Book Review: Honolulu Cold Homicide (Hawaii CI #3) by R. Barri Flowers

 

Title: Honolulu Cold Homicide (Hawaii CI #3) 

Author:  R. Barri Flowers

Stars: 3

Review: 

Honolulu Cold Homicide is pretty much your traditional Harlequinn Intrigue. Nothing stands out that would make these readers keep reading the Hawaii CI series.  The characters are a little flat making it difficult to connect with the characters.  

To be honest this is your airplane read that you read because there is nothing else and you leave behind because it wasn't memorable.

The writing, characters and even the killer is what readers expect from Harlequinn Intrigue series.

Thank you to Netgalley for advance copy of R. Berri Flowers Honolulu Cold Homicide.  

Synposis:

When a new case carries echoes of his sister’s cold case murder, Detective Sergeant Lance Warner is visited by another ghost from the past. Caroline Yashima isn’t only the CJD specialist assigned to work alongside him, she’s also the ex he regrets walking away from. He’s not sure if he can expect a second chance—or just a chance for closure. But when Caroline becomes a target, he knows that he doesn’t want to live without her.

About The Author:

R. Barri Flowers is an award winning criminologist and bestselling author of crime and thriller fiction, crime nonfiction and true crime, relationship novels, and young adult mysteries.

Recent adult mysteries include FRACTURED TRUST, MURDERED IN THE MAN CAVE, BEFORE HE KILLS AGAIN, SEDUCED TO KILL IN KAUAI, MURDER IN HONOLULU: A Skye Delaney Mystery, MURDER IN MAUI: A Leila Kahana Mystery, DEAD IN THE ROSE CITY, JUSTICE SERVED, STATE'S EVIDENCE, and DARK STREETS OF WHITECHAPEL: A Jack the Ripper Mystery.

Young adult mystery fiction include SUMMER AT PARADISE RANCH, OUT FOR BLOOD, TEEN GHOST AT DEAD LAKE, COUNT DRACULA'S TEENAGE DAUGHTER, GHOST GIRL IN SHADOW BAY and DANGER IN TIME.

Book Review: One Clear Shot: Claire’s Story by R.A. Ferrell

 

Title: One Clear Shot: Claire’s Story

Author: R.A. Ferrell

Star: 3

Review:

Not sure what to say about One Clear Shot.  The story needs editing a lot of editing to clean up the story to make it come to life.  The author tries to use Claire story to inspire people but instead it just falls flat and comes across as a teen writing about what it is like to be an adult in a romantic mystery.  The story lack coherence leaving readers wondering if the story is worth finishing.

Maybe if the author uses a better editor to clean up the story it might change the story from basic and boring to what she is hoping for a standout story. 

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of One Clear Shot by R.A. Ferrell

Synopsis:

Claire's world is everything, but normal.  In Will she finds the part she is missing. Can Claire bring their two worlds together…Without getting everyone killed? 

About The Author:

RA Ferrell grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and St. Petersburg, Florida. Currently she lives in Raleigh, NC with her husband and their super spoiled King Charles Cavalier named George. She enjoys writing and - Clarity Through Chaos - is her first published novel. She has an MBA from Methodist University.

Book Review: Ancient Enforcer (Ancients Rising #3) by Katie Reus

 

Title: Ancient Enforcer (Ancients Rising #3)

Author: Katie Reus

Star: 3

Review:

Katie Reus has the ability to write a story in a way the readers are pulled in right away.  I might not be a huge fan of supernatural books but something about this series. Its might little secret because yes there is steamy sexy time.  Readers will want to step into the shoes of the characters as the story comes to life.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy of Ancient Enforcer. 

Synopsis:

Former general Mikael lost everything thousands of years ago. His clan, his family, his honor. Now he’s awakened in a new world that has devolved into chaos—fire, blood and destruction. He and his brothers are ordered to live with Avery, a human female, and her younger brothers. Avery is nothing he should want. She’s too soft, too sweet…too happy. But he can’t stop his growing obsession with her.

House flipper Avery is no stranger to heartbreak and knows that the ones you love most can stab you in the back the quickest. When she’s asked to shelter a bunch of dragon shifters, her instinct is to say no. Until she meets the ragtag group of males who are struggling to adjust to the new world. Against her better judgment, she agrees to take them in. Even if the gruff Mikael has heartbreak written all over him, she can’t help but fall for the sexy dragon a little more every day. But when a threat from her past emerges, promising to tear her world apart, things suddenly change between them. As they race against the clock to save her family, Mikael must risk everything and claim her before it’s too late.

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. 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 Big Island Killer by R. Barri Flowers

 

Title: The Big Island Killer

Author: Barri Flowers

Star: 3

Review:

I am not going to lie you will need to suspend your belief when reading this Harlequin Intrigue novel.  This what people think when they hear Harlequin books.  The villain is over the top, lead Logan and Elena are beautiful and perfect for each other.  Even though she is Logan therapist.  The writing doesn't stand out, but most Harlequin books are simple stories that are used for escape. 

With all that the story is fast paced, and readers will enjoy this quick easy read to escape from the real life they are surround by. 

Thank you to Netgalley for advance copy of Barri Flowers The Big Island Killer. 

Synposis:

Few leads. No witnesses. Detective Logan Ryder is running out of time to stop a serial killer from claiming a fourth woman on Hawaii’s Big Island. Grief counselor Elena Kekona puts her life on the line to help when she discovers she resembles the victims. But Logan’s reserve—and Elena’s secrets—could turn their instant attraction into a devastating endgame that both might not survive

About The Author:

R. Barri Flowers is an award winning criminologist and bestselling author of crime and thriller fiction, crime nonfiction and true crime, relationship novels, and young adult mysteries.

Book Review: The Grim and The Grave by Sami Eastwood

 

Title: The Grim and The Grave

Author: Sami Eastwood

Star: 3 

Review:

Not going to lie the title The Grim and The Grave got me requesting for review.  That being said the story is very flat and the characters lack the background that will help readers understand why they act or react the way they do.  The author descriptions are lacking to help readers see the world the author is trying to create.  The author uses the first half of the book talking about the Fae lore and the conflict with the different races.  The author could have incorporated the Fae lore into the mystery story instead of hitting you right away slowing down the story that might loss readers right away. There is some racism underline with the author way of describing the Fae as well as human. 

For those who love Fae Lore this might be your story but for the paranormal readers you might want to skip The Grim and The Grave. 

Thank you to Netgalley for an advance copy of Sami Eastwood The Grim and The Grave. 

Synposis:

When her love is taken from her, Clover will do anything to get him back...

Half-fae and reviled by the town of Veritas for being so, Clover Grimaldi and her human mother work as servants to the cruel and ruthless Dr. Van Doren. Obeying Dr. Van Doren is the only thing keeping Clover and her mother safe. But Clover has a secret: her forbidden and reciprocated love for Grant, Dr. Van Doren's only son.

When Grant meets an untimely and suspicious death, Clover suspects murder, and she must risk everything to discover what truly happened. But with fae-murdering Justice Riders on the loose and an enemy in town who wants to cut her open and experiment on her, Clover must rely on old friends and new allies alike to get Grant back.

About The Author:

Ever since she was a child, Sami Eastwood's head has been filled with stories. She moved around often from rural Nevada desert, to foggy Northern California. Rarely was there a new person or place that didn’t figure in her constant daydreaming. These stories echoed back to her mind in dreams and took on a life of their own.

Fanfiction as a teen slowly shifted into original stories and by the time she was nineteen her first story, Blackstone Asylum, had taken rough shape. Now in Central Oregon, the stories have continued and she’s always working on the next new idea

Book Review: The Lies I Told by Mary Burton

 

Title: The Lies I Told 

Author: Mary Burton

Star: 3

Review:

The Lies I Told has so much going on that at times I wasn't sure what the purpose of the story.  Too many times to count the story slowed down and at times the author created an unnecessary scene.

The story was dragged out to the point I didn't really care who the killer was. As the story unfolds the killer is pretty easy to figure out and the reason why is pretty thin as to why it happened.  

The characters were dull at best as well as the reasons for the lies they all told.

This was a disappointing Mary Burton book this is my suggestion do not wait the time on The Lies I told.

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of Mary Burton The Lies I Told. 

Synposis: 

Twin sisters Marisa and Clare Stockton were sixteen when Clare’s body was found in Virginia’s James River. No arrests were made. Fourteen years later, Marisa’s friends and dedicated career as a photographer help her to cope with the open wound of the past. But Marisa still feels the hurt—and the unsolved murder isn’t the only thing haunting her.

A recent car crash has erased ten days of Marisa’s memories—a black hole leading up to the accident that’s left her disoriented. Every text and phone call from that crucial missing time has vanished, along with her phone. A photograph she took of the river has disappeared. A new neighbor Marisa believes she knows introduces himself as if he were a stranger. And there’s the growing fear that her near-fatal accident was no accident at all. As dreams of Clare and nightmares of the crash begin to converge, so do two disturbing puzzles fourteen years apart.

Putting the pieces together could be fatal. As she struggles to remember everything, Marisa closes in on a killer—without realizing that he’s already closed in on her

About The Author:

Mary Burton, whose latest novel is NEAR YOU, loves writing suspense, getting to know her characters, keeping up with law enforcement and forensic procedure, morning walks, baking, and tiny dachshunds. She also enjoys hunting down serial killers, which she does in her New York Times and USA Today bestselling novels. Library Journal has compared her work to that of Lisa Jackson and Lisa Gardner, and Fresh Fiction likened her writing to that of James Patterson.

Mary is routinely featured among the top ten writers in Amazon’s Author Rankings for romantic suspense, thriller and mystery. Upon publication, her novels, including 2020’s NEVER LOOK BACK and BURN YOU TWICE, consistently rank high on the Kindle eBooks Store Bestseller List. Her novels CUT AND RUN and YOU'RE NOT SAFE were nominated for the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Award for Romantic Suspense.

A Richmond native, Mary is the author of forty-five published novels and five novellas as Mary Burton and as Mary Ellen Taylor.

Book Review: Hunted by Allyson Charles

 

Title: Hunted

Author: Allyson Charles

Stars: 3

Review:

Hunted started off quickly pulling readers in wondering where the story would go.  To this readers disappointment the story soon falls on the sword of typical romantic suspense where the romance takes and the two lead characters end up in a push pull relationship that is unbelievable.  

The author uses a lot of inner monologues to tell the story from different point of views that doesn't move the story along.  The middle of the story slow to a snail's pace leaving readers to choose to keep reading or leave the story behind.

Pushing though the story it ends like it expected leaving this read very unsatisfied. 

Thank you to Netgalley for advance copy of Allyson Charles Hunted. 

Synopsis:

A tough special forces operator who’s never run from a fight. A woman about to give him the biggest battle of his life.

Marine Raider Jake Skinner has a nose for trouble. He never expected to find it in a beautiful woman adrift at sea. But once he has her in his arms, he knows he’s never letting her go.

Caroline only had one rule when it came to dating – no military men. When the sexy Marine pulls her from the ocean, her resolution goes to war against his resolve to break through her walls – and goes against her own secret longings. 

As a drug cartel sets its sights on Caroline, Jake is determined to move heaven and earth to keep her safe. But if Caroline can’t learn to trust her heart, it could spell the end for them both.

Meet the men of Alpha Squad. Protective, strong-willed, and tough, they go hard after what they want. And when they set their sights on a woman, they’ll use every weapon in their arsenal to make her theirs.

About The Author:

Allyson Charles writes small-town, contemporary romances with heat and humor. A former attorney, she happily ditched those suits and now works in her pajamas writing about men’s briefs instead of legal briefs. When she’s not writing, she’s probably engaged in one of her favorite hobbies: napping, eating, or martial arts (That last one almost makes up for the first two, right?). She also writes steamy historicals as Alyson Chase.

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.

Book Review: Taken By Lisa Marie Rice

 

Title: Taken

Author: Lisa Marie Rice

Star: 3

Review:

The story starts off with a moment of sadness and interest.  The hope for this story to move quickly into the reason why seem to fall flat as the story drags alone and everything is about sex and controlling her to keep her safe.  The characters are ok and at times fall flat.  The story does pick up off and on though the story but not enough to keep reader interest long enough to finish the story.

Thank you to Netgalley for the Advance Copy of Lisa Marie Rice Taken

Synposis:

She is his. She just doesn't know it yet. Marcus Rey clawed his way to the top. He is immensely wealthy, ruthless and feared. He has everything he could possibly want ... except for her.
Eve Banner. 
Elegant, cultured, regal-she makes Marcus's pulse pound like nothing ever has. But the remote, bookish beauty is out of reach for a man who does not officially exist. But she has come into the sights of his worst enemy and he has to sweep her to his luxurious underground mansion to save her life.
Eve has worked hard for her success and enjoys it. Though she is a little lonely. The men she

meets are so weak and boring. It's easier to be alone. Until one night she is attacked by thugs, and rescued by a man who is anything but weak or boring.

Marcus Rey is strong, mysterious, secretive ... dangerous. A man doomed to always live in the shadows. But he calls to her like no man ever has. She is tempted to stay in his underground lair forever.
But then his deadly enemies start closing in on them with terrifying speed ..

About The Author:

Lisa Marie Rice is eternally 30 years old and will never age. She is tall and willowy and beautiful. Men drop at her feet like ripe pears. She has won every major book prize in the world. She is a black belt with advanced degrees in archaeology, nuclear physics, and Tibetan literature. She is a concert pianist. Did I mention her Nobel Prize? Of course, Lisa Marie Rice is a virtual woman and exists only at the keyboard when writing erotic romance. She disappears when the monitor winks off.

Book Review: Lucifer's Sin (Walker Security: Lucifer's Trilogy Book 1) by Lisa Renee Jones

 Title: Lucifer's Sin (Walker Security: Lucifer's Trilogy Book 1) 

Author Lisa Renee Jones

Stars: 3

Review:

I am undecided by this book.  The story starts off with a fast start and then stops.  Another running quickly though the story and then a stop as the 2 leads focuses on what lead to the current problem.

Readers will have to suspend their belief in what would normally happen in the real work as these characters seem to define all logic when it comes to police and FBI.  

The secondary characters are full and enjoyable bringing the much-needed humor in the very dark story line. 

The characters are bland, typical of romantic suspense series.  I was hoping for something a little ore from Lisa Renee Jones.  This isn't the best start to a new series.  

In nutshell the story falls flat and the inner monologue was just to much at times.

Thank you for the advance copy of Lucifers Sin by Lisa Renee Jones.

Synposis:

Tall, dark, and deadly, these men run Walker Security. Each is unique in his methods and skills, but all share key similarities. They are passionate about those they love, relentless when fighting for a cause they believe in, and all believe that no case is too hard, no danger too dark. Dedication is what they deliver, results are their reward.

Meet Lucifer, one of those men...

A man with demons that run deep and dark...

The only woman who can bring him to his knees...

As one of the newest members of Walker Security, Lucifer lives up to his name. He’s a man with demons that run deep and dark. A man with secrets. A man betrayed by a woman, and that betrayal has shaped every part of his life moving forward.

He lives on the edge with fast cars, faster women, and some might say a death wish. That is until he crossed paths with Walker Security and one of their own pulled him from the bowels of his self-created hell.

But his own personal devil is about to show herself again. That woman from his past is back, and nothing is as it seems.

Lucifer's Trilogy is a Tall, Dark, and Deadly and Walker Security trilogy, but all three books can be read together without reading the previous series.

About The Author:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT series. Suzanne Todd (producer of Alice in Wonderland) on the INSIDE OUT series: Lisa has created a beautiful, complicated, and sensual world that is filled with intrigue and suspense. Sara’s character is strong, flawed, complex, and sexy - a modern girl we all can identify with.

Book Review: Bounty Collected (Solstice Huntress #1) by Lindsey Devin

 

Title: Bounty Collected (Solstice Huntress #1)

Author: Lindsey Devin

Stars: 3

Review:

Dipping my little toes into paranormal romance again in hopes of finding something a little different. Well Bounty Collected isn't very different any most of the stories. The female lead is trying to hide who she really is the most powerful or the most rare supernatural l person.  She finds herself attracted to the one person who can destroy her because of his connections to the supernatural world and yet they feel a need to be open and honest with each other.

The story moves quickly and at times I will admit I was a little lost with the supernatural world the authors created and it almost felt like I needed a background in all things Fae even with the female lead being half human and half Fae.  The story moves smoothly and has moment of Will they or Wont they. As they try and stop a killer and find a missing woman.

I found this book on kindle Unlimited.

Synopsis: 

I’m a bounty hunter with a secret advantage...

I’m the bounty hunter you call when you want the job done. But what people don’t know is that I’m a rare half-fae with the sort of powers the Unseelie will kill for.

That’s why I let everyone think I’m human and I always work alone. Until now. Corbin Frost has been assigned to my latest case, and working with the Unseelie Enforcer—especially one who is a hybrid fae demon—isn’t going to be easy.

He’s here because there are Fae markings on the dead body. The woman I’m tracking swears she’s innocent of her husband’s murder. She also claims to be human, but the evidence suggests otherwise.

Basically, Corbin is my worst nightmare, and I can’t risk him finding out my true identity. It’s such a shame he’s so damn tempting.

About The Author:

Lindsey Devin is a team of writers who enjoy delving in urban fantasy and paranormal romance. Whether it be an amazing heroine kicking butt or making a deal with a billionaire vampire, this team loves to talk and write about everything paranormal / fantasy! They hope you love their books and strive to make sure you have a wonderful and memorable experience!

Book Review: Cop An Attitude: An Unlawfully Funny Romantic Comedy By Hilary Grossman

 

Title: Cop An Attitude: An Unlawfully Funny Romantic Comedy

Author: Hilary Grossman

Star: 3

Review: Cop with an Attitude doesn't seem to know what it wants to be.  The characters are far from likeable mainly annoying.  The romance moves quickly because the characters knew each other as children but not as adults.  The making male characters jealous felt like it came out of left field and not needed to advance the story.  Hilary Grossman could have used someone else anyone else but she choose her the female leads best friends husband. Throwing off the already slow story. 

The story lacked any emotional connection between the characters leaving the story flat and not nearly as funny as the author wants you to think.

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of Cop An Attitude. 

Synopsis:

Their reunion left a lot to be desired. Are they a disaster in the making or totally meant to be?

I kicked love to the curb for the greater good. After all, my soaring career would’ve made my family so proud, and men have a tendency to stop success cold. But I never expected a single and sexy police officer to pull me over, flirt with me, and then write me a ticket.

Now I see the infuriating cop everywhere I go. It doesn’t help that we have a past, and he’s an amazing dad to his daughter. And every time I want to get back to my small-town routine, I can only think about what my life would be like with the no-nonsense policeman…

I should really just forget the whole thing. But if I do, will I lose my last chance at love?

About The Author:

Hilary Grossman is a recovering corporate executive. She spends her mornings and weekends hanging out with her "characters." She has an unhealthy addiction to denim and high heel shoes. She’s been known to walk into walls and fall up stairs. She only eats spicy foods and is obsessed with her cat, Lucy. She loves to find humor in everyday life. She likens life to a game of dodge ball - she tries to keep many balls in the air before they smack her in the face. She lives on the beach in Long Island.

Book Review: This Time : A New Adult Urban Fantasy Novel by Azaaa Davis

 

Title: This Time : A New Adult Urban Fantasy Novel

Author: Azaaa Davis

Stars: 3

Review:

I am still trying to find the right fantasy Novel and so far they all fall short of expectations.  The story has lots of action but the female lead lacks something to pull me into her world.  However Devon was funny at times and a enjoyable character.

The author repeats a lot of scenes making some unnecessary. While the author could have taken away a few things a more detailed backstory would have filled in some missing information. 

The story dragged on at times and lets face it even a Urban Fantasy needs a little believability ad this story lack it in spades.

Thank you to Netgalley for a Copy of Azaaa Davis This Time

Synopsis: 

 Resurrected into present-day New York, Nadira Holden is asked to save the world ... again.

Nadira achieved legendary status when she gave her life to protect humans from the demons. To her, it was yesterday. To the rest of the world, it was twenty years ago.

People have made peace with the demons, worshipping them like celebrities. No one wants to believe that the beautiful creatures who brought magic to humans could be causing the disappearance of so many. When Nadira's father goes missing, she refuses to play nice. Gloves off. She has to do what she does best. Fight.

Experience why not even death can stop her.

Kindle Edition, 250 pages

Published October 1st 2018 by Camp-Davis Productions

About The Author:

She fell in love with reading as a high school freshman and continues to read, write, and draw today. Her background in social work helps her portray realistic characters in otherworldly--and sometimes terrifying--situations. A New York native, Azaaa currently lives in New Hampshire (USA) with her husband and daughters.

Azaaa is working diligently to finish writing more fantasy novels while raising her daughters. Thank you for showing an interest in her stories!

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.

Book Review:They Called Him a Gangster: My Secret Life with Meyer Lansky, the Financial Genius Behind the Mafia by Zali de Toledo

 The picture will not download so I guess just a book by the review and not the cover

Title: They Called Him a Gangster: My Secret Life with Meyer Lansky, the Financial Genius Behind the Mafia 

Author: Zali de Toledo

Stars: 3

Review: 3

I found the first part of this book, which detailed the author's early life, to be very informative. I only wish it could have been more detailed and contained more about her daily life in Istanbul and Israel. I have no doubt that she believes what has been written. However, every story has three sides; hers, his, and the truth. I feel that he had no reason to admit to any wrong doing or misdeeds. That his word was stronger than a written agreement I have no doubt. A written agreement can be produced in a court of law and will stand on its own. A verbal agreement is generally considered to be hear say and open to interpretation by all concerned parties. I would have liked to have seen both sides (hers and his) of the written letters which was not produced and unlikely to be produced. In summary I feel this was an attempt at revisionist history writing by the author without providing supporting details.

I would rate this book a maximum of three stars based on the portion concerning the author's early life.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review and the thoughts expressed are mine and based upon my reading of the book.

Synopsis:

Only few people are well acquainted with Meyer Lansky, known as the ‘Mob’s Accountant’ who, in his youth, managed the investments of the New York mafia and was considered one of the leading figures of the city’s underworld.

Most of the stories known to the public are related to his past illegal activities. But as we are all aware, there is more than one side to every story.

The Other Side of the Story is a captivating biography that sheds a positive new light on the character of the "Gangster".

Zali de Toledo was a teenager who arrived in Israel into a new culture, wishing simply to make a fresh start in her beloved country.

While working as a waitress in the "Dan" hotel lobby, the two met, as fate would have it. Soon, an intimate relationship developed between them and their secret love blossomed and flourished.

In this riveting unique memoir, de Toledo reveals the powerful love affair she had with Lansky, the hundreds of letters he wrote to her over the years, the other personality and sensitivity of the man who was, in the eyes of many, a criminal, the little things between him and her, and the tough decisions they had to make.

Kindle Edition, 250 pages

Published August 5th 2020

About The Author:

Zali de Toledo was born in Turkey and immigrated to Israel at the age of seventeen on her own, facing hardship and working in menial jobs due to her lack of formal studies.
As an autodidact, today she has mastered six languages, has held important positions such as Manager of the Talma Art Gallery, Public Relations Manager of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Cultural and Inter-religious Affairs Attaché in Turkey, Chairperson of the Association of Turkish Jews in Israel, and more recently, Turkish Media Researcher for the Middle East Media Research Institute, MEMRI.
Zali has a daughter, 3 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Book Review: The Hacker (The Consultants #2) by Nancy Herkness

Title: The Hacker (The Consultants #2)

Author: Nancy Herkness 

Stars: 3

Review:
I didn't read the first in the series but was told he can be read as a stand a lone.  The story is blah nothing stand out as the characters life moves from moment to moment.  Dawn isn't enough of what reader might be hoping for and Leland is well just as bland.
The story flows and the writing is ok.  Nothing stands out giving this the book that readers might be looking for in a romance or a mystery.
The book is bland, boring and very much self absorbed with its own story telling. 

Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy of Nancy Herkness The Hacker.

Synopsis:
Dawn Galioto is an expert in self-defense and the most in-demand personal trainer at her Jersey gym—a perfect position for a woman fighting her way out of a troubled past and the anxieties that come with it. Then, after complaints about baffling Wi-Fi glitches at the gym, Dawn calls in disarmingly hot, high-powered computer consultant Leland Rockwell. If she can trust anyone to fix her on-the-job problems, it’s Leland. As for healing her off-hours fears, time will tell.

The cybersecurity genius of KRG, Leland sees a lot to admire in Dawn. She’s strong, quick-witted, and sexy. And something of a puzzle—one Leland wants very much to solve. If only she’d let him. Every new reveal brings him intimately closer to Dawn, but there’s another, more dangerous riddle to decipher. After going undercover to solve her Wi-Fi problem, Leland’s found a dark workplace secret. As Dawn’s past threatens a burgeoning romance, the deepening mystery they’re discovering threatens their lives.

Kindle Edition, 1st edition, 280 pages

Expected publication: August 4th 2020 by Montlake

About The Author:
Nancy Herkness is the author of the award-winning Second Glances, Wager of Hearts, and Whisper Horse series, published by Montlake Romance, as well as several other contemporary romance novels. She is a two-time nominee for the Romance Writers of America’s RITA® award.

Nancy has received many honors for her work, including the Golden Leaf Award, the Maggie Award in Contemporary Romance, and the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award. She graduated from Princeton University with a degree in English literature and creative writing.

A native of West Virginia, Nancy now lives in suburban New Jersey with two tabby cats.

Book Review: The Girls Weekend by Jody Gehrman

Title: The Girls Weekend

Author:  Jody Gehrman 

Stars: 3

Review:
June Moody what do you expect with a name like that?  Just what you expect a moody characters who doesn't that doesn't give readers what they expect or hope for.
The story is interesting enough to keep readers wondering what will happen next and other characters that are dynamic enough to keep the story flowing.
While the mystery is intriguing the June Moody is boring and lacks the emotions that will draw readers in.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of Jody Gehrman The Girls Weekend.


Synopsis:
June Moody, a thirty-something English professor, just wants to get away from her recent breakup and reunite with girlfriends over summer break. Her old friend and longtime nemesis, Sadie MacTavish, a mega-successful author, invites June and her college friends to a baby shower at her sprawling estate in the San Juan Islands. June is less than thrilled to spend time with Sadie--and her husband, June's former crush--but agrees to go.

The party gets off to a shaky start when old grudges resurface, but when they wake the next morning, they find something worse: Sadie is missing, the house is in shambles, and bloodstains mar the staircase. None of them has any memory of the night before; they wonder if they were drugged. Everyone's a suspect. Since June had a secret rendezvous with Sadie's husband, she has plenty of reason to suspect herself. Apparently, so do the cops.

A Celtic knot of suspense and surprise, this brooding, atmospheric novel will keep you guessing as each twist reveals a new possibility. It will remind you of friendships hidden in the depths of your own past, and make you wonder how well you really know the people you've loved the longest

Hardcover, 311 pages

Expected publication: June 9th 2020 by Crooked Lane Books

About The Author:

Jody Gehrman is a native of Northern California, where she can be found writing, teaching, reading, or obsessing over her three cats most days. She is also the author of eleven novels and numerous award-winning plays. Her debut suspense novel, Watch Me, was published by St. Martin's Press. Her other adult novels are Bombshell, Notes from the Backseat, Tart, and Summer in the Land of Skin. Her Young Adult novels include The Truth About Jack, Audrey's Guide to Black Magic, Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft, Babe in Boyland, Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty, and Triple Shot Bettys in Love. Babe in Boyland was optioned by the Disney Channel and won the International Reading Association's Teen Choice Award. Her plays have been produced or had readings in Ashland, New York, San Francisco, Chicago and L.A. She and her partner David Wolf won the New Generation Playwrights Award for their one-act, Jake Savage, Jungle P.I. She is a professor of Communication at Mendocino College

Book Review: Deep in the Alaskan Woods (Alaska Wild #1) by Karen Harper

Title: Deep in the Alaskan Woods (Alaska Wild #1)

Author: Karen Harper 

Stars: 3

Review:
Karen Harper writing style in this new series is a little choppy.  The characters are created to be like able and the author tried hard but failed to have readers connect with them. Alex morns the loss of someone she didn't really know which at times felt forced and almost unbelievable at times. Alex is running away from her past life to hide in Alaska.  The connection between Alex and Quinn is forced and doesn't move naturally.

This story lacks convictions, believably and  creativity expected fro Karen Harper. 
Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy.

Synopsis:
Alexandra Collister came to her estranged cousins’ B and B in Lost Lake, Alaska, looking for a fresh start. The sprawling forest surrounding the lodge can be harsh and unforgiving, but when Alex meets rugged wilderness tracker Quinn Mantell, he offers to be her guide. Still recovering from a toxic previous relationship, Alex is wary of getting too close, but when savagely deep claw marks appear outside her bedroom window, keeping her distance from Quinn is no longer an option.

Soon a body turns up exhibiting the same ruthless slash marks, and Alex knows it isn’t a coincidence. Something sinister is lurking in the woods around Lost Lake, turning Alex’s fresh start into a brutal game of survival. The murky veil of forest offers more threats than answers. Can Alex and Quinn find the killer before darkness falls for good?

Kindle Edition, 400 pages

Published April 28th 2020 by MIRA

About The Author:

A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Karen Harper is a former college English instructor (The Ohio State University) and high school literature and writing teacher. A lifelong Ohioan, Karen and her husband Don divide their time between the midwest and the southeast, both locations she has used in her books. Besides her American settings, Karen loves the British Isles, where her Scottish and English roots run deep, and where she has set many of her historical Tudor-era mysteries and her historical novels about real and dynamic British women. Karen's books have been published in many foreign languages and she won the Mary Higgins Clark Award for 2005. Karen has given numerous talks to readers and writers across the county. Her most recent books include THE SOUTH SHORES TRILOGY (CHASING SHADOWS, DROWNING TIDES and FALLING DARKNESS.) Her latest historical is THE ROYAL NANNY. Please visit her website at www.KarenHarperAuthor and her fb page at www.facebook.com/KarenHarperAuthor

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: Rescuing Autumn: An FBI Romance by Allyson Simonian

Title: Rescuing Autumn: An FBI Romance 

Author:  Allyson Simonian 

Stars: 3

Review:
The story starts off with a very sad woman that author wants readers to get behind.  The story is very disconnected as the story moves forward Camden throw the investigation out the window with very little though of what would happen.  This seems to continue though out the story which make little since that a trained undercover FBI agent risking the undercover operation.  The story ends up falling flat lacks a focus, sections are written and than thrown into the book with little focus causing the stories to fall apart.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for a copy of Allyson Simonian Rescuing Autumn.

Synopsis:
Camden Taylor is an FBI agent, working undercover in an outlaw motorcycle club. When the brothers kidnap a rival from another club, Camden has no choice but to blow his cover in order to save the man's life.

Autumn Mason has lived with Butch Cobb, president of Wicked Disciples, for nearly five years. Butch is terrifying—as abusive as he is powerful—and there is no escaping him. But when Autumn witnesses Camden being beaten and held prisoner, she is forced to make a desperate decision. Will she choose to be loyal, or will she do what she knows is right?

Please note: This book was originally published by Kindle Press as Meeting Danger. The series' authors have split the series, each taking ownership for one title.

Kindle Edition, 332 pages

Published April 25th 2019

About The Author:
Allyson Simonian lives in California with her husband and children. She credits the Fifty Shades trilogy for not only bringing her back to reading the romance genre, but for inspiring her to write. You can learn more about Allyson's projects by visiting www.allysonsimonian.com.