Author Archives: Barb

Fallen Comrade by Jillian David – a Review

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Fallen Comrade by Jillian David – a Review

 

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Description:
Ex-Green Beret Jake Zimmerman’s Georgia mountain seclusion is shattered when the one woman he should never have left, pregnant Kiera McNeill, shows up on his doorstep. Her life is in danger, thanks to a botched Morpheus Squad mission. If the nature of her baby is discovered, evil forces will stop at nothing to capture Kiera. When Kiera learns of Jake’s top-secret Morpheus Virus running through his veins, she realizes that her protector is the deadlier threat.

Kiera knows the secrets of Fallen Comrades, a billion-dollar “charity” which siphons donations away from wounded veterans and into the pockets of power-hungry CFO Beau Lequire. Now her sadistic ex-boss, Lequire, wants revenge. Her only chance of escape rests in the lethal hands of the man who once rejected her: Jake. All she needs to do is suppress her feelings for Jake long enough to destroy Fallen Comrades, stay alive, and save her baby.

 

 

Review:

Fallen Comrade by Jillian David is the 1st book in her new Project Morpheus series.  Jake is a runner, not in the literal sense, but whenever anything gets difficult he runs away from it. His marriage ended with a miscarriage, instead of trying to help his wife through a difficult time, he ran…..

Soldiers enhanced with a drug (they also need to take another shot regularly to keep the  violent urges at bay!) to aid in their fight  against the enemy. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but Jake has a terrible time keeping control, he’s volatile and dangerous to be around. 

Kiera and Jake have been friends for years, Jake and her brother ? were friends in school, then they joined the forces together. Kiera and Jake were an item in high school, and when she thought she was pregnant (but later found out she wasn’t) Jake panicked, he could’ve help but be relieved when Kiera told him she wasn’t. Again Jake uses the excuse he’s not good enough and leaves Kiera! Meeting up ten years later at her brother’s funeral, Kiera and Jake seek comfort from one another. But again Jake panicked and ran…..

Kiera’s pregnant and needs help. But the only person she can turn to might not want to help her, in fact he could be more dangerous than the person she’s running from! But she doesn’t really have much choice, does she? 

And the first meeting between Kiera and Jake doesn’t really go to plan! He’s all for trying to offload her onto someone else! Then he notices the baby bump! There are other characters in this book which are part of Jake’s team (and I’m hoping will get stories) ? which give both camaraderie and a few light moments. 

I loved this book, it did remind me of another authors work (Christine Feehan her Ghostwalker series) where soldiers are enhanced to become super soldiers, but any similarities end there. 

It’s a fast paced action and adventure book. A really good plot with scope for more books. We have evil in the shape of Beau Lequire and the company he uses to hide his nefarious activities behind! 

I have to admit I wasn’t a big fan of Jake at first, his self pity and ability to just walk away from problems did grate a little, but getting to know the character through the book did have me softening up to him. Kiera is just great. Strong, resourceful and clever. Her only weakness…. Jake! How she forgave him so quickly did annoy me just a little, but you forgive the ones you love. 

I’ve read this author a while back (Hell to Pay Series) and loved that series immensely, so when I found out she was publishing a new book, i made a note of the date. And I’m glad I did. If your keen on romance with a big hit of action/suspense/adventure, then I can assure you this book is the one you’ll want to read. ?

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

 

 

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Shifting and Shenanigans by Elizabeth Pantley

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Shifting and Shenanigans by Elizabeth Pantley – a Review

 

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Description:
Paige and her adventurous Aunt Glo inherit a country inn from eccentric GeeGee. They pack up and hit the road, arriving at the charming place they both loved since childhood. Finally! They can get into the secret room in the basement that GeeGee kept locked! They discover it’s a wonderful library filled to the brim with mystery books. But more than the room was a secret – it’s a magical place that houses enchanted books. Paige and Glo find themselves smack-dab in the middle of a murder mystery, along with a motley group of book club friends. The club will need to work together to solve the case in order to get out of the book and back to their home.

 

 

Review:

Shifting and Shenanigans by Elizabeth Pantley is the first book in her Magical Mystery Book Club series. We meet our heroine, Paige, who is celebrating her birthday, as well as her finalizing her divorce. Paige receives a call from her aunt Glo, who tells her that her grandmother passed away, and they both are inheriting the country inn, which was always their favorite place to go.  They pack up all their belongings, and proceed to The Snapdragon Inn, in the Rocky Mountains, Colorado, for a new life, that was filled with wonderful memories. 

After each chooses the room they wanted, they are shocked to meet the resident cat, Frank, who actually talks.  This was cute, though I wasn’t crazy about the name for a cat. Lol   With Frank’s assistance, they find the key that allows them to enter a secret room that was never allowed for them to enter.  Paige and Glo, are surprised to discover a wonderful library filled to the brim with mystery enchanted books. Both will learn that they will need to continue the existing book club, and they need 6 more members to make the required 8. Zell is the first person to meet up with Paige and Glo, and explains that she has always been a member (with Frank) and will help them set things up. The new group that eventually joins is a mix of different characters.

The fun begins when the club chooses its first book, and realize that they have been transported to a small town, where they are literally in the story; which they will need to solve the case before they can go back to their homes.  The story was fun, with all of the members in the middle of this mystery, as they find a dead body (they need to know who killed the victim), and spend lots of time in the town, meeting other wonderful characters; and trying to find clues.  Each of the book club members were unique, and together they slowly developed friendships. 

Shifting and Shenanigans was a fun and enjoyable story, that was totally different and unusual.  There were a number of surprises throughout, and discovered an amazing secret the town had. I loved the taking cat, Frank. Shifting and Shenanigans was very well written by Elizabeth Pantley.  I enjoyed the lighthearted mystery and look forward to the next book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for Review

 

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In Like Flynn by Lauren Smith -a Review

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In Like Flynn by Lauren Smith -a Review

 

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Description:
A Royal Navy Officer’s Guide to Seducing a Pirate Lass:
Go undercover as a fellow pirate
Steal kisses whenever possible
Do not fall in love, no matter how tempting your pirate lass is

Brianna Holland has always been free. Her entire life she’s never known the bars of any cage until she’s captured in Port Royal trying to help a fellow pirate escape. Suddenly facing the hangman’s noose unless she betrays her father’s location to the Royal Navy, she clings to the hope that a new prisoner in her cell brings. The roguish and seductive Nicholas Flynn is charming and irresistible and soon the pair make a clever escape from the prison. Once on board her ship and safely at sea, Brianna soon learns that there are other dangers than storms and naval frigates prowling the waters. This time, her heart and her father’s life might be at risk.

Royal Navy Lieutenant Nicholas Flynn has a problem. He’s been assigned to gain the confidence of a pirate prisoner in Port Royal in order to learn the whereabouts of the notorious pirate king Thomas Buck. But when he meets the man he’s supposed to win the trust of and eventually betray, he is stunned to discover it’s no man, but a woman named Brianna, who he is to befriend and betray. Not only that, but he learns that she is Thomas Buck’s daughter. Knowing Brianna will face torture at the hands of a cruel military captain if she doesn’t talk, Flynn helps her escape. If Flynn finds a way to lead the Royal Navy to Brianna’s father, he’ll lose the only woman who’s ever stolen his heart.

Other Books in the Series:
Book 1: No Rest for the Wicked
Book 2: In Like Flynn
Book 3: Devil of the High Seas

 

 

Review 

In Like Flynn by Lauren Smith is book two in her Pirates of Kings Landing series, and although I’ve not read the previous book, it doesn’t make a difference. But saying that I may go back and read that one as i throughly enjoyed this book. A historical romance set on the high seas. A story of betrayal and romance. And a story with plenty of action and adventure. 

Brianna loves to feel the wind in her hair and the splashing of the waves on her face. A free spirit, a beloved daughter and member of her father’s crew. She’s had to earn that respect, she’s had to be the best, all the while never losing sight of who she is. Dressed as a man every time she leaves the ship is a chore, but one she’s always mindful of as people could recognise her and use her against her father. 

Flynn is honour bound to see that the pirate Thomas Buck is brought to justice. He’s given the chance when told to befriend a member of the pirates crew, that is until he realises the crew member is a woman! He now faces a dilemma, save the girl and lose his career, or leave her to rot in prison! 

So will they set sail for happiness, or will someone scupper their chances and sink their love boat? 

This is a fun read, plenty of fast paced action. Throw in some spicy moments and banter from Brianna and the hours just flew by as I immersed myself in their tale. It’s beautifully written, nothing is left out, you can imagine the waves, smell the cell Brianna is kept in, and feel the love she has for both her father and Flynn, you feel the conflict that this situation put Flynn in. And it will you have you rooting for the pirates (not all pirates are bad guys) ?‍☠️ 

There is a few twists along the way. And a moment in the prologue that will pan out in a way neither Flynn nor Brianna expected ? The story did remind me a little of the film “Cutthroat Island” a female pirate and a rogue who sought to betray her ?

I highly recommended read from an author I’m adding to my list. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for Review

 

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Youngblood by Sasha Laurens – a Review

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Youngblood by Sasha Laurens – a Review

 

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Description:
Kat Finn and her mother can barely make ends meet living among humans. Like all vampires, they must drink Hema, an expensive synthetic blood substitute, to survive, as nearly all of humanity has been infected by a virus that’s fatal to vampires. Kat isn’t looking forward to an immortal life of barely scraping by, but when she learns she’s been accepted to the Harcote School, a prestigious prep school that’s secretly vampires-only, she knows her fortune is about to change.

Taylor Sanger has grown up in the wealthy vampire world, but she’s tired of its backward, conservative values—especially when it comes to sexuality, since she’s an out-and-proud lesbian. She only has to suffer through a two more years of Harcote before she’s free. But when she discovers her new roommate is Kat Finn, she’s horrified. Because she and Kat used to be best friends, a long time ago, and it didn’t end well.

When Taylor stumbles upon the dead body of a vampire, and Kat makes a shocking discovery in the school’s archives, the two realize that there are deep secrets at Harcote—secrets that link them to the most powerful figures in Vampirdom and to the synthetic blood they all rely on.

 

 

Review:

Youngblood by Sasha Laurens is a YA fantasy standalone novel. We meet Kat Finn, our heroine, who is a vampire, living with her mom, among humans; they must drink Hema, a synthetic blood substitute to survive.  Kat is happy being friends with many of her human classmates, but knows that she and her mother barely scrape by.  Kat is thrilled to learn that she has been accepted to Harcote School, an elite private school for young vampires only, especially for the wealthy; someone anonymous has paid all her expenses.  Kat’s mom does not want her to go, but she wants to learn more about youngbloods like herself, especially having been isolated from vampires all her life.

Taylor Sanger, the second heroine, has attended Harcote for three years, and is shocked to learn her new roommate is a former friend, who she hasn’t seen in years.  Taylor hasn’t forgotten that Kat and her mother left a long time ago, without saying goodbye; and both remain distant though civil. Taylor is openly a proud lesbian, and avoids Kat, who joins with some of the mean girls, as well as the school hunk, Galen Black. In a short time, Kat begins to have some feelings for Taylor, but still pushes herself to see Galen, since she considers herself straight.

When Taylor finds her favorite teacher dead, they both become entangled in a dark conspiracy that threatens Vampiredon. CFAD, is a blood disorder in humans that is fatal to vampires; Hema is the blood substitute vampires use to stay alive.  With the death of the school teacher, Taylor and Kat learn from archives that a cure has been found to allow vampires to be able to use human blood.  Who is behind the murder of the teacher, and why they want to stop the possible cure?

What follows is an excellent story that towards the end, became very exciting.  As we get closer to the end, Kat realizes her feelings for Taylor has gotten stronger.  Kat was a great heroine, always independent in doing what she thought best, and not allowing others to change her mind.  Taylor was also great, not caring what people thought of her, and determined to discover the truths.  I really enjoyed Youngblood, which was well written by Sasha Laurens. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Grace Under Fire by Julie Garwood – a Review

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Grace Under Fire by Julie Garwood – a Review

 

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Description:
Grace Isabel MacKenna had a hundred things to do today. Killing someone wasn’t one of them. It was supposed to be a quick visit to Boston for the Buchanan anniversary party, then on to Scotland to collect an inheritance. She checks into the hotel and then decides to go for a brisk walk. But after getting lost she ends up with a wounded man stumbling into her arms, and then his shooter coming after them both. When she fires back in self-defense, she doesn’t expect him to drop dead. Thanks to the Buchanans dispatching Navy SEAL and now a lawyer Michael Buchanan to help her deal with the police, Isabel endures hours of interrogation and is finally free to go.

Isabel knows she should be grateful for Michael’s help, but since she’s harbored an extreme dislike for him for years, gratitude is difficult to muster. Michael has appointed himself her de facto guardian, and she’s stuck with him despite their constant bickering and sizzling attraction. Even when Isabel goes to Scotland to claim her inheritance, Michael follows her, but he isn’t the only thing she can’t shake. Mysterious threats against Isabel surface, and before they can deal with their growing feelings for each other, Michael and Isabel must first survive.

 

 

Review:

Grace Under Fire by Julie Garwood is the 14th book in her wonderful Buchanan-Renard series. We meet our heroine, Grace Isabel McKenna, having just graduated from college and now on her way to Boston to attend the Buchanan Anniversary Celebration at their Nathan’s Bay home. Isabel is days away from her 21st Birthday, when she will inherit land in Scotland left to her from a distant uncle; with her sister planning to travel with her. Happy to see many of the Buchanan family, whom she is close to, as her sister Kate is married to Dylan Buchanan. After Isabel checks into the local hotel, she decides to take a walk, and out of the blue and man falls in front of her bleeding profusely, and as she tries to help him, she notices another man running toward her aiming a gun; Grace grabs the injured man’s gun and shoots the villain dead.

Michael Buchanan, our hero, is the one who will come to help Isabel, since he is an attorney.  She of course isn’t happy to see him, as they have never gotten along over the years. Michael has appointed himself Isabel’s guardian, as he plans to watch over her, despite the constant bickering between them.

Before she went to Nathan’s Bay, on her last night of graduation, she was with friends drinking, and a video of her singing a song she wrote herself became viral. Isabel is approached by a famous popular singer, who wants to her to sing her song at his upcoming concert.  Isabel always loved music, even though her deceased mother was against it, but now she wants to pursue her dream; she becomes an overnight sensation, though she prefers just writing the songs.

Isabel has received constant calls regarding selling her inheritance, and in a short time her life is in danger, as threats against her materialize.  Isabel secretly left after the anniversary celebration to go early to Scotland, and the family learns there is a kill order on her life.  Michael immediately appoints himself as her protector, and flies Scotland in hopes to find her, before the attempt against her. 

What follows is an exciting and suspenseful story, as Isabel and Michael find themselves in the middle of dangerous situations.  I loved Isabel and Michael together, even their bickering was fun; as their romance escalated and their chemistry was off the wall sizzling.  Isabel was a great heroine, always liked by everyone, and Michael was tough, smart and the perfect alpha. I loved seeing many of the Buchanan family, such as Kate/Dylan, Theo/Michelle, Alec/Regan, Nick/Laurent and Noah/Sydney.

Grace Under Fire was another fantastic addition to this series, and so very well written by Julie Garwood.  I have missed some previous books, and one day I will find time to back and read them. I suggest you read this book, as I loved it.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by publisher

 

 

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The Sweetest Connection by Denise Williams – a Review

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The Sweetest Connection by Denise Williams – a Review

 

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Description:
Teagan’s job in an airport candy store pays the bills but she dreams of traveling the world. With one week until she boards a plane for an international adventure, she finds an abandoned love letter in the store and talks her BFF into helping her figure out who it belongs to.

Silas solves problems for a living as an airline customer service representative. One problem he can’t solve is how to reveal a big secret to his best friend that would risk changing their entire relationship. When she proposes they work together to get the love letter back to its owner, he jumps at the chance.

Teagan and Silas stumble on romantic clues, old stories, and more than a few dead ends along the way while trying to play Cupid, all of which bring them closer together. With only a few days before Teagan’s transatlantic move, the two of them must decide if the sweet temptation of falling for their best friend is worth the potential heartbreak or if either can stand to keep their feelings wrapped up.

 

 

Review:

The Sweetest Connection by Denise Williams, was a cute, friends to lover’s short story set in her Airport novella series.  I did not read the previous two books, but this did read very well. We meet our heroine and hero at the start (Teagan & Silas), when they were freshmen paired up in an orientation event, which led to a wonderful strong friendship. The POV’s switched between past events and present time.

They had a wonderful history together as friends, as their bond was special. Teagan has a job in a candy shop, and Silas works as a problem solver in the airport.  In present time, Teagan is planning to leave shortly for a 5-month trip to Paris for research purposes; unknown to Teagan, Silas has broken up with his girlfriend.  A love letter is discovered, with both Teagan and Silas join up to try to find out who the couple is, pushing them to spend more time together before she leaves. 

Silas knows he is very much in love with Teagan, but refrains from explaining his true feelings, as he is afraid to lose his best friend.  Of course, we know that Teagan also has feelings for Silas, with both hiding those feelings.

The Sweetest Connection was a fun cute friend to lover’s story line.  I really did like Teagan and Silas together, and hoped they would finally admit their true feelings. As they played cupid with finding the owner of the note, the more time they spend together, as well as when Teagan is close to leaving for Paris; will force them own up to their fears of possible heartbreak. The Sweetest Connection was a short story that was very well written by Denise Williams. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

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The Left Hand Man by Carol T. Luna – a Review

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The Left Hand Man by Carol T. Luna – a Review

 

Amazon

Description:
Escaping a monster. Killing a king. Ao thought he was free.

Two months after the Spades’ raid, Ao and the Legionnaires discover a plot that could destroy the Legion: an alliance between Talus and Harena, two of the most powerful nations in the world. The accord is all but official. Regicide is their only option.

But when a betrayal frames Ao as the killer and turns Harena against the Legion, Ao must ally with the Spades once more. Together, they must wrest the capitol from Talus’ control. Fail, and not only will his friends fall, but an entire nation will too. Worse, a familiar horror has finally caught up to him.

Ao escaped nothing at all.

 

 

Review:

The Left-Hand Man by Carol T. Luna is the second book in her Project Blue series. Do you need to read book 1 before book 2? I did and it made a lot of sense, so it’s personal preference, but I’d say it’s probably better if you read the first book before grabbing book 2……

I loved all the info the author supplied at the front of the book including a quick rundown of book 1. The characters names and a quick description helped jog my memory from the first book. 

Ao is being framed again for a crime he hasn’t committed. Is this the act of the warring faction to spread disharmony? Is it keep everyone guessing as to their intentions? I don’t want to give anything away as I want you to experience the thrilling ride for yourself. 

There is a lot of fighting, and plenty of action. In fact I’d say there are some of the best fight scenes I’ve read in a while. There is also moments when I had to close the book and think about what I had just read…..

Great characters that will draw you in and keep you there until you’ve read the final page. The development from book one to two is a slow process, but they definitely grow and mature before your very eyes…..

You do have to concentrate on this book, it’s more apocalyptic than romantic, more adventure than romance, and it’s almost a YA or NA in its approach, but saying that it’s still a great read. The story itself keeps unfolding, keeps giving you snippets and moments of clarity, but can you solve who did it? Why did they do it? And will there be more deaths? 

And the ending? Well that’s just going to make you wonder what’s going on and probably pick the book up again to read what you probably missed the first time around!! (I did ?) 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

 

 

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The IT Girl by Ruth Ware – a Review

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The IT Girl by Ruth Ware – a Review

 

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Description:
April Coutts-Cliveden was the first person Hannah Jones met at Oxford.

Vivacious, bright, occasionally vicious, and the ultimate It girl, she quickly pulled Hannah into her dazzling orbit. Together, they developed a group of devoted and inseparable friends—Will, Hugh, Ryan, and Emily—during their first term. By the end of the second, April was dead.

Now, a decade later, Hannah and Will are expecting their first child, and the man convicted of killing April, former Oxford porter John Neville, has died in prison. Relieved to have finally put the past behind her, Hannah’s world is rocked when a young journalist comes knocking and presents new evidence that Neville may have been innocent. As Hannah reconnects with old friends and delves deeper into the mystery of April’s death, she realizes that the friends she thought she knew all have something to hide…including a murder.

 

 

Review:

The IT Girl by Ruth Ware is another one of her terrific psychological thrillers.  We meet Hannah Jones, our heroine, at the start when she arrives at Oxford, where she is introduced to her roommate, April; who comes from a very wealthy family.  Where Hannah is quiet and smart, April is the complete opposite; being the leader, vivacious, flamboyant, as well at times being spoiled; and not everyone likes her constant cruel pranks. In a short time, a group is formed of friends, who will remain with them until they graduate.  Will (April’s boyfriend, whom Hannah has a secret crush), Ryan, Emily and Hugh.  The POV’s switch between the past and the present.

Hannah has complained about one the of college porters, John Neville, who seems to be stalking her, and she begins to fear him.  April convinces her friends to attend the last show of the theater group performance, which April stars in.  She runs to her room to change clothes, and when Hannah notices she hasn’t returned, she and Hugh go to her room to check on her; and they find her dead.  When coming up the stairs, Hannah notices from a distance that John Neville had left their room; her previous complaints, and other evidence send Neville to prison for April’s murder. 

In the present, 10 years later, Hannah, who is now married to Will and pregnant, gets a call from her mom, and learns that John Neville died in prison. She starts getting calls from reporters, especially one, who insists that Neville may have been the wrong man convicted for the crime.  Hannah decides she must investigate on her own, if she erroneously helped send the wrong man to prison.  Hannah and Will have a happy marriage, especially with a baby on the way; but despite Will’s pressure to not pursue the case, Hannah goes out of her way to question everything.  She reconnects with her friends, to dig deeper and begins to be concerned that one of them could be a murderer.  To tell too much more would be spoilers, which would ruin the book for you. 

The IT Girl was a fantastic psychological thriller, that was intriguing, captivating and gripping story.   There was so much going on that kept me glued to my kindle, with many surprises and suspects.  The IT Girl was so very well written by Ruth Ware.  If you love thrillers, you should be reading this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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