Monthly Archives: February 2020

POWER TWIST (Power Play 2) by Kennedy L. Mitchell-Review/Giveaway Tour

Posted on by
12

POWER TWIST (Power Play #2) by Kennedy L. Mitchell-Review and Giveaway Tour

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

FREE in Kindle Unlimited

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 18, 2020

With the campaign over, a new devious challenge awaits.

I thought the toughest part was behind us. Stupid me. Now I have to live with the consequences of winning, some that make me regret ever stepping foot in this city. Day one in office I learn of the president’s true plan, one so manipulative I can’t allow it to come to fruition. But with zero allies to call on, I’ll need to work with my enemies to stand a chance at stopping him.

At least I have Trey, even if our scorching-hot affair can only happen in secret. Until the best part of my new life makes his own deal with a devil, I’m forced to make a choice. I can’t have it all in this power game they’ve woven, and watching me flounder is just part of their sick fun. Or can I play the game, change the rules, and have everything in the end?

Too bad for me, luck has never been on my side. It’s sink or swim here in DC, and I’m the idiot wearing cement shoes to the party.

•••••••••

REVIEW: POWER TWIST is the second instalment in Kenned L. Mitchell’s contemporary, adult POWER PLAY romantic, political suspense series. This is the continuing story of attorney/vice president Randi Sawyer, and thirty-eight year old, Secret Service agent Trey Benson. POWER TWIST should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events of book one POWER PLAY.

Some background: Months earlier Randi Sawyer became the vice-presidential running mate to Kyle Birmingham, a man whose dirty politics run deadly and deep but in doing so Randi has angered a very powerful man who is determined to destroy our story line heroine.

Told from three first person perspectives (Randi, Trey, Kyle) POWER TWIST follows in the wake of the US presidential election where small town attorney Randi Sawyer holds the second highest seat in the US government. As the new vice-president, Randi finds herself at odds with the current president’s beliefs and power, and as such Randi is targeted in more ways than one. With a controversial bill about to be passed, Randi is caught between Russian interference, the political and powerful elite, and the man with whom Randi has fallen in love but not all is well in Trey Benson’s life, as our hero has sold his soul to the devil to protect the woman that calls to his heart.

POWER TWIST is a story of secrets and lies, power and control; corruption, deception, and betrayal. The political elite and powerful oligarchs control everything and everyone at all levels of government-money talks, threats of death and attempted political assassinations are frequent, and yet, no one questions the numerous attempts on our heroine’s life-you will have to suspend reality throughout the story. The fast paced, premise is intriguing and engaging; the characters are colorful, energetic, powerful and strong; the romance is passionate but struggles in the face of secrets and threats to our heroine’s life. POWER TWIST ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one POWER PLAY

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Goodreads /Website /Twitter /Facebook/

Kennedy lives in Dallas with her husband, son, and 80lb Goldendoodle who still believes he’s a lap dog. A bookworm at heart, Kennedy loves to snuggle up in bed or by the campfire with an unputdownable book. She began writing two years ago with Falling for the Chance and has no plans of stopping. Her novels are witty, action-packed, and offer enough steam for a great facial. If you like strong heroines and sexy, tattooed men who can’t keep their hands off them, then this author is the one for you.

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the tour provider.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Share

The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James – a Review

Posted on by
11

The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository / Google Play / Apple

 

Description:
The secrets lurking in a rundown roadside motel ensnare a young woman, just as they did her aunt thirty-five years before, in this new atmospheric suspense novel from the national bestselling and award-winning author of The Broken Girls.

Upstate NY, 1982. Every small town like Fell, New York, has a place like the Sun Down Motel. Some customers are from out of town, passing through on their way to someplace better. Some are locals, trying to hide their secrets. Viv Delaney works as the night clerk to pay for her move to New York City. But something isn’t right at the Sun Down, and before long she’s determined to uncover all of the secrets hidden…

 

 

Review:

The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James is another wonderful mystery thriller.  Having read her previous thriller, The Broken Girls, I couldn’t wait to read this book.  This was quite different then the previous book written by St. James.  It seemed more of a ghost story, and a bit creepy at that.  The Sun Down Motel was an old run-down motel that was plagued with mysteries and ghosts; with POV’s of the past 1982 and the present time of 2017, switching back and forth each chapter.

We meet our heroine, Viv Delany, who in 1982, arrives in this small sleepy town (Fell, NY) and decides to work as a night clerk for the motel to help pay for her to continue her trip to New York. In a short time, Viv begins to realize that not all is well in the motel, as she hears and sees ghosts many times each and every night.  Viv begins to suspect that these ghosts were either murdered, haunting the motel until the   dark secrets are revealed.  Viv takes it upon herself to try and find who is killing these people, though a photographer friend and the local night cop tell her to stop.  We see Viv go on dangerous tasks to follow some motel visitors, putting herself in grave danger; and eventually Viv herself will go missing.

In the present time of 2017, we meet Carly, our present-day heroine, who since her mother recently died, decides to try and find out what happened to the aunt she never knew. Carly takes the same job as Viv had, being a night clerk at the Sun Down Motel, which is much more run-down than years ago.  Carly too will begin to hear voices, doors opening, and even seeing dead people.  She begins to do her own investigation, and meets someone staying the motel, who also sees the ghosts.  There is another person who she meets in the library, who loves reading about those old creepy days.  I really did like Helen, a new friend for Carly, who also wants to help investigate.  Alma the cop, and the photographer were excellent characters back in Viv’s days, that will play a part in present day.

What follows is an exciting, dark, suspenseful and creepy mystery in both time periods, which kept me hooked to find out what happen, of course I made sure to keep the lights on.  To tell too much more would be spoilers.  The Sun Down Motel was an intriguing story that was also a gothic thriller.  If you enjoy suspenseful thrillers with a ghostly background, I suggest you read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

Share

The Reading Cafe’s 8th Anniversary Giveaway- Alexandrea Weis

Posted on by
33

The Reading Cafe’s 8th Anniversary Celebration Giveaway- from Alexandra Weis

NOTE: All giveaways require a comment to qualify

Please be aware some of the books offered may be ARC copies from the publisher  / author which may or may not have gone through final edits or final cover copy

Alexandra Weis is graciously offering an ecopy of REALM and an ecopy of DEATH BY THE RIVER to ONE (1) international commenter;  as well as a paper copy of REALM, and a paper copy of DEATH BY THE RIVER plus swag to ONE (1) US commenter

There will be TWO (2) winners

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please tell us to enter you into the giveaway.

4. Please LIKE and FOLLOW Alexandrea Weis on FACEBOOK.

5. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click ‘on’ NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

6. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

7. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

8. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

9. Giveaway for paper copies US only: ebook copies INTERNATIONAL

10. Giveaway runs until February 17-29, 2019

Share

The Ruthless Knight by Jeana E Mann-Review & Giveaway tour

Posted on by
12

The Ruthless Knight by Jeana E Mann-Review and Giveaway tour


Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play / Apple /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 17, 2020

She stole my wallet, my car, and my favorite oil painting. I never expected her to steal my heart.

This complicated, beautiful, annoying woman doesn’t know that I’m a thief too. Only, I don’t steal things. I steal secrets and sometimes people. And her name is next on my list.

The problem? I admire her. Like her. Love her. So many wasted feelings because we aren’t meant to be. Years ago, I sold my soul and body to the devil. Now, my back is against the wall. If I want to save my precious niece from death, I’ll have to turn my sexy little thief over to my enemy.

She captivates me. Soothes me. Makes my life a living hell. And I love every minute of it.

But I have no choice. I will be ruthless.

And she will ruin me.

•••••••••

REVIEW: “She stole my wallet, my car, and my favorite oil painting. I never expected her to steal my heart.”

Nikolay “Nicky” Reznik Tarnovsky, his story is one of danger, sacrifice, and lust. Nicky has done everything for his family, and by everything, he truly does mean EVERYTHING. Drowning his sorrows in booze, woman and God only knows what else he leads his life the best way he can. At a masquerade ball he spots a beautiful, sexy woman that he falls in lust with. For Nicky that is nothing new, he thrives on sex, but this woman is different. This one he is smitten with.

Calliope is at this ball for one reason and one reason only.

To Steal.

Little does she know this one job is going to cost her more than just her time…

Calliope is trapped by a crazy abusive ex, one that has made it his mission to see her in pain and in order to get away from him and to start a more normal life with her sister she takes on one more mission. A mission she was not prepared for.

After meeting the mysterious, sexy as sin man at the ball, things go way off course and the normal life she craves so much seems farther and farther away.

I don’t want to go to much into details as to not spoil this for you, but this is not your average romance. This is dirty, sinful, sexy, dangerous and so tantalizing, once you pick this book up you will have no choice but to finish it in one setting. Jeana is quickly becoming one of my one-click buys.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah L

 

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the author.

The author is giving away a Kindle Fire and a $100 Amazon Gift Card on her author page. Please click here to enter —> https://www.facebook.com/JeanaEMann

Jeana is a USA Today and Publishers Weekly Bestselling Author from Indiana. She gave up a career in the corporate world to write about sexy billionaires and alpha bad boys. With over twenty books and several awards beneath her belt, she’s never regretted her choice to live out her dream. She’s a free spirit, a wanderer at heart, and loves animals with a passion. When she’s not tripping over random objects, you’ll find her walking in the sunshine with her rambunctious dogs and dreaming about true love. 

You can follow Jeana here:

Website:http://jeanaemann.net
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/JeanaEMann
Twitter:https://www.twitter.com/JeanaEMann
Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/JeanaEMann
Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Jeana-E.-Mann/e/B00HI4KQB4/ref
Bookbub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jeana-e-mann
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/jeana.e.mann/
Text Alerts:  Text the word “Jeana” without quotations to 21000

Share

Ten Days Gone by Beverly Long – a Review

Posted on by
10

Ten Days Gone by Beverly Long – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository / Google Play / Apple

 

Description:
They know exactly when he’ll strike… They just have to find him first.In all their years working for the Baywood police department, detectives A.L. McKittridge and Rena Morgan have never seen anything like it. Four women dead in forty days, each killed ten days apart. With nothing connecting the victims and very little evidence, the clock is already counting down to when the next body drops. A.L. and Rena will have to act fast if they’re going to find the killer’s next victim before he does.But identifying the killer’s next likely target is only half the battle. With pressure pushing in from all sides, a promising breakthrough leads the detectives to Tess Lyons, a woman whose past trauma has left her too damaged to appreciate the danger she’s in. Unwilling to let another woman die, A.L. and Rena will put everything on the line to keep Tess safe and end the killer’s deadly spree once and for all–before time runs out again.

 

 

 

Review:

Ten Days Gone by Beverly Long is the 1st book in her new A.L. McKittridge detective series.  We meet our two Baywood detectives, A.L. McKittridge and his partner Rena Morgan, as they are desperately trying to find a serial killer, who has killed four women in forty days; killing one every 10 days.  They are both stumped, as the clock is ticking down before another woman will be murdered.  Finally, they discover a clue that loosely ties to all 4 victims, and the race is on to find the next targeted victim before the killer does. 

In every new series, we get to learn more about our leading characters, and I found myself liking both A.L (have no idea what those initials mean) and Rena.  They have worked together for many years, and make a great team.  The POV is mostly between A.L. and Rena, as we also discover more about their personal lives.  Rena is married, and when her husband has been coming home late, she begins to worry that he is having an affair.   A.L. is divorced and worries about his daughter, as well as having secret sex with the medical examiner.   While their personal lives play a big part of the story, it is the investigate that dominates.

When they find whom they think is the next target, both A.L. and Rena continue to investigate those that have close ties to the past, and at the same time protect and hide Tess (the possible next victim), until the timeframe the murderer will attempt to attack (10 days).  While A.J. stays at a safe house with Tess protecting her, Rena will keep researching clues.  A.L. slowly finds himself attracted to Tess, but does his best not let his feelings take over.  Rena learns the truth about why her husband has been out late often, and fortunately for her, all is well. Now she can solely concentrate only on protecting Tess.

What follows is an exciting thriller, with additional focus on the two detectives that will lead this series.  The last half of the book escalates the excitement and action, as things go wrong and both A.L. and Rena are desperate to find the killer before he kills again.  To tell too much more would be spoilers.  I did enjoy the story, and it was well written by Beverly Long.   I look forward to the next addition to this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

Share

The Reading Cafe’s 8th Anniversary Giveaway-Berkley Romance

Posted on by
62

The Reading Cafe’s 8th Anniversary Celebration Giveaway-Today’s Prize from Berkley Romance

 

OTE: All giveaways require a comment to qualify

Please be aware some of the books offered may be ARC copies from the publisher which may or may not have gone through final edits or final cover copy

BERKLEY ROMANCE is graciously offering a combination of paperback books to SIX (6) commenters at The Reading Cafe

Five (5) commenters will each receive a 5 book prize package: ONE  (1) commenter will receive a 3 book prize package

There will be a total of SIX  (6) winners

 

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please tell us to enter you into the giveaway.

4. Like  BERKLEY ROMANCE on FACEBOOK and then click on NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click ‘on’ NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

6. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

7. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

8. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

9. Giveaway open to USA only

10. Giveaway runs until February16-29, 2020

Share

The Reading Cafe’s 8th Anniversary Celebration Giveaway-Today’s Prize

Posted on by
31

The Reading Cafe’s 8th Anniversary Celebration Giveaway-Today’s Prize Package

NOTE: All giveaways require a comment to qualify

Please be aware some of the books offered may be ARC copies from the publisher which may or may not have gone through final edits or final cover copy

The Reading Cafe is offering a 3 paper/print ARC book prize package for today’s giveaway

ONE (1) commenter will receive all 3 ARC books from The Reading Café

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please tell us to enter you into the giveaway.

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click ‘on’ NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs until February 9-15, 2020

Share

Past Deeds by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

Posted on by
11

Past Deeds by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository / Google Play / Apple

 

Description:
Some consequences can’t be predicted…

A sniping takes place in Arlington, Virginia, less than fifteen minutes from Washington, D.C., and nets several minor injuries but only one casualty. FBI Agent Brandon Fisher and his team with the Behavioral Analysis Unit are called in to determine if the threat is still active and whether they’re looking at an act of terrorism, an isolated incident, or the first in a planned series of shootings. All that seems clear from the ground is they’re looking for a skilled sniper who is former military.

As the FBI investigates, one possible motive has Brandon battling his own demons as the consequences of past choices resurface with a vengeance. He will come to discover how one decision can not only haunt us for the rest of our lives, but spread out and have long- and far-reaching repercussions we couldn’t even begin to imagine.

Past Deeds will have you joining the FBI in following clues and unraveling the psyche of a killer. This book will make you think and reflect—and you just might wonder if any past decisions you’ve made are stalking you, ready to strike

 

 

Review:

Past Deeds by Carolyn Arnold is the 8th book in her Brandon Fisher FBI series. Refresher:  Our FBI BAU (Behavioral Analysis Unit) team consists of Jack (leader), Brandon, Paige and new agent Kelly.  I have read every book in this series, and Past Deeds was not as intense as some of the other stories.  I have said this previously, I do not know why Brandon Fisher (I still do not like him at all) is the name of the series; but I think Paige, Jack and the new agent, Kelly were pretty good. 

The story starts with a sniper shooting that kills a prosecutor, which looks very much like the intended target.  The BAU team is called in to determine if this was a terrorist attack or an isolated incident.   Jack, Paige, Brandon and Kelly arrive in Arlington, Virginia to investigate the shooting, which does point to possibly a skilled military sniper; as well as interview the local residents.   Nadia sends them some clues about the sniping and the victim, which reveals that the prosecutor was the 4th similar attack in the last couple of months; now Jack and team need to find how these victims tie in.

As normal in this series, we get to see the POV of the killer, which adds a good element to the story, as well as the rest of the team.  What follows is an exciting, tense, non- stop adventure to find the killer before they strike again. There were some twists and turns along the way, and some surprises leading to the killer.  I do not want to give spoilers, as this is a story that you need to read from start to finish.

I did think that the agents, Jack working with Kelly and Paige working with Brandon were a bit sarcastic and uncomfortable among themselves, as well as with some interviews. Generally, I do like the recurring characters; I do not like Brandon, but I do the rest of the team.  I also point out that Arnold continues to give us glimpses of police procedurals, which is does so well.

Carolyn Arnold once again gives us a well written and exciting story, which keeps us on the edge of our seats. If you have not read the earlier books of this series, which I suggest you do, this can read as a standalone.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

 

Share