4/5, A, AUTHOR, Book Review, E-Book, Fiction, RATING, Read in 2014, Review Book, TLC Book Tours

2014.16 REVIEW – Duke City Split by Max Austin

Tara

Duke City Split
by Max Austin

Copyright: 2014
Pages: 253
Rating: 4/5
Read: March 30 – April 2, 2014
Challenge: No challenge
Yearly count: 16
Format:  E-Book
Source: TLC Book Tours


Duke City SplitBlurb: Bud Knox isn’t your average bank robber. He’s happiest fixing a nice lunch for his wife on her lunch break or watching his two young daughters play soccer. He leaves the boldness and brawn to his partner, Mick Wyman. In the past fourteen years, they’ve hit nearly thirty banks all over the West—everywhere but “Duke City,” their hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

So when Mick calls him about the perfect job, Bud is less than convinced, because the target is on their own turf. But with the potential to haul in millions, Bud simply can’t say no. If they do this job right, Bud may never have to work again.

As it turns out, the heist is the easy part. Holding onto the money while evading everyone from the FBI to the Mafia to the low-life criminals who want a cut will be the hardest thing Bud Knox has ever done—and it might just cost him his life.

Review: I received a copy of this book for free via NetGalley for review purposes in conjunction with a TLC Book Tour, all opinions expressed below are my own.

When I was first pitched this book I was a little unsure to be honest. There was something about the description that intrigued me, but I wasn’t 100% sold. But I have to tell you, I am so glad that I took the plunge and gave this book a shot. It ended up being one heck of a thrill ride!

The concept behind this book … two bank robbers who had been successful for years? That is like so unheard of in real life! And the whole idea that they then proceed to go home and be normal, average, everyday guys?! Insane to consider, right?! So what on earth would make these guys not only take on a third partner but also hit a bank in their hometown? Millions, that’s what! Not that I could really blame them… ha!

If you want a fun book this one will definitely fit the bill. But don’t expect too much out of it. There’s no thinking involved. The characters, while enjoyable, are not very complex. There are no curveballs thrown at you along the way. It’s just a plain jane fun book. I liked it. It works. And I’m dying to know what happens next!

There’s a lot going on in this book. But I found myself actually wanting Bud and Mick to get away scot-free! And let me tell you, they did a lot of unsavory things throughout this book. But for some reason, I wanted them to succeed. Doesn’t make much sense, does it?!

Another great book that I think will appeal to a lot of readers. I hope you give it a chance!

Recommended.

 

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Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

I hope you’ll take the time to stop by the other blog stops:

Monday, March 31st: Musings of a Bookish Kitty
Thursday, April 3rd: Reading Reality
Friday, April 4th:  A Bookworm’s World
Monday, April 7th: Tales of a Book Addict
Tuesday, April 8th: Mom in Love with Fiction
Wednesday, April 9th: No More Grumpy Bookseller
Monday, April 14th: Crime Book Club
Friday, April 18th: From the TBR Pile
Wednesday, April 23rd: Cupcake’s Book Cupboard
Monday, April 21st: …the bookworm…
Friday, April 25th: Patricia’s Wisdom

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Mailbox Monday, Meme

Mailbox Monday, April 7, 2014

Tara

Mailbox Monday has returned home to Mailbox Monday’s site this year.

Just two books this week, both for review.

The SpymistressBorn to slave-holding aristocracy in Richmond, Virginia, and educated by Northern Quakers, Elizabeth Van Lew was a paradox of her time. When her native state seceded in April 1861, Van Lew’s convictions compelled her to defy the new Confederate regime. Pledging her loyalty to the Lincoln White House, her courage would never waver, even as her wartime actions threatened not only her reputation, but also her life.

Van Lew helped to construct the Richmond Underground and orchestrated escapes from the infamous Confederate Libby Prison under the guise of humanitarian aid. Her spy ring’s reach was vast, from clerks in the Confederate War and Navy departments to the very home of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. In Chiaverini’s riveting tale of high-stakes espionage, a great heroine of the Civil War finally gets her due.

The BlondeIn 1947, a young unknown Norma Jean meets a mysterious man in Los Angeles who transforms her into Marilyn the worldwide star. Twelve years later, he comes back for his repayment, and Marilyn is given her first assignment from the KGB: Uncover something about JFK that no one else knows.

But what begins as a simple job turns complicated when Marilyn falls in love with the bright young President, and learns of plans to assassinate Kennedy. Now the most famous woman on the planet will do anything to save her man, the leader of the free world. Part biography, part love story and part thriller, The Blonde is a vivid tableau of American celebrity, sex, love, violence, power, and paranoia.

Announcements

Catch Deborah Crombie Tonight on Blog Talk Radio

Tara

So a couple of weeks ago you might have caught my review of Deborah Crombie’s The Sound of Broken Glass as part of a Partners in Crime Blog Tour.

If you did miss it, I sure hope you take the time to check it out now. It was a really good book, and even if you have never read any books in that series, please don’t be scared to jump on board.

I’ve been alerted by the Partners in Crime Tours team that Ms. Crombie is going to be appearing on Blog Talk Radio tonight at 7pm eastern time.

I hope you have time to not only spread the word about this opportunity but to stop by Blog Talk Radio’s website, listen in, or maybe call in and chat with Ms. Crombie!

Life, Miscellaneous Ramblings

Catching Up…

Tara

I haven’t really shared anything non-bookish here lately. And unfortunately, I don’t have much bookish things to share this week. So what a perfect opportunity, right?!

I have lots of exciting changes coming up in our little part of the world.

First. We made the big plunge. We are placing Garrett into daycare three days a week. It’s time. Until now we have been relying on my grandmother and in-laws. It’s been a challenge, but it’s worked. But there have been a lot of problems here recently, my caregivers want to go on vacation, have doctor appointments, have friends who are ill and need help getting to and from the doctor. It’s starting to become an issue. I always knew I wanted to get through the first year without daycare, and we attempted to place him last year … but family got in the way and swayed our decision. We got extremely lucky that we were able to get a spot so quickly this time around. It’s just time. He needs interaction with other children. I need to get back to work on a regular schedule. He’s still going to get to see his current caregivers a lot (they are family, after all) and I will be able to have every Friday home with him. But I can’t tell you how nice it will be to be able to not worry about who will drive the hour to my house to watch my child while I go to the dentist. It’s definitely a relief on that aspect. It will be a tough transition, but it’s in the best interest for everyone involved.

Nathan bought a fishing boat. He’s been dying to have one for years. We live 30 minutes from Kentucky Lake. I finally gave in … actually I got sick and tired of hearing him whine about it all the time. He got a good deal, so it’s not all bad. But you should have seen us trying to get it back on the trailer yesterday after taking it out for the maiden voyage. Oh dear. It was slightly embarrassing. He’ll get better with practice, but it took us an hour. An hour. Everyone else had theirs trailered and headed out within 5 minutes. There we sat. Trying time after time. Ha. It was funny, but frustrating. Going to take some getting used to 🙂

We spent the weekend in Nashville with some friends. We had a very good time. The bar scene isn’t really my thing, but there were a lot of good bands downtown, so I was surprised by how much fun I did have. Although I would have preferred to have spent a little more time at the mall!

We have a trip to the Dominican Republic planned in June. The girl who was my maid of honor is getting married on the beach down there. At least I hope I’m still invited to the wedding! I haven’t spoken to her since I told her that I wasn’t using her travel agent. I’m not sure what kind of a deal she had with her agent, but I was not comfortable using her since I had no idea who the woman was. Nothing against my friend or her agent, but I wasn’t comfortable using an agent that I would never meet in person and who lived 8 hours away from me. I know I ticked off my friend, but you know what … she should have been more upfront with me and told me that her and her fiancé had pre-paid the first night on 10 rooms and that she was going to lose that money if we didn’t use them all (although I think she got took, because that is not what the hotel’s cancellation policy is, so I have a feeling that her travel agent is pocketing the rest of that money… see why I didn’t want to use an agent I didn’t know?). She’ll eventually call me … I’m sure she’s just covered up between her work (she’s an attorney) and all the wedding plans … at least that’s what I’m telling myself, lol. If she un-invites me from the wedding I guess we will have a nice vacation, ha!

Other than that not much else is happening around here. Basketball fans know March Madness is in full swing. I pulled Kentucky in the office pool, so I’m still in it! Although “my” team is out … I was a Wichita State Shockers fan! (They’re in the same conference as my SIU Salukis!) They had a beyond awesome season, going undefeated until meeting Kentucky in the Big Dance. I would have liked to have seen them go farther, but it is what it is.

Hope everyone is having a great week. I’m off to read while my guy is still napping (guarantee he will wake up the moment I open the book, lol).

Monthly Wrap Up

March 2014 Wrap-Up

Tara

March was an awesome reading month! I have really hit a great stride in picking out the best books, ever! It’s like everything I’ve read has been so enjoyable this year! I’m terrified I’m going to hit a wall since I’ve had so many great books already! But for now, I just keep chugging along with my reading. Oh and I promise I’ll have some new recipes to share with you in April! I’ve been cooking a bit more lately and I’ve already got at least one to share! Anyway, here’s what I read in March:

Books read: 6 (YTD: 15)

Watching the DarkBye Bye BabyThe Sound of Broken GlassThe AccidentThe Weight of BloodClub Dead

Watching the Dark by Peter Robinson
Bye Bye, Baby by Max Allan Collins
The Sound of Broken Glass by Deborah Crombie
The Accident by Chris Pavone
The Weight of Blood by Laura McHugh
Club Dead by Charlaine Harris

Pages read: 1966 (YTD: 5309)

Challenge Progress:

Eclectic Reader Challenge: 3/12
Official TBR Pile Challenge: 2/12
What’s in a Name Challenge: 1/5

Books received: 26 (see list here)

Purchased New: 3
Purchased Used: 5
Hard copy Review books: 4
Electronic Review Books: 2
Paperbackswap Point: 6
Paperbackswap Box-of-Books Trade: 5
Grandmother: 1

Memes posted: 7

Events Participated In: None

Recipes shared: 0

Mailbox Monday, Meme

Mailbox Monday, March 31, 2014

Tara

Mailbox Monday has returned home to Mailbox Monday’s site this year.

So um, my mailbox *might* have been overflowing this week. I will start with some new-to-me goodies I found in my local used book store and then move on to the ones I received in my mailbox and finish up with the ones I received for review.

I made one last trip to my local used book store before it closes. It technically doesn’t close  until April 26th, but their inventory is already reduced dramatically and there isn’t much else left there that would compel me to go back. I’m still super sad about this store closing. I didn’t go there nearly as often as I should have during the years I’ve been living here. Anyway, I picked up 5 more books this last trip. They were ones I’d had my eye on during previous trips, but it was  the 30% off that made me finally pick them up.

WarlordAgent XThe BricklayerA Long Day for DyingThe Bride Collector

 

I went kind of crazy on Paperbackswap the last few weeks and ordered these books:

Fool MoonOutlanderThe Dark Side of CamelotBrothers

And one from my grandmother:

Six Years

And finally I received a couple of review books in the mail as well:

The Kafka SocietySafe Keeping

 

Now … I need to start reading!!!

 

3/5, AUTHOR, Book Review, Fiction, H, RATING, Read in 2014, SERIES, Sookie Stackhouse

2014.15 REVIEW – Club Dead by Charlaine Harris

Tara

Club Dead
by Charlaine Harris

Copyright: 2003
Pages: 258
Rating: 3/5
Read: March 24 – Mar. 29, 2014
Challenge: No challenge
Yearly count: 15
Format:  Print
Source: Personal copy (PBS)


Club DeadBlurb: There’s only one vampire Sookie Stackhouse is involved with (at least voluntarily) and that’s Bill. But recently he’s been a little distant – in another state, distant. His sinister and sexy boss Eric has an idea where to find him. Next thing Sookie knows, she is off to Jackson, Mississippi to mingle with the under-underworld at Club Dead. It’s a dangerous little haunt where the elitist vampire society can go to chill out and suck down some Type O. But when Sookie finally finds Bill – caught in an act of serious betrayal – she’s not sure whether to save him … or sharpen some stakes.

Review: Okay, so this is the third book in the Sookie Stackhouse series. And I have to tell you … I was a little bit disappointed in it. I have enjoyed the first two books quite a bit. But this one fell flat for me. It felt forced. And I hate to say it … I couldn’t stop thinking about how much Sookie was reminding me of Bella from the Twilight books … she was so freaking whiney in this installment that it just about drove me bonkers. To be completely honest, if this book had been the first in the series, I never would have read the second one. That’s how much this one did not work for me.

I’m not giving up on this series yet. I still have the next two books, but if they aren’t better than this one … well. We’ll just have to see after that. Hopefully this book was just a random fluke in this series and the next one will be better.

So I’m curious, if you’ve read this series (I know, I’m terribly behind to the party on this one!) did this one fall flat for you? Does it get better again in the next one? Let me know your thoughts!

READING CHALLENGES 2014

#TBRChallengeRBR Checkpoint 3

Tara

2014tbrbutton

Well, here we are at the third TBR Challenge checkpoint.

I’m happy to say that I’ve done a little bit better this month than last month. What’s that mean, you ask? Well … I at least read one book for this challenge this month 🙂

So while I’m still technically one book behind on this challenge, at least I didn’t get another book behind. I keep hoping that I’ll catch a break in my reading schedule to get some personal books read, but I keep accepting review books, haha! (Which is okay too because I’ve read a lot of good books this year!)

Anyway, for this month I read Max Allan Collins’ Bye Bye, Baby. It’s part of his Nathan Heller series, but the first in a trilogy within the series that revolves around the Kennedy family.

As I state in my review, I liked the book but I think it’s overall reach in regards to its readership would probably begin and end with people interested in Marilyn Monroe and/or the Kennedy family. But I would recommend it and I look forward to reading the other two books in the future sometime.

I’m definitely looking forward to reading more for this challenge, but I have a pretty bad feeling that I’m going to end up not too happy with the books I chose. Oh well!

Until next month’s check-in … happy reading!

First chapter, Meme

First Chapter, First Paragraph Tuesday Intros #16

Tara

20120807-073336.jpg

Diane over at Bibliophile by the Sea hosts this meme.

Duke City Split

Today I’m featuring a book that I’m reading for review. 

Bud Knox relaxed on a park bench, basking in the April sunshine, his windbreaker zipped to his chin. A placid man with thinning brown hair, Bud looked nothing at all like a bank robber.

I’m reading this one in conjunction with a TLC Book tour. This one definitely caught my attention immediately! I hope you’ll stop back by when I post my review on April 7th!