Hello Readers and Writers,

The new year is coming up and the old one is ending.  I am excited to announce that Passion Reads will be making a few DRASTIC changes. Because of this I need the rest of this year and a little bit of Janurary to get it up and running. (Due to the holiday season its hard to get people to work.. lol)

Passion Reads is in need of 5  new reviewers (hopefully,  but at least one) and It will no longer be a book blog but a book group. *If you are interested in becoming a reviewer please see information below

Please stay tuned for an exciting book group and year to come.

You can keep up with me on
Twitter: @mstiptress

GoodReads: MsTiptress
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mstiptress

Authors who have currently asked for a review    I have not forgotten about you.  I am currently reading all stories who have asked for a review. I ask for your patience and understanding during this time to complete those stories. Please watch your emails for more updated information specifically for you. 

P.S. I have not come up with a date for the debut but if your an author please watch out for future information to join the book group tour or just shoot me an email letting me know your interest and I will get back to you once the date is set.
And if you are a reviewer who loves books and wants to tell the world what you thought (and much much more), Please join us we would love to have you. Shoot me an email mstiptress@passionreads.com 

More information will available upon request. 18 years of age and older only.

Thanks everyone and Happy Holidays to you and yours!!

From GoodReads: 

You know a publicity stunt has backfired when someone dies.
Starving author Eddie Barrow, Jr., will do anything to get a book deal with a NYC publisher. Even if it means getting caught by the media while engaging in S&M with a female celebrity as a publicity stunt. What Eddie gets instead are details of a billion dollar fraud scheme from a suicidal client who’s fatally shot minutes later. Now on the run from the law and the killers, Eddie seeks help from two unlikely friends—an alcoholic and a dominatrix.
With few resources, Eddie races to clear his name, unveil the fraud scheme, and expose the killers before he becomes their next victim

Expected publication: December 1st 2011

My Thoughts: Raise your hand if you are tired of seeing celebrities become Authors! Me Me Me Me Me!! I thought this was a very funny and cleverly written story. It was very creative something I never thought of.  

A upcoming author (Eddie) is trying to break into the world of bestsellers and they only way he thinks he can is by coming up with his own way to become famous.. I laughed out loud throughout this whole story with Eddie’s quirky and comical personality. And bringing him together with his best friend who has his problems makes this one funny read you can’t put down.

It was a quick and fast paced read that kept me on my toes with action. Although it was a good story I feel like it was a bit rushed like I’m not sure how Serge’s name came up to Eddie and Corey. And it seemed like everyone was in on the scheme. It was hard to figure out how wasn’t. But the shock factor of it all was awesome.. I was guessing and guessing until the end.

There were minor editing issues that jumped off the pages and I think there are more ways then one to describe how a character gets from one location or idea to another one.. The writing style could use just a bit of twerking…

The hardest part of the story was seeing Eddie so hurt by his family not supporting him. Eddie is a strong character to want to push through that. He knew what he wanted and went after it with all the power that he had in him. It brought tears to my eyes to see his family act in such a way.

Each character had their own personalities, strengths and weaknesses and I liked the fact that with their backgrounds of Carribean descent.  My favorite of all was Corey. He mad such a huge transformation which showed his strong characteristics.. Go Corey!!! Woot, Woot!

All in all, I give this story 4 Chocolate strawberries. Job well done. This was a very creative way to becoming a bestselling author and you will almost double over with laughter…

This book was provided by the author Russell Brooks. Thanks for giving me the oppurtuinty to read your work.

More from Brooks:

Blog: The Big Picture

Website: RussellBrooksParkway

Twitter: @AuthorRussell

P.S. The author is hosting a contest for 10 Free e-book versions of his book Chill Run to be giving away. Hop on over to his blog and enter your email address in the comments to be entered into the drawing.

Good Luck!

From GoodReads:

From GoodReads:

EPUB Version

ISBN 978161766

Published 2010 by Outskirts Press, Inc

Darkness Series #3

I have to admit,  I was the one yelling from the top of my lungs how I was so against E-Books… And now Im ashamed but yet excited to say I AM ADDICTED.  I just finished searching Amazon’s Kindle App Ebook store for all the free ebooks I can get.. ( I had been searching for almost 5 hours now)

This tablet, I got for writing a few papers for my  mother, has brought so much joy to me.  I can’t put it down. It does way more then ebooks, it has a video camera, hdmi inputs, the andriod market, AND and ethernet connection… This tablet is packed down..

Its called a Fly Touch 3 and I got it at lightinthebox for half the price of all those other tablets out there.. It packs a punch.. (look at me sounds like Im trying to sell the thing)

It’s funny cause Mom, laughed at me the other day saying, ” I told you, you will get addicted” I have found a way to incorporate my love for holding physical books and my love for this new E-Reading thing… Since I love to shop I’m hitting up every Thrift Store I find to buy used books… It saves on the money..

As for e-books most self-published authors offer e-books for you to read some free and some for about .99 cents.. Now that’s a saver to.. I get to learn about new authors for half the price and still get my other books..

The one thing I can never do is turn my back on the printed word. SO printed word you are safe with me, I still have my yearly membership with Barnes and Nobles.. AND THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING COMPARED TO A FRESH NEW BOOK NEVER OPENED, SMELLS FRESH OF THE PRITNER BOOK.. 

Just had to get that out…

From GoodReads

One By One They Begin To Die

On a picturesque street in Sacramento County, California, three healthy saplings stand side by side. But what they symbolize are the deaths of three innocent people-two of them children. And the man who allegedly took their lives, then eerily planted trees in their honor…was their own husband and father.

Shockingly, Mysteriously…

Hearts went out to Jack Barron when his wife Irene died mysteriously in her sleep. Soon after, when his two young children were also found dead in their beds, suspicions were aroused about Barron. Then, when his fifty-two-year-old mother died, also of asphyxiation in her sleep, the four deaths seemed too coincidental to ignore.

Were They All Dying For Daddy?

Was this “devoted” husband and father really a cold-blooded murderer who smothered his loved ones while they slept? Was he the victim of a bizarre syndrome, whereby a parent kills a child to gain sympathy and attention? With first-hand interviews and exclusive inside information, bestselling portrait of a man who may have been driven beyond his control to commit the most unspeakable of acts.

My Thoughts: And I have officially finished my first “True Crime” read. I can say that I enjoyed.. well, to a certain extent. The writing style seemed so formal. I thought that it would have some type of narration or story behind the true evidence.

It was boring. But the crime kept me entertained. The author seemed to be a bit biased at times.  I felt like he wanted to make my mind up for me, not for me to view the evidence and see what happened. As far as I’m concerned He did it, but did he?

Back to the story at hand, I couldn’t believe that “Jack” would go to the extent that he did to kill his family. His own family. For some odd reason it is becoming an epidemic to kill one’s family. The sad part is that they did not have evidence against him which leaves me to believe it is a possibility that he may not have killed his wife and kids.

This was a very hard story to read. It was sad to see the kids die in such a horrible way, and then what the wife’s side of the family went throught… ah It was a horrible, horrible, and unspeakable crime. He deserves to be locked up.

But all in all I gave it 3 chocolate strawberries, I wish the story had a plot or narration to follow. I wanted to read what Jack was thinking, the reactions of his wife and kids, not just the evidence that no one seemed to have. There were only a few people who even spoke or were quoted throughout the story. Um, I guess True Crimes are not really my cup of tea.

From GoodReads:

Beloved number one internationally bestselling author Sidney Sheldon introduced the glamorous, scheming Blackwell family and its unforgettable matriarch, Kate Blackwell, in his worldwide bestsellerMaster of the Game. Now a generation has passed, and as the world has changed, so too has America’s own royal family.

My Thoughts: I had been waiting so long to finally read this book. I kept putting it off because I knew it was going to be a wonderful story and I wanted the feeling to last.. lol.. And yes it was a wonderful story.

Tilly did a wonderful job bringing those old characters to life.  It was an astonishing storyline, filled with sudden excitement and an engaging plot.

This family company, you would think, should have lasted.. But with all the corruption going on it was horrible. Some incest situations mixed in with family hatred and you have another story that you absolutely can not put down.

Eve is back with a vengeance and her son is thier to carry on the hatred.. Alex, poor alex, she seems to never be able to win.. And then the ones that were birthed from those two.. good gosh, they are scary…

I loved this book. Tilly put an amazing twist on Sidney’s writing and it turned out to be as good if not better then the first, Master of the game..  5 chocolate strawberries smothered in sprinkles… One of my favorites.

From GoodReads:

My Thoughts: It is a nice thrilling ride from coast to coast. Absolutely loved the criminal situation( its so hard to give tips without giving spoilers) But the chase to catch the killers was fast-paced and exciting.

My favorite parts are the gruesome killings. Patterson’s story’s can be so diabolical and menacing . This had all the great features of a good ole’ rainy day thriller read. (make sure to read it when there is lots of thunder and lighting).

But the part I don’t like is Cross. He is so one-dimensional. Because of him I am afraid to continue reading the series. Here is how it goes…

1. gruesome murder 2. Cross is the brilliant one on the case 3. A woman enters the picture. 4. The two hit it off and fall head over heels. 3. And then he doesn’t get the girl..

I know I’m only in the second read but I didn’t like it in the first book. I hope something a little more exciting is with Dr. Cross. I have to admit though that he is one brilliant doctor. He is always solving the case and that part is admirable (We all want to get the bad guys right, and life is nothing like that) His insight is so intriguing, I only wish that I could accompany Dr. Cross into one of his sessions. I have always had a love for criminal psychology.

Besides all that this is another one that had me on my toes and it was filled with horror. The action, and gruesomeness (if that is a word) sums it up here. This is something that will keep you guessing right up until the end and once you found out who did it… it is explosive… I was shocked!

Overall, I give this 3.5 chocolate strawberries. I just wish there was so much more to Dr. Cross but I just can’t put this series down. The criminal psychology part of it is amazing!!

Here is the trailer for the movie. Which I thought was awesome but the book was way better.. It had a more exciting and twisted ending.

 

From GoodReads:

How realistic is it to believe that one lover can satisfy a woman’s every fantasy?

Nia Simone Bijou is a woman who has it all – and is driven by the desire for more. Born in Trinidad, reared in Los Angeles, living in Atlanta, Nia is a writer, a thinker, and a woman in conflict. She’s dealing with two sides of her Gemini self, feeling as if there are two women living inside her, both struggling for domination. One side of Nia is a logical yet heartbroken person who has never let go of an old pain, while the other side is a sensual woman who will not let her rest, desiring intimacy and sexual freedom, demanding Pleasure.

In the sweltering heat of July, loneliness, desire, and a struggle with both the sensual self and fantasy inspire Nia to become sexually adventurous, meeting lovers who arouse her in diverse ways, lovers who give her unimaginable experiences, generous lovers who desire to please her as much as she desires to satisfy them. Fantasies spiral out of control, and with her life on the line, Nia discovers that Pleasure does not come without pain.

Filled with passion, populated with characters that are sexually uninhibited, Pleasure is an unforgettable journey into a free-spirited world.

My Thoughts: I did not like this book. I couldn’t get pass the first 200 pages. It was horrifying nothing I expected from EJD.  He usually writes so wonderful with characters filled with promise and meaning.. This is by far one of the worst books I have read this year.

I liked the style of writing. THAT’S IT! It had a nice poetic feel to it. It started out really sexy, and very open. There were parts where I could feel just a tiny bit of pleasure.

And Then…

It got dirty. The sex was no longer erotic or sexy, it was dirty and nasty. Reading it made me feel uncomfortable at times and I thought that I would eventually throw up! (That is how disgusting it is)

And no, its not because I’m gay, I have read plenty other erotic books that were straight people. It was just plain out nasty! I’m so far in and I still have not picked up the meaning or moral to this story.

There is no action, no plan, no storyline…. nothing.

Absolutely 1 Chocolate strawberry, Not quite a throw it away book, because of the writing style, but something I can’t and won’t ever try to read again. This was my second and last time.

I never finished it… Good luck to you, whoever shall read it.

From GoodReads:

From GoodReads:

From GoodReads: 

Some crimes can never be forgotten…

Kate Evans doesn’t take risks. She chose her apartment with care-a safe district with a good neighbor-a place where she can live a quiet, unassuming, under-the-radar existence. Then she makes one mistake and opens her door to accept a delivery of flowers from a secret admirer and her life will never be the same again. A guy she’s never seen before bursts into her apartment and asks her to marry him. Jack Thompson won’t take no for an answer and drags Kate on a cross country journey to hell.

Invalided out of the police, Nathan Beranson works as a private investigator in San Antonio, Texas where he spends too much of his time following unfaithful spouses and delivering the bad news to their partners. When his fiancée cheats on him with Jack Thompson, the half-brother Nathan’s only just met, he becomes obsessed with Jack in the same unhealthy way as his revenge-seeking clients. By the time Nathan finally realizes putting the ghosts of the past to rest is a wiser option than settling an old score, it’s too late. He’s already been drawn into his sibling’s latest deadly game and Nathan and Kate find their nightmare is only just beginning.

My Thoughts: This is one of the most exciting books that I have read all year. Once you pick up this book and read the first 5 pages you will not be able to put this book down. Nothing you do will stop you from reading this book from cover to cover.

From the beginning I was caught up in this cross country nightmare road trip. And the best part about it was the characters. Kate was the strongest person I had ever seen, and she was still so human. The fights that Kate put up she was determined to get out of her situation and no matter where she turned here he comes.

Everything about this story seemed so real, smack in my face real. I see stories like this all the time on the news. Barbara hit a cold spot with this one. I couldn’t believe the depths of this story. I was trapped in Kate’s world and was afraid to open my eyes in Jack’s world. This is definitely Rated Mature. It is filled with x-rated scenes of rape, and sometimes torture. (Which might I add made this book the top of my list)

Jack’s character was psycho (lol). Parts of me were sad for him (giving his situation) and the other part of me couldn’t wait for him to finally get what he deserves. He really would not take no for an answer. You won’t know if your to love Jack or hate him.

Kate and Jack paired together makes for one gruesome story.

It was filled with awesome twists and turns, just when you think it is over, you are thrown another curve ball which leaves you standing in the dug out like “OMG, No, This did not just happen”… The ball got knocked out of the park.

If you are looking for a read that will take you on a ride you will never ever want to go on.. this is it. I give it 5 chocolate strawberries, hands down.. Wonderful read, and can’t wait to read it again.

Conversational: Rape. Ah, this is a scary subject. If I were raped could I keep the child? I asked a couple people this question and everyone looked so shocked and could barely answer it. Me, and this is the horrible truth, No I couldn’t do it. I have a feeling that I would hate that child, every moment of its life. I couldn’t carry that seed for 9 months.. I just couldn’t. I know its a horrible thing to say. And some people ask, “What about adoption?” Well, I would know that that child is out there, living and breathing, so when he finally asks the truth about where he/she came from, he will learn it was violent.. there was no affection in it all. What could that do to him? How would he react? Would he be mad at me for not protecting him, or mad at his father? Its just something I never want to go through? What about you?

This book was provided by the author, Barbara Elsborg. Thank you for allowing me to read your work. 

From GoodReads:

THE PREDATOR

New York City has a monster on the loose and his name is Tarryn Cooper Love.

No one had given a second glance to the handsome taxi driver, but in reality he had been molded to be a killer since early childhood. His mother, who valued a juicy murder above all else, had taught him well. Just one more trophy and he is set to reach his goal, surpassing his mother’s idol, the infamous Ted Bundy.

THE PREY

When a beautiful young woman gets into his cab flashing a wad of cash, he thinks he’s hit the jackpot. As she starts confessing her plans for ending her own life he decides to listen to her story, hoping to charm her back from the brink of death, to heighten his game.

What he discovers is a twisted tale that has taken her from the hardened streets of LA to the upper crust of New York…a story that might even rival his own.

Tarryn has to decide within the space of 24 hours, if he should kill her or save her – and perhaps save himself in the process.

My Thoughts: Now this story was not what I expected. It is an easy read and very scary because the serial killer was so close, But it wasn’t what I thought it would be. 

This story is centered more on Carmen, and where she came from, rather then should he “kiss her or kill her”.  Im not sure if I liked that. Although Carmen’s story wasn’t boring at all, she did so much within her life, I think I would have rather seen a struggle with her and Tarryn.

Tarryn, he was crazy!! His mother basically raised him to do what he has done and he mastered it better then some of the known serial killers. Now that is scary, I enjoyed reading his thoughts. Lisa did a wonderful job showing us how Tarryn came to be, and why he came to be what he is. Awesome.

He was a different type of serial killer though, seemed to be quite loving actually. Which was partly a twist from your average serial killer but something still didn’t sit right with me. I feel like this story should have gone another way.

The best part is the ending, I could not fathom that it would happen that way. I was shocked at Tarryn (for giving up so easily) and with Carmen for forgiving so easily (although I see why she did). The best action is towards the ending of the book. We get to see they type of person Tarryn really is, we get to see his “serial killer” ways.. because throughout the book you won’t.. He doesn’t do much, he is actually boring.. A boring serial killer.  His thoughts are sometimes scary but even still he seemed so irrational.

Overall, this one recieves 3.5 Chocolate Strawberries, it had all the makings of a wonderful serial killer story but fell just a few inches short of that.

This story was provided by Kelly and Hall Book Publicity. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read Lisa’s work. 

***Check information below if you want to win a copy of this story.

From GoodReads:

Ebook, Book Club Edition, 290 pages

Cris De Niro worked his way up to the top of the hedge fund world. Yet all of his money couldn’t protect him from losing his wife on 9/11. 10 years have passed since the tragedy.

Turning to his faith, De Niro now lives for a higher purpose. He acquires a lackluster counter-terrorism agency, in order to transform it into The Watchman for the United States, but there’s not a moment to lose.

He and his new agency unknowingly become targets when they stumble upon a connection between a rich Iranian businessman and a Mexican drug cartel. First, their agent sent to investigate goes missing and then strange events start to unfold at the border. Making matters worse, they suspect that there’s a leak among them.

It’s up to De Niro and his new team to protect America from a possible terrorist attack more catastrophic than 9/11 …and it appears he and his children are targeted too! (Political Thriller)

My Thoughts:  A really good well written, heart wrenching, non stoppable ride to the finish line. I felt overpowered and overjoyed with this novel.

Easy and quick read with satsifying action and conspiracy therories.

Cris De Niro has all the money in the world and would do anything to make sure something like 09/11 doesn’t happen. I commend his character for using his strengths to fight for his country. Losing his wife that day turned him into a cold – hearted man toward the people who were responsible for 09/11.. And to think they had enough balls to try it again.

Some parts of the story were a little slow and took some time getting to the action. At times there were so many characters that had different nick names that I got confused on who was speaking.  And some parts were left unexplained. But once I made it to all the action I was caught up and couldn’t wait to see what happened in the end. I enjoyed watching the dream team find out “who dun it” (although you know who it is from the beginning). That factor did not make this story at all predictable because there was a time when I thought we were doomed…

Mr. Marigny leaves nothing to the imagination. He delivers and gives you all that you need in a 09/11 comeback story. This novel somewhat restored my faith in this country. And if not for the beliefs of others who stand up for it, I wouldnt know where this country may be.

I give this story 4.5 Chocolate Strawberries and recommend any and everyone to read this story. Get a good laugh out of you to find those terrorist hanging out to dry (literally). You will find it refreshing and possibly bring you to a few tears.

Conversational: 09/11 was one of the most dramatic, memorable, hated and loved day of all time for me. Its something I never seen before and thought maybe I would never have to see in my lifetime. War is real, its really real. And although I did not  lose anyone in that horrible moment (that I know of), I still lost something that day. I lost my sense of security in people and in our government. Its something I don’t understand and may never. And I believe we are being lied to about the REAL EVENTS of 09/11. (But I will leave that for another day)

I want to thank all of our military for everything they do.  I have so many family members that have served or is serving now. My mom, granddad, brother in law, cousin in law… Thank you!!!

If you want to win a Paper Copy of this story, be sure to leave a comment with your name and email address and a sentence or two of how 9/11 effected you. The winner will be randomly chosen by me. 

You must respond to the email within 24 hours with your name and address and your information will be forwarded to the author. (or another winner will be chosen)  

P.S. US only address.

This book was provided by the author himself. I want to give a standing ovation to the author Gerard De Marigny for giving me the opportunity to read your work and involving me with your Blog Tour. 

To find out more about this author or to get in contact with him, please visit his websites below:

Smashwords author page: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/GerarddeMarigny
Website & Blog:  www.GerarddeMarigny.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Gerarddem
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/GerarddeMarigny
LinkedIn: www.LinkedIn.com/in/GerarddeMarigny
MySpace: www.MySpace.com/GerarddeMarigny

From GoodReads:

Once, this was the City of Angels. The angels are no longer in charge. From the extravagant appetites of the vampire world above, to the gritty defiance of the werewolves below, the specter of darkness lives around every corner, the hope of paradise in every heart. All walk freely with humans in a tentative peace, but to live in Los Angeles is to balance on the edge of a knife. One woman knows better than most that death lurks here in nights of bliss or hails of UV bullets. She’s about to be tested, to taste true thirst. She’s about to regain the power she’s long been denied. And Fleur Dumont is about to meet the one man who may understand her: a tormented protector who’s lost his way and all he loved.

My Thoughts: Well, It was not a bad vampire action read. This is the type of action Im talking about. There were fights between vamps, humans and even one with a werewolf.

Albeit, it was still a huge love story. Why is it so cliche for a vampire to fall in love with a human? and twice? Is that the only way for a vampire story to thrive. Damn you Twilight!!

The conspiracy behind this story did keep me involved up to my nose. I kept reading because I wanted to find out who (ok, never mind that would have spoiled it) All in All I liked the storyline, the fact that it had a bunch of twists and turns trying to figure “who did it”, kept me entertained ( a little)

It was not so much a page turning thriller, but it had its moments.My favorite parts are when She talked about the vampires lifestyles.. If vampires did more then fall in love (so wack) I would love to be one.. lol. I mean they live so lavishly and stuck up. That is exactly my personality. They seem like they are better then everyone but they have huge hearts (if they have hearts at all)

Some of the characters I liked others, well.. Like Cyd, I do not understand her point to the story but I liked her strong character. Dain, he seemed like your average bad boy human or was he? and Fleur so predictable.

I gave it 3 chocolate strawberries: I liked it minus all that sucky love stuff!!!!! This is a series and to tell you the truth I’m not in a rush to read the second one, if I read it at all… I will buy it though( for future references.. )