Monthly Archives: May 2019

TWISTED (Tangled Web #1) by Aleatha Romig-Review Tour

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TWISTED (Tangled Web #1) by Aleatha Romig-Review Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 21, 2019

The underworld of Chicago is far from forgiving. It’s a world where knowledge means power, power money, and money everything.

While I paid the ultimate price to have it all, it wasn’t my decision to give my life..

That doesn’t mean I ceased to exist, only to live.

Going where the job takes me and living in the shadows, with deadly accuracy I utilize the skills inherent to me, not knowing from where they came, not recalling what I’d lost.

And then I saw her.

Laurel Carlson.

I shouldn’t want her, desire her, or need her, yet with each sighting I know she is exactly what I have to have. Laurel has the ability to do what I thought was impossible. She sees what others don’t.

My gut tells me that it’s a deadly mistake to change my plans and open my world to her. My mind says she’ll be repulsed by my twisted existence.

None of that matters, because my body won’t take no for an answer.

I’ve made dangerous mistakes before.

This time, will the price be too high?

From New York Times bestselling author Aleatha Romig comes a brand-new dark romance bringing us back to the same dangerous underworld as SECRETS. You do not need to read the Web of Sin trilogy to get caught in this new and intriguing saga, Tangled Web.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: TWISTED is the first instalment in Aleatha Romig’s contemporary, adult TANGLED WEB dark, romantic, psychological, suspense trilogy. This is scientist Dr. Laurel Carlson, and assassin for hire Kader’s story line. The Tangled Web series is set in the same world as the author’s WEB OF SIN trilogy but you do not have to have read the original series to understand or follow Tangled Web.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Laurel and Kader) TWISTED focuses on a scientific discovery that more than one player is desperate to obtain. Dr. Laurel Carlson, and her associates find themselves the center of attention a university fund-raiser, a fund –raiser that is more than Laurel could have imagined. From promises of millions to the missing and murdered TWISTED follows Laurel Carlson as her world begins to implode. Imprisoned by a man who has threatened her life, Laurel will start to imagine a scenario where her kidnapper is her only chance for survival. What ensues is the abduction and confinement of our story line heroine, a confinement that may be her only safety net in a world that is spiralling out of control. Unable to trust the man with whom she is currently in hiding, Laurel will begin to discover that not all is right in her corner of the world. As we learn more about Laurel’s current housemate, his secrets are slowly unravelling one memory at a time.

TWISTED is a dark romance; a psychological thriller that focuses on the world of medical research and the suspicious acts of problematic organizations. Aleatha Romig pulls the reader into a story of suspense and mystery; of betrayal and vengeance; of questionable circumstances, and the inability to trust. The premise is intriguing and raw; the characters are powerful and edgy; the $ex scenes are dramatic and intense.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy 

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Aleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Together with her high-school sweetheart and husband of over thirty years, they’ve raised three children. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she’s not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns or her new lighter side, she likes to spend her time with her family and friends. Her pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams!

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Cliff’s Edge by Meg Tilly – Review & Giveaway

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Cliff’s Edge by Meg Tilly – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Eve Harris is all set to house-sit and run the bakery she shares with her sister while Maggie goes on her honeymoon, but there’s one problem–the house is already occupied. By a movie star. He claims to be her brother-in-law’s friend, and not only does he insist on staying, he also offers to help. Playing house has never been so tempting…

Rhys Thomas is looking for a place to lie low after wrapping up his latest film, so when Luke offers up his house as a safe haven, Rhys sees the perfect opportunity for a little R & R. But rest is the last thing on his mind as he and Eve grow close. 

But Eve and Rhys are not as alone as they think. And as danger trails Eve, it will take everything Rhys has to save the woman he loves.

 

 

Review:

Cliff’s Edge by Meg Tilly is the 2nd book in her Solace Island romance suspense series.  In the first book, we met Eve Harris, who is Maggie’s (first book heroine) sister, and knew this second book would be about her.    Eve is a painter by trade, but is just starting out trying to sell her pictures, and becomes co-owner of the new Intrepid café with Maggie.  Maggie is a great cook and baker, and Eve (who can’t cook) takes care of everything else.   When Maggie and her husband Luke (last book hero) leave for a two-week honeymoon, Eve is left finding a way to cook and keep things running smoothly at the café.   She also leaves her apartment, to stay at her sister’s house to house sit and take care of their dog. 

Rhys Thomas, our hero, is a movie star who has just completed his work on a movie, and decides to take a vacation, and goes to stay for two weeks at his friend Luke’s house on Solace Island.  Of course, unbeknownst to him, someone else is there when he arrives, and he is accosted by Eve, thinking he is a burglar.  When they both realize that both Maggie and Luke accidently offered their home to them, they decide to co-exist in the house for the duration of the two weeks.   At first Eve, who finds Rhys hot, wants nothing to so with a movie star, who she feels is a womanizer and always traveling.  But she discovers he is a great cook, and pushes him to have fun at her café and help cook, which he does accept.

In a short time, neither of them cannot resist their combustible attraction to each other and a sizzling romance begins. I loved Eve and Rys together, as their chemistry was off the wall.   While they work at the café, enjoy each other’s company, a murderer has his eyes on Eve.  We do get a few POV’s on the killer’s mindset, and his determination to make Eve his next victim.  I will say that I thought early on, the murderer was someone we knew, but it turns out to be a surprise that was not anyone I would have guessed.  There were a few small incidents within the café or Eve’s apartment, that made Rhys bent on protecting Eve; especially after another murder of someone close to Eve.  As I noted earlier, the suspense was not the forefront of the story, but was very well done. 

The romance between Rhys and Eve was sweet and fun, as we watched them both slowly falling deeper in love.  Their romance heats up, and  the danger escalates for Eve, as we race to an exciting and suspenseful climax.  I do not want to give spoilers, as you will need to read this book to discover who the culprit was. 

Cliff’s Edge was a fun, enjoyable and captivating read, as well as having a wonderful couple, great secondary characters, with a sweet romance and mystery.  Meg Tilly once again gives us a excellent romance suspense to enjoy.  This reads very well as a standalone, but I suggest you start with the first book to enjoy Maggie and Luke’s story.  I wholly recommend you read the Solace Island series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

Meg’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of CLIFF’S EDGE to one (1) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe.

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9.. Giveaway runs from May 21 to 25, 2019

 

 

 

 

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The Cowgirl’s Forever Love by Vivian Arend-a review

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THE COWGIRL’S FOREVER LOVE (The Colemans of Heart Falls #1) by Vivian Arend-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 21, 2019

Lisa Coleman committed to stay in Heart Falls until her sister’s baby arrives, but after that, she’s moving on. She’s not sure exactly what is on the agenda, so it’s good to still have a few months to figure out her dreams. While she’s waiting, there’s no reason she can’t enjoy herself with the very sexy local veterinarian. A naughty interlude with a man who knows all the right moves would be the perfect distraction from Coleman chaos: newborn baby! New dog! New found family?!

Josiah Ryder is beginning to feel women only want him for one thing. Playing fast and loose was fun in the past, but it’s time for a change. He’s ready to prove he’s in it for the long haul, but the one woman he truly wants insists she’s in town for six months and not a moment longer. He’ll have to pull out all the stops to make Lisa realize nothing out there can compete with finding forever right under her nose.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: THE COWGIRL’S FOREVER LOVE is the first instalment in Vivian Arend’s contemporary, adult THE COLEMANS OF HEART FALLS romance series-a spin off from the author’s HEART FALLS series. This is veterinarian Josiah Ryder, and Lisa Coleman’s story line. Josiah and Lisa have been secondary and supporting characters throughout the Heart Falls series.

Told from several third person perspectives including Josiah and Lisa THE COWGIRL’S FOREVER LOVE follows several paths including Lisa Coleman as she struggles with a direction in life. Staying in Heart Falls, Alberta while her sister Tamara awaits the birth of her baby, Lisa finds herself attracted to local veterinarian Josiah Ryder, a man who is more than aware of Lisa’s temporary time in the quiet, little town. Making his move Josiah Ryder will begin a slow seduction of our story line heroine, a seduction meant to lead to their own happily ever after. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Josiah and Lisa, and the potential fall-out as Lisa’s time in Heart Falls comes to a close.

Meanwhile, the Coleman family will quickly come to terms with their father’s past and the chaos that is about to ensue. As the daughters of a man who had distanced himself from his children, a surprise revelation will bring the tight knit family closer in the wake a stranger’s presence and the information she reveals.

Lisa Coleman is restless. Having successfully helped merge the Coleman family ranches, Lisa’s direction in life has come to a stop. With the impending birth of her sister’s baby, Lisa begins a bucket list of the things she wants to experience, and the places she wants to visit. Josiah Ryder is always busy and struggles to find time for himself but wanting Lisa Coleman means taking the initiative. When Lisa and local rancher Sonora Fallen uncover an illegal puppy mill, Josiah finds himself in for the long haul with the woman that calls to his heart.

The relationship between Josiah and Lisa is one of immediate attraction; a relationship that has been slowly developing throughout the Heart Falls series. Lisa has no plans to remain in Heart Falls, Albert but Josiah is determined to prove to Lisa that she has found her home with our story line hero. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including Lisa’s sisters Karen, and Tamara (Caleb Stone), and their father George Coleman; veterinarian students Finn Marlette and Zach Sorenson; ranch hand Ashton Stewart; firefighter Brad Ford and paramedic Julia Blushing. Karen and Finn’s second chance story line is next in The Cowgirl’s Secret Love.

THE COWGIRL’S FOREVER LOVE is a story of family, friendship, romance and love. The premise is engaging and entertaining; the romance is sweet, passionate and seductive; the characters are familiar, friendly, fun and energetic. My only issue is the cover which, for all intents and purposes, does not truly represent the story line premise-the guitar is more of a prop for our story line heroine. Yes, I am that cover snob who struggles with the visual imagery when it does not meet expectations of the story within.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
A Rancher’s Heart
A Rancher’s Song
A Firefighter’s Christmas Gift
A Rancher’s Bride

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Kingsbane by Claire Legrand – Review & Giveaway

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Kingsbane by Claire Legrand –  Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Rielle Dardenne has been anointed Sun Queen, but her trials are far from over. The Gate keeping the angels at bay is falling. To repair it, Rielle must collect the seven hidden castings of the saints. Meanwhile, to help her prince and love Audric protect Celdaria, Rielle must spy on the angel Corien—but his promises of freedom and power may prove too tempting to resist.

Centuries later, Eliana Ferracora grapples with her new reality: She is the Sun Queen, humanity’s long-awaited savior. But fear of corruption—fear of becoming another Rielle—keeps Eliana’s power dangerous and unpredictable. Hunted by all, racing against time to save her dying friend Navi, Eliana must decide how to wear a crown she never wanted—by embracing her mother’s power, or rejecting it forever.

 

 

Review:

Kingsbane by Claire Legrand is the 2nd book in her YA Fantasy Empirium series.  When we left off in Furyborn, Reille Dardenne managed to come through her trials to prove that she is the Sun Queen, though we knew from the start that she was indeed the Blood Queen, and gave birth to a girl; a baby she handed off to Simon ( a young boy) to bring her to safety, away from the evil angel, Corien. 

Eliana Ferracora is in fact, Reille’s daughter (1000 years after her death), and she is just learning about her powers and who her mother really was.  In Kingsbane, we continue the story in the past about Rielle prior to her death, leading up to her being the Blood Queen.  In the present, Eliana must learn to how to use her powers, as well as accept her destiny to save the world and be their savior as the Sun Queen.

To understand a bit better the theme of this series:  Many years prior to Rielle’s time, there was a Prophecy that claims sometime in the future the evil angels locked away for centuries will return and wreck havoc across the world, and two women will rise; one made of Blood and the other of Light. A Queen of Blood and Destruction and a Queen of Light and Salvation; hence the Blood Queen and the Sun Queen.  Kingsbane continues the two pov’s of the past with Rielle, and the present with Eliana.

Rielle continues her journey to prove to she is the Sun Queen, and in doing so must collect the castings of the saints. Wherever she goes, she has her love and the future king of Cedaria, Audric and her trusted friend (and secret angel), Ludivine traveling with her.  I really liked them in Furyborn, as they are what holds Rielle together, to prevent the evil Corien from pulling her to his side. The evil Corien was very powerful, not only a voice in Rielle’s head, but also appearing to her in her dreams.    I also adored her Dragon, Altheria.   But Rielle has her issues controlling her anger, when she is faced with others not believing in her, causing more dissent.

Eliana continues to grow into her power, accepting with each passing day that though she has her mother’s powers, but she is not evil, and is indeed the true Sun Queen.  I loved Eliana, even though she may have been stubborn, she eventually was ready to rise up and help all those she loved.  In time, she was a tough and terrific heroine, and was willing to put her own life on the line to save others. 

There were a wonderful cast of secondary characters for Eliana too; Simon, Remy, Zahra, Navi, Harkan, and those who began to believe in her.    Kingsbane was an intense and wonderful continuation of this fabulous trilogy, with a major surprise twist at the end.  This can be considered as a cliff hanger; making it a difficult long wait for the final book in this trilogy.  Kingsbane was another excellently written book by Claire Legrand, with quite a few surprises that had us holding our breaths, as well as leaving us hanging.    Now we wait impatiently to see if the Sun Queen will rise up and save them all.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

Claire Legrand is graciously offering a paper copy of KINGSBANE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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BLOOD PRICE (New Breed #1) by Melody Raven-a review

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BLOOD PRICE (New Breed #1) by Melody Raven-a review

ebook only 99¢ or £0.99 Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

About the book: Release Date May 10, 2019

He saw her. He wanted her. And he paid for her.

Vampires aren’t real. That’s what Tela has always believed. Always known. But everything changes when the violent blood drinkers take over her home of Seattle and cut off the city from any outside help. Without any food or supplies she has only one option: Cooperate with the new regime and offer her blood in exchange for a comfortable life for her and her sister.

John came to Seattle for an escape. For freedom. For the possibility of a future. Policing the humans should be easy. They’re smaller, weaker and, well, prey. But when he Tela is assigned to him, things are different. He isn’t satiated by the taste of her blood. He hungers for so much more. More than she can give him and more than she can ever give him. Not while she’s been bought and paid for by him

•••••••••

REVIEW: BLOOD PRICE is the first novella in Melody Raven’s contemporary, adult NEW BREED post apocalyptic, paranormal romance series. This is human blood donor Tela Beckford, and vampire John’s story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives (John and Tela) BLOOD PRICE follows in the aftermath of the vampire invasion in which the Vopura have placed a barrier around Seattle from which no one can enter, or is allowed to leave. Desperate for money to feed herself and her younger sister, Tela becomes a human blood donor in order to survive. Enter vampire John, a former Vopura slave, and the man with whom Tela would fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship between John and Tela, and the fall-out as the Resistance approaches our story line heroine, asking her to help take down the ruling Vopura.

John is aware that most of his life is out of his control but meeting Tela, a human blood donor sparks something deep within our story line hero something that he battles knowing his vampire lifestyle is a threat to the woman with whom he will fall in love. Tela will do just about anything to feed and house her sister including selling herself to creatures who are threatening their lives on a daily basis. Willing to speak her mind, no matter the cost, Tela battles between head and heart when is comes to freeing the people she loves.

The relationship between John and Tela begins as a business arrangement shortly after John discovers that Tela has been brutally used by another vampire. Never having partook of what the humans offer, John arranges for his next meal from the woman he so desperately will try to save. The sexual attraction is immediate but Tela fears getting too close to a man who could destroy her life. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to John’s former master Dante, as well as the Vopura leader Mikel ; Tela’s sister Dani, as well as resistance fighters Travis and Angelique.

BLOOD PRICE is a quick read; a fast paced story of opposites attract between a human and vampire. The premise is engaging; the characters are colorful and energetic; the romance is fated and exciting. I would have liked a little more background information about the Vopura invasion…but such is the nature of a novella length story line.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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BAD SAINT (All The Pretty Things Trilogy #1) by Monica James-a review

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BAD SAINT (All The Pretty Things Trilogy #1) by Monica James-a review 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 7, 2019

I was kidnapped on my honeymoon by three masked men.

Blindfolded.
Bound.
Destination unknown.

I was told to stay silent and abide by their rules. But they didn’t realize I wasn’t a victim…not anymore.

The open sea was my backdrop for nine torturous days. During that time, glimmers of my fate were revealed by a man with the mysterious chartreuse-colored eyes. He should have scared me, but he didn’t.

He intrigued me. And I intrigued him.

He punished me when I didn’t listen, which was every single day. But beneath his cruelty, I sensed he was guarding a grave secret.

I was sold.
And in a game of poker, no less.

My buyer? A Russian mobster who likes to collect pretty things. Now that I know the truth, I only have one choice.

Sink or swim.

And when one fateful night presents me the opportunity, I take it. I just never anticipated my actions would leave me shipwrecked with my kidnapper.

He needs me alive. I want him dead.

But as days turn into weeks, one thing becomes clear—I should hate him…but I don’t.

My name is Willow.
His name is Saint.

Ironic, isn’t it? He bears a name that denotes nothing but holiness yet delivers nothing but hell. However, if this is hell on earth…God, save my soul.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: BAD SAINT is the first instalment in Monica James’ contemporary, adult ALL THE PRETTY THINGS dark, romance trilogy focusing on Willow Shaw, and thirty-three year old, Saint Hennessy.

NOTE: Due to the story line content, there may be some trigger for more sensitive readers.

Told from first person perspective (Willow) BAD SAINT follows in the aftermath of Willow Shaw’s abduction while on her honeymoon in Greece. Unaware that her husband had gambled and lost, Willow is the ultimate payment for indebted sins. At the mercy of her kidnappers Willow’s life is threatened on numerous occasions but for not the actions of one of her abductors Willow’s life would be forfeited, her body no longer her own. What ensues is the acrimonious relationship between Willow and Saint, and the fall-out as a storm lands our couple on a deserted island where Willow discovers there is more to Saint then she could have ever imagined.

BAD SAINT is a story of secrets and lies; of sexual slavery, payment for a debt, intimidation, assault, recklessness and death. Frightened yet strong, willing to stand up to her captors Willow battles between her head and heart fearing life as she knows it is spiralling out of control.

Monica James’ pulls the readers into an intense, raw and gritty story of payback and vengeance; of power and control; of repercussions, suspense, danger and more. The premise is tragic, impassioned and fascinating; the characters are strong, resilient, animated and energetic. BAD SAINT ends on a cliffhanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Monica James spent her youth devouring the works of Anne Rice, William Shakespeare, and Emily Dickinson.

When she is not writing, Monica is busy running her own business, but she always finds a balance between the two. She enjoys writing honest, heartfelt, and turbulent stories, hoping to leave an imprint on her readers. She draws her inspiration from life.

She is a bestselling author in the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, and the U.K.

Monica James resides in Melbourne, Australia, with her wonderful family, and menagerie of animals. She is slightly obsessed with cats, chucks, and lip gloss, and secretly wishes she was a ninja on the weekends.

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GHOST (Linear Tactical #5) by Janie Crouch- a review

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GHOST (Linear Tactical #5) by Janie Crouch-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 21, 2019

Everyone eventually breaks under torture.

It’s a truth elite solider and government agent Dorian Lindstrom, codename Ghost, knows firsthand. His body may have recovered from what was done to him in that Afghani prison six years ago, but his mind…not quite so much.

He’s seeing dead people.

Grace Brandt, government codename Wraith, knows her past can’t be forgiven. She has stayed “dead” for as long as she could, but now the forces she’s been fighting, the secrets slowly suffocating her, won’t stay hidden any longer.

And the man she helped break—the man she’s always loved—is the only one who can stop the danger threatening them all.

When it comes to keeping the people he loves safe, including the one who thinks she’s not worthy of it, there is no danger—past, present or future—Dorian won’t battle.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: GHOST is the fifth instalment in Janie Crouch’s contemporary, adult LINEAR TACTICAL romantic, suspense series focusing on a group of former Special Forces soldiers who own and operate Linear Tactical, an Oak Creek, Wyoming business specializing in survival skills, security and protection. This is government agent Dorian ‘Ghost’ Lindstrom, and agent Grace ‘Wraith’ aka Ray Brandt’s story line. GHOST can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Dorian and Grace aka Ray) GHOST follows in the wake of Grace Brandt’s return from the dead. Six years earlier Grace Brandt died trying to save the man that she loved but in doing so led Dorian Lindstrom straight into the arms of the enemy, an enemy that tortured and broke our story line hero. Fast forward to present day wherein Grace now known as Ray, has returned from the dead with news that not all is at it appears to be. The government sanctioned Black Ops group known as Project Crypt, a group of which Ghost, Wraith and the others once belonged, had gone rogue, and was working off the books in an attempt to dominate and control. What ensues us the rebuilding friendship and relationship between Ray and Dorian, and the potential fall-out as the truth is revealed, and Ray’s life hangs in the balance from sins of the past.

Dorian Lindstrom barely survived the torture endured in the Afghanistan prison but six years later, coming face to face with the woman he had tried to save meant a possible second chance for our story line hero. Grace ‘Ray’ Brandt had secrets of her own, secrets that once revealed would threaten everyone Dorian loved. Project Crypt was still in control, a control that dominated our story line couple.

The relationship between Dorian and Ray is one of second chances; a rekindling relationship between former lovers who were destroyed by secrets and lies; power and control. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters. We are reintroduced to Aiden Teague and Violet Collingwood (Shamrock #3), Finn Bollinger and Charlie Devereaux (Eagle #2), Zac Mackay and Anne Griffin (Cyclone #1); Jordan Reiss and Gabriel Collingwood (Angel #4); Heath “Shadow’ Kavanagh; Mason ‘Phantom’ Wyndham; Sheriff Curtis Nelson; as well as Project Crypt leader Dr. Timothy Holloman , and agent Angela Landry.

GHOST is a story of secrets, betrayal, vengeance and lies; second chances and forgiveness; retribution, power and revelations. The premise is intriguing and engaging; the romance is passionate; the characters are broken, spirited and intense.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Cyclone
Eagle
Shamrock
Angel
Ghost

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Caitlin’s Song (The Carson Chronicles #4) by John A. Heldt-a review

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CAITLIN’S SONG (Carson Chronicles) by John A Heldt-a review

 

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

About the book: Release Date May 2, 2019

Love, courage, and commitment take center stage as the Carsons, a family of time travelers, continue their saga in the great American West. For the Carson children, ages 19 to 29, an unplanned stop in 1962 is a chance to grow. Adam, Greg, and Natalie begin lives with new spouses in Boulder, Colorado, while twins Cody and Caitlin get their first taste of college. All plan to resume the search for their missing parents as soon as they can. For Tim and Caroline Carson, a planned stop in the rendezvous year of 1972 is a nightmare. While reading about their children’s lives in 1962, they learn that one has crossed paths with a killer. Faced with limited options, they race back to the past to reroute history and prevent a series of murders. In CAITLIN’S SONG, the fourth novel in the Carson Chronicles series, members of a modern family find romance, adventure, and terror as they seek answers and each other in four memorable eras of American history.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: CAITLIN’S SONG is the fourth instalment in John A Heldt’s adult, historical, time-travel series focusing on the Carson siblings-Adam, Natalie, Greg, Cody and Caitlin. CAITLIN’S SONG can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty although I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion.

SOME BACKGROUND: The Carson Chronicles focuses on the Carson siblings, a family of time travellers, as they search for their missing parents Tim and Caroline Carson. Months earlier, the siblings discovered their parents had disappeared but an itinerary of places and timelines found the family on a journey of their own. Starting in 2017, the siblings travelled back in time to 1889, 1918, the tumultuous era of 1943-44, and presently in 1962 where the Cuban Missile Crisis is about to unfold.

Told from several third person perspectives CAITLIN’S SONG follows the Carson siblings to 1962, an unplanned time jump from 1942 that follows in the wake of potential disaster and a near death experience, but a time jump that brings the siblings up close and personal with family members they met in the past. Struggling to settle into life in 1962, Cody and Caitlin would enrol in college, where Caitlin will fall in love with a young man who is willing to give up everything he knows to experience life in the future; while Greg and his wife Patricia anticipate a new addition to the Carson brood.

Meanwhile Tim and Caroline Carson jump to 1972 where life as they know is about to unravel. Hoping to change history, our couple jumps back to 1941 in an effort to prevent disaster from destroying their family, and the people they love.

CAITLIN’S SONG is a complex, clever and engaging story of fictionalized history wherein the Carson family re-examines and experiences life they could have never imagined. John A Heldt journeys into the past as the close-knit Carson family battles between the present and a time not so long ago; the future and the unknown. Whispered secrets threaten the outcome of the Cuban Missile Crisis, as one family must consider whether to go back to the future, or travel in time to the past. CAITLIN’S SONG begins slowly as the sibling settle into 1962 but picks up steam as their lives begin to merge with a time period that threatened the peace and harmony of a struggling world.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
River Rising
The Memory Tree
Indian Paintbrush
Caitlin’s Song

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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 I’m a married father of two grown daughters and a son and, as of August 15, the grandfather of a delightful little girl named Stella. Before turning to novel writing in 2011, I worked as a sports writer and editor for several newspapers in Oregon and Washington, where I was born and raised, and several more years as a reference librarian in Montana. I love traveling around the western United States, watching sports, cooking, and experiencing the great outdoors. I currently make my home in the Las Vegas, Nevada, area.

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