Blog Tour: This Tangled Thing Called Love by Marie Astor

EXCERPT:

Claire’s purchase was almost wrapped up when the front door swung open, blowing in a fresh burst of May air. Hearing the noise, Claire turned toward the source of distraction and immediately regretted her decision.
“Are you OK?” Lindsay nudged her. “Your face is all flushed.”
“I’m fine,” Claire murmured. “I’m just really hungry that’s all – let’s go grab a bite to eat after this.” Claire ducked her head, hoping to remain unnoticed.
“Claire?”
She had only heard his voice a handful of times, and yet, it was enough to unleash a flurry of goose bumps on her skin. “Hi Alec.” Claire widened her lips in a bright smile, attempting to sound nonchalant.
“Hi, I’m Lindsay.” Lindsay stepped in, alternately darting curious glances at Claire and Alec.
“This is Alec, my new neighbor.” Claire swiped away at an unruly strand of hair that fell over her forehead.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lindsay.” Alec momentarily tore his gaze away from Claire.
“Likewise. So, are you an art fan, Alec?” Lindsay asked, clearly oblivious to Claire’s tense state.
“You could certainly say that, although dance is my first love, as Claire might have told you.”
“No, she did not.”
“Alec is a big tango fan,” Claire cut in, eager to put an end to this unnerving chitchat.
“Actually, I’m a dance teacher – I teach tango and I also compete professionally.” Alec’s dark brown eyes found Claire’s. “I’m afraid Claire and I had started off on the wrong foot when I inadvertently woke her up on a Saturday morning by playing my tango music too loud, but I hope that she has forgiven me.”
Alec kept his eyes on Claire during the entire tirade, and all she could do was blush and mumble a muffled yes.
“Ah, that’s much better.” Alec exhaled, his muscular chest puffing out. “I’ve always had a good rapport with all of my neighbors and I was hoping that my good record would not get marred. So, are you doing some decorating, Claire?”
“I’m buying an anniversary gift for my boyfriend,” Claire snapped, wishing the store clerk would hurry up with the wrapping.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Claire Chatfield has everything a girl could possibly wish for: looks, a promising career, and an engagement ring from one of New York’s most eligible heir-bachelors! Life should be a dream and yet, it does not feel like one… When an enigmatic new neighbor, Alec Brunell, moves into an apartment above from Claire’s, Claire is surprised to find herself wondering whether the choices she has made in her life are worth following through.
In order to secure his place as his father’s successor, David Lawson must settle down with a wife befitting the future head of Lawson Enterprises – and who could fit the prerequisite better than lovely Claire Chatfield? There is just one glitch – David Lawson is in love with another woman.
Alec Brunell has never lacked for women’s attention, but he finds himself at a loss when faced with his downstairs neighbor, Claire Chatfield. Still, her iciness only adds fuel to his fire, as Alec is determined to change Claire’s view of him.
This Tangled Thing Called Love follows the story of four people searching for love – will they have the courage to find it?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Marie Astor is the author of contemporary romance novels Dance Me to the Stars, On the Rim of Love, and Lucky Charm, and a collection of short stories A Chance Encounter and Other Stories.
Marie’s latest contemporary romance novel, Dance Me to the Stars, has been selected in the first round of entries in the General Fiction category in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel contest this year.
Currently, Marie is working on her next novel – a first installment in her romantic suspense series.

Websites and Social Media:

Author Website: www.marieastor.com
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/MarieAstor/e/B004EBDX9Q/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/marieastorcollection
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4665230.Marie_Astor
Twitter: @marieastor

Books by Marie Astor:
Dance Me to the Stars – a contemporary romance about finding one’s perfect match.
http://www.amazon.com/Dance-Me-Stars-Contemporary-ebook/dp/B0078IPNCW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1334533879&sr=8-3
On the Rim of Love – a contemporary romance about the unexpected power of love.
http://www.amazon.com/Rim-Love-Contemporary-Romance-ebook/dp/B005TOWI7K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322449445&sr=8-1
Lucky Charm – a humorous contemporary romance about love, luck and friendship.
http://www.amazon.com/Lucky-Charm-Contemporary-Romance-ebook/dp/B005BZL3L4/ref=pd_sim_kinc_2?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2
A Chance Encounter and Other Stories – a short story collection about love and everyday life.
http://www.amazon.com/Chance-Encounter-Other-Stories-ebook/dp/B004E112TO/ref=pd_sim_kinc_2?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2

GIVEAWAY:

**Everyone who leaves a comment below will be entered in the giveaway! Anyone who purchases their copy of This Tangled Thing Called Love before August 27 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five bonus entries! Five individual winners will receive a piece of jewelry shown above, and one bonus winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card! Please note this is open to US residents only.** 

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In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

FROM NETGALLEY:

Secret Battles of Genghis Khan by Daryl Gregory
Potatoes on Rooftops by Hadley Dyer
Candy Experiments by LORALEE LEAVITT

Blog Tour and Review: Breaking the Rules by Cat Lavoie

SUMMARY FROM PUBLISHER:

When twenty-seven year old Roxy Rule’s best friend and roommate accepts a glamorous new job overseas, she expects their relationship to continue as it’s always been—carefree and easy—until they share a heart-stopping kiss.
While Ollie escapes to jolly ole England to live out his dream and save the planet with green architecture, Roxy is stuck in New York City working for a boss who makes her want to stab herself with a letter opener. She can’t bear to think about her own big-city dream of being a chef anymore. Over the years, her passion for food has only resulted in extra pounds and a staggering credit card balance for fancy kitchen equipment that she barely has time to use. Still, Roxy’s sure that nothing can come between two lifelong best friends—not even mild jealousy over a thriving career or a silly little kiss that meant nothing. In fact, it was such a meaningless and forgettable kiss that it’s not worth mentioning to her fiancé, not that he would even listen—all they do these days is argue about their upcoming wedding.
Roxy is faced with an unexpected family reunion when her younger sister Steffi arrives on her doorstep, six months into a pregnancy she refuses to discuss. When older sister Izzie—in the throes of a premature midlife crisis—joins them, she’s determined to crack the case of Steffi’s impending motherhood. With the Rule sisters living under the same roof again, Roxy’s quiet little apartment in the city is about to be anything but peaceful.
Roxy soon discovers that her seemingly idyllic relationship with Ollie started getting complicated way before he left for London. She must come to terms with her feelings for him, learn to stand up for herself and go after what she really wants.
Breaking the Rules is the story of what happens when you have to redefine the rules of love, friendship and family in order to find yourself.

MY TAKE:

I enjoy most chick lit books so I was eager to read this one.

In Breaking the Rules, Roxy's best friend Ollie is headed to England but before he leaves, he kisses her. It wouldn't be a problem, if it weren't for the fact that he has a girlfriend and she has a fiance. To top it all off, her sisters are in town for an impromptu visit to run away from their own crises,

If I hadn't read the comments in the ARC I received, I'm sure the plot twist would have come as a surprise to me. Most of the story is easy to guess and the ending is more or less happy, which is typical of chick lit books, there is at least one plot twist that while it seems a little bit weird and dysfunctional, keeps this from being too cliche.

Roxy is a realistic heroine, although she does a few things in this book that are not okay in my book so that made me dislike her a bit. Surprisingly, my favorite character in the book is Tali. She's a strong character but she didn't annoy me in the least.

THE GOOD:

1. A lot of people can probably relate to this.
2. The heroine isn't stick thin.
3. It's a fluffy read.

THE BAD:

1. It's predictable in some parts.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

Ravioli with prosciutto and a tomato-basil puree.

READ IT IF:

1. You like chick lit.
2. You like characters who aren't stereotypically thin and gorgeous.
3. You like romance stories with a little bit of family drama thrown in.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Cat Lavoie was born in the small town of Jonquière in Québec, Canada. At the age of nineteen, she packed up her things (mostly books) and moved to the big city of Montreal where she currently lives with her tempestuous cat Abbie—who is both adorable and quite possibly evil.
An incurable Anglophile since her university days where she studied English Literature, she can often be found daydreaming about her next trip to London. Since she’s an expert at the art of procrastination, Cat is easily distracted by cooking and home improvement shows—even though she’s not particularly good at either.
Cat grew up watching soap operas and legal dramas and—had she not decided to be a claims analyst by day and write chick lit by night—she would have probably become a designer suit-wearing lawyer. Or a character on All My Children (which is what she really wanted to be when she was twelve).
Cat is not sure whether she’s a geek or a nerd—and is afraid she might be both. Breaking the Rules is her first novel.
Cat blogs about the writing life and posts adorable pictures of Abbie over at the Catenabi Chronicles. Come say hello at: www.CatLavoie.com and follow @Catenabi on Twitter.

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Review: China’s Goodwill Ambassador-Tai Shan the Panda by Patricia Eireann Holz

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

China's Goodwill Ambassador, Tai Shan the Panda is a mischievous four year-old panda, a descendant of the first panda pair given as gifts from the Chinese people to the American people in 1972. He is a popular and beloved sight for children visiting the National Zoo in Washington, DC. All is well until he discovers he must leave the zoo and go alone to Sichaun province, China. With mixed feelings he learns from his parents that he must go to help save endangered baby pandas. Tai Shan also learns the meaning of a goodwill ambassador as he says goodbye to all his friends and travels on the Bamboo Express to China. He is daring, friendly, and outgoing, and his courage is constantly tested through some great adventures. Combines fact and fiction based on the true story of the real Tai Shan.
Holz is an Irish writer of poetry, travel writing, and fiction. She founded Washington International magazine with a view toward building bridges of understanding between cultures. China's Goodwill Ambassador, Tai Shan the Panda encompasses the values of friendship, courage, and respect, and deals with the pain of separation as well as the joy of adventure. With an education and field experience in child psychology, this is her first book dedicated to children.

MY TAKE:

I don't think I've heard of Tai Shan before reading this book, but  because pandas are so cute, I didn't hesitate in reading this book.

China’s Goodwill Ambassador-Tai Shan the Panda is about a sweet little panda that has to go to China to help save younger pandas. The day before he has to leave, he talks to his other animal friends and creates memories that will last a lifetime.

Tai Shan is such a cute little panda! His friends kinda remind me of the animals in the movie Madagascar.

The story is a little bit long, so I think this is best for slightly older kids or it's a book that parents will read to their younger kids in installments.

The illustrations are pretty, too, although, I feel like the style is more of something that you would see in postcards, if that makes sense.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookmasters for the e-copy.


THE GOOD:

1. Tai Shan is a cute panda!
2. You get to read about the history of Tai Shan.
3. The coloring of the illustrations is very pretty.

THE BAD:

1. The book is a little bit long.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

I will never, ever forget it, even when I am far away in China with one hundred years behind me.

READ IT IF:

1. You like pandas.
2. You want to learn more about Tai Shan.
3. You're looking for a book which you can read to your kid over a long period of time.

RATING: 
 


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Review: Pip Goes to Camp by Donna L. Peterson

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

Summer camp won’t know what hit them! Pip’s parents are sending him away on an adventure, but Pip’s sure a whole week at camp will be more like torture! Filled with fun comedy, eye-catching pictures, and an easy-to-follow storyline, this book is perfect for young readers and guaranteed to keep the whole family grinning to the very last page!

MY TAKE:


I've never been to summer camp, but Pip makes it look like such an adventure.


In Pip Goes Camp, Pip's parents send him off to camp. There, Pip meets some really weird and really fun people that makes his camp stay memorable.

I thought this book was funny! Pip definitely sounds like a typical boy, although there were times when he sounded a little bit old-fashioned. For the most part, however, Pip is the kind of heroine that young boys will relate to. There was even a portion of the book where I thought that Pip could have been part of Holes.

Each chapter talks about Pip's adventures with his campmates. This is a great idea since each chapter can sort of be read alone. This is perfect for kids with short attention spans.

Kids can also learn new vocabulary words from the book. Some of the words are italicized for emphasis and explained so that kids can learn what they mean.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bonneville for the e-ARC. Publication date of Pip Goes to Camp is on August 14, 2012.


THE GOOD:

1. Young kids will be able to relate to Pip.
2. Kids can learn new vocabulary words.
3. The book is funny.

THE BAD:

1. Sometimes Pip sounds a little bit old-fashioned.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

Sure, it's not very easy being a kid. But there are a whole bunch of fun things we got to do that grown-ups can't do.

READ IT IF:

1. You want your male kid to read more.
2. Your kids like going to camp.
3. You like funny children's

RATING: 



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Review: Aldo's Fantastical Movie Palace by Jonathan Friesen

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

For ages 11-14
In the Darkness of this Theater, Anything Can Happen The family's broken-down theater has always been a safe place for Chloe. There, no one can see the scars that line her face-scars her inventor father accidentally caused, leaving even deeper wounds between them. In the darkness she meets Nick, a boy with his own hurts. While Nick isn't the most pleasant companion, a rocky friendship is formed over their love of films. Soon the two are working on a movie script about a fantastical world-one that suddenly comes alive on the screen. Chloe and Nick are transported into an adventure beyond what they ever imagined, filled with dragons, magical pools, and a sinister vapor that threatens to destroy everyone. But when tragedy strikes, Chloe must find the courage to step out of the shadows and find what she's always longed for.

MY TAKE:

This book has shades of Bridges to Terabithia, but it's quite original in its own right.

In Aldo's Fantastical Movie Palace, Chloe meets Nick, a kid who has just moved into their neighborhood. Both of them have emotional scars and this, plus the script that Nick is writing, helps the two of them bond.

Jonathan Friesen has created a wonderful world. While I think the names of some of the characters and the places could have been more creative, I did like the concepts and most of the characters themselves. There are plenty of interesting things going on that will get your attention.

As this book is meant for older kids and young teenagers, some of the interesting stuff gets glossed over or fixed too easily. If this book had been aimed for a broader audience, ala Harry Potter, this would have been even better. As it is, so much was packed into the book that I didn't get to savor it as much as I wanted to. Perhaps this would have been better as a trilogy?

Of the characters in the book, I liked Nob the best. Chloe is okay most of the time, however, there were times when I found her annoying. By the end of the book, though, she became more mature, loving and tolerable, and the book finishes on a high note.

Thanks to NetGalley and ZonderKidz for the e-ARC.

THE GOOD:

1. The world is interesting.
2. There are some very nice prose.
3. Some of the concepts are the kind of things that kids will really appreciate.

THE BAD:

1. The world and the characters would have benefited from more details.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

"I will jump into the water and forget. All the problems that feel so large, I will leave on the shore. They will wait for me and be there when I emerge. I will worry about them then, but for a few moments, I will forget."

READ IT IF:

1. You like Bridge to Terabithia.
2. You like books wherein the hero and heroine create or travel to new worlds.
3. Your child likes fantasy books.

RATING:



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Teaser Tuesdays

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

She wanted to say more, and maybe she would... someday.