Book Review: Falling for Irish (MacArthur Family #1) by Katie Reus

 

Title: Falling for Irish (MacArthur Family #1) 

Author: Katie Reus 

Stars: 4

Review:

For anyone how struggles with figuring out the length of a book this author lets you know right away. If the story is a full length novel or a novella.

Falling for Irish is a novella the author is able to pack a whole lot of story in a few amount of words.  Katie Reus has always out sex scenes in her books no matter the length and Falling for Irish is no expectation.  Readers will either love or hate this apart about the author writing style.

The mystery isn't as easy as it first appears.  Readers are also introduced to several different characters the author will be using in her upcoming book by the amount of appearances are made.

With all Katie Reus books the story moves quickly. Readers can finish it in a few short hours.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an advance copy of Katie Reus Fighting for Irish.

Synopsis:

She walked away once.

When Kathryn Irish realized that she and Daniel were too different—and that he thought she was after him for his money—she ended things. When a job randomly puts her back on his radar, they hesitantly form a truce. But deep down she knows she can never be just friends with him. She’ll always want more.

He never should have let her go.

Daniel MacArthur knows he made the biggest mistake of his life in letting Kathryn walk away. When she suddenly appears back in his life, it’s not a moment too soon—since she’s been targeted twice by a faceless enemy. She thinks the two attacks are random. But he’s not so sure. Is it because of her job? Or is something more sinister at play?

Length: NOVELLA

ebook

Expected publication: February 23rd 2021 by KR Press, LLC

About The Author:

Today bestselling author of the Red Stone Security series, the Redemption Harbor series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom's stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it. However, she didn't always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense

Book Review: The Rakehell of Roth (Everleigh Sisters #2) by Amalie Howard

 

Title: The Rakehell of Roth (Everleigh Sisters #2)

Author:  Amalie Howard 

Stars: 4 

Review:

An excellent story of a battle between a cat and mouse. Both appear to want the same piece of cheese (sex) but neither is inclined to let the other win as it would make them realize and declare their own closely guarded secret. They are already married to each other so the battle lines are drawn. The reader must decide if the "moral high ground", believed to be held by both parties, should be breeched and by which individual. Who will be the ultimate winner? A delightful steamy romance to enjoy on a cold winter day.

 I have rated this book 4 stars and would purchase it for friends who enjoy historical romance stories.

 Thank you Frank for your review.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.

Synopsis:

In this game of seduction, the rules don't apply...

As owner of the most scandalous club in London, the last thing the notorious Marquess of Roth wants is a wife. Keeping up his false reputation as a rake brings in the clients with the deepest pockets—money he needs to fund a noble cause. Even though everything inside tells him not to leave his beautiful, innocent wife behind at his country estate...he must.

But three years later, tired of her scoundrel of a husband headlining the gossip rags, Lady Isobel Vance decides enough is enough. She is no longer a fragile kitten, but as the anonymous author of a women’s sexual advice column, she’s now a roaring tigress...and she can use her claws.

Isobel decides to go to him in London, channeling her powers of seduction to make him beg to take her back. But she didn’t expect her marauding marquess to be equally hard to resist. Now the game is on to see who will give in to the other first, with both sides determined like hell to win.

Mass Market Paperback, 400 pages

Published February 9th 2021 by Entangled: Amara

About The Author:

AMALIE HOWARD is a USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author, most notably of The Beast of Beswick, “a smart, sexy, deliciously feminist romance,” and one of O-The Oprah Magazine’s Top 24 Best Historicals to Read. She is the co-author of the #1 bestsellers in regency romance and Scottish historical romance, My Rogue, My Ruin and What A Scot Wants, and has also penned several young adult novels, critically acclaimed by Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, VOYA, School Library Journal, and Booklist, including Waterfell, The Almost Girl, and Alpha Goddess, a Kid’s INDIE NEXT selection. Of Indo-Caribbean descent, she has written articles on multicultural fiction for The Portland Book Review and Ravishly magazine. She currently resides in Colorado with her husband and three children.

Book Review: The Last Straw (The Jigsaw Files #4) by Sharon Sala

 

Title: The Last Straw (The Jigsaw Files #4)

Author: Sharon Sala

Stars: 5

Review:

I will have to go back and read book 1-3.  I will admit that as a reader I was little confused with the cast of characters at times and found it difficult to connect.  That could also be due to jumping into book 4 instead of starting with book 1.

Sharon Sala writes a creative and exciting mystery thriller that will keep readers wanting answers.  The authors writing ability is spot on for this type of story and has been perfected over the course of the series.  

This is a can't miss series and I can't wait to start on book 1.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of Sharon Sala The Last Straw.

Synopsis:

Charlie Dodge may be down, but he’s most definitely not out. He’s still reeling after a series of earth-shattering events, so when a desperate woman hires Dodge Investigations to find her missing sister, the head-scratcher of a case is exactly the distraction Charlie and his steadfast partner, Wyrick, need. Two weeks prior, Rachel Dean disappeared without a trace from her locked-from-the-inside Dallas apartment, and every possible trail has gone cold.
Grappling with the fallout of her efforts to dismantle the shadowy organization Universal Theorem, Wyrick throws herself into her investigative work. Charlie knows his partner can handle herself, but when she uncovers a past connection that paints a target on her back, the threat of losing her hits Charlie hard. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do to keep Wyrick safe, but with the clock ticking on a victim they’ve yet to find, it’s only a matter of time before the cold-blooded killer leads them to a deadly end.

Paperback, 320 pages

Expected publication: February 23rd 2021 by Mira Books (first published February 2021)

About The Author:

well as a member of OKRWA. She has 100 plus books in print, published in five different genres – Romance, Young Adult, Western, Fiction, and Women’s Fiction. First published in 1991, she’s an eight-time RITA finalist, winner of the Janet Dailey Award, five-time Career Achievement winner from RT Magazine, five time winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award, and five time winner of the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence, winner of the Heart of Excellence Award, as well as winner of the Booksellers Best Award. In 2011 she was named RWA’s recipient of the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award. Her books are New York Times , USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly best-sellers. Writing changed her life, her world, and her fate

Book Review: Spring Upon a Crime (A Seattle Wilderness Mystery Book 2) by M.L. Erdahl

 

Title: Spring Upon a Crime (A Seattle Wilderness Mystery Book 2) 

Author: M.L. Erdahl 

Stars: 4 

Review:

Since this is book 2 in a series I haven't started I enjoyed the authors ability to catch readers up quickly as the story is moving forward.  

M.L.Erdahl is able to create a fun cozy mystery that readers will be able to enjoy from beginning to end.  The author creates a cast of characters who become real as the story moves forward.  Even though this is the first in the series I have read the author is able to make it feel like book one with reference to what happened in book one while keeping the story moving forward.  

The Author captures the feel of small town and all the crazy politics that go into that small world. The author bring readers into the world they created and reader will not want to leave until they finish the mystery. 

Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy of M.L Erdahl Spring Upon a Crime. 

Synopsis:

Wilderness guide Crystal Rainey leads a group of college students to a private campground amidst the awe-inspiring Olympic Rain Forest. The excursion is ruined when the charming hostess Roxie is discovered standing over the land owner's body, murder weapon in hand. Enlisted to investigate the crime to absolve her friend, Crystal descends on the quiet city of Forks to find loggers, developers, and eco-protesters circling the property, intent on either exploiting or protecting the bastion of old-growth forest. The list of suspects is intimidating. Can Crystal find answers in a community determined to keep her in the dark?

Kindle Edition

Published January 13th 2021

About The Author:

Award-winning ML Erdahl lives amidst the trees of the Pacific Northwest, where he pens humorous cozy mystery novels set in the wilderness he has spent his lifetime exploring. The only thing slowing him down is when his adorable rescue dogs, Skip and Daisy, demand to be petted and cuddled on his lap while he types. When he's not wandering the mountains, you can find him gardening, reading, or searching for the best coffee in Seattle with his wife, Emily.

Book Review: Illicit Intent (Bishop Security #2) by Debbie Baldwin

 

Title: Illicit Intent (Bishop Security #2)

Author:  Debbie Baldwin 

Stars: 4

Review: 

Debbie Baldwin bring back the day of Linda Howard type of romantic suspense.  A little cheese and a little over the top but readers will love the classic style of writing.

 Readers will connect with the characters as they try and figure out the different mysteries that are driving Calliope and Miller together as they fight the passion they are feeling.

Illicit Intent is the compete romantic suspense novels will be able to enjoy.  The story is a stand alone novel and each story ends with what readers expect as they read the story.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the copy of Debbie Baldwin Illicit Intent 

Synopsis:

Calliope Garland’s newsdesk assignment was fairly straightforward—dig up the dirt on the sketchy CEO of a Wall Street hedge fund. But when the man is murdered and valuable data destroyed, a simple investigation turns deadly. Calliope is unwittingly in possession of vital financial information and a priceless work of art; either of which may get her killed. With an ever-growing list of people who want to harm her, Calliope must set aside her reservations and turn to the one man she knows can trust.

Miller “Tox” Buchanan is a study in contradictions: kind but lethal, passionate but distant, self-possessed yet hesitant. He knows he should keep his distance, but when Calliope is hurled into danger, Tox will stop at nothing to protect her.

Be advised: this story contains scenes of violence equivalent to an R-rated movie and explicit sexual situations. 

Paperback, 366 pages

Published January 1st 2021 by Gatekeeper Press

About The Author:

Debbie Baldwin is a successful print media and television writer. She is a graduate of Princeton University and the University of Virginia School of Law.

Debbie and her husband live in Saint Louis, Missouri with their puggle, Pebbles. They have three children in college. False Front is her first novel.

Book Review: Dark Secrets of the Bayou by Kim Carter

 

Title: Dark Secrets of the Bayou

Author: Kim Carter 

Stars: 4

Review:

Kim Carter created a interesting story that with the first half of the book during the 1800's with the beginning of the plantation.  The author gives readers the family history of not just the home but also of Catherine. Kim Cater was able to create the setting of dark and gloomy as part of the character in the story.  The cast of characters even the home itself is part of the characters within the story.

The chapter left cliffhangers daring readers to keeping going long into the night.  

Dark Secrets of the Bayou is a creative dark mystery that reader will not be able to put down.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the copy of Kim Carter Dark Secrets of the Bayou

Synopsis:

Catherine “Tink” Mabry, an up and coming attorney, is shocked by her recent inheritance from her estranged family on the bayou. After her mother died during childbirth, Tink’s father had quickly relocated them to the big city of Atlanta, Georgia. With no memory of her mother, she is determined to learn more about her lineage and decides to visit the bayou town of Kane, Louisiana. Candace, Tink's co-worker, and best friend agrees to make the trip with her.

Before she has time to explore her family’s history or decide what to do with the declining property, local murders plague Tink’s homecoming. She quickly finds herself caught in the middle of a multiple murder investigation—and quite possibly, the prime suspect. When Candace retreats back to Atlanta, Tink finds support among an unlikely cast of characters and sets out to discover clues that have haunted and tormented her family for generations.

Could a concealed crime from the 1800s, or the family's estate itself, harbor keys to unlocking the past?

The more they learn, the more they question whether some secrets are best left buried.

About The Author:

Kim Carter is a multi-award-winning author and critically acclaimed writer of gripping suspense, chilling thrillers, and haunting historical mystery novels.

Kim is widely known for her vibrant characters in her Clara and Iris Mystery series, a couple of overly curious widows who turn private investigators. These funny women were inspired by Kim's mother and her mom's best friend. Book one of this series, Murder Among The Tombstones, was a finalist for the 2018 Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award and a recipient of the 2017 TCK Publishers' Readers' Choice Award.

Carters' literary works include Sweet Dreams, Baby Belle, When Dawn Never Comes, Deadly Odds, No Second Chances, The Forecast Called For Rain, and her new release of Dark Secrets of the Bayou; her novels can be purchased online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, BAM, and Indie Bound.

Kim's writing career started after she suffered an illness that made her housebound for a couple of years. An avid reader of mystery novels herself, she embarked on writing as a means of filling her time. Her health struggles and successes have been chronicled on The Lifetime Television in early 2000, The Atlanta-Journal Constitution, Women's Day Magazine, and Guidepost.

Now, with seven acclaimed mystery titles to her credit, Kim worked in many different capacities in county government. Still, it was ultimately her job as a correctional officer who provided her with opportunities to talk and interact with a diverse group of people. Her experiences ran the gamete of inspiring success stories to tragic endings, much like she writes within her mysteries.

Kim began networking and made connections with numerous homicide detectives, medical examiners, and prison officials. Her research has taken her to many places, including morgues, death row, and the occasional midnight visit to cemeteries, all places to gain material for her novels.

Kim is a college graduate of Saint Leo University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She is an avid reader, has raised three grown successful children; she currently resides outside Atlanta, Georgia.

Book Review: Cold Cruel Kiss (Cold Justice: Crossfire #4) by Toni Anderson

 

Title: Cold Cruel Kiss 

Author: Toni Anderson

Stars: 4

Review:

The book was sent to me by the author for an honest review.

This one was not a hit out of the park due to the female lead seem to be missing something.  I can't put my finger on it but she lacked a again something that would put her over the top.

The author writing was at the top of her game.  Toni Anderson has the ability to create a story with the right amount of action, romance, suspense, hero's and victims.  The has an flow that that rolls along never once stopping and starting.

As a fan of Toni Anderson I am the first who will say her books are a can't miss.  While this book didn't sing to me like others it is still well written, the characters are flushed out and the twist and turns will keep readers wanting more.

The story is a great blend of romance and suspense that readers might just be in the mood for.

Thank you Toni Anderson for the advance copy of Cold Cruel Kiss

Synopsis:

When the daughter of the US Ambassador to Argentina is kidnapped in broad daylight on Christmas Eve, the FBI sends one of its best negotiators to investigate.

Supervisory Special Agent Max Hawthorne arrives at an embassy thrown into chaos as US and local law enforcement hustle to track the young woman. Is this a simple kidnap for ransom, or part of a political agenda? Could it be something more sinister?

Lucy Aston has something to hide. Preferring to stay in the shadows, the lowly, fashion-challenged office assistant resents being assigned to help Max. But Max can’t resist a puzzle…he’s starting to suspect Lucy Aston is not what she seems.

When rumors emerge of a suspected Russian spy operating out of the embassy, Lucy’s carefully constructed life begins to crumble. As she and Max race to rescue the ambassador’s daughter, Lucy has to do whatever it takes to keep her cover from being blown—even if that means betraying the man she’s falling for. 

About The Author:

Toni Anderson writes gritty, sexy, FBI Romantic Thrillers, and is a New York Times and a USA Today bestselling author. Her books have won the Readers' Choice, Aspen Gold, Book Buyers' Best, Golden Quill, and National Excellence in Romance Fiction awards. She’s been a finalist in the prestigious RITA Award from the Romance Writers of America and also in the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence. More than two million copies of her books have been downloaded.

Best known for her “Cold” books perhaps it’s not surprising to discover Toni lives in one of the most extreme climates on earth--Manitoba, Canada. Formerly a Marine Biologist, she still misses the ocean, but is lucky enough to travel for research purposes. In January 2016, she visited FBI Headquarters in Washington DC, including a tour of the Strategic Information and Operations Center.

Book Review: Blink of an Eye (Kendra Michaels #8) by Iris Johansen, Roy Johansen

 

Title: Blink of an Eye (Kendra Michaels #8) 

Author: Iris Johansen, Roy Johansen 

Stars: 5

Review:

Iris and Roy Johansen come together with a creative story that readers can start the series on book 1 or book 8 and know every one and everything that is going on.  The characters are interesting and have purpose and direction.  The story has a great flow of action pack moments to quite thoughtfully moments.  These author create an amazing story that readers will not be able to get enough of.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for the advance copy of Blink of an Eye by Iris and Roy Johansen.

Synopsis:

Delilah Winter is one of the hottest pop stars on the planet, so how in the world was she kidnapped right in the middle of a show at the famous Hollywood Bowl? If anyone can figure it out, it's Dr. Kendra Michaels, who works with local and federal authorities on only the most impossible cases. Blind for the first twenty years of her life until a revolutionary surgical procedure allowed her to regain her sight, Kendra uses her powers of observation—honed during her years in the dark—to detect what other investigators don't. She agrees to lead the race to rescue the young singer before time runs out.

Joined by Jessie Mercado, the singer's former bodyguard and a military hero, Kendra closes in on the hideout location but not before casualties mount up. Desperate for leads, Kendra must set aside her personal feelings when agent-for-hire Adam Lynch also volunteers his special skills to aid in the search.

But as the abductor's true purpose becomes clear, the trio uncover a plot they never could have imagined—leading to a showdown they won't soon forget. 

Hardcover, 352 pages

Expected publication: February 2nd 2021 by Grand Central Publishing

About The Author:

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: Entangling( Book One of the Kirin Lane Series) by Kelley Griffin

 

Title: Entangling

Author:  Kelley Griffin 

Stars: 3 

Review:

Entangling is a very predictable story and the romance was forced instead of flowing with the main part of the story.  The author was able to create a predictable romantic suspense with likeable characters.  The romance is forced and rushed though the story.  

With that being said it is a easy summer read you can finish on a plan ride or sitting by the pool.

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of Kelley Griffin Entangling.

Synopsis:

When Kirin Lane’s father dies, it means nothing to her. Why should it? It’s been thirty years since he abandoned her after her mother’s death. But when her house is ransacked and sinister men pursue her, Kirin is forced to look to the only thing he left her for answers—a tattered Marine Corps field manual.

Inside, she discovers clues that could unlock the mystery surrounding her mother’s murder, if only she can follow the cryptic information. She finds an ally in the charming and mysterious Sam Neal, who both infuriates and awakens feelings she can’t resist. But can she trust him?

Sam Neal is determined not to fall for Kirin. He can’t. It’s a clause in his contract, and he never breaks a promise. But he knows too much about her. Her strength and sexy pigheadedness drive him crazy in the best of ways. Suddenly, Sam’s thinking less about obligations and more about allowing a certain woman inside his world.

But with nothing as it appears and her life on the line, can Kirin untangle what really happened to her mother thirty years ago?

Or will the killer’s next victim be her?

Kindle Edition, 247 pages

Published November 6th 2019

About The Author:

A closet romantic suspense writer, teacher, mom to five sons, wife to a Marine, and southerner by common law, Kelley Griffin began writing the old fashioned way; a fluid pen and spiral bound books of line-less paper. She's blessed to be surrounded by testosterone, laughter, family, and love everyday. Her characters will be etched in your memory long after the last page. Kelley's unpublished debut novel “Entangling” explores the journey of Kirin Lane — a comically clumsy 40 year old widow, thrust into her late father's world of corruption in order to discover the truth about her mother's untimely death.