Sunday, April 1, 2018

Book Review - The Tempering Agent by Victoria Pitts Caine


Photo Source - Amazon
Three years after her fiancé, Trey Whittington's death, Dr. Priscilla Hackling is still struggling to move on. Things become harder for her when his case is reopened. Priscilla is working with the police to uncover the murderer who they suspect is Zarka El-Din. She travels to Siwa with Agent Donnie Barnes to perform a sting operation to catch the criminals, but she finds herself drawn to Donnie. However, she is unable to overcome her personal past experience. Will Donnie, and Priscilla be able to find a happily ever after?


I found the novel to be an interesting read but I found the story to be a bit rushed. The main characters fell in love so quickly after a few back and forth of not trusting each other. I also found that Priscilla's character to be a bit annoying that she wants Donnie but pushes him away but then expects to follow around like a lost puppy even though she doesn't want a relationship. I thought that the story would be more focused on finding the killer and having actual detective work involved but it was mostly focused on their relationship while the hunt for the killer was more of an afterthought. I would read the second novel if the plot was a bit more developed along with strong character developments.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

About the Book


Book Title: The Tempering Agent
Author: Victoria Pitts Caine
Release Date: February 14, 2014
Dr. Priscilla Hackling finds herself thrown back into the murder investigation of her fiancĂ©, Trey Whittington. While she was a suspect three years ago, she’s now working with the police to find the murderer, Egyptian artifact trafficker, Zarka El-Din. During a sting operation in Siwa, she and Agent Donnie Barnes are drawn to each other but Priscilla, overcome by personal ghosts from her past, decides a relationship isn’t possible. Priscilla realizes she’s the bait in the ruse and uncovers others involved with El-Din. Will she and Donnie reconcile and unravel the reason behind Trey’s death before El-Din kills her, too?

About the Author

Victoria Pitts Caine Head Shot
Victoria Pitts Caine is a native Californian and lives in the central portion of the state. Her varied interests include genealogy and exotic gemstone collecting both of which she’s incorporated into her novels.

The author has received recognition in both fiction and nonfiction from: Enduring Romance top 10 picks for 2008, William Saroyan Writing Conference, Byline Magazine, Writer’s Journal Magazine, Holt International Children’s Services Magazine, and The Southern California Genealogical Society. Her first novel was published in 2007 followed by two more as well as novellas and short stories in anthologies.

Victoria is a former staff technician in air pollution control. She is the mother of two daughters. Now retired from the work force, Victoria and her husband enjoy travel, cooking, and are self-appointed “foodies”.

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Victoria is giving away
Grand prize: Murano type heart necklace with lampwork bracelet and $25.00 Amazon gift certificate
1st Place: Green and white lampwork pendant and earrings
2nd Place: Set of three lampwork earrings
3rd place: Set of three holiday themed earrings
4th place: One ten $10 Amazon gift card
5th place: One ten $10 Amazon gift card!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c9e1

Saturday, March 31, 2018

Colourpop Super Shock Eyeshadow - Arrow











Colourpop is known for their creme to powder formula which has a slight bouncy texture. The red eye shadow is topped with pink and copper fine glitter. I personally thought this was more a dull rust color than the vibrant red Colourpop lists it as. However, it goes on smoothly and lasts all day but like with the eyeshadow I tried, you will hit pan very quickly, especially if you use everyday or a lot at a time.

Friday, March 30, 2018

Book Review - Sneaking Out (The Chased Series) by Chuck Vance + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon
Luke Chase is a modern day hero who managed to escape when he was held hostage by utilizing several survival tactics. When he was sent to St. Benedict's prep school, he was hoping to leave that all behind him and have a normal life, including hooking up with hot girls. He, however, didn't expect to get caught up in a murder investigation especially when his roommate is accused of murder. Luke will have to use his famous survival skills to outwit the murderer and bring him/her to justice. Who is behind the murder? Why would they try to kill someone from the school? Is someone from Luke's past trying to hurt him?

At first, I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book. I must say, I was pleasantly surprised on how much I enjoyed this book. The plot was perfect and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time along with being surprised by the ending. I liked how well developed the characters were even though I felt some of the characters were a bit too trusting. If I was in Luke's position, I would consider everyone a murderer and stay very far from them! I definitely can't wait to read more books from these amazing series!

**Disclosure - I received a free unedited copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**



Title: SNEAKING OUT
Author: Chuck Vance
Pub. Date: March 6, 2018
Publisher: Dunemere Books
Pages: 404
Formats: Paperback, eBook
Find it: AmazonB&NTBDGoodreads

Could you sleep next to a murderer?

Luke Chase—yes, that Luke Chase, a modern hero ripped from the headlines—didn’t mean to get caught up in Mrs. Heckler’s murder. He just wanted to hook up with the hot new British girl at St. Benedict’s, and if that meant sneaking out to the woods after hours, then so be it. But little did he know someone would end up dead right next to their rendezvous spot, and his best friend and roommate Oscar Weymouth would go down for it. With suspects aplenty and a past that’s anything but innocent, Luke Chase reluctantly calls on his famous survival skills to find the true killer.


For fans of “A Study in Charlotte” and boarding school lit, “Sneaking Out” (book one in the “Chased” series) immerses readers in the privileged prep school world, with a mystery that exposes the dark side of life on a residential high school campus. 

About Chuck:

Chuck Vance is a pseudonym for a bestselling writer of both adult mysteries and novels for young adults. Vance attended boarding school in Connecticut and graduated from Columbia University. Vance has lived in New York, Moscow, London, Paris and Los Angeles and is frequently on the move.

Website | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:
1 winner will receive a finished copy of SNEAKING OUT & a $30 Amazon GC, US Only.





Tour Schedule:
Week One:
3/26/2018- BookHounds YAInterview
3/26/2018- Bookish In BedReview

3/27/2018- Christen KrummGuest Post
3/27/2018- Between the PagesReview

3/28/2018- The Desert BibliophileReview
3/28/2018- Twirling Book PrincessExcerpt

3/29/2018- CrandomInterview
3/29/2018- Blushing BibliophileReview

3/30/2018- Novel NoviceGuest Post
3/30/2018- two points of interestReview