Book Review: Red Hot Blues by Mickey J. Corrigan

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 207 KB
• Print Length: 50 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc (Dec 17 2014)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00PUQ6FDU

Growing up in the fast lane… 

Sixteen year old Telluride Marshall loves her sex kitten mother, but the woman is a thug magnet. Kittie's love affairs always end the same—packing only what they can carry for a middle of the night escape. On the road once again, Tellie tries to warn her mom about the dangers they'll face in the stolen hot rod with thousands of dollars belonging to Kittie's abusive ex. But while Tellie wants to shape a different kind of life, all Kittie wants is another man. The question becomes, who does the road belong to when you're racing down the interstate in a red hot sports car?

About the Author:

Originally from Boston, Mickey J. Corrigan lives and writes and gets into trouble in South Florida, where the men run guns and the women run after them.

My Review: 

I picked this book up on a break from reading a text book in prep for an exam knowing it was a novella and would be a short read for me.  A certain sentence in the book pretty much summed up my feelings for this book.  "All I saw was an adult who behaved like a dumb child, a silly woman who should have been in the passenger seat of her life, certainly not the driver's seat of mine." This novella follows the story of a 16 year old dealing with many tough choices and the effects of many bad decisions made on her irresponsible mothers part.  Although the summary of the book drew me in I have to admit once reading it had a hard time getting into it.  Having been lucky to have such a great mother and hoping I am one myself it was hard to enjoy the book feeling that the child was so better off without a mother then with what she had.  Being a parent is such a huge responsibility and all I could feel was upset with this mother and sorry for Telluride.

Views expressed are those of Two Children and a Migraine and have not been influenced in anyway.  A book was supplied for review purposes only and no compensation was received for this post.  

Book Review: Second Death by Emily Reese #50BookPledge

About the Book:

 When Meghan Monroe went missing, her twin brother Mike swore to find her. The harder he looked, the less he seemed to find until he came across a book called The Collector. If his hunch is correct, his professor, Claire Wallace, holds the key to finding his sister. But no one knows better than Claire that finding Meghan might be the least of Mike's worries.

After he ignores her warnings to go home and forget about the book, Claire must make a choice: let Mike's discoveries lead him to certain death, or face down her own demons to help him. Knowing The Collector is much more fact than fiction, Claire must decide whether to protect the secret she has kept for eighty years, or reveal her true nature to save another girl from sharing the same dark fate.


About the Author:

Emily Reese graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in Communication Studies. She has been writing all her life, and SECOND DEATH is her first novel. She lives out in the middle of Nowhere, Texas with her husband, a.k.a. King of All Things English, her daughter a.k.a. The Total Package and/or Monkey, a pug, and two cats.

Additionally, she loves smushed faced animals, the creative power of Junior Mints, the glory of naps, baking, knitting, and the sound her Monkey makes while she sucks her thumb.

Blog: https://writerreese.wordpress.com/

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/EmilyReeseAuthor

Goodreads Page: https://www.goodreads.com/writerreese

Twitter: @writerreese

Review:


First off I do have to say that I really do like the cover for this book.  I love the colours and the warmth that they bring to the book.  Outside of the cover of the book I am please to say that the pages within are quite entertaining.  The book was not by any means perfect as there were times when I wished the writing would grab me or I would hope it would pick up a bit, but overall I do have to say it was a good read.  The characters are entertaining and I do have to say I had no clue at all by reading the synopsis of the book what Claire's dark fate actually was.  I was pleasantly surprised and found that I kept reading to find out what other sort of surprises would be within the book for me!  I do not want to give too much away so do yourself a huge favor and grab yourself a copy!



Views expressed are those of Two Children and a Migraine and have not been influenced in anyway.  A book was supplied for review purposes only and no compensation was received for this post.

 

Book Review: If I Say No (Say Something #2) by Brandy Jellum

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 872 KB
• Print Length: 194 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 162015479X
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Booktrope (Dec 18 2014)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00R7GHNS2

Reid Harder thought his life was seemingly perfect. He had the woman he loved and nothing could go wrong. The only exception comes in the form of his brother—Rhett. 

Set on revenge, his brother will stop at nothing to make Reid pay for his past mistakes. Teaming up with the FBI, Reid is determined to put an end to his brother once and for all. But sometimes, fate has other plans in store. His relationship with Liza is falling apart, enemies become friends, and family becomes his worst nightmare. With the future unknown, Reid must figure out a way to make amends with his past if he wants to move forward with his future.

About the Author:

Brandy's passion for writing began long before she actually sat down to write. As a child, she has had an obsession with reading. Everything from the classic stories by Jane Austen to YA Fiction by Richelle Mead. Finally, in 2012, she decided to create her own stories for people to fall in love with. Brandy bounces back and forth writing both Young Adult Fiction and Romance.

When she isn't writing, she can be found chasing after her husband, her four children and her black lab Diesel. Or curled up on her favorite corner of the couch with her newest book.

Follow Brandy on Social Media:

http://www.brandyjellumbooks.wordpres...

https://www.facebook.com/BrandyJellum

@Brandy_Jellum

My Review: 

Talk about intense! If the first book was amazing the second book blew my mind! I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the next plot twist.  I once again enjoyed the love story but it also brings to light the facts of everyones insecurities and how communication is key to any relationship.  I couldn't believe how much story was packed into this one book! The flashbacks and all were well integrated into the story so there wasn't a disconnect from the storyline.  What I hate most is the fact I will need to wait for the next instalment.  I intend to follow Brandy closely (online) and hope to see a book about Eli soon!!! Once again mingled in between the love story, action packed scenes and the major plot twists I found a passage that will likely resonate with anyone who had something tough happen in their past. "We can't let our past define us.  We can't let our mistakes take control.  We need to accept them and move on."  Another thing to note is how the first book is written from Liza's point of view while this book is written mostly from Reid's.  What a great way to get even better depth of characters in seeing how they "think" about each other! I give this book a 5 out of 5.


Views expressed are those of Two Children and a Migraine and have not been influenced in anyway.  A book was supplied for review purposes only and no compensation was received for this post.

Book Review: If I Say Yes (Say Something #1) by Brandy Jellum

• Paperback: 190 pages
• Publisher: Booktrope Editions (April 25 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 162015367X
• ISBN-13: 978-1620153673

Elizabeth Lewis was the child of Hollywood's darling couple, until her father murdered her mother. Six years later, she has traded her flashy, luxurious lifestyle for one of safe anonymity as a literary agent. With a different name and appearance, Liza Winter is living the life of her dreams-one where she's known for who she is instead of what her father did. Except her apartment should be condemned, her car only starts when it wants, she hates the romance genre she has been assigned, and the CEO's deliciously attractive nephew is out to ruin her carefully laid plans. Reid Harder has never met an obstacle he couldn't overcome. When his new position in the romance department comes with a benefit his uncle didn't mention, he decides to wage a war against the intelligent, beautiful Liza to destroy every argument she has for turning him down. Still, the closer he gets to winning the prize, the more he realizes that the woman is keeping secrets that may endanger not just her life but his. Will Liza overcome her mistrust of Reid to reveal her secrets before he learns the truth and walks away? Or will a grudge-wielding apparition from her past make her the next deadly Hollywood headline?

About the Author:

Brandy's passion for writing began long before she actually sat down to write. As a child, she has had an obsession with reading. Everything from the classic stories by Jane Austen to YA Fiction by Richelle Mead. Finally, in 2012, she decided to create her own stories for people to fall in love with. Brandy bounces back and forth writing both Young Adult Fiction and Romance.

When she isn't writing, she can be found chasing after her husband, her four children and her black lab Diesel. Or curled up on her favorite corner of the couch with her newest book.

Follow Brandy on Social Media:

http://www.brandyjellumbooks.wordpres...

https://www.facebook.com/BrandyJellum

@Brandy_Jellum

My Review: 

 I loved this book! From the first sentence to the end.  I love how Brandy was able to capture a very traumatic experience and the residual feelings and shock waves this trial placed on the characters.  I also like how the specific trauma wasn't the whole story but was a back note to a even more complicated story of self doubt and personal struggles.  I enjoyed the random internal conversations as well such as "I mentally slap myself in the head."  The depth of love and devotion the characters have is astounding and truthfully made me want to call up my best friend to chat.  One particular section resonated with me and I think helped to sum up this book.  "Today I begin to live my life the way I want to and not the way my fears want me to.  My fears will no longer control my actions."  For the combined depth of characters and high action story with multiple surprising twists I easily give this book a 5 out of 5.


Views expressed are those of Two Children and a Migraine and have not been influenced in anyway.  A book was supplied for review purposes only and no compensation was received for this post.

Book Review: The Dandelion Field by Kathryn Springer #50BookPledge

About the book: 

This handsome firefighter makes a living coming to the rescue, but Gin doesn't need a man to fight her battles.

After Raine's dad walked out, Ginevieve Lightly never lived in one place too long, a rambling lifestyle that defined her daughter's youth. When their car dies in Banister Falls, Wisconsin, Gin promises Raine they can stay until she finishes her senior year of high school. Gin will do anything to make sure her daughter has a bright future . . . a future that's compromised when Raine reveals she's pregnant.

Dan Moretti has only ever called Banister Falls home. After losing his best friend in a tragic accident, Dan devoted himself to responding to fires, rescuing the helpless, and guiding Cody Bennett, his best friend's son, through life. With Cody being the epitome of the good kid, it was an easy job. Until he says four little words: "The baby is mine."

Knowing gossip of Raine's pregnancy will erupt sooner or later in the small town, Gin's reflex is to grab the suitcase and escape to a new city, a new life. But with each passing day, Gin's feet stay rooted in Banister Falls, and she falls a little more for this local firefighter who shows her not all men abandon women at the first sign of smoke.

As Gin and Dan do the best they can to guide the two teenagers through their early entry into adulthood, they discover together that romance can bloom in the rockiest of situations. And God can turn the pieces of a broken past into a beautiful new beginning.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1yGTVen

About the author:

Kathryn Springer is a USA Today bestselling author. She grew up in northern Wisconsin, where her parents published a weekly newspaper. As a child she spent many hours sitting at her mother's typewriter, plunking out stories, and credits her parents for instilling in her a love of books --- which eventually turned into a desire to tell stories of her own. Kathryn has written nineteen books with close to two million copies sold. She lives with her husband and three children in Marinette, Wisconsin.

Find Kathryn online: website, Facebook

Review:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/kspringer 

The Dandelion Field is a book that tells the readers about many topics that many of us try to ignore in our life.  Life is not easy and it definitely is not easy for the characters in this book.  They go through many hard issues and the book touches upon these topics and remains to be entertaining from start to finish.  I loved the book from start to finish and the emotional roller coaster within it.

We seem to live in a society that many choose not to take responsibility for their actions and I loved the fact that the teens in this story took responsibility.  However, even the adults in the book were responsible which is great.  No offense to anyone I know, but I have crossed paths with many adults who would benefits from role models in this book.  Its is a great reminder that it is never too late to be better then what we currently are.
 







Views expressed are those of Two Children and a Migraine and not influenced in anyway.  A book was supplied for review purposes and no compensation was received for this post.  

Book Review: Greater Expectations by Alexander McCabe

About the Book:

It is said that the course of true love never runs smooth - even for us men. Yet it has never been easier to find love than in this modern digital era where the mighty computer has all but rendered Cupid redundant. Love is now to be found, quite literally, at your fingertips. Although love also seems to have changed with the times. This new love is deceitful and manipulative, cunning and untrustworthy. Love has gotten ugly. Thankfully, not all the answers to life’s mysteries are to be found in the computer and Cupid - battered and bruised as he may be - proves that he still has some game and a few tricks up his sleeve…

About the Author:

After graduating with a couple of useless degrees in law, Alexander McCabe left his Scottish homeland and wandered nomadically around the globe to experience the rich diversity of culture that the world has to offer. For the moment, it is Toronto's turn to provide a suitable abode for him and the wife that he picked up along the way...

Website: http://aasmccabe.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GECupid

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreaterExpectations

Get it FREE during the tour!

Links:

Amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/Greater-Expectations-Alexander-McCabe-ebook/dp/B00MGAQTE8/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1413945343&sr=1-1&keywords=greater+expectations

Amazon.co.uk

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Greater-Expectations-Alexander-McCabe-ebook/dp/B00MGAQTE8/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Smashwords:

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/464603

Barnes and Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/greater-expectations-alexander-mccabe/1120171753?ean=2940046088892


Review:

Love....That is on almost everyone's mind this time of year.  Those in love are thinking about how to show those their lover how true their feelings are.  Then there are those who do not have a lover and feel as though they do need one andit is now or never.  

I truly enjoyed this story and it even had me laughing at many moments within!  Having read so many romance books in my time it was great to finally read something that was from a man perspective, but was still entertaining!  

Although the book did make me appreciate what I have in my life so much more it was great to have something like this to give me that friendly reminder.  Yet it also kept me entertained from start to finish!  Definitely a book I recommend to read!





Views expressed are those of Two Children and a Migraine and have not been influenced in any way.  A book was supplied for review purposes and no compensation was received for this post.

Book Review: Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Power of Forgiveness

About the Book:

Forgiveness frees us to get on with our lives! We can all benefit from letting go of our anger, and the 101 personal, touching stories in this collection will help you see the power of forgiveness and how it can change your own life.

Whether it’s forgiving a major wrong or a minor blunder, forgiving someone is healing and frees you to move on with your life. You don’t have to forget or condone what happened, but letting go of your anger improves your wellbeing and repairs relationships. You will be inspired to change your life through the power of forgiveness as you read the 101 stories in this book about forgiving others, changing your attitude, healing and compassion.


Book Review:

This book is a great reminder that when we hold onto our grudges and anger that we in fact hold ourselves back a lot more then we punish the person we think we are.  The book focuses its chapters with different stories of situations and stories of people who one may relate to.  Like many people I do have some people in my life that I have no been able to forgive over the years  I will not say that upon reading this book I was able to forgive and move on, but I will say that I was able to read it and put myself in a better position to forgive.  Honestly more for myself then for them.  This is definitely a recommended read and a book that we all can relate to!


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChickenSoupfortheSoul
Twitter: @ChickenSoupSoul (https://twitter.com/chickensoupsoul)
Instagram: @chickensoupsoul (http://instagram.com/chickensoupsoul)
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/chickensoupsoul/




Views are those of Two Children and a Migraine and have no t been influenced in anyway.  A book was supplied for review purposes only and no compensation was received for this post.

Book Review: Give Your Heart a Break by Helen Peterson

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 390 KB
• Print Length: 201 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Marching Ink LLC (Dec 21 2014)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00RB23M8W

Gorgeous? Check. 

Wealthy? Check. 

Sweet? Double check. 

When Rachel Thomas meets Mason Conner, it seems she has found a man who is everything she’s ever wanted. After years of the single girl life in New York City, she’s due for some luck in the romance department. But with her less than stellar track record, Rachel can’t seem to let go of her past failures to fall too hard. 

That is until Mason’s ex-fiancé reappears, determined to steal him back. With more than winning Mr. Perfect’s heart on the line, is Rachel finally ready to give her heart a break? 

About the Author: 
 

Helen is a native of Toronto Canada who went to college to pursue Marketing . She currently works at a bank as an administrative assistant but her love of writing and telling stories that others can relate to has helped her complete her first manuscript Give Your Heart a Break. Helen has always loved telling a story especially through song, Staring in all her high school musical theatre productions Like Oliver! And Anything Goes. Helen currently resides in Markham Ontario.

My Review:

 I found this book to be an intense read.  I couldn't believe it how enthralled I was in the book.  There are no other words to explain it.  I began the book in the early afternoon and with the exception of a brief cat nap....I read all the way until 5am and the book was done.  What a great read! I loved the way the story was told but you were also able to feel the pain and passion behind the characters.  One line in particular really resonated with me and should help define Helen's writing capabilities. "Everything was happening for a reason, I finally felt able to accept that I don't have to follow in my friends' footsteps to be happy" Helen's writing style was very detailed and descriptive.  I look forward to reading more work by Helen. I give this book a 5 out of 5.



Views expressed are those of Two Children and a Migraine and have not been influenced in anyway.  A book was supplied for review purposes only.

Book Review: Starting From Lost (Broken Beginnings book 1) by S. K. Wills

• Format: Kindle Edition

• File Size: 1223 KB

• Print Length: 282 pages

• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1620155869

• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited

• Publisher: Booktrope (Nov. 13 2014)

• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

• Language: English

• ASIN: B00PM1HHSK

• 
  

Love is a risk. If you lose it all, would you dare to risk it twice? 

Hannah Rogers is lost: cynical, insecure, and withdrawn. Skeletons forged through a bad breakup that should have been a marriage proposal. Now four years later, Hannah follows her dead-end job to the big city where her only hope is to survive the next eight months as her flirtatious boss’s personal assistant. The last thing her predictable life needs is to collide with the boy responsible for breaking her heart, or the twist of fate that sends a sexy new neighbor to awaken feelings she’s long since put to bed.

Alex Sorrento doesn’t have any room in his life for another pet project. He’s already put aside his career and his personal dreams to follow his half-sister Mackenzie to the big city. Lost in the guilt over the events that nearly took her life, he feels he owes her that much. When Mackenzie befriends the new girl on the third floor, Alex finds himself defenseless against the sizzling chemistry between them and the sadness in her eyes. Can he protect Hannah from her ex without losing his heart?

In this turbulent journey about self-discovery, forgiveness, and love, some second chances aren’t worth taking, but others have their own rewards. 

About the Author:

S.K. Wills grew up with reading in her blood; a favorite pastime passed down thanks to her two beautiful grandmas. Wanting to inspire others, like good books inspire her, she added “write a romance novel” to her bucket list, and ultimately, checked it off. Writing makes her soul happy, and since she's now hooked on story-crafting, she's decided to stick with it for as long as it will have her. S.K. lives in Southeastern Michigan, and juggles expertly (or so she thinks!) also being a passionate marketer and entrepreneur helping other authors reach their writing dreams. She fuels her insatiable dream-chasing with what some would consider an unhealthy amount of coffee, and she wouldn’t have her crazy busy life any other way. To learn more, visit her at: http://skwills.com/ 

My Review:  

I usually lean towards paranormal romance books as my preferred reading material, but on occasion I come across an authors writing style that captivates me and a story capable of moving my emotions in a way it's hard to find.  S.K. was able to not only captivate and move me but was able to make me believe in true love.  The words spoke to me and certain phrases stood out.  "Exes had a way of screwing up your future even if they weren't in it" or "you want something in life, you have to earn it, then work to keep it.  Running isn't a solution, it's a bigger problem".  Words that one would see in a motivational poster on social networking sites.  What depth these words bring to the pages help the reader to engage even more into the story and believe what is happening.  This also brings the characters to life.  I can easily see this as a biography of two broken peoples lives instead of a "story". Well written and enjoyable with a range of emotional depths. 

 I give this a heavy 5 out of 5 and look forward to reviewing the next installment in this series.


Views expressed are those of Two Children and a Migraine and have not been influenced in anyway.  A book was supplied for review purposes only.

We Love When It Is #GameNight In Our Home!

Games are kind of a big deal in our home.  We own electronics but I love the interaction and the quality time that I get to have with my kids when we have a #GameNight.  We own a lot of different board games.  Some are from when I was younger, but I do have to admit most of the games we have are not children friendly.  I do not mean that they have inappropriate words or are for only adults, but as my children are only 6 and 8 they need games that are suitable for the attention spans.

Some nights #GameNight can get pretty tough in our house.  My kids love to play til there is a winner and if it takes and hour to find out who the winner is then I guarantee there might be some tears when we have someone who does not win.  This is one of the reasons why up until I received the Monopoly Junior game to review I had never opened up our classic monopoly game to play with the family.  I knew it would not end well. 

I have to say we loved playing Monopoly Junior!  The game was perfect for both of my girls.  The rules were basic enough that the kids could understand without being constantly reminded and entertaining enough that us adults had fun as well.  Every time that we play the girls ask to play multiple games and I love how much fun we have together.  The only issue is I need to figure out how to make the game work in my favor as I seem to loose the most :-(

Do you have a favorite Hasbro game that you love to play? 

Views expressed are 100% those of Two Children and a Migraine and have not been influenced in anyway.  I was supplied with a game for review purposes only and no compensation was received for this post.