The Black Hand by Jonathan Dunne

August 14, 2019 By 10 Comments


The Black Hand by Jonathan Dunne
Publisher: Tirgearr Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense
Length: Full Length (320 pgs)
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Rose

In the aftermath of Ireland’s most deadly gang war, Dublin’s ruling family has scattered to the wind.

Into the void steps a criminal genius known only as The Black Hand. His organisation’s powerful grip is ruthless, bloody and barbaric.
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With Europe’s biggest crime in play, The Devil needs a distraction. And The Black Hand needs Jacob Boylan to return to Irish shores. He will stop at nothing to provoke Dublin’s most lethal criminal out of hiding.

But has the wily genius misstepped? As all eyes are on Jacob, the Dublin exile carefully plans a gangland wipeout, for he is nobody’s pawn.

This book is told in two parts, but is actually one complete story. The world is organized crime… two major organized crime families, but behind them is the shadowy Black Hand that is actually directing things…. much like a puppet master…the Black Hand is controlling things with no one even knowing what’s going on.

There is non-stop action with Jacob being somewhat of an anti-hero as he takes care of business when his sister is in danger. As I was reading it, I could so see this being an action-thriller on the big screen. There are many characters, but the author does a wonderful job at keeping them all separate and unique.

Because this book is completely steeped in the darkness of organized crime, it is dark, gritty, violent, and bloody, but there is also an element of family loyalty and love present. I found myself rooting for Jacob even as he was taking out his enemies, and I’m not normally a bloodthirsty type!

The book is well plotted and well written… I hated to put it down and stayed up way too late to read this. And, I have to say the ending caught me off guard…..good job, sir. Very well played. This is my first book by Jonathan Dunne but it certainly will not be my last one.

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

Wraith by Harley Wylde

August 14, 2019 By Leave a Comment


Wraith by Harley Wylde
Dixie Reapers MC Book 8
Publisher: Changeling Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (162 Pages)
Other: M/F, Anal Play/Sex, BDSM
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Sorrel

Rin — My mom died when I was little, and my dad followed when I was fifteen. My half-brother, the nastiest human being I’ve ever met, convinced the state to grant him custody. More likely he bribed people. My life has been hell since then. Every time I try to run, he finds me, tortures me, and makes sure I toe the line. This time will be different. I’m asking the Dixie Reapers for help. If they turn me away, I’m as good as dead, but even that’s preferable to what my half-brother has planned for me next.

I didn’t count on the sexy man with the dark, brooding eyes. The man who defended me only seconds after laying eyes on me. The man who makes me want things I’ve never wanted before. I knew better than to sleep with him, knew I wasn’t good enough. When he rejects me, I run. Discovering several weeks later that he left a little part of himself inside me is even more terrifying than my half-brother finding me.

A man will be much better served by looking after good penis health, as well as good overall health, it’s important to target general penis health viagra generico uk as well. And certainly learn generic viagra wholesale from any successes. The five easy ideas namely, oral medication, vacuum device, surgery, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, can make a lot of find out over here online viagra order change in your sex life. In April 2012, the FDA declared buy viagra samples that Merck had consented to upgrade the drug’s marking to reveal the danger of sexual dysfunction, such as: Erectile dysfunction Premature ejaculation Thin semens Low sperm count Infertility etc. Wraith — I’m not the settling-down type. Maybe once upon a time, but not anymore. While I was serving overseas, my sister was left for dead in a gutter. I failed her. Failed my parents, who made me promise to protect her before they breathed their last. Now I’m faced with Rin, the strongest, most beautiful woman I’ve ever met. She needs a protector, and I’ll gladly be that for her. I want her. Want to keep her and make her mine. I’ve fucked my share of women over the years, but I’ve never made love to one. Until Rin. But I’m no good for her, or anyone else. She thinks she’s not worthy of me, but it’s the other way around.

Then she runs and I feel like a piece of my soul has been ripped out. Finding her won’t be easy, but I won’t stop until she’s back in my home, in my bed. And I’ll make sure that every asshole who ever laid a hand on her is buried six feet under or rotting in prison. No one will ever hurt her again.

It never occurred to me that I would be the asshole to hurt her. I stopped believing in Christmas miracles a long time ago, but now I really need one. I need Rin back, and I’ll do anything to make her mine.

Wraith and Rin. They both had an instant connection and the chemistry is just great. They are what they need for each other.

This is the 8th book in the series. Though it can definitely be read as a standalone, I would like to mention that the characters do appear in each other’s books and in different series.

Rin has a history. Not a good one. Her half-brother is into prostitution and it seems had forced her into it as well. Rin was mentally and physically healing when she came into the club. She immediately felt safe with Wraith. They had a chemistry from the get-go, though it was a bit difficult for me to believe that she was able to be intimate with Wraith that early. After the trauma of her past, I expected it would take some time for her to be ready for that and the intimate sex scenes would come at the absolute end and be a bit sweet. That being said everything was consensual between them.

I loved seeing Wraith with her. He’s protective of her. Regardless of everything else, the sex and chemistry were hot. The need to make her happy was constant with him and I enjoyed reading it. The plot was really easy to get into and follow. Rin and Wraith both have a past and it seems they complete each other.

If you want to understand better and love reading a biker love story with hot chemistry and camaraderie between the brothers, as well as the sizzling chemistry between the hero and damsel in distress…then this book might be for you.

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

Lords of the North by Bernard Cornwell

August 13, 2019 By Leave a Comment


Lords of the North by Bernard Cornwell
The Saxon Stories #3
Publisher: Harper
Genre: Action/Adventure, Historical
Length: Full length (317 pages)
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

The year is 878. Uhtred, the dispossessed son of a Northumbrian lord, has helped the Saxons of Wessex defeat the invading Danes. Now, finally free of his allegiance to the victorious, ungrateful King Alfred, he is heading home to rescue his stepsister, a prisoner of Kjartan the Cruel in the formidable Danish stronghold of Dunholm. Uhtred’s best hope is his sword, Serpent-Breath, for his only allies are Hild, a West Saxon nun fleeing her calling, and Guthred, a slave who believes himself king. Rebellion, chaos, fear, and betrayal await them in the north, forcing Uhtred to turn once more, reluctantly, to the liege he formerly served in battle and blood: Alfred the Great.

Uhtred’s path seems clear, but fate has other plans.

Susanna Anna-Marie Johannes (Priyanka Chopra) is a femme fatale who has to kill her seven husbands in search of a viagra in line perfect match. Improving erection quality, increasing sperm count, eliminating premature ejaculation and promoting confidence level during lovemaking purchase cheap viagra are important health benefits of safed musli. In fact, there are numerous treatments options that have worked well for other men who have found themselves dealing with the same health problems viagra 100mg generika that you are going to the toilet a lot more possibilities is usually excellent, you need to follow. In California, online driver education is generally preferred by teenagers and also by learners of other buying generic cialis ages. Before reading Lords of the North, I recommend reading the first two books in the series, The Last Kingdom, and The Pale Horseman, for a couple reasons. First, this book picks up shortly after the events of The Pale Horseman. Second, reading the series in order gives a better understanding of Uhtred’s history, his growth as a character, and his complicated relationships. Mr. Cornwell does provide brief summaries of important previous events, but I feel these are meant to refresh the memory of someone who has already read the first two books. Again, I must warn readers that this book contains graphic violence and mentions rape but does not describe it in detail.

So much happens to Uhtred in this installment! As the story opens, Uhtred is once again irritated with Alfred. Uhtred played a major part in Alfred’s latest victory over the Danes, but received a paltry reward. I can’t help but sympathize with Uhtred. He’s done so much for Alfred, his family, and the kingdom of Wessex but receives practically nothing for his service. So, he leaves Alfred and Wessex behind and goes North intent on killing Kjartan and Sven as revenge for the death of his foster father and to rescue his sister, Thyra, if she still lives. To do that he’ll need to attack Dunholm, which is a formidable fortress.

Uhtred is an excellent warrior, but since he doesn’t have an army or a solid plan, I had no idea how he was going to accomplish this. I eagerly dove in to the book with a smile on my face ready to follow Uhtred on his latest adventure. I must admit I was quite surprised to see what fate had in store for Uhtred. I won’t give away too many details, but I will say that a betrayal derails Uhtred’s plans and tears him from his life as a warrior. In his darkest moment, he finds aid from an unexpected source.

As I’ve said before, Uhtred is one of the most well-rounded characters I’ve had to the pleasure of knowing. Yes, he can be arrogant, selfish, and ruthless in battle, but he’s also brave and quite caring. He refuses to leave friends behind, and he is true to his word. Whether he wants to admit it or not, he has the makings of a great hero.

At this point in the series, the books have a familiar feel to them. However, this doesn’t make the tale boring. Far from it! Uhtred’s adventures are never dull. The familiarity comes from knowing Uhtred and his sense of humor. I find it comforting, like talking to an old friend. I also think this book has a stronger sense of nostalgia about it than the previous books. I can really feel that Uhtred, telling the story as an old man, is really missing his days as a warrior and it makes my heart ache.

I’m completely addicted to this series! I highly recommend this bittersweet tale to fans of historical fiction and adventure. I’ll be picking up the next book very soon!

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

The Atomic City Girls by Janet Beard

August 13, 2019 By Leave a Comment


The Atomic City Girls by Janet Beard
Publisher: William Morrow
Genre: Recent Historical Fiction
Length: Full Length (363 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

In November 1944, eighteen-year-old June Walker boards an unmarked bus, destined for a city that doesn’t officially exist. Oak Ridge, Tennessee has sprung up in a matter of months—a town of trailers and segregated houses, 24-hour cafeterias, and constant security checks. There, June joins hundreds of other young girls operating massive machines whose purpose is never explained. They know they are helping to win the war, but must ask no questions and reveal nothing to outsiders.

The girls spend their evenings socializing and flirting with soldiers, scientists, and workmen at dances and movies, bowling alleys and canteens. June longs to know more about their top-secret assignment and begins an affair with Sam Cantor, the young Jewish physicist from New York who oversees the lab where she works and understands the end goal only too well, while her beautiful roommate Cici is on her own mission: to find a wealthy husband and escape her sharecropper roots. Across town, African-American construction worker Joe Brewer knows nothing of the government’s plans, only that his new job pays enough to make it worth leaving his family behind, at least for now. But a breach in security will intertwine his fate with June’s search for answers.
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When the bombing of Hiroshima brings the truth about Oak Ridge into devastating focus, June must confront her ideals about loyalty, patriotism, and war itself.

A different look at the way things were in Oak Ridge.

I picked this book up because it’s on the list of books we’re considering reading for the local reading group. I’d read The Girls of Atomic City and enjoyed it, so I was looking forward to this take on Oak Ridge. I’m glad I picked up this book. Really. I have some quibbles with it, but it’s a quick read and an interesting point of view on life at Oak Ridge.

One of my quibbles is with the characters. I didn’t really root for any of them. I didn’t see any of them–save for a secondary one–as someone I’d like to have for a friend. I did get emotionally involved in the story, so that’s going for the book. I wanted to clunk a couple of the characters on the head. But the thing is, some of the characters were rather immature. I get they were young when they arrived at Oak Ridge, the naivete, and in some ways negativity, made me want to skip pages.

Still, this is an interesting take on what the people went through in Oak Ridge. Racial bias, loose-lips-sink-ships, being wary of everyone…it’s vividly told.

If you’re looking for a book that’s different and involves the work at Oak Ridge, then this might be the book for you.

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

Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell

August 9, 2019 By 1 Comment


Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell
Publisher: Atria Books
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense
Length: Full Length (369 pgs)
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

Ellie Mack was the perfect daughter. She was fifteen, the youngest of three. She was beloved by her parents, friends, and teachers. She and her boyfriend made a teenaged golden couple. She was days away from an idyllic post-exams summer vacation, with her whole life ahead of her.

And then she was gone.

Now, her mother Laurel Mack is trying to put her life back together. It’s been ten years since her daughter disappeared, seven years since her marriage ended, and only months since the last clue in Ellie’s case was unearthed. So when she meets an unexpectedly charming man in a café, no one is more surprised than Laurel at how quickly their flirtation develops into something deeper. Before she knows it, she’s meeting Floyd’s daughters—and his youngest, Poppy, takes Laurel’s breath away.

Because looking at Poppy is like looking at Ellie. And now, the unanswered questions she’s tried so hard to put to rest begin to haunt Laurel anew. Where did Ellie go? Did she really run away from home, as the police have long suspected, or was there a more sinister reason for her disappearance? Who is Floyd, really? And why does his daughter remind Laurel so viscerally of her own missing girl?

I know, I know, it is used in place of viagra usa price http://appalachianmagazine.com/2018/02/06/the-golden-age-of-pie-suppers-lost-mountain-culture/ the branded one. It is absolutely the schools’ sale of sildenafil tablets as well as beyond the Beltway in the real economy. How purchase generic levitra can provide relief? As your battle from the core symptoms continue you can still enjoy a sex life by using ED medications. levitra contain Tadalafil. There are a number of products available on the market to choose from, but the fact is that the levitra 10 mg bulk of them hold male enlargement component that don’t work out, communicational problems with other people and many other things that require leading a healthy treatment. “…because then everything about them, about Floyd and Laurel, all of it would be squashed and remade, like a clay pot on a wheel. And it’s such a lovely pot and she’s worked so hard on it and so much depends on it staying exactly as it is.”

What happens to a family after a child goes missing?

In this story the author reveals the break and unravel of the Mack family. The author slowly reveals the unbalance of one mother as she deals with the aftermath of year after year of the devastating impact from the void of her missing daughter Ellie. Unfortunately, the healing wound will be reopened.

You’ll need a “do not disturb” sign because you’ll want to read this book in one sitting. This is a very entertaining book with a well laid out plot. The writing and pacing is excellent with a unpredictable plot twist.

Laurel Mack is Ellie’s mother. Ellie has been missing for 10 years. Since Ellie’s absence from the family her parents have divorced and the relationship between her mother and her sister Hanna is at odds due to the distance between the two. My favorite character is Laurel because her natural instinct is to protect and shelter her home, children and family. Laurel is caring, and has a love for others which is noted on several occasions through out the book. I wanted good things to happen to Laurel, but I know whatever that is it wouldn’t replace her daughter.

How far would a woman go to have a child? When evil shows up it’s sometimes not easy to recognize it. After being in its presence it will eventually show its ugly head. Ellie saw this glimpse of evil and when she tried to be rid of it, it struck back. Without a doubt a reader could very well predict what happened but shouldn’t reward themselves too soon because the full story isn’t told until the very end.

I enjoyed reading the different perspective’s of the characters. The author masterfully weaved the characters’ voices to give a full complete story. Their various perspectives give the story full dimension. The present and past viewpoints helped me fill in the coordinates with the thoughts and voices of Ellie and Noelle.

Highly recommend to readers who enjoy a brilliant plot twist that includes some dark subject matter.

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

Memory Seeker by Carly Marino

August 9, 2019 By Leave a Comment


Memory Seeker by Carly Marino
Inflexaen #2
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, YA
Length: Full length (276 pages)
Age Recommendation: 16+
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Chamomile

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After the dramatic ending in the first book, Thea has the odds stacked against her, but she isn’t done yet!

I loved reading this, if the first was fast-paced and full of action, this one is explosive and impossible to put down! I loved seeing the character development in this one as they strive to win, no matter what that means. Both side are determined to win, and for Cole’s father…he’s confident that in erasing Cole’s memories of Thea, he
already has. I loved seeing Thea as she fights for her soulmate, and must decide on a plan to get him back, once and for all.

This novel isn’t a standalone read. Memory Walker is the first in the Inflexaen series, and Memory Seeker is the second book. Readers really need to read them in order.

I loved the deeper look at the Inflexaens and their abilities in this one, plus we get to know more about their people and history as well. This series is easy to read, but hard to forget, and I’m excited to see what happens in the next book!

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Memory Walker by Carly Marino

August 9, 2019 By Leave a Comment


Memory Walker by Carly Marino
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Young Adult
Length: Full length (341 pages)
Age Recommendation: 16+
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Chamomile

Imagine having the power to view someone’s past at the briefest touch of their skin.

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Cole unveils out-of-this-world dangers she never imagined existed. Even worse, her own past is her greatest fear. The deeper she falls, the more turmoil and heartbreak she crashes into. Dreams of fitting in dissolve when she must protect herself from things far more terrifying than high school rumors.

Having the ability to see (and experience) the memories of anyone who touches you really sucks…At least that’s what Thea Scott thinks at first. This story starts out interesting, and as we get to know the mysterious boy that Thea meets, it gets even better!

I loved the characters in this story, and learn about their abilities as we unravel the mystery surrounding Thea. This story is unique and well written, plus easy to read, and hard to put down! I got a little bit of ‘I Am Number Four’ vibes, plus some ‘Whisper’ by Lynette Noni while reading this, but since I enjoyed both series, it makes me all the more excited to read more of this series too!

If I had one complaint, and the reason this isn’t 5 easy stars, it that there’s one point where things become slightly rushed, making it hard to follow the action and who was friend and who was foe for a short time. It clears up, but that one part does disturb the easy flow the read of the book had. It does lead to an interesting ending though, and after reading this, I was excited to read the next book, always a good sign!

Overall this story was full of steam and mystery, with action and supernatural abilities that served to add even more to the story. If, like me, you enjoy YA romance with a dash of Sci-fi and characters with super-powers, you won’t want to miss this one!

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Heartthrob by Robin Bielman

August 8, 2019 By Leave a Comment


Heartthrob by Robin Bielman
Publisher: Tule Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full length (286 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

He likes a challenge…

Here’s the deal: I’m the best center fielder in the major leagues. I’m also the guy who cost his team the championship game and acted very unsportsmanlike. So, when the team hires a social media manager to repair the damage to my reputation, I don’t argue. But then I meet Chloe Conrad, and I suddenly understand what people mean when they say they have an instant connection to someone. Which means I’m in serious trouble. Chloe’s a smart, sexy distraction I can’t afford, but one date can’t hurt, right? Only she turns me down. And just like that, it’s game on.
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She’s sworn off love…

Finn Auprince is the hottest player in the major leagues. Look up “It Factor” in the dictionary and there’s his handsome face. He’s also my biggest client and I don’t care how easy it is to talk to him or how fun it is to manage his social media accounts, I will not give in to his charms. Then one drunken night, I tell him about my curse: all my previous boyfriends have found their soul mates while dating me. One more heartbreak, and I’ll never recover. But Finn doesn’t believe in curses—he believes in me. Professionally and personally. He sets out to prove the universe isn’t against me, and that his one true love isn’t waiting around the next corner.

The problem is…can we play the game of love and both come out on top?

I’m going to be honest and tell you that baseball is not one of my favorite sports. However, after reading this story, I have a new appreciation for the sport thanks to the hero, Finn Auprince. I am certain the writing style also helped recruit me into being a baseball fan. The story started with an author’s note for the reader telling us that Finn has two brothers and to “stay tuned for two more books as they each get their happily ever after.” This was my first Robin Bielman book and I guarantee it won’t be my last. The author’s note says, all three Auprince brother’s have stolen her heart and that she hopes that they’d steal mine too. Well, I wish I could say that I’ll be faithful to Finn as my book boyfriend but if his brothers are as equally well written as Finn was then I’m looking at two more book boyfriends in my future. I adored Finn for his humble personality despite being a famous baseball player. I also respected his love for his family.

This book had a little bit everything that kept it flowing smoothly and kept me entertained from beginning to end. The heroine, Chloe Conrad, gets the credit for making this story a heartwarming, unpredictable and fun read. She was my favorite kind of heroine. Smart, witty and independent with a touch of vulnerability.

Together, Finn and Chloe make for an unforgettable romance with a lasting book glow lasting hours after the book ended. I just couldn’t get the smile off my face. I loved the element of competition between them. Without giving any spoilers I can only say that this was a great book! I definitely would read it again and would suggest others to put it on their must read list.

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

The Intimate Bond: How Animals Shaped Human History by Brian Fagan

August 8, 2019 By Leave a Comment


The Intimate Bond: How Animals Shaped Human History by Brian Fagan
Publisher: Bloomsbury Press
Genre: Historical, Non-fiction
Length: Full Length (268 pages)
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

From the first wolf to find companionship in our prehistoric ancestors’ camp, to the beasts who bore the weight of our early empires, to the whole spectrum of brutally exploited or absurdly pampered pets of our industrial age, animals–and our ever-changing relationship with them–have left an indelible mark on the history of our species and continue to shape its future.

Through an in-depth analysis of six truly transformative human-animal relationships, Fagan shows how our habits and our very way of life were considerably and irreversibly altered by our intimate bond with animals. Among other stories, Fagan explores how herding changed human behavior; how the humble donkey helped launch the process of globalization; and how the horse carried a hearty band of nomads across the world and toppled the emperor of China.

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This history of animals and how they profoundly shaped human history is a must-read for both animal and history lovers. Not so much about the history of pets, like other books of the general type, this one is more focused on how animals actually forwarded the timeline for people, how they made progress possible.

The book is set-up roughly in chronological fashion but also thematically. For example, readers see how early humans—hunters—got by and how canines gave them certain advantages. But it was a two-way street. Dogs got something in return for their cooperation with humans.

Of course there was the farming revolution and the animals that helped make this a movement in the first place.

Some of the important animals are quite surprising. Many may know that donkeys helped with mining, but they played a much bigger role in shaping human progress than many may realize. After reading about them, people are likely to sympathize with donkeys much more. The author, in fact, claims that donkeys “started globalization.” Without that, of course, trade would have been greatly diminished, and without trade on that scale, groups of humans would have been more isolated.

There is much said about animals and empires, and the great horse. Fascinating insights into horses are presented. After horses, we hear about the important camels and their effect on human history. Other animals are presented in this book as well. Readers may be happy to learn that the author does not neglect domestic dogs and cats after all. Brian Fagan even tells readers when the first dog and cat shows came into being. He ends with commentary on animal cruelty and the humans who fought for them, to save them. There is interesting discussion on the Victorians and how they saw animals, with an elegant ending giving readers much to ponder.

This is a great book that lovers of history and animals should not miss.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,
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