RELEASE DAY - THE KRAKEN'S MIRROR - CONGRATS MAUREEN & ENTER TO WIN!


Huge congrats to Maureen O. Betita, a very dear friend of mine who is celebrating the release of her debut book The Kraken's Mirror! I was honored to serve as a beta-reader and think readers will really enjoy the world that Maureen has built. Here's a snippet about the book:

Captain Alan Silvestri is a man haunted by a strange curse. Good luck is his to command, but it comes at the cost of any place to call home or people to reckon as family. Resigned to die and shunned by all, he is forced to sail every three days, until he begins to dream of a special woman.


Treated by our youth-oriented society as invisible and sexless, Emily Pawes is ready to move on with life. She attends a pirate festival, hoping to recapture the make-believe magic she knew as a young woman. Lucky to win an interesting bit of booty at a brick-a-brac stand, she finds herself transported by the Kraken’s mirror through a magical portal to a land of Hollywood piratitude, where swashbuckling heroes own iPods. With little choice, Emily embraces the madness. Playing pirate has to be safer than falling into the arms of handsome Captain Silvestri, right?

When they meet, sparks fly, passion flares. He needs her to be free, but more than that, he needs her to be whole. Setting sail and uncertain of who actually controls the wheel, they seek ways to defeat his curse of good luck and discover the Kraken’s mirror has plans for them. Will Emily stay in this pirate haven to fight alongside him or will he lose her because of his curse?

Cheeky Reads had a giveaway for Maureen's book back when she was first contracted and I'l be contacting the winner later today for details on how to get her copy of the book.

But for the rest of you, head over to The Romance Writer's Revenge and comment to enter to win one of three copies Maureen is giving away today. Join in the fun and tell Maureen Cheeky Girl Sabrina says congrats!

Sorry I'm MIA...



I'm sorry not to have posted an update, but I've been sidelined with something big happening with my day job (not in a good way) so I'm pretty focused on that right now. I should be back to posting this weekend or early next week!

Happy Reading!
Sabrina

Sponsor Spotlight: Introducing Rebel Ink Press

Today I'd like to highlight one of our sponsors at Cheeky Reads. Please welcome Rebel Ink Press and take a look at their upcoming releases. You might find a new-to-you author or book you just have to have!

Happy Reading!
Sabrina

Coming Soon From Rebel Ink Press

Rebel Ink Press is proud to be at Cheeky Reads today sharing a bit about our upcoming releases and the writers that produced them. Thanks so much Sabrina for inviting us over! We’ve enjoyed being here and look forward to working with you again soon.

Rebel Ink Press is a small, independent publisher of romance novels that run the gamut from young adult all the way to sizzling erotica. Since their official opening in September 2010, Rebel has signed both new and seasoned cutting edge authors from several genres. There's no question that Rebel titles have tremendous market appeal and that their writers are plugged in to the both the paranormal/fantasy side of the romance genre as well as the more down to earth, realistic, romantic side by featuring real-to-life heroes and heroines going about the business of day to day living. In fact, several of their authors are best sellers within their given genre and a few have won awards through their local writing guilds or chapters. Since their inception, Rebel has boasted four silver star winning manuscripts at ARe, a premiere e-book retailer, and their authors are gleaning rave reviews. For more information about Rebel please find us at: http://www.rebelinkpress.com/.

Our February line-up:

Kinship Trinity by JL Oiler - February 9, 2011
Time changes all. The world of humankind is gone, replaced by a landscape marred with the aftermath of war and disease. This is the world of the Were. However, even their existence hangs perilously by a thread. The ratio of males to females has become unbalanced and the ruling council is struggling to bring order to its people through the creation of strong clans. Clans lead by not one Alpha Were, but two

Cirri works within the confines of the council hall, evaluating and confirming the rosters of each group seeking clanship. Knowing the day would come when she would be a claimed mate, Cirri just never expected it to be so soon. Or that her mates would take her to the edge of ecstasy and beyond.

Meru and Arcos have traveled to the remnants of the human city seeking clanship even though they've yet to find their perfect mate. Fighting for their right to keep their clan together, neither Were expected to catch the scent of the female who was destined to be their third. But when their clanship paperwork causes a stir within the council, Arcos, Meru and Cirri find themselves fighting for their lives and that of their followers.

JL Oiler lives in the mountains of West Virginia with her husband, two children, and boxer. She began writing stories at a young age, but didn't begin sharing them until she was in her late teens. When not writing, JL enjoys the outdoors and teaching shop to unruly middle schoolers. JL joined forces with fellow authors BethAnn Buehler, Lila Munro, and Carl Franklin to form Wicked Muses in June 2010. JL has releases with Silver Publishing which include To Kiss a Demon, Claiming Night, and Have Yourself a Rotten Little Christmas. A March release is planned for her upcoming anthology (Force Recon: Beacon Bayou) from Rebel Ink Press. JL can be found frequently chatting on Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter. Readers can find JL at her author site: http://www.joiler.weebly.com/

An Executive Affair by Christopher Craven - February 13, 2011
After years of fighting his way up the corporate food chain, advertising executive Jason Hughes settles into his new office on the top floor. Nearly two years after his former lover committed suicide, Jason lives his life settling with everyone for everything. But once he’s been promoted to partner at Hanson Smith Advertising, everything changes—including his social life. Lusting for his secretary, Jon, Jason is contemplating coming out of the closet in the boardroom. But Jason’s sexuality isn’t the only thing on the table when he’s ordered to Valentine's day dinner at his boss’s house. When Jason discovers the man he’s juggled his feelings and sexual desire for is also in attendance that night, will it alter Jason’s position at the firm and erase the years he’s struggled to get to the top?

Christopher Craven grew up the scrawny middle child in a semi-liberal family residing in Phoenix, Arizona. From the time he was able to write his own name, Chris knew that he was destined to write for the world. Thanking his mother, who handed him his first adult novel in junior high, Chris strives to become a prolific name in the literary world. Preferring to write erotic romance that explores the love between kindred spirits and Romantic Suspense, Chris also enjoys barefoot strolls along the beach but can most often be found roaming the Eastern Colorado plateaus when he isn't writing. His online dwelling can be found at http://cravenheat.blogspot.com/

Cupid’s Desire by Dyanna Ashe  - February 13, 2011
Leonidus doesn’t have a typical day job. He’s a Greek Cupid responsible for setting in motion the fates of lovers since the beginning of time. But being a love god isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Sometimes Leonidus has to set in motion passions that will destroy lives, decimate kingdoms, and leave nothing but sadness and ruin in their wake.

His current assignment is to help lonely, shy bookstore owner Chloe Jones fall for a man who is fated to break her heart and ruin her life. The problem is the more he gets to know Chloe, the less Leo wants to hand her off to an undeserving suitor. Leo is determined to protect Chloe from the cruelty of fate and claim her for his own. Unable to contain his rising passion, Leo puts both their lives in jeopardy playing a dangerous game of defiance with the gods themselves. Could this Cupid’s Desire destroy them both?

Dyanna Ashe is a woman on the run, constantly traveling, meeting new people, and exploring new places. Originally from beautiful Virginia, she is happiest when living out of a suitcase and writing whenever she finds inspiration. A true gypsy at heart, she loves being outdoors and surrounded by noisy crowds. Please visit her at her web home: http://dyannaashebooks.blogspot.com/.

Salvation—An Anthology by BethAnn Buehler, JL Oiler and Lila Munro - February 13, 2011
Hearts Vendetta by JL Oiler
Strata Drake had everything a thirty something woman could want: a gorgeous two bedroom flat in the best part of Salvation, Massachusetts, a great job as the requisition coordinator for a nearby museum, and a smoking hot new boyfriend who didn't pressure her for sex. That is until a night out on the town and a spiked drink changes things. Strata finds herself in bed with her hunky boyfriend and his identical twin for a night of passion that fulfills every erotic fantasy she's ever had. However, the next evening Strata discovers she's not only alone, but she's part of the undead. Now she must track the pair down and attempt to reclaim her humanity. Strata soon discovers she's not the only one looking for the tantalizing twosome. Teaming up with Chris Harm, an aggressive werewolf with a score to settle, she realizes she has a lot to learn a lot about herself and her new persona. She also discovers that the wolf has some sexy animal magnetism of his own.

Lethal Love by Lila Munro
After having freed his last assigned town of the worst type of evil to ever walk, Caleb Laird has no excuse to stay any longer. He once thought he’d never leave that small mountain town, but under order of the Agency, he’s been moved to Massachusetts. With his soul mate, Claire Adams, by his side and a few good friends tagging along, this new haven for all manner of para-beings seems like the perfect place for a fresh start.

Claire was more than happy to follow Caleb. In fact, she’d have followed him anywhere. In Salvation, no one knew about her past. Her identity could be concealed and no one would ever need to know about her aliases. Cheers to new beginnings! Now a year later Claire’s found her identity as a talk show host, she's getting married in a few days, and she’s just found out a little magic is on the way.

Thinking they were safe from the which that haunted them, Caleb and Claire never expected to have to deal anyone from a place worse than hell again. But something’s lurking in Salvation. It’s turning families against each other, stalking the innocent, and tearing Caleb and Claire apart. Caleb has to figure out who’s telling the truth before it’s too late and salvation is beyond his grasp.

Spellbound Hearts by BethAnn Buehler
Angeline Griggs has made a career out of teaching Early American History at Boston College. A descendant of William Griggs, the man responsible for the deaths of twenty three young men and women during the Salem Witch Trials, Angeline has spent a lifetime trying to demystify her distant grandfather's claims.

Armed with new knowledge of an ages old family secret, Angeline ditches an attempt at a personal life as she throws herself into studying the link between the men in her family and a long line of witches, one of whom her brother, Grier, has recently taken as his bride. Too enthralled with her studies to be bothered by the boring academic types that keep calling and asking her out, Angeline puts privacy blocker on her phone and requests her number be unlisted. Finally, a little peace and quiet.

Scotsman Branan Laird has come to Boston to attend the wedding of his cousin, Caleb. Glad to be stateside, where no-one knows about him or the "gifts" he's been given, Branan finds that time stops when he spies a gorgeous redhead fretting over a stack of books that weigh more than she does. Anxious to make her acquaintance, Branan is shocked when the women turns up her nose and dismisses him with the back of her hand. Certain she'll not only want to meet him, but that she'll fall for him as well, Branan devises a plan a certain bookworm won't be able to outrun.

Lila Munro is a writer of contemporary romance currently residing on the coast of North Carolina. She is a military wife and takes much of her inspiration for her heroes from the marines she’s lived around for the past fourteen years. Coining the term realmantica, she strives to produce quality romance in a realistic setting. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading everything she can get her hands on, trips to the museum and aquarium, taking field research trips, and soaking up the sun on the nearby beaches. Her previous works include The Executive Officer’s Wife, Bound By Trust, and Destiny’s Fire. Anthology work includes a piece in All I Want for Christmas is Redemption. She loves to hear from her readers and can be contacted via her website http://lilamunro.weebly.com/ her joint effort website http://www.wickedmuses.webs.com/ or through Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Lila_Munro

Broken Destiny by BethAnn Buehler - February 16, 2011
It's not about living...

When Casey Owens runs away from Nevada bad boy Mark Whitlow, she's fleeing not only one of the most powerful families in the south, but the man who just happens to be the father of her newborn son. Tossing caution to the wind, Casey refuses to let her past get in the way of her future. Her only focus now is Tyler, the precious little boy her ex future in-laws consider "the bastard child." While the last thing Casey wants to do is start over, it's not about her anymore.

Jamie Wallace, Rebel Canyon's favorite cowboy, is sick of the bar scene. Who would imagine such a successful, good-natured hunk would have so much trouble getting a date? But when Jamie wanders off his ranch and takes one look at the helpless waif of a woman he nearly kills with his truck, he wonders if the man upstairs has finally answered his prayers.

It's about love...

Jamie can't wait to explore every inch of Casey's body and he's just as intent on winning her heart as he is on undoing her zipper. There's just one catch. Jamie has no idea about Casey's past. Or the baby. And when he sees the scars that mark her body, Jamie loses more than just his nerve in the bedroom. With unseen forces working against them, Casey's resolve will be tested by a man whose kind of love leaves bruises while Jamie's heart will be torn between bending Casey over the tailgate of his truck and changing dirty diapers.

Offering Casey nothing more than his heart, Jamie can only hope that one day Casey will grow to love him in return. But will she ever truly be free from the hold of another man?

BethAnn Buehler's world revolves around her family, her friends and her love of writing.  When she's not working on her next story, she can most often be found having breakfast at a local restaurant with her parents, enjoying a caramel latte with her girlfriends or neglecting her responsibilities as a wife and mother because she's thinking about her next story.  Spaghettio's are fine for dinner most nights, aren't they? BethAnn writes romance with an erotic bent and gets most of her ideas from talking with her friends about what everyone really wants for Christmas---the perfect mate.  Of course we all know people like that don't actually exist, but it's certainly fun to create them on paper! BethAnn is a member of the Indianapolis Writer's Group as well as the Romance Writers of America, Indiana Chapter.  She lives with her awesome husband, gorgeous little boy and two rotten Silky Terriers. You can find out more about her at: http://www.bethannbuehler.com/ .

Force Recon: Beacon Bayou—An Anthology by BethAnn Buehler, Christopher Craven, JL Oiler and Lila Munro - February 22, 2011
Looking for a splendid place to visit? Welcome to Beacon Bayou! Come wander Big Thicket National Preserve... For one four man Marine Force Recon team, a vacation was just what the doctor ordered. Or in their case, the team corpsman.

Fresh off a mission in the jungle of South America, rest and relaxation are Recon's number one priorities. But for Gunnery Sergeant Brogan Baker, Sergeant Aaron Wolf, Corporal Regan Maxwell, and Chief Gabriel Sanchez, this vacation will test their strength unlike any mission ever has.
After a string of failed relationships, Brogan Baker is questioning his sexuality. Surely Regan Maxwell can't be the answer to Brogan's problems, can he? Besides, Regan’s a former Hollywood pretty boy just trying to prove he has what it takes while keeping one foot firmly planted in the closet. Then Ke;;i comes along. Can the two men foster their growing relationship and survive the presence of one tiny female?

Aaron Wolf, the unit lost sheep, agreed to the Texas get away thinking he could finally overcome the short comings his father points out every chance he gets. Meeting Scarlet might be the way out Aaron's been looking for, but it’s the beauty Gabe's got his eye on that shows Aaron there’s hope where he thought none existed. After losing his first wife over fifteen years ago, Gabriel Sanchez has sworn off women. But somehow Roslyn Romero manages to capture his heart. The only problem is she's got a host of her own issues that will push Gabe to the brink.

If that which doesn't kill us only makes us stronger, then the Force Recon team will either leave Texas in body bags or they'll have a new found resolve to live life to the fullest. Beacon Bayou beware. Recon never backs down.

Revving Her Wild Engines by Cassandre Dayne - February 24, 2011
Stephanie Simon was more than ready to have her most secret and sinful fantasies fulfilled. And the thought of having a torrid affair with David Tyler took her breath away. Unfortunately however, Stephanie and David have never met. Introduced by a friend, they've only conversed via the Internet, where they tell each other their every hidden fantasy. Stephanie's is a wicked tryst on the back of David's motorcycle and a ménage. And as luck would have it, David has the perfect third in mind.

Fueled by Stephanie's hunger to explore, David sweeps Stephanie off her feet with a wild ride across a pool table in front of his friends and a ménage that leaves her engine revved for more. But both David and Stephani hold a terrible secret. As they learn about their tragic pasts, neither knows if they can cling to the other for support and find the love and forgiveness they need.

Cassandre Dayne began writing in her early teens, penning everything from science fiction to romantic poetry. Unfortunately she allowed her love of writing to take a back seat to real life, but ideas for very wicked stories never fully left her mind. Suddenly awakened by the rampant fantasies and untold stories of characters that flowed through her dreams every night and filtered into her daylight hours, she could hold back the creative process no longer. Writing highly erotic stories and novels delving into all your most secret sensual fantasies, she is published with Rebel Ink Press and several short stories and novellas will be coming out in the next few months. In addition, she is the new radio show host at Robin Falls Red River Radio for their erotic writers corner debuting in January 2011. Married and currently living in a small town in Virginia with her two wondrous four-legged friends, her world is filled with endless possibilities of the future. Visit her website http://www.cassandredayne.com/ for a taste of her spicy world, trailers and free reads.

Thanks for spending some time with us today and perusing our February selections. You can purchase these works on their respective release days as well as many other fine Rebel titles at: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=publisher&qString=Rebel+Ink+Press

Monday Morning Cuteness - Harry Potter-esque Edition

funny pictures - Not Slytherin...not Slytherin...
see more Lolcats and funny pictures

So I ask you, have you read the Harry Potter books or just watched the movies? Or maybe both? Coming up soon I'm going to do a movie marathon of the movies since I've only seen the first couple, but I've never read the books. Are they as well written as people (okay almost everyone) says they are?

A Favorite Author's Older Work - When It Just Doesn't Work For you

So I'm currently listening to an audio book of one of my favorite, go-to authors. It's a new audio release for a book of hers that I hadn't read from the mid-90s. The premise sounded fun and sassy - just like most of this author's work, but I've noticed a few things as I've listened that have me questioning visiting a Fav authors older stuff.

At first I thought it was just the narrator of the story - she has a great voice for characters, but holy cow she makes EVERY SINGLE WORD animated and like the characters are constantly talking with exclamation points. This made me think "Oh, it's just a bad narrator I should read this one instead." But no, I kept listening and discovered more was wrong.

Next I realized there are things about the character descriptions that bother me and I felt dated the story. For instance - the heroine makes a big deal about the hero wearing a "super cool" diamond stud earring. Ok - to me that dates the story to the 90s when women actually did think that was hot, but not so much for me anymore. I don't see that as the fashion now and to be honest I can't stand a guy with an earring. Maybe this means I'm getting old instead of the story? :)

Moving deeper in, I couldn't believe that one of my fav authors was letting me down. I think I might actually HATE the heroine. I've never hated one of her heroines. But this one is just SO wimpy against her family and others. She WHINES. But the worst offense is that I can't see to justify her motivation for staying in this story.

The entire plot so far has me screaming in the car at the stereo. At one point the heroine says ..."but I couldn't change that now..." when she REALLY could. There is absolutely nothing at all keeping her in the situation by any stretch of the imagination.

Likewise, the family in this book is so horrible and rotten there is NO WAY they can ever be redeemed and then I'm left asking why would the author have centered the heroines emotional journey around them if it was going nowhere. I expect she's going to attempt to redeem them but I find that impossible now.

I'm so disappointed, but I keep listening because I'm hoping in my heart of hearts that my fav author can really pull this one out. It seems doubtful.


What about you? Ever run across an older romance and it felt dated? Found a story by a favorite author that was totally not for you? Did it affect your trying that author again or did you think "She can't write every book perfectly?" I'd love to hear from you about if this has happened to you and what it did to your relationship with that author. 


If you're an author I'd love to hear from you too! Do you sometimes look back on books you wish you'd done things differently with - no titles needed just a general answer. :)

3 Heart Book Review: Buffalo West Wing by Julie Hyzy

Buffalo West Wing: A White House Chef Mystery
By Julie Hyzy
Berkley Prime Crime
3 Heart Review


With a new First Family, White House executive chef Olivia Paras can't afford to make any mistakes. But when a box of take-out chicken mysteriously shows up for the First Kids, she soon finds herself in a "no-wing" situation. After Olivia refuses to serve the chicken, the First Lady gives her the cold shoulder. But when it turns out to be poisoned poultry, Olivia realizes the kids are true targets.

First off I must admit I'm jumping into this series mid-steam. This is book four and I could really tell when reading it that I wish I'd was more familiar with the characters and their storyline before picking this up. Even though you can read and enjoy this story all on it's own, I kinda of do feel like the 3 Heart rating might be influenced by my not having read books 1-3.

Having read and enjoyed the 1st book in Julie other mystery series, The Manor House Mysteries, I was excited to read one of her White House Chef Mysteries and was really happy with it. Again, I wish that I'd had more background knowledge - especially when it came to the two men in Olivia's life. Her Ex in this book still works with her and seems to be...well...an ASS. It was so hard to picture Olivia ever having been with him - and that made me question her as a character. If I'd read the prior books maybe it would have made more sense because maybe he was a more likable character in those.

It was nice to find a cozy mystery with a hint of romance, but I did find myself wishing this had more. I really didn't want the book to end where it did because I wanted a little more of the romance - hey sue me I'm a romance chick!

This was a really fun read and I will be checking out the first 3 books - I just wish I didn't already know what was going to happen with the crappy Ex. :)

If you enjoy mysteries, and cozies in particular, you'll really like Julie's writing but it is my recommendation that you start with the 1st book in the series. I would have had so much more fun and felt more connected to the book if I'd read them, and this might have been a 4 Heart Review instead.

Happy Reading!
Sabrina

It's Shadowfever Release Day!!!!


Even if you were living under a rock, you've peobabaly still heard that today is release day for Shadowfever, the last book in the Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning.

I just happened to be camping in a tent this past weekend (for hte 1st time) and it was a firm "no cell phone or technology weekend" so somehow I managed to forget all about it! That is, until i saw Twitter this morning. It exploded with people catching "The Fever."

If you want more info or have never read this series, check out Karen's website here.

Happy Reading! I know what I'm buying today!

Soup's On!

So yesterday on Twitter I mentioned that I had made an awesome pot of soup over the weekend and I got so many requests for the recipe that I thought I would do a post for everyone. Now i like to use the term recipe lightly because well I like to do a "dash of this" and "just throw in a lot of that" so this is a just a general outline of what I did.

The best part of this is the cost factor - I made this huge pot of soup for under $5. Hubby and I had three bowls each. That's about $0.84 per bowl of awesome fresh, homemade goodness. Oh, and it's a hearty soup so it's filling!

Here is the ingredient list for what I used:

1 Large Box of Vegetable Stock
1 Can of Tomato Paste
1 Small Bag of Frozen Soup Mix Veggies (sample photo below - not the same brand I used, but gives you the general idea)
2 Sweet Potatoes (Chopped into small wedges -you can add more of this depending on how many people you are cooking for)
Italian Seasonings (A Mix or use Basil, Oregano, Thyme and Rosemary)
Red Pepper Flakes
Minced Garlic


So I started with the Veggie stock in a soup pot, added the can of tomato paste and then the chopped up sweet potatoes and let that boil for about 10 minutes before I added the rest of the ingredients.

Then I added the frozen veggies, all the Italian Seasonings and a VERY generous amount of red pepper flakes and about 2 teaspoons of minced garlic. Now, we like our soup spicy - and this is spicy if you are generous with the red pepper and garlic. If you don't want it that spicy, then only add a small amount or leave out the red pepper flakes.

I lowered the stove to a simmer and let the soup work it's magic for about another 10-15 minutes. TA-DA! That's it. Totally Done.

This is a veggie soup, but you could very easily cook up some cut up chicken pieces, sausage, etc. and throw those in the pot as well.

Next time I'm considering adding in some whole wheat pasta - a cheap way to add even more bulk to this soup! I'm also thinking about some shrimp or edamame to add some protein.

What do you think? Want to try it and let me know how it goes - or share your easy homemade soup recipe with us please! Any great cooking or food related romances you've read lately?

Oh - and to make this blog somewhat romance book related, head over to Author Louisa Edwards website and check out her Recipe For Love series and all the free recipes available on her site!

Monday Morning Cuteness!

funny dog pictures - DRAW ME LIKE ONE OF YOUR FRENCH GIRLS
see more dog and puppy pictures

I love this photo, but someone help that poor doggie - call weight watchers stat! Poor thing - do you have to watch your dog or cat's weight? any tips for other readers who might be fighting the weight wars for their pet? I'm having trouble keeping one of my dogs fat enough. Go figure right.

Friday Fun With Book Trailers

Here are a few newly released book trailers for your enjoyment! I'm still very interested to hear what you think of book trailers as a whole, and if they've ever made you add a new book to your buy list!





This one is purely for laughs and fun:



5 Heart Book Review: No One Lives Twice by Julie Moffett


No One Lives Twice - A Lexi Carmichael Mystery
by Julie Moffett
Carina Press
Mystery/Comedy/Adventure
5 Heart Review

Blurb:
I'm Lexi Carmichael, geek extraordinaire. I spend my days stopping computer hackers at the National Security Agency. My nights? Those I spend avoiding my mother and eating cereal for dinner. Even though I work for a top-secret agency, I've never been in an exciting car chase, sipped a stirred (not shaken) martini, or shot a poison dart from an umbrella.

Until today, that is, when two gun-toting thugs popped up in my life and my best friend disappeared. So, I've enlisted the help of the Zimmerman twins—the reclusive architects of America's most sensitive electronic networks—to help me navigate a bewildering maze of leads to find her.

Along the way, my path collides with a sexy government agent and a rich, handsome lawyer, both of whom seem to have the hots for me. Hacking, espionage, sexy spy-men—it's a geek girl's dream come true. If it weren't for those gun-toting thugs...

Review:
I read this book at the end of 2010, and if you follow me on twitter you already know that I raved about it for days. For my first review in 2011, I thought I would start off with a bang and say I LOVE THIS BOOK! It's not a romance - romance, but instead a mystery/comedy with the perfect mix of possible love interests. Seriously, there are two main men vying for Lexi's attention but without spoiling a thing I can say I'm TEAM ELVIS all the way!

The writing in this book was exactly what I love - witty heroine who's slightly awkward but all sass and full of awesome mixed with a wicked sense of humor and without that whole "I'm a girl and can't help myself" thing I hate so much. The wit and humor really made this book for me and I adored the character of Lexi and also the fabulous Zimmerman Twins.

The mystery was both a fresh idea and one that wasn't obvious from the start. I also loved that Julie keeps you guessing about if the two male leads are who they really say they are. Very fresh writing and an expertly crafted mystery!

Julie Moffett was a new to me writer and after reading this book I had to check out if she'd written anything else. Now, Lexi is definitely a new direction for her but I was blown away by the writing awards that she has won for her other books. They've been added to my TBR pile, but I really cannot wait for another Lexi mystery.

I cannot say enough about how much I really enjoyed this book and want more. I've actually already read it again over the holiday - I just couldn't help myself. Awesome read and an awesome new-to-me author. Check this one out if you like quirky, witty heroines who can take care of themselves with some serious brain power.

Happy Reading!
Cheeky Girl Sabrina