Author Archives: Barb

Dark Angel/The Investigator by John Sandford – Reviews

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Dark Angel/The Investigator by John Sandford – Reviews

 

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Description:
Letty Davenport, the tough-as-nails adopted daughter of Lucas Davenport, takes on an undercover assignment that brings her across the country and into the crosshairs of a dangerous group of hackers.

Letty Davenport’s days working a desk job at are behind her. Her previous actions at a gunfight in Texas—and her incredible skills with firearms—draw the attention of several branches of the US government, and make her a perfect fit for even more dangerous work. The Department of Homeland Security and the NSA have tasked her with infiltrating a hacker group, known only as Ordinary People, that is intent on wreaking havoc. Letty and her reluctant partner from the NSA pose as free-spirited programmers for hire and embark on a cross country road trip to the group’s California headquarters.

While the two work to make inroads with Ordinary People and uncover their plans, they begin to suspect that the hackers are not their only enemy. Someone within their own circle may have betrayed them, and has ulterior motives that place their mission—and their lives—in grave danger.

 

Review:
Dark Angel by John Sandford is the second book in his exciting Letty Davenport series. Letty is an investigator for Department of Homeland Security, but her real boss is with Senator Christopher Colles. She has garnered a lot attention from her last case, with other government leaders interested; but she is asked to help with a joint operation between Homeland Security and the National Security Agency.  Letty will partner up with Rod Baxter, an NSA security computer programmer; as they will need to go undercover to infiltrate an organized cell of hackers known as “Ordinary People”.  Both Letty and Rod agree that they suspect NSA leaders are not telling them all the facts. 

Letty is smart, calm, fantastic ability with guns, and determined to find the information that they need; Baxter is the programmer/hacker guru, who is not a fan of any violence.  They are both opposites, but they each have a sense of humor and focus on what needs to be done. They make contact with some hackers, showing them, they can break down Ordinary People. After they complete the work, things turn violent, as the breakdown brings in a dangerous adversary; a Russian crew is murdering people from the Ordinary People hacker group. Letty and Baxter realize the real danger is with the Russians who are bent on revenge against the OP group, as well as fighting a battle with Ukraine.

What follows is an exciting and intense thriller in the last half of the book.  Letty asks for help bringing in her CIA friend Barbara, who also is great with guns, and Kaiser (her previous partner), as well as other help from NSA.  The hackers, who they worked with earlier, and Baxter are trying to bring down the Russian attack on Ukraine; while Letty and her team prepare for the Russian invasion.

The final attack was wild, haunting and riveting, with violence, murder, and a fantastic ending.   Dark Angel was suspenseful, fast paced, and action packed throughout, with a lots of violence, murder, espionage and hackers.  I loved Letty, who was a sensational leader, and happy to see Kaiser join closer to the end, as well as Barbara.  I also like the rest of the team and hackers who were very good characters. Dark Angel was very well written by John Sandford.

 

 

 

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Description:
By age twenty-four, Letty Davenport has seen more action and uncovered more secrets than many law enforcement professionals. Now a recent Stanford grad with a master’s in economics, she’s restless and bored in a desk job for U.S. Senator Colles. Letty’s ready to quit, but her skills have impressed Colles, and he offers her a feet-on-the-ground investigative work, in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security.  Several oil companies in Texas have reported thefts of crude, Colles tells her.  He isn’t so much concerned with the oil as he is with the who is selling the oil, and what are they doing with the profits? Rumor has it that a fairly ugly militia group might be involved. Colles wants to know if the money is going to them, and if so, what they’re planning.  Letty is partnered with a DHS investigator, John Kaiser, and they head to Texas.  When the case quicky turns deadly, they know they’re on the track of something bigger.  The militia group has set in motion an explosive plan . . . and the clock is ticking down.

 

Review:

The Investigator by John Sandford is the 1st book in his new Letty Davenport series. This is a spin off of Sandford’s US Marshall Lucas Davenport series, with his adopted daughter, Letty taking center stage. At the age of 24, Letty is working for US Senator Colles, but she is bored and ready to quit, but Colles is impressed with her skills and offers her a job doing investigative work along side of the Department of Homeland Security. Letty learned at a young age from her father, on handling firearms, knowledge of police procedures, handling tense situations as well understanding all kinds of investigative reports.

Letty is pared with Homeland Security investigator John Kaiser; at first John wasn’t sure that Letty would make a good partner. But she quickly proved that she knew what she was doing, not to mention her sharp abilities using guns. In a short time, they began to trust each other, making them have a great working relationship.  

Their mission involves checking out recent oil thefts in small Texas towns, as a number of oil companies have reported thefts. Rumors are reported that a militia group may be involved, and what are they doing with the profits from the stolen oil?  While doing their investigations, they discover an oil company employee, and wife is murdered in their home; with some other people also being murdered. Letty and John begin to suspect that this militia group is planning a possible anti-immigration explosive attack at the Tex-Mex border. With time running out, Letty and Kaiser alert Homeland Security and local police to help stop the attack. Who will survive?

The Investigator was an exciting, intense story line, with the last third of the book had me unable to put the book down.  I really liked Letty, who was a compelling heroine, with her overall intelligence, amazing ability with guns, and so very confident and independent. The Investigator was very well written by John Sandford. I look forward to more of Letty Davenport.

Reviewed by Barb

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Rift in the Soul by Faith Hunter – a Review

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Rift in the Soul by Faith Hunter – a Review

 

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Description:
Nell Ingram draws her powers from deep in the earth, and uses them to help Psy-LED, the Psychometric Law Enforcement Division, which solves paranormal crimes. When a local vampire calls to report a dead body on her compound, Nell knows she and her team have to be ready for anything.

But the dead body is just the beginning of a mystery that involves supernaturals of all kinds, including some of the most powerful vampires in the country. As Nell gets closer to the truth, she begins to understand that the perpetrator is tracking her too—and that there is something personal about this crime. Something with roots that go almost as deep as those in Soulwood.

 

 

Review:

Rift in the Soul by Faith Hunter is the 6th book in her terrific Soulwood series.  Brief refresher: Nell Ingram is a member of PsyLed (Unit Eighteen), a Homeland Security division that investigates paranormal cases and is based in Knoxville, TN, close to Soulwood.  The PsyLed team is made up of witches, werewolves, empaths and Nell fits right in with her Soulwood powers; they make a great team, as they are all very likeable (Occam, Ayatas, T-Laine, JoJo, Tandy & Rick). Nell has really come into her own, as she is a powerful woman controlling her Soulwood land and plants.

Rift in the Soul begins with Nell summoned by the Master of the City, vampire Ming of Glass, reporting a dead body; both Ayatas and Rick also respond, making sure to protect Nell. Ming tries to get Nell to kill a powerful and ancient vampire, who plans to destroy everything.  Nell senses things are not right, with Ming and her team; soon after, an attack destroys Ming’s home by the ancient vampire, who is searching for the Blood Tarot.  While on the site, both Nell and Occam find the Blood Tarot, which is now hidden at PsyLed.

In a short time, Nell learns that the perpetrator, has a demon inside him, making things even more dangerous.  All of the PsyLed team join Nell at Soulwood, where attacks are at full force; with Nell’s magical connection to the land, fighting off the vampires. We learn so much more about Nell’s family, and how her powers in the land continue to grow. I really love how her younger sister, Mud is also gaining powers as a plant-woman, throughout Soulwood’s land.  We get to see Esther, who recently divorced, and has two babies, now living in Soulwood, and is also gaining powers. Nell, her family and PsyLed friends do everything in their power to stop the baddies.

While all this is ongoing, the whole family is in the process of preparing Nell’s wedding to Occam (her cat man). I loved how much the relationship between and Occam and Nell became totally filled with deep love.  Though Jane Yellowrock (she is the Dark Queen), is not fully part of the story line, there were so many mentions of her; especially with her on her honeymoon, as well as her approving many issues to help.

What follows is an intense, exciting, gripping and violent story.  Rift in the Soul is another fabulous addition to this series, as it is non-stop action, suspenseful and intense..  The last half of the book was an edge of your seat thriller, and Nell was totally amazing stepping up in a wild and fantastic ride to the climax. We are used to Faith Hunter always having a fantastic group of characters, an amazing heroine in her series. Nell is a great heroine, and in this book, she evolves to be even more powerful.  I loved her sisters joining together to fight the evil. The epilogue was wonderful, as we get to see Nell marry Occam, with everyone there.  Faith Hunter has once again given us a fantastic story, with so many emotions throughout.

Reviewed by Barb

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Sprites & Scuttlebutt by Elizabeth Pantley – a Review

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Sprites & Scuttlebutt by Elizabeth Pantley – a Review

 

 

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Description:
This book club is hooked on traveling into books to become the amateur sleuths! In this journey, the club travels to the Kingdom of Everglow.

The royal family is rocked to the core when a key staff member falls dead at a community event. In the turmoil that follows, any evidence of what happened is destroyed, so they must go by the recollection of witnesses who were too busy enjoying the celebration to offer any valuable testimony.

The royal family is further distressed when they return to the castle to see signs of a break in that somehow defied their complex security system. They wake the next day to discover that one member of the royal family has fallen into a deep, deathlike sleep.

Can the Snapdragon Inn Book Club uncover the plot behind this attack on the royal family? Can they find the antidote to wake the sleeping royal from a supernatural slumber? Can they bring peace back to the worried royal family and the frightened community?

Let’s hope they can, since they must solve the mystery and reach The End to get out of the book and back to their home in Colorado.

 

 

Review:

Sprites & Scuttlebutt by Elizabeth Pantley is the 6th book in another enchanting and fun Magical Mystery Book Club series.  Refresher: Paige and Glo, inherited the grandmother’s country inn, which comes with a magical library.  The magical library consists of 8 members, who choose a book, and they are transported into the story, with cozy mysteries that they have to solve. This is a fun, enjoyable, lighthearted series, with wonderful characters and a magical cozy mystery.

The surprise beginning has us discovering that there is more to our wonderful talking cat, Frank.  We learn everything about Frank’s past, which covers hundreds of years, including being a king, with an evil sorcerer changing him into a cat. Of course, now, Frank is a very content enjoying the mystery trips that are part of the mystery book club.

The Snapdragon club members pick a book and they are whisked away into the Kingdom of Everglow, which is comes across as a fairyland location, with sprites.  Upon arrival, they see a key member of the staff being killed during a celebration, shocking the royal family.   The Royal family welcomes the group, to help solve the murder, with them treated like royalty; especially king Frank, who is considered and treated like royalty.  Lots of fun with this.

The next day, everyone is shocked that one of the princesses is in a deep sleep, and no one can wake her.  The Snapdragon members are assigned to try and discover who did this to the Princess, as well as solving the murder of the staff member.  The crew will need to interview people within the community, who may have clues to both incidents.  A garden party gathering with most people in the community, enables them to find information as they mingle, eavesdrop, question and observe those attending.  Can the Snapdragon Inn Book Club uncover the plot behind this attack on the royal family, as well as find the antidote to wake the princess?

What follows is a fun story that has all the members trying to find clues, as well as suspects. I really enjoy this series, as it is so very entertaining.  All the characters in the Magical Mystery Book Club are very good, with Paige leading the way. I loved most of the characters, especially Frank, my favorite.  I also like Mollie, the resident ghost, who in Everglow is unseen, and she secretly discovers some clues. 

Sprites & Scuttlebutt was another terrific, enchanting and fun magical addition to this series, with wonderful characters. There were a few surprises, especially learning all about our hero, Frank.  Sprites & Scuttlebutt was a wonderful lighthearted fun magical mystery, which was very well written by Elizabeth Pantley.  I look forward to the next book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for Review

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Never Too Late by Danielle Steel – a Review

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Never Too Late by Danielle Steel – a Review

 

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Description:
Kezia Cooper Hobson, recently widowed, arrives in New York from San Francisco.  Determined to make a fresh start, she has just completed the sale of her Pacific Heights home, not to mention her husband’s venture capital firm, and in doing so, is also freed from her responsibility as a board member of the company. Bringing with her only a few personal treasures, she is excited to move into the blank slate of a beautiful midtown penthouse, in the city that she has always loved. It is also where her two adult daughters now live.

As Kezia settles into her new apartment, she meets her movie-star next-door neighbor, Sam Stewart, whose terrace borders hers. Just a couple of weeks after she arrives, however, a devastating crisis strikes New York City. Kezia and Sam find themselves connecting over their strong impulse to help those in need. As they share a life-changing experience of volunteering, a bond is sparked and a friendship is formed.

Kezia’s daughters, Kate and Felicity, are taken aback by their mother’s new friendship, both more focused on their own love lives than hers. But Kezia is learning that the changes she’s making are just what she needs to open new horizons.

In this powerful and moving new novel, Danielle Steel illuminates the importance of human connection and embracing brave change, proving it’s never too late for a brand-new start.

 

 

Review:

Never too Late by Danielle Steel is another one of her wonderful novels. We meet Kezia Cooper, who has lived in San Francisco, California for a long time, but after her husband died, she spent 5 years on his board and now decides to sell her place and the business and move to NYC. Kezia’s grown daughters both live in NYC, and with her 60th birthday upcoming, she wanted to try something new, and enjoy life in New York City, as well as be able to see her daughters. Kezia’s two daughters were very different, especially with Kate being 14 years older.

Kezia arrived in NYC in June, settling into her new midtown penthouse, awaiting more of her furniture, but she is happy to start out fresh, living on the 60th floor; and enjoy everything in the city. Her youngest daughter Felicity, is 23 years old, and a very successful model; currently in Paris for Fashion Week. Kezia has a warm close relationship with Felicity, who never let her success go to her head and was very well grounded.   

Kate has always been more complicated to deal with. She wants to write a novel, and felt she needed to learn more about her biological father, and why he wanted nothing to do with Kezia and her pregnancy.   Kezia married Andrew when Kate was very young, and he treated her like his own daughter, and he adopted her.  When Andrew died (5 years ago) he split the inheritance between Kezia, Kate and Felicity.  Though she was close to her adopted father, Kate needed to learn more about her biological father. She decided to go with her boyfriend to Africa and meet him. 

With both daughters away, Kezia sits on her Terrance watching the July 4th fireworks, and she meets Sam Stewart, a movie star; he lives on the terrace next to her, which has a hedge plant dividing them.  Sam lost his wife two years ago.  He manages to get into the hedge to talk to Kezia, as they watch a horrific attack in New York City, with bombs exploding at the Empire State Building and Hudson Yard. Both Kezia and Sam volunteer to help hospitals, police, who are understaffed.

In a short time, the friendship between Sam and Kezia slowly turns into love and happiness.  Felicity is happily in love with her boyfriend, and she accepts his proposal of marriage, making Kezia very happy, as plans begin for a wedding.  Kate after her return from Africa, recognized that her biological father, was nice but she knew he was never there for her, and her adopted father was always the one who loved her.   Kate will also break up with her boyfriend, and find love with Sam’s son.

Never Too Late was a compelling, inspiring, captivating and engaging story that kept our attention from start to finish.  The story follows the main characters as they find love, second chances and discover that it is never too late to pursue happiness.

Reviewed by Barb

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Hypnotized by Love by Sariah Wilson – a Review

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Hypnotized by Love by Sariah Wilson – a Review

 

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Description:
Hypnotist Savannah Sinclair is known for helping clients overcome their deep-rooted issues, from anxiety to addiction. But her nontraditional approach also attracts plenty of skeptics—including her high school nemesis and rival, Mason Beckett, who just so happens to be the boy who broke her heart.

Mason’s life hasn’t gone according to plan. His latest novel was a flop, and the only gig he can land is writing a scathing exposé of his hometown hypnotist, Savannah. But in order to write an authentic article, he has to be a willing participant. Hypnosis is the last thing he he’s shedding his negative nature and opening himself up to new experiences…and when a fire alarm interrupts their session, Mason walks out into the real world entranced and sporting a sunny disposition and a tendency to say yes.

Hypnotized Mason is fearless, revealing things he’s never told a soul, acting completely out of character, and leading Savannah on a frantic chase to keep him safe. He likes his new self. The problem is, so does Savannah. She can’t fall in love with a man who’s in a trance, but can she keep him still long enough to get him to snap out of it?

 

 

Review:

Hypnotized by Love by Sariah Wilson is fun enemies to lover’s story line.  We meet Savannah Sinclair, our heroine, who is a hypnotist, helping clients get past their issues, such as anxiety, addiction, etc. Savannah herself, has a lot of issues in her own life, especially being insecure and lacking self- confidence. Sierra, Savannh’s twin sister, was always trying to convince her to lighten up, but she knows her sister holds grudges forever. 

Mason Beckett, Savannah’s former crush and best friend, is back in town; and she wants nothing to do with him, since she blames him for destroying her life a long time ago. Mason is determined to win her back, even if she hates him now, but he is totally infatuated with Savannah, and later he will learn that what happened years before was a miscommunication, which did not involve him.   

Savannah finds herself spending time with Mason, especially after allowing her to hypnotize him as a test; and she begins to have feelings for him, but doing her best to not fall in love with him.  Mason was such a great guy, very patient and totally going out of his way to prove his feelings to her.  I will say, I thought Savannah was very annoying, with her grudges, and not looking for the truths. Though the banter between Mason and Savannah was very good.

I loved the relationship between Savannah and Sierra, as they were so close and Sierra was a sweetheart. I thought that Sierra came across as more mature, honest then Savannah. Even to the very end, Savannah continued to be very frustrating, being her own worst enemy, as she would sabotage anything, even if she needed to recognize the truth. 

Hypnotized by Love was a heartwarming story, that was fun, fast paced, swoon, wonderful relationship with sisters, and love. I wasn’t crazy about Savannah, until the end; but I did adore Mason, and liked Sierra.  Hypnotized by Love was very well written by Sariah Wilson.

Reviewed by Barb

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The Lady in Glass and Other Stories by Anne Bishop – a Review

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The Lady in Glass and Other Stories by Anne Bishop – a Review

 

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Description:
A magical collection of stories new and old spanning across all of Anne Bishop’s most beloved fantasy worlds.

Here, together for the first time, the shorter works of New York Times bestselling fantasy author Anne Bishop are included in one dazzling volume.

A master of bringing fantasy worlds to life, this collection showcases Bishop’s impressive range, from rarities of her earliest writing to the Realms of the Blood, from darker fairytale retellings to the Landscapes of Ephemera, and from standalone stories of space exploration and fantastical creatures to the contemporary fantasy terrain of the World of the Others.

Includes previously published and unpublished tales, as well as two brand-new stories, written especially for this “Friends and Corpses,” a murder mystery in which the corpse has some decidedly unusual qualities, and “Home for the Howlidays,” a heartwarming return to the Blood Prophet Meg Corbyn and the shapeshifting Simon Wolfgard from The Others.

 

 

Review:

The Lady in Glass and Other Stories is an anthology of a collection of short stories written by Anne Bishop throughout her career.   Anne Bishop is a master in creating wonderful fantasies, which I have loved them all.  Some of these stories are previously published or unpublished tales from her fantastic fantasy world of amazing books; which include my favorites, Black Jewels, Ephemera, and the World of the Others. Two brand-new stories include Home for the Howlidays (The Others), and Friends and Corpses (unusual murder mystery).

Some of the collections were very short from her early days, and others were longer; such as from Realms of the Blood, Fairytales, Landscapes of Ephemera and the World of The Others. Of course, my favorites were from Black Jewels and The Others, though I have loved everything she has written.

Black Jewels has always been my go to all-time series (I never have enough from this series), and every time Anne gives us a new book, I cannot wait to savor it.  I loved reading more or reminding me of these two additions. It was wonderful to read more about Jaenelle, Lucifer, Daemon and Surreal.

Home for the Howlidays was a wonderful new addition to The Others, as this took place after Etched in Bone. I loved seeing Meg Corbyn, Simon Wolfgard, and all our favorites from this series; it was so much fun to read. I’m would love to have more from the Courtyard and the World of the Others.  The Dark Ship was also very good, with everyone, including the elementals trying to save two officers, as the Elders are creating havoc to stop the evil humans from killing.

Friends and Corpses is one of the new stories, which is a murder mystery, with corpses remaining alive for a short time. It is an unusual story, with solving the mystery, as well as the police controlling these zombies, it was actually good, but very different.

As noted above, I am a big fan of Anne Bishop, loving all of her series, as she is a master at creating wonderful unique fantasy worlds.  I look forward to what she gives us next.  If you are a Fantasy lover, I wholly suggest you read anything by Anne Bishop.

Reviewed by Barb

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Heartbeat by Sharon Sala – a Review

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Heartbeat by Sharon Sala – a Review

 

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Description:
Sean Pope already lost Amalie Lincoln once. This time, he will risk everything to never have to say goodbye to her again. Amalie Lincoln moved to Jubilee, Kentucky, to start fresh, build her business, and heal the scars of her past. Little did she know she’d run into Sean Pope, a beloved childhood friend she hasn’t seen in decades. But on the day she moves to town, a helicopter explodes under suspicious circumstances, wreaking havoc on the families of Pope Mountain. As the Jubilee PD dives into their investigation of the incident, Sean and Amalie find comfort and a budding romance with each other. Life in Jubilee becomes exactly what Amalie hoped for. But as the investigators uncover the truth and the crooks behind the attack set Amalie in their sights, Sean must face the danger or risk losing Amalie forever.

 

 

Review:

Heartbeat by Sharon Sala is the 3rd book in her wonderful Jubilee, Kentucky series. We meet our heroine, Amalie Lincoln, who grew up in foster care, with no true happiness; especially as a baby being found in the woods.  She was able to go to college and became a CPA, but at the age of 25, Amalie suffered a horrific car wreck caused by a drunk driver, and was badly burned, which took at least two years to recover. Her neighbor helped her sue for damages, which she won, leaving her well-off financially. She took a trip to Jubilee, Kentucky for a vacation, and decided this is where she wants to live.

Amalie relocated to Jubilee, and opened her own shop as a CPA, and needed help to set up her computer, as well as security; she calls Sean Pope to help set her up.  Upon seeing each other, both look very familiar, which they will learn that they knew each other at school at the age of 7, as he stopped her being bullied.

Amalie’s first day in town, a helicopter explodes close to the elementary school, with terrible debris landing on the ground; Sean and his two brothers, were heroes, as well as police making sure the children and teachers were all safe.  In a short time, Sean and Amalie knew they had a bond, and were totally attracted to each other; with Sean not caring about some of the noticeable scars on Amalie.  Love was in the bloom with this wonderful couple, as the Pope family opened their hearts to Amalie, welcoming her into their big family.

Another part of this story revolves around the helicopter explosion, which turns into murder.  Amalie joined Ancestry.com to look for any DNA that might enable her finding her true family. Finally, after some time, she gets a result of a connection.  Wolf Outen, is a very successful and wealthy man, and learns that the helicopter crash was planned by someone close to him, and he suspects it was his wife; working with the police, they find evidence that eventually will identify her as the culprit.   But before this, Wolf receives an email from Amalie, claiming he is her father.  To his shock, he realizes that his in-laws lied to him 27 years ago, saying his child was stillborn and deformed, and his wife died the next day. Wolf and Amalie meet and both are thrilled to have found each other so many years later.  Wolf also is worried about the wife, who tried to kill him, and decides to send some of his trusted bodyguards to protect Amalie and Sean. 

What follows is an wonderful romance that was exciting, drama, love, fantastic family with a terrific group of characters we meet along the way, as well as suspenseful.  Heartbreak was so very well written by Sharon Sala.  Heartbeat was a fabulous romance suspense novel that kept us glued to our seats, as it was a thrilling ride.  I wholly suggest you read Heartbeat.

Reviewed by Barb

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Night For Day by Roselle Lim – a Review

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Night For Day by Roselle Lim – a Review

 

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Description:
Exes Ward Dunbar and Camille Buhay thought they would never see each other again. They had broken up to pursue their dream jobs on opposite sides of the country—her to New York City, and him to Los Angeles. But years later, they unexpectedly reconnect in London, where they are interviewing for similar jobs. The spark they feel when they meet again—the attraction comes back like muscle memory, and they are reminded of what they had lost. When Ward and Camille discover they both got the job working opposing shifts, they vow to give their relationship another try.

Ward starts the day shift and finds the immortal clientele unusual and dazzling. When he clocks out at the end of the day, he finds the door locked and himself trapped in the building. After a horrific first night shift contending with restless spirits and ghosts, Camille is also unable to escape. In their respective prisons, they discover that they’re able to talk to each other a few minutes before dawn. This fleeting encounter incites longing for each other, but their promise to be together feels impossible. Because they are caught in the middle of a war of the gods—and their choices will determine the outcome.

 

 

 

Review:

Night for Day by Roselle Lim is an unusual and different kind of standalone fantasy novel.  The story begins with an epic war between the Gods (Western and Eastern) that has been around for many years, and the gods decide to try using mortals to find a way to stop the war, which will continue until a resolution.  We meet Camille Buhay and Ward Dunbar, who after breaking up their relationship two years ago, they both meet again in London, applying for jobs at the same company. Both Camille and Ward realize that they still love each other, and decide to resume their relationship.  Ward applies for the day shift, and Camille applies for the night shift.

They meet their new bosses, with Camille becoming close to the elderly Mr. Samson; and Ward must deal with the testy and angry, Ms. Selene. Ward starts the day shift, enjoying seeing the immortal clientele unusual and dazzling; but when he clocks out at the end of the day, the door is locked, with him trapped in the building.  During the night shift, Camille deals with gods and ghosts, and when she plans to leave, she too us unable to escape; with both of them trapped in an alternate reality, unable to leave.  On occasion, they are able to communicate with each other, trying to solve whatever riddles need to be revealed, as they each have to choose the outcome.

Besides Samson and Selene, the constant visitors (beside Camille meeting ghosts), are gods, such as Mr. King, Theo, Din and Eryna. Both Camille and Ward, are not sure who to trust; especially with both of them rarely unable to communicate with each other. Ward likes and trusts Theo, with Din; and Camille slowly begins to trust Mr. King.  When things get closer to the end, will they be able to solve the riddles and choose correctly on stopping the Gods war? There was a surprising twist at the end with the Gods voting.

Night for Day is wild, dangerous and magical alternate reality, with no escape; unless the gods can free them. Their journey is also about their love for each other, and finding a way to freedom.  Night for Day was very well written by Roselle Lim. I will say this was an interesting fantasy, entirely different from any other book I have read. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

                   NIGHT FOR DAY by Roselle Lim
Ace Trade Paperback Original | February 20, 2024

                                       Excerpt

Mistakes were meant to be in the rearview mirror-not walking, breathing, and able to cup your cheek to stoke every single smoldering memory long buried for self-preservation.

He shouldn’t whisper my name as if he never stopped doing so for the past two years.

Even now, my fingers itched to reacquaint myself with the beauty of his face, then to trace the slight cleft in his chin down his smooth throat, and ever farther down, to where our once shared intimacy implied permission and invitation.

“Camille, I never thought I’d see you again, let alone in London.” The way my name rolled off his tongue and slid through his lips always elicited the same response-it felt like a hot kiss at the nape of my neck.

Ward Dunbar. The mistake I’d commit again and again even knowing that the result would always be heartbreak.

“Job interview. If I get it, I’ll be moving here.” I adjusted the neckline of my buttoned dress shirt, expanding the view of bronzed skin below my collarbones. My traitorous body always reacted to him when he was in physical proximity. Easier to shut down my hormones through the sterility of a black glass screen.

He brushed an errant dark blond strand off his forehead. “I’m here for the same. Though I’ve passed the interview part.”

The skies overhead darkened-clusters of gray clouds huddling together in conference. It had been sunny five minutes ago. Late spring weather in London changed on a whim with wicked fickleness, and we were sliding into the heat of summer. I packed an umbrella and a cardigan in my lavender vegan leather tote, but I didn’t account for him. My purse didn’t contain what I’d need to cope with the nuclear fallout of a failed relationship.

Avoidance therapy was the only method that worked. Putting thousands of miles between us and preventing myself from checking his social media accounts fueled a comfortable sense of forgetfulness-the kind that allowed me to function on a daily basis, but didn’t prevent an occasional damaging slipup. It didn’t hurt that he hadn’t had any long-term relationships since then. Moving to Manhattan helped, and London should have cured me completely.

I was wrong.

Two days ago, I slipped and checked his Instagram. The selfie at an outdoor bookstall on the South Bank caused me to stop breathing for a few seconds. He was here and in the same city. I wasn’t thinking when I sent him a direct message asking to meet at this bookshop. It was pure instinct-I turned off my brain and my heart took over, grabbing the wheel and changing the direction of my life.

“I never thought you’d leave LA.” I resisted the urge to straighten the bent corner of his collar. No tie. I’d been the one responsible for those. His long, elegant fingers had other talents.

“I needed a change. This opportunity was as good a time as any.” He tipped his head toward the bookshop. “It’s going to rain. Can we duck in and chat?”

I followed him into one of the most beautiful little shops in Westminster. These buildings reminded me of an eclectic bookshelf-the windows and architectural details were charming, decorated spines of antique leather. Weathered stone, traditional painted wooden signs mixed with flashy modern ones and clean-line aesthetics. The mix of old and new fitting together in seamless coexistence.

To me, the past and present were constantly at war when I thought about Ward.

As if on cue, the curtain of rain began as he stepped into the shop. I caught a bit of it at the ends of my long hair and the back of my shirt. Again, I was reminded of what I’d be getting into if I decided to have another round in his bed-because that was where it always began.

He headed for the science fiction and fantasy section. He plucked the newest N. K. Jemisin novel from the shelf, tucked it under his arm, and continued to browse the titles, tracing his finger downward on the ones that perked his interest.

“So how does this affect your job in LA?” I took a step forward but maintained a safe distance. The scent of his subtle cologne along with the aroma of Irish cream coffee would undo my crumbling defenses. “Are you on sabbatical?”

Ward’s cushy position at a very exclusive and trendy art gallery in LA was everything he ever wished for-flexible hours, the heavy array of movie stars and wealthy client meetings, and the perfect conduit to maximize his appeal. No one was impervious. He disarmed you with his good looks and gentle tone, then went in for the kill with the way he could make you feel. Empathy combined with charm was lethal.

“I quit.”

I almost fell against a nearby bookcase. “You did what?”

“It’s . . . I needed a change.” He reached for my elbow to help me regain my balance. The heat of his touch distracted me. “I accepted a job yesterday and I start tomorrow. Now knowing that you’re here, I’d say it’s a great move.”

Ward didn’t let go yet. The worst part was that I didn’t want him to.

Excerpted from Night for Day by Roselle Lim Copyright © 2024 by Roselle Lim. Excerpted by permission of Ace. All rights reserved

 

 

 

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