Long Past Dues by James J. Butcher – a Review

Long Past Dues by James J. Butcher – a Review

 

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Description:
Grimsby, the newest Auditor in the magical Department of Unorthodox Affairs, finds himself in hot water when he intercepts a friend’s case in this fast-paced and thrilling urban fantasy.

Against all odds, Grimshaw Griswald Grimsby has become an Auditor, enforcing laws about magic for Boston’s Department of Unorthodox Affairs. But Grimsby soon realizes the daily grind of his job is far removed from the glamour he imagined. Overlooked for every exciting case, Grimsby tires of being told to handle mundane magical troubles, and appropriates a case file intended for a friend.

Alongside Leslie Mayflower, the temporarily unretired Huntsman, Grimsby aims to crack the case and discover the origin of a strange, unfinished ritual—one that seems to imitate the handiwork of a foe Mayflower put down twenty years ago.

Together, they’ll have to deal with escaped werewolves, a cursed artifact, and a perilous journey to the mysterious subterranean city below Boston, all to uncover the shocking truth. At any cost, Grimsby must stop this ritual from finally being completed. Yet the cost may be paid not by himself but by his friends. . . .

 

 

Review:

Long Past Dues by James J. Butcher is the 2nd book in his urban fantasy The Unorthodox Chronicles series. Refresher:  The Unorthodox Chronicles is a magic world, with human Usuals and paranormal Unorthodox; the Department of Unorthodox Affairs and Auditors are government magical elites, with witches who use spells to control their power.  It is a world where magic is out in the open but tightly regulated.

Grimsby, our hero, has recently become an Auditor, working for Boston’s Department of Unorthodox Affairs. He is partnered with Mayflower (Huntsman), an assassin for the Unorthodox; but lately Mayflower hasn’t been around, thinking of retiring; and Grimsby is stuck doing menial jobs.  When he is in his boss’s office to complain, he sees a folder for a friend (Rayne) and switches folders to take on an exciting case.  When Grimsby shows the folder to Mayflower, he becomes interested, as he sees something long in the past, that bring them together to find out the truths.

Together, they begin an investigation to discover who performed a recent incomplete ritual, that reminds Mayflower of someone he eliminated 20 years ago. Mayflower does not have certain abilities, such as Grimsby’s witch powers, which helps them discover the danger in the horizon. In a short period, Grimsby becomes concerned about his friend, Rayne, and worries she is in danger, pushing Mayflower to help him find Rayne.

I had noted in my first book review, that Grimsby was a bit unsure of himself, always bumbling things; this does continue in the second book, though nearer to the end he got better.  Having Mayflower as his partner eventually gave him more confidence. I did like Grimsby’s pet friend, Wudge, who was off the wall for the most part.  I also liked Rayne, but the ending was left so open. Because of the cliffhanger, I have not decided if I want to read the next book.

Long Past Dues is an urban fantasy adventure, slow going at times and suspenseful closer to the end.  The last half of the book, Grimsby and Mayflower are constantly thrown into chaos and danger. Long Past Dues was a good story written by James J. Butcher, though I did think there was too many details and redundancy. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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The Quest for Excalibur (Guinevere Book 5) by Fil Reid-review

The Quest for Excalibur (Guinevere Book 5) by Fil Reid-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 6, 2023

Twelve years ago, 21st-century librarian Gwen decided to remain in the Dark Ages with the man she loves above all else – a man around whom endless well-known tales of legend and magic have been spun. King Arthur. Over the years, she’s carved a life for herself by her husband’s side, gently steering him in the direction she wants him to go, but always with an awareness that he’s a Dark Age king with a Dark Age view of the world.

Equipped with her prior knowledge of Arthurian legend, Gwen’s sole aim has long been to save her husband from the legendary fate she dreads hangs over him. But always, at the back of her mind, is the nagging doubt that whatever she does is already set in stone, and nothing she can do will change his future which is already her past.

Now, in book five of the Guinevere series, she’s all too aware that time is marching on, and that this fate might well be drawing closer to the man she gave up everything for.

Danger lurks in the most unexpected places, and long-hidden secrets threaten to rise to the surface. After a long, cold winter in their hilltop fortress, Gwen’s pleased to welcome traveling players to Din Cadan. But these players are hiding secrets of their own, and one of them has come with black deeds in mind. Gwen will have to fight harder than she’s ever done to save herself and thus her husband. And all evidence points to the hand of Morgana, Arthur’s wicked sister, manipulating everything from afar.

Throughout all of this, simmering in the background, is young Medraut, Arthur’s nephew. Unnoticed, despite still being only a boy, he’s been exerting his malignant influence over those around him, in particular, Gwen and Arthur’s son and heir. The wedge he succeeds in driving between Arthur and his son will carry forward into the cataclysmic events of the final book, The Road To Avalon.

But even Morgana can’t prevent Gwen discovering the truth behind the story of Excalibur and setting the legendary sword in her husband’s hands.

•••••••

REVIEW: Quest for Excalibur is the fifth and (I think) the penultimate book in this series. And I have to admit I’ve not read the previous books, but after reading this one, I’m definitely going back to read the rest…

Gwen, is a librarian from the 21st century and had landed in the times of King Arthur. She became Guinevere. (I’m not sure what happened to the actual Guinevere.) And had fallen for the legend/king/man Arthur.

There is lots of action and drama in this book, I did feel I was missing a little backstory (probably given in the previous books) but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the story. Lots of subplots that had me griping my kindle in places.

Gwen is a smart individual, she remembers enough of the story to not try to change the story too much, but also trying to make sure he doesn’t die an early death!

I liked Arthur, although technically a fictional character, this author brought him to life really well. He worried about being a good king and to being a good father to his two children he had with Gwen.

Morgana and Arthur’s nephew Medraut, are the main protagonists, but watch out for players that are hiding in the shadows, all are plotting to overthrow Arthur from his throne! They are definitely keeping Gwen on her toes!

A few plots were a little predictable, but others caught me off guard completely. It flowed really easy, and I could have read more pages.

It’s more of a teen book, but I loved it.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B ?

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Tough Justice by Tee O’Fallon – a Review

Tough Justice by Tee O’Fallon – a Review

 

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Description:
It should have been a routine investigation. Instead, DEA K-9 agent Adam “Deck” Decker watches in horror as one Denver hospital seems to be Ground Zero for overdoses of a new drug. Now Deck can only hope a certain icy, green-eyed ER doctor will help him and his canine partner track down the deadly source.

Dr. Tori Sampson has her reasons for not trusting federal agents, especially ones working for the DEA. But the rash of overdoses—including a heartbreaking case involving a teen—is alarmingly high. And the new opioid is not only extremely dangerous, it defies all the usual medical treatments. So Tori has a choice: work with the big, brawny, and annoyingly hot DEA agent…or watch more innocent people die.

Tori’s the only person who can help Deck break the case, and they’ll need to trust each other, no matter how high the tension and attraction sizzling between them runs. But with every question answered, they realize there’s something more behind these typical teen overdoses. There’s a pattern here, and a pattern can only suggest one thing. There’s a killer on the loose.

 

Review:

Tough Justice begins with Dr. Tori Sampson dealing with yet another overdose victim in her emergency room.  This time, it happened to be a “member of service”, which tells them is a police officer, firefighter or EMS injured on duty.  While working on the DEA officer, who was exposed to the deadly drug while serving a warrant, Tori takes charge and order everyone out of the treatment room.  Agent Adam Decker, aka Deck, refused to leave until Tori promised she’d do her best. 

Deck has a huge mistrust of doctors, just as Tori has a DEEP dislike and mistrust of DEA agents.  Due to the number of overdose cases that is happening in their city, the two of them embark on a mission to figure out where the drug is coming from and to save as many as they can.  What they don’t count on is how close to home it actually hits.

Tough Justice is another wonderfully written suspenseful tale by Tee O’Fallon that truly draws you in from the very beginning.  Both characters are relatable and believable.  Once each of their back stories are revealed, it makes you root for them even more. 

The chemistry between Tori and Deck is palpable pretty early on.  It just takes them a minute to let go of their long-held prejudices.  The secondary characters are well written too and leave you wanting more.  No one, in my humble opinion, writes law enforcement/suspense/romance as well as O’Fallon.  And, when you add K-9 officers?  Get out!  LOL!!!  You love the dogs as much as you love the humans in her tales!  The detail with which she tells her stories is incomparable and I can’t wait for the next installment. 

If you’re a fan of the genre, you’ll never, ever, go wrong with one of her books.  Well done, Tee O’Fallon!!!  Very, very well done!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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The Final Six by Alexandra Monir – Review & Giveway

The Final Six by Alexandra Monir – Review & Giveway

 

 

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Description:
When Leo, an Italian championship swimmer, and Naomi, a science genius from California, are two of the twenty-four teens drafted into the International Space Training Camp, their lives are forever altered. After erratic climate change has made Earth a dangerous place to live, the fate of the population rests on the shoulders of the final six who will be scouting a new planet. Intense training, global scrutiny, and cutthroat opponents are only a few of the hurdles the contestants must endure in this competition.

For Leo, the prospect of traveling to Europa—Jupiter’s moon—to help resettle humankind is just the sense of purpose he’s been yearning for since losing his entire family in the flooding of Rome. Naomi, after learning of a similar space mission that mysteriously failed, suspects the ISTC isn’t being up front with them about what’s at risk.

As the race to the final six advances, the tests get more challenging—even deadly. With pressure mounting, Naomi finds an unexpected friend in Leo, and the two grow closer with each mind-boggling experience they encounter. But it’s only when the finalists become fewer and their destinies grow nearer that the two can fathom the full weight of everything at stake: the world, the stars, and their lives.

 

 

Review:

The Final Six by Alexandra Monir, which is the first book in an unnamed YA SciFi/Dystopian series/trilogy. Having read Monir before, she writes YA very well, and I looked forward the reading this new one.  I am happy to say I loved The Final Six, and will wait impatiently for the next book.

In The Final Six, Earth is going through terrible climate change with the sea rising (tsunami’s) to dangerous and death defying heights.  The world as we know it is slowly dying, with cities throughout the world going under water,  and with little hope of survival.  The International Space Committee has devised a desperation plan to send the most talented 16-18 years old young adults to Europa (Jupiter planet) to find a new habitual planet to send survivors to live before Earth is totally destroyed.  The plan is to quickly send 24 of the chosen ones to America’s Space center to quickly train them, and then pick the final six to go to Europa.

Right from the start, we meet Leo (a champion swimmer), who lives in Rome, and watched his whole family drown in the devastation that flooded his city.  Leo is despondent, and just about ready to kill himself, when he sees the announcement of the 24 chosen ones is about to be revealed.  He decides to go watch, hoping someone he knows will become part of this.  To his shock, his name is called and he is thrilled to be one of those to help find a solution to the world’s troubles.

Naomi Ardalan, is an American Science genius, who is also one of the chosen 24.  Naomi is the opposite of Leo, she is very unhappy to have been chosen, as she does not want to leave her family, especially her younger brother, whom she helps take care of.  

Naomi and Leo will become friends, and eventually find themselves falling for each other.  This is not really a romance at this point, but it has started and they become even closer nearer to the end.  They both will work together, as Naomi suspects that something is not right, and she uses her hacking ability and other skills to delve into the truth.  Leo wants to protect and help Naomi, but he is also determined to be one of the final six.  There are a number of twists and turns, especially as we get closer to the end.

What follows is an in-depth look at the overall competition, as all participants have to go through so many mind boggling situations to train them on space travel and surviving on a foreign planet.  I loved everything about the complex completion, even if I am not really a Sci Fi buff.  Leo and Naomi were great heroes, and I did like a number of the other secondary characters. Of course, there are a couple of villains that we know to watch out for.  Will Leo and Naomi be part of the final six?  Will Naomi be able to find out the truth behind this mission?

The Final Six was a wonderful story line that kept our attention throughout.  I am amazed at the writing by Monir, especially with all the sci fi details.  I will not give spoilers, as you need to read this to enjoy everything.  But I will say there are some amazing surprises at the end, and of course, the dreaded cliffhanger.  I hate cliffhangers, but I will be there when Monir gives us the next book. If you enjoy YA dystopian, Sci Fi, competition,  great characters, mystery, and at little romance, I suggest to read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by publicist

 


Alexandra Monir
 is the Iranian-American author of the upcoming YA sci-fi novel The Final Six, the best-selling time-travel romance Timeless, and three other young adult novels. She is also a professional recording artist and composer. Alexandra lives in Los Angeles, California with her husband and newborn son, where she is at work on her next novel. To learn more about Alexandra, visit her online at www.alexandramonir.com.

LINKS: Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram

 

 

 

Alexandra is graciously is graciously offering a paper copy of THE FINAL SIX to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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

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

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

3. Follow ALEXANDRA MONIR on Facebook.

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

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8. Giveaway is open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from March 5 – 10, 2018

 

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Stormchaser / Hurricane (Cutter Cay #4 & #5) by Cherry Adair-Reviews, Excerpt & Giveaway

Stormchaser / Hurricane (Cutter Cay #4 & #5) by Cherry Adair-Reviews, Excerpt & Giveaway

Storm Chaser Banner

STORMCHASER
Cutter Cay #4
by Cherry Adair
Release Date: March 7, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary,romance, action

Stormchaser

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 7, 2017

In the darkest storm…

Nick, Logan, and Zane Cutter are a tightknit, unstoppable force in the family treasure-hunting business. Now that half-brother Jonah has arrived at the scene, he’s got a lot to prove—and a powerful enemy who wants to stop him dead in his tracks.

Love will find a way….

A perilous sea journey. A bitter nemesis. A woman whose spectacular beauty and talents are to die for…Over and over, Jonah will be tested. Is he worthy of carrying the Cutter name? With his eyes on the prize, Jonah will fight with all his heart. But desire often comes with a price.

••••••••••

REVIEW: Stormchaser is book four of Cherry Adair’s Cutter Cay series. This is a wonderful five book series. I’ve started with Stormchaser and loved every second of it. It can definitely stand alone.

This is an adventure/romance series with all the trimmings and more. The plot is fast paced and well thought out. The characters are realistic and well developed. The romance sizzles and the intrigue and adventure never end.

This is the story of Jonah Cutter and Dr. Calista West (Rydell). An imaginative story about finding the lost city of Atlantis! Yes, it is! As well as other treasure. Adair pulls off an intriguing plot and wraps it in and exciting package of true love. She does it with such zest for life and yet manages to remain true to the exciting premise of otherworldly science, not to mention good old-fashioned human greed.

Jonah is one of the Cutter brothers (from another mother, but accepted by the brothers) and wants to prove himself to his successful brothers and show them how dedicated he and brilliant he is.

Dr. Calista West (a.k.a. Callie) is/was married to Adam Case, brother of the Cutter rival, Rydell Case. She uses her professional name, not her married one. There’s a lot of bad business and blood between these families. She actually had ulterior motives for taking this job, besides being paid four time her usual rate. Rydell wants her to spy on Cutter and let him know what treasure he’s after.

The attraction between the two main characters is immediate and very hot. Both fight the attraction with all they have. Callie uses her wedding ring (her husband died four years earlier due to illness) to keep single males at bay. Jonah, coming from a father that was unfaithful to both wives…doesn’t believe in poaching. The angst is sizzling as they fight the attraction. Callie is just as attracted to Jonah, but conflicted out of loyalty for Rydell. Ah, the tangled webs Adair weaves…

I don’t do spoilers, so I’ll just say that the plot weaving these two together through attraction, adventure, danger and more is one whale of a ride. It’s more than entertaining, it’s enthralling. This story and series is a keeper!

Reviewed by Georgianna

Copy supplied for review

________________

HurricaneHURRICANE
Cutter Cay #5
by Cherry Adair
Genre: adult, contemporary, romantic, action

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 4, 2017

Rydell Case’s ship is his home, his heart, and his reason for being. After his ex-wife left him—taking his brand-new megayacht, Tesoro Mio with her—she sailed off with a royal billionaire and out of his life forever. Now Ry spends his days searching for treasure—until his ship is hijacked. With the prospect of his salvage business tanking, he needs both the ship and his ex back—if only she didn’t despise him more than any man on earth. . .

When Addison D’Marco boards Tesoro Mio to find her ex-husband in her cabin, she’s furious. Ry is more handsome, more annoying, and more determined than ever. Addy can’t believe he has the nerve to demand the ship back after the way he broke her heart. With her fiancé about to board, she doesn’t want Ry back in her life to ignite painful memories and never- forgotten desires. But could it be that, amid troubled waters, Addy and Ry can salvage what they once had and have a second chance at love. . .or does fate have something else in store?

••••••••••••

REVIEW: Hurricane is the fifth novel in the Cutter Cay series. The fifth and probably final story in this marvelous series is truly top notch entertainment.

This is the incredible story of Rydell Case, his wife/ex-wife Addison (Addy). The plot in this is mind-boggling. To have so much happen to such wonderful people and yet they still can breathe and live…amazing, simply amazing.

I won’t do spoilers, this is a story you have to read and enjoy yourself. To say it has heartache is such an understatement. But there is more, there’s attraction and sizzling sex, adventure and treasure, crime and danger. There is so much happening that at first you don’t realize all the ramifications of how things got this bad.

Rydell is an amazing and determined man, and it certainly helps that he’s a man of honor. Addison, while more than a little naive, is a loving and wonderful woman who a terrible thing has happened to. That these two loved each other is obvious from the start. I found myself waiting breathlessly for the author to tell me the story behind it all. And what a story it is!

As with this whole series, the love story is but one part. The other parts are twists and mysteries, plots within plots. There is certainly the magical adventure of treasure, but beyond even that there is crime and betrayal almost unimaginable. Leave it to Cherry Adair to imagine the unimaginable.

Ms. Adair’s work is impeccable. Her plots are most excellent, the characters have flaws, but more than that they rise above any flaws to be truly heroic. The whole story line is believable and exciting.

I’d love to have a few days to curl up by myself and dive in with the characters, coming up only when absolutely necessary. My fondest dream would be to have another series as a spinoff to this one with some of the same characters, at least in cameo…oh well. I’m sure this author has many more planned.

Do yourself a favor and don’t pass on this series, it’s amazing!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Georgianna

excerpt

 

The day didn’t look like second hand revenge. Instead of ominous dark clouds hanging low over apewter sea, the hot Greek sun reflected glittering sapphires off the Mediterranean. The wake of the

motor launch frothed blindingly white as it carried marine archaeologist Dr. Calista West to the

megayacht Stormchaser, anchored in open waters south of Crete.

Salt spray cooled her bare arms and legs as the Riva Iseo cut through the dark water. The

sleek, twenty- seven foot Italian work of art, with yards of glossy mahogany, soft leather, and sleek

lines, looked like something straight out of a James Bond movie. Expensive and ostentatious.

Draco Thanos, the short, wiry forty- something chief engineer of Stormchaser sent to collect Callie

from Heraklion, controlled the fast tender with all the deference of a guy handling a sleek sports car.

Callie wasn’t even sure what day it was anymore. A short flight in yet another ostentatious,

expensive toy, a private plane from Athens. A twelve- hour flight from Miami, an hour flight from

Athens to Crete, and another two hours by luxury tender. She was hardly at her best to deal with

Jonah Cutter. Tuning out Thanos, who’d kept up a steady conversation in broken English for the

duration, she spread her feet, bracing her hands on the rail as they hit some chop. Her stomach did

a somersault that had nothing to do with the waves. The closer the motor launch carried her to

Stormchaser, the harder Callie’s heart pounded.

Anticipation. Fear. Excitement.

Thanos pointed unnecessarily. The massive ship was freaking impossible to miss. “There

she is.” Callie’s fingers tightened on the rail as the ship loomed large against a sparkling backdrop of

calm azure water and robin’s- egg- blue sky. Brilliant sun bounced off acres of white paint and

gleaming brass. Twenty, thirty mil? Callie guesstimated, put off by the unnecessary fl aunting of the

Cutters’ wealth.

“Spectacular, isn’t she?” Thanos said proudly as he slowed the tender, angling it sideways to

dock aft next to the wide dive platform where a guy sat reading. He got to his feet as they

approached, lifting a hand in greeting. Callie waved back.

She used both hands to tuck any loose hair back into the neatly tucked French braid on the

back of her head, even though she knew there were none. She was too controlled to have flyaway

hair. Her penchants for order and organization were perfect for her chosen career. She’d come by

them the hard way. By now the traits were ingrained and comfortable.

Without the fi ne cooling misted spray of the water, and wind generated by the fast

movement over the sea, the sun beat down unrelentingly, drying her damp clothes in minutes.

“She’s something, all right.” Too big, and far too fancy for a dive boat, but wasn’t that the Cutters all

over? A family of modern- day treasure hunters, they flaunted their wealth like robber barons or

nouveau riche Internet millionaires, with total disregard for anyone daring their ownership of the

seas.

For a moment Callie had a niggle of misgiving for what she was about to do. Jonah Cutter

hadn’t done anything to her personally; she’d never even met the man. Never met any of the

Cutters. But they adversely impacted people she loved.

She was uniquely qualified to balance the scales.

Straightening her shoulders, Callie grabbed her duffel before Thanos could reach for it.

Ingrained and as sure as her dark hair and green eyes was her in de pendence. Drawing in a salt-

laden deep breath, Callie let it out slowly as the tender bumped the edge of the wide dive platform

where the older man, dressed in cargo shorts and a yellow polo shirt, waited to grab the rope.

And the game begins, she thought, braced to disembark, her fingers tightened on the bag’s handles.

Lying was against everything she believed in. Been there, spent a lifetime perfecting the skill.

Just because she was good at it didn’t mean she liked doing it. But not only did she have to lie

through her teeth for the duration, she had to be convincing as well.

She reminded herself that these people were not her friends. She could not soften and bond with

them. Growing to like anyone on board Stormchaser would make what she was going to do harder.

She’d known going in that she’d have to keep to herself as much as possible. She was here to do a

job. Making friends would muddy the waters and certainly complicate things. And, she admitted,

make her second guess herself— which she unfortunately usually did. She tended to overanalyze

things before jumping in. Indecision was, she knew, her worst characteristic. Still, once she’d made a

determination, after weighing it from a hundred different angles, she tended to be like a dog with a

bone defending the decision.

Her friends tried to get her to be more spontaneous. But it was hard for her. Every decision

had consequences, and those had to be weighed and calculated and looked at from every angle.

What wouldn’t be hard? Pretending. That she was damn good at. If anyone knew how to

pretend, it was her. She’d done it from kindergarten on. When she’d learned to lie for her parents.

Why they’d forgotten to sign her up for school programs? Why they weren’t there to pick her up after

school? Why she rarely had a lunch packed, or money to buy lunch? She’d known instinctively that

to say her mama was passed out from Jack Daniel’s would be bad, and mentioning that sometimes

her dad didn’t come home would be worse.

These circumstances weren’t the same, but she figured she’d honed her acting chops. She

could do this by mentally tarring everyone on board with the sins of the Cutters. Which were too

numerous to count.

And by keeping as low a profile as possible.

The gray- haired man held out his hand, helping her from the boat to the diving platform.

“Saul Pinter.” His full, mostly gray beard was neatly trimmed. Fit and athletic, he had a nice smile

and firm handshake. “Welcome aboard, Dr. West.”

“Thanks, call me Callie.” A cursory glance revealed the dive platform geared with the usual

dive equipment and a row of wet suits ready and waiting. At least she’d get to do what she loved.

Dive. Discover. “Is Mr. Cutter diving?”

Saul shook his head, jerking his thumb toward the ladder leading to the deck above where they

stood. “Jonah will have seen you, and be on his way down. Heads up, he’ll meet you halfway.”

Oh, Callie doubted that very much, but she merely smiled as her heart thumped.

Anticipation—no, dread? After all the planning, things were finally happening. “I’m looking forward to

seeing our wreck.”

“You haven’t missed anything. We only arrived late last night ourselves,” Saul told her,

returning to his chair and the book he’d been reading. “We’re all eager to get started.”

Was that a jibe because she hadn’t joined them two weeks ago? Callie mentally shrugged.

Climbing the ladder, she observed in a quick sweep the spotless decks, the gleaming bright work

and shiny brass. Stormchaser was spit- polished. She’d heard Zane Cutter’s ship was a piece of

crap, but so far she couldn’t fault his half-brother on the maintenance of his ship.

Several men, in the whites of crew members, leaned on the rail on an upper deck watching

her curiously. Callie lifted a hand in greeting and kept going. It was a perfect afternoon to dive, the

ocean smooth with just a slight chop. A light breeze loosened strands of hair off her face and neck

and brought with it the faint smells of fresh paint and yeasty baking bread.

Water slapped the hull, and the sound of voices died as the men dis appeared from view. A

gull cried as it wheeled in a perfect circle overhead, then dived like a jet, skimming the water after

some hapless fish.

There wasn’t anyone else around, and she walked toward a set of sliding doors just as a

man stepped out onto the deck ahead of her. His face lit up as he came toward her.

Jonah Cutter. Callie stopped to wait for him, the sun hot on her scalp, the glare off the water bright

despite her dark glasses. The opinion formed before the man even opened his mouth. Her

assessment was quick and unflattering. But then she was predisposed to disliking him.

Cocky. Self- assured. Entitled.

Exactly what she expected. Her shoulders relaxed. Handing Cutter his ass wasn’t going to

be difficult at all.

The Matthew McConaughey look- alike wore blue, flower- printed Hawaiian board shorts, a

too- tight red T-shirt stretched over sculpted muscles as if it had been painted on. She’d heard that

youngest brother Zane was the vain one, but clearly his half-brother gave him a run for his money.

Under six feet tall, sun- bleached shoulder- length hair, movie- star good looks, and boy,

didn’t he know it. Cutter was like a peacock spreading his tail as he removed his shades to eye her

up and down.

Shorter, less attractive, and more smarmy than she’d been led to believe. And she’d been

led to believe the worst.

Maintaining a friendly smile, she extended her hand when he got close enough. He was

about the same height, so they were eye- to- lecherous- eye. “I’m Calista West, thanks for

including—”

“Now, aren’t you just the prettiest addition to the team, darlin’?” he cut in with a southern

drawl and a heated look from unremarkable blue eyes. His lingering handshake was the opposite of

firm. Callie disengaged and resisted wiping her hand on her shorts as he looked at her like a dog

staring at a juicy bone. Raking his fingers through his sunbleached brown hair, the better to show off

his physique, he gave her a wide, white smile. “Welcome aboard.”

Never had two words sounded so suggestive. Smoothing a hand over her tightly constrained

hair, Callie made sure the sun glinted off the plain gold band on her left hand. Although she

suspected a guy like this wouldn’t be deterred by a wedding ring, she had other methods to repulse

if the ring didn’t work.

Copyright © 2017 by Cherry Adair and reprinted by permission of St. Martin’s Paperbacks.

 

About The Author

Cherry Adair

Cherry Adair has garnered numerous awards for her innovative action-adventure novels, which include White Heat, Hot Ice, On Thin Ice, Out of Sight, In Too Deep, Hide and Seek, and Kiss and Tell, as well as her thrilling Cutter Cay series for St. Martin’s Press. A favorite of reviewers and fans alike, she lives in the Pacific Northwest.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

Giveaway

Cherry’s publisher is graciously offering a paper/print copy of STORMCHASER to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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

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

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9. Giveaway runs from March 4-8, 2017

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City of Gold by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

City of Gold by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

 

City of GoldAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
Finding the Inca’s lost City of Gold would be the discovery of a lifetime. But failing could mean her death…

Archaeologist Matthew Connor and his friends Cal and Robyn are finally home after a dangerous retrieval expedition in Cambodia. While they succeeded in obtaining the priceless Pandu artifact they sought, it almost cost them their lives. Still, Matthew is ready for the next adventure. Yet when new intel surfaces indicating the possible location of the legendary City of Gold, Matthew is hesitant to embark on the quest.

Not only is the evidence questionable but it means looking for the lost city of Paititi far away from where other explorers have concentrated their efforts. As appealing as making the discovery would be, it’s just too risky. But when Cal’s girlfriend, Sophie, is abducted by Matthew’s old nemesis who is dead-set on acquiring the Pandu statue, Matthew may be forced into action. Saving Sophie’s life means either breaking into the Royal Ontario Museum to steal the relic or offering up something no one in his or her right mind can refuse—the City of Gold.

Now Matthew and his two closest friends have to find a city and a treasure that have been lost for centuries. And they only have seven days to do it. As they race against the clock, they quickly discover that the streets they seek aren’t actually paved with gold, but with blood.

 

 

Review:

City of Gold by Carolyn Arnold is the 1st book in her new Matthew Connor Adventure series. I have read two of Carolyn’s other series, which are Police/FBI themed stories. It was a surprise that she was going a different direction with this new series, which is more like an Indiana Jones mystery archaeology theme; especially since Arnold is one of the best at police stories, with her wonderful knowledge of police procedurals. I am happy to say, even to my own surprise, that I really enjoyed City of Gold.

Matthew Connor is our hero, and a well known Archaeologist. From the start, the story begins with Matthew and his friends Cal and Robyn having just found a priceless artifact, running for their lives, literally over the cliff. Now safely back home at a Gala celebrating the finding, Cal tells Matthew about his girlfriend’s worry that someone is following them. A short time later, they learn information that could possibly lead to finding the legendary myth, City of Gold. All three are interested, though doubtful that it was real, since many people have searched for this for centuries. They are also very tired and need time, maybe months to consider if this adventure is worth undertaking.

As best laid plans do not always work out, someone is watching them, and wants the Pandu artifact that is now securely locked in a museum; and they have kidnapped Sophie, Cal’s friend. Matthew knows he cannot get the artifact anymore, and uses the temptation of finding the City of Gold to bargain with the kidnapper to save Sophie.

What follows is an exciting action packed adventure that will take Matthew, Robyn and Cal, as well as two people from the kidnapper’s side to Bolivia to join two guides who will help them try to find the City of Gold. For every step they take, danger and death threaten from all sides. The adventure was pulsating, and Arnold does a fantastic job of taking us through the jungle, caves, underground with many traps along the way.

Is the City of Gold real? Will Matthew and his team find it? Will they survive, and save Sophie? You need to read this book to find all the answers. This was a fun and exciting book, which I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed so much. I look forward to more from the Matthew Connor Adventure series. Carolyn Arnold has another winner.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author

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Running Hot / Playing Dirty (Bad Boys Undercover .5 & 1) by HelenKay Dimon-a review

PLAYING DIRTY (Bad Boys Undercover #1) by HelenKay Dimon-a review

Playing Dirty

Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 27, 2015

As an elite Alliance agent—the joint undercover operation of MI6, the British Secret Intelligence Service, and the CIA—Ford Decker lives for the adrenaline. But when he befriends sexy property manager Shay Alexander in hopes of finding her cousin, a known national security threat, Ford crosses the line, getting to know her better . . . in bed.

After being burned by her last relationship, Shay wants to take things slow. Yet she can’t keep her hands off the drop-dead gorgeous hottie who’s moved into her apartment building. So when Ford’s identity as an undercover agent is exposed, his betrayal cuts deep. Shay never wants to see him again, but Ford can’t let her go, not when her life is still in danger. He will sacrifice everything to protect her, then be prepared to walk away from the only woman he’s ever loved, even if it breaks him.

•••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: 4.25 stars–PLAYING DIRTY is the first full length installment in HelenKay Dimon’s new contemporary adult Bad Boys Undercover action, suspense romance series focusing on an elite group of former CIA and MI6 operatives known as Alliance. This is agent Ford Decker and property manager Shay Alexander’s storyline

The storyline follows Ford’s building relationship with Shay. Undercover as an IT tech and Shay’s newest apartment resident, Ford Decker weaves a seductive trail in the hope of uncovering the whereabouts of Shay’s industrious cousin-a man suspected in the latest terrorist threat against the USA. While Ford seduces his way into Shay’s life and her bed, his team of elite Alliance agents are on the hunt for anything that will lead the Team back to Shay’s cousin. With National security at risk, Ford is willing to risk everything including his relationship with Shay-one that he knows will be destroyed when the truth about his latest assignment is revealed.

The relationship between Shay and Ford is highly sexualized, erotic and energetic but it is a relationship that was not authorized and has not been condoned by the people in charge. Everyone knows that Ford has lost his heart to the undercover mark, and there are concerns that Ford will not be able to complete the investigation and his assignment should Shay’s life be threatened.

The secondary and supporting characters include Ford’s team of operatives-all former CIA and MI6 agents whose specialties make for some dangerous friends and comrades. We also see a little more of CIA operative Ward Bennett and the love of his life Tasha Gregory whose story was told in the introductory novella RUNNING HOT (December 2014).

The world building follows the actions and military like precision of the Alliance Team whose working dynamics are compromised when one of their own turns traitor. From hidden cameras to secret warehouses, back room negotiations and hidden trackers, the men and women of the Alliance Team know their way around negotiations, terrorist threats and take downs.

HelenKay Dimon does another amazing job of introducing the players, the stakes and the behind the scenes struggles of an elite group of warriors who risk their lives to keep the world a safer place.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Edelweiss

Reviewed by Sandy

________________

RUNNING HOT
(Bad Boys Undercover .5)
by HelenKay Dimon

Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

Running HotABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 16, 2014

HelenKay Dimon kicks off her hot new romantic suspense series, Bad Boys Undercover, featuring the fierce men of Alliance—and the only women capable of taming their hearts.

Camped out at a resort bar in Fiji, CIA operative Ward Bennett may look like he’s on vacation but he’s really deep undercover, hunting a dictator on the run. Ward may be on the job, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t time for the sexy female bartender. That is, until she drugs him.

When Tasha Gregory discovers the hottie on the barstool isn’t who he pretends to be, her MI6 training kicks into gear, and she has no choice but to take him out. Problem is, Ward’s not an easy man to put down for long. More than once, his interference almost blows her surveillance operation—and her ability to keep her heart to herself.

As the situation heats up, these two must decide whether they can trust one another—and quick. Working together might just make everyone safer, but getting close enough for comfort … might just get them killed.

•••••••••

REVIEW: RUNNING HOT is the introductory novella in HelenKay Dimon’s adult contemporary Bad Boys Undercover action, suspense, romance series. This is CIA operative Ward Bennett and MI6 agent Tasha Gregory’s storyline.

The storyline follows Ward and Tasha’s undercover assignments in Fiji. Neither is aware that other is deep undercover or that they are looking for the same evil dictator whose attempting to amass a stash of military grade weapons. What ensues is Tasha’s take down of Ward; his decision to merge information with Tasha; and their pursuit of a man who is accumulating a horde of illegal weapons and machinery. Enter fellow CIA agent Ford who aids Tasha and Ward in their search for a missing MI6 operative; add some less than cooperative gun-toting assassins whose idea of fun is torture and mutilation; and you have yourself a recipe for disaster.

RUNNING HOT is a predictable, quick and easy introductory read; an action packed story of suspense and romance. I did have some issues with the writing style-as though I was being told a story and not invited in-especially during the action and fight sequences which came across as stilted and cold-almost choreographed. Our couple take a few minutes to ‘discover’ one another’s deepest secrets which mark the beginnings of a permanent relationship-one that will result in the formation of a new Black Ops Team known as Alliance-the merging of former CIA and MI6 agents whose assignments are dangerous and deadly.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Mine To Have (Mine #5) by Cynthia Eden-Review and Release Day Blitz

Mine to Have (Mine #5) by Cynthia Eden-Review and Release Day Blitz

Mine To Have Release Day Blitz Banner

Mine to Have
Mine #5
by Cynthia Eden
Release Date: September 15, 2014
Genre: adult, contemporary, suspense, action

Mine to have

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: September 15, 2104

Is he a hero…or the villain?

When Elizabeth Ward sees Saxon Black rushing into the backroom of The Blade—a low end bar in Miami—she isn’t sure if he’s there to save the day…or just to raise some hell. But she’s being held hostage, and he’s her best hope of survival. Within minutes, she’s away from the jerks with the guns and riding fast and hard on the back of Saxon’s motorcycle.

Death stalks them.

Saxon has been working undercover for far too long. When he finds sexy Elizabeth—with a gun to her head—he knows he will do anything to keep her safe. But once he gets her away from her abductors, the threat to her isn’t over. Someone has put a price on Elizabeth’s head, and if Saxon can’t keep her safe from the danger stalking her, then she’ll be dead.

Their lives are both on the line.

As their enemies close in, Elizabeth and Saxon must go on the run. And the longer they are together, the hotter their attraction for one another seems to burn. Saxon vows not to let anyone hurt her, no matter what he has to do, because he’s falling fast for Elizabeth. He’ll stop the killers on her trail, and then he’ll have her. Forever.

••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: MINE TO HAVE is the fifth instalment in Cynthia Eden’s contemporary, adult Mine romantic suspense series. This is FBI agent Saxon Black and Elizabeth Ward’s story. Although this is the fifth storyline in the MINE series, it can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any pertinent information from the previous stories is supplied where necessary. Some of the secondary characters from the earlier instalments have minor roles throughout.

Tired of the undercover work, the attempts on his life and the constant change in identity, Saxon Black agrees to one more job for the FBI before walking away and entering civilian life. Finding a beautiful woman with a gun to her head wasn’t what he expected when he went in for the take down at his latest stake out. Rescuing Elizabeth isn’t easy but keeping her safe is more difficult than he could ever have imagined. Someone wants Elizabeth Ward dead and is determined to kill anyone who gets in his or her way. What neither of them know is who put out the hit and why.

The relationship between Saxon and Elizabeth is one of immediate attraction. Saxon begins to lose his heart to the woman entrusted to his care and plans to make her his own-if only they both survive the next few days and weeks. Dead bodies begin to pile up and everyone has a connection to a man sitting in jail. The sex scenes are intimate, seductive and hot.

The storyline builds as our couple endure attempts on their lives, danger from an unknown source and a betrayal from within. When every hideout and secure location is discovered, Saxon and his brother Victor begin to suspect an internal leak from the FBI.

Victor is Saxon’s bond brother. Friends from early childhood, Victor and Saxon have always had one another’s back and in this Victor’s story begins to unfold and will be addressed in the next MINE storyline. We get another glimpse into Victor and Saxon’s sister’s life-Jasmine from MINE TO CRAVE- as she and her new husband play a role in Saxon’s new life.

Cynthia Eden is a brilliant romance writer whose characters and storylines come to life on the pages of the books we love to read. Her characters are real, intense and heartbreaking; the emotions are intense and provocative. MINE TO HAVE and the MINE series by Cynthia Eden is a must read for fans of romantic suspense.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Excerpt

 

 

“You can let go now.” His voice was the deepest, darkest rumble she’d ever heard, and it actually took a few seconds for his words to sink in.
When they did, she was horrified. Her hands flew away from him and she shot off that motorcycle. A bad move, really, because her thighs were still shaking from the ride, and Elizabeth hit the ground.
Smooth move.
She pushed up fast, though, and staggered to her feet. Elizabeth tossed away her helmet and ran.
Unfortunately, she didn’t get far. A big, strong hand caught her shoulder and spun her around. In the next breath, her back was being pushed into the nearby brick wall, and Saxon had her hands pinned above her head. He held her easily, her wrists trapped in one of his hands.
“Didn’t we cover this?” he muttered, and his voice, if possible, had gone even deeper. “No screaming, no running—”
“No fighting,” she whispered back to him. “You said no…fighting. You never said I couldn’t run.”
He laughed then. A sound that was as deep as his voice and sent shivers racing over her body.
A man wasn’t supposed to laugh when a woman was terrified. She knew nothing about the guy except for the fact that she’d seen him shoot two men and beat the crap out of at least two more. And he’d said he…wanted her.
For an hour.
“Please, let me go.” Elizabeth wasn’t above begging, not then. She just wanted to survive that night. To get back to her apartment and pretend this whole terrible nightmare had never happened. “I won’t go to the police, I promise. I won’t tell them anything about you.”
His head came closer to hers. She couldn’t discern much about him in that moment, it was too dark, but she’d seen plenty in that terrible little room.
Saxon. He’d been huge, filling that doorway. He had to be at least six foot three, and his shoulders had been so wide, his arms heavy with muscles. He wore a faded t-shirt and loose jeans. He’d fought with a cold, vicious fury, and he hadn’t even broken a sweat when he’d taken down his enemies.
I thought Kurt was scary. He’s nothing compared to this guy.
“I don’t want to let you go.”
Those words terrified her. No, he terrified her. He leaned even closer. She could feel the light stir of his breath against her cheek. She had a flash of being tied in that chair and looking up—and into a pair of dark and deadly eyes.
And I asked him for help? A desperate woman would do anything. And she was desperate right then.

about the author

Cynthia EdenUSA Today Best-selling author Cynthia Eden has written over twenty-five novels and novellas. She was named as a 2013 RITA® finalist for her paranormal romance, ANGEL IN CHAINS, and, in 2011, Cynthia Eden was a RITA finalist for her romantic suspense, DEADLY FEAR.

Cynthia is a southern girl who loves horror movies, chocolate, and happy endings.  She has always wanted to write (don’t most authors say that?), and particularly enjoys creating stories about monsters–vampires, werewolves, and even the real-life monsters that populate her romantic suspense stories.

Cynthia’s foreign sales for her books include translations to Japan, Germany, Thailand, Greece, and Brazil.

(Back in the day…) Cynthia graduated summa cum laude from the University of South Alabama where she studied Sociology (because people interest her) and Communication (because she likes to write about said people).  Cynthia has worked as a college admissions counselor, a teacher, and as an editor. But now, Cynthia is thrilled to be spending her days making up stories.

Follow Cynthia: Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Enchantress

 

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