Monthly Archives: December 2021

An Accidental Odyssey by KC Dyer – Review & Giveaway

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An Accidental Odyssey by KC Dyer – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Gianna Kostas is on the cusp of a fairy-tale life. Sure, she’s just lost her job, but she’s about to marry one of New York’s most eligible bachelors. On her way to taste wedding cakes, though, things go sideways. Shocking news sends Gia off on a wild journey halfway around the world in pursuit of her ailing–and nearly estranged–father.

In Athens, she learns Dr. Kostas, a classics professor, is determined to retrace Odysseus’s famous voyage. This is a journey her father is in no condition to take alone, so Gia faces a tough decision. When an unexpected job offer helps seal the deal and quash the guilt Gia feels from her disapproving groom-to-be, the journey is on. But as Gia adventures–and eats–her way around the Mediterranean, she discovers that confronting epic storms and ripped surfer dudes might be the easy part.

Along the way, as she uncovers family secrets, finds heartbreak, and learns more about a certain archaeologist with a mysterious past of his own, Gia discovers that fairy-tale endings might be messy and complicated, but they can happen anywhere.

 

 

Review:

An Accidental Odyssey by KC Dyer is the second book in her An Exlibris Adventure series.  I have not read the first book, and thought this read well, since it is more of a standalone. Gianna (Gia) Kostas, our heroine, is set to marry one of New York’s wealthy eligible bachelors, and leaving her job writing food stories and recipes. Her fiancée, Anthony, makes all kinds of plans for the wedding, with his mother’s help, and Gia just follows his plans.  Until she gets a call that her father has collapsed, and she rushes to the hospital; her father Ari is already planning to leave, and says he feels fine, having a minor TIA incident.  When she returns the next morning, he has already left, leaving behind his medicine. 

Gia discovers her father, who is a professor, is determined retrace Odysseus’s voyage and left for Athens. She decides he can not do this alone in his condition, despite his denials, and follows him to Greece; leaving her fiancée to handle all the wedding plans, as she expects to be back in a few days.

What follows is a wild adventure across the Mediterranean, with Gia joining her father in his discoveries, and gets approval to write a daily food blog on Mediterranean food in all the countries they are visiting.  Along the way she meets a wild array of different and fabulous people, including Dr. Raj Malik, an archaeologist, who works closely with her father.  Of course, Gia finds herself attracted to Raj, as he is to her; but she is still trying to keep her relationship with her fiancée; even though she doesn’t like his overall dominance. Gia also begins to learn more about her father’s earlier past life, the women he loved; as well as family secrets.

An Accidental Odyssey was very well written by KC Dyer, who gave us fabulous trips and scenery through the journey. I did like Gia and Raj, and hoped they would end up together, not with as her fiancée, Anthony. You will need to read the book to find out what happens.  I did think there was a bit too much details, but overall, it was a very good story line. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

KC DYER is graciously offering a paper copy of An Accidental Odyssey to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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.

IMPORTANT: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please CLICK on the title, and it should take you directly to the post.

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

3. Follow KC Dyer on  Facebook

4. LIKE The Reading Cafe on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE The Reading Cafe  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 is USA only

9. Giveaway runs from December 15 to 20, 2021

 

 

 

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His for the Holidays by Samantha Chase -review tour

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His for the Holidays by Samantha Chase -review tour

 

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 14, 2021.

What better way to unwind from the stress of a family Thanksgiving, than escaping with an armload of Christmas cookies?

Hannah Christy was eager to head home and devour her treats in solitude, while doing some prep work for the promotion she was vying for. Those plans came to a screeching halt… along with the elevator…. trapping her inside with her sexy neighbor.

After being trapped with his match-making family over Thanksgiving, getting stuck in an elevator was a welcome reprieve for Gage Lawson.

If it was up to him, he would gladly stay stranded well into the new year. Especially since his neighbor has a whole treasure trove of ideas on how to pass the time. The best Christmas cookies he’s ever tasted. Delicious spiced wine. Fun getting-to-know-you games. It’s the most holiday merriment he’s had in a long while.

Somewhere in the midst of it all, Gage comes up with the perfect plan. A fake romance to help make both their family get-togethers more jolly! To his surprise, Hannah agrees to be his for the holidays. Yet with the mistletoe in full bloom, and her on his arm, Gage soon realizes their little Christmas show isn’t enough. He wants her for real… and forever.

Roast the chestnuts and hang the stockings, Gage has a plan! With the help of the 55 and over residents, magical flurries, and a never-ending supply of hot cocoa with extra marshmallows, he’s determined to show Hannah that Christmas is the most wonderful time of year to fall in love.

•••••••

REVIEW: HIS FOR THE HOLIDAYS by Samantha Chase is a stand alone, contemporary adult, romance story line focusing on twenty-eight year old, interior designer Hannah Christy, and communication analyst for cyber security Gage Lawson.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Hannah and Gage) HIS FOR THE HOLIDAYS follows the fake relationship between Hannah Christy and Gage Lawson. A broken elevator finds our couple meeting for the first time, commiserating about family expectations and the upcoming holidays. Desperate to avoid another holiday where his mother and sisters set him up with neighbors and friends, Gage asks Hannah to be his pretend girlfriend for the holiday season. Having learned of some disappointing news at work, Hannah makes plans to move on, without looking back. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Hannah and Gage, and the potential fall-out as their time together comes to a close but Gage is hoping for something more.

Hannah Christy doesn’t have plans to go home for the Christmas holidays, and Gage’s offer comes on the heal of bad news for our story line heroine. With nothing better to do, Hannah agrees to Gage’s proposal but continues to struggle with her stalled career. Meeting Gage’s large extended family finds our heroine enjoying the holidays more than she could have ever imagined but Hannah has no plans to stick around, and our heroine does what she does best, she runs.

The relationship between Hannah and Gage begins as a fake relationship that quickly turns into something more. Gage’s mother and sisters take advantage of Hannah’s visit, leaving a frustrated Gage in their wake. Spending time together means taking their relationship to the next level but Hannah is quick to remind Gage that they are not a forever kind of relationship. The $ex scenes are mostly implied or fade to black.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Gage’s siblings and their mother, and friends and neighbors preparing for the upcoming holiday.

HIS FOR THE HOLIDAYS is a sweet and charming holiday story. The premise is entertaining; the romance is captivating; the characters are desperate and determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

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New York Times and USA Today Bestseller/contemporary romance writer Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan’s Return, in November 2011. Although she waited until she was in her 40’s to publish for the first time, writing has been a lifelong passion. Her motivation to take that step was her students: teaching creative writing to elementary age students all the way up through high school and encouraging those students to follow their writing dreams gave Samantha the confidence to take that step as well.

When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading contemporary romances, playing way too many games of Scrabble or Solitaire on Facebook and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina.

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Fire Bonded by M.A. Abraham – a Review

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Fire Bonded by M.A. Abraham – a Review

 

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Description:
Lyra and Raine live on a mountain, next to a ski resort where they teach snow sports on a daily basis. It’s a perfect foil for two Ice Elves who are Guardians of the last portal. Things get interesting when Telion and Riven arrive to escort the two women who are their Life Mates to the Elven Empire. There they find that not only is the portal weak, but inaccessible. As things turn from bad to worse, they are left with no choice but to travel to the deep north to find Pianth. They are about to find out this is the least of their concerns, for even when they finish with their task, they learn the Elven Empire is preparing to go on a move that is bonded by fire.

 

 

Review:

Fire Bonded by M.A. Abraham is the 4th novella in her Elven Sentinel series.  The previous novellas do read very well as a stand-alone, as enough information is given early on.   Refresher:  The Sentinels are elves who were sent to live secretly in the human world, and as the parents pass, the children step forward. These elves (pretending to be human) are scattered all over the world to watch over and protect the portals across the land to prevent anyone entering the Elven Empire.   In Fire Bonded, we get to see the last of the elves who were responsible to keep an eye on the portal.

Lyra and Raine are the two final elves (fire elves), and they live near a ski resort to teach skiing.  The first of the Sentinels who arrives to greet them, is Telion and he is Raine’s Lifemate.  Shortly thereafter, Corolon arrives and meets his Lifemate, Lyra.   The men have been sent by Lothrail to rescue the remaining girls, get the books needed, and return to Elven Empire.   But things are not going to be easy, since the portal has weakened, and a major threat has their eye on them.

Arya, a powerful demon, survived the attack of her leader in the last book; and now with information that he left her, and learning how powerful she really is; she is determined to find those who have the ability to enter the portal to a magical world.

Corolon, senses the demon following them, and tries to get the four of them to find the books and leave.  However, Arya was not to be denied, and holds them hostage, with a gun pointed at one of the ladies, and the men are protective of their Lifemates.    What follows is an intense battle to protect themselves from the evil threatening their lives, and find a way to return home.  Arya was an evil villain, not to mention very powerful.  Will Lothrail be able to help them escape, and what happens if Arya manages to enter the portal to the Elven World?

Fire Bonded was an exciting and excellent ending to this series.  I did enjoy the four main characters, as they were fun, and accepting their Lifemates.  As always, I love seeing Gabriella, even if it’s for a very short period.  If you have not read the earlier books, I suggest you start with the first book (Earth Bonded), in order to fully understand.  Fire Bonded was very well written by M.A. Abraham.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

 

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RAVEN (Royal Bastards MC: Portland 2) by KL Savage-Review Tour

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RAVEN (Royal Bastards MC: Portland Oregon 2) by KL Savage-Review Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 14, 2021.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: RAVEN is the second instalment in KL Savage’s contemporary, adult ROYAL BASTARDS MC: PORTLAND OREGON erotic, MC romance series-a spin off / cross over from the author’s RUTHLESS KINGS MC. This is thirty-eight year old Royal Bastards VP Jason aka Raven, and Serena’s story line.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Raven and Serena) RAVEN follows the quick building relationship between thirty eight year old Royal Bastards VP Raven, and Serena. Twenty-five years earlier, thirteen year old Jason lost his sister Raven to a serial killer, and was taken in by the Royal B*stards MC in Portland Oregon. Fast forward to present day wherein, someone is abducting and murdering local women, and the pressure of the past is continuing affect our story line hero. With the MC heading to Vega, to spend Christmas with the Ruthless Kings MC, Raven opts to remain in Portland where he will come face to face with his future. Enter Serena, a woman on the run but a woman who will find herself without her memory of what happened or why. What ensues is the rapidly building relationship between Raven and Serena, and the potential fall-out as Serena’s past is about to come full circle, threatening the man with whom she is falling in love.

Serena awoke to find herself a victim of an assault and amnesia but Raven is acting strange, and in this, Serena begins to suspect something is terribly wrong. Raven is struggling to trust the woman that has stolen his heart, a woman who could very well be a stone cold killer.

The relationship between Raven and Serena is one of immediate attraction but an accident will befall our heroine leaving her dependant upon a man she does not remember. A snow storm will trap our couple for several days at the MC clubhouse, but a knock at the door threatens to destroy all sense of harmony and peace, peace that is about to be short lived. The $ex scenes are erotic and intense.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Thrasher and Delilah (Thrasher 1), and most of the members of the Royal B*stards MC: Portland-Ink, Fate, Hack, Holiday, Dexter, Atlas, Gunner and Wrath.

RAVEN is a story of obsession and murder; betrayal and hate; acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is captivating; the romance is insta-lust to love; the characters are energetic but troubled. RAVEN ends on a happily ever after-for now….

I will add there are a few questionable scenarios but such is the nature of the beast known as fiction…

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one THRASHER.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

K.L. Savage decided they were tired of looking for the kind of books they wanted to read. They had an itch that needed to be scratched, and as every girl knows, nothing scratches better than an alpha.

They write about gritty, alpha males, sometimes their dark sides, and the women they love.
If you have the same itch, their alpha males should fix that.

Newsletter + FREE book: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/wvr02b395h
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/K.L.-Savage-Savage/e/B085S54K2S
Twitter: https://twitter.com/klsavage_author
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/k.l.savage.author
Website: http://www.klsavage.com
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Code Name: Disavowed by Sawyer Bennett-review

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Code Name:Disavowed (Jameson Force Security 8) by Sawyer Bennett-review

CODE NAME: DISAVOWED
Jameson Force Security 8
by Sawyer Bennett
Release Date:December 14, 2021.
Genre: adult, contemporary, romantic, suspense

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 14, 2021.

Life works in mysterious ways. Jameson Force Security has just received notice of a disavowed CIA agent in need of rescue in Central America. My blood runs cold when I learn that agent is none other than Greer Hathaway—my former fiancée.

Having gone our separate ways more than a decade ago, I still have bitter feelings toward Greer and the demise of our relationship. Those feelings don’t change the fact that I loved her more than anything, so I’m on the next flight out to embark on a rescue mission. Besides, Greer once saved my life, so now it’s time to return the favor and put her firmly in my past.

Face-to-face for the first time since ending our engagement, Greer and I are left with not only anger, unanswered questions and regrets, but also the undeniable chemistry we apparently still have. Will the promise of a new future together be enough, or will the same obstacles tear us apart again?

•••••••

REVIEW:CODE NAME: DISAVOWED is the eighth instalment in Sawyer Bennett’s contemporary, adult JAMESON FORCE SECURITY romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for Jameson Force Security. This is forty-one year old, former CIA agent and current Jameson Force Security agent Ladd McDermott, and CIA agent Greer Hathaway’s story line. CODE NAME: DISAVOWED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.There is a slight cross-over with the author’s Arizona Vengeance series.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Greer and Ladd) CODE NAME: DISAVOWED follows the second chance relationship between forty -one year old, former CIA agent and current Jameson Force Security agent Ladd McDermott, and CIA agent Greer Hathaway. Approximately twelves years earlier CIA agents Ladd McDermott, and Greer Hathaway had their whole lives ahead of them. Engaged to be married, Ladd would soon learn that Greer’s path going forward didn’t match the path he had laid out for their future, and Greer walked away by without looking back. Fast forward to present day, wherein, Greer Hathaway has been taken hostage on her latest assignment in Central America, and the CIA have disavowed the agent and all involvement. Enter Jameson Force Security agent and Greer’s former fiance Ladd McDermott, who volunteers to extricate the woman he once loved. What ensues is the search and rescue of our story line heroine, and the potential fall out as the Central American cartel takes aim at our story line couple.

Greer Hathaway knew she made a mistake twelve years earlier but the man that she loved had moved on with his life, pushing Greer to take assignments that would take her all over the world. Ladd McDermott never thought he would ever again find love but he never got over the woman who broke his heart.

The relationship between Greer and Ladd is one of second chances; a rebuilding romance between two people whose plans for the future went in opposite directions. Never having stopped loving Ladd McDermott, Greer knows she broke his heart but never expected Ladd to have moved on with his life. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

Several members of the Jameson Force Security return as secondary and supporting characters (Kynan, Dozer, Bebe and Jackson). We are introduced to Ladd’s ten year old son Ethan, and his ex-wife Britney, and Central and South American CIA director Gayla Newman. The requisite evil has many faces.

CODE NAME: DISAVOWED is a story of betrayal and vengeance, friendships and relationships, second chances and love. The premise is intriguing, engaging and captivating; the romance is seductive and emotional; the characters are energetic, determined and secure.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Wicked Force
CODE NAME: GENESIS
CODE NAME: SENTINEL
Code Name: Heist
Code Name: Hacker
Code Name: Ghost
Code Name: Rook
Code Name: Tiara

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in January 2013, Sawyer Bennett has released more than 30 books and has been featured on both the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists on multiple occasions.

A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

Sawyer likes her Bloody Marys strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a combination of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active toddler, as well as full-time servant to two adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great work-out, cake, or a combination of the two.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BOOKBUB | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE | INSTAGRAM

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Mine to Keep (Protection 4) by Kennedy L Mitchell-Review Tour

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Mine to Keep (Protection 4) by Kennedy L Mitchell-Review Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 13, 2021.

An unlikely friendship, a stalking ex, and a serial killer on the loose.

FBI profiler Charlie Bekham prides himself on three unique talents: hacking any database, making women swoon with a cocky smirk, and letting no one see the desperate man buried deep. When a string of murders in Louisville, KY, requires extra help, he’s forced to partner with the brilliant yet shy Special Agent Rhyan Riggs to hunt the killer. Long nights of working the case fan the growing attraction between them, making Charlie question if “just friends” is enough.

Special Agent Rhyan Riggs is running from her past—a narcissistic ex, to be exact. Determined to move on from the terrible breakup, she focuses solely on her career… until him. Special Agent Charlie Bekham. Covered in tattoos, cocky as hell, and bad-boy hot, he’s exactly the type she should avoid at all costs but can’t seem to stay away from.

With more victims and at a dead end, Rhyan does the unthinkable—she puts herself in the killer’s sights. When the killer takes the bait and disappears with the woman Charlie’s fallen for, can he piece together the remaining clues before Rhyan becomes the next body found?

•••••••

REVIEW:MINE TO KEEP is the fourth instalment in Kennedy L. Mitchell’s contemporary, adult PROTECTION erotic, romantic suspense series. This is thirty-seven year old, FBI profiler Charlie Bekham, and thirty-five year old Special Agent Rhyan Riggs’ storyline. MINE TO KEEP can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Charlie was first introduced in book three MINE TO GUARD.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Charlie and Rhyan) MINE TO KEEP follows FBI profiler Charlie Beckham and Special Agent Rhyan Riggs of the Behavioral Science Unit, and a case in Louisville, Kentucky where several women have reportedly committed suicide over the past several months. Believing there was more to the story than was reported, Charlie and Rhyan, head to Kentucky in an effort to uncover the truth but our couple is met with disdain at the Louisville FBI office, and Rhyan will be targeted by a misogynistic agent. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Charlie and Rhyan, and the potential fall-out our couple, with the help of the Agent Bryson Bennett, of an investigation where profilers go everything wrong.

The FBI team’s section chief Carter has targeted both Charlie and Rhyan. Rhyan is equal in status to Carter, but has refused to take control. The rumors around the office make Rhyan the proverbial gossip punching bag, and Charlie finds himself on Carter’s sh*t list for sins of the past. Working together to profile a possible serial killer, Rhyan finds herself wanting something more with our story line hero.

The relationship between Rhyan and Charlie begins as partners but Charlie suspects something dark in Rhyan’s past. Rhyan’s sense of personal self-worth is negligible, and in this, Charlie sets out to prove she is worthy of friendship and love. Days and nights spent working together push our couple together but tracking down a killer means placing one or both in the direct line of fire. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense but I dislike the use of a certain four-letter word.

We are introduced to FBI Agent Bryson Bennett, lead detective Steven Hicks, section chief Carter, and Assistant Deputy Director Garr, and via phone Rhyan’s controlling ex Brian, and her bestie Olivia Reynolds. Bryson Bennett’s story line is next in MINE TO HOLD.

MIND TO KEEP is a story of power and control, obsession, vengeance and murder, acceptance and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is intriguing and edgy; the romance is energetic and provocative; the characters are spirited and realistic. My only complaint is the lack of any true closure with the ex-boyfriend story line.

Reading Order and Previous review
Mine to Protect
Mine to Save
Mine to Guard

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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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.

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Below Torrential Hill by Jonathan Koven-a review

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Below Torrential Hill by Jonathan Koven-a review

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Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 3, 2021.

It’s Christmas, and strange occurrences are plaguing the small town of Torrential Hill: a supernatural comet, undead insects, exploding streetlights, and a presence luring people into the woods. But when the mother of Tristen—a wistful, fatherless sixteen-year-old boy—hears voices from the kitchen sink, all he can think of is running away.

••••••

REVIEW:This is a Christmas story with a difference. The supernatural angle was really good, and the suspense had me turning the pages to find the answers.

The death of a loved one can effect people in different ways. And this story shows how these characters try to deal with some of these issues that death brings.

Tristan knows that the death of her husband (his dad) and the subsequent leaving of his stepfather has left her feeling lost and so turned to drink. So when she claims to hear voices, he thinks it’s the drink. The bond i feel between mother and son is extremely tenuous and it could snap at any moment.

Tristan is an interesting character, for such a young man he’s got a pretty good grasp of things, he looks after his mother. But he’s also a bit of a loner, not connecting with the kids in the area he lives.

Supporting characters only add to this story. His ex-girlfriend now his friend Ava is great, (she a no nonsense character, and says it how it is) he hopes they will get back together again. His mother Lucy doesn’t really know what she wants out of life, and you have to feel sorry for her, but lashing out at Tristan lost her a little of my respect.

Tristan thinks the drink is the issue with his mother, but when he hears the voices his first thought is disbelief…..

Flowed really well, and although only a short story, it was really good. The supernatural aspect was interesting, the spooky moments if they were in a film would have you hiding behind a cushion, and the suspense keeps you turning the pages. Liked the legend or story that tells of voices that could entice people to enter the wood and never be seen again, their voices would be added to the growing stream.

I’d recommend this book if you like something a little different.

A really good read.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B ?

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Crown City (Time Box 5) by John A Heldt-a review

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Crown City (Time Box 5) by John A Heldt-a review

 

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Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 26, 2021.

From the author of the critically acclaimed Time Box series comes the dramatic conclusion of a story that spans a century.

Two years after stealing portable time machines, the Lanes, a family from the present day, stop running and start living. They settle in the seaside town of Coronado, California, in 1963.

For Jordan, Laura, and Jeremy, the oldest children, the respite is a chance to nurture relationships, start families, and explore the country. It is an opportunity to put down roots.

For Ashley, the youngest, it is a chance to thrive. Now fourteen, she is ready to start high school, make friends, and make up for lost time. She finds popularity and more after a classmate nominates her for freshman homecoming princess.

Robert Devereaux could not care less. The deranged billionaire wants his time machines back and is willing to do anything to get them. He sends a hit man to the past, setting into motion a final confrontation between a hunter and his prey.

In CROWN CITY, the suspenseful finale of the Time Box saga, a defiant family finds romance, friendship, and danger as it navigates the final months of the Kennedy presidency.

•••••••

REVIEW:CROWN CITY is the fifth and final instalment in John A Heldt’s adult TIME BOX time travel series focusing on the Lane family-Mark and Mary, and their children Jordan, Jeremy, Laura and Ashley. CROWN CITY should not be read as a stand alone-I recommend reading the series in order as their is an ongoing premise throughout.

SOME BACKGROUND: Having created two time machines in 2021 known as the Time Boxes, patriarch Mark Lane discovers that his business partner, billionaire Robert Devereaux, wants to use the Time Boxes for questionable purposes. Having prepared for weeks, Mark Lane and his family pull up roots, and send themselves, along with the Time Boxes, back in time. Robert Devereaux desperate to retrieve the time boxes, and punish his one-time partner, hires a modern day assassin who goes on a time travel hunt for Mark Lane and his family.

Told from several third person perspectives CROWN CITY finds the Lane family travelling to 1963 in the months prior to and after the assassination of John F Kennedy. 1963 beckoned Mark and Mary Lane and their growing family but the constant jumping through time was beginning to take its’ toll on the youngest child Ashley. As Ashley started high school for the very first time, the soon to be fifteen year old needed more freedom than the family would accord, and in this , Ashley was about to bring trouble to the Lane’s front door.

Meanwhile, Randy Taylor, Mark’s one-time mentee, had proclaimed his love for Mark’s daughter Laura, and in this, Randy will begin a deliberate take down of Robert Devereaux, by travelling to the future. Setting a plan into motion, Randy will ensure the safety of the family he has grown to love but trouble continues to follow in the form of a hired assassin who refuses to back down.

CROWN CITY follows the Lane children as they come into their own-falling in love, starting families, venturing further without their time-travelling parents. As one couple struggle to prevent the death of someone else, everyone must come to terms to a decision that will affect them all, going forward.

CROWN CITY is a story family and friendships, relationships and love: a story of betrayal and vengeance, acceptance and moving forward. John A Heldt pulls the reader into another multi-faceted story that tentatively looks at a factionalized account of historical events, events that our family must regrettably ignore. The premise is detailed and complex, engaging and captivating-a fantastic conclusion to a wonderful series.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Lane Betrayal
The Fair
Sea Spray
The Refuge

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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