TITLE: A Debt To Be Paid
CHARACTERS: Meg & Brian
AUTHOR: Patrick Lacey
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Nowhere to run!
Gillian Foster is desperate. She received a very strange letter in the mail not long ago. Since then, she’s been seeing shadowy figures everywhere. Coming for her. Frantic to find a safe place, she leaves home with her daughter Meg, only to find there is no way to outrun her pursuers.
Twenty years later, Gillian has been admitted to Hawthorne Psychiatric Facility. Meg receives a similar letter and is hunted by an unseen force. Is Meg also mentally ill, or are these creatures real? And if so, was her mother right all those years ago? Is there no place to hide?
KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
This is a short novella and a quick read. If you enjoy a good thriller then this is a good book to pick up. I have never read this author before so I wasn’t sure if this would be good but I was pleasantly surprised. It kept me on the edge of my seat.
This book has a creepy feel to it that really makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up.
This book needs to be made into a made-for-tv movie. It would be a ratings blockbuster!
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: She’s Not There
CHARACTERS: Amelia, Alex and Buchanan
AUTHOR: P.J. Parrish
PUBLICATION DATE: September 8, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
They say it’s better to battle the devil you know. But what if you don’t recognize him before it’s too late?
She knows her name is Amelia, but after waking up in a hospital battered and bruised with just the clothes on her back, it’s all she knows. Unable to piece together her shattered memory, she’s haunted by a vision: menacing faces and voices implying her nightmare is far from over.
Relying only on her wits and her will to live, Amelia becomes a fugitive from a mysterious man, and a life she can’t even remember. But the past she’s fleeing has no intention of letting her go.
NATASHA’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts I really loved this book – I mean, who doesn’t love a good amnesia suspense thriller? Amelia had me hooked in her story from the first few pages. She wakes up in a hospital and has no idea who she is. We spend the book moving forward with Amelia in her quest to find herself in her past and figure out what that means for her future. All of the characters in the story are given adequate page time that really makes you care about them and get their true story. Not only was I interested in Amelia’s story, but also that of her troubled husband Alex and skip tracer, Buchanan. This story was stressful, fast paced and a real page-turner. Though I was getting multiple points of view, I still couldn’t accurately guess what had happened to Amelia and why. All-in-all this was a great suspense thriller and fun read. I’ll definitely read more from this author.
KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts What an interesting way to write a story. I really enjoyed the different perspectives of Amelia, her husband and the PI. Amelia’s was best if you ask me but I found them all interesting. I enjoyed the way Amelia follows her instincts so completely. It is almost like she trust her 6th sense more than any other and I found that really cool.
I really found myself liking Amelia. I was really impressed with some of her escapes.
I won’t say that the story doesn’t have a often used plot line. I mean “woman with amnesia” is pretty darn common but the story really is enjoyable so I highly recommend it if you enjoy the genre.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Set deep in the heart of Texas, bestselling author Kimberly Raye’s sizzling new series proves that men, women, and moonshine make one dangerous combination…
RECIPE FOR DISASTER
The most infamous moonshiners in Lone Star history, the Tuckers and the Sawyers have been feuding for over a hundred years. Sure, the days of buckshot and bloodshed are long gone, but it’s not over yet. To save the family business, Callie Tucker has to find the recipe for the legendary Texas Thunder moonshine. But first she’ll need to make a devil’s bargain—with a red-hot hellraiser named Brett Sawyer.
ROMANCE WITH A KICK
A Sawyer through and through, Brett was raised to never trust a Tucker—especially one as pretty as Callie. But desperate times call for desperate measures. With his ranch going bankrupt, Brett agrees to help Callie find the recipe, sell the rights, and split the profits. Of course, it won’t be easy for these two enemies to work together. But it’s even harder to ignore the sparks of attraction—when just one kiss delivers a kick stronger than any swig of moonshine…
REVIEW:
I had a hard time with this story. Yes it is cute and the premise is good. It is kind of a current version of Hatfield’s and McCoy’s. But the hard thing was the writing. So many repeats of the same things over and over. I was so tired of hearing about about how the grandfather of Callie didn’t care about anything but his moonshine. And Brett thinking his pappy would get better when the ranch was taken care of.
The chemistry is there for the couple and the background characters are interesting. It just seemed really slow to me. And a bit depressing to tell the truth. But again the romance part is good and of course works out in the end.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Running Wild
SERIES #: Sisterhood Diaries #4
CHARACTERS: Magdalene & Finn
AUTHOR: Susan Andersen
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/25/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
They can’t escape the heat…
Magdalene Deluca isn’t the damsel-in-distress type. But if she has to involve a stranger in a dangerous chase through South America, she’s glad Finn Kavanagh’s the guy she sucked into her problems. Very glad. The man oozes sex and magnetic confidence. And since their connection is steamier than the sultry rain forest, why waste time resisting him?
Finn’s peaceful vacation is blown to bits the second Mags strides into view. For years he’s ignored his family’s pleas to settle down. Now he’s falling hard for a blonde force of nature who’s allergic to commitment. First he has to keep Mags safe as they search for her missing parents. Then they can determine if it’s time to stop running—and take a chance on the wildest thrill he’s ever known…
REVIEW:
This is the 4th in a series but the first I have read. It can certainly be a stand alone.
I had a hard time with this story. It was cheesy for lack of a better word. I never felt a connection between Mags and Finn. There was too much of the same information repeated and it got old. I was so tired of hearing how Mags parents cared more about “other kids” than her own.
Just not my cup of tea. Sorry.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Ever After
SERIES #: Love To The Rescue #3
CHARACTERS: Olivia & Pete
AUTHOR: Rachel Lacey
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Olivia Bennett is not having a happy birthday. Instead of blowing out her twenty-nine candles, she’s stuck in jail, caught red-handed in a graffiti incident that (perhaps) involved one too many strawberry margaritas. Worst idea ever. The only bright side is that she ended up in the strong arms of the most gorgeous lawman she’s ever seen.
Pete Sampson (aka Deputy Hot Stuff) faces intense pressure from the sheriff to find out who’s behind a string of vandalisms. And after her spray-painting spree, Olivia is suspect number one. Still, Pete can’t stop thinking about her. Wanting her. Now he’s torn between his duty and his overpowering desire for the vivacious waitress. But he may have to bend the rules because true love is more important than the letter of the law …
REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts All in all I enjoyed this story. The characters are well written. You get a true feel for who they are and their beliefs. Pete is a good guy but I wouldn’t say he is an alpha man. He is just a all around good guy. Olivia is a bit of a goody-two shoes to me. She is not one of my favorite characters but I liked her.
I am sure that the author didn’t plan for Olivia to be so hoity toity but she is. Yes she doesn’t have a fit when someone eats non-vegetarian in from of her but the rest of the time she is written kind of pompous.
This story is very preachy in some parts. Don’t get me wrong I understand that the farm factories are having the issues written in this story. I watch the news but I don’t read romance’s to be preached at. I want to be taken out of reality and this story certainly doesn’t allow that. Having the issue brought up a handful of times throughout the book would have done just fine but this book hits you with it every chance it gets.
Now that all being said again I enjoyed the book. The romance is fine. The characters are fine. It doesn’t really leave much question as to the “who-dun-it” but it is still ok.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Wildest Dreams
SERIES #: Thunder Point #9
CHARACTERS: Lin Su, Blake & Charlie
AUTHOR: Robyn Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/25/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Blake Smiley searched the country for just the right place to call home. The professional triathlete has traveled the world, but Thunder Point has what he needs to put down the roots he’s never had. In the quiet coastal town he can focus on his training without distractions. Until he meets his new neighbors and everything changes.
Lin Su Simmons and her teenage son, Charlie, are fixtures at Winnie Banks’ house as Lin Su nurses Winnie through the realities of ALS. A single mother, Lin Su is proud of taking charge and never showing weakness. But she has her hands full coping with a job, debt and Charlie’s health issues. And Charlie is asking questions about his family history—questions she doesn’t want to answer.
When Charlie enlists Blake’s help to escape his overprotective mother, Lin Su resents the interference in her life. But Blake is certain he can break through her barriers and be the man she and Charlie need. When faced with a terrible situation, Blake comes to the rescue, and Lin Su realizes he just might be the man of her dreams. Together, they recognize that family is who you choose it to be.
REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts So I will start by saying I liked this story… mostly. I do not want anyone to get the wrong impression. I liked it. It was just not one of my favorites from Robyn Carr. I have more unlikable things than likable when it comes to this book but all in all I liked it… Can you tell I am making it clear upfront that I liked it so when you read the rest of the review you will know .
I am used to something a little different from Carr. The writing is a little choppy. It is almost like she wrote the lines in short sentences to remind her what she wanted to say and then cut and paste it into the story. I know that sounds mean and I do not mean it to be but that is how I read the story.
I also didn’t think Blake and Lin Su connected well. Blake is sweet but there was no passion between them. I really didn’t like how to steps into this family and starts making decisions and telling Lin Su what she needs to do (“stop smothering him” “he needs some freedom”, etc). While the sentiment might be true he has no right. As a single mom this might get to me more than others but it was aggravating when I read those parts. But that being said I really never connected with Lin Su as a mom either. She IS overprotective and just not very friendly. Charlie is great. He is a really smart and sensible kid and her demands are really unfounded.
I usually enjoy the Thunder Point series and really anything by Carr so I will not hold this book against her but it won’t be one that I jump to tell people about.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Solitude Creek
SERIES #: Kathryn Dance #4
CHARACTERS: Kathryn Dance
AUTHOR: Jeffery Deaver
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/15
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jeffery Deaver, “the master of manipulation” (Associated Press) and “the most creative, skilled and intriguing thriller writer in the world.” (Daily Telegraph, UK) returns with the new, long-awaited, Kathryn Dance thriller.
A tragedy occurs at a small concert venue on the Monterey Peninsula. Cries of “fire” are raised and, panicked, people run for the doors, only to find them blocked. A half dozen people die and others are seriously injured. But it’s the panic and the stampede that killed; there was no fire.
Kathryn Dance–a brilliant California Bureau of Investigation agent and body language expert–discovers that the stampede was caused intentionally and that the perpetrator, a man obsessed with turning people’s own fears and greed into weapons, has more attacks planned. She and her team must race against the clock to find where he will strike next before more innocents die.
REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is the fourth in the Kathryn Dance series. Kathryn is a CBI agent with special talents. Well that is what it is supposed to be but to be truthful I really don’t see that she figures out anything that any Joe Shmoe would figure out.
There is a lot going on in this story. I almost feel like it should have been two different novels but it is wrapped into one so it is what it is. Deaver is an interesting storyteller but one that you either like or don’t like to be truthful.
There is a lot of action going on so it does keep your attention even if you don’t enjoy the characters. And I have to say while I figured out a lot of the book I didn’t figure out the who-dun-it.
I would say give it a try I doubt it would something you regret if you enjoy the genre.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Wolf Trouble
SERIES #: SWAT #2
CHARACTERS: Xander & Khaki
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/04/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He’s in trouble with a capital T…
There’s never been a female on the Dallas SWAT team and Senior Corporal Xander Riggs prefers it that way. The elite pack of alpha male wolfshifters is no place for a woman. But Khaki Blake is no ordinary woman.
When Khaki walks through the door attractive as hell and smelling like heaven, Xander doesn’t know what the heck to do. Worse, she’s put under his command and Xander’s protective instincts go on high alert. When things start heating up both on and off the clock, it’s almost impossible to keep their heads in the game and their hands off each other…
REVIEW:
I had a bit of a hard time with this book. It seemed so slow and while the story was good it dragged and dragged.
Something was just off. It didn’t seem to flow very well especially where Khaki was concerned. They match between Khaki and Xander is good. They fit really well together but it is the parts without Xander that just don’t seem to work for me.
I am sure the next in the series will be better. In my experience the second in the series is always a hard book to read.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Kiss Me
SERIES #: Fool’s Gold #17
CHARACTERS: Phoebe & Zane
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/30/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery creates the small-town destination for romance in charming Fool’s Gold, California—where a loner cowboy finds the one woman who can capture his heart…
After Phoebe Kitzke’s kind heart gets her suspended from her job in LA, she swears off doing favors—until her best friend begs for help on the family ranch in Fool’s Gold. Unfortunately, sexy cowboy Zane Nicholson isn’t exactly thrilled by the city girl’s arrival.
Thanks to his brother’s latest scheme, Zane has been roped into taking tourists on a cattle drive. What Phoebe knows about ranching wouldn’t fill his hat, but her laughter is so captivating that even his animals fall for her. One slip of his legendary control leads to a passionate kiss, but she’s exactly the kind of woman a single-minded loner needs to avoid.
In his arms, Phoebe discovers she’s a country girl at heart. Yet no matter how much the small town feels like home, she can’t stay unless Zane loves her, too…but is this cowboy interested in forever?
REVIEW:
Fool’s Gold is one of my favorite fictional places to see… I mean read about. I can’t wait to go visit every time a new book comes out. I enjoyed this book but it really was a bit different than most Fool’s Gold books.
Let me say that Phoebe is a hoot. Yes I said a hoot… the story is about cowboys after all. Phoebe is odd and sweet and maybe close to certifiable but all in all she is a great character. Zane well he takes some getting used to. I didn’t fall for him like I usually do with the men of Fool’s Gold and to be honest I think it was because this really didn’t feel like a Fool’s Gold story to me. There were a few reasons it doesn’t feel like Fool’s Gold. First we never actually set foot in Fool’s Gold. Second we only had a couple of cameos from residents in Fool’s Gold (I mean really Mayor Marsha only had like 2 whole lines). And finally this story was about a bunch of strangers. Yes the crazy two-some (Eddie & Gladys) were there but even they didn’t have the humor they normally have.
Now all that being said I enjoyed the story. It was a great romance and the couple was perfect together. I loved how Phoebe talks to the animals and Manny is so adorable. And I love that she brings out the softer side of Zane. The background story of the kids is really touching as well.
Susan Mallery never disappoints and I can’t wait for my next adventure when a movie star comes to Fool’s Gold. Roll out the red carpet!
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: The Silenced
SERIES #: Krewe Of Hunters #15
CHARACTERS: Meg & Matt
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/30/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Where is Lara Mayhew?
Lara, a congressman’s media assistant, suddenly quits her job—and disappears on the way to her Washington, DC, apartment.
Novice FBI agent Meg Murray, a childhood friend of Lara’s, gets a message from her that same night, a message that says she’s disillusioned and “going home.” To Richmond, Virginia. Meg discovers that she never got there. And bodies fitting Lara’s description are showing up in nearby rivers… Could she be the victim of a serial killer?
Meg is assigned to work with special agent Matt Bosworth, a hard-nosed pro in the FBI’s unit of paranormal investigators—the Krewe of Hunters. They trace the route Meg and Lara took more than once in the past, visiting battlefields and graveyards from Harpers Ferry to Gettysburg. Places where the dead share their secrets with those who can hear… As Meg and Matt pursue the possibility of a serial killer, they find themselves in the middle of a political conspiracy. Is there a connection? And who—besides each other—can they trust?
REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Heather Graham has a way of writing that many try to emulate and few can. She mixes the paranormal with suspense in a way that catches the reader’s attention from moment one. She also adds facts to the background that make the reader want to catch the next plane to go see the sights. In this one Graham brings us to the war of the states. The Civil War is steep in stories of brother vs brother and the some say the ghost of the soldiers still walk the fields. And Graham takes us there with a good story.
Now all the above being said I want to say I enjoyed the book and if I had read it as a stand alone without the rest of the series influencing me then I would probably given it more stars than I did but having read the entire series this just wasn’t one of my favorites. Maybe because there was very little paranormal in it. I doubt we had a total of one chapter length of visiting spirits and that saddens me. I love the connection with the ghosts that Graham usually brings in but it almost seemed like an after thought for this book. The suspense was good and as per the normal I was not sure “who-dun-it”. I had a bit of an idea but was only half right.
And to be honest I am not sure I felt that Matt and Meg had a solid connection. I know it sounds weird but if I had to finish the story it would say that “Matt and Meg got together but after being together for a short time realized their connection was more about the case and have decided to part as friends”. OK maybe not but still just not the explosive connection we hope for.
Again I want to say I really enjoyed the story. I loved reading the history even though this is not usually one of the parts of history I am interested in stories from Graham always leave me wanting more information and this one is no different but comparing this with the others in the series I have to say that I hope the next book in the series gives us a little more.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: The Forgotten
SERIES #: Krewe Of Hunters #16
CHARACTERS: Lara & Brett
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/28/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Murdered by a dead man?
A woman named Maria Gomez is murdered in Miami, apparently by her husband—who’d been presumed dead, slain by a crime boss. FBI agent Brett Cody can’t believe it; dead or alive, the man had loved his wife. He also can’t help feeling guilty, since he was responsible for protecting Miguel and Maria Gomez.
A few miles away, Lara Mayhew has just begun working at a dolphin research facility. She loves her new job—until a dolphin brings her something unexpected from the deep. A human hand. More body parts show up, and when Brett looks into the situation, he discovers that the dismembered corpse is Miguel’s.
Soon, rumors of crazed zombies abound in the Miami media, and the Krewe of Hunters, an elite FBI unit of paranormal investigators, is called in. Brett and Lara find themselves working with the Krewe—and working closely together. An elderly crime boss who’s losing his memory seems to be key to solving this case, but…there’s no motive. Unless Brett and Lara can uncover one in the Miami underworld. And that means they have to protect themselves. And each other.
REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts One of the things I enjoy most about Graham’s writing is that I am never able to figure out the culprit and this was no different. And the thing that I do enjoy most is the way she delves into the surroundings and this time around it was based in Miami where I was born so I really enjoyed that. I was able to know where she was discussing and it gave it more of a real feel to me.
Graham is one of my favorite writers. She really pulls the reader in right away This is the 16th in the series but as always they can be read as a stand alone.
I really enjoyed Lara and Brett. Graham doesn’t exactly burn up the sheets with her books and that is ok. We know what is going on with the couple and that is all we need.
I would recommend anyone who loves romantic suspense with a touch of paranormal to read the Krewe Of Hunters books. You will not regret it.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Thrill Me
SERIES #: Fool’s Gold
CHARACTERS: Del Mitchell & Maya Farlow
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: July 28, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Meet the Mitchell brothers of Fool’s Gold, California—five gorgeous men who’ve left a trail of broken hearts in their wake…
Maya Farlow learned the hard way to depend only on herself, so when she fell too deeply for the bad-boy charms of Del Mitchell, she did the only thing she could—she ran. Stunned, Del left Fool’s Gold to make his name and fortune in extreme sports.
Now ten years later, Maya’s been hired to promote her hometown’s new slogan, The Destination for Romance. The celebrity spokesman is none other than Del, the man she dumped but never forgot. Awkward!
Although Del’s not the type to hold a grudge, he’s determined to avoid falling a second time for the woman who broke his heart. He’s a daredevil, not an idiot. Trouble is, in all his adventures, he never found a rush as exhilarating as Maya’s kiss. Maybe risking his heart will prove to be the biggest thrill of all
KELLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts Maya Farlow is back in Fool’s Gold. She has finally found a place that she wants put down roots. Maya finally has found her place in a family. The only thing that is missing is the love of her life. And unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) for Maya, the love of her young life just walked through her door.
Del Mitchell, has not been home in ages. When he does come home it is for a short time, there are too many memories for him in Fool’s Gold. The last person he ever thought he would be working with again is Maya Farlow.
Del and Maya were so much fun to read. They both are so stubborn it is not funny, okay it is funny. There is so much banter back and forth. It is always so much to read about a second chance love story. I do hope to see more about Del and Maya in future books. 🙂
Another great trip to Fool’s Gold. And I am so looking forward to the rest of the Mitchell brother’s stories. I am already looking forward to the youngest Mitchell brothers!!!! I want know more!!!
KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Fool’s Gold is my favorite summer vacation spot and I look forward to my visits every year and this summer was no exception.
This is a story about second chances. Maya broke Del’s heart in a way he never really got over but he did move on. Maya on the other hand really didn’t. Del has always been her first love and her biggest regret after letting him go out of fear. But here they are again working together on a campaign for Fool’s Gold tourism. And if you know anything about Fool’s Gold you just know Mayor Marsha had a hand in this set up.
Maya and Del just click from chapter one. Maybe because we know there is a history and certainly because Mallery can spin a tale like no other. There is happiness, sweetness, sadness and everything between but mostly there is love. Love for Maya and Del as well as for the people that surround them.
I think I say this in every review of a Susan Mallery book You can read this as a stand alone but if you haven’t read the Fool’s Gold series I can’t understand why not. Mallery is the perfect storyteller. If you are a fan of contemporary small town romance then Mallery should be at the top of your must buy list.
I’ve already booked my vacation for next summer to Fool’s Gold and I can’t wait!
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Harlequin (US & Canada) in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: A Debt To Be Paid
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