Book Review: Pivot by Kat Martin, Alexandra Ivy, Rebecca Zanetti

Title:  Pivot

Author:(s) Kat Martin, Alexandra Ivy, Rebecca Zanetti 

Stars: 4

Review:
As readers sometimes you need to suspend your belief and with these stories you will need to.  At the same times these stories are made up of strong women who only want to protect those they love and men who fall in love with the strong women.
Each author is able to create there own world like interweaving the other authors ideas.
Rebecca Zanetti has surprises visit from different characters in her series readers who love Rebecca Zanetti smile.
Kat Martin doesn't disappoint with the ability to show readers how one person can change another life in more way than expected.
Alexandra Ivy is able to use the characters, locations and connections from the other author to create her own action pack romance reader will want more of.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of Pivot.

Synopsis:
MERI
When Meriwether Jones takes her young daughter and runs from trouble in L.A., that trouble follows. By the time Meri reaches Spokane, she’s out of gas, money, and ideas. Luckily, ex-cop Ian Brodie hires her to help him with his father’s farmhouse, and they seem like the answer to each other’s prayers. But Meri is keeping a dangerous secret—and Ian is in danger of losing his heart . . .
 
MELANIE
That secret explodes when Melanie Cassidy spots two men trying to kidnap a young boy she tutors and responds by ramming them with her car. The last thing she expects is for the man she once loved, Detective Gray Hawkins, to appear and rescue them both. Now she has no choice but to trust him as they investigate the truth about a conspiracy of dirty, drug trafficking cops—and the truth about their relationship . . .
 
MICHELLE
After a rough youth, Michelle Peach was finally content in Portland—until two men broke into her home, threatened her, and sent her mentally unstable mom on a blackmail spree that Michelle has to stop. The last person Michelle wants to see is her ex, Evan Boldon, a former marine turned sheriff. But Evan misses the woman who walked away instead of letting him help years ago. This time he’s not asking permission; he’s going to put a stop to the trouble stalking Michelle and her friends—and win her heart for good.

Kindle Edition, 400 pages

Expected publication: April 1st 2020 by Zebra Books 

About The Author:(s)
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4149342.Rebecca_Zanetti

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/40881.Alexandra_Ivy

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/49381.Kat_Martin

Virus whom shall not be Named

Just a update on the site with the Virus whom shall not be Named. In fear it will show up in the house.  My kiddos and I have been on lock down since Spring Break March 19th.  Before that we went hiking and were spending time away from people and outdoor.

We are trying to keep ourselves healthy avoiding people which I have become very successfully at. The Kids are still out of school and we are hoping soon that they school distract here will have something ready for the kiddos to do.  Right now we are working on school at home schedule that will keep everyone busy and this mommy a little more sane.

My prayer is that everyone will stay as healthy as possible.  Stop hording TP that is just silly.

Stay Stafe!!

Book Him Danno Team
Heidi, Frank, Douglas, Lisa, David and kiddos

Book Review: The Mercenary's Daughter by Jessica Therrien, Joe Gazzam

Title: The Mercenary's Daughter

Author:(s) Jessica Therrien, Joe Gazzam

Stars: 4 1/2

Review:
The Mercenary Daughter is better than I expected for a YA/Young Adult Book.  The story movies movies quickly as the characters are make there way and grow though the story. It reads like a movie so reader will find it to be a quick easy read with little explaining needed as to why the characters are motivated.
Readers will see inspiration in this book from pop culture and movies.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of Jessica Therrien and Joe Gazzam The Mercenary's Daughter.

Synopsis:
When Special Ops recruit, Tara Kafee is dishonorably discharged, there’s only one place to go—Home.

But there’s more waiting for her there than she’s ready for.

It’s been four years since she’s been back and ten since her mother walked out on the family never to be heard of again.

She’s determined to rekindle things with her father and keep him close. That is, until he goes missing.

Soon after stumbling upon a safe room full of weapons, fake passports, and a mission’s dossier marking a target in Cuba, she reluctantly accepts the help of her angsty teenage brother. He’s the only one she can trust, so together, the two set out for Havana.

Tara is determined to get her father back, whatever it takes, but things are never easy when you’re the mercenary’s daughter.

Expected publication: March 31st 2020 by Acorn Publishing

About The Authors:

Jessica Therrien is the author of the young adult series Children of the Gods. Book one in the series, Oppression, became a Barnes & Noble best-seller shortly after its release. Her trilogy has been translated and sold through major publishers around the world, such as Editions AdA (Canada), EditionsMilan (France), and SharpPoint Press (China).

Aside from her Children of the Gods series, Jessica is the author of Carry Me Home, a YA contemporary fiction novel, and a kid’s picture book called, The Loneliest Whale. Her award-winning stories can also be found in a published anthology of flash fiction.

Jessica currently lives in Irvine with her husband and two young sons. She is working on an adult novel and a middle grade fantasy series.


Screenwriter/Novelist Joe Gazzam has been a working screenwriter for 8 years working on such films as:

Shadow Run
Cliffhanger
21 Jump Street
Barbarella
Step Up: Revolution
Disney's Hawaiian Adventure
It Takes a Thief
Anubis Tapestry
(and many more)

His debut novel, UNCAGED, out now!

Book Review: The Darkness We Hide (The Undertaker's Daughter #3) by Debra Webb

Title:  The Darkness We Hide (The Undertaker's Daughter #3)

Author: Debra Webb 

Stars: 4

Review:
Having read the other books in this series I had to go back and reread the books to remember who Rowan was but once I started back down the web of the undertakers daughter I couldn't put down the books.
This book will not disappoint readers as they are pulled though the web of a serial killer that has tormented Rowan for years.
The authors ability to create a fear that readers will connect with as well as the moments of clarity show the amazing ability of Debra Webb and her gift for the written word.
The characters come to life as readers are side by side working to find the truth and the killer.
This is a can't be missed book series.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy of Debra Webb The Darkness We Hide.

Synopsis:
For months, Doctor Rowan Dupont has been staring death in the face. It followed her back to her hometown of Winchester, Tennessee, ten months ago, cloaking the walls of her family’s Victorian funeral home like a shroud. In investigating the mysterious deaths of her loved ones, Rowan has unearthed enough family secrets to bury everything she’d previously thought true. But each shocking discovery has only led to more bodies and more questions; the rabbit hole is deeper than she ever imagined.

Despite settling in to a comfortable life with Police Chief Billy Brannigan, Rowan knows dangerous serial killer Julian Addington is still out there. She can’t let her guard down now. Not when she’s this close to ending his torment once and for all. But with a storm brewing on the horizon, she’ll get only one shot before the impending darkness takes hold, threatening to wipe away every truth she’s uncovered—and everything she holds dear.

Kindle Edition, 400 pages

Expected publication: March 31st 2020 by MIRA

About The Author:


DEBRA WEBB is the USA Today and Publisher's Weekly bestselling author of more than 160 novels, including reader favorites the Shades of Death, the Faces of Evil, and the Colby Agency. She is the recipient of the prestigious Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Romantic Suspense as well as numerous Reviewers Choice Awards. In 2012 Debra was honored as the first recipient of the esteemed L. A. Banks Warrior Woman Award for her courage, strength, and grace in the face of adversity. Recently Debra was awarded the distinguished Centennial Award for having achieved publication of her 100th novel. With this award Debra joined the ranks of a handful of authors like Nora Roberts and Carole Mortimer.

Book Review My Way to You (Canyon Creek #1) by Catherine Bybee

Title: My Way to You (Canyon Creek #1)

Author: Catherine Bybee

Stars: 4

Review:
Canyon Creek series the beginning of a new series by Catherine Bybee it starts off with just enough background to understand  Why the Parker needs to save her family home and land.  The author is able to bring a romance out of the ashes.  Parker is strong but knows when she needs help as she is raising her brother. 
The author brings in a cast of characters that will have readers excited for the series. The hill and ranches of LA come alive as its on Characters in the book.
My Way to You has all the romance and well written story that readers have come to expect from Catherine Bybee.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of My Way to You by Catherine Bybee

Synopsis:
When a wildfire nearly destroys Parker Sinclair’s family home, it’s just one more disaster to add to her mountain of stress. For the past two years, she has shouldered the responsibility of raising her younger brother and sister after their parents’ untimely deaths. Forced to leave college for a crappy job that barely pays the bills, Parker manages her family property, which consumes every aspect of her life. Now winter is coming and the forecast isn’t spreading sunshine on the dark cloud over her head. The last thing Parker needs is a mudslide destroying everything she has worked so hard to maintain.

Colin Hudson’s job as a public works supervisor is to protect Parker’s property and neighborhood from further damage. But it’s a little hard when the owner of the land is a control freak who tries to do everything herself. The hardworking, attractive young woman is far from the “hot mess” she claims to be. In fact, her tight grip of control is one of the things that attract him the most. It’s also the hardest to crack. Now Colin’s working overtime to help Parker open up her heart, trust him, and let him in.

As Parker and Colin work together to keep her home and neighborhood safe, they may be in for another disaster. Or they may just realize that sometimes it takes destruction to create something new.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication: March 10th 2020 by Montlake Romance

About The Author:
New York Times bestselling author Catherine Bybee was raised in Washington State, but after graduating from high school, she moved to Southern California with hopes of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full-time and has penned the International Bestselling Not Quite series, the MacCoinnich Time Travel series as well as the Internationally Bestselling Weekday Brides series.

Her books have been translated in over twenty languages.

Book Review: Cross Her Heart (Bree Taggert #1) by Melinda Leigh

Title: Cross Her Heart (Bree Taggert #1) 

Author: Melinda Leigh

Stars: 5

Review:
Another great start to a new series for Melinda Leigh.  I am almost positive this author can do no wrong and is headed to becoming the next Mary Higgins Clark.
The characters are well developed the pain they experience the readers will experience too.
The story flows page after page as readers find themselves over come with the need to help Bree find her sisters killer.  
The story is well paced as readers will be pulled into another Melinda Leigh Mystery series that will have readers demanding more.

Thank you to the Publisher and Netgalley for the advance copy of Cross Her Heart by Melinda Leigh.

Synopsis:
For more than twenty-five years, Philadelphia homicide detective Bree Taggert has tucked away the nightmarish childhood memories of her parents’ murder-suicide…Until her younger sister, Erin, is killed in a crime that echoes that tragic night: innocent witnesses and a stormy marriage that ended in gunfire. There’s just one chilling difference. Erin’s husband, Justin, has vanished.

Bree knows how explosive the line between love and hate can be, yet the evidence against her troubled brother-in-law isn’t adding up. Teaming up with Justin’s old friend, former sheriff’s investigator and K-9 handler Matt Flynn, Bree vows to uncover the secrets of her sister’s life and death, as she promised Erin’s children. But as her investigation unfolds, the danger hits close to home. Once again, Bree’s family is caught in a death grip. And this time, it could be fatal for her. 

Kindle Edition, 327 pages

Expected publication: March 17th 2020 by Montlake

About The Author:
#1 Wall Street Journal and #1 Amazon bestselling author Melinda Leigh is a fully recovered banker who learned that writing books is 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. Since then, she has garnered numerous writing accolades, including two RITA® Award nominations and an induction into the NJ Romance Writers Hall of Fame. Her novels have sold more than 7.5 million copies across the world. Melinda loves martial arts, rescue dogs, and sea turtles.

Book Review: No Questions Asked (Lexi Carmichael Mystery #12) by Julie Moffett

Title: No Questions Asked (Lexi Carmichael Mystery #12)

Author: Julie Moffett 

Stars: 5

Review:
The long awaited Lexi Carmichael book and adventure that readers have been waiting for and I promise you will not be disappointed.  Lexi is still just as awkward and geeky as always as she is trying to save a scientist and prepare for a wedding.
No Questions ask as many laugh out loud moments along with cringe worthy only Lexi could do moments.
Julie Moffett is able to make Lexi related to so many readers to the point they will seem themselves in Lexi shoes as she tried to adapt to everything that is thrown in her path.

Fans of author Julie Moffett will not be disappointed with this next installment.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the advance copy of Julie Moffett No Questions Asked.

Synopsis:
Lexi Carmichael: saving scientists one snake at a time.

Weddings aren’t my thing—never have been. But eloping would break my mother’s heart, especially since the president of the United States put in a good word for me with his daughter’s wedding planner. I’m going to have the wedding of the year…whether I like it or not.

Before we can say I do, Slash and I are flying off to the Brazilian rain forest. Our mission: stop hackers from stealing a vaccine that could save millions of lives. I thought it’d be easy, but from the moment we step off the plane, I’m up to my neck in trouble.

After an attack by drug-runners, being kidnapped and discovering that the bad guy is even worse than we’d imagined, I’m pretty sure someone in our group is working for the enemy. And they’re succeeding. I’ll have to use all my geek skills to stop the bad guys if I’m going to make it home in time to tie that knot.

Kindle Edition, 448 pages

Expected publication: March 23rd 2020 by Carina Press

About The Author:

Julie Moffett is the bestselling author of the long-running, geeky Lexi Carmichael Mystery Series that USA Today says: "...runs a riveting gamut from hilarious to deadly, and the perfectly paced action in between will have you hanging on to Lexi's every word and breathless for her next geeked-out adventure." Julie also writes the young adult White Knights spin-off series featuring a cool, teenage hacker girl. Julie's been publishing books for 25 years, but writing for a lot longer. She writes in the genres of mystery, young adult, historical romance and paranormal romance.

Book Review: Deep Cover (Dan Morgan #8) by Leo J. Maloney

Title: Deep Cover (Dan Morgan #8)

Author: Leo J. Maloney

Stars: 3 1\2 

Review:
Starting with book 8 is a chance that reader might not be able to catch up with the characters and their back ground.  Leo Maloney writes a very easy political thriller for readers to follow.  The story is a little to unbelievable at times as the story makes it way from countries all over the world.
The story doesn't stand out among so many different great political thrillers filling book stores.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of Leo J. Maloney Deep Cover.

Synopsis:
While posing as black market arms dealers in Istanbul, Dan Morgan and Peter Conley are propelled into a high-speed chase, on the run from dozens of police – only to be arrested. But it’s all part of a plan for the agents to get themselves thrown into a Turkish prison. Their mission: to extract a scientist who masterminded that nation’s new missile guidance system—advanced technology that Turkey’s president intends to trade with North Korea in exchange for nuclear secrets.
 
To prevent a Middle East war and deadly crisis on the Korean peninsula, Morgan and Conley must execute a finely crafted prison break to get the scientist out. When an enemy from Morgan’s past threatens the operation, the two agents face a desperate fight for their lives, with the fate of two hemispheres hanging in the balance.

Kindle Edition

Published February 25th 2020 by Lyrical Press

About The Author:

In the mid 1960's, while in the military, he was recruited to become a deep cover black ops contractor for a clandestine government agency.

While he was serving his country in the secretive world of Black Ops over 30 years, he operated several "cover" businesses including a classic car brokerage, promotions and limousine companies, and a detective agency. After leaving his career in black ops, Leo continued several of his cover businesses, and also had the opportunity to try his hand at acting in independent films and TV commercials.

In his most recent project, Leo began writing, reliving many of his Black Ops experiences and evolving them into his books. In 2011 he signed a contract with Kensington Publishing Corp for the Dan Morgan thriller series. The first book, Termination Orders, was released in 2012. Silent Assassin, 2013, Black Skies, 2014, Twelve Hours, 2015, Arch Enemy & For Duty and Honor, 2016, and Rogue Commander, 2017. Dark Territory, & Threat Level Alpha will be released in 2018. Leo is currently in contract talks to have the Dan Morgan Thriller novels brought to Cable TV.

Book Review: Talisman by Tam Derudder Jackson

Title: Talisman

Author:  Tam Derudder Jackson

Star: 3 1\2

Review:
While the story sounds interesting to read a woman come into her own and find her way in life.  The story doesn't quite make it there.  Rowan and Alyssa are flat and lack a focus that could turn this lack luster typical story into something more.
The story will have readers a little lost on the mythology Tam tries to create at times that can cause readers to pull away or put down a book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of Tam Derudder Jackson Talisman

Sysnpsis:
Rowan Sheridan is a warrior, a powerful being capable of bending time and space to take on the rogues and zombies the triple goddess unleashes on civilians. For centuries, his family has taken on the Morrigan, their successes against her legendary. But if he doesn't find his talisman by midnight of his twenty-eighth birthday, he faces death--or something worse.

Wallflower Alyssa Macaulay has no clue a community of supernatural Celtic warriors lives alongside her. Nor does she know she's a talisman, a member of that community. Orphaned at age four, she was raised by her grandmother, a druid of uncommon skill who deliberately kept Alyssa ignorant of her true self. A chance meeting in a bar on a cold winter's night upends the bookish grad student's life when Rowan introduces her to their world.

ebook, 338 pages

Published December 20th 2019 by Warrior Romance Press

About The Author:

In her previous career, Tam DeRudder Jackson was an award-winning high school English teacher. These days, she's living her dream of writing novels. When she's not writing, she's reading all the books or carving turns on the ski runs in the mountains near her home in northwest Wyoming or traveling to places on her ever-expanding bucket list. Her two grown sons are the joys of her life, and she likes supporting her husband's old car habit. If you ever see her holding a map, do her a favor and point her in the right direction. Navigation has never been her strong suit

Book Review: No Bad Deed by Heather Chavez

Title: No Bad Deed 

Author: Heather Chavez

Star: 3 1\2

Review:
No Bad deed starts off as a face pace thriller. Pulling readers into Cassie Larkin world until the author takes a wrong turn and the story slows down to the point readers will be skipping pages to finish the book.  I wish I could say the story will leave readers content instead reader will be left wondering if they are reading the same book. 
The book end up a mess of eye rolling disbelief that this is the same story.

Thank you to Netgalley for a advance copy of Heather Chavez No Bad Deed.

Synopsis:
Driving home one rainy night, Cassie Larkin sees a man and woman fighting on the side of the road. After calling 911, the veterinarian makes a split-second decision that will throw her sedate suburban life into chaos. Against all reason and advice, she gets out of her minivan and chases after the violent man, trying to help his victim. When Cassie physically tries to stop him, he suddenly turns on her and spits out an ominous threat: “Let her die, and I’ll let you live.”

A veterinarian trained to heal, Cassie can’t let the woman die. But while she’s examining the unconscious victim, the attacker steals her car. Now he has her name. Her address. And he knows about her children. Though they warn her to be careful, the police assure her that the perpetrator—a criminal named Carver Sweet—won’t get near her. Cassie isn’t so sure.

ebook, 320 pages

Published February 18th 2020 by William Morrow

About The Author:

Heather Chavez is a graduate of UC Berkeley's English literature program and has worked as a newspaper reporter, editor and contributor to mystery and television blogs. Currently, she's employed in public affairs for a major health care organization. She lives with her family in Santa Rosa, California, and is at work on her second novel.

Book Review: F*cked at 40 by Tova Leigh

Title: F*cked at 40 

Author: Tova Leigh

Stars: 4

Review:
This review might come off more personal thoughts than a review.
I will state that I do not agree with everything Tova Leigh wrong in the book but there are times I found myself agreeing with her personal thoughts.
At times I found myself  thinking I could write a book about mid life crisis that would be equal or better to what Tova Leigh wrote.
As a mother and woman who turned 41 this year I find some of what her wrote to be honest heart felt and true.  Other times I found her to be vulgar, selfish and lack of boundaries.  The author paints a picture of life that isn't true to everyone.  She will make readers laugh, angry and feel all the emotion in between.

Thank you to Netgalley for advance copy of Tova Leigh F*cked at 40 

Synopsis:
For every woman that has ever felt trapped. A funny, raw and empowering mid-life-crisis-with-a-difference, vlogger, mother, lover businesswoman and social media phenomenon Tova Leigh explores what the hell you are supposed to do when you find yourself living a life you don't remember signing up for.

Hardcover, 224 pages

Published March 2nd 2020 by Watkins

About The Author:
Tova Leigh is a social media influencer, content creator, writer, performer, wife and mother. Tova’s shamelessly, open and honest video rants, articles, and podcast, have resonated with a huge number of women around the world. Tova uses her platforms to support and empower women by giving them a sense of belonging as she doesn’t hold back whilst sharing the raw truth with her uncensored topics that include motherhood, body issues, marriage, sexuality, relationships not forgetting chocolate, wine and of course cake!

With her viral online series 'Mom life crisis', Tova went on a journey to rediscover life after motherhood (yes this does exist). From doing a nude photo shoot, to bungee jumping, pole dancing, changing her appearance and even flying to Nepal to do the Everest base camp trek, Tova documented her journey. The series received an overwhelming response from thousands of women across the world. She is currently taking her raw humour on stage with her live show My Thoughts About Stuff and writing her new book

Book Review: The Honey-Don't List by Christina Lauren

Title: The Honey-Don't List 

Author: Christina Lauren 

Stars: 4

Review:
The authors have taken a unique situation and managed to turn into a light comedy farce. In most cases a book would follow the two big stars to tell the story. However, in this case the story turns around a long suffering assistant and a recently hired assistant. The two are thrown together, with their lives becoming intertwined, after accidentally witnessing a sexual encounter by one of the principals. The big question then becomes can they keep their growing attraction secret while preventing a melt down by the stars during the course of a week's road trip.

I enjoyed the light comedy provided by this book and have rated it 4 stars.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.

Thank you Frank for the review.

Synopsis:
Carey Douglas has worked for home remodeling and design gurus Melissa and Rusty Tripp for nearly a decade. A country girl at heart, Carey started in their first store at sixteen, and—more than anyone would suspect—has helped them build an empire. With a new show and a book about to launch, the Tripps are on the verge of superstardom. There’s only one problem: America’s favorite couple can’t stand each other.

James McCann, MIT graduate and engineering genius, was originally hired as a structural engineer, but the job isn’t all he thought it’d be. The last straw? Both he and Carey must go on book tour with the Tripps and keep the wheels from falling off the proverbial bus.

Unfortunately, neither of them is in any position to quit. Carey needs health insurance, and James has been promised the role of a lifetime if he can just keep the couple on track for a few more weeks. While road-tripping with the Tripps up the West Coast, Carey and James vow to work together to keep their bosses’ secrets hidden, and their own jobs secure. But if they stop playing along—and start playing for keeps—they may have the chance to build something beautiful together…

Paperback, 320 pages

Expected publication: March 24th 2020 by Gallery Books

About the Author:
Christina Lauren is the combined pen name of long-time writing partners/besties/soulmates/brain-twins Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings. The coauthor duo writes both Young Adult and Adult Fiction, and together has produced fourteen New York Times bestselling novels. Their books have been translated into 30+ languages. (Some of these books have kissing. Some of these books have A LOT of kissing.)