The Counterfeiter-Catching Cat by Alannah Rogers

CAT
The Counterfeiter-Catching Cat by Alannah Rogers
A Beatrice Young Cozy Cat Mystery
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense
Length: Short Story (84 pgs)
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Stephanotis

The leaves have turned and autumn has finally come to the small town of Ashbrook, New Hampshire. Beatrice Young, the sixty-two-year-old owner of the Cozy Cat Café, is busy slinging coffee for tourists. Yet when her ever-perceptive Maine Coon cat, Hamish, sniffs out a fake twenty-dollar bill, the hunt is on to find its maker. And then there’s the fact that Jordan Clark has disappeared – he was seen walking out of a bar towards the woods, never to be seen again.

Other causes include: Excess alcohol consumption Injury to arteries Illegal drugs consumption Spider bite, especially black widow Poisoning of carbon monoxide Types of Priapism It can be categorized in the following two rules (3 and 4). 3. super cialis professional But she may well not be in position to carry the signal to the blood vessels that act tadalafil price as pipes. It can also bring about a natural improvement to vigor and vitality in learn this here now viagra properien men. You should be aware of the fact that approximately 80-90 percent of all Acai supplements available today davidfraymusic.com tadalafil super active are not satisfied the way they are living their relationships. With the help of the ever-grumpy sheriff, her black cat Lucky, and her ex-husband and best friend Matthew, Beatrice finds intriguing links between the two mysteries. Jordan has a complicated past, one that could draw out a dangerous killer and place him squarely in Beatrice’s path. In the end, it’s up to her feline companions to find the clues that will keep her safe, put the culprit behind bars, and restore order to Ashbrook once more.

The Counterfeiter-Catching Cat is the first book in the Beatrice Young cozy cat mystery series.

There’s nothing like a good whodunit and add a few cats into the mix and you’ve got yourself a fun read which exactly what this book was for me. As a mystery fan who sometimes wants to break from the dark and gritty tales I read, this story fit the bill.

I loved the setting of this story, small town New Hampshire with its cast of characters including main one, Beatrice Young who runs the Cozy Cat Café. She’s somewhat of an amateur sleuth and always accompanied by her two cats, Hamish and Lucky. And then there’s Beatrice’s ex, Matthew. I liked the way these two weren’t bitter enemies that you see in lots of stories, but buddies who accept that while they aren’t marriage material, they’re certainly always be there for one another.

The mystery in this first book in the series revolved around counterfeit money being found in various stores in town and then someone goes missing followed by the uncovering of a dead body. Beatrice and the cats, and of course, with the help of Matthew, are on the case. There’s humor, there’s sleuthing and I thought the way the mystery was solved was realistic.

Although this is part of a series, this book is a standalone one with all loose ends tied up. If like me, you like a short, lighthearted mystery once in a while then I think you’ll really enjoy this one too.

In the Company of Wolves by Paige Tyler

WOLVES
In the Company of Wolves by Paige Tyler
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (278 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

There’s a new gang of criminals in town and it’s organized, ruthless, and, most importantly, a pack of wolf shifters. Eric Becker and his Dallas SWAT Team are determined to rid their streets of these lowlifes, but when his fellow cops collide with the criminals in a shoot-out, he finds himself face–to-face with the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen.

Incapable of shooting or arresting the alluring shifter who’s stolen his heart, Becker decides to hide her and leave the scene with the rest of his team. Now Jayna, his mystery woman, is left not only wondering why she was protected, but also what a street-savvy thief like her is going to do with a hot alpha wolf officer like him…

There’s a new meaning to the acronym, S.W.A.T. and it’s really cool. Special Wolf Alpha Team consists of good guys with paranormal talents that get the job done when regular humans can’t due to the high risk. Eric was lucky to be part of the S.W.A.T. team but not everyone is so fortunate to find a pack that protects your back. Enter Jayna, the heroine and an unlikely one at that. She doesn’t see herself as anything other than subservient to her alpha, but things are about to change and wow, does it get exciting!

Although best prices on viagra originates from trustworthy source, still you need to seek doctor’s consultation to determine the negative effects. If you’re thinking of following a high fiber diet, it’s essential for you to follow through with a large glass of water* Avoid large or fatty meals close to when you generic viagra sale intend to take the medicine* Alcohol will reduce the effectiveness of this medicine. Oral medications are an effective and popular way of treating order viagra no prescription erectile dysfunction from men. This is incorrect because, according to existing medical literature, cholecystectomy does not reduce gallbladder buy sildenafil without prescription appalachianmagazine.com pain in 10% – 33% of patients. The first chapter opens with an action scene that sets the tone for what comes later. Eric, who goes by the book, temporarily throws the rules away for one insane moment in time and starts a domino effect. What Eric faces later on in the book are the two most challenging and critical events of his life, and he has to succeed or someone, okay, quite a few someones, are going to die. How can a reader not get hooked with that kind of drama?

The action scenes are gritty, the suspense is knife sharp and the romance sizzles. Ms. Tyler weaves intrigue with lust, suspense with laughter and shocks with revelations. In the Company of Wolves is a busy book with lots of layers for readers to explore.

However, the author actually starts off with how Jayna’s turn came to pass in the prologue. It’s scary because she was just a kid when it happened and the violence was shocking. It’s not until the chaos of the first chapter that I found out what had happened to Jayna and I was horrified. How could she have gone from the frying pan to the fire? It’s through Eric’s determination and dogged perseverance that I found out. Eric is a man of action but even he, with all his wolfie talents, might not be enough to save the day. The ‘how’ of it is another reason why I found this book hard to put down.

When Eric and Jayne follow their mating instincts, it’s really hot stuff. Those scenes are well-written, well placed and every one of them is worth reading.

Secondary characters are key. The ones in Jayna’s group provide motivation, heart and conflict. The villains are decidedly creepy, violent and effective bad guys. Even someone who used to be good was actually bad and that made me sad. It was Jayna’s remembrances of him earlier that made it so hard to reconcile the past with the reality of the present. My favorite secondary character was Cooper. Ms. Tyler put my emotions through the wringer when she had him on stage. I think what got me the most was how she described his smile.

For romantic suspense readers, this novel has enough chases, fights, bullets, blood, drama, action, trepidation and heart stopping moments to cause an adrenaline rush. It’s riveting!

As for the happy ever after, it’s perfect because it comes with a couple of surprises. That last couple of sentences were so romantic they left me sighing. It was all worth it. In the Company of Wolves definitely gets a thumbs up from me. This is an awesome book and an easy one to recommend to other readers. It’s a standalone so a new reader can jump right in and feel welcomed. Certainly, it’s one not to miss.

Life and Other Near-Death Experiences by Camille Pagán

NEAR
Life and Other Near-Death Experiences by Camille Pagán
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Length: Full Length (262 pgs)
Rated: 4.5 stars
Review by Poppy

Libby Miller has always been an unwavering optimist—but when her husband drops a bomb on their marriage the same day a doctor delivers devastating news, she realizes her rose-colored glasses have actually been blinding her.
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With nothing left to lose, she abandons her life in Chicago for the clear waters and bright beaches of the Caribbean for what might be her last hurrah. Despite her new sunny locale, her plans go awry when she finds that she can’t quite outrun the past or bring herself to face an unknowable future. Every day of tropical bliss may be an invitation to disaster, but with her twin brother on her trail and a new relationship on the horizon, Libby is determined to forget about fate. Will she risk it all to live—and love—a little longer?

From critically acclaimed author Camille Pagán comes a hilarious and hopeful story about a woman choosing between a “perfect” life and actually living.

Alternately exceptionally deep and heart-rending and absolutely hysterical, Life and Other Near-Death Experiences was nothing like I expected and completely enjoyable.

From the first page, I was both chuckling at Libby’s attitude and heart-broken at the way her life was crumbling around her. She has the kind of snarky, internal (and sometimes external) humor that I absolutely enjoy. Despite her world falling apart, she moves forward and makes choices and does what needs doing. Sometimes I questioned her choices, but not having walked in her shoes, how would I know what the “right” way to behave would be.

The author has a descriptive but breezy style that’s so easy to read. While this isn’t my typical genre, I’m glad I grabbed it. It was both edifying and uplifting and so very interesting. Parts were a little draggy, but mostly I zipped right through the book. From Chicago to the tropics, I was right there with our heroine as she went from giving up and deciding to die, to learning how to live and love again. It was an incredible journey that sometimes left me breathless and ultimately left me moved. I’m glad I decided to pick it up and recommend it to any reader who enjoys a book both meaningful and completely entertaining.

Naked: A Novel of Lady Godiva by Eliza Redgold

NAKED
Naked: A Novel of Lady Godiva by Eliza Redgold
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (294 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rated: 4 stars
Reviewed by Poppy

We know her name. We know of her naked ride. We don’t know her true story.

We all know the legend of Lady Godiva, who famously rode naked through the streets of Coventry, covered only by her long, flowing hair. So the story goes, she begged her husband Lord Leofric of Mercia to lift a high tax on her people, who would starve if forced to pay. Lord Leofric demanded a forfeit: that Godiva ride naked on horseback through the town. There are various endings to Godiva’s ride, that all the people of Coventry closed their doors and refused to look upon their liege lady (except for ‘peeping Tom’) and that her husband, in remorse, lifted the tax.

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Though historical romance is not my usual genre, I was very interested in reading this book. We know the legend of Lady Godiva, now I got to meet the woman and see the author’s interpretation of the story behind her ride. I’m glad I did.

First off, be warned that the author’s writing style might not resonate for everyone. She uses fragments, and some choppy sentences, but I didn’t find it intrusive. I zipped through the pages, interested in the world she built. I confess that I’m not well-versed in many of the historical references or mores of the times, so can’t comment on whether they are correct, but I completely enjoyed seeing the way life was then.

Godiva is strong and loving. She comes from a family who adores her and is destroyed when her parents are killed. Yes, she’s young and a bit naïve at times, but she does what she needs to do in order to care for her people. She’s a ruler and a woman to be admired.

We readers aren’t sure whether to root for her relationship with Leofric, whom she marries from necessity, especially when we know he is the one who will eventually cause her to shame herself and ride naked through the town. Is he a good man or an evil one? Should she have married her childhood friend, Edmund, instead?

I admired the author’s story telling prowess and imagination, along with the little historical tidbits she sprinkled in here and there; the day-to-day routines, the food, the herbs. The secondary characters, too, were well drawn, which isn’t always easy to do in a book written in first person.

While, at its heart this is a romance, it’s not a typical one, and those going in expecting that might be disappointed. It’s a dramatic retelling of a historical event that includes romance, but also so much more. I enjoyed this book, and am glad I had the chance to read it.

Men For Hire by Tina Donahue, Michelle Roth, Bella Settarra and Jennifer Denys

HIRE
Men For Hire by Tina Donahue, Michelle Roth, Bella Settarra and Jennifer Denys
Publisher: Luminosity Publishing LLP
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (120 pgs)
Other: M/F, Ménage, Anal Play
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Mistletoe

An anthology of four delicious, erotic stories, each beautifully crafted for your enjoyment…
……………………………………………….
Got Muscle? by Tina Donahue (M/F)

It’s so nice to have a hunk around the house…

As a recent transplant from New York, Bree’s certain her company transferred her to the London office because she wasn’t model-thin like the American staff. To rectify that, she’s bought a home gym. Now all she needs is someone to put the bloody thing together so she can sweat herself into a micro mini.

David has muscle to spare. Tall, dark, and sinfully handsome, he’s doing odd jobs until he gets his start-up off the ground. As far as David’s concerned, Bree’s lush curves don’t need improving, just a man who can appreciate them. He’ll definitely give her all the exercise she needs.
……………………………………………….

Ménage at Mealtime by Bella Settarra (M/F/M)

Naomi Powell nervously prepares for a dinner party where she hopes to secure a lucrative deal with a new publisher. Her ex, Richard, is also attending with his new girlfriend, Naomi’s best friend, Paula.

When Naomi hears a bird stuck in her chimney she urgently calls ‘Men for Hire’ for help. Two gorgeous guys, Aaron and James, come to her rescue. Not only do they solve her chimney problem, they woo her guests and give Naomi the time of her life—ménage-style!

However, when Richard announces that he wants Naomi back, will she follow convention or follow her heart?
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Calculated Risk by Michelle Roth (M/F)

Stella Whitman has inherited her mother’s country home. When she finds it in utter disrepair, her cousin suggests that she call Men for Hire in search of a handyman. When he arrives, she’s somewhat shocked to find that his deep brown eyes and rugged good looks are giving her some very inappropriate thoughts.

Despite his instant attraction to Stella, Ian Starling has convinced himself that they need to keep things strictly professional. He’s been burnt before and has vowed never again. It becomes increasingly more difficult as he gets to know her, though. Then one rainy night changes everything…
……………………………………………….
Marital Duties by Jennifer Denys (M/F)

Delighted her ‘Men for Hire’ business was doing so well, Jennifer wasn’t expecting several of her clients to fall in love with her employees. At least they were getting sex. She was married and didn’t even get that most basic of husbandly tasks.

An idea came to her, and she amusingly completed an employee request form, asking her husband to do his marital duties.

Rob was stunned when he received the form mistakenly sent out by Jennifer’s assistant. Well, if his lovely wife wanted him to perform his duties, he would undertake them. Only, it wouldn’t be what she was asking for…

What if you found the love of your life in a phone call? Each of the authors in this anthology brings us a story of just that. These women are in need of some muscle and help around the house. What they get is not only the help but a happy ever after. Three of the stories show us how the couples come together while the last story gives readers a look at the owner of the company and her adventure. What a great business Jennifer has come up with and the added benefits make it all the more better.

Got Muscle? By Tina Donahue is a sweet story about finding love. Having been transferred to London, Bree has no idea who to call when she needs a man’s strength. When she calls for help and David arrives she is surprised at the instant connection. Knowing that she is a large girl Bree never thought that a man like David would ever look past that and see what she truly was inside. I loved David and seeing their relationship take shape made for a wonderful read. When Bree opens up and lets go of her insecurities, the two burn up the pages.

Ménage at Mealtime by Bella Settarra is a great story. I enjoyed watching the two men find a way into Naomi’s heart. With James and Aaron’s help, she begins to see how beautiful she truly is. Not only did the main characters grab my attention but I enjoyed the secondary characters as well. Love is strong and emotions run high in this story. I loved seeing Naomi blossom and find out what she truly wants and deserves.

Calculated Risk by Michelle Roth gives us the story of Stella and Ian. The two are great together. Their attraction is there right from the start and grows into something much deeper. Ian is a good man and tries to do things by the book but his attraction to Stella is too strong. Not only is she a beautiful woman but she is smart and friendly. It was nice to see the two find their way to a happy ending. Life brings Stella and Ian together but it is up to them to fight for it.

Marital Duties by Jennifer Denys is Jennifer’s story. She and Rob are happily married but it seems that lately they have been too busy and hard at work to do anything but fall asleep once they finish their days. She longs for the good old days when they were carefree and spontaneous. When Jennifer’s assistant emails Rob a contract that Jennifer left on her desk the fun begins. Their story is a sweet story. I enjoyed seeing the two reconnect and enjoy themselves.

I enjoyed each of the stories in this anthology. They are fast paced and hot reads. Emotions and sexual tension run rampant in these tales keeping you interested all the way through. Can you imagine making that phone call and finding love on the other end? This storyline was a wonderful concept and I would not mind coming back for more.

A Mountain Man’s Redemption by Christi Corbett

MANS
A Mountain Man’s Redemption by Christi Corbett
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Historical
Length: Short Story (129 Pages)
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by Myrtle

Voted BoM by LASR Readers 2013 copy

Eighteen years ago, Philip Grant—overcome with regret for what he couldn’t foresee and memories of what he couldn’t prevent—abandoned all to live the solitary life of a fur trapper. Years spent roaming ridgelines and riverbanks in Montana Territory left his body weary and his confidence weak, so he decides to turn in his last bundle of furs and await the inevitable in a cabin. Alone.

Then a body-shaped lump wrapped in a quilt changes everything.
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Philip discovers a battered woman and her infant son, on the run from a ruthless abuser with a penchant for whiskey. Seventy miles of snow-covered mountain peaks and windswept flatlands stand between them and safety—the woman’s aunt’s house.

Can Philip trust in his newfound faith to lead the way?

A fur-trapper who lives on his own in the Montana wilderness during the winter of 1886 is best served when he has only himself to worry about for survival, but when Philip Grant comes across an unexpected duo in need of help, he must decide whether to put his own life on the line to save them, or walk away.

Philip has had a good haul for a fur-trapper this season, but he soon finds himself with only ten days left to get his furs to the nearest fort, more than eighty miles away. It will be a difficult journey, which must be made quickly. But before long, he finds himself challenged with more than just time and distance. The reader will learn that Philip has his own demons in life to battle, but none more urgent that Hannah whom he discovers battered and beaten and clutching a baby in the middle of a harsh winter. Slowly and out of necessity, Hannah begins to explain the circumstances that have driven her, literally, out into the snow without proper gear for herself or her baby. With Philip’s continued prompting, the young mother confides in the fur-trapper, telling a heartbreaking story of abuse by her husband.

Wife abuse is not your average storyline in a historic novel, but maybe we should see it more often. The story is built upon a strong faith, and is historically accurate. It shows us that what we believe to be a modern problem is not at all. The reader gets a vastly different perspective in this well-written story.

This is a quick read, which is what brings me to my only criticism of the story. In the story’s beginning, Philip discovers a quilt in the snow-covered woods, and although we already know he is behind schedule and has an urgent need to get to Fort Matiley before it closes, which involves crossing “the most rugged mountain peaks in Montana,” he moves far too slowly. He spends too much time deciding whether to find out what’s inside the mysterious quilt. There were a few other points in the story where I felt things needed to move more quickly, given the urgency, too. With that said, this story was nearly flawless in its delivery.

If you’re looking for historical fiction, or a story with a 1880s flare, and the theme of a battered woman won’t deter you, then this is a story worth your time.

Monsterland by Michael Phillip Cash

MONSTER
Monsterland by Michael Phillip Cash
Publisher: Self Published
Genre: Horror, Futuristic (Dystopian), Paranormal, Mystery/Suspense
Length: Full Length (223 pgs)
Rated: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Poppy

Voted BoM by LASR Readers 2013 copy

Welcome to Monsterland – the scariest place on Earth. All guests can interact with real vampires in Vampire Village, be chased by an actual werewolf on the River Run, and walk among the dead in Zombieville.

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Not quite horror (despite some gore), but certainly plenty scary in parts, Monsterland was a great read.

First off, I have to say this: author Michael Phillip Cash has serious writing chops. From the first line I was plunged into the story with his clear, vivid descriptions and interesting scenes. The characters were so clearly drawn I felt as if I sat right there with them on the couch in the home watching the TV. I was really impressed.

The story was interesting. Occasionally scary, occasionally funny, sometimes desperately sad, I was completely engrossed. Is it an unlikely scenario? Absolutely. Most dystopian-type books that I read I’ll nod and think, “Yep, I can see that happening.” but not so much this one. Did that diminish my enjoyment? Not really. But, honestly, that’s mostly because I was so crazy about the characters. There were a few places where I really had to suspend my belief in reality for this, but I didn’t care. I’d have followed Carter and Wyatt anywhere.

The story does start a little slowly, but it sort of had to in order to introduce us to what’s going on…a town that’s on the brink of collapse, a virus that turns people into zombies, a wealthy businessman who’s going to save everyone with his theme park and Carter’s suspicion of the guy’s motives.

I really loved Carter. He’s trying so hard to be a good dad to his step-kids, both of whom are teens so it makes it that much harder for him to connect with them. They have the “you’re not my dad” syndrome, but he doesn’t give up. He’s a great guy. Despite wanting to slap the boys now and then, they grew on me and definitely did some growing up and maturing during the story.

There is some strong language and descriptive gore throughout, so be warned if that’s not your thing. But if it is? You should definitely give this book a go. It was a winner for me, and I’ll be keeping an eye out for more from this author.

Deceptions by Kelley Armstrong

KELLEY
Deceptions by Kelley Armstrong
Publisher: Dutton – An Imprint of Penguin Random House
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (453 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Thistledown

TRUST NO ONE

Olivia Jones is desperate for the truth. The daughter of convicted serial killers, she has begun to suspect that her parents are innocent of their crimes. But who can she trust, in a world where betrayal and deception hide in every shadow?

RISK EVERYTHING

Liv does have one secret weapon: a mysterious sixth sense that helps her to anticipate danger. The trouble is, this rare power comes with its own risks. There are dark forces that want to exploit Liv’s talents – and will stop at nothing to win her to their side.

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Now Liv must decide, before it’s too late. Who does she love? Who is really on her side? And can she save herself without burning down everything that matters most?

Deceptions and illusions at every turn.

Olivia Taylor-Jones has just had her life upended. She has discovered she’s adopted and her real parents are convicted serial killers. Hiding in the small town of Cainesville to escape media attention, she finds herself at the center of a very different sort of plot that may or may not involve the true nature of her parents. Behind the lies and pretty fakery lie the twisted secrets of the fae and their trickery runs deep.

There are several aspects to this novel. One is the Welsh mythology that runs throughout. I found that fascinating in the extreme. Without having read the first two books however, I was utterly lost and floundered around like a misplaced fish. So-take my advice and don’t pick this book up until you’ve had the pleasure of reading the first two. They are now on my list. With all the mysteries dredged up, the plot kept me guessing and summarily scratching my head. I just didn’t have the correct context in which to read the book in the middle of the series. The author has too many things going on and you need to have the solid background for the book to flesh out in the appropriate fashion.

Another appealing facet of this book was the love triangle between Olivia, Gabriel and Ricky. There was tension in the air and wow…you can feel something building here. Sort of Twilight-ish. Ricky is perfect-in my mind almost too perfect for a biker. Gabriel is moody and I’m not altogether sure where things are going to lead but either way, it’s going to be interesting.

The nightmarish quality of Olivia’s visions was the part that intrigued me the most. Her heritage brings her down all manner of dark passages and leaps in time and space. And bodies for that matter. Despite not knowing exactly what I was reading, I was transfixed by the sheer creep factor of Olivia being inside of her mother’s body while she was in the asylum watching her relative-and seeing the true nature of the nurse as a shining one. So cool. The rage. The thrumming emotion. It was as vibrant as any painting. There is a lot of fear of the unknown and it floods the pages, making any lover of horror, romance or fantasy just revel in it.

My rating of 4/5 is mostly based on the fact that picking up the book, I wanted to be able to understand what was going on and at least be able to have a point of reference without having to have read the others in the series. I didn’t have that and was quite frustrated. If not for that, this would be a five star all the way. The characters were alive. The sex scenes-the ones that there were-were hot and appropriate for the story line. The dialogue was spot on. The mythology nicely woven into the fiber of the book. With Kelly Armstrong I would expect nothing less. She is one of my favorite PNR authors and has been for years. I will be going back and investing time and money in the other books in the series because now I simply have to find out what the heck is going on. The mystery is too compelling for me not to.

Read them in order-but read them. And be sure to sleep with the lights on.

Fishbowl by Bradley Somer

FISHBOWL
Fishbowl by Bradley Somer
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (304 pgs)
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Cholla

A goldfish named Ian is falling from the 27th-floor balcony on which his fishbowl sits. He’s longed for adventure, so when the opportunity arises, he escapes from his bowl, clears the balcony railing and finds himself airborne. Plummeting toward the street below, Ian witnesses the lives of the Seville on Roxy residents.

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Sometimes taking a risk is the only way to move forward with our lives. As Ian the goldfish knows, “An entire life devoted to a fishbowl will make one die an old fish with not one adventure had.”

Ian is a goldfish. A goldfish that is falling from the twenty-seventh floor balcony of the Seville on Roxy apartment complex. Now, Ian is a modern goldfish without any of the hang-ups of his contemporary aquatic friends like, say, Troy the snail. So, as Ian falls from the top floor of the Seville, the things he observes aren’t any shock to him, nor are they of much concern, either. But for the rest of us? It’s a little more intriguing than a passing goldfish could ever dream.

The narrative takes us through the lives of a handful of people living at the Seville on Roxy, although it starts and focuses mainly on Connor and his girlfriend, Katie. These two are probably the most mainstream of the group, especially when compared to Claire who works a phone sex line from her apartment, Herman who is homeschooled, and Garth – the construction worker with a secret. Each apartment holds its own story and each story deals with a bit of reality we’d all like to forget or maybe engage with more – life, death, love, mental illness, you name it, it’s at the Seville on Roxy.

I have never so fully enjoyed an entire cast of characters as much I did these. Major props to the author for giving each character a realistic and complete backstory, one that makes you feel invested in that person, even if you only see them once every handful of chapters. Even though Connor is pretty much a hopeless dog, he’s still likable in an odd sort of way, and he’s not always all that easy to like. The author finds a way to point out something good in each character, even when you think there’s nothing of value. Of them all, Garth and Jimenez are probably my favorites, mostly because they’re two people who get overlooked and ignored a lot in their lives.

The concept of this novel was the thing that hooked me. That and the illustration of Ian’s plummet from the top to his eventual resting spot at the bottom that was drawn along the right-hand margin of the book, but this really has nothing to do with the story, it was just an amusing addition to an already amusing novel. Although it was purported to be in the tradition of two books that I had loved, I found Fishbowl to fall more in line with something more Douglas Adams-like than either Garth Stein or Armistead Maupin. Either way, this was one of the most entertaining novels I’ve read all year.

Locked, Loaded and Lying by Sarah Andre

LYING
Locked, Loaded and Lying by Sarah Andre
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (408 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Cholla

He might be innocent.

Or he might be very, very guilty…
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Olympic skier Lock Roane was on top of the world: smashing world records, collecting medals, and basking in the love of a nation and his beautiful heiress girlfriend. It all comes crashing down after Lock discovers his girlfriend had an affair – then wakes from a drunken bender to find himself covered in her blood. Disgraced and dethroned, Lock awaits his murder trial with dread, not knowing if his girlfriend died at his own hands.

Journalist Jordan Sinclair is out of options. To satisfy her blackmailer, she must get the inside scoop (and its cash reward) on Lock Roane. An attraction to the arrogant athlete was not part of the plan. Neither is trying to find out what really happened that night. Now Jordan risks everything – including her life – to help the man she’s falling for. A man who just might be a cold-blooded killer…

He only wants to prove his innocence while she’s looking for the story of a lifetime. While Lock Roane is content to hide out until the murder trial of his girlfriend Tiffany begins, Jordan Sinclair, a freelance journalist, has other ideas. She’s running out of time and in order to keep herself and her mother safe, she’s going to have to commit the ultimate betrayal. But can she do it or has Lock and Load already gotten too far under her skin?

I’m not going to lie – I really liked Lock from the beginning, even when he was being a bit of a jerk to his extremely drunk girlfriend. He has this vibe of ‘yes, I’m being a jerk, but it’s for your own good’. As you get to know him better, you come to understand, mostly through Jordan’s eyes, that the cocky, jerky exterior is his ‘Lock and Load’ persona, that of the world-famous skier. The one he needs to survive in that world. His strained relationship with his brother only enhances his softer side, the one he doesn’t want anyone to see.

Jordan I wasn’t as sure about in the beginning. She had her reasons for doing what she planned to do, but I kept expecting her to quit lying and come clean long before she did. If I were in her position, I probably would have stuck it out just as long as she did, but I still held out hope. In the end, she did the right thing, though, so she does have that going for her. Although she’s both troubled and in serious trouble, she really does care for both Lock and his brother, Leo.

Although the mystery of who really killed Tiffany was a little obvious, this isn’t the kind of book you read for the mystery. It’s the kind of book you read for the bonding, the friendship, and the budding love story. I especially enjoyed watching Lock and Leo repair their relationship that had been damaged for too many years. Well written and intense, Locked, Loaded and Lying is a story that kept me engaged until the very end.