Review Sunday – Page 26 – Books-n-Kisses

September 26, 2019September 25, 2019

What’s New: Kelly reviews First Dangle And Other Stories by Kevin Hearne

TITLE: First Dangle and other Stories
SERIES #: The Iron Druid Chronicles

AUTHOR: Kevin Hearne
NARRATOR: Luke Daniels
RUN TIME: 4 Hours & 16 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: June 5, 2019
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

Owen and his sloth, Slomo, are off to see the world when Coriander, Herald Extraordinary of the First among the Fae, interrupts to ask for the tiny favor of solving a supernatural murder. That sets the pair off on a trail that leads from Granada, Spain, to London, England and then to Austin, Texas. Owen and Slomo will have to outwit an Irish goddess of wisdom, some nasty spriggans, and streak across the Kew Gardens to find the culprit. They’re going to see the world after all—just not the way they thought.

This collection also includes other Iron Druid stories. “The Naughtiest Cherub” is narrated by Loki and takes place directly before the events of Scourged, book 9. “The Waters” is narrated by Granuaile and takes place after the events of Scourged. And “Friendly Emily” is a piece of science fiction that appeared in Fireside magazine.

The audiobook edition will also include a recording of “The Chapel Perilous” recorded by Luke Daniels for the first time; that story is sold separately in ebook.

REVIEW:

First Dangle and other stories is a fun visit to the Iron Druid Chronicles world. A couple of these stories are re-record by Luke Daniels from previous analogies. It was really nice to hear these stories all in Luke’s talented voice. We get a story from Loki, Granuaile and of course Atticus. But the gem of this collection is Owen and Slomo’s adventure. How can you go wrong with a murder Sloth on your side.

I really enjoyed this book and I hope that Kevin will give us more stories in the IDC soon. I am excited for the new spin off Ink & Sigil too. But the IRC, Atticus and Oberon will always have a special place in my heart. Plus, I really really want another Atticus and the Morrigan story.

As always Luke brings these characters to life in a way that I am not sure any other narrator could. Great job Luke!!! Can’t wait to hear more!!!

Disclaimer:

I purchased this book from Audible and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

September 17, 2019September 16, 2019

Kelly reviews Save Your Breath by Melinda Leigh

TITLE: Save Your Breath
SERIES #: Morgan Dane #6
CHARACTERS: Morgan Dane, Lance Kruger, Olivia Cruz & Lincoln Sharp
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: September 17, 2019
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Audible |B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Morgan Dane and PI Lance Kruger investigate the mysterious disappearance of a true-crime writer.
When true-crime writer Olivia Cruz disappears with no signs of foul play, her new boyfriend, Lincoln Sharp, suspects the worst. He knows she didn’t leave willingly and turns to attorney Morgan Dane and PI Lance Kruger to find her before it’s too late.
As they dig through Olivia’s life, they are shocked to discover a connection between her current book research on two cold murder cases and the suicide of one of Morgan’s prospective clients.
As Morgan and Lance investigate, the number of suspects grows, but time is running out to find Olivia alive. When danger comes knocking at their door, Morgan and Lance realize that they may be the killer’s next targets.

REVIEW:
This time is personal.

Morgan, Lance and Sharp are going to have to work fast if they want to solve this case. But where to start when one of their own has disappeared in the middle of the night. Trying to solve Olivia’s kidnapping will open a huge can of worms on a few different cases that Olivia has been researching. The question is which lead to follow first.

This was another great read in the Morgan Dane Series. I always enjoy reading Melinda’s stories. I am sad to see the Morgan Dane Series come to an end but I am hopeful that we will see these characters again in the future.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Montlake Romance in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

September 12, 2019September 10, 2019

Kelly reviews Death Of Darkness by Dianne Duvall

TITLE: Death of Darkness
SERIES #: Immortal Guardians #9
CHARACTERS: Seth & Leah
AUTHOR: Dianne Duvall
NARRATOR: Kirsten Potter
RUN TIME: 17 Hours & 16 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: August 20, 2019
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Seth has led the Immortal Guardians for thousands of years. With them fighting by his side, he has protected humans from psychotic vampires, defeated corrupt mercenary armies, defended military bases under attack, and more. But the latest enemy to rise against the Immortal Guardians has proven to be a formidable one, wielding almost as much power as Seth. His goal is simple. He wants to watch the world burn. And he will use every means at his disposal to accomplish it. Seth and his Immortal Guardians have succeeded thus far in staving off Armageddon despite heartbreaking losses. But they have never before faced such danger. Seth has only one wish: to protect his Immortal Guardians family and ensure the continuation of humanity by defeating his foe. But then Leah walks into his life and sparks a new desire.

Leah Somerson has suffered losses of her own. It has taken her a long time to rebuild her life and find some semblance of peace. Then one night a tall, dark, powerful immortal with what appears to be the weight of the world on his shoulders stumbles into her shop, and everything changes. Peace and contentment are no longer enough. Now she wants more. She wants to find happiness. She wants to erase the darkness in Seth’s eyes and replace it with love and laughter. She knows he’s different in ways that make most fear him. Even some of his immortal brethren keep a careful distance. But Leah will not. Nor will she shy away when danger strikes.

REVIEW:
SETH!!!!
SETH!!!!!
SETH!!!!!
Did I mention that this is SETH’S book?
We have been waiting for years for this book and boy does Ms. Duvall deliver!! There is a lot that happens in Death of Darkness. But prepare yourself there will be a lot of laughs, smiles, wtf and tears. Oh lordy I was not ready for the amount of tears I shed. I really should have known. Ms. Duvall does an excellent job of tugging at your heart strings.
I don’t want to give anything away with my review. So I will leave you with this.
Death of Darkness is an emotional ride through the Immortal Guardian’s world both past, present and possible futures. So buckle up, hold on and have a huge box of tissues because this book changes everything.
And once again I let the amazingly talented Kirsten Potter read this story to me. OMG this lady is talented. If you have not listened to her narrate before quickly go get this book (unless you have not started this series then get book 1) and find out why I am so in love with Ms. Potter. Kirsten, thank you so much for doing such an amazing job on Dianne’s characters and bring them to life for me. Until next time!!!!!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook from Tantor Media in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

September 11, 2019September 10, 2019

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews A Wedding In December by Sarah Morgan

TITLE: A Wedding In December
CHARACTERS: The White Family
AUTHOR: Sarah Morgan
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/24/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
This funny, charming and heartwarming new Christmas novel is USA TODAY bestselling author Sarah Morgan at her festive best!

In the snowy perfection of Aspen, the White family gathers for youngest daughter Rosie’s whirlwind Christmas wedding. First to arrive are the bride’s parents, Maggie and Nick. Their daughter’s marriage is a milestone they are determined to celebrate wholeheartedly, but they are hiding a huge secret of their own: they are on the brink of divorce. After living apart for the last six months, the last thing they need is to be trapped together in an irresistibly romantic winter wonderland.

Rosie’s older sister, Katie, is also dreading the wedding. Worried that impulsive, sweet-hearted Rosie is making a mistake, Katie is determined to save her sister from herself! If only the irritatingly good-looking best man, Jordan, would stop interfering with her plans…

Bride-to-be Rosie loves her fiancé but is having serious second thoughts. Except everyone has arrived—how can she tell them she’s not sure? As the big day gets closer, and emotions run even higher, this is one White family Christmas none of them will ever forget!

REVIEW:
This story is about romance but I think it is more about the love of family. Rosie doesn’t always make the best decisions and is a bit impulsive so when she tells her family she is getting married to get boyfriend of only a few months the family worries.

Her older sister, Katie, is protective of Rosie since she has medical issues. Katie has even gone into medicine because of her baby sister. But the best man has her mind heading where it shouldn’t.

And then there is Maggie, the girls mom. She is separated from her husband but hasn’t told the girls yet and of course the happy occasion of a wedding doesn’t need to be spoiled by the news of divorce. But Maggie is finding she needs to figure out what her next chapter of life is. Her girls are grown and don’t need her the same way anymore, so what now?

I found myself wanting to attend the wedding and help the family out as if I was one of them. When you want to crawl into a book I think that says a lot about it. There is so much to this story about finding love but also finding yourself.

What a great book to put you into the Christmas spirit. Perfect to light a fire and enjoy a glass of egg nog.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

September 9, 2019September 8, 2019

Kimberly reviews The Viking’s Witch by Kelli A Wilkins

TITLE: The Viking’s Witch
CHARACTERS: Rothgar & Odaria
AUTHOR: Kelli A Wilkins
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/01/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Scotland, 803 A.D.

About to be burned at the stake by her fellow villagers, Odaria does what any betrayed witch facing certain death would do. She calls down a curse. Within seconds, rampaging Norsemen raid the village, capturing everyone except her.

But her reprieve is short-lived, and Odaria lands in the clutches of the Norse leader Rothgar. Can she remain true to herself and fight her growing attraction to this domineering man, or will she fall under his influence and be used for his ambitions?

After Rothgar witnesses Odaria’s powers firsthand, he strikes a bargain with her. The raven-haired beauty will use her magical abilities to help him with his quest in exchange for safe passage off the isle. But can this cunning woman be trusted, or is she using him to exact vengeance on her village?

Together they must fight bloodthirsty villagers, battle a mutinous band of Norsemen, find a missing Norse ship, and learn to trust each other . . . before time is up.

REVIEW:
INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR FEATURED TOMORROW!

3.75 Hearts This book is a bit different. At least in my opinion. The author contacted me to review the story which I was happy to do since it sounded out of the norm.

In this story Odaria is a witch who is ready to be burned at the stake. She is saved by a Viking who is looking for a Prince. Once she is in the nest of the Viking’s she is expected to use her powers to get Rothgar what he wants.

I liked that this was not a love at first sight kind of love. There is a lot of conflict between the two but the sexual chemistry is hot and can not be denied.

As I said this story was a bit different than I am used to. I am not one that reads the Pirate bodice ripper novels. But I found myself liking this story.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

September 6, 2019September 1, 2019

Kimberly reviews Jake’s Redemption by Jamie Schulz

TITLE: Jake’s Redemption
SERIES #: Angel Eyes #.5
CHARACTERS: Jake & Monica
AUTHOR: Jamie Schulz
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/01/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An imprisoned cowboy. An empowered woman. When true love is forbidden, opening their hearts could destroy them both…

Chained and enslaved, Jake Nichols is convinced he’ll die alone. In this new order where men are stripped of all power, he endures brutal torture at the hands of his female captor. But when he’s hired out to build a ranch home for an outspoken beauty, his dreams of escape transform into visions of passion.

Monica Avery struggles to fill her heart in a loveless society. With marriage outlawed and romantic partners reduced to pawns, she’s given up hope of finding her soul mate. But the rugged rancher building her shelter awakens her deeply buried desires.

As the project comes together, Monica discovers a kindred spirit in the tenderhearted Jake. But despite their growing attraction, he still belongs to a cruel woman who’d rather see him dead than free.

Can Monica save Jake, or will their love lead to a tragic tomorrow?

Jake’s Redemption is a full-length book in the Angel Eyes cowboy dystopian romance series. If you like scorching-hot chemistry, clever post-apocalyptic worlds, and star-crossed love stories, then you’ll adore Jamie Schulz’s captivating tale.

Buy Jake’s Redemption today to see if love can brighten a dark world!

This prequel has an HFN ending and opens the door for the next book in the Angel Eyes Series, Masters’ Mistress, scheduled for release in 2020.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I had a hard time with this story. I am not a fan of dystopian stories. But I was asked by the author to read this story.

This is a bit of a change in the norm. The women are the ones with all the powers and the men are the ones in distress. Monica falls for Jake who is a slave.

This is a prequel to the series coming up.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

September 5, 2019September 1, 2019

Kelly reviews Fledgling by Molly Harper

TITLE: Fledgling
SERIES #: Sorcery and Society #2
CHARACTERS: Sarah Smith, Alicia McCray and Ivy Cowel
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
NARRATOR: Amanda Ronconi
RUN TIME: 7 Hours & 42 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: July 23, 2019
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
“Molly Harper’s Changeling is masterful fantasy—a spunky Cinderella story with a heroine who’s equal parts compassion, determination, and pure magical delight.” —Rachel Vincent, author of the Soul Screamers series and The Stars Never Rise, on Changeling
Days away from becoming completing her first year at Miss Castwell’s Institute for the Magical Instruction of Young Ladies, Changeling-born Sarah Smith might just get away with posing as an upper-class Guardian girl named Cassandra Reed.
But strange visions of a Lightbourne destroyed by Miss Morton’s revenant army keep Sarah from enjoying her achievement. Plus, the Mother Book, Sarah’s one secret advantage and the ultimate entrée in Guardian society, suddenly stops revealing itself to her…putting her in a precarious position with the Guild. On top of all that, her former lady’s maid left Miss Castwell’s, and the new hire is, well, taking some getting used to.
If it weren’t for her two best friends, Alicia McCray and Ivy Cowel, who will do anything to protect her secret, Sarah doesn’t know if she’ll make it another year. When the three girls take summer holiday with Alicia’s family (chaperoned by an exacting and very disapproving Mrs. McCray), a relaxing vacation in Scotland is the last thing they’ll find.
Mrs. Winter is thrilled that Sarah is spending time with the influential McCray family, but Sarah can’t help but feel that her real purpose is to find other Changeling children like her, and free them to realize their own magic. Can she find genuine satisfaction in her accomplishments when she knows there are others like her out there who need her help? Will the three girls uncover the deeply-held secrets they’re looking for in the mysterious mountains of Scotland? Will the Mother Book finally start talking to her again? And will Sarah come to understand the importance of her connection with Ivy and Alicia, and the true nature of her own power…before it’s too late?
“Witty and classic, Changeling had everything I wanted from a coming of age story: friendship, scandal, and a heroine learning to flex her magical muscles. If you liked Harry Potter, you will love CHANGELING!” —Kristen Simmons, critically acclaimed author of the Article 5 series, on Changeling.

REVIEW:
Fledgling pickups up shortly after the events of Changeling (I would highly suggest reading this series in order). Sarah (aka Cassandra), Alicia and Ivy back at school and dealing with their actions. But when Sarah is summons to the counsel to answer questions about the Mother book. She has to think fast on her feet and is able to hold off the counsel for the time being. But Sarah has a more important mission in mind. She must find the other Changelings. But what will she do if she actually finds any.

Another grand adventure with Sarah , Alicia and Ivy. I can’t wait to see what is next for these three. I do hope the Gavin and Owen and will be joining them too.

As always the amazing Amanda Ronconi lends her talented voice to bring life to Molly’s characters. I really enjoy listening to Amanda narrate a book. She really gets into character and doesn’t just read. Amanda is also really good at getting the correct level of snark that is needed in a Molly Harper story.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley &INscribe Digital in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

September 4, 2019September 1, 2019

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews The Bakeshop At Pumpkin And Spice by Kauffman, Angell & Charles

TITLE: The Bakeshop At Pumpkin And Spice
CHARACTERS: Bree, Cassie & Lara
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman, Kate Angell & Allyson Charles
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/27/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Every autumn, Moonbright, Maine, is the picture of charm with its piles of crisp leaves, flickering jack-o’-lanterns … and a touch of the sweetest kind of enchantment.

Witches, goblins, the occasional ghost—they’re all sure to be spotted at the annual Halloween parade, where adults and children alike dress in costume to celebrate Moonbright’s favorite holiday. And no place has more seasonal spirit than Bellaluna’s Bakeshop, a family business steeped in traditional recipes, welcoming warmth—and, legend has it, truly spellbinding, heart-melting treats …

Between good-natured Halloween tricks, frothy pumpkin lattes, and some very special baked goods, for three Moonbright residents looking for love—whether they know it or not—the spookiest thing will be how magical romance can suddenly be …

REVIEW:
This is three novellas combined into one novel. As a fan of Donna Kauffman I requested the book from NetGalley and I am glad I did. The stories mesh so well. Having a bit of magic and romance.

The magic is in and around the bakeshop and the cookies that Nana bakes. In the first one Bree is learning her own way around the bakeshops magic as well when Caleb enters the bakery just as Nana knew he would.

The second and third are from authors I do not remember reading before. The second story is about Cassie trying to make one man interested in her when maybe it is a complete stranger she needs to be made aware of. And the third is about Lara who seems to be having a bad day until love walks in.

This is a great story to read around the Halloween season. A magical romance!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

August 30, 2019August 27, 2019

Kelly reviews The Turn Of The Key by Ruth Ware

TITLE: The Turn of the Key
CHARACTERS: Rowen Gaine
AUTHOR: Ruth Ware
PUBLICATION DATE: August 6, 2019
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When she stumbles across the ad, she’s looking for something else completely. But it seems like too good an opportunity to miss—a live-in nannying post, with a staggeringly generous salary. And when Rowan Caine arrives at Heatherbrae House, she is smitten—by the luxurious “smart” home fitted out with all modern conveniences, by the beautiful Scottish Highlands, and by this picture-perfect family.
What she doesn’t know is that she’s stepping into a nightmare—one that will end with a child dead and herself in prison awaiting trial for murder.
Writing to her lawyer from prison, she struggles to explain the unravelling events that led to her incarceration. It wasn’t just the constant surveillance from the cameras installed around the house, or the malfunctioning technology that woke the household with booming music, or turned the lights off at the worst possible time. It wasn’t just the girls, who turned out to be a far cry from the immaculately behaved model children she met at her interview. It wasn’t even the way she was left alone for weeks at a time, with no adults around apart from the enigmatic handyman, Jack Grant.
It was everything.
She knows she’s made mistakes. She admits that she lied to obtain the post, and that her behavior toward the children wasn’t always ideal. She’s not innocent, by any means. But, she maintains, she’s not guilty—at least not of murder. Which means someone else is.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts The Turn of the Key is was a very interesting book. Ms. Ware formatted this book is in a series of letters from Rowen Caine to a Mr. Wrexham. In those letters Rowen recounts the events the lead up to her being put in prison for murder. Rowen hopes that with these letters Mr. Wrexham will be able to help her.
The events that lead Rowen to become the nanny and being charged with murder are both shocking and sad. I enjoyed this book even if they ending leaving me with the What the heck feeling.
This is my first book by Ruth Ware and I am looking forward to reading more of her works. If you are a fan of Ruth Ware I think you will be pleased with this story.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Gallery/Scout Press, Pocket Books in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

August 29, 2019August 27, 2019

Kimberly reviews Wishful Thinking by Helen Harper

TITLE: Wishful Thinking
SERIES #: How To Be The Best Damn Faery Godmother…. #1
CHARACTERS: Saffron Sawyer
AUTHOR: Helen Harper
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/26/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Muddled magic. Missing faeries. She’s having one spell of a day at work…

Saffron Sawyer aspires to rise from the magical world’s bottom rung. But when her wish to join the renowned Office of Faery Godmothers is granted, bullies make her first day on the job unbearable. And to add to her misery, she discovers that someone is abducting her coworkers one-by-one.

Desperate to prevent another kidnapping, she scrambles to piece together the clues. After teaming up with the handsome and powerful Devil’s Advocate, she uncovers a strange connection between the disappearances and her lowly former gig. But when Saffron learns her promotion was only a ploy, she vows to ruin the devious plan.

Can Saffron muster enough magic to trap the villain before she’s sacked or stolen?

Wishful Thinking is the first book in the refreshingly original How To Be The Best Damn Faery Godmother in the World (or Die Trying) urban fantasy series. If you like determined heroines, enchanting spins on old tales, and clever twists and turns, then you’ll love Helen Harper’s captivating story.

Buy Wishful Thinking to watch a spunky sprite strut her stuff!

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Saffron is not Cinderella’s godmother. She is so far from the imagination of what a faery/fairy (forgive me if I use the American version of this word) godmother is that some might wonder if the author really meant the same as Cinderella had.

But she did. Sorta. Saffron is a drug fairy in the UK. What this means is she helps those with drug issues to get clean or at least not get heavier into the stuff. But she wants to be a godmother. And she gets her chance. And what a whirlwind it is.

I will say I expected a lot more humor based on the title/series name than was in it even though there was some humor. There is a bit of everything. Suspense, mystery, romance and a number of twists.

This is cute. I will try the next in this new series as well.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

August 27, 2019August 26, 2019

Kimberly reviews Beware The Darkness by Alexandra Ivy

TITLE: Beware The Darkness
SERIES #: Guardians Of Eternity #14
CHARACTERS: Tarak & Waverly
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/20/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The enemy may have changed, but the battle between good and evil burns hotter than ever in this scintillating new installment in Alexandra Ivy’s Guardians of Eternity series.

There is only one thing more precious to vampire Tarak than his newfound freedom after five centuries of captivity, and that’s the promise of revenge. At last, he can destroy Riven, the merman who has drained his power in order to make himself king. But at the very moment when justice is a fang’s breadth away, Tarak’s quest is complicated by the beautiful mermaid princess who kept him sane and fed during his ordeal.

Waverly hoped that once Tarak escaped, he’d return to his own kind and enjoy the rest of his immortal life. She also hoped she might one day stop dreaming about the darkly handsome vampire. Instead, Tarak’s return draws Waverly into an unlikely alliance—and a passion that eclipses all her fantasies.

Hatred for Riven has sustained Tarak this long. But only Waverly’s love can give him the strength to claim eternity with her . . .

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Alexndra Ivy is simply one of the Queens of Paranormal Genre. I have never found a novel of hers that disappointed and this was no exception.

The vampire world that Ivy writes is exciting, sexy and fun. Waverly and Tarak are unexpected but perfect. I loved Tarak. I knew after reading his story in the last novel that it would take a while to like Tarak but as always Tarak is a diamond in the rough. Waverly is interesting but I really liked her. The Mer world is one I do not normally read about. Never been a mermaid kinda girl but this was different and I actually enjoy it. Would I grab a different series about it. Probably not but there is never a book that Ivy writes that is not worth the read.

Dive in. You won’t be sorry. But I do suggest reading at least #13 before this one so you know Tarak’s story. And Levet is always worth visiting!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

August 26, 2019August 25, 2019

Kimberly reviews Old Bones by Preston & Child

TITLE: Old Bones
SERIES #: Nora Kelly #1
CHARACTERS: Nora Kelly
AUTHOR: Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/20/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The first in the groundbreaking Nora Kelly series from #1 bestselling authors Preston & Child blends the legend of the Donner party with a riveting suspense tale, taking the dynamic duo’s work to new heights.

Nora Kelly, a young but successful curator with a series of important excavations already under her belt, is approached by the handsome Historian, Guy Porter, to lead an expedition unlike any other. Guy tells his story–one involving the ill-fated Donner Party, who became permanently lodged in the American consciousness in the winter of 1847, when the first skeletonized survivors of the party stumbled out of the California mountains, replete with tales of courage, resourcefulness, bad luck, murder, barbarism–and, finally, starvation and cannibalism.

Captivated by the Donner Party, Nora agrees and they venture into the Sierra Nevada in search of the camp. Quickly, they learn that the discovery of the missing starvation camp is just the tip of the iceberg–and that the real truth behind those long-dead pioneers is not only far more complex and surprising than they could have imagined…but it is one that puts them both in mortal danger from a very real, present-day threat in which the search for the lost party, and its fabled fortune in gold, are merely means to a horrifying end.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts As a fan of the Pendergast series by Preston/Child I was looking forward to starting this new series. And it doesn’t hurt that I lived in the Sierra Nevada mountains and frequently visited Donner and knew the story of the Donner Party well. But then on the other side I was worried because of being close to the story I wasn’t sure they wouldn’t get facts and lore correct. But I should not have worried.

Preston/Child are two authors that team up to write their stories and somehow it works. The flow they have together is incredible. I am not quite sure of their collaboration techniques but it is one of the best.

In this new series we meet Nora Kelly, who is a character brought over from the Pendergast series. But you do not have to have read the old series to pick up the new one. There is also FBI agent Swanson.

The two meet as Nora is looking for a possibly hidden camp and Swanson is looking for treasure hunters on government land.

I really enjoyed this story and I am thrilled that Preston/Child have started a new series but I do hope that they haven’t stopped with Pendergast because there is never enough of him.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.