Book Review: Paradox (FBI Thriller #22) by Catherine Coulter

Title: Paradox (FBI Thriller #22) 

Author:  Catherine Coulter 

Stars: 5 out of 5 stars

Review:
As always any book by this author is a good read. I enjoyed the plot, the cast of characters, and the story line were believable. There is plenty of action and intriguing details to keep even the most hardened armchair detective on their toes with a smattering of red herrings thrown in for good measure. 

I have rated this book 5 stars and have no problem recommending it to others.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased opinion.

Synopsis:

When he fails to kidnap five-year-old Sean Savich, agents Sherlock and Savich know they’re in his crosshairs and must find him before he continues with his ‘kill’ list.

Chief Ty Christie of Willicott, Maryland, witnesses a murder at dawn from the deck of her cottage on Lake Massey. When dragging the lake, not only do the divers find the murder victim, they also discover dozens of bones. Even more shocking is the identification of a unique belt buckle found among the bones. Working together with Chief Christie, Savich and Sherlock soon discover a frightening connection between the bones and the escaped psychopath.

Paradox is a chilling mix of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, old secrets that refuse to stay buried, and ruthless greed that keep Savich and Sherlock and Chief Ty Christie working at high speed to uncover the truth before their own bones end up at the bottom on the lake.

Kindle Edition, 448 pages

Expected publication: July 31st 2018 by Gallery Books

About The Author:

 Catherine Coulter 

http://www.catherinecoulter.com/

Book Review: Deep Cover (Love Over Duty #3) by Scarlett Cole

Title: Deep Cover (Love Over Duty #3)

Author: Scarlett Cole 

Stars: 3 stars

Review:
Deep Cover is nothing more than a cliche Romantic Suspense novel that can't make it out of the planning stages.  The story start off with enough story that will capture readers but soon falls apart and end up with nothing more than two characters in bed together.  Its a easily forgettable novel and series and almost a waste of time.
Cabe is your typical broken Hero. Amy is hot, sexy woman who is hit on by every man and she wants to prove she is more than a pretty face.  She crosses the lines she has drawn in the sand so many times.  She end up more of a weak female character than a strong woman.
The characters are not interesting enough for this reader to want to continue you reading this series.
Author need to learn to find a blend in character development, romance, sex, and story without losing one of the major aspects of the story.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance copy of  Scarlett Cole  Deep Cover (Love Over Duty #3)

Synopsis:
Ex-Navy SEAL Cabe Moss always comes when called to duty―at all costs. Even though the death of his fiancée nearly destroyed him, Cabe won’t let his past interfere with any work that has to get done. When his latest task pushes him to team up with FBI Agent Amy Murray, a fierce beauty with the undercover skills to match, Cabe must admit that, for the first time in years, he wants to do more than just complete their mission together…

Amy was born ready for this assignment, but working side-by-side with the the strong, silent, and frustratingly professional Cabe seems to be the biggest challenge of all. But when the sparks begin to fly―and the stakes rise to dangerous heights―the only thing Amy is left worrying about is how she can resist him. Their lives may be in danger, but their hearts hold the biggest risk of all

Expected publication: July 31st 2018 by St. Martin's Paperbacks

About The Author:

Three-time RITA finalist, Scarlett Cole, is a contemporary romantic suspense / contemporary romance author (represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency). Author of the Second Circle Tattoos Series. The Strongest Steel was a Best Debut Goodreads Author Finalist 2015, and Authors on the Air Global Radio Network #1 Contemporary Romance Pick for 2015.

When Scarlett isn't writing, she spends her time reading, hoarding mason jars, and working out to off-set an epic sour candy habit. 

Having travelled the world for work and fun, Scarlett is a citizen of both Britain and Canada. A true city-dweller, she considers Toronto and Manchester home and likes to set her books in vibrant locations such as Miami and Los Angeles.

If you want to know more about Scarlett's books, visit her at: 
www.scarlettcole.com

Book Review: Death and Taxes (Tales of a Badass IRS Agent, #1) by Mark David Zaslove

Title:  Death and Taxes (Tales of a Badass IRS Agent, #1)

Author: Mark David Zaslove

Stars: 4 stars

Review:
The title alone should have this book flying off the shelf.  The second an email pop up in my in box requesting me to read this book I couldn't say no. This time judging a book by its cover has paid off.
This is a must read can't miss book and to top it off I found myself laughing a few times with the tax write off people come up with.
They story is well paced that keeps readers engaged and will be excited for the next installment in the series.  If you love a good mystery, well crafted story and characters that jump off the pages this book is a must read.
Thank you to Aperient Press for the Copy of Mark David Zaslove Death and Taxes.

Synopsis:
Death and Taxes follows Mark Douglas, an ex-Marine turned IRS agent, who, along with auditing the weird and the profane, also goes out with his gang of government-sanctioned revenuers over weekends, merrily gathering back-taxes in the form of cash, trade or MILFs-with-their-robes-open barter.

Things turn ugly when Mark’s favorite boss and dearest friend Lila is tortured and killed over what she finds in a routine set of 1040 forms. Mark follows a trail dotted with plutonium-enriched cows, Saudi sheikhs with jewel-encrusted wieners (and we’re not talkin’ Oscar Mayer), edge-of-death ex-drug sniffing dogs named The Cabbage, overly-excited magicians who pull doves out of orifices that shouldn’t have doves pulled out from them, billionaire Texans with fetishes for barbecue-sauced ladies underthings, and even an FBI agent whose nickname is “Tightass.” All of which lead to more and bloodier murders.

With aid from his IRS pals—Harry Salt, a crazed thirty-year vet with a quantum physical ability to drink more than humanly possible; Wooly Bob, who’s anything but wooly, egg-bald on top with shaved eyebrows for effect; Miguel, an overly excited newbie, with a company-issued bullhorn and a penchant for getting kicked in the jumblies—Mark hunts down the eunuch hit man Juju Klondike and the mee krob snorting Mongolian mob that hired him as only an angry IRS agent can. There will be no refunds for any of them when April 15th comes around. There will only be Death and Taxes.

Hardcover, 219 pages

Published June 12th 2018  Aperient Press, 

About The Author:

Mark Zaslove is a long-standing writer/director/producer, live-action and animation entertainment industry veteran, working in both movies and television. He’s done time – scratch that – created content for all the major studios, including Disney, Universal, Paramount and Warner Bros. A two-time Emmy Award winner for writing/producing, Mark also won the Humanitas Prize (for writing uplifting human values in television and movies – go figure). He also writes short fiction and right after college (where he studied astrophysics), he served as senior editor on various magazines including a couple for the notorious LFP, Inc.—google it—but from there he went to “Winnie the Pooh,” so his karma is still cool.

Finally, one day, he got fed up with the rigorous structure of scriptwriting and everyone giving him notes and decided: “WTH! Time to stretch my legs, step on the gas and write a novel for the sheer fun of it!” And voila, almost before you could say “Death and Taxes,” the book was done. What’s more, it’s just the first in a series of fast-paced thrillers following the escapades of IRS agent Mark Douglas and his band of merry revenuers as they bring justice to those in great need of same, while collecting your Federal dollars along the way. Hey, for both Marks, it’s a living.

https://www.markzaslove.com/

Book Review: Darkest Night (Wired & Dangerous #2) by Megan Erickson

Title:  Darkest Night (Wired & Dangerous #2)

Author: Megan Erickson

Stars: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

Review:
While the concept of the story is insetting without reading the first book readers will feel as if they are dropped in the middle of a story.
The author Megan Erickson tries her best to update readers fast in the first few chapters at times readers will be lost.
The story is has a decent flow keeping reader engaged but the time table while leave a few scratching their heads. I still can't tell you if the story is over a few days, weeks, months or years.
Jock Bosh is very boring character and while there are moments of humor and romance he is flat, boring and forgettable.
Fiona is interesting and her past will break readers hearts.  Their insta romance is unbelievable as well as parts of the story. 
I enjoyed the concept former military\hackers saving the world however it falls flat to deliver with a very flat male lead and a bag guy straight out of a James Bond film. (Mr. White)

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Forever for the advance copy of Megan Erickson Darkest Night

Synopsis:
Bodyguard Jock Bosh has one job: keep Fiona Madden safe. Safe from the men who've been hunting her. Safe from the bastard responsible for ruining her life. And with the attraction sizzling white-hot between them, that means keeping Fiona safe from him too.

Fiona has spent the past decade on the run. Her survival is the single greatest weapon she's had against the men out to destroy her. Until Jock. Now, with him by her side, she finally has a chance to bring them down. But when her enemies make their next move and Jock puts himself in the line of fire, Fiona realizes that there's more at stake than just her life-she's also risking her heart.

Publication: July 31st 2018 by Forever

About The Author:

Megan Erickson is a USA Today bestselling author of romance that sizzles. Her books have a touch of nerd, a dash of humor, and always have a happily ever after. A former journalist, she switched to fiction when she decided she likes writing her own endings better.

She lives in Pennsylvania with her very own nerdy husband and two kids. Although rather fun-sized, she's been told she has a full-sized personality. When Megan isn't writing, she's either lounging with her two cats named after John Hughes characters or... thinking about writing.

For more, visit meganerickson.org

Book Review: Shattered Silence (Echo Falls #3) by Marta Perry

Title: Shattered Silence (Echo Falls #3) 

Author: Marta Perry

Stars: 4 stars

Review:
Shattered Silence is a slow paced mystery that readers find themselves more interested in the characters than the mystery as the story moves from character development, mystery, excitement and back to story and character development. 
While the story is very slow as Rachel Hartline is trying to figure out what her ex husband is up to readers are introduced into the would of Amish Farm that will bring readers into a new world where languages are different and life moves slowly. 
Shattered Silence is a stand a long novel with a Happy Ending that readers will love.
For those who might be worried there is no sex in the book. A simple romance with a mystery.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Books for the advance copy.

Synopsis:
A woman on the run seeks sanctuary in a peaceful Pennsylvania Dutch community—and finds a protector in the most unlikely of men…

One moment Rachel Hartline is secure in her career and community. The next, she’s in the wrong place at the wrong time—watching her ex-husband commit a crime that puts her in unfathomable danger. Fear and hurt send her home to an Amish farm and the family she’s always trusted. But a private investigator is close behind—and he may be a threat to her in more ways than one…

Cold, calculating Clint Mordan isn’t convinced Rachel is as innocent in her ex-husband’s schemes as she claims, but when her ex’s enemies target Rachel, Clint is driven to keep her safe. Maybe the terror in her beautiful eyes and the target on her back aren’t an act. But as his feelings toward her deepen, Clint realizes he’s the only one who can keep Rachel alive in a game where only the killer knows the stakes.

Expected publication: August 1st 2018 by HQN Books


About The Author:

Marta Perry is a Pennsylvania-based author of over 35 novels, many of them inspirational romances. She uses her rural Pennsylvania life and her Pennsylvania Dutch heritage in writing her books, especially in her Pleasant Valley Amish series for Berkley Books and her new Amish-set suspense series for HQN Books.

Marta and her husband live in a centuries-old farmhouse in a quiet central Pennsylvania valley. They have three grown children and six beautiful grandchildren, and when she's not busy writing her next book, she's usually trying to keep up with her gardening, baking for church events, or visiting those beautiful grandkids.

Book Review: In Name Only by Meredith Lamonica

Title: In Name Only

Author:  Meredith Lamonica 

Stars: 4 stars

Review:
A well thought out and well composed historical romance with two strong leading characters. I enjoyed the interaction between them and others. I would read other offerings by this author.

I have rated this book at 4 stars.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased opinion.

Synopsis:
When her father’s passing leaves her penniless, twenty-one-year-old Katherine plans to flee England, hoping her aunt will take her in. But when she is attacked on her way to the shipyard docks, Katherine is saved by Alexander, an undeniably attractive man with a rakish reputation. When he later makes her an offer of marriage in name only—a marriage that will mutually benefit both of them—she finds she cannot refuse. 

Although his proposal of marriage was nothing more than a business deal, Alexander finds himself increasingly attracted to the spiteful and headstrong Katherine, who is different from any girl he’s courted before. He knows she could never love him or see him as any more than a marriage ruse, but he can’t help but wonder if she could ever truly be happy with him. 

Every minute she spends with Alexander, Katherine falls deeper into his trance. But when the details of her attack at the shipyard docks and her late father’s will come to light, Katherine and Alexander are thrust into a realization that things are not always what they seem. 

About The Author:

Meredith Lamonica is currently working on her B.A. in History. In 2014 she won a scholarship for her writing which led her to pursue a degree in History and a career as a writer.

Book Review Good Little Girls (The Keepers #2) by Rita Herron

Title: Good Little Girls (The Keepers #2) 

Author:  Rita Herron

Stars: 3 1/2 stars

Review:
Good Little Girls is a dark, unforgiving story that will stick with readers long after they put the book down. Rita Herron create a dark world where killers who get away with the most hainius  of crimes are free because of the wealthy and technicalities of the law. Individuals (Keepers) decide they can no longer allow this to happen.  They kill those who are the vile of the world.  
I couldn't give the book a full 4 because the end of the story is rushed and unrealistic compared to the rest of the story.  The author throws the ending together to make HEA readers happy which wasn't need and took the story away from its realism.

Even though this is in a series this is a stand a lone novel. The first book is mentioned enough to allow readers to understand what is going on but not enough to pull away from the current story.
Good little girls might trigger those who have sexual assault. 

Thank you to Netgalley and Montlake for the advance copy of Rita Herron Good Little Girls.

Synopsis:

Tinsley Jensen survived the torturous clutches of an elusive masked killer dubbed the Skull, only to be held hostage by her nightmares. She’s terrified of leaving her cottage on Seahawk Island, knowing that the madman is still out there. FBI special agent Wyatt Camden knows it too. He may have rescued Tinsley, but her captor got away. Now he’s driven by guilt, the need for vengeance, and the desire to protect—at any cost—the woman he’s come to love.

Too paranoid to deal with the police, the media, and her sister, Tinsley finds solace in an online support group. She’s too broken to let even Wyatt into her life. But when the threats against Tinsley escalate and her friend disappears, Tinsley is forced out of her self-imposed seclusion to finally face her fears. Wyatt is the only man she can trust to help her, and to save a killer’s latest catch. Now, Wyatt just wants to finish the job he started.

But that’s all the Skull wants too

Expected publication: July 24th 2018 by Montlake Romance

About The Author:

USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author Rita Herron fell in love with books at the ripe age of eight when she read her first Trixie Belden mystery. Although she wanted to be a writer then and actually scrawled her first novel at age twelve, she didn’t think real people grew up to be writers, so she became a kindergarten teacher instead. Ten years ago, she traded her classroom storytelling and puppets for a computer and now writes so she doesn’t have to get a real job.
Having sold over fifty books to date, she enjoys spinning spine-tingling romantic suspense tales filled with murder, mayhem, and spicy romance as well as sexy romantic comedies. Rita Herron currently writes romantic suspense for Harlequin Intrigue and she’s writing dark, gritty romantic suspense thrillers for Amazon Montlake.

If you want to know more about Rita or have a question for her about her books, or writing in general, email Rita and she’ll be happy to answer

Book Review: Assassin Games by Sidney Bristol

Title: Assassin Games

Author: Sidney Bristol

Stars: 4 stars

Review:
Assassin Games comes across as part of a series of book with the mention of many different characters and past stories that I felt like should know.
Start to finish this book will take readers on a wild ride filled with deep rooted government conspiracy that will keep readers wanting more.
The relationship between Anderson Gratney (Andy)  and Carol Sark quick romance with the HEA but the adventure, action and gun battles keeps readers falling in love with Carol over and over again.

Character development is fast paced as the story but the author Sidney Bristol is able to create 3-D characters that come to life popping off the pages until the story ends with a question.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Amara for the advance copy of Sidney Bristol Assassin Games

Synopsis:
Anderson Gratney does odd jobs that usually involve a gun and covert ops for the CIA. His latest assignment? Kidnap a CIA analyst in order to keep her safe. Easy. Except there’s nothing simple about the beautiful, careful Carol Sark, who tempts him the more he learns about her.

Coming face to face with a masked man in her home is the most terrifying experience of Carol’s life—until he kidnaps her. He claims he’s there to keep her safe, but she doesn’t know who to trust. And until they can figure out who the threat is, she's forced to take him at his word. 

Time is ticking, and even though she drives him nuts, Anderson very much wants to keep her alive. Unfortunately, the assassins have other ideas.

Expected publication: July 23rd 2018 by Entangled Publishing, LLC (Amara)

About The Author:



It can never be said that NYT & USA Today Bestselling author Sidney Bristol has had a ‘normal’ life. She is a recovering roller derby queen, former missionary, and tattoo addict. She grew up in a motor-home on the US highways (with an occasional jaunt into Canada and Mexico), traveling the rodeo circuit with her parents. Sidney has lived abroad in both Russia and Thailand, working with children and teenagers. She now lives in Texas where she splits her time between a job she loves, writing, reading and fostering cats.

Sidney is represented by Nicole Resciniti of the Seymour Agency.

http://www.SidneyBristol.com

Book Review: Dinosaurs & Cherry Stems (Cindy's Crusades #1) by Susan Jean Ricci

Title: Dinosaurs & Cherry Stems (Cindy's Crusades #1)

Author: Susan Jean Ricci 

Stars: 4 1/2 stars

Review:
Dinosaurs and Cherry Stems is a laugh out loud funny easy to read story.   
                                              This is a must read book!!
Susan Jean Ricci is able to create a laugh out loud story with fun dialogue, a protagonist that will have readers loving and a hate to love or is it love to hate characters.
Cindy shows the world what it is like to date online and the humor you need when the crazy happens.
Dinosaurs and Cherry Stems is the perfect read for anyone going though a divorce not to mention if you just need to laugh.

This story from what I have heard from friends is a very honest look at dating after 40.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of Susan Jean Ricci Dinosaurs and Cherry Stems. 

Synopsis:
Twice divorced, cynical Cindy Layton feels like a relic with prehistoric baggage, and doubts she can muster the courage to establish a new relationship, even if it's on her own terms.

Her journey out of the Stone Age hits freaky, hilarious turbulence when she joins an Internet dating service. The scammers and weirdoes she meets in cyberspace make Cindy want to crawl back into her cave, until she receives an accidental email from Jay DeMatteo.

Jay has the dating blues, too, but after meeting Cindy, reconsiders his options. Now it's up to him to convince her it's never too late to pursue a meaningful relationship, even when a couple is struggling with midlife adolescence. 

Kindle Edition, 128 pages

Published September 14th 2012 by Jumping Jersey Jenkins Books

About The Author: 

An Award-Winning, From Women’s Pens Author and Humorist, Best Selling Author Susan Jean Ricci is best known for her Cindy’s Crusades Series, starring the hilarious duo Cindy and Jay DeMatteo. These cherished characters are first introduced in the novel Dinosaurs and Cherry Stems, and return to entertain you in the sequel The Sugar Ticket. Their mischief making continues in these shorts: Two Miracles for Christmas, A Valentine’s Day to Remember, and The Blind Seer. 

Most recently, Ms. Ricci’s novels have been included in the Sweet and Sassy Christmas - A Time for Romance Collection and the Unforgettable Christmas - Gifts of Love (The Unforgettables Book 3) Collection. Her novella When Saliors Play has been included in Uvi Poznansky’s Bestselling Anthology Love in Times of War. Her other titles are offered in the following anthologies: Unforgettable Heroes – Unforgettable Passion, and Sweet Heat – Where Love & Suspense Meet. 

Ms. Ricci’s Christmas stories and novellas have been published in the beloved Annie Acorn Christmas Treasuries 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016. Other selections appear in Annie Acorn's Romance 2015 Treasury, Annie Acorn's Romance Treasury 2016, and Annie Acorn’s Spirited Tales 2015. All may be purchased as stand alone stories, as well as other her titles, including those smoking, hot novellas available in Ms. Ricci’s catalogue, The My Sexy Chef Series. 

Susan and her husband Joe live in a beautiful town near the sea, and when time allows, they love to travel. Together they have seven children and ten grandchildren.

Book Review: I Think I Love You (Oxford, #5) by Lauren Layne

Title: I Think I Love You (Oxford, #5)

Author: Lauren Layne

Stars: 5 stars 

Review:
I think I love you is a cute fast pace romance that readers will love because it when best friends finally realize they are perfect for each other. This story isn't anything new but the author has created a cast of characters that readers will fall in love with. 
This is the first in the series I have read Oxford series but I plan to go back and start at the beginning.
Lauren Layne write fun, lovable characters that pop off the page as readers find romance for the first time all over again.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Loveswept for the advance copy of Lauren Layne I think I love you.

Synopsis:
Brit Robbins knows that dating in New York City is hard—she just hoped to have it mastered by age thirty. But after yet another promising suitor says they have no sparks, Brit decides it’s time to torch her dating game and try a new plan. And who better to coach Brit through the art of seduction than the guy who first gave her the “let’s be friends” card?
 
Hunter Cross has always figured there’s nothing his best friend Brit can do to surprise him. But Brit’s request is a surprise he doesn’t see coming—and one he’s definitely not prepared for. Hunter and Brit have always been careful to keep things perfectly platonic, but the fake dates and faux flirting are starting to feel like the real deal. And soon Hunter realizes he has taught Brit too well. Not only has she become an expert at seduction, the man becoming thoroughly seduced is him.

 July 17th 2018 by Loveswept

About The Author:

I'm a New York Times bestselling romance author living my dream life, and an outspoken cheerleader for helping you live yours!

I believe that books with happy-endings are the best kind. I believe that champagne shouldn't be reserved for New Year's Eve and weddings. I believe that Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe had the right idea about nearly everything.

In addition to writing romance, I'm widly passionate about supporting aspiring writers, and am a pretty unabashed advocate for a more glamorous lifestyle!

Life's too short not to look and feel your best every day! So break out that wedding china! Drink your water out of your fanciest water glass! Quit saving that fabulous little black dress and splurgy bottle of champagne a special occasion. Your life is the occasion, and it's happening right now.

Book Review: Lord of Secrets (Rogues to Riches #5) by Erica Ridley

Title: Lord of Secrets (Rogues to Riches #5)

Author: Erica Ridley

Stars: 4 out of 5

Review:
An historical romance that encompasses an excellent group of people. It has a crossover of characters and events that will be familiar to readers of other stories by this accomplished author. All's well that ends well and this tale ends well for all concerned parties. The hero is untarnished and the heroine is beautiful and compassionate. 

I has rated this book 4 stars.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased opinion.

Thank you Frank for your review.

Synopsis:
Heath Grenville is the problem-solver for London's elite. Unmask the devious cretin skewering the ton with audacious caricatures? With pleasure. His success should keep the powerful happy. But when his work leads him to a young lady outside his class, surely he won’t do anything so scandalous as to fall in love...

By day, Miss Eleanora Winfield is a proper, unremarkable paid companion. By night, Nora’s skillful hands sketch the infamous penny caricatures rocking high society. Nora desperately needs the money…and her anonymity. But how can she keep them both, when she’s fallen for the one man whose livelihood and reputation requires him to expose her? 


About The Author:

Erica Ridley is a USA Today and New York Times best-selling author of historical romance novels. 

In her new Rogues to Riches historical romance series, sigh-worthy Regency rogues sweep strong-willed young ladies into whirlwind romances.

Fan-favorite Dukes of War features charming peers and dashing war heroes who return from battle only to be thrust into the splendor and madness of Regency England. 

When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found riding camels in Africa, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.

Book Review: Double Blind (Kendra Michaels #6) by Iris Johansen and Roy Johansen

Title: Double Blind (Kendra Michaels #6) 

Author(s): Iris Johansen and Roy Johansen

Stars: 4 out of 5

Review:
I wanted to love Double Blind by Iris and Roy Johnansen but for some reason this book was lacking.  They created an amazing synopsis that will have reader jumping for the book but fail to full fill those expectations.  IN many ways I felt like I was reading a half done super hero story that couldn't find its grove. 
The story was more about the relationship and less action packed as the other books in the series which seems to be the main drive of the series.  
While some readers will be happy to have more relationship development other will wonder where the voice of the series.
The author has an interesting voice and this book is a series and not a stand alone novel.  
Pushing though the book I found the story line to flow well and readers will enjoy the story as it builds into the next of the next Kendra Michael series.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher  St. Martin's Press for the advance copy of Iris and Roy Johansen Double Blind.

Synopsis:
Kendra Michaels is reluctant to help the FBI with the most recent case they've brought to her...until she hears the details: The body was found just blocks away from Kendra’s condo. The man was carrying an envelope with Kendra’s name on it, and inside was an SD card with what appears to be an innocuous video of a wedding reception. And just one week before the attempted delivery of this mysterious video, the groom in the video was murdered. 

As the body count rises, Kendra joins forces with private investigator Jessie Mercado and agent-for-hire Adam Lynch as they discover that each victim played a part in convicting a serial killer years before. Someone has clearly taken up his mantle to exact a sadistic form of vengeance. But who is it? A family member? An old partner? Or is it possible that the wrong man was convicted and the serial killer himself has returned to continue his sick spree?

Hardcover, 336 pages

Expected publication: July 17th 2018 by St. Martin's Press

About The Author(s)

Roy Johansen is a New York Times-bestselling mystery/suspense author and screenwriter. 

He was awarded the Edgar Allen Poe award from the Mystery Writers of America in the Best Television Miniseries or Movie category for his original screenplay "Murder 101". He continues to write screenplays for Warner Bros., Universal Pictures, Disney, and MGM.

He has written several mystery/suspense novels on his own, but Roy Johansen also collaborates with his mother, Iris Johansen, on several best-selling mystery novels, including Storm Cycle, The Hannah Bryson series, and The Kendra Michaels series. 

https://www.royjohansen.com/



Iris Johansen is a New York Times bestselling author. She began her writing after her children left home for college. She first achieved success in the early 1980s writing category romances. In 1991, Johansen began writing suspense historical romance novels, starting with the publication of The Wind Dancer. In 1996 Johansen switched genres, turning to crime fiction, with which she has had great success. 

She lives in Georgia and is married. Her son, Roy Johansen, is an Edgar Award-winning screenwriter and novelist. Her daughter, Tamara, serves as her research assistant.

Book Review: Deadly Games (Dallas After Dark) by Karen Rock

Title: Deadly Games (Dallas After Dark)
  
Author: Karen Rock

Stars: 2 stars 

Review:
Deadly Games is part of a series called Dallas After Dark. The story starts off with sex between two strangers. Nash Hawkins decides that after seeing Katherine Bowden from a distance she is the woman for him. The story is very predictable from the romance to the killer at the end of the story.
The author repeats the line "Arrogant, Cocky, egotistical man" in different areas of the book even if the words are moved around it is the same line with the same outcome.
The killer is obvious from the second the person is present to readers leaving them hoping the romance keeps them hooked to the one sided characters.
In the end the story falls flat, predictable and I won't remember this story from the hundreds other I have read that are the same story line.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Lyrical Liaison for the advance copy of Karen Rock Deadly Games


Synopsis:
Special Agent Katherine Bowden doesn’t do girls’ nights out. She doesn’t do blazing hot dances with male strippers or unbelievable, uninhibited one-night-stands. If you ask her ex, all she does is work: study evidence, profile criminals, track them down. And now Katherine’s back home in Dallas, with a new set of all-male colleagues second-guessing her every move, and a possible serial killer hunting women just like her. But just this once, Katherine is going to try all those things she doesn’t do . . .
 
  Growing up on the Reservation led Nash Hawkins down paths he’d rather forget. When his dream of joining the police force was crushed, he turned his hard body and wicked imagination into a meal ticket. His chemistry with Katherine is like nothing he’s ever felt. And though he’s sure a woman like her won’t want to get seriously involved with him, Nash knows things—things that might help catch a killer. 
 
Nash and Katherine can save lives, if they put aside the desire that torments them both. But the closer they get, the more they have to lose .

Expected publication: July 17th 2018 by Lyrical Liaison

About The Author: 

Karen Rock is an award-winning YA and adult contemporary author. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in English and worked as an ELA instructor before becoming a full-time author. Her Harlequin Heartwarming novel, A LEAGUE OF HER OWN, has won the 2015 National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award and the 2015 Booksellers Best Award. Her Heartwarming novel, WISH ME TOMORROW, has won the 2014 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence and the 2014 Golden Quill Contest. Her co-authored YA novel, CAMP BOYFRIEND, has been a finalist in the Booksellers Best and Golden Leaf awards. When she's not writing, Karen loves scouring estate sales for vintage books, cooking her grandmother's family recipes, hiking and redesigning her gardens. She lives in the Adirondack Mountain region with her husband, daughter, and two lovable dogs who have yet to understand the concept of "fetch" though they know a lot about love. 

Book Review: Before I Met Him (DI Gravel #2) by John Nicholl

Title: Before I Met Him (DI Gravel #2) 

Author: John Nicholl

Stars: 4 stars

Review:
Before I Met Him is a dark psychological thriller that will stick with readers long after they put the story down.
Rebecca Smith lived though hell and decided as an adult she would make sure no child would live though the same hell. 
Rebecca takes the law into her own hands and hunts the men prey on children.  The story gets very dark as she tortures, kills and dismembers the bodies of those who would pray on little children.

While Di Gravel searches for clues he has to ask himself as do readers Is Vigilante Justice ever justified?
Before I Met Him will have readers horrified at what can happen to children and how justices something is just and people are able to slip though the cracks.  This story is very dark and won't be for everyone. 

The system isn't perfect which will have reader questioning everything they know.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher  Bloodhound Books for the advance copy of John Nicholl Before I Met Him


Synopsis:
Every once in a while the hunters become the hunted... 

When Rebecca's childhood abuser avoids prosecution, it sets her on a path to revenge and soon she is handing out retribution on any man who preys on the innocent.

The twenty-three-year-old poses as a child online and sets her trap, luring one predatory sex offender after another to their deaths.

When a severed head is found washed up on a windswept estuary beach, DI Gravel and his team are called in to investigate.

In what might be his toughest case yet, DI Gravel finds himself asking if vigilante justice is ever justified...

Read this chilling new psychological thriller and decide for yourself. 

Expected publication: July 24th 2018 by Bloodhound Books

About The Author:


John Nicholl, an ex police officer, child protection social worker and lecturer, has written six darkly psychological suspense thrillers, each of which has been an Amazon # 1 bestseller.