Book Review: The Hunted (Bane Island Trilogy #2) by Lisa Childs

 

Title: The Hunted (Bane Island Trilogy #2) 

Author: Lisa Childs 

Stars: 3 1\2 

Review:

I was hoping for something more thriller and mystery with a little romance. Instead it was a whole lot of romance with a little bit of mystery.  The author doesn't do the best job blending the first book information into the second book instead she gives it to you all at once which can be distracting and take readers out of the story. The author created the series so that one book follows the next making sure readers need to read the last book to discover all the answers.

Confession I skipped all the love scenes to get to the meat of the story.

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of Lisa Childs The Hunted.

Sysnpsis:

The pressures of fame and an obsessive stalker have driven pop star Olivia Smith to take shelter at Halcyon Hall, an exclusive spa on a remote island off the coast of Maine. Yet from the moment she arrives, there are rumors about women disappearing, and stories about the resort’s grisly past. Then a note arrives from her stalker, proving that nowhere is truly safe . . .

It’s been twenty-five years since Sheriff Deacon Howell discovered his first dead body on these grounds. Back then, Halcyon Hall was an asylum known as Bainesworth Manor. Others have perished here since, including Deacon’s wife. Many locals share his belief that her death wasn’t suicide. The difference is, they think Deacon killed her. But he has bigger problems than gossip, because another body has been found . . .

As Deacon investigates the increasing threats to the singer’s life, the danger becomes undeniable. Something evil lurks here—not just in the asylum’s grim history, but in the present. And there will be no rest at Halcyon Hall until every sin has been avenged . 

About The Author:

Born one dark and stormy Halloween night, Lisa Childs was predestined to write suspense novels. She loves spinning dark and twisty stories that keep readers awake because they’re either too busy turning pages or too scared to sleep. Lisa Childs is the prolific author of more than seventy published novels. In addition to romantic suspense, she also writes women’s fiction, paranormal and contemporary romance.

Book Review: An Unexpected Distraction (Richter #3) by Catherine Bybee

 

Title: An Unexpected Distraction (Richter #3)

Author: Catherine Bybee 

Stars: 4 1\2

Review:

An Unexpected Distraction starts off fast and than slows down as characters are introduced and Jax deals with her unfeeling family. Catherine Bybee writes from different points of view giving the readers the main characters reactions and thoughts though the entire book.  While readers can jump into book three of the series I would recommend readers start with book one just to have a better idea of what Richter did.

The story  is like so many other Catherine Bybee writes the romance at times takes over the story but when the action starts reader will never get enough of her strong women. 

Personal not this wasn't my favorite in the series it was a little slower than expected.

Thank you to Netgalley for advance copy of An Unexpected Distraction by Catherine Bybee 

Synopsis:

Jacqueline “Jax” Simon knows how to expose secrets: she’s a skilled operative with MacBain Security and Solutions. When Jax hears her parents are divorcing, she races to London to find out why. She’s determined to learn the truth, especially when her investigation uncovers why her parents sent her to Richter, the German military school that made her a fighter.

Andrew Craig collects Jax at Heathrow Airport as a favor. He’s heard she’s a handful, but he didn’t know she’s dangerously gorgeous too. His instant attraction could change his life…or end it.

Jax doesn’t want to fall for Andrew, but soon he’s worming his way into her life. Together, they infiltrate Richter to discover if it has returned to its covert purpose: training children to be spies and assassins and blackmailing parents to look the other way. As the attraction between the two intensifies, so do the secrets exploding all around them. How deadly are those secrets—and who will survive? 

Kindle Edition, 1st edition, 365 pages

Expected publication: November 30th 2021 by Montlake

About The Author:

atherine 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

Book Review: How World War II Changed America by Earl Ofari Hutchinson

 

Title: How World War II Changed America

Author: Earl Ofari Hutchinson

Stars: 3 1\2 

Review:

A thought provoking work that left me wondering if the original intent was, to gather new followers, or convince current followers of the author that he is correct. While I enjoyed his perspective of events I was not converted to his very apparent viewpoint. I feel that an individual gets out of life what he is willing to work for and achieve on his own merits. There is no free lunch without strings attached and if it sounds to good to be true it probably is not true.

I have rated this book 3 stars. I recommend it be read only to be informed of current thinking.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.

Thank you Frank for your Review.

Synopsis:

My father. Earl Hutchinson Sr. and my uncle, James Hutchinson, were World War II veterans,” says political and World War II History analyst Earl Ofari Hutchinson. I grew up hearing the stories about my father’s wartime experiences and how those experiences changed and shaped his life. The war has always had special meaning for me.”

Earl Ofari Hutchinson's new book, How World War II Changed America, is scheduled for release on August 6, designated Hiroshima Day globally and months before commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the December 7. Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The attack propelled the U.S. into the war. The events continue to spark discussion, debate, and reflection on the lessons still to be learned from World War II.

How World War II Changed America pays tribute to the enduring changes the war brought to America and the men and women who made those changes. Says Hutchinson. “My father’s story and the story of others affected by the war I tell.” He further notes, “The one certainty about any new look at World War II is that if the U.S. had not entered the global fight, it would be a much different America today. And so would their story.”

Hutchinson presents a riveting look at the monumental changes that World War II produced in the U.S. How those changes transformed America. And how those changes shape the lives of Americans today and will continue through the 21st Century. The changes touch every aspect of American’s lives in technology, industry, politics, race, gender, the social movements for change, nuclear armaments, national security, and international relations. 

About The Author:

https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/earl-ofari-hutchinson-41

Book Review: Immortal's Honor (Dark Protectors #14) by Rebecca Zanetti

 

Title: Immortal's Honor (Dark Protectors #14)

Author:  Rebecca Zanetti 

Stars: 4 1\2

Review:

Dark Protector series keeps on going this time it is Sam Kyllwood time to become the over the top strong Alpha to protect the one woman he needs in this life. Honor is the same type of female lead that follow in the footsteps on the other Dark protectors romance series.  She is strong, feisty and fall in love with hot sexy time with Sam and his motorcycle. The story moves quickly with big bad guys trying to take another enhanced female to kill.  Honor won't stop until everyone is safe and protected.

Immortal Honor is fast pace and will keep readers happy.

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of Immortal Honor.

Synopsis:

When Vampire-Demon Sam Kyllwood discovers he’s the keeper of some mysterious circle, he laughs it off. When he finds out that his younger brother is supposed to fight to the death in said circle, he snaps right to furious. And that’s before he starts uncontrollably making things explode —it turns out it’s never too late to develop deadly new immortal abilities. But even those explosions are nothing compared to what happens when he tries to handle a very suspicious, brilliant and beyond sexy human female whose piercing eyes ignite a heat that rages deliciously outside even his unbreakable control…

Honor McDovall is one of the best interrogators Homeland Security has ever had. But no matter how well she appears to fit in, her mystical gifts are slowly driving her mad. She doesn't understand them, she doesn't want them, but for now, she'll use them to detect and defeat danger until she completely loses her mind. Unfortunately, her job brings her face to face with the deadliest man she's ever met—and she senses Sam is even more gifted than she is. Yet once they kiss, she realizes he's also more dangerous than the enemies suddenly coming from every direction. Good thing they both like to play with fire . 

About The Author:

Author Rebecca Zanetti has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and a hearing examiner - only to culminate it all in stories about Alpha males and the women who claim them. She writes dark paranormals, romantic suspense, and sexy contemporary romances.

Book Review Stay Hidden by Julie Anne Lindsey

 

Title: Stay Hidden

Author: Julie Anne Lindsey

Stars: 4

Review:

Julie Anne Lindsey brings out the big gun in her Harlequin Intrigue series where the characters pop off the pages as they try protect those they love.  The characters are likable the romance is well balanced in the story as readers are trying to protect and keep each other. 

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of Stay safe.

Synopsis:

He’s determined not to let her Expectant mother Gina Ricci needs an exit plan—pronto! Her ex is out of control, and private investigator Cruz Winchester insists justice—not hiding—is the only way to keep her baby safe. But even as Cruz and his law enforcement family unite in her defense, Gina’s attraction to her handsome protector grows undeniable. Unstoppable. Then her family is targeted and the stakes couldn't be higher

About The Author:

Julie Anne Lindsey is an award-winning and bestselling author of cozy mystery and romantic suspense. She’s published more than forty novels since her debut in 2013 and currently writes series as herself, as well as under the pen names, Bree Baker, Jacqueline Frost & Julie Chase, for various publishers, including Kensington, Harlequin, Sourcebooks and Crooked Lane Books. When she's not writing the stories that keep her up at night, Julie stays busy in Kent, Ohio with her patient husband, enabling friends, and three amazing kids. Today she hopes to make someone smile. One day she plans to change the world. Julie is represented by Jill Marsal at the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency and is a member of the International Thriller Writers, Sisters in Crime and Romance Writers of America

Book Review: Bewitch the Darkness (Guardians of Eternity #18) by Alexandra Ivy

 

Title: Bewitch the Darkness (Guardians of Eternity #18)

Author:  Alexandra Ivy 

Stars: 4 1\2

Review:

I have enjoyed Alexandra Ivy romantic suspense series and thought I would read one more of the author Guardians Of Eternity series.  The story is told from different prospective giving readers a deeper look into the minds of the lead characters and the world the author created.

The banter between the two lead lead characters is entertaining and well paced though the story. The balance of romance, fighting and movement in the story keeps readers wanting more from this series.

Bewitch The Darkness has a feisty, fun, strong, sweet female lead and a grumpy male lead who doesn't realize what he wants until he tries to kill her.

Thank you for netgalley for a copy of Bewitch The Darkness.

Synopsis:

Only one drastic mission can tempt Kyi away from the peaceful woodland where the dryads raised her: killing her mother. Xuria’s beauty masks a bone-deep evil that has enslaved fey for centuries with the help of a powerful stone. A hundred years ago, Kyi almost succeeded—until one meddlesome vampire destroyed her chance. With rumors that Xuria has emerged from her secret realm, Kyi’s determined to try again—despite the vampire who is now focused on destroying her.

Locke has been waiting over a century to avenge what he believes was Xuria’s death. Discovering the sorceress’s raven-haired fey daughter was the assassin is a surprise—until her story of Xuria’s treachery begins to ring true. Working with Kyi is one solution—and the relentless heat simmering between them is a hint that they may be fated as mates. But even a destined love will have to wait as they now struggle to defeat Kyi’s twin sister, who has a chilling plan of her own .

About The Author:

Years later (no, I'm not admitting how many) I'm still an avid reader, and my tastes are still as varied as they were in my youth, which I suppose helps to explain why I enjoy writing regency historicals under the name of Deborah Raleigh, as well as my contemporary paranormals as Alexandra Ivy. For now that is enough to keep me busy, but who knows what the future might hold!

I do have a few other loves in my life besides reading and writing, the most important being my unbelievably patient husband, David, and my two sons, Chance and Alexander.

Book Review: The Last Goodnight (Blood Ties #1) by Kat Martin

 

Title: The Last Goodnight (Blood Ties #1)

Author:  Kat Martin

Stars: 4 1\2

Review:

Kat Martin usually is able to pull off a balance of romance, action and story building without one story line taking over the other,

The last goodnight realized heavy in the hot and spicy moments and less on the story that readers are trying to understand. This is book 1 in a new book series by Kat Martin so there is a lot of introductions to different characters readers will get to know as the series moves forward. The characters are likeable and with the intraromance readers who need that will enjoy this book.

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of The Last Goodnight.

Synopsis:

When Kade Logan said goodbye to his estranged wife eight years ago, he never thought it would be the last time he saw her alive. Now her car has been hauled out of a nearby lake and Kade is determined to track down the man who murdered her. Enter Eleanor Bowman, a talented private investigator who’s about to stir up a hornet’s nest on his Colorado ranch.

With old scandals still buzzing about his late wife’s many affairs and new violence erupting, Kade is faced with the discovery of another beautiful woman’s body. Are the two killings linked? Who is the man who seduced, then murdered both victims? Ellie believes they are dangerously close to the truth.

From corporate Denver high-rises to posh Vail mansions, Kade and Ellie sense the killer is closing in again, and this time Ellie is the target. Kade must risk everything to save the woman he’s coming to love—before she becomes the next one to die . . .

About The Author:

Kathleen Kelly was born on 14 July 1947 in the Central Valley of California, USA. She obtained a degree in Anthropology and also studied History at the University of California in Santa Barbara. She was a real estate broker, when she met her future husband, Larry Jay Martin. A short time after the two became acquainted, Larry asked her to read an unpublished manuscript of an historical western he'd written. Kat fell in love with both the book and the author! Then, after doing some editing for him, she thought she'd try her own hand at writing. She moved on to become a full time writer.

Book Review: Silent Protector (Verona Bay #3) by Katie Reus

 

Title:  Silent Protector (Verona Bay #3)

Author: Katie Reus 

Stars: 5

Review:

Katie Reus created loveable characters with past and futures they want but are not sure they can have.  Adeline and Mac are cute, readers will love them right off the bat. The author created wonderful dialogue that will have readers hooked as Adeline and Mac survive flooding, murder and mystery.  The secondary characters are fun and will have reader wanting more.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for a advance copy of Silent Protector.

Synopsis:

Adeline Rodriguez left her violent past behind, buried her secrets and started over in Verona Bay. Now a successful co-owner in a local pet grooming business, she’s made a life for herself in this idyllic community, and has real friends. Thanks to her past, the only thing she hasn’t mastered yet is a real relationship. And when circumstances lead her to finally let her guard down with sexy Mac Collins, he completely ghosts her. Her first instinct is to close herself off again, but she decides to confront him instead—and that fateful decision puts her directly in the crosshairs of a killer.

Others can destroy you…

Mac has wanted Adeline since the moment they met, but she made it clear that she didn’t want a relationship. So he kept his distance. When they’re trapped together in a remote cabin, things change between them. But Mac’s past has come back to haunt him, so he pushes her away to protect her. Unfortunately, it’s already too late. Adeline is now a target too. To save her, Mac has no choice except to end the threat. Only then can he try to win over the woman he can’t live without. But winning over the feisty Adeline might prove to be harder than stopping a killer.

About The Author:

Katie Reus is the New York Times and USA 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. 

Book Review: The Lost Bones (Widow's Island #8) by Kendra Elliot

 

Title: The Lost Bones (Widow's Island #8)

Author: Kendra Elliot

Stars: 5

Review:

Kendra Elliot and Melinda Leigh are writing a series of novella that bring the world of Widow Island to life with mystery surrounding every part of the small island.

Each Character comes to life in such a few short pages that will have reader hooked until the very last word is printed. Each person in the island are intertwined to the point readers will feel like everyone is family or a killer. The Novella is short fast pace and will keep readers wanting more.

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of The Lost Bones.

Synopsis:

When former FBI agent Cate Wilde moves back to Widow’s Island, she envisions a simpler life than the one she had in law enforcement. But Cate’s past has a habit of catching up with her. When she receives a mysterious package containing a child’s mandible, she finds herself thrust back into action.

The mandible leads Cate to an unsolved case she worked seven years ago—the kidnapping of a three-year-old girl. At the time, Cate suspected the girl was kidnapped by her overprotective father. But after they both vanished, the case went cold.

At the urging of the girl’s mother, Cate dives back into the case and learns her prime suspect may still be a threat. Armed with new clues and a fresh perspective, Cate must confront the possibility that the kidnapper is poised to strike again. But can she save his new child from the same fate before it’s too late?

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. UPDATE: She now lives in flip flops and watches the sun rise over the ocean every day.

Book Review: Game On: Tempting Twenty-Eight (Stephanie Plum #28) by Janet Evanovich

 

Title: Game On: Tempting Twenty-Eight (Stephanie Plum #28)

Author:  Janet Evanovich

Stars: 3 1\2

Review:

I think it might be time Janet Evanovich puts away Stephanie Plum series.  The story falls flat using the same old story lines with the same romance and a story that doesn't bring anything new into the series. 

Reader will be excited to find Diesel in the story but it isn't until half way though the book.  Once he arrives Diesel isn't the one readers have come to know and love. 

Game On isn't a new story it is the only stories thrown together making a half attempt to keep the Stephanie Plum series moving to the next book.

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of Game on Tempting Twenty Eight.

Synopsis: 

When Stephanie Plum is woken up in the middle of the night by the sound of footsteps in her apartment, she wishes she didn’t keep her gun in the cookie jar in her kitchen. And when she finds out the intruder is fellow apprehension agent Diesel, six feet of hard muscle and bad attitude who she hasn’t seen in more than two years, she still thinks the gun might come in handy.

Turns out Diesel and Stephanie are on the trail of the same fugitive: Oswald Wednesday, an international computer hacker as brilliant as he is ruthless. Stephanie may not be the most technologically savvy sleuth, but she more than makes up for that with her dogged determination, her understanding of human nature, and her willingness to do just about anything to bring a fugitive to justice. Unsure if Diesel is her partner or her competition in this case, she’ll need to watch her back every step of the way as she sets the stage to draw Wednesday out from behind his computer and into the real world.

About The Author:

Janet Evanovich is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Stephanie Plum series, the Lizzy and Diesel series, twelve romance novels, the Alexandra Barnaby novels and Trouble Maker graphic novel, and How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author, as well as the Fox and O'Hare series with co-author Lee Goldberg

Book Review: Buried Bones (Widow's Island #7) By Melinda Leigh

 Title:  Buried Bones (Widow's Island #7)

Author: Melinda Leigh

Stars: 5 

Review:

Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot are writing a series of novella called Widows Island .  Melinda Leigh characters are Tessa Black deputy of Widow island.  The characters comes to life in each story of murder and mystery. 

The author is able to pack a punch in so few pages.  Each story builds on each other the characters grow and the community the author's create become real and walk right off the pages.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of Buried Bones.

Synopses:

All communities have their secrets…but on Widow’s Island, there’s a skeleton in every closet, as Deputy Tessa Black knows all too well. When Tessa stumbles upon a half-buried body in the woods, a peaceful morning hike suddenly turns into a race to catch a killer.

Tessa identifies the skeletal corpse as Aurora Franklin, a young college student and aspiring actor. She’d come to Widow’s Island for a summer job, only to be strangled and discarded. Aurora has been dead for over a month—and not a single islander has reported her missing.

The investigation reveals a dangerous predator hiding in the Widow’s Island community. With her fiancé, park ranger Logan Wilde, by her side, Tessa must find Aurora’s murderer before they strike again. 

About The Author:

 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 10 million copies across the world. Melinda loves martial arts, rescue dogs, and sea turtles.

Book Reviews are coming I promise.

Recently my family lost a loved one. My 23 years old nephew died recently due to suicide.  My seven siblings, spouses and grandchildren came together to suppose my brother and his family as we said good bye to their book reading son. 

I flew home to Minnesota where I was there to love, support and listen to the stories, cry and laugh together.

As time flew by I found myself home once again trying to get costumes ready for Halloween.  Before I knew it we were celebrating my husbands birthday and another round of head colds.  

Times gets away from everyone and I hope authors, readers and everyone who interacts with my blog can forgive me.

Reviews are coming!