This OR That #Giveaway Week 79 ~ Two Winners! Lady in the Lake by Laura Lippman OR The Recovery Agent by Janet Evanovich #LadyInTheLake #TheRecoveryAgent

 

I have sooooo many books!

The This or That Giveaway! feature that I post every Saturday is a way for me to cull my collection and to share some of the many books I have. I get to clear off some of my shelves to make room for more books and give someone else the chance to enjoy these treasures.

Good luck and be sure to stop back next week!

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Lady in the Lake
by Laura Lippman
ARC ~ Published July 2019

The revered New York Times bestselling author returns with a novel set in 1960s Baltimore that combines modern psychological insights with elements of classic noir, about a middle-aged housewife turned aspiring reporter who pursues the murder of a forgotten young woman.

In 1966, Baltimore is a city of secrets that everyone seems to know--everyone, that is, except Madeline "Maddie" Schwartz. Last year, she was a happy, even pampered housewife. This year, she's bolted from her marriage of almost twenty years, determined to make good on her youthful ambitions to live a passionate, meaningful life. 

Maddie wants to matter, to leave her mark on a swiftly changing world. Drawing on her own secrets, she helps Baltimore police find a murdered girl--assistance that leads to a job at the city's afternoon newspaper, the Star. Working at the newspaper offers Maddie the opportunity to make her name, and she has found just the story to do it: a missing woman whose body was discovered in the fountain of a city park lake. 

Cleo Sherwood was a young African-American woman who liked to have a good time. No one seems to know or care why she was killed except Maddie--and the dead woman herself. Maddie's going to find the truth about Cleo's life and death. Cleo's ghost, privy to Maddie's poking and prying, wants to be left alone. Maddie's investigation brings her into contact with people that used to be on the periphery of her life--a jewelery store clerk, a waitress, a rising star on the Baltimore Orioles, a patrol cop, a hardened female reporter, a lonely man in a movie theater. 

But for all her ambition and drive, Maddie often fails to see the people right in front of her. Her inability to look beyond her own needs will lead to tragedy and turmoil for all sorts of people--including the man who shares her bed, a black police officer who cares for Maddie more than she knows.'

Read my thoughts here

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The Recovery Agent
(Gabriela Rose #1)
by Janet Evanovich
ARC ~ Published March 2022

Lost something? Gabriela Rose knows how to get it back. As a recovery agent, she’s hired by individuals and companies seeking lost treasures, stolen heirlooms, or missing assets of any kind. She’s reliable, cool under pressure, and well trained in weapons of all types. But Gabriela’s latest job isn’t for some bamboozled billionaire, it’s for her own family, whose home is going to be wiped off the map if they can’t come up with a lot of money fast.

Inspired by an old family legend, Gabriela sets off for the jungles of Peru in pursuit of the Ring of Solomon and the lost treasure of Cortez. But this particular job comes with a huge problem attached to it—Gabriela’s ex-husband, Rafer. It’s Rafer who has the map that possibly points the way to the treasure, and he’s not about to let Gabriela find it without him.

Rafer is as relaxed as Gabriela is driven, and he has a lifetime’s experience getting under his ex-wife’s skin. But when they aren’t bickering about old times the two make a formidable team, and it’s going to take a team to defeat the vicious drug lord who has also been searching for the fabled ring. A drug lord who doesn’t mind leaving a large body count behind him to get it.

The Recovery Agent marks the start of an irresistible new series that will have you clamoring for more and cheering for the unstoppable Gabriela Rose on every page. 

Read my thoughts here

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We are on a road trip this week, spending time with some family and exploring in the western parts of the US. Since I'm probably not going to be posting much, I thought I would set up a special giveaway while I'm gone.

This week, I'm giving away 2 ARCs so —

TWO books, TWO winners!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Be sure to check the sidebar for my current giveaways!

This OR That #Giveaway № 74 ~ The Recovery Agent by Janet Evanovich OR Unexpecting by Lori Verni-Fogarsi #TheRecoveryAgent #Unexpecting

 

I have sooooo many books!

The This or That Giveaway! feature that I post every Saturday is a way for me to cull my collection and to share some of the many books I have. I get to clear off some of my shelves to make room for more books and give someone else the chance to enjoy these treasures.

Good luck and be sure to stop back next week!

*****************

The Recovery Agent
(Gabriela Rose #1)
by Janet Evanovich
ARC ~ Published March 2022

Lost something? Gabriela Rose knows how to get it back. As a recovery agent, she’s hired by individuals and companies seeking lost treasures, stolen heirlooms, or missing assets of any kind. She’s reliable, cool under pressure, and well trained in weapons of all types. But Gabriela’s latest job isn’t for some bamboozled billionaire, it’s for her own family, whose home is going to be wiped off the map if they can’t come up with a lot of money fast.

Inspired by an old family legend, Gabriela sets off for the jungles of Peru in pursuit of the Ring of Solomon and the lost treasure of Cortez. But this particular job comes with a huge problem attached to it—Gabriela’s ex-husband, Rafer. It’s Rafer who has the map that possibly points the way to the treasure, and he’s not about to let Gabriela find it without him.

Rafer is as relaxed as Gabriela is driven, and he has a lifetime’s experience getting under his ex-wife’s skin. But when they aren’t bickering about old times the two make a formidable team, and it’s going to take a team to defeat the vicious drug lord who has also been searching for the fabled ring. A drug lord who doesn’t mind leaving a large body count behind him to get it.

The Recovery Agent marks the start of an irresistible new series that will have you clamoring for more and cheering for the unstoppable Gabriela Rose on every page. 

Read my thoughts here

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Unexpecting
by Lori Verni-Fogarsi
ARC ~ Published March 2013

Shelley and David are a couple of almost-empty-nesters preparing to embark on the next stage of their life. They've just ordered white furniture and are planning the vacation they've waited their entire lives to take.

Their lives are catapulted in a completely different direction when Alexandra, seventeen and pregnant, shows up on their doorstep and announces that she's the daughter they never knew they had! Their life becomes filled with dilemmas as they add not only another child, but also a baby to a household that was just about to become serene.

Shelley feels like she no longer fits in anywhere and to top it off, having two teenaged girls suddenly plunged into being sisters and school mates is not exactly warm and fuzzy. When Alexandra's behavior becomes erratic, the couple is faced with even tougher decisions to make.

Hold on for an emotional yet witty ride as you join this family of characters in a story of love, loyalty, heartbreak, and humor that will stay with you long after you turn the last page!

Read my thoughts here

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Be sure to check the sidebar for my current giveaways!

The Recovery Agent by Janet Evanovich ~ My Thoughts #TheRecoveryAgent

The Recovery Agent by Janet Evanovich

Series: Gabriela Rose #1

Humorous Fiction, Women Sleuths, 320 pages

Published March 22nd 2022 by Atria Books

Lost something? Gabriela Rose knows how to get it back. As a recovery agent, she’s hired by individuals and companies seeking lost treasures, stolen heirlooms, or missing assets of any kind. She’s reliable, cool under pressure, and well trained in weapons of all types. But Gabriela’s latest job isn’t for some bamboozled billionaire, it’s for her own family, whose home is going to be wiped off the map if they can’t come up with a lot of money fast.

Inspired by an old family legend, Gabriela sets off for the jungles of Peru in pursuit of the Ring of Solomon and the lost treasure of Cortez. But this particular job comes with a huge problem attached to it—Gabriela’s ex-husband, Rafer. It’s Rafer who has the map that possibly points the way to the treasure, and he’s not about to let Gabriela find it without him.

Rafer is as relaxed as Gabriela is driven, and he has a lifetime’s experience getting under his ex-wife’s skin. But when they aren’t bickering about old times the two make a formidable team, and it’s going to take a team to defeat the vicious drug lord who has also been searching for the fabled ring. A drug lord who doesn’t mind leaving a large body count behind him to get it.

The Recovery Agent marks the start of an irresistible new series that will have you clamoring for more and cheering for the unstoppable Gabriela Rose on every page. 

My thoughts about The Recovery Agent ~~

(I love to note the first lines of the books I'm reading. First lines can really grab a reader's attention and I love seeing where the author takes the reader after their first line.)

First line—"Gabriela Rose was standing in a small clearing that led to a rope-and-board footbridge. The narrow bridge spanned a gorge that a hundred feet deep and almost as wide."

I've been a huge fan of Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series. Great characters and humorous situations. I felt like I was reading a SP knock-off when I was reading The Recovery Agent. So many similarities—strong female whose goal is to recover things this time (instead of people), a hunky male with chemistry and sexual tension, somewhat supportive parents, and a quirky grandma. It just seemed like "insert different people, place and, drama" into a new manuscript.

That is not to say that this wasn't a good read. It was and I enjoyed it, although it was very predicable. I'll definitely give book two a shot when it comes out to see where the author goes with this series. At least I was able to visit places outside the U.S. There is that. 

I received an ARC of The Recovery Agent from the publisher vis Goodreads and this is my honest opinion.

About the author

Janet Evanovich is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Stephanie Plum series, the Lizzy and Diesel series, twelve romance novels, the Alexandra Barnaby novels and Trouble Maker graphic novel, and How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author, as well as the Fox and O'Hare series with co-author Lee Goldberg. ~ Goodreads

Connect with Janet

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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Be sure to check the sidebar for all of my current giveaways!

Release Day! The Recovery Agent by Janet Evanovich ~ My Thoughts #TheRecoveryAgent

Happy Release Day!

Congrats Janet

on the release today of

The Recovery Agent!

The Recovery Agent by Janet Evanovich

Series: (Gabriela Rose, #1)

Mystery, Adventure, Humor, 320 pages

Published March 22, 2022 by Atria Books

Lost something? Gabriela Rose knows how to get it back. As a recovery agent, she’s hired by individuals and companies seeking lost treasures, stolen heirlooms, or missing assets of any kind. She’s reliable, cool under pressure, and well trained in weapons of all types. But Gabriela’s latest job isn’t for some bamboozled billionaire, it’s for her own family, whose home is going to be wiped off the map if they can’t come up with a lot of money fast.

Inspired by an old family legend, Gabriela sets off for the jungles of Peru in pursuit of the Ring of Solomon and the lost treasure of Cortez. But this particular job comes with a huge problem attached to it—Gabriela’s ex-husband, Rafer. It’s Rafer who has the map that possibly points the way to the treasure, and he’s not about to let Gabriela find it without him.

Rafer is as relaxed as Gabriela is driven, and he has a lifetime’s experience getting under his ex-wife’s skin. But when they aren’t bickering about old times the two make a formidable team, and it’s going to take a team to defeat the vicious drug lord who has also been searching for the fabled ring. A drug lord who doesn’t mind leaving a large body count behind him to get it.

The Recovery Agent marks the start of an irresistible new series that will have you clamoring for more and cheering for the unstoppable Gabriela Rose on every page.

My thoughts about The Recovery Agent ~~

(I love to note the first lines of the books I'm reading. First lines can really grab a reader's attention and I love seeing where the author takes the reader after their first line.)

First line—"Gabriela Rose was standing in a small clearing that led to a rope-and-board footbridge. The narrow bridge spanned a gorge that was a hundred feet deep and almost as wide."

Okay, to be honest, I haven't read The Recovery Agent yet. I won a print copy from Goodreads but because of my already committed review schedule, life, and my lack of time before we leave on a two week road trip, I didn't get to it. I'm super excited to dive into it and it's absolutely going on vacation with me.

But.... since I'm a huge fan of Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series, I had to spotlight this new release! If this series is anything like the SP series, I know it's going to be a hoot to read. Evanovich has a great sense of humor, which totally comes out in her series, and I can't wait to meet her new character Gabriella Rose and see where she takes me. I expect it will be a wild ride!

About the author

Janet Evanovich is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Stephanie Plum series, the Lizzy and Diesel series, twelve romance novels, the Alexandra Barnaby novels and Trouble Maker graphic novel, and How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author, as well as the Fox and O'Hare series with co-author Lee Goldberg. ~ Goodreads

Connect with Janet

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram

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Be sure to check the sidebar for all of my current giveaways!

Book Spotlight Giveaway! Visions of Sugar Plums by Janet Evanovich

I have sooooo many books! I have a ton of print books and probably even more e-books. The Book Spotlight feature that I post every Saturday is a way for me to clear my shelves and to share some of the books I have. And to give someone else the opportunity to enjoy them.

I love the Stephanie Plum series. If you have not read them you, you should. They are such a hoot! Tricky Twenty-Two, book #22, is being released on November 17th. And, just in time for the Christmas season, I have an oldie but a goodie, Visions of Sugar Plums, to give away.

Good luck and be sure to stop back next week!

Visions of Sugar Plums

Visions of Sugar Plums by Janet Evanovich
Series: Stephanie Plum #8.5
Hardcover, 149 pages
Published November 5th 2002 by St. Martin's Press

It's five days before Christmas and things are not looking merry for Fugitive Apprehension Agent Stephanie Plum. She hasn't got a tree. She hasn't bought any presents. The malls are jam-packed with staggering shoppers. There's not a twinkle light anywhere to be seen in her apartment.

And there's a strange man in her kitchen.

Sure, this has happened to Stephanie Plum before. Strangers, weirdos, felons, creeps, and lunatics are always finding their way to her front door. But this guy is different. This guy is mysterious, sexy-and he has his own agenda. His name is Diesel and he is a man on a mission. And Diesel is unlike anyone Stephanie has ever met before in her life. 

The question is, what does he want with her? Can he help her find a little old toy maker who has skipped out on his bail right before Christmas? Can he survive the Plum family holiday dinner? Can he get Stephanie a tree that doesn't look like it was grown next to a nuclear power plant? 

These questions and more are keeping Stephanie awake at night. Not to mention the fact that she needs to find a bunch of nasty elves, her sister Valerie has a Christmas "surprise" for the Plums, her niece Mary Alice doesn't believe in Santa anymore, and Grandma Mazur has a new stud muffin.

So bring out the plastic reindeer, strap on your jingle bells, and get ready to celebrate the holidays-Jersey style. Visions of Sugar Plums - the world of Plum has never been merrier!

About the author

Janet Evanovich is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Stephanie Plum series, the Lizzy and Diesel series, twelve romance novels, the Alexandra Barnaby novels and Trouble Maker graphic novel, and How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author, as well as the Fox and O'Hare series with co-author Lee Goldberg.

Connect with Janet

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to check the sidebar for my current giveaways!

Smokin' Seventeen by Janet Evanovich

Where there’s smoke there’s fire, and no one knows this better than New Jersey bounty hunter Stephanie Plum.

Dead bodies are showing up in shallow graves on the empty construction lot of Vincent Plum Bail Bonds. No one is sure who the killer is, or why the victims have been offed, but what is clear is that Stephanie’s name is on the killer’s list.

Short on time to find evidence proving the killer’s identity, Stephanie faces further complications when her family and friends decide that it’s time for her to choose between her longtime off-again-on-again boyfriend, Trenton cop Joe Morelli, and the bad boy in her life, security expert Ranger. Stephanie’s mom is encouraging Stephanie to dump them both and choose a former high school football star who’s just returned to town. Stephanie’s sidekick, Lula, is encouraging Stephanie to have a red-hot boudoir “bake-off.” And Grandma Bella, Morelli’s old-world grandmother, is encouraging Stephanie to move to a new state when she puts “the eye” on Stephanie.

With a cold-blooded killer after her, a handful of hot men, and a capture list that includes a dancing bear and a senior citizen vampire, Stephanie’s life looks like it’s about to go up in smoke. ~~synopsis from Goodreads

My thoughts on Smokin' Seventeen ~~

O-M-G - this book might be one of Evanovich's best! I have read all 17 books in the series so far, over the years. I have to admit that I was about 'done' with them around book 10. (Ten Big Ones). I was beginning to feel like, been there, done that. I was almost to the point where I was thinking about not reading any more. But I loved the older ones so much, they are so hilarious, that I thought 'just give her another chance'. So I did and they have just been getting better and better.

I was totally hooked after One for the Money and recommended it to everyone I knew that loved to read. Why, just today, I talked about this series with another person that had not read them yet. I know, how is that possible? 

So -- I am recommending them to you, if you have not read them yet! Be sure to start with the first one - this is a series that is best read in order so that you know where the characters are coming from and how they got to where they are now. I can't read these books without constantly having a smile on my face and bursting out with some laugh-out-louds. There are so many crazy, quirky characters that you can't help but fall in love with!!

Smokin' Seventeen has am amazing 'cliff-hanger' ending - grrrrrrr! I was so mad when the book ended. I couldn't believe it was over. I need to know what Stephanie decided!! And then I found out that Explosive Eighteen comes out November 22. Yea!! I don't have to wait very long to read the next installment.

And then to make this winter even better, the movie One for the Money comes out in January 2012!! I can't wait to see these hilarious characters on the big screen! Can you tell I am excited?

Check here for the One for the Money trailer  

Can't wait!! January!!!! Whoo hooo!!