Author Archives: Barb

Twisted by Emily McIntire – a Review

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Twisted by Emily McIntire – a Review

 

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Description:
She’s his diamond in the rough. He’s her worst nightmare.

Yasmin Karam, daughter to one of the richest men in the world, has never known strife. So, when her beloved father falls ill, she’s determined to make his final days his happiest. His last wish? To see her married to a man of his choosing. Except Yasmin’s heart already belongs to someone else. A servant. A street rat. A man her father would never consider worthy. Stuck between a rock and a hard place, Yasmin strikes a desperate deal with her father’s right-hand man, Julian, not realizing he has his own twisted agenda.

Julian Faraci has one goal: become the most powerful man in the world. He’s built a future from broken bones and faded bruises, never caring who he hurt along the way. But when his mentor falls ill, he finds himself on the verge of losing everything, and he’ll stop at nothing to inherit what is rightfully his. Even if it means forcing a woman he can’t stand into marriage.

Yasmin is a brat who speaks out of turn, and he’s the villain of her story. But he decides she’ll be his—no matter what it takes to convince her.

 

Review:

Twisted by Emily McIntire is the 4th book in her Never After series.  I have not read the previous books, but this did read very well as a stand-alone. The Never After series are each standalone dark romances of fractured fairy tale reimagining stories; Twisted is based on Aladdin.

Yasmin, our heroine, is the daughter of one of the wealthiest men in the world, owning a renowned diamond building.  When her father falls ill, Yasmin is determined to make his final days his happiest; until she learns that he wants her to marry a man of his choosing.  Yasmin already has a boyfriend, who is a servant, and she knows her father will not accept him. 

Julian Faraci is Ali’s (Yasmin’s father) loyal and ambitious right hand, who is determined to be the person who takes control of the company. At the start, Julian was the villain, as he was ruthless, arrogant and evil, who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Both Yasmine and Julian hate each other, since she thinks he is cold and mean and he thinks of her as a brat. When her father brings men to meet her, as possible marriage material, both Yas and Julian agree on a deal for them to get married, allowing her freedom and him to run the company.  But what Yas doesn’t know is that Julian has plans to kill her later on, and inherit the business. 

Despite their dislike for each other, slowly things changed, with each of their feelings blossoming, and the sizzling chemistry between them.  This was a slow burn romance that took a while to change from enemies to lovers.  Julian found himself becoming more of a protector to Yas, and falling hard for her; as she did with him.  Yas was beautiful and independent and Julian was sexy, tense and captivating. Everything changed as we got to about the last third of the book, with Julian and Yas both very much in love. I ended up loving them together. Now Julian needed to protect his wife against the bad guys who he originally was with.

Twisted was a very exciting and steamy story, that was very well written by Emily McIntire. The secondary characters were very good, especially Yas’s best friend, Riya and Isabella, Julian’s 23-foot python.  Lol   I also loved the two epilogues.  If you like dark fairy tale re imagining stories, then I suggest you read the Never After series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Encore in Death by J.D. Robb – a Review

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Encore in Death by J.D. Robb – a Review

 

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Description:
Eve Dallas is investigating the murder of a much-loved actor at a glittering party. The spotlight has never been brighter. Or deadlier…

It was a glittering event full of A-listers, hosted by Eliza Lane and Brant Fitzhugh, the most glittering of all celebrity couples. Everyone had expected the party to be in the newspapers the next day but not because one of the hosts was murdered! As the crowd had gathered to watch Eliza sing, Fitzhugh had raised a final toast to his glamorous wife and fallen to the floor. Death by cyanide poisoning. It’s time for Lt. Eve Dallas to make her entrance.

From all accounts, Fitzhugh wasn’t the kind of star who made enemies. Eliza, on the other hand, had many rivals, and a few of them could class as enemies. Since the champagne cocktail that killed Brant was originally intended for Eliza, could it be that she was the real target?

With so many people at the party, Eve has her work cut out determining who could commit murder in the middle of a crowd. As one who’s not fond of the spotlight, she dreads the media circus surrounding a case like this. All she wants is to figure out who’s truly innocent, and who’s only acting that way…

 

 

Review:

Encore in Death by J.D. Robb is the 56th book in her fantastic Eve Dallas/In Death series. I have said this many times that I loved this series, as I have read every single book, as well as all the novellas of this series. I also love Eve and Roarke, who I still consider the best literary couple. Encore in Death was a wonderful addition to this series.  I will never have enough of this series, and marvel how Robb continues to give us fascinating stories at 56 books later;

Encore in Death starts off with a celebrity gala hosted by Eliza Lane and Brant Fitzhugh, two of the most famous celebrities, as well as a married couple.  The crowd gathered to watch Eliza and young co-star sing, and when she was done, her husband raised his glass to toast his wife; immediately falling down dead. The death diagnosed as cyanide poisoning, brings Lt. Eve Dallas to the scene, with her wonderful team, including Peabody and McNab; with the media in a frenzy over the poisoning of a famous loved actor. 

Eve begins a merry chase to discover who is the murderer, with so many suspects.  This is a perfect whodunit, especially being led to believe the original target was Eliza, not Brant.  Both Eve and Peabody investigate those who had grudges against Eliza, including someone from the past.  To say too much more would be spoilers, and this is too great of a story to ruin it for you.  There are a number of surprises and twists, which totally throws us for a loop. 

What follows is an intense, exciting, non-stop action filled race to find out who the real killer was; with edge of your seat suspense. I love spending time with Eve, Peabody and Roarke together, as well as getting to see many of the wonderful recurring secondary characters, including Nadine, Mcnab, Mira, Feeney, Reo, Baxter, Trueheart and her fantastic team. 

J.D. Robb once again gives us another masterpiece to this wonderful series, which I hope keeps on rolling for many years to come. Encore in Death is another masterpiece to this amazing series, which is always so very well written by J.D. Robb.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Playing Dead by Peggy Rothschild – a Review

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Playing Dead by Peggy Rothschild – a Review

 

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Description:
Molly Madison has barely had a moment to catch her breath after moving to the sleepy beach town she now calls home. But as a former PI, she can’t help but notice the odd chemistry between members of Playtime Academy on the first day she and her loyal Saint Bernadoodle, Noodle, and golden retriever, Harlow, visit. When a trainer’s body is found on-site, Molly knows it’s her duty to put her ex-police skills to use. She can’t say no to temporarily taking in the deceased woman’s dog, either—not with those puppy dog eyes.

Relationships at the training facility are not as clean as the prize-winning agility runs, making it difficult for Molly to get a leash on potential suspects. And her personal life is just as messy—her boyfriend is hiding something, her agoraphobic neighbor needs help, and her number of four-legged friends keep growing as she agrees to dogsit a wriggly local French bulldog.

When Molly’s friend is arrested for the murder, she’s not sure who to believe anymore. Is the case as simple as the local cops make it seem, or is something more devious afoot?

 

 

Review:

Playing Dead by Peggy Rothschild is the 2nd book in her Molly Madison series. Molly Madison, our heroine, is a former ex-cop and private investigator, who moved recently to the small beach side town, Pier Point, California.  Molly has two dogs that she trains, Harlow and Noodle, and in a short time, she adds a couple more to help train for some neighbors.  She brings her dogs to a training facility, Playtime Academy for agility and scent training, also meeting new people with dogs.  Molly meets many different people, but overhears complaints from others about a nasty member.  In a short time, during scent training, Noodle will find the body of a murdered woman, who was Celeste, the person everyone hated. 

Trying to stay out of the investigation, Molly agrees to take care of Celeste’s dog, and ends up becoming permanent, since the husband wants nothing to do with the dog, Buster.  When Felicity is accused of murder, Molly begins to use her investigative knowledge and find the real killer. Along the way, she finds clues that possibly incriminate a number of people, with the police not too happy with Molly giving them information.  With all that going on, Molly’s life is crazy, investigating the murder, discovering her boyfriend being married, and also taking on the job to take care of another dog, Sky during the day.

What follows is an exciting, fun cozy mystery with many possible suspects, and a surprise game changing ending.  I did like some of the secondary characters, but I loved the wonderful dogs (Harlow, Noodle, Buster, Sky and Thor). It was wonderful to watch how Molly was so good with the dogs and the fun they had.  The last third of the book was exciting and tense, as Molly discovers the truth.   Playing Dead was a fun cozy mystery, that was very well written by Peggy Rothschild. If you like lighthearted, cozy, mystery, suspense stories, you need to read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Don’t Open the Door by Allison Brennan – a Review

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Don’t Open the Door by Allison Brennan – a Review

 

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Description:
A child is shot while playing video games at home. His mother will stop at nothing to find out who did it—and why.

After their ten-year-old son, Chase, was senselessly murdered, Regan’s life unraveled. Her corporate lawyer husband, Grant, blamed the death on Regan’s work as a US marshal. Unable to reconcile their grief, they divorced, and Regan quit her job and moved away.

Now she’s back after a voice mail from her former boss Tommy said he had important news to share about Chase’s killing. Regan is stunned to learn Tommy is dead too. When she reaches out to Grant, his panicked reaction raises her suspicions. Then a lawyer with ties to her ex also turns up murdered, and the police make Grant their top suspect.

Unsure of his guilt or innocence, Regan risks everything to find Grant before the police do so she can finally get the answers to all that has haunted her since losing Chase. But the truth is not even close to what she imagines—and now she fears she has no one to trust.

 

 

Review:

Don’t Open the Door by Allison Brennan is the 2nd book in her Regan Merritt series.  Allison Brennan has become one of my must-read suspense thriller authors, as she never fails to give us exciting, tense and non-stop action throughout the entire book. 

We met Regan Merritt, in the first book (The Sorority Murders), and in Don’t Open the Door, we learn more about Regan, and how her life totally changed, due to the murder of her young son almost a year ago.  Regan quit her job as a US Marshall, she and her husband, Grant divorced, and she moved back home near her father.  Regan remained close friends with her US Marshall ex-partner, Tommy, who privately continued to investigate her son’s murder. 

Regan gets a voice message from Tommy, claiming that he knew who really killed her son, which he plans to prove was an accidental hit on her son, but the true target was her ex-husband, Grant. Before she could get in touch with him, Regan learns that Tommy was murdered at his home. Regan comes back for Tommy’s funeral, and stays at his house, determined to find his killer, especially with all the evidence that Tommy found was now missing. 

Regan learns that Tommy met with Grant a few times, and wants to know why.  Grant has been trying to avoid Regan, but when he learns that he was the true target, he panics; and when Grant’s girlfriend is murdered, he runs away.  Slowly, Regan begins to discover new clues, with some pieces starting fall into place, leading to a conspiracy and her becoming closer to the truth.  Regan realizes that Grant’s life is in danger and she hurries to find him; she also knows that those behind the conspiracy will be going after her too.

Don’t Open the Door was an excellent, action filled, suspense thriller with so many twists and turns throughout. From start to finish, this is an extremely complicated story, with a number of people involved in the murders.  I cannot say too much more, as it would ruin it for you.  Don’t Open the Door was a great and exciting read, which was very well written by Allison Brennan.  If you like suspense thrillers, you need to read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Hidden Comrade by Jillian David – a Review

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Hidden Comrade by Jillian David – a Review

 

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Description:
Pele Tuitama’s Morpheus Squad mission infiltrating a Smoky Mountain children’s camp is FUBAR. He might be a virally-enhanced military experiment, but augmented abilities won’t help him protect Reagan McNeill, the most unsecure-able target imaginable. Sweet Reagan’s kisses and the possibility of a future he should never consider, distracts his laser focus. If Pele can’t keep Reagan safe from an evil adversary bent on revenge against the entire McNeill family, then Reagan will die.

After a nasty breakup, Reagan doesn’t trust any man—or herself. Enter handsome Pele, the world’s worst camp counselor. She doesn’t believe his story or his motives. When overly-protective Pele draws her close and then rejects her, Reagan is finished with games. Then the truth she learns rips open recently-healed emotional wounds.

In order to escape through the mountains, Pele must share his deadliest secret. To have a chance at their future, they must reveal their demons and pray for acceptance … and survival.

 

Review:

Hidden Comrade by Jillian David is the 2nd book in her Project Morpheus series, and I would suggest that before reading this one, you read book one. Reading the first one although not absolutely necessary, will give you a better understanding of this book. I’d read the first book (which is great by the way), I did wonder where the next book would take us….and let me tell you it’s bumpy ride! .  

Reagan is Kiera’s older sister. (She’s the main female character from the first book) And as a whole the family have suffered terribly (what with the loss of their mother and the death of their brother, which was explained in book one.) 

Reagan has also had to deal with her abusive ex-fiance. She’d been with him for two years, she’s struggled to find herself, but slowly she’s getting there. But still has moments of self doubt. 

Pele’s job/assignment is to protect Reagan. It’s not going to easy as she works outdoors in the mountains at an educational camp for children. In the short space of time, he’s set up cameras to keep an eye on her. But plans won’t go correctly if the subject is Reagan!

Reagan doesn’t trust the new camp councilor, he just doesn’t fit in! But he is easy on the eye. ?nether the less, she’s not interested in a new relationship, she just wants to concentrate on helping the kids. The back and forwards between Pele and Reagan will have you laughing one minute then wanting to shake either character in the next. 

Although a slow burn romance, it doesn’t lack for action/betrayal and mystery. Pele does try my patience, it’s a push and pull with him, he wants her, but he doesn’t think he deserves her. And when they finally decide to try at a relationship, a secret comes along and blows Reagan’s shaky confidence. Can they really move forward and leave the past behind? 

I’d have to say I liked the first book more than this one. But I can’t wait to read the next book. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

 

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Breaking All the Rules by Amy Andrews – a Review

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Breaking All the Rules by Amy Andrews – a Review

 

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Description:
Sometimes you gotta toss your whole life into a burning dumpster to find what’s most important…

Beatrice Archer has always done everything she’s supposed to —worked her ass off, ignored her non-existent personal life, and kept her mouth shut. Now she’s over it. The rat race, respectability…the underwire bras. She’s taking her life back. Starting with moving to Nowhere, Colorado to live life on her own terms.

Now Bea gives exactly zero forks. Beer for breakfast. Sugar for everything else. Baggy sweats and soft cotton undies FTW. Then a much younger and delightfully attractive cop is called to deal with her flagrant disregard for appropriate clothing outside the local diner (some folks just don’t appreciate bunny slippers) and Bea realizes there’s something missing from her little decathlon of decadence…and he might be the guy to help her out.

When it comes to breaking rules, Officer Austin Cooper is surprisingly eager to assist. He’s charming, a little bit cowboy, and a whole lot sexy. But Bea’s about to discover that breaking the rules has consequences. And all of the cherry pies in Colorado can’t save her from what’s coming…

 

 

Description:

Breaking All the Rules by Amy Andrews is a stand-alone romance novel. We meet Beatrice (Bea) Archer, our heroine, as she arrives in Credence, Colorado, to escape the rat race she has always lived; now at 35, she is tired of being passed over on promised promotions.  She quits her job of 15 years, decides to take her non existent life back, and with the throw of a dart, she ends up in Credence. Bea spends two weeks watching TV, and breaking all the rules, doing things she never has done…drinking beer, eating sweets, wearing sweat pants and going to the local diner, for the amazing pies. 

The local residents start noticing her, especially in her strange attire, such as bunny slippers, and then she meets police officer Austin Cooper, who finds himself attracted to her strange behavior.  Even though there is a 10-year age gap (Austin is 25 and Bea is 35), Austin willingly offers to help out on her rule breaking journey. 

What follows is a fun, sexy, sweet and delightful romance with a couple that were humorous, passionate and spicy.  I loved Bea and Austin, and all the fun they had together.   I got a kick out of the cat, Princess; and the secondary characters were very good. When Bea starts receiving job offers, especially using her artist ability, she needed to decide what life she wants to continue. 

Breaking All the Rules was a vibrant, amusing and entertaining story so very well written by Amy Andrews.  I wholly suggest you read this book, as it was lots of fun to read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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A Love by Design by Elizabeth Everett – Review & Giveaway

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A Love by Design by Elizabeth Everett – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
You couldn’t design a better hero than the very eligible and extremely charming Earl Grantham. Unless, of course, you are Margaret Gault, who wants nothing to do with the man who broke her youthful heart.

Widowed and determined, Margaret Gault has returned to Athena’s Retreat and the welcoming arms of her fellow secret scientists with an ambitious plan in mind: to establish England’s first woman-owned engineering firm. But from the moment she sets foot in London her plans are threatened by greedy investors and–at literally every turn–the irritatingly attractive Earl Grantham, a man she can never forgive.

George Willis, the Earl Grantham, is thrilled that the woman he has loved since childhood has returned to London. Not as thrilling, however, is her decision to undertake an engineering commission from his political archnemesis. When Margaret’s future and Grantham’s parliamentary reforms come into conflict, Grantham must use every ounce of charm he possesses–along with his stunning good looks and flawless physique, of course–to win Margaret over to his cause.

Facing obstacles seemingly too large to dismantle, will Grantham and Margaret remain forever disconnected or can they find a way to bridge their differences, rekindle the passion of their youth, and construct a love built to last?

 

 

Review:

A Love by Design by Elizabeth Everett is the 3rd book in her The Secret Scientists of London series. Refresher: Athena’s Retreat is a women’s club for female scientists, who are smart, savvy, independent, intelligent, women who work on their own time to practice and learn how to create scientific things. They all support one another, and fight against the injustices that women should stay home and let men do the work. The feminism vibes in this series reflects on these wonderful women that are truly inspiring.

We meet our heroine, Margaret (Maggie) Gault, who has always been independent and determined to succeed in a man’s world.  Margaret is now widowed, and returns to Athena’s Retreat, welcomed by her follow scientists and friends; she also plans on establishing the first woman owned engineering firm. She is extremely talented and savvy, as well as a force to be reckoned with; willing to stand up to anyone.  With little support from other firms, Margaret is hired by a company to create a challenging project, with a secret donator, Victor Armitage, who is part of Guardians of Domesticity; who want to close Athena’s Retreat.  However, Maggie is surprised to see her old childhood flame, who is now a very powerful and wealthy man; and who broke her heart all those years ago.

George Willis, the Earl of Grantham, is thrilled to see Maggie again, and is determined to win her over. But can Maggie forgive his betrayal? George is very supportive of the women’s movement, and as the Earl of Grantham, he wants to stop Victor Armitage, and get his own parliamentary reforms supported.  Grantham uses his charm, not to mention his good looks and physique to work on winning Maggie over to his cause. 

The slow burn second chance romance pulled on our heartstrings, rooting hard for them to open their hearts.  I did love George and Maggie together; as they really made a great couple. The banter between them was fun, as the sexual tension between them grew; with their chemistry off the wall.  I really enjoyed the other secondary characters, especially Violet and Arthur, and the banter between Grantham and Arthur.

What follows is Margaret realizing that those who offered her this job, were not true to her plan.  She needed to face her friends and work with George to save everything. George was instrumental in finding a way to stop the Guardians of Domesticity and Victor Armitage.  A Love by Design by Elizabeth Everett was well written, and a fun read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

Berkley Romance is graciously offering a paper copy of A LOVE BY DESIGN to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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9. Giveaway runs from January 20th to 23rd, 2023

 

 

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Magic Tides by Ilona Andrews – a Review

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Magic Tides by Ilona Andrews – a Review

 

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Description:
Kate, Curran and their son, Conlan have left Atlanta, vowing to keep a low profile, and are settling into a new city and new house…but some things never change! Magical mayhem is about to erupt when Kate undertakes the rescue of a kidnapped youth, while Curran guards the homefront.

It should be a simple retrieval, but with monsters on land and sea, Kate’s got her work cut out for her. Still, she’s never let her blade dull or her purpose falter. And that low profile? It’s about to wash away with the raging tides!

 

 

Review:

Magic Tides by Ilona Andrews is the first book (long novella) in her Kate Daniels: Wilmington Years (World of Kate Daniels 12.5) series.  I was thrilled to find out about the return of our favorite heroine, Kate Daniels, and with more to come. 

Kate and Curran, and their son, Conlan are now living in Wilmington, having left Atlanta to keep a low profile and privacy.  Conlan is now 8 years old, but he is big for his age, and becoming very strong, as will be like his father. When his friend tells him about his brother being kidnapped, Conlan tells his mom; who will then with the boy’s father, plan to rescue the boy.  Though Kate and Curran have kept things quiet in this new town, but when Kate knows a child is being used for trafficking, nothing will keep her from saving them.

When Kate leaves with the father, Curran learns where she went from Conlan, and knows they now need to set up protection, around their land, and also bring the kidnapped boy’s family to their home, to be safe.  Especially, since once Kate stops the criminal activity, the bad guys will come for revenge attack.

Kate is always up to the challenge, as she manages to defeat the group kidnapping children.  It was so wonderful to see Kate at her magnificent self, defeating anyone who stands in her way.  Once she gets past the first stop, Kate will continue on to find out where the boy is, which will include meeting with the vampires, and then to the more difficult and intense final stop.  She must defeat a so-called sea god entity, who does terrible horrors to the children.  Kate has to use all her magic, in order to survive and save the children.

Magic Tides was a fantastic, exciting, intense story, with lots of action and magic.  I have continued to hope we would get more Kate and Curran, as well as see more of young Conlan; and my wishes have come true.  I can’t wait for more, and also get a glimpse at Hugh’s eventual return.  Magic Tides was so very well written by Ilona Andrews.  I have read every single series by Andrews, and have absolutely loved them all. If you have not read this illustrious duo (Ilona and Gordon Andrews), you need to start reading them now. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review.

 

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