Monthly Archives: January 2015

Darling Beast (Maiden Lane #7) by Elizabeth Hoyt-a review

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DARLING BEAST (Maiden Lane #7) by Elizabeth Hoyt-a review

Darling Beast

Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 14, 2014

A MAN CONDEMNED . . .

Falsely accused of murder and mute from a near-fatal beating, Apollo Greaves, Viscount Kilbourne has escaped from Bedlam. With the Crown’s soldiers at his heels, he finds refuge in the ruins of a pleasure garden, toiling as a simple gardener. But when a vivacious young woman moves in, he’s quickly driven to distraction . . .

A DESPERATE WOMAN . . .

London’s premier actress, Lily Stump, is down on her luck when she’s forced to move into a scorched theatre with her maid and small son. But she and her tiny family aren’t the only inhabitants—a silent, hulking beast of a man also calls the charred ruins home. Yet when she catches him reading her plays, Lily realizes there’s more to this man than meets the eye.

OUT OF ASH, DESIRE FLARES

Though scorching passion draws them together, Apollo knows that Lily is keeping secrets. When his past catches up with him, he’s forced to make a choice: his love for Lily . . . or the explosive truth that will set him free.

••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: DARLING BEAST is the seventh full length installment in Elizabeth Hoyt’s historical Maiden Lane romance series. This is Viscount Kilbourne (Apollo Greaves first introduced in Duke of Midnight Book # 6) and stage actress/writer Lily Stump’s (aka Robin Goodfellow) storyline-a beauty and the beast scenario. Although this is the seventh in the series it can be read as a stand alone. Each chapter begins with an ‘out take’ from a short fairy tale- The Minotaur- that reflects the nature of Darling Beast.

The premise focuses on the building relationship between Lily and a ‘beast’ of a man with no known name. Apollo is on the run- an escapee from the horrific prison known as Bedlam- and is hiding from the people who have wrongly accused him of murder. He is a man who is unable to speak due to an attack and torture that left him near death. Working to rebuild the pleasure gardens near the burned out remains of the theatre, Apollo will find solace and love in the arms of a woman who refuses to judge a man based on his past. With Apollo on the run and his true identity unknown, Lily is unsure of her future.

The relationship between our leading couple is slow to build beginning as friends to lovers. Lily is unaware of Apollo’s true identity believing him to be mentally deficient-unaware of his title-and what happened in the past to bring such heartbreak and sorrow. She is in awe of his body, his beauty and his talent as a gardener. Apollo is immediately attracted to Lily but knows he will only bring trouble if the truth were ever found out. The love scenes are intimate and provocative.

The secondary and supporting characters are numerous including some of the previous storyline players including Captain James Trevillion and Asa Makepeace, Artemis and Maxiumus (Duke of Midnight), members of the aristocracy, family, friends and Lily’s fellow actors. The world building continues to follow the actors and actors, the investigations and, the lifestyles of the rich and famous.

The first half of DARLING BEAST is very slow moving with the focus on Lily, Indio, her maid and their reluctant friendship with a mute stranger whom Indio dubbed ‘Caliban’ after the subhuman, wild man character in Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Apollo’s inability to speak may have contributed to the drag of the storyline because his interaction was mostly visual in the early stages of the story. From the outset our hero is less than perfect, a titled madman, and a murderer in everyone’s eyes and in this he has a difficult time socializing and regaining a foothold in society. Lily’s chosen career as a stage actor places our heroine in the unlikely position as a lower class female and Apollo’s need for Lily will raise a few eyebrows in the aristocratic class.

Elizabeth Hoyt adds another interesting dimension to the Maiden Lane series with her unique and imaginative characters. If you can get past the slow build of the first half, DARLING BEAST is a welcome and pleasurable addition to the series.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Just a Taste by Shannyn Schroeder – a Review

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Just a Taste by Shannyn Schroeder – a Review

 

Just a Taste
O’Learys series – Book #5
by Shannyn SchroederRelease Date:  January 19, 2015

Just a TasteAmazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
Grief has brought them together again—will love open the door to their future? When it’s an O’Leary in the picture, finding out is just part of the adventure…

Carmen Delgado is left reeling when her father dies. Taking care of him has been her sole purpose for so long, she’s forgotten what it’s like to have dreams of her own. And with steady, sexy Liam O’Leary inheriting a share in her dad’s successful food truck, Carmen is suddenly free to explore her life’s possibilities. She never expected Liam to provide the kind of temptation she’s not sure she can resist…

A talented chef, Liam O’Leary has been itching to open his own restaurant for years—and the death of his mentor is a reminder that time passes too quickly. Gus’s Taco Taxi isn’t exactly what he dreamed of, but he can’t desert Gus’s daughter. Working side by side is an unexpected pleasure—and grownup Carmen is alluring in all new ways. Is love on the menu—or will old fears and insecurities drive them apart?

 

Review:

Just a Taste by Shannyn Schroeder is the 5th book in her wonderful O’Learys series. The O’Learys is a wonderful enjoyable series about a close knit Irish family, and in each book, we get to spend time with them all, as well as watch one of them find their mate.

Just a Taste belongs Liam O’Leary, who is a chef. Liam has always wanted his own restaurant, and is now working at high clientele establishment as the head chef. However, he is not happy, as he feels his boss does not appreciate him, and makes changes without his knowledge.

Our heroine is Carmen Delgado, the daughter of an old friend, who Liam worked for when he was young, and he taught him everything. We find out early on, that Carmen’s father, Gus has died, and has left his food truck to both Carmen and Liam. They need to run the truck for a year, before they can even attempt to sell. Needless to say, this brings Carmen and Liam together, as it has been years since they have seen each other.

What follows is sweet, slow to build romance between Liam and Carmen. It was fun to watch two friends work together, and learn from each other how the truck business works. While they end up enjoying their partnership, they begin to discover there is something more between them. Carmen has her own private issues, one being able to handle the loss of her mother and father in a short period. The other being her lack of self confidence in herself and her looks. When she was young, she was overweight, and though Carmen is now very beautiful, she does not see that. It will take Liam to show her how beautiful she is in every way.

I enjoyed the romance, as it was sweet, and soon became sizzling. I loved Liam, as he is exactly what every mother would want for their daughter. He was sweet, caring, loving and determined to win Carmen. They made a great couple. Most of all I loved seeing all the family again, as well as the fun of the truck. This really was wonderful story, and a great series. If you love romance, great couple, family atmosphere, then look no further than the O’Learys series. Just a Taste continues the trend of wonderful stories by Shannyn Schroeder.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Hunger’s Mate Pts 1-4 by A.C. Arthur-a review

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Hunger’s Mate Pts 1-4 by A.C. Arthur-a review

Hunger's Mate 1-4

I read Hunger’s Mate as a four part serial but the entire book will be available February 3, 2015

Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

Hunger's Mate Half man, half animal, a Shadow Shifter must walk the line between predator and prey, hunger and obsession—to capture the woman he loves…

A natural born hunter proud of his birthright, Ezra Preston agrees to hide his identity and pretend to be human—to learn what his enemies know of his kind. But even undercover, it’s not in his nature to play games with a woman. Especially when he discovers the beautiful creature has been keeping secrets of her own…

This is no ordinary woman he’s stalking but an alluring and mysterious cat thief—with dangerous secrets of her own…

Jewel Jenner has plotted and schemed for months, hiding her knowledge of a top-secret operation to save her ailing father. Captivated by her passion, skill, and courage, Ezra wants to help Jewel on her mission. But when he discovers how far she’s gone—sleeping with the enemy to steal a fortune in diamonds—he must decide if he can trust this enthralling woman with his secret…or trust his fiercest instincts when he’s near her.

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HUNGER’S MATE Part 1 (The Shadow Shifters ) by A.C. Arthur

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 13, 2015

Part One in an Exclusive Four-Part Novel　Half man, half animal, a Shadow Shifter must walk the line between predator and prey. Love and lust. And pure, blind hunger…A natural born hunter proud of his birthright, Ezra Preston agrees to hide his true identity and pretend to be human to learn what his enemies know of his kind. But even undercover, it’s not in his nature to play games with a woman. Especially when he discovers a creature as mysterious—and utterly delectable—as Jewel Jenner. Can she be trusted? The only thing Ezra knows for sure is that she cannot be resisted…

REVIEW: HUNGER’S MATE Part 1 introduces the players in A.C. Arthur’s fifth installment in her adult, contemporary Shadow Shifters paranormal romance series. This is Shadow Shifter feline/ Lead Guard Ezra Preston and Jewel Jenner’s storyline.

We are introduced to Ezra Preston-a Shadow Shifter whose current assignment finds him undercover at Comastaz Labs-a government facility involved in the illegal research and possible modification of Shadow Shifter DNA. While Ezra hunts for any clue behind the attack against the Shifters, his mind and body are drawn to a human female who works for Perryville Resort.

Jewel Jenner is hiding a secret; her fear and pain radiate through Ezra and his cat needs to protect her from whatever threat has her running scared. But Jewel’s secret is about to be exposed, and her days of running have come to an end. Ezra’s emotions are all over the place, and he is having difficulty controlling the cat within.

A.C. Arthur sets up the backdrop to HUNGER’S MATE. Ezra’s need for Jewel can only be measured by the desires and needs of his cat, and in this Ezra may have found the woman to tame the beast within. Ezra’s backstory and history is revealed, letting us aware that there is more to Ezra than meets the eye.

Many of the previous storyline characters play a secondary and supporting role: Shifter Hierarchy is revealed through contention and disagreement: and some of the history between the Shadow Shifters, The Genesis Project and Comastaz Labs is slowly revealed as Ezra begins to uncover the truth.

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HUNGERS’S MATE Part 2 (The Shadow Shifters) by A.C. Arthur

About the book: Release Date January 20, 2015

Ezra can’t help but be on the prowl. Jewel is stunning. Sly. Insatiable. But she is no ordinary human—and he’s about to find out that he’s stalking but an alluring and mysterious cat thief. One who possesses dangerous secrets of her own…

REVIEW: HUNGER’S MATE Part 2 focuses on an attack against Perryville Resort and The Shadow Shifters. As Jewel’s past come looking for revenge, it is the Shadow Shifters that will suffer when Jewel is no where to be found.

Once again, the reader is pulled into the world of shifter violence and supernatural powers. No one is safe when Jewel’s past demands retribution. The Genesis Project at Comastaz Labs comes to the forefront and much will be revealed about a new breed of shifter.

The relationship between Ezra and Jewel takes on a sexual flavor-Ezra’s cat believes it has found their mate but Ezra isn’t sure that Jewel will be safe in Ezra’s presence. Once again, the past is too close for comfort.

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HUNGER’S MATE Part 3 (The ShadowShifters) by A.C.Arthur

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date: January 27, 2015

Jewel has plotted and schemed for months, hiding her knowledge of a top-secret operation—and keeping Ezra guessing. And hungry for more…Captivated by her passion, skill, and courage, Ezra wants to help Jewel on her mission. But can she be trusted? Is his desire for her worth the risk?

REVIEW: HUNGER’S MATE part 3 continues to reveal more about both Ezra and Jewel’s backstory. While Jewel has become the obsession of a man bent on creating the ultimate fighting machine, Ezra’s dark side begins to emerge.

The relationship between our couple continues to build. When Ezra demands obedience from Jewel, horrific memories from her past push Jewel to run. She never wants to be placed in another position of submission.

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HUNGER’S MATE Part 4 (Shadow Shifters ) by A.C. Arthur

Release Date: February 3, 2015

Jewel has always had her own agenda. But when Ezra discovers how far she’s gone—sleeping with the enemy to achieve her means—he has no choice but to ask himself: Can he trust her with his own secrets? Instinct tells him that he must be near her. She is the one who can satisfy his hunger. But will his passion for her mean the destruction of him and his kind? How far will one Shadow Shifter go as he follows his own heart?

REVIEW: HUNGER’S MATE part 4 is the culmination of a storyline that finds Jewel on the run from her past. With over four million dollars in stolen diamonds and the secrets to the next generation of a hybrid soldier in her possession, Jewel’s future is dark but for the man who claims that she is his mate. Ezra will reveal the truth behind the Shadow Shifters and the beast within, but it is Jewel’s prior knowledge that has everyone concerned.

While the Shadow Shifters struggle to recover from an attack against Perryville Resort, Ezra begins to hunt for the people responsible for the attack against his mate. Jewel is a woman with many secrets that have placed her in a position to do more harm than good.

_______________

Throughout the storyline several plotlines begin to emerge and intersect; from Ezra and Eli’s backstory in the jungles of Sierra Leone to an ailing infant child whose Shadow Shifter parents have depleted all known resources to help in her recovery. The Genesis Project comes full circle when the past meets the present and the future of the Shadow Shifters species takes an unlikely turn when a baby’s life is dependent upon an experiment from the past. The darkness is Ezra may be the cure everyone is looking for but Ezra’s brother Eli has a secret of his own.

Our heroine, Jewel Jenner, is a difficult character to like. She has some dark demons; a past riddled with secrets and a family she will do anything to protect but when things begin to fall apart, Jewel likes to run and run often. She is unwilling to accept Ezra’s need and love for his mate as her past is awash in betrayal, abuse and loss. Jewel continued to push Ezra at every opportunity; their mutual lies and hidden secrets were the stepping stones to a difficult resolution.

Many of the previous storyline couples and characters continue to play supporting and secondary roles as A.C. Arthur’s Shadow Shifters series builds upon the prior installments and plotlines.

A.C. Arthur’s Shadow Shifters series is infinitely detailed with a fascinating and colorful history that continues to build throughout each storyline. Each novel looks at a number of different backstories, building plotlines and potential struggles that address the continuing battle between the Shadow Shifters and a secret government organization with plans of their own. Because of the amount of information and the build up of material and data in each installment, it is probably advisable to read the series from the beginning and in order.

There is a familiarity to the Shadow Shifters series-one that does not go unnoticed by this reader. A sense of déjà vu to another series that builds upon a similar set of scenarios and storylines.

Copies supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Lethal Consequences (Aegis Security #2) by Elisabeth Naughton-a review

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LETHAL CONSEQUENCES (Aegis Security #2) by Elisabeth Naughton-a review

Lethal Consequences

Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 20, 2015

Three months after rescuing Olivia Wolfe from danger, Aegis Security operative Landon Miller still can’t stop thinking about her, even though she’s off-limits in every way possible. Knowing he’s leaving Aegis and returning to the DIA soon, Landon decides it’s time for their flirty online relationship to end. But Olivia can’t stop thinking about Landon, either. On a whim, she takes a leave of absence from her teaching job to surprise him in Barcelona—and arrives to find a sexy redhead in his hotel room.

Things aren’t always what they seem, though. Landon’s would-be one-night stand is really a member of the Red Brotherhood, a terrorist group targeting Landon for information on a lethal bioweapon. And now Olivia is unwittingly ensnared in their deadly plot, too. Forget escaping emotionally unscathed; Olivia just wants to make it home alive. Yet to survive, she’ll have to put her trust in the very man who not only broke her heart, but whose lies now threaten both their lives.

In the second book in bestselling author Elisabeth Naughton’s popular Aegis series, heart-pounding suspense stirs up deliciously sizzling romance.

•••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: LETHAL CONSEQUENCES is the second full length storyline in Elisabeth Naughton’s adult, contemporary Aegis Security action, suspense romance series focusing on the men and women who work for Aegis Security. This is DIA agent and Aegis Security operative Landon Miller and Olivia Wolfe’s storyline. LETHAL CONSEQUENCES can be read as a stand alone without too much difficulty.

Told from third person point of view LETHAL CONSEQUENCES follows Landon on assignment in Spain. With the mission completed, Landon struggled with the memories of Olivia Wolfe, a woman he helped rescue from terrorists, and the sister of one of Aegis Security’s operatives Eve Wolfe (whom we met in Extreme Measures). His attraction to Olivia burns a fire deep within his heart but his history working for the DIA has tainted his soul for all eternity. When Olivia surprises Landon in Barcelona he sure there has been a mistake only to realize that both he and the woman with whom he has fallen in love are now pawns in a bigger game of international espionage, kidnapping and bio-terrorism.

The relationship between Landon and Olivia is friends to lovers. They have been attracted to one another since Olivia’s rescue but Landon has known she is off limits as the sister of a fellow Aegis agent and his DIA undercover lifestyle. Olivia’s innocent naivety as it pertains to Landon’s background and history with the DIA was a slight hindrance to my overall enjoyment of the story. Olivia will pursue Landon letting him know what it is she wants but there are others who are willing to risk her life in an attempt to secure world domination.

The secondary and supporting characters include Eve Wolfe and Zane Archer from Extreme Measures as well as several fellow Aegis agents including former Navy Seal and Aegis owner Jake Ryder, his assistant Marley Addison and DIA operatives. The world building focuses on the continued terrorist threats around the world as well the relationship between the members of the Aegis family and the investigations that place the agents in the heart of the action.

Elisabeth Naughton does an amazing job pulling the reader into an action packed, suspense driven storyline of romance, love and bioterrorism. There are moments of anguish and heartbreak when our heroine believes the man that she loves has lied; Landon is the Yin to Olivia’s Yang. He is a man in love and his first priority is protecting the woman who calls to his heart.

SERIES ORDER
First Exposure
Sinful Surrender
Extreme Measures
Lethal Consequences

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

 

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SINFUL SURRENDER
(Aegis Security .6)
by Elisabeth Naughton
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romantic suspense

Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

Sinful SurrenderABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 2014

He’s been watching her, and now he’s here, in the dimly lit bar of the swanky Vail resort, pretending not to notice her. Songwriter Grace Ryder has never liked the spotlight, but her skin tingles whenever his sexy gaze drifts her way. Only one night will prove whether he’s safety or sin.

Aegis operative Brian Walker’s orders are clear: observe, but don’t touch. Things change, though, the moment the leggy brunette makes him an offer he can’t refuse. Desire leads to seduction, but it comes at a price. Because someone wants her dead, and if Brian’s not careful, his obsession for a woman he never should have touched could get them both killed.

**Previously published in the SINFUL SECONDS anthology. Available as a stand alone story May 1, 2014**

REVIEW: SINFUL SURRENDER is the May 2014 novella in Elisabeth Naughton’s adult, contemporary Aegis Security erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for Aegis Security. This is former Delta Force soldier and Aegis Security operative Brian Walker and song writer Grace Ryder’s storyline. Grace is the younger sister of Aegis Security owner Jake Ryder.

The storyline focuses on Brian’s latest assignment with Aegis Security. He is to covertly keep an eye on Grace Ryder- his boss’s sister and a woman who is being stalked by an unknown source. Vacationing and writing in Vail, Colorado Grace will find herself attracted to the stranger and offers herself up for a one-night stand. A break in, potential robbery and an attack against our couple will find Grace, once again, facing another threat but this time she knows from where the threat is coming.

The secondary and supporting characters include Aegis Security owner and former SEAL Jake Ryder and Jake’s assistant Marley Addison as well as Grace’s best friend Holly. The world building finds our couple nestled in the snow covered mountains of Colorado where another Aegis Security agent will fall in love and lose his heart.

Elisabeth Naughton adds another entertaining dimension to the world of former Navy SEALs and specialized security with this fast paced novella in the Aegis Security series (originally released in the anthology Sinful Seconds). The novella can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

About The Author

Elisabeth naughtonBefore topping multiple bestseller lists—including those of the New York Times, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal—Elisabeth Naughton taught middle school science. A rabid reader, she soon discovered she had a knack for creating stories with a chemistry of their own. The spark turned to a flame, and Naughton now writes full-time. Besides topping bestseller lists, her books have been nominated for some of the industry’s most prestigious awards, such as the RITA® and Golden Heart Awards from Romance Writers of America, the Australian Romance Reader Awards, and the Golden Leaf Award. When not dreaming up new stories, Naughton can be found spending time with her husband and three children in their western Oregon home.

You can find Elisabeth here:
Website/Blog: http://www.elisabethnaughton.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElisNaughton
FB Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/elisabeth.naughton1
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2002988.Elisabeth_Naughton

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Here With Me (The Archer Brothers #1) by Heidi McLaughlin-a review

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HERE WITH ME (The Archer Brothers #1) by Heidi McLaughlin-a review

Here With Me

Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 27, 2014

Ryley Clarke has grown up with the military in her blood, with both parents serving their country. Ryley knows the risks of being married to the military. But when the unthinkable happens, and her future husband is killed in action, Ryley can barely survive… until Evan’s twin brother, Nate, helps her pick up the pieces.

After serving on a special mission with the military for six years, Evan Archer returns home to find the unthinkable – the love of his life, Ryley Clarke – engaged to his brother, Nate. With Nate on deployment, Evan needs to figure out what happened in his absence, and more importantly, how to win Ryley back from the man he once considered his best friend, but now thinks of as his rival.

•••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: HERE WITH ME is the first installment in Heidi McLaughlin’s adult, contemporary The Archer Brothers series focusing on Evan and Nate Archer, and the woman that they love Ryley Clarke.

Told from alternating first person points of view (Evan and Ryley) the premise follows Evan Archer’s return to civilian life. Home, from a six year undercover Navy SEAL mission in Cuba, Evan has no idea that he and three other members of his team had supposedly died and his entire family has grieved his death for over five years. What ensues is a series of mistaken beliefs, a presumed government cover up and a growing hatred between brothers.

Ryley thought Evan was dead. She gave birth to his son; is now engaged to Evan’s brother Nate; but she has never forgotten the man with whom she fell in love. His return has brought with it too many questions and a need to uncover the truth. While Nate has been deployed on his own SEAL mission, Ryley and Evan will begin to rekindle the love that had never died.

A major portion of the storyline alternates between Evan and Ryley’s individual counseling sessions where their emotions and pent up anger are revealed. At this point we are not aware of any wrong doing but the counselor’s concerns about what really happened begin to bring the reality of the situation a little more perspective.

The relationship between Ryley and Evan has already been established but Ryley has moved on. She never stopped loving Evan; they have a son together; and her love for Evan is all encompassing. There are moments of heartbreaking pain, ugly tears and the frightening realization that everything they thought was true has been a lie.

The secondary characters include Evan’s less than compassionate mother and sister; Ryley’s parents who have connections in high places; and Evan’s Navy SEAL Team whose families all believe they have died. There is a cover up of epic proportions and an investigation may never reveal the truth.

HERE WITH ME is a fascinating, heartbreaking and tense storyline about two brothers, one woman and six years of lies and secrets. The premise is addicting; the drama continues to build; the relationship between Evan and Ryley is emotional and intense. The first installment ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-so be forewarned. There is no release date for book 2-Choose Me

Reviewed by Sandy

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In Your Sights (Sydney Triptych #1) by Elizabeth Krall-a review

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In Your Sights (Sydney Triptych #1) by Elizabeth Krall-a review

In Your Sights

Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 17, 2014

Caroline Bready is being watched. Someone is posting photographs of her on a mysterious website.

Still struggling to rebuild her life after the unsolved death of her husband, Caroline dismisses the images as unimportant. But as a serial rapist begins to attack women in Sydney, the photos take on a deadly meaning. Are they a threat? A warning? Or simply coincidence?

If Caroline cannot distinguish friend from foe, it could cost her life.

•••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: In Your Sights is a romantic mystery/thriller by Elizabeth Krall. Ms. Krall is a new author for me, but I’ll be waiting impatiently for more.

The premise of this story begins with a widow, Caroline Bready, whose husband was killed in a hit and run about 18 months prior and has yet to be solved, discovers a woman recently raped and marked by a serial rapist. As things unfold in this marvelously twisty thriller, it seems she’s being stalked…is it the rapist or someone else? Was her husband’s death an accident…? The twists and turns in this fast paced and marvelous thriller are well written and the characters are unique, from the main ones to the secondary and villain.

I can’t even tell you who the hero is, or it’s a spoiler and I hate those. Suffice it to say the characters are wonderfully written and unexpected. I can tell you a little about the main character, Caroline. She’s an IT professional from Denver who came to Australia to please her professional photographer husband. She’s grieving heavily, but like any human female, after 18 months, is also lonely. I thought her likable and believable, however pretty gullible (but after losing the love of your life…who wouldn’t be?). She loves her husband’s family and so doesn’t really want to return to the States after his death. She has a heavy romantic relationship, which is obviously not good for her, with a predatory office worker at the bank where they both work. The police work is excellent, but frustratingly real. The villain is clever, ruthless, and a perv.

This is not a huge book, it’s actually a pretty quick read, especially given the page turning pace and thrilling and suspenseful events. I read it and couldn’t put it down…loved every minute of it. From the descriptions of the area and life in Sydney to the scenery and weather. My favorite is the actual hero, which you only get to know if you read it!

Let me put it this way, I’m buying two copies for a couple of friends of mine…yes, I liked it that much! I’m also hoping for more adventures for these two people, as I think they have quite a future (…hint, hint to Ms. Krall). In any event, I’ll be looking for more from this marvelous, new (at least to me) author and her stories from “down under”. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did.

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Georgianna

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Everything Hurts (Jack Bone Detective Series #2) by Paul Dalzell-a review

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EVERYTHING HURTS (Jack Bone Detective Series #2) by Paul Dalzell-a review

Everything Hurts

Amazon.com / amazon.ca / Amazon.uk /Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 9, 2014

Jack Bone is on the trail of a serial killer; a killer the police don’t believe exists. The killer targets young girls who are single off spring and coerces them to overdose with heroin. Bone is able to call on his Nosferatu or vampire allies Lucy and Mina to help track the killer, but on the way Bone falls foul of a vicious criminal he’d locked up in the past, a Jamaican Yardie Gang, a major drug dealer and South African mercenaries. Bone also has to contend with the Grand Duchess of Transylvania, vampire royalty and great grandmother to Lucy and Mina. All the while Bone is missing his vampire girlfriend Alice who has gone to Iceland to do some serious thinking about their relationship.

The case becomes personal when the niece of Bone’s friend is targeted by the serial killer, which leads to Bone and the girl taking refuge in Lucy and Mina’s home town of Wolfston, only to be entombed underground with little prospect of rescue. But nothing stops Bone in his pursuit of the serial killer, except that the killer has some nasty surprises in store for Jack. It might be Bone who ends up another victim and not the avenger of the dead girls murdered by the serial killer.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: EVERYTHING HURTS is the second installment in Paul Dalzell’s adult, contemporary JACK BONE paranormal, mystery thriller series focusing on retired police detective Jack Bone. Jack’s continuing story finds our reluctant hero on the trail of a serial killer who searches for young women with a love for Jane Austen storylines.

The premise follows private investigator Jack Bone as he is tasked with uncovering the truth behind a series of mysterious heroin overdoses covering a seven year span. Each victim is female; an only child; never previously had an issue with drugs; and a young woman with an interest in Victoria literature. Enter Detective Nolan, a police officer who recognizes the signs of a serial killer but a man who has been ignored by those in charge. As Jack Bone sets out to uncover the truth, his new supernatural friends from Wolfston are beside him every step of the way.

From terrorists to drug smugglers and international ‘guns for hire’, EVERYTHING HURTS follows a two-pronged path. Jack has become the target of a former felon seeking revenge for his time in prison; and when the most recent heroin overdose does not result in death, Jack and the victim are targeted for extermination by South African mercenaries.

The secondary and supporting characters include most of the previous storyline players including exotic Nosferatu twins Mina and Lucy and their parents Silas and Nadia Laughton : Jack’s secretary Deborah Cakewell; Count Vladimir Lucard ; Dr. Jonathon Van Helsing and his wife Charlotte; Grand Duchess Eugenie; and Mina and Lucy’s extended family of vampires and ancients. We are introduced to Maggie Pritchard, the serial killer’s latest target and a woman whose family is connected to organized crime as well as Detective Brian Nolan-the man who tasked Jack with uncovering the truth.

The world building continues to reveal the secrets behind the immortal city of Wolfston, England and the Nosferatu families who live and work behind the veiled walls. There are moments of graphic imagery and violence, action, suspense and mystery as well as a trip back down memory lane. Jack’s friendship and familiarity with the Nosferatu is akin to respect, family and love.

Paul Dalzell weaves a fascinating and imaginative tale; a contemporary thriller with a touch of the past; an intimate look at a family of vampires whose lives continue to cross paths with the dramatic and profound. The unfolding storyline will capture your imagination, compelling you to move forward and arousing your senses-you never know if you will be caught in a web of Nosferatu seduction.

Series Reading Order
1. The Last Dream Before You Die
2. Everything Hurts

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

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If I Say No (Say Something #2) by Brandy Jellum-a review

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If I Say No (Say Something #2) by Brandy Jellum-a review

If I Say No

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 2014

Reid Harder thought his life was seemingly perfect. He had the woman he loved and nothing could go wrong. The only exception comes in the form of his brother—Rhett.

Set on revenge, his brother will stop at nothing to make Reid pay for his past mistakes. Teaming up with the FBI, Reid is determined to put an end to his brother once and for all. But sometimes, fate has other plans in store. His relationship with Liza is falling apart, enemies become friends, and family becomes his worst nightmare. With the future unknown, Reid must figure out a way to make amends with his past if he wants to move forward with his future.

••••••••••••••••••••

In book #1 of this series, we followed Liza and her journey to face her demons from her mother’s murder at her father’s hand. In this book, we get to follow the mystery about Reid’s past and inner demons. Guess everyone’s got their inner demons they got to face.

To make a long story short, Reid’s older brother Rhett is a psychopath and he is after revenge on Reid and his wife Lily. Reid and Lily had an affair behind Rhett’s back. So he plans to take something precious from Reid to even the score and who is more precious than the one and only love of his life, Liza. The book starts with a flashback from Reid’s past where he is unable to save Lily and Ollie from the house fire he was convinced was set up by Rhett. Two burnt bodies are wheeled out in stretchers belonging to a woman and an infant. Reid breaks down and cries realizing that the woman and nephew he loves is gone. So for anyone else following the series alongside with me, that’s the history behind the photo of Lily and Ollie that Liza found snooping through Reid’s stuff in book one.

To cut to the chase, this book was a doozy. Liza seriously pissed me off pretty badly in the beginning and middle of the book. I recalled in the first book that Reid was pretty patient with Liza not pushing and prodding for more than she wanted to share. Yes admit that Reid may have pulled a few dick moves on her to get her to see him but that was to get her to see him not share what she didn’t want to share. The fact that Liza acted like a huge immature baby that she kept pushing at every worse time at Reid, storming out of the house to stay at Elias which really messed up because Elias still has feelings for Liza, crying, and going as far as calling off the wedding just shows me that even though Liza left her life of riches and luxury in her past she is still one spoiled brat. Sorry but if I was to open up to someone about a traumatic past, I for one wouldn’t confide in a crybaby person who always gets their way. Also if she just gave Reid his space to deal with the repercussions of his past then maybe he would’ve dealt with it with a clear head and gotten through it faster and perhaps been able to tell her sooner. But no she still continued to push and prod and threaten Reid to the point that he gotten himself in hot water more than once and the issue escalated to the point that people died, got hurt and even captured. I’m not here to fillet and roast Liza as my respect for Reid also fell a little too. His cowardice on coming clean to Liza was also another thing that just made the whole situation complicated. Yes it was a situation where one of them had to give but none of them wanted too.

Liza did redeem herself in the end ten-fold however. Liza was the one who made the first move to let go of the past and move on. She also selflessly moved up to the plate to take on a new role that she didn’t have to but did so from the good of her heart. So I do apologize for what I had said about Liza a while ago. I like and respect her as a character from a book regardless. And yes, there is a wedding at the end. I love this part because there are so many references from the first book when they first started to fall in love comes back to surface and it is so cute and endearing.

I found it so hard to put this book down that I was surprised I was able to finish it as fast as I did. The plot was the big reason why. You are constantly on the edge of your seat fearing for Reid, his life and his relationship with Liza. There are many things that will take you aback like the “dead” coming back to life, the past of the childhoods, the FBI lending a helping hand and even good ol’ mommy Harder comes to visit.

The thing is this book makes me realize that life is never perfect. Rich, famous, powerful, poor, isolated and whatnot everyone is going to have those scary demons of their past that haunt them. It’s a risk to let others in when they can turn around and hurt you or worse use your demon against you. Despite that, no matter what there are always going to be people who care about you and there is no demon worth pushing those who love you away. I’m glad that Liza and Reid learn that in time to not only have that wonderful happily ever after in the end but in the end it’s going to make them a stronger team to get through anything together.

Series Reading Order
1. If I Say Yes
2. If I Say No
3. If I Say Maybe (No release date)
4. If I Say Never (No release date)

Reviewed by Xtina

Copy supplied by the author

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