoy.

Book Links: 
Goodreads

Amazon: 

B&N

Praise for BLACK:

PRAISE FOR BLACK:

“A sadistically good writer.” – The Kindle Book Review

“I haven’t been this excited by a new series in a long time. I’ve read five or six Blake books, which were all very good, but he absolutely nails the hard-boiled genre. He has a knack for creating memorable characters and the main character Black and his assistant will not be forgotten anytime soon. I’ve always enjoyed Blake’s humor, but the dialogue between the two aforementioned characters is hysterical. Finally – as usual, Blake moves the book along at a nice pace with enough twists, turns, and adventure to keep any reader engrossed. I can’t wait for the next one in this series.” Trenchgold, Amazon 5 Star review.

“I’ve read several of Blake’s books and this is my favorite. It features well developed characters, great humor, and a fun plot. The writing is also fantastic. I especially love the book’s treatment of LA, and its characters, more often than not leftovers from broken dreams. If you love Elmore Leonard, and who doesn’t, you’re going to love Black. Five stars.”Wright Forbucks, Amazon 5 Star review.

Russell Blake Bio

Russell Blake is the bestselling author of twenty-two novels, including the thrillers Fatal Exchange, The Geronimo Breach, Zero Sum, King of Swords, Night of the Assassin, Revenge of the Assassin, Return of the Assassin, Blood of the Assassin, The Delphi Chronicle trilogy, The Voynich Cypher, Silver Justice, JET, JET II – Betrayal, JET III – Vengeance, JET IV – Reckoning, JET V – Legacy, Upon A Pale Horse, and BLACK. Non-fiction includes the international bestseller An Angel With Fur (animal biography) and How To Sell A Gazillion eBooks In No Time (even if drunk, high or incarcerated), a parody of all things writing-related. Blake lives in Mexico and enjoys his dogs, fishing, boating, tequila and writing, while battling world domination by clowns. 

Media Links:

Twitter

Facebook

Website

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dewey's Read a thon

In an effort not to flood everyone's feed with multiple posts from me today, I will be updating this post throughout Dewey's 24 hour Read a Thon! I will be in and out during the day since my weekend is beyond crazy. Don't forget to visit me at the official blog where I'll be co-hosting starting at hour 12!

Let's get this party started...

Goals: read 2 books. No stress. I won't be able to participate as much during the early part of it but will catch up later!

1st Hour Questions: 
1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today? Florida!
2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to? Too many to choose from. I went a bit overboard.
3) Which snack are you most looking forward to? Chips and dip. Wished I had them last time so I made sure to buy some this go round.
4) Tell us a little something about yourself! Single mom to two little boys, Cole who is 7 and Ian who is 5.  I hope that I am passing my love of reading on to them.
5) If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today? If this is your first read-a-thon, what are you most looking forward to? No stressing! I have a terribly busy weekend so I already know I won't be able to read much. I'll read when I can though!

1st Update: Not much to update. Did I mention that this weekend is a bit crazy? Will be reading more once the boys go to their dad's and I'm caught up with the stuff that has to be done today. Hope everyone else is having a great day!

2nd Update: Starting to read! The stuff for tomorrow is basically done and I'll be starting Death Warmed Over by Kevin J. Anderson...in honor of The Walking Dead season premier tomorrow. Whoop! Whoop!

Hour 11 Mini Challenge: Favorite Book Trailer at Jerara.





Without a doubt this is my all time favorite book trailer. Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo. Holy hotness, Batman!

Hour 12 Update:
It's halfway over and I've read very little. Sometimes life is that way though, huh? For the next few hours I'll be hosting at the official blog and tweeting on the official Twitter. Be sure to come by to say hi!

Mid-Event Survey:

1) How are you doing? Sleepy? Are your eyes tired? Tired eyes but am so excited to be hosting during these hours that I'm full of energy! So much fun!!!
2) What have you finished reading? nothing yet.
3) What is your favorite read so far? see above :-)
4) What about your favorite snacks? Pizza!
5) Have you found any new blogs through the readathon? If so, give them some love! Haven't found any new to me blogs yet but I'm still visiting different ones.

Hour 14 Update:
Can't believe how quickly the time is passing. Having a blast co-hosting and reading and being on Twitter. 


Random Update:
Twitter is a hoot. That is all.

Dewey's Read a thon

In an effort not to flood everyone's feed with multiple posts from me today, I will be updating this post throughout Dewey's 24 hour Read a Thon! I will be in and out during the day since my weekend is beyond crazy. Don't forget to visit me at the official blog where I'll be co-hosting starting at hour 12!

Let's get this party started...

Goals: read 2 books. No stress. I won't be able to participate as much during the early part of it but will catch up later!

1st Hour Questions: 
1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today? Florida!
2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to? Too many to choose from. I went a bit overboard.
3) Which snack are you most looking forward to? Chips and dip. Wished I had them last time so I made sure to buy some this go round.
4) Tell us a little something about yourself! Single mom to two little boys, Cole who is 7 and Ian who is 5.  I hope that I am passing my love of reading on to them.
5) If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today? If this is your first read-a-thon, what are you most looking forward to? No stressing! I have a terribly busy weekend so I already know I won't be able to read much. I'll read when I can though!

1st Update: Not much to update. Did I mention that this weekend is a bit crazy? Will be reading more once the boys go to their dad's and I'm caught up with the stuff that has to be done today. Hope everyone else is having a great day!

2nd Update: Starting to read! The stuff for tomorrow is basically done and I'll be starting Death Warmed Over by Kevin J. Anderson...in honor of The Walking Dead season premier tomorrow. Whoop! Whoop!

Hour 11 Mini Challenge: Favorite Book Trailer at Jerara.





Without a doubt this is my all time favorite book trailer. Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo. Holy hotness, Batman!

Hour 12 Update:
It's halfway over and I've read very little. Sometimes life is that way though, huh? For the next few hours I'll be hosting at the official blog and tweeting on the official Twitter. Be sure to come by to say hi!

Mid-Event Survey:

1) How are you doing? Sleepy? Are your eyes tired? Tired eyes but am so excited to be hosting during these hours that I'm full of energy! So much fun!!!
2) What have you finished reading? nothing yet.
3) What is your favorite read so far? see above :-)
4) What about your favorite snacks? Pizza!
5) Have you found any new blogs through the readathon? If so, give them some love! Haven't found any new to me blogs yet but I'm still visiting different ones.

Hour 14 Update:
Can't believe how quickly the time is passing. Having a blast co-hosting and reading and being on Twitter. 


Random Update:
Twitter is a hoot. That is all.