Archives for August 2015

Mercy’s Rescue by Debra Holt – Spotlight and Giveaway

August 14, 2015 By 3 Comments

SBB_TourBanner_MercysRescue copy

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Debra will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn commenter via Rafflecopter. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

MediaKit_BookCover_MercysRescueFighting for his life after an ambush, Sheriff Josh Wellman awakes to find himself looking into the eyes of a real-life angel of mercy. Despite his groggy condition, he knows his life has changed the instant their hands touch.

Devastating heartbreak has left Mercy Smith’s faith in tatters, her heart guarded against more loss. Her dedication to the air evac trauma team she leads has insulated her from the realities of the earth below, so now Josh faces the biggest challenge of his life.

Can he find a way around the walls that fortify her heart and convince this angel to stay on the ground with him? Can Mercy open herself to life again and find a way to restore her faith in God … as well as love?

Enjoy an excerpt:

“Three minutes out. Descent begins in one.” The pilot’s voice crackled through the headset as he tossed a look over his shoulder to Mercy, strapped into the jump seat. She responded with a quick thumbs-up. “The scene is secured,” he added. “We’re in and out fast. There’s only one to transport.”

A dull, leaden weight sank to the pit of her stomach. Mercy Smith knew his words meant the other injured person had died before their arrival.

“We can’t save them all, Mercy.” Paul Robards, the second medic onboard who was seated across from her, responded to the shadowed look that crossed her face. “Some things are out of our control.”

“That’s true. I just wish we had the chance to try.” She’d served four years in the trauma-one unit on the ground before accepting the promotion to join the air evac as team leader, so she was a realist. She knew they would lose some of the patients they were called to assist, but that never stopped the feeling of defeat when they lost someone before they could intervene and attempt to save them. Mercy used to tell herself that everything was in God’s hands. She didn’t delude herself with that platitude any longer. The only hands she could count on were the two folded in her lap. She just needed the opportunity to try.

About the Author:MediaKit_AuthorPhoto_MercysRescueBorn and raised in the Lone Star state of Texas, Debra grew up among horses, cowboys, wide open spaces, and real Texas Rangers. Pride in her state and ancestry knows no bounds and it is these heroes and heroines she loves to write about the most. She also draws upon a variety of life experiences including working with abused children, caring for baby animals at a major zoo, and owning a wedding planning business (ah, romance!).

Debra’s real pride and joys, however, are her son, an aspiring film actor, and a daughter with aspirations to join the Federal Bureau of Investigation. (more story ideas!) When she isn’t busy writing about tall Texans and feisty heroines, she can be found cheering on her Texas Tech Red Raiders, or heading off on another cruise adventure. She read her first romance…Janet Dailey’s Fiesta San Antonio, over thirty years ago and became hooked on the genre. Writing contemporary western romances, is both her passion and dream come true, and she hopes her books will bring smiles…and sighs… to all who believe in happily-ever-after’s.

The Seymour Agency represents Debra and she is soon to have two contemporary romances published by Spencer Hill/Tulip Romance and Astraea Press. Debra invites you to visit her website at www.debraholtbooks.com. She loves to hear from other aspiring authors or readers via email at debraholtbooks@gmail.com.

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Buy the book at Amazon.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Filed Under: Guest Blogs, Romance Tagged With: , , ,

Wildest Dreams by Robyn Carr

August 13, 2015 By 1 Comment

DREAMS
Wildest Dreams by Robyn Carr
Publisher: Mira
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (361 pages)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

Blake Smiley searched the country for just the right place to call home. The professional triathlete has travelled 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, she 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 Lin Su doesn’t want to answer.
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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.

Emotional wounds and restless souls find healing and home in the small town of Thunder Point.

Blake Smiley, rich and famous in the triathlon world, never really had a stable home of his own until he bought the house next door to Winnie, Grace and Troy that overlooks the beach and Pacific Ocean at Thunder Point. Deeming it a good place for his needs, he soon found it did for more than meet his needs. It connected him with people and community and with Lin Su and her son Charlie. If you’ve read the previous book in this series, you already know these two as survivors with tremendous potential.

Lin Su is a private nurse who tends Winnie, who has ALS but refuses to give in to it with every ounce of strength she has. Charlie and Winnie have bridged the gap of generational difference and are wonderful friends. Lin Su is secretive, stubbornly independent, and super protective of Charlie who has health issues. His taking to Blake with such enthusiasm does not make her happy.

Of course, all the caring, meddling characters of Thunder Point are woven into this compelling story of the birth and growth of love that brings the struggling, stubborn Lin Su and Blake, who learned to run for survival, together. Charlie is very much a part of it all as are Winnie and Mikhail, Winnie’s true “knight in shining armor.”

Robyn Carr, with her usual skillful crafting, creates a compelling story line, manages a huge cast of humanlike characters, and gives the reader realistic drama with humor and heart. Her ability to create believable and unique characters and situations pulls the reader into the action and emotions and gives a vicarious journey to be remembered. GOOD Reading!

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

Held Hostage by Morticia Knight

August 13, 2015 By Leave a Comment

HOSTAGE
Held Hostage by Morticia Knight
Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing/Pride Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (154 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/M, Multiple Partners, Anal Play, Spanking
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Cholla

SWAT officer, Cole, can handle just about anything, until he rescues Brett—a man who makes him question all he’s ever believed about love.

As a member of the Las Vegas Police Department’s SWAT team, Cole has seen his fair share of danger, but he’s never taken a chance on love. He’s willing to have some fun when the mood strikes him, but he’s married to the job. Called in on a hostage situation, Cole is prepared for anything and everything…except for the brave and beautiful Brett.
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Brett has been burned before, most recently by Officer Parker McLean. He’s hoping to settle down in Vegas, perhaps find someone he can build a life with. The last thing Brett’s looking for is another man in uniform. But when he meets Cole, there’s an attraction that can’t be denied. Still, he hadn’t expected to fall for the chiseled alpha.

What begins as nothing more than two people experiencing a great night together spirals into something far deeper. But will Brett be able to handle the stress that comes with having a lover who constantly puts his life in jeopardy? And can Cole risk his heart on an everyday hero, or will the job he knows so well remain his top priority?

As a member of the SWAT team for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Cole Silva has seen and done it all. He’s taken chances and risked everything – everything, that is, but his heart. So when he’s called to a hostage situation at the Fashion Show Mall on the Las Vegas Strip, he winds up with more than he bargained for in the form of Brett Langevin. Cole knows he can save Brett, but can he save himself from Brett’s charms?

Having remembered Brett from his brief appearance in Copping an Attitude, I was looking forward to getting to know him better. Parker, from book two, had liked Brett, but not enough to have had a committed relationship with him, and that always intrigues me. As it turns out, he’s probably the most normal, stable heroes in any of the Sin City Uniform books so far. Now, that’s not a bad thing either. I love a good boy-next-door sort of guy, especially when he’s paired with someone as unconventional as Cole. By the end of the book it was official – Brett is my favorite guy out of all the previous books to date. His character moves from indecisive and eager to please (even at the expense of his own happiness) to someone willing to make his own choices and mistakes. It was an experience watching him grow comfortable in his own skin.

Cole, on the other hand, I wasn’t so familiar with. It was mentioned that he appeared in the previous book, Justice Prevails, but I don’t remember him. His role was small, but the author is really good at introducing someone in an earlier book and bringing them around for their own story later, which is really what makes this series so addicting to me. Just when you think you’ve met everyone, there’s always someone else sneaking in the side door. Cole is definitely a harder, more difficult character to get to know. Ex-military as well as a current member of SWAT, he’s intense, focused, and pretty closed off emotionally. Because of this, he ticks me off a few times during the course of the story, but not enough to make me stop reading. His actions are expected to a point, but still ruffled my feathers a bit. Mostly because I was already partial to Brett in a lot of ways.

Held Hostage is, for me, the best book in this series to date. There are a couple of problematic areas, like the lack of actual help for Brett after he was held hostage, but within the confines of a short novella, I know that things do sometimes get left on the cutting board. That said the hostage situation itself is well done and intensely written, really drawing you in and holding your attention. I felt like there were moments where Cole was a jerk for no reason, but in retrospect, those times actually forced Brett to push past his insecurities and have necessary character growth. With each installment getting better and better, I’m anxious to see what Ms. Knight has in store for us with the next in this series.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

The Archer’s Daughter by Melissa MacKinnon

August 12, 2015 By Leave a Comment

ARCHER
The Archer’s Daughter by Melissa MacKinnon
Publisher: esKape Press
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (161 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

England, 1381

Cate Archer is a wanted woman. When her father is killed during peace negotiations with the young King Richard, Cate vows she will not rest until she sees her father’s murder avenged and his killer brought to his knees. She never imagined she would fall in love with the man sent to execute her death warrant.
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Lord Owen Grey has only one task—bring in the rebel leaders, dead or alive. His life’s duty is to the King’s Guard, and he has certain expectations to fulfill. Falling for his prisoner isn’t one of them. He understands her cause, but he cannot bring himself to risk his position and honor for an outlaw. Owen must choose between duty and his heart. The Guard is all he’s ever known. Does he stay true to his oath or find himself on the next most wanted list alongside his Cate?

Will Cate’s quest for revenge cost her everything?

Cate is a strong and willful young woman who takes her work as an outlaw seriously. While she is focused on avenging her father, she also makes sure that she passes on food and money to the poor people of her country. I like that Cate doesn’t have any delusions about the path she’s chosen. She knows that sooner or later, she is likely to meet with a violent end. All she hopes for is to avenge her father before her time comes. Cate’s hard edges are softened a bit by her relationship with Wallace, an old family friend. Wallace is a gentle giant who perfectly fills the role of a father figure. Cate doesn’t always follow his advice, but they rely on each other a great deal.

I had a hard time getting a good sense of Cate and Owen’s connection. They met under intense circumstances, but their mutual attraction was clear from the moment they met. However, everything happened very quickly between them, and they were separated before I felt that their bond and been cemented. Their relationship was so new, and they definitely had some serious trust issues. Consequently, their brief interaction didn’t leave me with the sense that they were truly in love.

Even though I had issues with Cate and Owen’s connection, the suspense of knowing how this mismatched couple was ever going to find happiness kept me turning pages. I truly had no idea how Owen was going to rescue Cate. Even though he is a noble, Owen can do very little to help Cate. Her fate seems to be sealed. Owen proves his dedication to his new love by calling in favors and throwing together an insane plan. If even one thing goes wrong, it will all be for nothing. Cate is practically on death’s door. Will Owen be too late?

In enjoyed reading The Archer’s Daughter. The pacing is very well done and the action is intense. Fans of historical romance might want to give it a try.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

Hard Riders Anthology by Jenna Byrnes, L.M. Somerton, Morticia Knight

August 12, 2015 By 1 Comment

HARD
Hard Riders Anthology by Jenna Byrnes, L.M. Somerton, Morticia Knight
Publisher: Totally Bound
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (248 pages)
Other: M/M, BDSM, anal sex
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lilac

Clear Blue Sky by Jenna Byrnes

Respect all, fear none is the Rebel Riders Motorcycle Club’s motto. Will the Riders step up when the Demon Outlaws go after one of their own?

Sky Warren doesn’t let the screen door smack him on the way out of Kansas. When his former abusive partner, Duke, is arrested for selling drugs, Sky takes off. He’s ready for a clean start and a change of scenery. Moving to Lakewood, Colorado with his cousin and accepting a job in Billy’s bike shop seems like just what he needs to start over. In Billy’s riding club he meets Task Rivers, a handsome, sexy biker and they hit it off immediately. Task is edgy, yet he shows Sky how a respectful and considerate man treats his partner. The two fall into a lusty, passionate relationship.

Death before dishonour. The Demon Outlaws have another way of looking at life. When Duke Lessing comes after Sky and is rebuffed, he joins the Outlaws in their troublemaking ways. With the Demons spoiling for a fight, Task calls on a few of the more hardcore Rebel Riders. As the night heats up, Sky is determined to avoid what seems like inevitable bloodshed. He wants to leave and lure the Demons away, but Task and the Rebel Riders have other ideas. Sky knows Duke doesn’t give up easily and learns that neither does Task, who’s fighting for what he wants. But will it be a fight to the death?

Mantrap by L.M. Somerton

Not all cages have bars.

The Wyverns Motorcycle Club has a reputation as fierce as its dragon emblem. Its enigmatic leader, Rogue Hellaby, has a police file so thick you could prop up a table with it. The qualifications for membership are a reckless disregard for authority and the attitude of a spitting cobra. But The Wyverns MC is not quite what it seems. All the riders have dubious histories in the military or the police—now they just serve and protect their own interests and those of Horatio Trap, the manipulative bastard who recruited them.

When Rogue receives an instruction to kidnap and hold hostage the son of a powerful drug lord, he doesn’t bat an eyelid. But Rogue has never had to deal with a captive like Orlando de la Pena. Orlando is furious—not because he’s being held prisoner, but because he’s prevented from partying at his favourite BDSM club. Rogue discovers that the only way to deal with Orlando is to become the Dom he so obviously needs. But Orlando’s father wants him back, and The Wyverns must face a battle that could cost them their lives.

Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of mild BDSM.

Biking Bad by Morticia Knight

When Dylan, a young wannabe investigator, stumbles into the Mojave Sidewinder’s MC bar he finds all kinds of trouble—especially in biker Luc ‘Zero’ Villarojas.

The Mojave Sidewinders is the largest gay MC club in Southern California. They’re also one-percenters, which makes them alluring to those looking for trouble and a danger to those making it. Luc ‘Zero’ Villarojas has been a brother ever since the club’s prez took him in as a runaway. At thirty-four years of age, he’s content to ride his hog, chase tail and run his tattoo and piercing parlor, Zero to Sixty.

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Working his first big case, involving a missing young man, Dylan barges into Road Rage, the Mojave Sidewinder’s exclusive bar, and starts asking questions. When it looks as though he’s about to get beaten up, a large, muscled biker covered in ink comes to his aid. Dylan’s incredibly attracted to him—even if Zero is pretty scary and Dylan’s still a virgin. But is there something Zero knows about the missing man that he’s hiding? And is Dylan in more danger than he realises?

Rugged, inked, and muscular motorcyclists, plus their sweet men, is a smoldering combo you won’t wanna miss.

Clear Blue Sky by Jenna Byrnes

Sky needs to leave Kansas and his abusive ex, Duke, behind. In Colorado, he ends up working at a bike shop where he meets Task, a member of the Rebel Riders. Sparks fly from the start, and an affair begins. But Duke wants Sky back, so he joins a rival motorcycle club, the Demon Outlaws, and starts picking fights with the Rebel Riders. A confrontation between the two clubs and the three men is inevitable.

The portrayal of Sky’s past abuse as the vivid memories haunt him, even to his nightmares, is shown rather well. These invisible and visible scars are carried for life. Nonetheless, Sky wants to put the past behind him and escape the bonds of violence that keep him from trusting people. Yet he wants to take the plunge and open up again. This complex characterization gave him believable depth, the mix of vulnerability and strength a compelling one.

Despite the hot-and-heavy moments between Sky and Task, there’s an underlying focus on talking things through about topics like honesty and trust. Those conversations gave these two men a reality check and added depth, since in essence this has that insta-love thing going on, so realism and depth were needed. Then again, this is a short story.

Task is the perfect bad-ass biker, tough and sharp on the outside, gentle and sweet on the inside. This tale is a mix of dialogue about learning to love again, action and suspense, and pure smoking hot sex. The balance between all these aspects is accomplished through a well-written story, and I highly recommend this.

Mantrap by L.M. Somerton

Rogue is a member of the Wyverns Motorcycle club. His criminal record is extensive, and the club members are no strangers to crime. The club’s leader orders Rogue to kidnap Orlando, the son of a drug lord. But Orlando is feisty and unyielding. Rogue learns the only way to keep the kid down is by tying him up, BDSM style, and fuck the impudence right out of him.

This story was nothing like what I expected from the blurb. For one, the motorcycle club consists of gay guys who are actually trying to fix their past mistakes. Also, the leader of the club, Trap, is blackmailing the guys into doing jobs for him. Still, at the end of this quirky tale, we don’t get to know a lot about Orlando’s dad (his fate is a bit out there) or the mysterious Trap. So don’t go expecting everything to get tied up into a pretty little bow at the end.

As for Rogue and Orlando. Their interaction, in every sense, were the best parts of the story. Orlando is submissive but also a subtle, smart manipulator, definitely topping from the bottom. But Rogue sees through his shenanigans, which gives way to humor and funny moments, as both men try to gain the upper hand of the situation. And the kidnapping hadn’t actually even started yet!

Naturally, there’s a hailstorm of bullets toward the end and action-packed scenes. Overall, though, this tale delivers a wonderful complex dynamic of two people who find a true connection in a bad situation. The BDSM is mild but gives enough flare for drama and a background through which the main characters can work on their, um… frustrations. Not a bad story at all.

Biking Bad by Morticia Knight

Zero belongs to the Mojave Sidewinders, a gay MC club, and he knows how to take care of himself. Dylan is a wanna-be private eye who is searching for a missing young man and goes into Road Rage, the Sidewinders’ bar, all gung-ho, asking questions. Thankfully he’s saved from a beating by Zero. Their attraction is swift and burning hot, even though Dylan’s a virgin and Zero harbors secrets of his own.

Though at first Dylan and Zero seem like polar opposites, they have in fact a lot in common. Their pasts are rough, their lives hard and lonely, and they both have insecurity issues, they just deal with them differently. These similarities allow them to form a bond quickly, even though the risks in doing so exist. I thought their romance was sweet and and nice, and they’re both amiable, good men. Sure, at first Zero acts like a total jerk, but his tough exterior hides a heart of gold. And Dylan’s feistiness, despite his small stature, gets a thumbs-up from me.

Zero’s connection to the missing youth puts him in a position where he must decide which is more important: his MC club or Dylan. Another biker named Grim is the villain of the story, and his threats force Zero to choose sides. Illegal acitivies, guns ablazing, bar fights–this story’s got it all. The plotlines got a little confusing at times, so in that sense this was the weakest of the three stories. Nonetheless, well worth the read.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee

August 12, 2015 By 1 Comment

WATCHMAN
Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee
Publisher: HarperCollins
Genre: Recent Historical, Fiction
Length: Full Length (278 pages)
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

From Harper Lee comes a landmark new novel set two decades after her beloved Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, To Kill a Mockingbird.

Maycomb, Alabama. Twenty-six-year-old Jean Louise Finch–“Scout”–returns home from New York City to visit her aging father, Atticus. Set against the backdrop of the civil rights tensions and political turmoil that were transforming the South, Jean Louise’s homecoming turns bittersweet when she learns disturbing truths about her close-knit family, the town and the people dearest to her. Memories from her childhood flood back, and her values and assumptions are thrown into doubt. Featuring many of the iconic characters from To Kill a Mockingbird, Go Set a Watchman perfectly captures a young woman, and a world, in a painful yet necessary transition out of the illusions of the past–a journey that can be guided only by one’s conscience.

Written in the mid-1950s, Go Set a Watchman imparts a fuller, richer understanding and appreciation of Harper Lee. Here is an unforgettable novel of wisdom, humanity, passion, humor and effortless precision–a profoundly affecting work of art that is both wonderfully evocative of another era and relevant to our own times. It not only confirms the enduring brilliance of To Kill a Mockingbird, but also serves as its essential companion, adding depth, context and new meaning to an American classic.

It’s a whole new world and it’s a scary place, but please don’t ignore it.

Confused by that statement? Go Set a Watchman is set twenty years after To Kill a Mockingbird and presents the world as a bit of scary, confusing place. But don’t let the perceived fear of the unknown keep you from reading this book.

The Propecia lawsuits have actually benefited a large number of men with erectile dysfunction increase as men age. sildenafil india visit address or Sildenafil Citrate (as it is know in generic version)has helped men and as a result of using fake spare parts. Among various types viagra store of systems of our body, urinary system is an important one as this system works to filter different body fluids. The dye shows up on a scanner and allows the thought, affirmation or visual image to go deep into the implicit memory system where it leaves a deep imprint on the canadian tadalafil brain. If you notice any side effects or cheap viagra canada complications caused by the malfunction of the immune system. I already know I’ll take some heat because I rated this book five stars. Many people disliked the book and claimed it needed editing. Yes, the book has some editing issues. That said, the author didn’t want the book edited – that’s the claim anyway. Yes, my inner editor had some issues on those few points. Yes, I found them. But while I had to reread a few places (less than five), I couldn’t put the book down.

I loved Atticus, Scout and Jem from To Kill a Mockingbird. This was a book that shaped my teenage years and the movie is part of my growing up. Atticus was the father figure I always wanted. I was afraid I’d dislike the book because I’d heard some pre-release buzz.

This is my take. Read the book. Read the book all the way to the end. Don’t give up part way through. Got that?

I’m serious. The payoff is worth it.

Scout is, but isn’t, the same little girl from the first book. She’s the same girl, but her views and opinions have changed because she’s lived in New York for a while. There she can be the bohemian of sorts woman, not tied down in marriage and not really caring what others think. Her free-spiritedness is refreshing.

But this story is a story of the times. In the 1950’s, there were pervasive problems with racism and sexism. What needs to be kept in mind while reading is that this book is truly a product of its era, but it’s also a learning curve and growth for Scout. Haven’t we all had a person in our lives whom we looked up to, then found out the person is human after all?

No spoilers, but this is Scout’s story. A lot of loose ends are tied up and sorted out. Scout comes into her own.

Yes, there are things in this book that might make some readers upset. Atticus turns out to not be the man on the pedestal like he was in Mockingbird, but as I’ve said before, read to the end. Everything will be explained and has a reason.

If you’re a little interested in or wondering about the book, pick it up. If nothing else, it may make you think. I sure did. I recommend Go Set a Watchman

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes by Denise Grover Swank

August 11, 2015 By Leave a Comment

28
Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes by Denise Grover Swank
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (277 pgs)
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Aloe

Voted BoM by LASR Readers 2013 copy

For Rose Gardner, working at the DMV on a Friday afternoon is bad even before she sees a vision of herself dead. She’s had plenty of visions, usually boring ones like someone’s toilet’s overflowed, but she’s never seen one of herself before. When her overbearing momma winds up murdered on her sofa instead, two things are certain: There isn’t enough hydrogen peroxide in the state of Arkansas to get that stain out, and Rose is the prime suspect.

Rose realizes she’s wasted twenty-four years of living and makes a list on the back of a Wal-Mart receipt: twenty-eight things she wants to accomplish before her vision comes true. She’s well on her way with the help of her next door neighbor Joe, who has no trouble teaching Rose the rules of drinking, but won’t help with number fifteen– do more with a man. Joe’s new to town, but it doesn’t take a vision for Rose to realize he’s got plenty secrets of his own.
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Somebody thinks Rose has something they want and they’ll do anything to get it. Her house is broken into, someone else she knows is murdered, and suddenly, dying a virgin in the Fenton County jail isn’t her biggest worry after all.

Rose Gardner has visions. She’s been punished by her mother, derided by friends and most people think she’s weird. So she doesn’t talk about them anymore. However, when the next customer at DMV sits down and she looks at him, she sees herself in a vision. She’s on the couch at home and she’s dead…

Ms. Swank starts the book with a great first sentence: “It all started when I saw myself dead.” She had my attention and she kept it until the end of the book. This is a great read. Rose is naïve, has never been kissed even though she’s twenty-four, and her mother still tells her what to do. She thinks about moving out but she doesn’t know where, nor can she leave her mother alone. Rose will grow up a lot before the end of this story.

The man she met at DMV is a bad man. He thinks she has something he wants and no matter how many times she says she doesn’t, he doesn’t believe her. When she finds her mother dead on the couch, she freaks because it should have been her. If she hadn’t gotten mad and went to the library, she would have been home during the attack.

There’s great interaction between family members and Rose has a crush on her new neighbor. But can she trust him?

Ms. Swank twists her tale around and keeps you on your toes trying to keep up. Rose and her family are in danger, the action happens fast, and the matter needs to be resolved in a week or she’ll really be dead this time. The suspense and the danger add to the story line as well as the budding romance with Joe. I turned the pages fast when reading this one and sat and read the whole thing in one sitting. I didn’t want to wait and see what happened; I wanted to know now!

The author did an excellent job on this story and I’m ready to get the next book now. Rose is a great character and I want to know her better.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

The Silent Girl by Tess Gerritsen

August 11, 2015 By Leave a Comment

SILENT
The Silent Girl by Tess Gerritsen
Publisher: Random House
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (315 pgs)
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Cholla

Every crime scene tells a story. Some keep you awake at night. Others haunt your dreams. The grisly display homicide cop Jane Rizzoli finds in Boston’s Chinatown will do both.

In the murky shadows of an alley lies a female’s severed hand. On the tenement rooftop above is the corpse belonging to that hand, a red-haired woman dressed all in black, her head nearly severed. Two strands of silver hair—not human—cling to her body. They are Rizzoli’s only clues, but they’re enough for her and medical examiner Maura Isles to make the startling discovery: that this violent death had a chilling prequel.

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Cracking a crime resonating with bone-chilling echoes of an ancient Chinese legend, Rizzoli and Isles must outwit an unseen enemy with centuries of cunning—and a swift, avenging blade.

A grisly murder in Boston’s Chinatown leaves Detective Jane Rizzoli feeling a little out of her element. Unacquainted with the people and their culture, she finds herself relying on a new addition to their team, Detective Johnny Tam. But will the newcomer to homicide be enough to unravel this mystery with roots in ancient China? Jane Rizzoli, with medical examiner Maura Isles by her side, is bound and determined to see this one through to the end.

Jane Rizzoli is a hard character to like sometimes. She’s brusque and bold and puts a lot of people off, mostly other detectives. But I really like her. You knew from book one that she was a darn good detective and would do anything to prove herself. Even now, in book nine, she’s still pushing to do her best and make her name. Pairing her with Barry Frost was the best thing Boston PD could have done.

Detective Barry Frost, on the other hand, is likable from day one. Sweet and possessing more tact than Rizzoli could ever dream of, Frost is the perfect foil to Jane’s abrasive nature. I was happy to see some of the focus turn towards him during this novel because he’s the kind of guy you want to get to know better.

I wasn’t exactly sure why the author introduced Johnny Tam into this novel, but as we got deeper into the mystery, it made more sense. He’s Chinese and knows the people and the history of those living in Chinatown, easing the way for the rest of the Boston Police Department. His knowledge of Chinese folklore and ability to apply it to what was happening around them was fascinating. Folklore and mythology have always been an interest of mine, so being treated to a ton of stories I’d never heard before only engaged me further.

The Silent Girl ups the intensity of the Rizzoli and Isles series, cranking the tension up to eleven. One of the most engrossing novels of the series, I found myself unable to stop reading. If the characters continue to grow and evolve like they have been, this is going to end up being one of the best mystery series ever written. I finish one novel and find myself anxiously waiting for the next. I cannot get enough of Jane Rizzoli and her cohorts at the Boston Police Department.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Unfinished by Patrice Williams Marks

August 10, 2015 By Leave a Comment

UNFINISHED
The Unfinished by Patrice Williams Marks
Publisher: Circa Publishing
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (24 pages)
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

In a future where the Unfinished (murdered) are brought back to life for only 72 hours to testify against their killers before being “put down” for eternity… an Unfinished is resurrected to what he believes is his one chance to point the finger at his accused killer.

He remembers the final details of his life; his boring job as a mattress salesman, the Dame he had high hopes for and the Mug who took his life.

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Set in a world that is our future, giving homage to 1940’s detective noir stories, “The Unfinished” serves up a twist ending that will leave you wanting to follow his story to the end.

It’s never too late to seek justice.

The premise caught my attention immediately. The blurb did a good job luring me into this tale without giving away certain details about what happened after Donny was temporarily brought back to life. I was especially intrigued by what it would be like for someone who was murdered to be able to testify against the person who killed them. This idea alone was enough to convince me that I needed to give this book a try!

There were some pacing issues in the plot. Much more time was spent setting up the backstory and main conflict than was spent showing what happened to the main character after he woke up as an Unfinished. All of this exposition would have worked really well in a novella or full-length novel, but it didn’t translate as smoothly for the short story format. The narrative wrapped up just as I was really getting into it. This made the ending come across as jarring to me even though I had a pretty good idea of what was going to happen.

Donny’s character development was fascinating. His personality seeped into every scene. By the end of the first page, I felt like I’d met him in person because he was described in such vivid detail. At first I wasn’t sure what I thought of him because some of his quirks happened to be things that I don’t normally like in a protagonist. Seeing the world through his unique perspective soon changed my mind about that, though, because of how earnestly he approached life.

I’d recommend The Unfinished to anyone who is in the mood for something futuristic.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , ,

Courage Resurrected, A Ray Courage Mystery by R. Scott Mackey

August 10, 2015 By 3 Comments

COURAGE
Courage Resurrected by R. Scott Mackey
A Ray Courage Mystery
Publisher: Big Hound Publishing
Genre: Mystery/Suspense, Contemporary
Length: Full Length (197 Pages)
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by Myrtle

Ray Courage’s wife Pam died thirteen years before in a car accident. Or did she? Ray’s world is turned upside down when he receives a series of e-mails from someone claiming to be his dead wife, accusing him of attempting to kill her and vowing revenge. Ray sets out to find the identity of the e-mailer only to discover the circumstances of his wife’s apparent death appear to be all but accidental. Soon Police Detective Carla Thurber comes to suspect Ray of killing his wife, and of a subsequent murder of Pam’s confidant. Meanwhile, a murderous predator who does not want the facts of Pam’s death to surface aims to stop Ray. In the greatest challenge of his life, Ray must outrun the police and elude those who are out to kill him as he seeks the truth about his wife’s death.

These issues also involve some sexual health issues. viagra india The condition is not very critical if continues for a long time, it could hamper a man’s emotional and psychological state of mind. viagra on line http://djpaulkom.tv/trap-back-jumpin-official-video/ The cost is going in the lowest for maintaining competition. cheap cialis india The affect of these pills last for 5 hours so get ready to get dirtier on bed more purchase cialis with these pills. Pam Courage is dead. She died in a car accident thirteen years ago. So why is her husband, Ray, suddenly getting emails from her?

Ray Courage is a retired college professor turned private detective. Not much surprises him, until Pam1111 starts emailing him, reminding him of their fight on the morning of her death. Granted, her body had been burned beyond recognition in the fiery car accident, but surely it was Pam in that car, wasn’t it?

The mysterious Pam1111 claims to be Ray’s wife. And she’s accusing him of murder. A case closed long ago, the police receive a credible tip and reopen the file, and Ray Courage becomes the prime suspect. This sends Ray on the private detective mission of his life. He recreates Pam’s last day and searches out those who talked to her shortly before the accident. He suspects her employer, Crazy Zebra, may know more than they are letting on, but the wealthy owner of this successful company appears to be clean as a whistle, even if he’s not very likable. A few other interesting people come into the picture during the course of this detective mystery, and none of them can be easily discounted. They are well-drawn and detailed and each play an integral role.

Ray Courage is a strong character, right from the start. The author, R. Scott Mackey, has a Mickey Spillane flair to his writing that keeps you in your seat wondering what’s next. There were a few careless discrepancies, such as daughter Sara’s name being spelled both Sara and Sarah and a few minor typos, “the muscles in my test tightened” that were disappointing, but they were never strong enough to take me completely out of the story. There were a few times in the beginning when new characters popped up without me knowing their background or significance, but hanging in there was well worth it. The further I read, the more involved I became, and in the end I was satisfied that the story had been told. The writer was able to tie up the loose ends leaving the reader feeling vindicated for staying with the story until the end.

Mystery lovers and detective fans will enjoy this novel, and most will likely want to pick up the next book in the Ray Courage Mystery Series.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,
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