Book Review: When It Falls Apart (The D'Angelos #1) by Catherine Bybee

 

Title: When It Falls Apart (The D'Angelos #1)

Author: Catherine Bybee

Star: 5

Review:

Catherine Bybee tells a story that will comes to life as readers turn the pages.  The story is full of heart and soul that readers will be able to connect with and wonder if their story is being told.

The D'Angelos story is one reader will be able to connect with and invest their heart in hopes of the ending we could all hope for in life.  This is story will not disappoint. The story is as real as fiction can be with swearing and sex scenes.  That being said the author has the ability to connect all aspects of the story that readers will be able to move though the story not wanting to stop.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of When it Falls Apart.  

Grab some tissues.

Synposis: 

Brooke Turner has always had a complicated relationship with her father. But when his health takes a turn for the worse, she drops everything to care for him. He’s her dad, after all, and he needs her. What Brooke doesn’t anticipate is the unraveling of her long-term relationship and a cross-country move to San Diego’s Little Italy.

Luca D’Angelo is the oldest of three children and a single father to a young daughter. When his mother rents the top floor of their house to Brooke, he’s angry. Who is this beautiful stranger with no ties to the neighborhood? Can she be trusted in such close proximity to his family?

As Luca learns of Brooke’s difficult journey with her ailing father, his heart softens. And Brooke, who witnesses Luca’s struggle as a single parent, develops feelings for him, too. But when it all falls apart, will love to heal their wounded hearts?

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.

Book Review: Cold Silence (Cold Justice: Most Wanted #1) by Toni Anderson

 

Title: Cold Silence (Cold Justice: Most Wanted #1)

Author: Toni Anderson

Star: 5

Review:

Cold Silence brings characters from Toni Anderson other series which will make fans smile.  The story starts off quickly with a killer who wants nothing more than spread his enjoyment of torture to the dark net to the highest bidder. 

The author created a dark world of secrets that could destroy what little faith the Yael has in the world she has created around her.  Alex Parker is the same guy from the first book in the series but has grown as the series has moved from book to book.  

This book is the perfect mix of suspense, psychological thriller as the killer toys with the minds of everyone on the team that is hunting the crazy man down. Murder, heartache, love, romance, swearing, and sexy time can be found in this perfect story that Toni Anderson has crafted for her readers and new readers to enjoy.

Thank you, Toni Anderson, for advance copy of Cold Silence and sorry it wasn't posted sooner.

Synposis:

FBI Hostage Rescue Team member Shane Livingstone is frustrated when an injury sidelines him during an operation to catch a sadistic killer. A killer who auctions off vicious ways to torture his victims and screens the events for money on the dark web. When a teammate dies during the op, a devastated Shane vows to track down the monster responsible—but to do so he’ll need access to specialized skills he doesn’t possess.

A bloody game of cat and mouse…

As a white-hat hacker at Alex Parker’s security firm, Yael Brooks knows how to track predators through the darkest recesses of cyberspace. She can’t say no to Shane’s request…even though she fears her own secrets may put her at risk.

With a serial killer who makes it personal…

Shane and Yael must work together as a team if they hope to stop this psychopath. As they begin to grow closer, Shane demands Yael’s complete trust, but trust is the one thing Yael is reluctant to give. As the chase intensifies and more people die, it becomes obvious that the killer knows exactly who Yael is and plans to make both her and Shane pay the ultimate price for getting in his way.

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 Daphne du Maurier Award for excellence in Mystery/Suspense, the Readers' Choice, Aspen Gold, Book Buyers' Best, Golden Quill, and National Excellence in Romance Fiction awards. She’s been a finalist in both The Vivian Contest and the RITA Award from the Romance Writers of America. Her books have been downloaded more than two and a half million times.

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: Mansplainer (Last Man Standing #3) by Avery Flynn

 

Title:  Mansplainer (Last Man Standing #3)

Author: Avery Flynn

Stars: 3

Review: 

I found the Last Man Standing series on Kindle Unlimited and read the first two in the series.  I will admit I was beyond excited for book 3.  I couldn't imagine how the author would be able to pull it off.

Avery Flynn fell very short.  While there are moments that are cute there are times the characters didn't come off as believable and at times annoying.  The way they were thrown together, and their interaction just came off flat at times.  Many times, I felt like I was reading a romance that I have avoid for years with its lack of humor and annoying characters.

Each of the books have graphic sex scenes and sexual encounters that happen nonstop in Mansplainer.  This review feels like the sex was to cover for the lack of story and characters development that would have made the characters likeable.

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of Avery Flynn Mansplainer

Synopsis:

As the only Beckett cousin who is still unattached, I'm a shoo-in to win the bet with my cousins to be the last man blissfully not in love by Christmas. Of course, I know they're still going to make me follow the rules of our bet and go on six dates with the same woman—but I've figured out a way out of that too. I'm getting married. Is it love? Not even close. Chelle Finch needs a temporary husband and I need to win this bet. We agree to put a ring on it knowing that in six months this marriage of convenience will end in divorce. Except, somehow dating my wife has me realizing that I don't ever want to take this ring off if it means losing her.

What does the guy who can talk his way out of anything have to do to sweet talk his temporary wife into forever?

About The Author:

Avery Flynn is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling romance author. She has three slightly-wild children, loves a hockey-addicted husband and is desperately hoping someone invents the coffee IV drip.

She was a reader before she was a writer and hopes to always be both. She loves to write about smartass alpha heroes who are as good with a quip as they are with their *ahem* other God-given talents. Her heroines are feisty, fierce and fantastic. Brainy and brave, these ladies know how to stand on their own two feet and knock the bad guys off theirs.

Summer Crazy

 I am so sorry that the month of June is rushing by with very little reviews coming out.  

4 kids, one mom and a lame dog (Limping) Has had me running around like a crazy lady.

Reviews will be coming since I have been spending many sleepless nights reading so many great reads I can't wait to share with all of you.

Please be patience with me!

Book Review: Desolation Ridge (Maggie Blackthorne series) by LaVonne Griffin-Valade

 

Title: Desolation Ridge (Maggie Blackthorne series)

Author:  LaVonne Griffin-Valade

Stars: 4

Review:

If readers didn't read the early books in the series, it will be great to pick up Desolation Ridge as a introduction to LaVonne Griffin-Valade. Desolation Ridge is a darker story that will causes Maggie to question her past and how to deal with her personal issues with her partner. 

The story is well paced and readers who love thriller and suspense stories cannot miss the Maddie Blackthrone series. 

Synopsis:

When a small town in the Pacific Northwest is rocked by a shocking murder, Maggie Blackthorne hunts a killer still lurking in the surrounding forest.

After a state trooper is killed under mysterious circumstances, Oregon State Police sergeant Maggie Blackthorne is assigned to the case. The investigation takes her to Desolation Ridge in the Umatilla National Forest, where the suspect is reported to be hiding out with a possible hostage.

It’s late fall. Daylight is scarce, and there is a fierce chill in the air. To make matters worse, a deadly cougar has been spotted nearby.

But as Maggie and her partner Hollis trudge on, uncovering clues and dealing with their own tense past, one thing is clear:

Somewhere amongst these towering pines, a murderer is watching them.

About The Author:

Book Review: Dead of Spring (Whistlemore book 2) By Samantha Wilde

 

Title: Dead of Spring (Whistlemore book 2)

Author: Samantha Wilde

Stars: 3 

Review:

The story starts off face pace bring readers up to speed on the history of Quinn and Josie and the once spark they had for each other. 

As the story moves along it starts to slow down having readers wonder what happened to the pace.  The villain is easy to figure out. The story faulters and drags at times.  The author quickly wraps up the mystery quickly focusing on the couple instead of the story.  This might please some readers and other will be disappointed.

Thank you to Netgalley for advance copy of Dead Brings by Samantha Wilde.

Synposis:

When Quin Levington shows up at her door, Josie Ryan is fuming. It’s the one-year anniversary of Liam’s death: her boyfriend and Quin’s best friend. And it’s been eight months since Quin fell off the face of the earth—when she needed him most. Despite the anger simmering inside her, part of her is relieved to see his warm hazel eyes. But he comes bearing news. Quin believes Liam’s death wasn’t an accident, and when Josie is attacked, it becomes shockingly clear that a killer is among them.

Quin has always been in love with Josie, but he’d never cross the line with his best friend’s girl. He knows someone tampered with the harness that should have prevented his friend’s fall, and since Liam’s death someone has been trying to chase him away. After being framed for starting a bar fire, Quin was forced into hiding—and away from Josie.

He and Josie quickly realize that the killer won’t let up until Josie is dead. Quin will do everything in his power to protect her. He owes it to his friend . . . and himself. But the closer he gets to Josie, the harder it is to keep his hands off her. Her haunting eyes are full of anguish and grief, but when her lips touch his, he knows he can never let her go. Not again. Together, they must bring the killer to justice and avenge Liam’s death, once and for all.

About The Author:

Samantha Wilde resides in Saskatchewan, Canada, with her husband and two small daughters. Teddy, the family multi-poo, completes her family. Samantha writes steamy, fast-paced, romantic suspense novels in the rare moments she has uninterrupted—even interrupted, she manages to apply words to paper. Aside from her love of writing, her other interests include cooking vegan meals, fantasizing about working out, and eating far too much chocolate. Abducted, the first book in the Dangerous Distractions series, came in first place in the romantic suspense category for the Heartland Romance Authors’ Show Me the Spark Contest.

Book Review: Unforgiven (Deep Ops #5) by Rebecca Zanetti

 

Title: Unforgiven (Deep Ops #5)

Author:  Rebecca Zanetti

Stars: 4 1\2

Review:

I will admit I was surprised when I found out there would be a book 5 in the Deep Ops series. I have to admit I was surprised when I started the book and found out how much I love this series.  The characters are fun, goofy and loyal.  The humors times will make of for the darker story line that could drowned a person. Unforgiven is fast paced with steamy romance, action and lots of cute kid moments. 

The characters are well developed from their background to their current lives. This can be read as a stand-alone but trust me you will not want to miss one book in the Deep Ops series.

Unforgiven is everything readers expect from Rebecca Zanetti

Synposis:

Run:
Gemma Falls never expected to use her game theory expertise to outrun a killer. But for years, that skill is all that kept her one step ahead of a deadly stalker. When Gemma gets the chance to teach at D.C. University, she hopes she and her young daughter have found a safe harbor. The only flaw is the arrogant philosophy professor who’s always underfoot giving unwanted advice—in his sexy British accent . . .

Hide:
Jethro Hanson has blood on his hands. He’s working within ivy-covered university halls now, but he knows that his work with the Deep Ops team and the deadly acts he once committed for the sake of Queen and country place him beyond forgiveness—until he meets Gemma . . .

Seek:
Soon, the passion between them stuns them both. But when Jethro discovers a threat is fast overtaking her, he must choose between the redemption he seeks—and releasing the ever-present killer inside . . .

About The Author:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling 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: Strictly Business (The Switch #1) by Ruth Cardello

 

Title: Strictly Business (The Switch #1)

Author: Ruth Cardello

Stars: 3 1\2

Review:

Strickly Business is a Parent Trap with men instead of girls. Adults instead of children and the fight is to keep a brothers business going but instead falls for the woman he never saw coming.

The story is what readers expect from Ruth Cardello with her witty banter, charming characters, strong men and women who love them for their faults.  The author has the ability to create everything from the secondary characters, animals and even the town into characters in her book.  Bringing to life her latest creation.

The story has it flaws with the main lead characters lusting after each other pulling away from the main story in the synopsis.  At times the story stalls due to the endless lusting until they sleep together.  

This will be the perfect beach read to escape from the crazy everything.  Is it the best to the beginning of a series? Almost. Less lusting and a little more story.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy of Strictly Business by Ruth Cardello

Synopsis:

I just found out I have an identical twin. Wasn’t looking for one. Would have preferred to not have one, but here we are. We have nothing in common. I was adopted by a successful businessman who raised me to see life as a game and gave me the skills to win it. Him? He is about to lose his family’s farm. You heard me—farm.

Lucky for him, I’m a firm believer that when it comes to family, no one goes to battle alone. I’m in. I’ve switched lives with him and will use every business trick I know to save his farm.

However, my initial plan did not take into account a drop-dead gorgeous oil rep or the secrets I uncover about my brother. And worst of all, I’m starting to like the farm and all its inhabitants. I can’t stop thinking about that oil rep. This will definitely take longer to resolve than anticipated.

About The Author:

Ruth Cardello hit the NYTs and USA Today for the first time back in 2012. Millions of sales are evidence that her books are akin to potato chips, addictive from the first one. She has created a multi-series billionaire world with a combination of escapism and realism that has gained her a faithful following of readers.

Book Review: The Last Mile (Blood Ties 2) by Kat Martin

 

Title: The Last Mile (Blood Ties 2) 

Author: Kat Martin

Stars: 4 1\2

Review:

I am not going to lie to you the second I see a Kat Martin book up for review I jump at the chance to review one of her books.  Kat Martin most of the time is able to bring readers into the world she creates using characters that could almost be your neighbor or friend.  The author ability to guide readers though her world of mystery, romance, where anything and everything can happen will keep readers wanting more from Kat Martin.  This story will not disappoint readers.  

The Last Mile is a mix of adventure, romance, and mystery wondering if they will find the famous lost of Arizona. Having lived here at least 20 years there are a few moments that will make native Arizona laugh a little because we know the history as well as the area backward and forwards.

This story has everything readers of Kat Martin love and a great story to introduce readers to Kat Martin.  Yes it might be book 2 in a series but it can be read as a stand alone story.

Readers will not want to put the book down trust me!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of The Last Mile by Kat Martin.

Synopsis:

When Abigail Holland awakes to the sound of a nighttime intruder in her rambling Denver Victorian, she knows exactly what the black shrouded figure is after—the map she recently inherited from her grandfather. Whoever he is, the man who grapples with her, then escapes, is willing to kill for the location of a treasure King Farrell hunted for more than ten years. The Devil’s Gold has claimed hundreds of lives, and it was her grandfather’s obsession.

With a killer pursuing her and her own family not to be trusted, Abby decides to take up the search herself. But she’ll need help to do it, and there’s no one better than renowned explorer and treasure hunter Gage Logan. Despite the instant chemistry between them, Gage is reluctant. Innocent people have been hurt on his watch before. But when Abby shows him a genuine gold ingot she found with the map, his curiosity is piqued. Before long they’re heading into the flash floods and brutal winds of the Superstition Mountains, straight into a passionate entanglement—and the dark heart of danger.

About The Author:

Kathleen Kelly Martin (aka Kathy Lawrence, Kasey Mars)

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.

Published since 1988, she singed her books with her married name, Kat Martin, but she also used two pseudonyms: Kathy Lawrence for a book in collaboration with her husband Larry Jay Martin, and Kasey Mars for her first contemporary romances. The New York Times bestselling writer, among her many awards, has won the prestigious RT Book Review Magazine Career Achievement Award. To date, Kat has over eleven million copies of her books in print. She has been published in seventeen foreign countries, including England, South Africa, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Bulgaria, China, and Korea.

Currently residing with her husband, a Western-writer and photographer, in Missoula, Montana, USA. But when they are not writing, they also enjoy skiing and traveling, particularly to Europe.

"I've always loved books. I was an avid reader, with any number of my own stories rolling around in my head. Writing them down seemed a logical step."

"I love anything old," Kat says. "I love to travel and especially like to visit the places where my books are set. My husband and I often stay in out-of-the-way inns and houses built in times past. It's fun and it gives a wonderful sense of a by-gone era."