Book Review: Disney's Land: Walt Disney and the Invention of the Amusement Park That Changed the World by Richard Snow

Title: Disney's Land: Walt Disney and the Invention of the Amusement Park That Changed the World 

Author:  Richard Snow

Stars: 4

Review:
Are you a Disney Fan you will want to pick up your copy of Disney Land.  If you know the history of Walt Disney this book will really not bring too much more information out but you will still enjoy the little bits that people have come to know as Disney Land as well as the man Walt Disney.
Richard Snow gives readers a chronological order of Walt and his life along with the creations of the different Theme Parks that have changed the world of theme parks.
The author did a wonderful job of giving readers a inside look at Disneyland as well as the creator of the parks and how amazing and difficult it can be.
This will have readers want to visit this amazing park.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of Richard Snow Disney's Land.


Synopsis:
But Walt persevered, initially financing the park against his own life insurance policy and later with sponsorship from ABC and the sale of thousands and thousands of Davy Crockett coonskin caps. Disney assembled a talented team of engineers, architects, artists, animators, landscapers, and even a retired admiral to transform his ideas into a soaring yet soothing wonderland of a park. The catch was that they had only a year and a day in which to build it.

On July 17, 1955, Disneyland opened its gates…and the first day was a disaster. Disney was nearly suicidal with grief that he had failed on a grand scale. But the curious masses kept coming, and the rest is entertainment history. Eight hundred million visitors have flocked to the park since then. In Disney’s Land, Richard Snow brilliantly presents the entire spectacular story, a wild ride from vision to realization, and an epic of innovation and error that reflects the uniqueness of the man determined to build “the happiest place on earth” with a watchmaker’s precision, an artist’s conviction, and the desperate, high-hearted recklessness of a riverboat gambler.

Hardcover, 432 pages

Expected publication: December 3rd 2019 by Scribner

About The Author:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/28337.Richard_Snow

Book Review: Manhunters: How We Took Down Pablo Escobar, the World's Most Wanted Criminal by Steve Murphy and Javier F. Peña

Title: Manhunters: How We Took Down Pablo Escobar, the World's Most Wanted Criminal 

Author:  Steve Murphy and  Javier F. Peña

Stars: 4

Review:
If you are a fan of Government Three Letter  agencies History. This book is a can not miss book about the men and women who brought down Escobar.  The story will show what this case meant to the men and women as well at what happened after the take down and how their lives changed.
Readers will be seeing life thought the eyes of these Manhunters.  This is a can no miss story at readers will be hooked by the true events.

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of Steven Murphy and Javier F. Pena copy of Manhunters.


Synopsis:
Readers will go deep inside the inner workings of the Search Bloc, the joint Colombian-US task force that resulted in an intensive 18-month operation that tracked Escobar. Between July 1992 and December 1993, Steve and Javier lived on the edge, setting up camp in Medellin at the Carlos Holguin Military Academy. There, they lived and worked with the Colombian authorities, hunting down a man who was thought by many to be untouchable. Their firsthand experience coupled with stories from the DEA's recently de-classified files on the search for Escobar forms the beating heart of Manhunters, an epic account of how two American agents risked everything to capture the world's most wanted man.

Hardcover, 352 pages

Published November 12th 2019 by St. Martin's Press

About The Author:

The explosive memoir of legendary DEA agents and the subject of the hit Netflix series Narcos, Steve Murphy and Javier F. Peña.

In the decades they spent at the DEA, Steve and Javier risked their lives hunting large and small drug traffickers. But their biggest challenge was the hunt for Pablo Escobar in Colombia. The partners, who began their careers as small-town cops, have been immortalized in Netflix's Narcos, a fictional account of their hunt for Escobar. Now, for the first time ever, they tell the real story of how they brought down the world's first narco-terrorist, the challenges they faced, and the innovative strategies they employed to successfully end the reign of terror of the world's most wanted criminal.

Book Review: Ash: A Novel by James Rayburn

Title: Ash

Author:  James Rayburn

Stars: 4

Review:
This is the first book I have read by James Rayburn.  The author is able to bring to life every parents fears.  Danny Ash will have readers following him though his desperate attempt to find his child.  The story has readers hooked to finding his missing child and as well as almost to forced they might miss the littlest detail.
The story has everything and more that readers will be looking for in a action pack thriller.
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of James Rayburn Ash.

Synopsis:
Agents of the state murdered his wife and took his son. Now they’re coming for Danny Ash.

Framed as a terrorist, the mild-mannered stay-at-home dad, desperate to find his child, has to evade both law enforcement and killers in the pay of shadowy vulture capitalist Victor Fabian, whose influence reaches deep into the White House. Fabian, battling political enemies and the creeping dementia that has him in its grip, is determined to silence Ash who has linked him to his wife’s murder. As he tracks his son through an American heartland scarred by poverty and opioid addiction, Ash has to confront a dark secret from his past even as he fights to save the boy’s life.

Kindle Edition, 320 pages

Published November 5th 2019 by Blackstone Publishing

About The Author:
James Rayburn is the pen name of crime writer Roger Smith.

Book Review: Wolf Rebel (SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team #10) by Paige Tyler

Title: Wolf Rebel (SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team #10) 

Author: Paige Tyler 

Stars: 3

Review:
While the author has a great way of explaining why someone turns into a werewolf and the processes of accepting the events. The story its self falls just a little flat an lacks the drive of the others in the series.
The characters are from other books are brought together completing a secondary story line from at least two other books.
 The author keeps the story as a stand alone and makes it perfectly easy to read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Sourcebooks Casablanca for the advance copy of Paige Tyler Wolf Rebel


Synopsis:

She let him get away

SWAT werewolf Rachel Bennett is hounded by nightmares after a vicious attack left her with PTSD. Not knowing who or what she can trust anymore, she's relieved to be assigned to a high-profile protective detail. Diving into work might be the distraction she needs, until she notices the mysterious hunk who seems to follow her wherever she goes—and recognizes him.

Now he needs her help...

After he's badly injured, former Navy SEAL Knox Lawson seeks out Rachel when he realizes he's turning into a werewolf. He'd once been part of the group hunting her kind, but he knew he had to quit when he found Rachel in his crosshairs. Now he desperately needs her help.

Rachel isn't sure she trusts Knox, but having him around keeps the nightmares—and the monster creating them—away. Knox might not know much about being a werewolf, but there's no doubt he'll do everything in his power to win her trust and keep her safe.

Paperback, 320 pages

Expected publication: November 26th 2019 by Sourcebooks Casablanca

About the Author:
Paige Tyler is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of sexy, romantic suspense and paranormal romance. She and her very own military hero (also known as her husband) live on the beautiful Florida coast with their adorable fur baby (also known as their dog). Paige graduated with a degree in education, but decided to pursue her passion and write books about hunky alpha males and the kick-butt heroines who fall in love with them.

Represented by Courtney Miller-Callihan of Handspun Literary 

Book Review: Defending Everly (Mountain Mercenaries #5) by Susan Stoker

Title: Defending Everly (Mountain Mercenaries #5)

Author: Susan Stoker 

Stars: 4

Review:
The story moves quickly and has the same rhythm and flow as the others in this series. Ball is a alpha who goes for what he wants and doesn't give Everly a chance to really think about anything more than how he makes her feel and trying to find her sister.
The story works well and is a fast easy read with the same warning that everyone should give their children you never know who is on the other side of the chat you are using. Parents know what apps are out there because not all are what they seem.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for advance copy of Susan Stoke Defending Everly. 

Synopsis:
As tough as Everly Adams may be, the Colorado Springs SWAT officer is near a breaking point. Her fifteen-year-old half sister, Elise, has disappeared from Los Angeles without a trace, and the window to find her is closing fast. Committed to the search is Mountain Mercenary Kannon “Ball” Black. He and Everly already have a history—of rubbing each other the wrong way.

Still, Everly has to admit the man is heart-stopping. His brash alpha swagger takes her breath away. And most importantly, as a former Coast Guard first responder, Ball has what it takes to bring Elise home.

Nobody’s buying the LAPD’s “runaway” theory. And the fear that Elise is the victim of a human trafficking ring is a gut-punch that Everly and Ball can’t ignore. If only the trail were that clear cut. Because the one they’re following is more insidious and intimately dark than they could have imagined.

Now as the bond between Everly and Ball grows stronger, so does the heat. And as the stakes rise, so does the danger

About The Author:
Sign up for my newsletter here:
http://www.stokeraces.com/contact-1.html

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Tennessee where she lives, but this all American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, Indiana, and Tennessee. She's married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.

Book Review: Dukes, Actually (12 Dukes of Christmas #5) by Erica Ridley

Title: Dukes, Actually (12 Dukes of Christmas #5) 

Author: Erica Ridley

Stars: 2

Review:

This is the #5 book in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series. I am normally a fan of this author and look forward to her offerings. However, in this instance, I felt the storyline was very weak. It failed to obtain my interest much less to keep me enthralled. I am sure this is just an off story by this author. I look forward to reading her next offering as this is not indictive of her excellent writing style and story telling.

I have rated this book 2 stars.

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

Synopsis:
The Duke of Azureford isn’t the arrogant, aloof lord his peers perceive him to be. Yes, he’s awkward, but he has a plan to fix it. In order to woo a respectable lady, he must learn how to flirt. The completely inappropriate girl next door would make a perfect instructor, but a terrible duchess. So why can’t he walk away?

Incorrigible hoyden Miss Carole Quincy likes fast carriages, carom billiards, and the beautiful, buttoned-up Duke of Azureford. She’d be delighted to help him out of his shell and into her arms. Who cares if they’re just pretending to flirt? The heady, breath-taking, soul-consuming feeling inside her runaway heart surely can’t be love

Kindle Edition, 200 pages

Published October 22nd 2019 by WebMotion

About The Author:
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: An Everyday Hero (A Heart of a Hero #2) by Laura Trentham

Title: An Everyday Hero (A Heart of a Hero #2) 

Author: Laura Trentham 

Stars: 4.5 

Review:

Our main characters in this delightful modern day romance are individuals who for different reasons have hit rock bottom. Having attended high school together, ten years previously, they find themselves back at home and living with their parents. She considers herself to be a failure as a singer/songwriter and had to finally pawn her prized Martin guitar and move back home. He is a disabled Army officer, who lost a leg in combat, and is wallowing in self pity, has a huge chip on his shoulder, and only wants to drink his problem(s) away. Her court ordered community service has thrown them together. The big question is can they be the salve that the other needs? An excellent story that moves well and will keep the readers attention. I read the book in two sittings as it held my interest from beginning to end.

I have rated this book 4.5 stars.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.

Thank you Frank

Synopsis:

At thirty, Greer Hadley never expected to be forced home to Madison, Tennessee with her life and dreams of being a songwriter up in flames. To make matters worse, a series of bad decisions and even crappier luck lands her community service hours at a nonprofit organization that aids veterans and their families. Greer cannot fathom how she’s supposed to use music to help anyone deal with their trauma and loss when the one thing that brought her joy has failed her.

When Greer meets fifteen-year-old Ally Martinez, her plans to stay detached and do as little as possible get thrown away. New to town and dealing with the death of her father in action, she hides her emotions behind a mask of bitterness and sarcasm, but Greer is able to see past it and recognizes pieces of who she once was in Ally. The raw and obvious talent she possesses could take her to the top and Greer vows to make sure life’s negativities don’t derail Ally’s potential.

After Greer is assigned a veteran to help, she’s not surprised Emmett Lawson, the town’s golden boy, followed his family’s legacy. What leaves her shocked is the shell of a man who believes he doesn’t deserve anyone’s help. A breakthrough with Ally reminds Greer that no one is worth giving up on. So she shows up one day with his old guitar, and meets Emmett’s rage head on with her stubbornness. When a situation with Ally becomes dire, the two of them must become a team to save her—and along the way they might just save themselves too.

Paperback, 336 pages

Expected publication: February 4th 2020 by St. Martin's Griffin

About The Author:
Author of smart, sexy Southern contemporary romance, Regency historicals, & heartfelt Women's Fiction
Series include:
Sweet Home Alabama
Cottonbloom
Spies and Lovers
Heart of a Hero
Highland, Georgia

Book Review Restless Hearts (Montana Justice #1) by B.J. Daniels

Title: Restless Hearts (Montana Justice #1) 

Author:   B.J. Daniels 

Stars: 4 1\2 

Review:
From start to finish the book is a who is Blazes father protecting and why.  The story feels as if something is missing a back story as to who the Judge is or when Blaze and Jake first met. The start of the series is great but the ending leaves the readers with a quick ending and not as satisfying as expected.
Restless Heart is a second chance romance with a ending that ties everything up in a nice little bow.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher HQR for the advance copy of B.J. Daniels Restless Heart.

Synopsis:
He’s fighting for a second chance with his first love…before it’s too late.

The last time PI Blaze McClintock was on her family’s ranch, she left in handcuffs. She vowed then to never go home again…until her estranged father is accused of murder. He’s not a good man—this entire Montana town knows that. But Blaze believes her father is innocent and she’ll do anything to prove it, even ask the one man who broke her heart for help—the only man in town who’s on her side.

No matter how hard he tried, Jake Horn could never forget Blaze. As teenagers, their passion ignited, leaving destruction in their wake. Now, years later, it’s obvious little has changed. But as they work together to unravel what really happened that night, a dangerous secret threatens to separate them for good. This time, though, Jake won’t let Blaze go without a fight—even if it means risking his own life.

ebook, 384 pages

Expected publication: November 26th 2019 by HQN Books

About The Author:
B.J. Daniels' life dream was to be a policewoman. After a career as an award-winning newspaper journalist, she wrote and sold 37 short stories before she finally wrote her first book. Since then she has won numerous awards including a career achievement award last year for romantic suspense.

She lives in Montana with her husband, Parker, two Springer Spaniels, Jem and Spot, and a temperamental tomcat named Jeff. When she isn't writing, she snowboards, camps, boats and plays tennis.

Book Review: Forever My Duke (Unlikely Duchesses #2) by Olivia Drake

Title: Forever My Duke (Unlikely Duchesses #2)

Author: Olivia Drake

Stars: 4

Review:

An intriguing tale of an unlikely love match between a young American female and a very proper and staid English Duke. Our heroine finds herself in the company of our hero while looking for her six year old charge. She had made a promise to the lad's mother, as she was dying, that the boy would be delivered to his grandfather a pious English Earl. The two had been estranged for 10 years since she had married an untitled vicar and migrated to America. Our hero is quite stricken by the upstart who treats him as an equal rather than seeing him as above her in station. Can our hero manage to overcome the many obstacles and capture the fair maidens heart? This was a excellent story which moved with a steady flow without being redundant.

I have rated this book 4 stars.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.

Synopsis:
Hadrian Ames, the Duke of Clayton, needs a bride. He even has the perfect one picked out. That is, until he meets the lovely, free-spirited Natalie Fanshawe. She’s the opposite of what a man of his high rank should desire in a wife—an outspoken American who has never even set foot in a London ballroom.

But Natalie doesn’t have time to be swept off her feet by a handsome duke who must be a spoiled scoundrel like every other British lord. And she couldn’t care less about Hadrian’s title. After all, it’s not as if he actually worked to attain his wealth and status. He surely can’t understand what it’s like to be a busy woman, planning to open a school while trying to reunite a six-year-old orphan with his English relatives. Nevertheless, Hadrian launches his campaign to win her heart. Can the utterly delightful American beauty ever find a way to love him…despite his being a duke?

Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages

Expected publication: December 31st 2019 by St. Martin's Paperbacks

About The Author:
Shortly after graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in journalism, Olivia Drake sold her first novel two weeks after sending it to a publisher. She now lives in Texas in a cozy cottage with two feisty cats and a photographer husband. Her two daughters have flown the nest, but still come back whenever they want a home-cooked meal!

Book Review: Safety Breach (Longview Ridge Ranch #1) by Delores Fossen

Title: Safety Breach (Longview Ridge Ranch #1)

Author: Delores Fossen

Stars: 4

Review:
The story starts off with readers wondering if they are missing part of the story. Even though this is the first in a series readers at first will feel like they are missing something.
The author is able to fill in the details as the story moves forward.  The story flows well enough but lack of background puts a lot of readers wondering they purpose of this story.  The author is talent and is able to pull off stories but this one falls flat for the beginning of a series.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy Delores Fossen Safety Breach. 

Synopsis:
The serial killer Gemma Hanson narrowly escaped just discovered her WITSEC location, and he’s coming after her to finish what he started. That’s the message Sheriff Kellan Slater personally delivers. Although Gemma and Kellan share an intense past, escaping the violence surrounding them is all that matters. Especially once Gemma realizes there is no safe place—not even protective custody

ebook, 256 pages

Expected publication: December 1st 2019 by Harlequin Intrigue (first published November 14th 2019)

About The Author:
 I’m a USA Today bestselling author, and I’ve sold over 100 novels. Yes, 100! Needless to say, I write a lot. I’ve had the honor of receiving the Booksellers' Best Award for romantic suspense, the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, and I was a finalist for the prestigious Rita. My books have been featured in Vogue, Woman’s Day and Woman’s World. I’ve also had nearly a hundred short stories and articles published in national magazines. 

Book Review: All Fired Up (Road to Love #3) by Lori Foster

Title: All Fired Up (Road to Love #3)

Author:  Lori Foster

Stars: 4

Review:
Lori Foster is able to blend a cast of characters that are like and lovable.  Everyone from the first two books are back and ready for what is coming at them.  The story is able how family not matter if you are blood or not you are loved, protected and never alone.
Charlotte is feisty, funny, and the sister all brother should have.  Mitch is the brother who desire family but doesn't feel worthy of that unexpected love.
The story has it slow moment and a lot of inner dialogue that slows down the story.
 The characters are fun, humors and stay true to the series that Lori Foster created.  
All Fired UP can be read as a stand alone novel as the author gets reader caught up quickly without taking away from the main story.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of Lori Foster All Fried Up.

Synopsis:
Charlotte Parrish has always wanted a certain kind of man: someone responsible, settled, boring. Bad boys need not apply. But when her car leaves her stranded and a mysterious stranger with brooding eyes and a protective streak comes to her rescue, she can’t deny how drawn she is to him. In town searching for family he’s never met, Mitch is everything she never thought she wanted—and suddenly everything she craves.

Finding his half brothers after all these years is more than Mitch Crews has allowed himself to wish for. Finding love never even crossed his mind…until he meets Charlotte. She’s sweet, warmhearted, sexier than she knows—and too damn good for an ex-con like him. But when his past comes back to haunt him, putting Charlotte—and the family he’s come to care for—in danger, Mitch isn’t playing by the rules. He’s already surrendered his heart, but now he’ll risk his life.

book, 384 pages

Expected publication: November 19th 2019 by HQN Books

About The Author:
Since first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and New York Times bestselling author. Lori has published through a variety of houses, including Kensington, St. Martin’s, Harlequin, Silhouette, Samhain, and Berkley/Jove. She is currently published with HQN.

Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.

Book Review: Fire in the Knight (Mobile Intelligence Team #3) by Louise Dawn

Title: Fire in the Knight (Mobile Intelligence Team #3)

Author:  Louise Dawn

Stars: 3 1\2 

Review:
Louise Dawn is able to write a story of characters that readers will want to read more of.  The story works but is lacking the balance needed in Romantic Suspense series that readers need to find a complete story and connect with characters.
While this is the first in the series I have read I could be missing something the other two books had that would have had readers better connecting with characters.
 The man and female lead work well together and the story flows well enough.
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of Louise Dawn Fire In the Knight.

Synopsis:
She’s getting lost…

When Charlotte Quinn’s father passes away, she escapes her small town life. Taking a break from running their Wyoming farm, Charlie travels to Europe and Northern Africa with her dance group. But when an assault in Malta leaves her injured and scared, she turns to a fierce-looking family friend, a man who seems to despise her.

He’s finding her…

Dave “Donnie” Wilson knows all too well what it’s like to lose a loved one, and he can’t stop thinking about the farm girl who raises his blood pressure. When Donnie discovers the attack, the MIT2 Intelligence Specialist digs further and what he finds has him running to Charlie’s side.

With a ruthless assassin and hired killers chasing them across Morocco, will Donnie be able to exfil her in time? And will the lethal analyst be able to preserve the walls around his weary heart? 

About The Author:
I  write fast-paced, gritty romantic suspense. I've lived an adventurous - sometimes harebrained - life in South Africa, the Middle East, and Utah. Thanks to numerous careers and escapades (Jill of all trades, master of some) I've been lucky enough to have traveled the globe.

I love to write about strong independent women and the men that support them. I try not to include any weak-ass protagonists in my books - if I ever do - you have permission to kick my typist bum. When I'm not writing about men whose beards smell of Cordite, I work as a Corporate Trainer in Utah.

I love British Chocolate, and my little wigglebum 'British' Cocker Spaniel.

Book Review: Cavanaugh Stakeout by Marie Ferrarella

Title: Cavanaugh Stakeout 

Author: Marie Ferrarella

Stars: 5

Review:
Readers are going to fall in love with Nik Kowalski and her sassy attitude that will keep readers smiling as Finn is grinding his teeth.  The romance happens naturally and flows well with the story.  Marie Ferrarella is able to blend romance, humor, action, mystery giving readers the whole package they are looking for in a Harlequin Suspense Romance.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy of Marie Ferrarella Cavanaugh Stakeout.

Synopsis:
When a civilian disappears, Detective Finn Cavanaugh catches the case. His partner-in-catching-crime? Brainy and beautiful insurance investigator Nik Kowalski, whose method of pursuing people clashes with Finn’s own—and whose charms prove all too alluring. As their missing-person case heats up, Nik and Finn race to find the killer haunting their waking nightmares.

About The Author:
Marie was only 14 when she first laid eyes on the man she would marry, truly her first love, Charles Ferrarella. During her days at Queens College, New York, acting started to lose its glamour as Marie spent more and more time writing. After receiving her English degree, specialising in Shakespearean comedy, Marie and her family moved to Southern California, where she still resides today.

After an interminable seven weeks apart, Charles decided he couldn't live without her and came out to California to marry his childhood sweetheart. Ever practical, Marie was married in a wash-and-wear wedding dress that she sewed herself, appliqués and all. "'Be prepared' has always been my motto,"the author jokes. This motto has been stretched considerably by her two children, Nikky and Jessi, "but basically, it still applies," she says.

In November of 1981, she sold her first novel for Harlequin. Marie, who now has written over 150 novels, has one goal: to entertain, to make people laugh and feel good. "That's what makes me happy," she confesses. "That, and a really good romantic evening with my husband." She's keeping her fingers crossed that her reader's enjoy reading her books as much as she enjoyed writing them.

Book Review: Fear Me, Fear Me Not (Gavert City #1) by Elodie Nowodazkij

Title: Fear Me, Fear Me Not (Gavert City #1)

Author: Elodie Nowodazkij

Stars: 3 1\2

Review:
I am not sure what it is but something is missing from this book to make it great.  The killer, the characters, the mystery work and while I believe most readers will be able to figure out the killer.  It doesn't seem to make as much since as some readers would like. 
The story will keep readers up all night hoping for the ending they envision in their minds
Thank you to Netgalley and a copy of Elodie Nowodazkij Fear Me, Fear Me Not.

Sysnpsis:
Seventeen-year-old cheerleader Erin Hortz has been warned about the Angel Killer all her life. She never walks alone in the dark. She doesn’t talk to strangers. She doesn’t accept drinks at parties. All she wants is to finish her senior year with a win at the Miss Junior Queen of Hearts pageant, capture the perfect light over the lake with her new camera, and finally catch the attention of her best friend Nadia’s brother—former football star Dimitri Kuklev. Since his injury, they’ve been spending a lot of time together. And getting to know the real Dimitri—not the one she put on a pedestal in her diary is better than she could ever have imagined. And she’s falling hard.

Nineteen-year-old Dimitri’s injury brought him from football superstar with universities from all around the country knocking at his door to not knowing what he wants to do with his life. Taking classes at the local community college is supposed to get him back on track, but all he wants is to be on the field again. The only person who seems to understand him is the one he swore to keep in the friend zone: Erin. His sister Nadia’s best friend and the reason why he can’t keep a girlfriend. Between their early morning jogs, their time spent at the lake laughing, and their late night conversations, he’s having a hard time remembering why it’s such a bad idea.
But when Nadia doesn’t come home after a party, Dimitri and Erin know they must find her before it’s too late—even if that means risking their own lives and everything Erin’s ever known.

Because the main suspect is Erin’s father.

About The author:
Elodie Nowodazkij was raised in a tiny village in France, where she could always be found a book in hand. At nineteen, she moved to the US, where she learned she’d never lose her French accent. Now she lives in Maryland with her husband, their dog and their cat.

She's also a serial smiley user.

Book Review: Lethal Redemption (Steele Ops #2) by April Hunt

Title:  Lethal Redemption (Steele Ops #2) 

Author:  April Hunt 

Stars: 4

Review:
The story pick up where Steele ops book one leaves off.  This isn't really a stand alone novel. The characters and story flow better starting with the first book due to many different characters.
Grace and Cade work will together and their romance makes since as well a their concern for each other.  The story is interesting with the cult, mother wanting more out of life.  Parts of the story felt as if they were written with a different story in mind and tossed in without the right balance to make the story flow evenly.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of April Hunt by Lethal Redemption. 

Synopsis:
Top FBI profiler Grace Steele was just a girl when she escaped the Order of the New Dawn, and she’s spent the last seventeen years trying to forget her time there. But when private security firm Steele Ops needs her help extracting a young woman from the secretive cult’s clutches, she’s all in. Even though the mission requires posing as the fiancée of the only man who’s ever broken her heart.

It’s been nine years since Cade Wright turned his back on his childhood sweetheart, and he’s never stopped regretting it. Now that they’re forced to work together, he knows this is his opportunity to show Grace how much he’s changed. But the deeper they get pulled into New Dawn, the clearer it becomes that the demons still haunting Grace are very real, and Cade will have to risk everything to keep her safe . . . including his own life.

About The Author:
April blames her chocolate addiction on being born near the country chocolate capital in Hershey, Pennsylvania. When April's not busy raising her husband and two young children (yes, that's worded correctly), she can be found writing about her next brooding alpha hero and the woman who can easily bring him to his knees.

Book Review: Don't Breathe a Word (Texas Justice #2) by Christie Craig

Title: Don't Breathe a Word (Texas Justice #2) 

Author: Christie Craig

Stars: 4

Review:
Don't Breathe A Word bring characters face to face with Juan Acsota and his painful past that drags him down keeping him from living this life.  Until his new neighbor arrives with a little girl and he has to come face to face with life and death.
The story starts off fast and than slows down quickly giving readers time to understand the action of the characters and their reactions to each other.
 The story is about life, death, romance, and family.
Christie Craig is able to bring reader into her world holding the readers hostage until they have read every last work.
Thank you to Netgalley advance copy of Christie Craig Don't Breathe A Word.

Synopsis:
Police detective Juan Acosta doesn't only carry scars on the outside. He's filled with guilt and anger ever since his undercover job led to the murder of those he loved the most. Now he's living for one thing: revenge. That is, until Juan meets his beautiful new neighbor.

Vicki Holloway prides herself on being capable and independent, but her life is turned upside down when her sister Sara is killed by an abusive ex. Fearing for the safety of her niece, Vicki and the little girl go into hiding...resurfacing in Texas with new identities.

Juan finds his once-frozen heart thawing around Vicki, but he knows she's hiding something. Juan needs answers, but Vicki isn't talking. She has to keep her secrets if she wants to keep Bell safe, which means resisting her growing feelings for the sexy, scarred man next door. But when Juan's quest for justice brings danger to her door, divulging the truth might be the only thing that keeps her alive.

About The Author:

Pseudonym for C. C. Hunter.

Photojournalist, Author and Speaker

Christie Craig, an Alabama native, is an award-winning, multi-published writer, multi-published photo journalist, motivational speaker, and writing teacher.. Her non-fiction articles and photography have appeared in almost three thousand national magazines. A Golden Heart finalist, and a finalist in more than fifty RWA-sponsored contests, she has gained a well-deserved reputation for writing romance fiction that has both witty humor and a suspenseful, sexy tone. Published by Silhouette in the 90s, she recently broke back into fiction in a big way, making four book sales in one day. Her seventh humorous single title romance novel, published by Dorchester, will hit the stands in June 2010. Her non-fiction book, co-authored by Faye Hughes, released September 08, is The Everything Guide To Writing A Romance Novel and their second non-fiction book, a humorous self-help relationship book, Wild, Wicked and Wanton: 101 Ways to Love Like You Are in a Romance Novel is scheduled to be released December 2010. Craig’s latest writing adventure is the sale of a young adult paranormal romance series, Shadow Falls Camp, that will be published by St. Martins Press in the near future. 

Book Review: Bred in the Bone (Widow's Island #4) by Kendra Elliot

Title: Bred in the Bone (Widow's Island #4)

Author: Kendra Elliot

Star: 5

Review:
I loved the first in the series but this one seem to be missing something.  While the ending will have readers happy.  Readers have to admit the constant dead bodies that seem to arrive on a small island is starting to add up.
The mystery has a happy ending and reader will find redemption in the lost and missing.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of Kendra Elliot Bred In the Bone.

Synopsis:
When the town drunk ends up dead in a hit-and-run, FBI special agent Cate Wilde expects that solving the case will be cut and dried. But evidence quickly surfaces that the victim was involved with another crime. A crime that has gone cold for twenty years. A crime of personal importance to Cate.

Cate’s best friend, Samantha, went missing at fourteen, leaving behind nothing except a jacket and an island full of unanswered questions. Samantha’s disappearance has haunted Cate for more than half her life, and she might finally be able to find some closure.

But not everything is as it seems. As Cate unravels what happened on that fateful day, she’ll discover that the community of Widow’s Island is full of secrets. Betrayed by someone she thought she knew, Cate will need to piece together the truth…before someone else gets hurt.

About The Author:
She grew up in the lush Pacific Northwest and still lives there with her family and three cats. She's fascinated with forensics, refuses to eat anything green, and dreams of living every day in flip flops.

What the Heck? What is going on with me??

I will be honest this is a post I have been dreading to write.  Honestly its one I am not sure if anyone needs to know about.  Its personal and medial and life so here it goes

and honestly I have no idea if anyone really read these post.  This might be more therapeutic than anything else.

With that being said I have been struggling with my health for a while but being full time mom I put pain and issues in the back for my mind pushing though what I could and dealing with only what was here and now.  My friends and well body pointed out things that were not normal.

In March things took a turn for the worst and I couldn't ignore it anymore.  I went to see my general doctor.  Seeing as I only saw him once a year for a physical we were not really facebook friends either.  After some lab work and X-rays he found I had moderate Arthritis in my neck and lower back with bone spurs. (Crazy Kid)  I figured ok that's a little different but I can work with it.  The next news had me crying not sure what to think other than Why? What? He read out my blood work. I rare disease called Mixed Connective Tissue disorder.  

 What is that you ask? Good question.  It is a autoimmune disease that is like Lupus on Steroids but the good news I will live into my 90's like my grandparents.  My body however isn't working out.  I was passed on to a Rheumatologist who ran more blood work to confirm I have Mixed Connective Tissue with Mild Lupus.  

How are you asking? Why are you asking?  When did my body decide turn on me?

My body just started attacking the bad cells and the good cells. After one of many flu, cold, infection that is spread around by the little humans in my house. Who knows really...

  I have found it is more difficult to sleep, working out, read, clean my house and all the good stuff the normal 40 year old body should or would like to do.

I find writing even blogs tries me out.  Which is depressing when you think about how much I love to read.

If you are reading this and find long gaps of review or missing life moments I share with you. Please understand my body and mind are in need of a break.

The good news I am not dying.  I am just adjusting to medications and life.  My family comes first and this blog is way down on the list.

That is what is going on with life.  I try and find humor in the crazy moments of life.  I will bring that humor to my personal post that I have found help me cope with everything and all the crazy things that happen daily.

Thank you for following this book review blog as it has changed hands and adjusted to well Life.

https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/bone,-joint,-and-muscle-disorders/autoimmune-disorders-of-connective-tissue/mixed-connective-tissue-disease-mctd

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mixed-connective-tissue-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20375147