Happy Birthday to My 7 year old

Happy Birthday to my Amazing 7 Year old. You are such an amazing readers soon you will be writing reviews and correcting my spelling and Grammar. WAIT You already are!

Book Review: Cold Girl by R M Greenaway‏

 
Title: Cold Girl

Author: R.M. Greenaway

Stars :4 out of 5



Review:

This is a B. C. Blues crime novel. I found the story line to be 
very solid and enjoyed reading the book. The story is told from the 
viewpoint of several of the characters based on what they are doing at 
the time. While I enjoyed the book I felt more background information on
 some of the individuals (Constable Dion as a prime example) would have 
made the story line much stronger.
 
I gave the book a four star rating and would have given it a five star rating if it had contained the background backup.
 
I received this ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.

Synopsis:

A popular rockabilly 
singer has vanished in the snowbound Hazeltons of northern B.C. Lead 
RCMP investigator David Leith and his team work through the 
possibilities: has she been snatched by the so-called Pickup Killer, or 
does the answer lie here in the community, somewhere among her reticent 
fans and friends?

Leith has much to contend with: rough terrain 
and punishing weather, motel-living and wily witnesses. The local police
 force is tiny but headstrong, and one young constable seems more 
hindrance than help -- until he wanders straight into the heart of the 
matter. 

The urgency ramps up as one missing woman becomes two, 
the second barely a ghost passing through. Suspects multiply, but only 
at the bitter end does Leith discover who is the coldest girl of all.

Paperback, 336 pages    

Expected publication: March 26th 2016 by Dundurn Press 

 

About The Author:

 

  RM GREENAWAY has worked in 
nightclubs, darkrooms, and courthouses. She writes the B.C. BLUES crime 
series, featuring RCMP detectives Leith and Dion. Her first novel COLD 
GIRL, winner of the 2014 Arthur Ellis Unhanged award, will be released 
26 March 2016. 

Merry Christmas!!

Throw Back Thursday Book Review: The King's Deception - Steve Barry

Monday, December 30, 2013

Book Review - The King's Deception - Steve Barry

Title:  The King of Deception

Author:  Steve Barry

Review:  This was a great book and I don’t say this all that easily.  It was exciting, had a great amount of history a few myths, and a little gossip tossed in for good measure.  It is a Cotton Malone story so that only adds to the fun of reading it.

The book takes place in England around London and surrounding areas.  The premise of the book is that Elizabeth the First, Queen of England, was actually, oh I don’t want to spoil the story so I will not go on with that thought.  Just know that the CIA, M16 and all the old spy agencies are intertwined together,  trying to beat each other to the prize.  This great secret, which has been protected for over 500 years, if uncovered could affect the political situation of world and England will not allow it!   

The story is full of the history of the Elizabethan time, before Elizabeth the !st and after her time.  The book goes from the story of the Princess soon to be queen, and back to the modern day building the story page by page to an exciting and unpredictable ending.

Malone’s son Gary has just found out who his real father is (but I won’t share that bit of information either) and he wants to get to know him better.  Malone knows nothing about this and thinks that Gary is being cared for by the agent he trusts to protect him.

The story goes at a fast pace, moving without any dull pages anywhere.  The story unfolds fast and finishes just as fast.  It tells the story of the dirty tricks that governments play on each other to get their own way and then make it all go away in the eyes of the world.

Great book I would recommend it to anyone that likes mystery and intrigue.  This book rates 5 out of 5 stars.

Thank you Eileen for this review

Publisher:  Published June 11th 2013 by Random House Large Print 

ISBN: 9780307990945

Copyright: 2013

Pages: 608

Where did I get the book: At my local library.

Quick Review:  5 out of 5 stars

Synopsis:  Cotton Malone is back! Steve Berry’s new international adventure blends gripping contemporary political intrigue, Tudor treachery, and high-octane thrills into one riveting novel of suspense.

Cotton Malone and his fifteen-year-old son, Gary, are headed to Europe. As a favor to his former boss at the Justice Department, Malone agrees to escort a teenage fugitive back to England. But after he is greeted at gunpoint in London, both the fugitive and Gary disappear, and Malone learns that he’s stumbled into a high-stakes diplomatic showdown—an international incident fueled by geopolitical gamesmanship and shocking Tudor secrets.

At its heart is the Libyan terrorist convicted of bombing Pan Am Flight 103, who is set to be released by Scottish authorities for “humanitarian reasons.” An outraged American government objects, but nothing can persuade the British to intervene.

Except, perhaps, Operation King’s Deception.

Run by the CIA, the operation aims to solve a centuries-old mystery, one that could rock Great Britain to its royal foundations.

Blake Antrim, the CIA operative in charge of King’s Deception, is hunting for the spark that could rekindle a most dangerous fire, the one thing that every Irish national has sought for generations: a legal reason why the English must leave Northern Ireland. The answer is a long-buried secret that calls into question the legitimacy of the entire forty-five-year reign of Elizabeth I, the last Tudor monarch, who completed the conquest of Ireland and seized much of its land. But Antrim also has a more personal agenda, a twisted game of revenge in which Gary is a pawn. With assassins, traitors, spies, and dangerous disciples of a secret society closing in, Malone is caught in a lethal bind. To save Gary he must play one treacherous player against another—and only by uncovering the incredible truth can he hope to prevent the shattering consequences of the King’s Deception.

 

Author Biography:   Steve Berry is the New York Times bestselling author of the Cotton Malone series featuring The Jefferson Key, The Emperor's Tomb, The Paris Vendetta, The Charlemagne Pursuit, The Venetian Betrayal, The Alexandria Link, and The Templar Legacy. He also has three stand-alone thrillers: The Third Secret, The Romanov Prophecy, and The Amber Room ---- and two e-book original short stories, The Balkan Escape and The Devil's Gold. He has 12 million books in print, which have been translated into 40 languages and sold in 51 countries. Steve's road to publishing was long and arduous, spanning 12 years and 85 rejections over 5 separate manuscripts. He's also an accomplished instructor, having taught writing to audiences across the globe. When Steve's not writing, you can find him either on a beach, a golf course, or traveling --- discovering more things lost --- thinking of the next novel. He lives in the historic city of St. Augustine, Florida. Steve and his wife Elizabeth have also started a foundation, History Matters, dedicated to aiding the preservation of our heritage.

Book Review: Countdown to Zero Hour (Comes out February 22nd 2016 )

 


Title: Countdown to Zero Hour


Author:Nico Rosso

Stars: 4 out of 5


Review:

If you like feisty female leads, danger, sexy strong Alpha male this book is for you. I really enjoyed this book which had awesome sexual tension as well as non stop action that will keep readers on their toes from first to last page.
I will say I was really surprised to find that a man and written this series because the romance happen in a natural flow as will as the action. When normal with male romance author one or the other will take over the book.
Countdown to Zero Hour blended action pack with romance in a way that will have readers cheer for Art and Hayley to survive the gun fire and mob that is surrounding them.
Hayley is written very realist without her being the perfect woman but how a woman finds herself following her dreams into a dangerous place.
The author introduce you to several characters who will have their own books and I have to admit I am excited to find out more about Mary.

I think I found another go to author for my Military/Merc Romantic suspense novels fix.

Steamy sex, language though out the book and violence.
Received this ARC from Netgalley 

 

Please enough with the half naked men on the cover of books!

 

About The Book:

Black Ops: Automatik

Ex–Special Forces agent Artem "Art" Diaz is tatooed, muscular and undeniably dangerous. He's also deep undercover, posing as mob muscle for a deadly bratva boss. His mission: gain the Russians' trust. Then lead the strike team that will kill them all.

Chef Hayley Baskov knows better than to get involved with someone with such close mafia ties, but the handsome bodyguard who brought her to this cold, sprawling estate full of ruthless mobsters is inexplicably kind. A little firtation may keep her safe amidst the growing menace.

As Art’s timetable for action escalates, so do his encounters with Hayley. Stealing what illicit pleasure they can keeps them both sane in the face of evil. But when things get dangerous, Art has to tell her about his assignment, bringing her deeper into the shadowy world of black ops...and putting her life on the line.

Now Art has a new objective: protect Hayley from the man they both call boss.

Book one of the Black Ops: Automatik series

75,000 words

 

About the Author:

 Surprise it a man!

Nico Rosso has writing in his blood. He comes from a family of writers and learned quickly that there are stories going on all around us. With inspiration ranging from 1930s pulp comics to the disco-laced space epics of the Seventies to the high-concept films of the Eighties, Nico always found Sci-fi to be a fertile genre for grand action, strong heroes, dynamic heroines and exotic settings. He hopes you enjoy the journey with him.

The great thing about writing Sci-fi romance is the freedom to explore the relationship between the hero and heroine. Yes, the worlds and technologies and different alien races need to be well-defined and interesting, but the emotions also get their full due. Because of this, the heroes can be extra heroic, the heroines can be powerfully strong and together they can take on any threat in the universe. We can be the rescuer and the rescued, the fighter and the philosopher. It is fantasy on a grand scale, but all the while it is as familiar as our own hearts.

Book Review: The World Almanac

 
Title: The World Almanac and Book of Facts 2016

Stars 5 out of 5 

Review:
I am not sure how to review for this book because I could spend days going though the information in this book.  When it arrived my son once again took the book and disappeared. He has taken it and from school showing all of this friends.
The cover is bright and very attractive catching the eye of any shopper.  This  book is perfect reference book for adults and children alike! If you have a kid, husband or wife that loves world facts and fun knowledge this is the perfect Christmas gift.
I love that my son doesn't need to look anything up on the computer that he was able to pull out a book and find the information.


Synopsis:
Larger hardcover format of this essential resource offers larger type sizes and more user-friendly access to thousands of facts.

The World Almanac® and Book of Facts is America's top-selling reference book of all time, with more than 82 million copies sold. Since 1868, this compendium of information has been the authoritative source for all your entertainment, reference, and learning needs. The 2016 edition of The World Almanac® reviews the events of 2015 and will be your go-to source for any questions on any topic in the upcoming year. Praised as a "treasure trove of political, economic, scientific and educational statistics and information" by The Wall Street Journal, The World Almanac® and Book of Facts will answer all of your trivia needs—from history and sports to geography, pop culture, and much more.

Features include:

• The Year in Review: The World Almanac® takes a look back at 2015 while providing all the information you'll need in 2016.

• 2015—Top 10 News Topics: The editors of The World Almanac® list the top stories that held their attention in 2015.
• 2015—Year in Sports: Hundreds of pages of trivia and statistics that are essential for any sports fan, featuring complete coverage of the first College Football Playoff, the Women's World Cup, 2015 World Series, and much more.
• 2015—Year in Pictures: Striking full-color images from around the world in 2015, covering news, entertainment, science, and sports.
• 2015—Offbeat News Stories:The World Almanac® editors found some of the strangest news stories of the year.
• World Almanac® Editors' Picks: Time Capsule: The World Almanac® lists the items that most came to symbolize the year 2015, from news and sports to pop culture.

• U.S. Immigration: A Statistical Feature:The World Almanac® covers the historical background, statistics, and legal issues surrounding immigration, giving factual context to one of the hot-button topics of the upcoming election cycle.
• World Almanac® Editors' Picks: Most Memorable Super Bowls: On the eve of Super Bowl 50, the editors of The World Almanac® choose the most memorable "big games."
• New Employment Statistics: Five years after the peak of the great recession, The World Almanac® takes a look at current and historic data on employment and unemployment, industries generating job growth, and the training and educational paths that lead to careers.
• 2016 Election Guide: With a historic number of contenders for the presidential nominations, The World Almanac® provides information that every primary- and general-election voter will need to make an informed decision in 2016, including information on state primaries, campaign fundraising, and the issues voters care about most in 2016.
• The World at a Glance: This annual feature of The World Almanac® provides a quick look at the surprising stats and curious facts that define the changing world.
• and much more.

The Christmas List By Douglas B Wimmer (Author), L.B. Scott (Author)

About The Book:

It's Winter, 1957. The snow is piling up, the days are getting shorter, and children all over the world are eagerly anticipating the night when Santa comes to visit. Except for the children at the Happy Heart Orphanage. No, the children there don't expect visits from the Man in Red. The Matrons who run the orphanage make sure each child there knows that they don't deserve such love from Jolly Ol' Saint Nick.

Santa or no, Johnny is determined to make this year's Christmas something special for the rest of the children. While executing his Christmas plan, he is caught by the Matrons and thrown in the scariest part of the house on Christmas Eve. Will Johnny escape? Will the orphans of the Happy Heart Orphanage ever have a true Christmas?

Find out in this heartwarming story of friendship and the Holiday spirit by L.B. Scott and Douglas B. Wimmer.

I am so very proud of my husband!!!
Congratulations 

Book Review: Lucky Penny Miranda Vaughn Mystery

Title: Lucky Penny

Author: Ellie Ashe

Stars: 4 out of 5

Review:
This is book three in the Miranda Vaughn Mysteries which happens to have a fun mix of mystery and romance for those Chic Lit readers who want the perfect adult clean Nancy Drew.
The book has a few twist but to be honest if you have read her other books you will have a good idea who the main bad guy is but you get a little more invested in the different characters who have appeared in the series.  The reader will enjoy the simple yet complex read and the authors pushes her characters forward instead of holding them in a flight pattern.
This book has heart and will have the readers hoping Miranda will be able to get over her past and move on.
I will admit who knew forensic accounting could be so dangerous.

About The Book:
A year after her acquittal on fraud charges, former financial analyst Miranda Vaughn is finally getting her life back. Not only does she have a chance for romance with her sexy neighbor, FBI Agent Jake Barnes, but she's also got a new job...one that's taking her to a vacation paradise!
Perched above the crystal blue waters of Lake Tahoe, the Whispering Pines Resort & Spa is a local landmark and a popular destination for the rich and famous who are stressed out from being rich and famous. And down on the water’s edge is the Lucky Penny Casino—an abandoned shell of a once-stylish casino. Max Emmerson, the owner of the Whispering Pines Resort, used to own the Lucky Penny, and he wants it back. Miranda’s job is to get Max’s finances in order so he can borrow the money to buy the casino, and make sure nothing jeopardizes his gaming license. Easy, right?

But the nice boring accounting job spirals out of control with the addition of a Hollywood film crew, an underground gambling ring, and Jake going undercover at the resort as a newlywed—with another woman. As Miranda and Jake each dive into their investigations, they can’t deny their growing feelings for each other. But it’s more important than ever that they keep their attraction hidden. Especially since someone at the resort is watching them very closely, and is willing to do just about anything to keep them from uncovering the truth.

About The Author:
 
Ellie Ashe has always been drawn to jobs where she can tell stories--journalist, lawyer, and now writer. Writing quirky romantic mysteries is how she gets the "happily ever after" that so often is lacking in her day job.
When not writing, you can find her with her nose in a good book, watching far too much TV, or trying out new recipes on unsuspecting friends and family. She lives in Northern California with her husband and three cats, all of whom worry when she starts browsing the puppy listings on petfinder.com.
To read more about her, visit ellieashe.com.

Throw Back Thursday Book Review: A Place Called Armageddon - C.C. Humphreys

Monday, December 31, 2012

Book Review - A Place Called Armageddon - C.C. Humphreys

Title: A Place Called Armageddon

Author: C.C. Humphries

Review: I do not often read historical fiction, typically opting for narrative nonfiction (think Erik Larson), but since I had actually lived in the country this book was discussing I decided to make an exception.  This book focuses on the siege of Constantinople, a Greek city, by the Turks.  It is told through the eyes of several characters on each side of the battle.

The history was very good, and it became abundantly clear that a lot of research went into getting the basic facts of the battle correct.  From the treatment of the citizenry, the methods of long term sieges, the nature of battles, and the overall climate of the city.  As a history guy, I felt I got a good macro perspective of the battle that was both interesting and accurate.  For me, a good measure of historical fiction is whether you come away from the story wanting to know more of the details.  Humphries does an excellent job of just giving you enough information to keep you interested, and at the same time stoke a fire of curiosity that makes you hit the internet to learn even more.  

Along with the history several plot lines involving a large cast of characters is presented.  For the most part they were entertaining, but the sheer volume of characters detracted from getting to know any one of them to well.  It is why a good mystery has the investigating officer only looking into one crime, otherwise it gets confusing, and you never really get into the case(s).  So while Humphries is a fine writer, it is tremendously difficult to present a cohesive story on this scale.  I enjoyed the book but wanted a little more balance on character development.

Overall this was an excellent book and a extremely interesting topic.  If you are fan of the genre you will not be disappointed, and if like me you are new to it, you couldn't ask for a better introduction; especially with such a great writer like Humphries.

Publisher: Source Books/Orion

ISBN: 978-1-4022-7249-3

Copyright: 2011

Pages: 442

Quick Review: 4 stars out of 5

Why I Read It: I enjoy history (typically non-fiction) and this fictionalized account of the siege of Constantinople (Istanbul) appealed to me since I spent four years in Turkey as a kid.

Where I Obtained the Book: Sent to me by the publisher for review.

Synopsis: To the Greeks who love it, it is Constantinople. To the Turks who covet it, the Red Apple. Safe behind its magnificent walls, the city was once the heart of the vast Byzantine empire.

1453. The empire has shrunk to what lies within those now-crumbling walls. A relic. Yet for one man, Constantinople is the stepping stone to destiny. Mehmet is twenty when he is annointed Sultan. Now, seeking Allah’s will and Man’s glory, he brings an army of one hundred thousand, outnumbering the defenders ten to one. He has also brings something new – the most frightening weapon the world has ever seen...

But a city is more than stone, its fate inseparable from that of its people. Men like Gregoras, a mercenary and exile, returning to the hated place he once loved. Like his twin and betrayer, the subtle diplomat, Theon. Like Sofia, loved by two brothers but forced to make a desperate choice between them. And Leilah, a powerful mystic and assassin, seeking her own destiny in the flames.

This is the tale of one of history’s greatest battles for one of the world’s most extraordinary places. This is the story of people, from peasant to emperor - with the city’s fate, and theirs, undecided... until the moment the Red Apple falls.

 

Author Biography:  C.C. Humphreys was born in Toronto, Canada, and grew up in Los Angeles and London. A third generation actor and writer on both sides of his family, he returned to Canada in the nineties and there his writing career began. He won the inaugural playwriting competition of the New Play Centre, Vancouver with his first play, 'A Cage Without Bars' which was produced in Vancouver and London. He was a schoolboy fencing champion, became a fight choreographer and thus turned his love of swashbuckling towards historical fiction. He is married and lives in Finchley, North London.

Book Review: Out Of The Shadows

Title: Out of the Shadows (The Tangled Ivy Trilogy #3)

Author: Tiffany Snow

Stars: 5 out of 5



Review:
Tiffany Snow does it again with none stop action and great romance and a fantastic ending for our heroes. I will be honest I struggled though book 2 wondering when Ivy would finally stand on her own to feet? I was almost turned off from finishing the series because Ivy was such a push over.

 Book 3 I couldn't put down with its crazy Twist and turns that had me reading late into the night.
 Ivy and Devon relationship keeps on taking hits from all sides constantly testing their love for each other.As with all of Tiffany Snows books the sex is hot and heavy making readers blush.

 Ivy finally grows into a strong woman who learns how to take care of herself and those she cares for. Ivy is no longer the broken damsel. Thank you Tiffany Snow for this wild ride.

ARC from Netgalley for my honest thoughts.

About The Book:
Ivy Mason is no stranger to trouble—though so far she’s always managed to outrun or outsmart it. Now a nasty man-made virus and an FBI manhunt have her desperate for a cure and on the run for her freedom. Even her romance with British secret agent Devon Clay may have deadly consequences, placing her squarely in the crosshairs of a shadowy international assassin, Vega.

Devon is determined to take Vega out, but first he must make sure beautiful Ivy is out of danger. When she escapes FBI custody, the couple rekindles their passion and sets off on a pulse-pounding adventure across the United States and around the globe. En route, Ivy and Devon discover new truths about their nemeses—revelations that will test the limits of their love.

In this thrilling conclusion to the Tangled Ivy trilogy, Ivy Mason learns that the path to justice—and love—is more complicated and fraught with danger than she ever could have imagined

Paperback, 279 pages

Published December 15th 2015 by Montlake Romance 

 

About The Author:

 

I  love to stick with characters over a series of books when I read, which is the same way I write. My first series - THE KATHLEEN TURNER SERIES - includes five books, two companion novels, and features a love triangle. My new series, coming from Montlake Romance December 16, 2014, is the TANGLED IVY TRILOGY, beginning with IN HIS SHADOW.


As for me, I've been reading romance novels since I was way too young to read such things, have an unhealthy obsession for all things Doctor Who, prefer Pepsi to Coke and Absolut to both, think men who drink girly cocktails are wusses, have learned to never stop believing in my beloved St. Louis Cardinals, and can recite the entire scripts of When Harry Met Sally and Apollo 13. George Washington is cool, Bon Jovi still rocks the house, and Bruce Willis is the ultimate alpha-male hero. Most of all, romance never, ever gets old.

Visit my website www.Tiffany-Snow.com for more information and special extras

Book Review: Angels Burning

 
Title: Angels Burning

Author: Tawni O'Dell

Stars: 5 out of 5

Review:

As a retired criminal investigator I enjoy reading  crime mysteries and this is one of the  best I have read in a while. I was born and raised in a coal mining area and the author's verbal description, of the initial crime scene, took me back to my childhood. I could see and smell what was being described like I was there. Dove Carnahan, the Chief of Police, has a brutal murder to resolve and has a take no prisoners mindset in doing her job. Her mother was murdered 35 years previously so this case hits close to home. You will have to read to the end to grasp the stunning finale and digest it. Does justice always wear a blindfold?

 

I gave this book a five star rating.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.

 

Synopsis:

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Oprah Book Club pick Back Roads comes this fast-paced literary thriller about a small town police chief who’s forced to dig into her own shadowy past as she investigates the murder of a teenage girl.

On the surface, Chief Dove Carnahan is a true trailblazer who would do anything to protect the rural Pennsylvanian countryside where she has lived all fifty of her years. Traditional and proud of her blue-collar sensibilities, Dove is loved by her community. But beneath her badge lies a dark and self-destructive streak, fed by a secret she has kept since she was sixteen.

When a girl is beaten to death, her body tossed down a fiery sinkhole in an abandoned coal town, Dove is faced with solving the worst crime of her law enforcement career. She identifies the girl as a daughter of the Truly family, a notoriously irascible dynasty of rednecks and petty criminals.

During her investigation, the man convicted of killing Dove’s mother years earlier is released from prison. Still proclaiming his innocence, he approaches Dove with a startling accusation and a chilling threat that forces her to face the parallels between her own family’s trauma and that of the Trulys.

With countless accolades to her credit, author Tawni O’Dell writes with the “fearless insights” (The New York Times Book Review) she brought to the page in Back Roads and One of Us. In this new, masterfully told psychological thriller, the past and present collide to reveal the extent some will go to escape their fate, and in turn, the crimes committed to push them back to where they began.

 

Paperback, 288 pages

Expected publication: January 5th 2016 by Gallery Books 

 

About The Author:

 

Tawni O'Dell is the New York Times bestselling author of Fragile Beasts, Sister Mine, Coal Run, and Back Roads, which was an Oprah's Book Club pick and a Book-of-the-Month Club Main Selection. Tawni's screen adaptation of Back Roads is currently in development to be made into a film with Adrian Lyne set to direct. Her work has been translated into 15 languages and been published in over 30 countries.

Tawni was born and raised in the coal-mining region of western Pennsylvania, the territory she writes about with such striking authenticity. She graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in journalism and spent many years living in the Chicago area before moving back to Pennsylvania where she now lives with her two children.

 

  

Book Review: Death Before Decaf

 
Title: Death Before Decaf

Author: Caroline Fardig

Stars: 4 out of 5

Review:

A very good read which I enjoyed immensely. The main character (Red Headed She-Devil)while believable and feisty is also down to earth. While she may make mistakes she is also capable of learning from them. This is the first book in what will become a successful series. The author shows she is able to connect with the average reader without insulting their intelligence.

I gave this book a four star rating and would recommend it to anyone looking for a light and funny mystery.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.
Thank you Frank

Synopsis:
After her music career crashes and burns spectacularly, Juliet Langley is forced to turn to the only other business she knows: food service. Unfortunately, bad luck strikes yet again when her two-timing fiancé robs her blind and runs off with her best waitress. Flushing what’s left of her beloved café down the toilet with her failed engagement, Juliet packs up and moves back to her college stomping grounds in Nashville to manage an old friend’s coffeehouse. At first glance, it seems as though nothing’s changed at Java Jive. What could possibly go wrong? Only that the place is hemorrhaging money, the staff is in open revolt, and Juliet finds one unlucky employee dead in the dumpster out back before her first day is even over.

The corpse just so happens to belong to the cook who’d locked horns with Juliet over the finer points of the health code. Unimpressed with her management style, the other disgruntled employees are only too eager to spill the beans about her fiery temper to the detective on the case. Add to the mix a hunky stranger who’s asking way too many questions, and suddenly Juliet finds herself in some very hot water. If she can’t simmer down and sleuth her way to the real killer, she’s going to get burned. 
 

ebook, 296 pages

Published November 17th 2015 by Alibi 

 

About the Author:

 

CAROLINE FARDIG was born and raised in a small town in Indiana. Her working career has been rather eclectic thus far, with occupations including schoolteacher, church organist, insurance agent, funeral parlor associate, and stay-at-home mom. Finally realizing that she wants to be a writer when she grows up, Caroline has completed her first novel, IT'S JUST A LITTLE CRUSH, and is currently hard at work churning out a second novel in the series. She still lives in that same small town with an understanding husband, two sweet kids, two energetic dogs, and one malevolent cat.

Book Review: The Tannenbaum Tailors and the Secert Snowball

 
Title:  The Tannenbaum Tailors and the Secert Snowball

Author: J.B. Michaels

Stars: 5 out of AWESOME 5

Review:
I have wanted to allow my 9 year old son to read and review books for the blog.  He read everything from College Organic Chemistry, Dairy of a Wimpy kid and everything in-between.
When the book arrived I found it soon disappeared into my sons bedroom where he quickly started to read.  This is my 9 year old review!

"The book is awesome mom. I thought it was really interesting I loved how the Elves and how military it was. The action was great and the book is just awesome and I loved it."

Thank you to J.B. Michaels for the copy and giving my 9 year old a fun book to read for Christmas.


Synopsis:

They are the Tannenbaum Tailors: elves charged with maintaining Christmas trees in homes around the world. Without the Tailors’ efforts, families might lose their Christmas spirit. And this year, one team of Tailors will be tested like never before.

With the North Pole itself under attack, newly promoted Captain Brendan is assigned a special mission: conceal the source of Santa’s power within a Christmas tree in Chicago. On Christmas Eve, Santa will pick it up.

The job would be simple, but the Tailors find themselves facing a serious threat—the thieving Spiritless elves, already responsible for sabotaging the North Pole Home Tree, will do anything to gain control of the very thing that makes Christmas possible.

Equally bad, Christmas spirit is at an all-time low in the Chicago home where Brendan’s assigned. The family’s mother even wants to take the tree down before Christmas Eve! To save Christmas, Captain Brendan and his Tailors will have to use every spirit-raising trick they know—and possibly even bend a few rules to pull it off.
Combining holiday cheer with action and thrills, The Tannenbaum Tailors and the Secret Snowball reads like Raiders of the Lost Ark in a Christmas tree.

Kindle Edition, 104 pages

Published November 16th 2015 by Harrison and James Publishing

About The Author:
 

Book Review: She Can Kill

 
Title: She Can Kill

Author: Melinda Leigh

Stars 5 out of 5


Review:
She Can Kill brings back to Characters from She Can Tell Sarah Parker and Cristan Rojas. We finally get to find about the mysterious Cristan Rojas and boy he was worth the wait. Sarah and Cristan have so many problems the reader can only wonder how they will find any peace in their lives.
Melinda Leigh's She Can Series has created a list of characters who are not only name's of pages but so life like that you feel you have grown with them from book 1 to book 5.

Sarah has left her abusive Ex-Husband and is trying to get her life back so she can make a better life for her two little girls. When Cristan Rojas tries to protect Sarah from her Ex- Husband she finds herself falling for the mysterious man.
Cristan is also a very interesting past of as a hitman for a drug cartel family. I love that when his daughter was born his heart changed and he could no longer kill.
As Sarahs Ex comes unhinged Cristan's past comes to find him being an explosive novel of romance, pain, adventure and enough twist and turns to keeping the readers hooked until the last word on the page.

Melinda Leigh writes the perfect blend of suspense, and romance that will keep readers wanting more.
ARC from Author and Netgalley

Synopsis:
Reformed assassin Cristan Rojas just wants to raise his daughter in peace. But after twelve years on the run, he learns that even the quiet little town of Westbury, Pennsylvania, has many hidden dangers. Although he can’t shake the feeling he’s under surveillance, Cristan’s attraction to Sarah Mitchell continues to grow, as do his concerns that his secret past could jeopardize anyone who gets too close to him.

Sarah is ready to start her life over with her children, a new job, and a budding romance. Her newfound happiness is threatened when her ex-husband becomes increasingly violent—and she soon learns her ex isn’t the only person stalking her.

Cristan fears someone from his past has arrived in town, someone far worse than a jealous ex. Someone who may be responsible for a brutal—and unsolved—murder a dozen years ago. To protect Sarah and his daughter, he must shine a light into the darkest recesses of his nightmarish past.

About The Author:
Besides that I love her books!! 


Melinda Leigh is a fully recovered banker. A life-long lover of books, she started writing as a way to preserve her sanity while raising her kids. Over the next few years, she learned a few things about writing a book and decided the process was way more fun than analyzing financial statements. Melinda's debut novel, SHE CAN RUN, was nominated for Best First Novel by the International Thriller Writers. Her bestselling books have twice been nominated for the Daphne du Maurier Award.

Melinda holds a 2nd degree belt in Kenpo Karate. She's dabbled in Arnis stick fighting, studied Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and taught women's self-defense. She lives in a messy house in the suburbs with her husband, two kids, a couple of shelter dogs and two rescue cats who clearly run the show. With such a pleasant life, she has no explanation for the sometimes dark and disturbing nature of her imagination. Find out more about Melinda by visiting melindaleighauthor.com.  

Book Review: No Room For Error

 
Title: No Room For Error

Author: Julie Moffett

Stars 4 out of 5


Review:
I have read every single Lexi Carmichael Mystery and loved almost every single one so when I got the chance to read No Room For Error I couldn't wait. However something about this book just didn't hit the right spot for me. I can't put my finger on it but I just couldn't seem to get into the book until Lexi and her friends find themselves in a plan crash even than something just didn't jive.
Don't get me wrong there are some great scenes in this book that will have Lexi fans laughing and we finally get to know Basia better and Finn is Finn. As the book came to an end it felt like the author realized she was coming up on her word count and needed to tie up loose ends fast.

Lexi and Slash's relationships still continues to develop thank heavens the author didn't allow it to go stale as so many other authors have.

Will I read book 8? You bet I will!
ARC from Netgalley


Synopsis:
Trouble follows me, Lexi Carmichael, like a little black cloud. At least according to my boyfriend, Slash: brilliant hacker, national treasure and vault of secrets. Even I have to admit he could be right.

After a series of high-profile cases at my cyberintelligence firm, I was looking forward to a simple job. All I had to do was personally deliver a revolutionary microchip to a manufacturing plant in Indonesia. Easy, right?

Wrong.

Someone else wants the design and is willing to kill to get it. A failed
hijacking attempt lands me, my best friend Basia and our boss, Finn, in the middle of the jungle. Our mission is clear: protect the microchip design from the hijackers on our tail...and survive. But how can a geek girl like me survive without access to my beloved technology? I'm about to find out. And this time, there's no room for error.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication: December 7th 2015 by Carina Press 

 

About the Author:

 

I have always been a romantic at heart. So when I finally decided to pursue my dream of writing a novel, naturally, it was a romance. I have published several novels in many genres – historicals, time-travels and paranormals.
I’m a military brat (Air Force) and have traveled extensively. My more exciting exploits include attending high school in Okinawa, Japan (Go, Kubasaki!), backpacking around Europe and Scandanavia for several months, a year-long college study in Warsaw, Poland and a wonderful trip to Scotland and Ireland where I fell in love with castle, kilts and brogues.

I have a B.A. in Political Science and Russian Language from Colorado College and a M.A. in International Affairs from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. I worked as a correspondent for the international radio station, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in Washington, D.C. writing hundreds of articles and producing numerous radio programs for eleven years before "retiring" to be a stay-at-home mom and full-time writer in 1999.

I speak Russian and Polish (I married a Pole in 1991!) and love reading foreign literature (especially Slavic). I had a beautiful baby boy named Alexander in 1995. I never knew what joy a child could bring to my life.

If you would like to receive occasional e-mails from me announcing my new releases, please let me know. I also have a newsletter and bookmarks available via snail mail. If you send a legal-sized SASE to the address below, I’ll be happy to put them in the mail for you. 

 

Book Review: Game of Lies (O’Connor & Kincaid, #2)

 
Title: Game of Lies

Author: Tess Diamond

Stars 4 out of 5

Review:
Game of Life is the second book in the O'Connor/Kincaid. Book two starts right back up from where book one leaves off. Senator Thebese is still a horrible father unwilling to give the kidnapper what they want with exchange of his diabetic daughter.
The plot thickens as they learn the true identity of the kidnapper giving the story a boost.  I honestly enjoy this story but I wish the author had made it one full length novel bringing in more background detail, more depth that would pull me, instead by the time I was invested in the novel it came to a quick end with a cliffhanger. 
I needed more of everything, personal connections, angry and more background that gave me the details to fill in what was missing.
As a while I would rather have Tess write this as a full length novel than three short stories.


Synopsis: 
Time is running out for Special Agent Maggie Kincaid...

A Senator daughter has been kidnapped, and the FBI’s best hostage negotiator Agent Kincaid knows something isn’t right. What started as a routine case has spiraled into political conspiracy - with a young girl’s life on the line.

Teaming up with ex-forces security expert Jake O’Connor, Maggie must fight the victim’s family and her own FBI bosses to rescue the innocent girl trapped in the middle of this dangerous game - before it’s too late. But when clues from the case trigger memories of her own kidnapping, she discovers that her past demons might be the most deadly enemy of all.

About The Author:

Tess  Diamond is a romantic suspense addict with a taste for danger - and chocolate cake. She lives in Colorado Springs with her law enforcement husband, two kids, and ferocious Jack Russell guard dog. She always dreamed of being an FBI agent, and now she almost is - if watching 24 reruns and plotting her next novel counts.

 

Book Review: Empty Nest: A Birds of a Feather Mystery

 
Title: Empty Nest: A Birds of a Feather Mystery

Author:Marty Wingate

Stars: 4 out of 5

Review:

This is the second Julia Lancester murder mystery that I have read and I must say I was not disappointed. Marty Wingate tells the story so well that I felt like a bystander who is silently watching it all unfold before me. If you are a fan of non violent British murder mysteries, which take place in cozy surroundings, this series is a must read. I enjoyed the book from start to finish and completed it in two days.

The lead in to the murder and the solving thereof is logical and the characters are developed to the point that you feel that they are intimate friends.

I gave this book a four star rating.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.

Thank you Frank for your Review 

Synopsis:

Manager of a tourist center in a quaint British village, Julia Lanchester finds herself with more ideas than time. Her boss is the Earl Fotheringill himself, but apart from him, she doesn't mix well with the aristocracy. Unfortunately, toxic mold forces her from her cottage and into one of the earl's countless spare rooms at the Hall. She tries to get a handle on her overload of work, while she finds herself arguing with dinner guests, chaffing at the sudden interest the earl's son has in running the estate, and missing her new beau, Michael Sedgwick.

Her life goes from bad to sinister when Julia discovers poisoned sparrowhawks on the expansive estate grounds. And soon after, she finds one of the Hall's visitors murdered—felled by the same poison. While simultaneously both spooked and angry, she still can't keep herself from snooping, and dragging Michael along into her investigation. But will she find the culprit before her own wings are clipped?

Kindle Edition

Expected publication: December 1st 2015 by Alibi 

 

About The Author:

 

Marty Wingate is a Seattle-based writer and speaker about gardens and travel. She is the author of the Potting Shed mysteries from Random House/Alibi, about Pru Parke, middle-aged American gardener who moves to England and digs up more than weeds. The first two in the series are The Garden Plot and The Red Book of Primrose House, followed by the third in late summer 2015. Her new cozy mystery series, Birds of a Feather, begins in June 2015 with The Rhyme of the Magpie. You can hear Marty on the podcast A Dry Rain, free from iTunes and always available at adryrain.net. She leads garden tours to European and North American destinations.

Title: Highland Heat

Author: Jennifer Haymore‏

Stars: 4out of 5

Review:

An great historical romance with an excellent story line.

 It tells of a forbidden love between a Lady and a wounded Scot NCO whom she finds on the battlefield after Waterloo. It encompasses the obstacles that she had to overcome in order to marry her true love. 

I enjoyed this book and gave it a four star rating.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.

Thank you Frank for the Review! 

Synopsis:

With blood still drying on the front lines at Waterloo, Lady Grace Carrington helps an injured soldier to a British medical tent. Though she believes she’s pulled him to safety, in fact she has put them both in grave danger: Because when his brilliant blue eyes meet hers, the passionate Scottish sergeant kisses her in a way that leaves her breathless and trembling. As the obedient daughter of an earl, Grace shouldn’t be tempted by someone so far below her station. But as a red-blooded woman, she longs for so much more.

As far as Duncan Mackenzie is concerned, getting stabbed in the arm was the best thing that ever happened to him. When he wakes on the battlefield, the sight of Grace’s lovely face sets his soul aflame. As an enlisted man and a farmer’s son, however, pursuing his guardian angel means facing the wrath of London society, not to mention his own superiors in the British Army. Aye, but he’d risk all that and more just to keep her in his arms.

Kindle Edition, 247 pages

Expected publication: November 24th 2015 by Loveswept

About The Author:

 

USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Haymore is the author of sexy historical and contemporary romance. Her books have been nominated for numerous awards, including five RT Book Reviews Reviewers Choice awards and the prestigious RITA® award for best historical romance.

You can find Jennifer in Southern California trying to talk her husband into yet another trip to England, helping her three children with homework while brainstorming a new five-minute dinner menu, or crouched in a corner of the local bookstore writing her next novel.

You can learn more at:

JenniferHaymore.com

Twitter @jenniferhaymore

Facebook.com/jenniferhaymore-autho 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Book Review: A Whisper of Desire

Title: A Whisper of Desire 

Author: Bronwen Evans‏ 

Stars: 3out 5

Review:

A historical romance with a strong storyline. It started out very well but soon stooped to basic explicit sex  scenes. I felt that the story line was strong enough to stand on its own merit without resorting to the old standby of sex sells.

I would rate the book at three stars.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.
Thank you Frank

Synopsis:
Lady Marisa Hawkstone’s nightmare is just beginning when she wakes up naked, with no memory of the night before, lying next to Maitland Spencer, the Duke of Lyttleton—a man so aloof and rational, he’s nicknamed “the Cold Duke.” A scandal ensues, in which Marisa’s beloved beau deserts her. As a compromised woman, Marisa agrees to marry Maitland. But on her wedding night, Marisa discovers the one place the duke shows emotion: in the bedroom, where the man positively scorches the sheets.

Taught from a young age to take duty seriously, Maitland cannot understand his new wife’s demands on his love and affection. Marisa’s hot-blooded spirit, however, does have its attractions—especially at night. In retrospect, it seems quite silly that he didn’t marry sooner. But being one of the Libertine Scholars requires constant vigilance, even more so when the enemy with a grudge against his closest friends targets Marisa. Now Maitland must save the woman who sets his heart aflame—or die trying.

Ebook, 300 pages

Expected publication: December 1st 2015 by Loveswept

About The Author:
 
USA Today Bestselling Author Bronwen Evans grew up loving books. She writes both historical and contemporary sexy romances for the modern woman who likes intelligent, spirited heroines, and compassionate alpha heroes.

Her debut Regency romance, Invitation to Ruin won the RomCon Readers’ Crown Best Historical 2012, and was an RT Reviewers’ Choice Nominee Best First Historical 2011. Her first self-published novella, To Dare the Duke of Dangerfield, was a FINALIST in the Kindle Book Review Indie Romance Book of the Year 2012, and a finalist in the RomCon Readers’ Crown Best Historical 2013. Her first contemporary released December 2012, The Reluctant Wife, won the RomCon Readers’ Crown Best Category 2013.

When not writing or reading, she enjoys long walks in the vineyard, or at the beach, with her Cavoodle Brandy.

Bronwen loves hearing from avid romance readers at romance@bronwenevans.com

You can keep up with Bronwen’s news by visiting her website www.bronwenevans.com
 

Book Review: Hunted

Title:Hunted


Author: Marissa Garner

Stars 3 out of 5

Review:

This is the first time I have read anything by Marissa Garner and I wish I could say that I found this book exciting but I found it middle of the line for Romantic Suspense novels. I personally found the male lead to be slightly condescending to Amber the female lead though out the book. Beginning to end you knew what would happen next without needing to read. There was zero surprises and the book would drag on to the point I started to speed read so I go get to something interesting.
Marrissa used the word dick one to many times for my taste and apparently Ben's penis agrees with his thoughts all the time.
What I love about a suspense novels is the fear something might happen to the character you fall in love with put personally this read like a life time movie. You knew everything that would happen before it happened.

ARC sent from Netgelley

Synopses:
For San Diego's elite FBI agents, risking their lives is standard procedure when it comes to capturing the city's most dangerous criminals-but falling in love is the greatest risk of all.

Catching bad guys in San Diego's underworld isn't just FBI Special Agent Ben Alfren's job, it's his life. He doesn't have time for a serious relationship, doesn't want one either. So when he meets his sexy new neighbor, Amber Jollett, he has nothing more in mind than unwinding with a glass of wine, a romantic walk on the beach...and maybe a hot fling.

But Amber is more than he bargained for. Her job as a nurse has brought her face-to-face with women caught in a human trafficking ring, women she's determined to help. As Ben and Amber plot to rescue the women, the attraction between them flares into passion. But they'll learn that in this dangerous game of cat and mouse, real love can save - or doom - them . . .

Paperback, 320 pages

Expected publication: December 8th 2015 by Forever Yours

About The Author:
 
I’m Marissa Garner. I’m a wife, writer, chocoholic, and animal lover, not necessarily in that order. As a little girl, I cut pictures of people out of my mother’s magazines and turned them into characters in my simple stories. Now I write sexy paranormal romantic suspense, steamy contemporary romance, and edgy romantic thrillers. I live in sunny Southern California with my husband, but enjoy traveling from Athens to Anchorage to Acapulco and to many locations in between.

I write romance to titillate your mind as well as your libido. My stories appeal to romance readers who:
•Choose French Silk over vanilla
•Don’t always color inside the lines and don’t like being told no
•Think some rules are made to be broken
•Have the courage to push the envelope when they’re passionate about something
•Believe fiction should be as unpredictable as real life

If this sounds like your kind of romance, have fun exploring my website and stories.
 

Writing a book on Parenting

I have been asked many times why I haven't tried writing a book on parenting or at least my experiences as a mother.
I would love to write a book on motherhood but I think I need to make it to the teen years for it to work.  Yes I have great stories about tines and all the crazy things that happen in my house which leaves me scratching my head a lot.
I love that my kids can be team players like the one time I came into the kitchen to find a chair next to the counter with a box on top of the counter and my 4 year old handing 6 year old fruit snacks which than tossing a pack to her 9 year old brother who was sitting on said chair opening it for the 1 year old who raced past me with a smile. How do you get angry I mean after all they were working together and no one was fighting.
During the summer months which thankful only last 7 weeks No one is allowed to fight until Noon than they can fight away but before than everyone will be sent to their rooms until noon. You would be surprised how well that works when you bribe them with swimming at their grandfathers house later that day.
No to mention those times you forget to lock the bedroom doors, hiding in the bathroom, missing children who are the best and worst at hide and go seek.  Maybe one day when I look back and write those stories about being a tried mom who loves her children but sometimes just didn't like them.
Dinner time with "Gross Pizza!" or "Oh yea HOT WINGS!"
Being a stay at home mom is a blessing and a curse all rolled into one amazing package I wouldn't change for all the money in the world. Well maybe a few extra dollars to busy those five inch black heels I have been drooling over.

ThrowBack Thursday

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Book Review - Deadly Straits - R.E. McDermott

Title:      Deadly Straits

Author:  R.E. McDermott

Review:  I can't believe this is R.E. McDermotts first book. Deadly Straits is a fast pace thriller that takes no prisoners. From the very beginning of the book the reader knows that the body count is going to be high and at times gruesome.  The author uses almost every country that has issues in the world today from Iran to Venezuela and had them working together.  Terrorists from all parts of the world, Jihadist, former East German to Chechen rebels. The author created such evil characters that you could only hope they would receive the same punishment they gave to others.  The hero of the book, Tom Dugan, was only trying to help a friend and instead found himself in the middle of a CIA\MI5 investigation. Tom wasn't an All American Hero and the author created a character that everyone could identity with when it came to feelings of regret, friendship, love and passion.  Towards the end of the book the author added two Russians for comic relief, the tension that had been building up and I was grateful for the two very funny Russians.

I enjoyed that R.E. McDermott gave a back stories to everyone who was important in the book so the reader could better understand the characters motives later on.  The only problem I found was the story jumped around from character to character and after a while there were too many characters to keep track of causing me to reread large sections of the book.  I ended up taking away their names and renaming some of the lesser characters as rebel 1 terrorist 2. At one point in the book I wasn't even sure who some of the lesser character were and decided to more past them to get back to the main story.

The author created a very believable story just like other great thriller authors such as Tom Clancy.  The author also had a large body count and with that came several scenes of strong language and gore.  I could have lived without someone’s guts coming out and a missing leg all in one chapter.

I felt this book was a combination of the movie Taken with the large dead body count but the suspense of a Tom Clancy mystery.

Thank you Heidi for this fabulous review…keep up the great work.

Publisher:  Published July 28th 2011 by R.E. McDermott

Copyright: 2011

Pages:  412

ISBN:    9780983741701

Quick Review:  31/2  Stars out of 5. 

Where I Obtained the Book:  The author sent it for review.

Synopsis:  When marine engineer and very part-time spook Tom Dugan becomes collateral damage in the War on Terror, he's not about to take it lying down.

Falsely implicated in a hijacking, he's offered a chance to clear himself by helping the CIA snare their real prey, Dugan's best friend, London ship owner Alex Kairouz. Reluctantly, Dugan agrees to go undercover in Alex's company, despite doubts about his friend's guilt. Once undercover, Dugan's steadfast refusal to accept Alex's guilt puts him at odds not only with his CIA superiors, but also with a beautiful British agent with whom he's romantically involved.

When a tanker is found adrift near Singapore with a dead crew, and another explodes in Panama as Alex lies near death after a suspicious suicide attempt, Dugan is framed for the attacks. Out of options, and convinced the attacks are prelude to an even more devastating assault, Dugan eludes capture to follow his last lead to Russia, only to be shanghaied as an 'advisor' to a Russian Spetsnaz unit on a suicide mission.

Deadly Straits is a non-stop thrill ride, from London streets, to the dry docks of Singapore, to the decks of the tankers that feed the world's thirst for oil, with stops along the way in Panama, Langley, Virginia, and Teheran. Richly spiced with detail from the author's 30 years sailing, building, and repairing ships worldwide, it is, in the words of one reviewer, "fast-paced, multilayered and gripping."

 

Author Biography:  R.E. McDermott grew up on the Gulf Coast and graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. He's worked in the marine industry for over thirty years, in positions from ship's officer to shipping company management. Traveling widely, he's lived abroad for extended periods, and managed ship-building projects in the U.S., Japan, Singapore, and China. He currently splits his time between the U.S. and Singapore, where he operates a marine consultancy, advising clients on ship construction, and operational and engineering matters. Deadly Straits is his first novel