Tag Archives: Carmen

Exit Strategy by Lena Diaz – a Review

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Exit Strategy by Lena Diaz – a Review

 

Exit StrategyAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
When Sabrina Hightower awakens to the sound of an intruder, she figures he’s there to rob her, murder her— or worse. She doesn’t expect to be carried off by a muscle-bound stud with male-model good looks… or that he came to rescue her.

Mason Hunt became an enforcer with EXIT Inc. to eliminate the bad guys—terrorists, militia groups, all those who would do America harm. But his latest target is innocent. If EXIT could lie about sultry, strong-willed Sabrina, what darker truths might they be concealing?

Going rogue in the rugged North Carolina mountains, Mason risks everything to keep Sabrina close, especially now that EXIT’s lethal assassins are chasing them down. The heat is on… but it’s nothing compared to the slow burn of seduction.

Review:

Killer opening scenes have become synonymous with Lena Diaz. Sabrina slipping on blood while scrambling away from the stranger who broke into her house puts you so on edge, you’re holding in an empathetic breath. EXIT Strategy is the first book of a new series although the agency was introduced in her Deadly Games series by the delicious Buchanan brothers. Never fear: Ms. Diaz reclaims her stride with excellent, suspenseful, thrilling writing.

“You’re here to protect me, right? Someone other than my family is after me? They want to hurt me?”…

He shook his head as if she were daft. “They don’t want to hurt you, Miss Hightower. They want you dead…

A renewed stab of fear shot straight to her gut. “Why are you so sure?” she whispered.

“Because I’m the one they hired to kill you.”

How do you rationalize desire for the man who knocks you out and kidnaps you: Stockholm syndrome? Far from it as that would imply a devious nature from Sabrina’s captor and Mason Hunt is not going Freudian on us.

He had a rugged, wild, bad-boy charm that could melt away a woman’s defenses with one well-aimed grin. And while Sabrina certainly wasn’t immune to his particular twist on tall, dark and handsome, it was his quiet strength, his confidence, and the way he’d risked his own life to protect her that had her so confused.

Mason has been thrust into an extraction where EXIT (officially Extreme International Tours specializing in dangerous, thrill-seeking adventures. Unofficially, an agency “sanctioned by the government as a weapon of last resort”), the company he’s been loyal to, is accused of behaving unethically. Before proof of complete compromise, Mason goes off grid, a breath away from wanted rogue, to rescue Sabrina. It helps that swoon-worthy Devlin Buchanan is orchestrating the mission (Take the Key and Lock Her Up review available here), but Mason is an enforcer NOT a goon. He researches and goes with his gut (which fortuitously coincides with Devlin’s, lol): Sabrina has been erroneously targeted for termination based on fake charges.

The chemistry was on point! Not only was Sabrina a sound companion (a dead shot and fast learner to boot), they connected on an emotional level despite their rough introduction. Steeeaaamyyy cornfield sex – Mason can rock ANY location, I’m certain. They’ve even got humor to keep them endlessly amused. It’s not all perfect; they clash on a number of issues (mostly involving Sabrina’s safety), but they shine as a couple!

For as efficient a company as EXIT is, Ms. Diaz did an amazing job of describing some of the key players as bumbling amateurs. As despicable as the head of the snake is, I actually felt bad for “the big bag” to rely on an inept second. EXIT is imploding and failure trickles down from the top. Is there a way to salvage this once respected organization?

I downplayed the impact of this book, my friends. Not only has Ms. Diaz maintained strength in awesome storytelling, she’s exploded onto the scene with EXIT Strategy. Compelling subplots increase interest and tension. Everyone has a back story and Ms. Diaz makes you reconsider even the most dastardly. Action is ratcheted up to the very end; intense does not suffice!

There’s no denying the feeling that Lena Diaz clearly enjoyed writing this book because when you create a hotter than hell character like Mason, your writing must be as fiery and intriguing. Nailed. It.

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Author

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Minutes to Kill by Melinda Leigh – a Review

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Minutes to Kill by Melinda Leigh – a Review

 

Minutes to killAmazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository

Description:
After corporate attorney Hannah Barrett tries—and fails—to stop a kidnapping in Vegas, she can’t shake the haunting image of the terrified young girl she couldn’t save. She tells herself that a visit to her hometown in Scarlet Falls could be a welcome distraction. But soon, Hannah realizes the kidnappers have all the info they need to track her every move. And when chilling e-mails about the victim appear in her inbox, it’s frighteningly clear what happened in Vegas has followed her home.

Eight months after a terrible family tragedy, Hannah turns to Detective Brody McNamara once again. Brody is eager to help, though he’s embroiled in the investigation of a brutal murder. But the closer they work together, the stronger their feelings grow…and the more they stand to lose when two seemingly unrelated, but equally deadly, cases collide.

 

Review:

What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas. That’s a thing, right? It’s supposed to be a thing.;) Not in the case of Hannah in Minutes to Kill, book 2 of Melinda Leigh’s Scarlett Falls series. Mottos aside, this is that age-old scenario where you try to do the right thing yet incur the wrath of an unseen, avenging villain who is gunning after you for getting involved. This is why people look away. In Minutes to Kill, Ms. Leigh scares you and motivates you in equal measure!

Hannah (Grant’s younger sister) is on her way to the airport when she intercepts a young girl’s escape for her life. She helps her without pause/concern for her own safety, “You know me. All leap, no look.”, but gets herself knocked out in the process. Miserable bastard got away with the girl…and Hannah’s purse. CHILLS, right?!

The assault occurs right before her return visit to Scarlett Falls, but Hannah doesn’t allow it to dampen the mood of the visit: Baby Faith is turning a year old. Grant and Ellie (our happy H/H from Hour of Need) are making a real home for the kids since the tragedy (Hour of Need review available here). All Hannah wants to do is surround herself in family (and maybe a certain Detective Brody McNamara who’s made himself invaluable to her brother’s case). A haunting email arrives in Hannah’s inbox, disrupting any attempt to decompress at home.

Clues don’t exactly pour in, but Brody is a professional, willing to keep Hannah safe at all costs, and, an attraction is simmering. The love story was slow to start, but Hannah functions conservatively. Brody knows he’s attracted, would like something to come of it, but keeps himself in check (such will power, ugh!) until Hannah meets him halfway.

Complex was the only word for Hannah. She was a puzzle he wanted to solve but not in any rush. He wanted to take his time and get to know all her layers.

With alternating POVs, Ms. Leigh outlines the revenge mission against Hannah and it’s just psychotic and unnerving, but oh so compelling. There wasn’t a boundary the bad guy wouldn’t cross to “take the edge off”; cutting a violent, cruel path towards his objective.

Melinda Leigh wrote a gritty, countdown thriller with striking details. The rhyme and reason of criminals is so thoroughly fleshed out, you’re begging for justice to be doled out! I’m a big fan of her storytelling; the balance between violence and romance is deftly executed and she keeps you hungry for more. My instincts tell me Mac (the youngest Barrett sibling) gets his voice next? Whatever she’s writing – I’m reading! You should do exactly the same. 😉

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Author

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Descent (Kissed by Death) by Tara Fuller – a Review

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Descent (Kissed by Death) by Tara Fuller – a Review

 

DescentAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
Easton doesn’t believe in love. He believes in Death. Darkness. Sin. As a reaper for Hell, it’s all he’s known for over four hundred years. When he gets slapped with the job of training the boss’s daughter, an angel who knows nothing but joy, he knows he’s in for a world of trouble.

Though he’s made it clear he wants nothing to do with her outside of work, Gwen would do anything to get closer to the dark and wounded reaper—even taint her angelic image and join the ranks of her father’s team of reapers. But in all her planning, she forgot to factor in one thing—how far the demons Easton doomed to hell would go to get revenge.

When the dangers of the Hell threaten Gwen, Easton will do whatever it takes to save her. But as the darkness closes in on them both, will he be able to save himself?

 

Review:

Easton has finally arrived…and resides in my heart. He stays, goes nowhere – I’ve waited too long! I have been dying for Easton’s book, Ms. Fuller can attest to several pleading emails, lol. The enigmatic, dark horse reaper for hell is uncomfortable in the spotlight, but he’s made himself too irresistible to hang back any longer. I was swept anew thanks to the layered world building and amazing character developments. Descent was well worth the wait!

A reaping gone wrong introduces Easton to Gwen. A yellow card for interference, but to whom exactly?! Easton’s the ultimate soul reaper, cold and detached, ready to collect his charge, but for heavenly Gwen, Easton intercepts one of her “projects”.

“I should have felt guilty, but that would require feeling. I didn’t do feeling. Not anymore.”

Regardless of claim or purpose, the unflappable Easton is shaken to the core. From that unexpected moment on, Gwen’s brief observation of Easton (and the error they inadvertently contributed to) catapults her to shake off expectations and explore the darker side she’s never been privy to. With such foundations breaking, someone higher up, or below, is bound to notice.

“You’ve been requesting a replacement for Anaya for months. Here she is. Your job is to train her. If you don’t think you can handle the task, I’m sure I can find a more suitable assignment.”

So now big, bad Balthazar (his boss) considers Easton management material? Could Balthazar simply be setting up Easton for failure? Gwen is his daughter after all! I know, how very intriguing! The mounting tension and desire was too impossible to deny; Easton is helpless to reject the offer. Lucky for us, Ms. Fuller doesn’t deprive us of the swoon-worthy. Moreover, we again are shown a different side to Balthazar. His dynamic as the big bad coupled with being a father is a unique story begging to be told.

I have to say Gwen was too chipper for me to start. She’s an angel, it’s par for the course, but her beatific, angelic outlook was off-putting. She was on a personal, irreversible mission of “salvation” whether Easton wanted her help or not.

“I felt too much. I wanted too much…I needed a new challenge. Whatever the reason, I felt an unquenchable need to bring this reaper joy.”

Again, it’s in her angel nature. I just took umbrage at Easton being her objective; I’d gladly take Easton as is!

It was Gwen’s acceptance of Easton’s rough edges that shattered my impression, however. Angel or no, Gwen is no pushover; especially when she realizes she would love Easton by her eternal side. For the time being, she’ll settle for his help to fix the huge reaping mistake. Who wouldn’t fight for this guy?!

Will their collaboration on the “pointless rescue mission” be a success? Will Easton’s tour of hell scare the curiosity out of Gwen? Someone’s getting fired…one way or the other.

A descent implies downward movement, but I could not have been more uplifted. I really recommend you begin at Inbetween, the introduction to the Kissed by Death series. The terminology will not only clarify this complex world, but it sets the mood for tremendous developments and heart. When you arrive at Descent, though, prepare for a fabulous read centered on Easton, the ever enthralling character, and Gwen, one outstanding woman in her own right, as well as his worthy counterpart. Love, love, looooooooved this book!!!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher

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Fallen: A Cassidy & Spenser by Carey Baldwin – a Review

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Fallen: A Cassidy & Spenser by Carey Baldwin – a Review

 

FallenAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
A body just fell from the sky onto Hollywood Boulevard.

When a beautiful prostitute is dumped onto the Walk of Fame, FBI profiler Atticus Spenser and forensic psychiatrist Dr. Caitlin Cassidy are called in to solve one of their most baffling cases yet.
The media’s dubbed him the Fallen Angel Killer – a crazed murderer who’s leaving the bodies of high-priced call girls in Los Angeles tourist traps.

Then the killer raises the stakes, demanding that a mysterious celebrity publically admit to his sinful secrets —or he’ll dispose of his latest kidnapped escort. With every “john” the team exposes in their search for Celebrity X, another Hollywood secret is revealed and another charmed life is left in ruins.

Now time is running out, and Cassidy and Spenser will do anything to find the twisted serial killer…before another innocent woman winds up as the next grotesque tourist attraction

 

Review:

Fallen…in love with this book, more accurately! Carey Baldwin is back to demonstrate her prowess with a psychological thriller. Special Agent Atticus Spenser is collaborating with Dr. Caitlyn Cassidy on a second case in my hometown of Los Angeles. Things were turning romantic in Judgment despite the Man in the Maze killer (review available here), but this new case will rearrange exploration of those feelings. Duty calls and they’re nothing short of dutiful. Fallen is an engaging story with intriguing layers that will hold your attention until the end.

Bodies are falling from the sky yet there isn’t a director yelling ‘Cut!’ to end the scene. Spenser and Caitlyn work fast to ascertain a commonality/pattern among the lovely female victims — profiling at its finest with this pair of experts. Spenser and Caity don’t always agree, but their opposing theories help to hone the process and exact an even more accurate assessment. The banter and dialogue is professional and productive.

Twists and turns lead you nowhere fast, but the investigation along the way is intelligent and compelling. Suspects are considered, but Ms. Baldwin keeps the plot dubious, making our heroes work for the case. When the actual Fallen Angel Killer makes an imperative, last hour demand for “Celebrity X” to reveal his identity (a provocative challenge to say the least), the mystery is spun yet again. Ms. Baldwin leads us down a riveting path to apprehend the killer.

Caity’s always been a wild card, IMO, because of her father’s death. She’s fluent in all things legal, there’s rarely a grey area for her, but there was a correlating epiphany that brought forth an unexpected emotional connection.

“…she couldn’t deny that she was beginning to believe the best way to protect the innocent was to see to it that the guilty were correctly identified in the first place.”

That realization made Caity cognizant and diligent: Don’t exonerate without finding the real killer. Spenser’s own abilities expand with Caitlyn’s new perspective. They are an omnibus force.

Spenser talking down a hostage situation with a calm explanation of lethal force was fabulous. It was described so perfectly, expert balance of facts and dark humor, Ms. Baldwin makes us fall for Spense even harder. That’s one of the brilliant qualities imbued in this character – Spense might be terrifyingly brilliant, but he’s approachable. The psychological profiling is elaborate yet understandable; you follow along like an amateur investigator. I wouldn’t go so far as to say I was on their level — I just want them to be my friends in real life!

I don’t mean to cut to the chase, but the Fallen Angel Killer resolves ingeniously. It was creative and risky, expertly catering to the murderer’s pathology. It was epic. You outdo yourself, Ms. Baldwin.

Our H/H have more than earned that Tahitian diversion. Ms. Baldwin teases us with stolen kisses, we’re more than ready for more, but she’s touching on it with a finesse that keeps us entranced. The time is now, we’re ready, lol, but the long arm of the FBI beckons yet again…to Dallas, Texas. Spenser and Caity are in demand so we’ll need to be patient on the romantic front. Fallen is a terrific addition to a dynamic series.  

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Author

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The Likelihood of Lucy by Jenny Holiday – a Review

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The Likelihood of Lucy by Jenny Holiday – a Review

 

The Likelihood of LucyAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
She would never bow to any man…

London, 1815

Trevor Bailey is on the cusp of opening the greatest hotel in London. His days as a gutter snipe are behind him, as he enjoys a life of wealth, society, and clandestine assignments as a spy in the service of the Crown. Until one tumultuous night churns up the past he’d long left behind…

Turned out by her employer for her radical beliefs, Lucy Greenleaf reaches out to the man who was once her most beloved friend. She never expected that the once-mischievous Trevor would be so handsome and gentleman-like and neither can deny the instant attraction.

But Lucy’s reformer ways pose a threat to the hotel’s future and his duties as a spy. Now Trevor must choose between his new life and the woman he’s always loved…

 

Review:

Thick as thieves to veritable strangers. Familiar yet not. Although cut from the same pilfering cloth (“a pair of Robin Hoods”), individual success was earned from hard work; nothing untoward. Then why are Trevor and Lucy so edgy around each other? This was no longer “thirteen-year-old Trevor, the one who sent her away”. No, with maturity came awareness. Oh, Ms. Holiday, how you make me swoon! I adored the Miss Mirren Mission (review available here) and jumped at The Likelihood of Lucy when Barb offered it to me. Jenny Holiday is a brilliant discovery. Her writing is fresh, humorous and simply impressive.

A governess position lost, her reformer ways clashing with her regency England employer, Lucy turns to long lost, but never forgotten, Trevor. He, the irreverent, loyal friend/partner of the Earl of Blackstone from book 1, is floored by Lucy’s presence and resumes responsibility for her well being like a second skin. Despite the zinging sensations running through her body, Lucy tamps down any romantic interest, convinced that she must remain independent to have any self-respect. My dear girl will learn that while love requires sacrifice, it doesn’t strip you of your essential self. A magnificent discovery awaits Lucy. Swoons I tell you. A love that was always meant to be story!

But our couple refuses the undeniable attraction. They throw themselves into a business relationship at The Jade, Trevor’s dream hotel. Proximity only makes things terribly tempting. A kiss (and a half, but yikes was it lip-biting exciting!) proves life-altering…to the extreme. Trevor’s feelings are so tumultuous, he overdoes it in the protection department.

“…it was what had gotten Lucy out of Seven Dials, and into a better life. He had done it before, and he could do it again.”

Don’t go jumping all over my man just yet! Perhaps he should have asked if Lucy required any saving (yeah, that would have gone over fabulously!) Nothing is good enough for Lucy, not even himself apparently, so Trevor tries to maintain distance for their own good. I for one did not appreciate the arm’s length, lol. You can only imagine Lucy’s distress when Trevor pulls back. He showed her stars (I saw them myself!)…and now he’s confusing her to no end. Trevor’s in so over his head, he’s doing all the wrong things for the right reasons. Love.this.man.

I’ve expressed my utter joy for the love story, but Ms. Holiday layers her book with intriguing subplots of the murdering, spy-by-night, variety. Lucy’s proposition to Trevor…their closet scene…a proposition posed to Lucy…it’s all just so wonderful! Reformer issues are still at the heart and it’s inspiring to see Lucy embrace her intellectualism with supportive partners. Camaraderie enriches the depth of this book.

It’s no easy feat to write a second book. To be as well received is a triumph. Ms. Holiday has talent in spades – I loved The Likelihood of Lucy! Had I not had to participate in family dinners, I’d have devoured this non-stop. Good news is that there appears to be a book 3 in July! Neither title nor cover was revealed, I haven’t a clue as to who will be featured, but it’ll fit right in during my vacation. Kids won’t need me then, ha!

“A rogue female with reform on her mind. This way lies ruin, my friend.”

He should be so lucky. Read this series!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher

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Immaculate by Katelyn Detweiler – a Review

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Immaculate by Katelyn Detweiler – a Review

 

ImmaculateAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
Mina is seventeen. A virgin. And pregnant.

Mina is top of her class, girlfriend to the most ambitious guy in school, able to reason and study her way through anything. But when she suddenly finds herself pregnant—despite having never had sex—her orderly world collapses. Almost nobody believes Mina’s claims of virginity. Her father assumes that her boyfriend is responsible; her boyfriend believes she must have cheated on him. As news of Mina’s story spreads, there are those who brand her a liar. There are those who brand her a heretic. And there are those who believe that miracles are possible—and that Mina’s unborn child could be the greatest miracle of all.

 

Review:

A crone walks in at closing time to Mina’s pizza joint job (bringing to mind that of the queen in disguise from Snow White). She chooses a booth featuring a portrait of the Madonna. Instead of ordering food, she unloads a prophecy. Like Mina would stick around for that nonsense?! Like any sensible, uneasy 17 year old, too freaked out to listen to the rants of an old woman: Mina tears out!

“Mina, no! Wait!” Iris called out. “I need your approval, you have to accept…”

“Yes, Iris. Yes, whatever you need to hear,” I said, without turning back, already trying to erase her face from my memory.

Mina inadvertently sets in motion the most impossible event of her life. Hindsight is 20/20, but who would’ve thought: A modern day miracle?! Welcome to Immaculate by Katelyn Detweiler. I put another book down, already a chapter in, to inhale this book. I gave my 12 year old daughter so many updates — I had to pry it from her hands!

I’d tried doing some online research, but that only made everything infinitely scarier: diabetes; chronic fatigue syndrome; multiple forms of highly rare, highly untreatable cancers; depression. Nothing fit, not really, but I was still terrified.

Well, who could expect an immaculate conception?! Isn’t this subject too sacred for fiction? It’s not an easy topic; quite delicate (even offensive) in fact, especially if you’re faithful. While I am, I’m neither zealous nor disapproving by nature – it was intriguing! Mina was clearly selected. How can this be done to a child?! How much will it mirror the Virgin Mary? An endless amount of questions and events begin Mina’s journey to self-discovery, to “the ultimate test of character”.

I was struck by the enormity, the gravity, of the job ahead of Mina: How to explain her situation. It’s outrageous, preposterous. It’s biblical. Who could believe the old woman is responsible?! It reminded me of Merida from Disney’s Brave running back to the witch’s cottage – only to discover she had cleaned shop and Merida would have to find her own solution. But believe it or not, though Mina continuously replayed the life-altering meeting in her mind, she took to her new responsibility with a maturity (and grace) she didn’t even know she possessed.

A problem I had with the book was the absence of explanation. I’m familiar with the birth of Jesus Christ, but this…isn’t…the same story. Just because Mina yelled out her consent, clearly under duress, the old woman is only a fleeting, silent visitor. Searching for answers resulted in more questions. It came down to purpose and faith. But did it never occur to Mina that she was merely the vessel – that she would in fact never raise the baby? I put the book down repeatedly, bogged down by all the What if’s…

There is no way Mina could have imagined the rejection and harassment. I was crushed. One BFF feels lied to while the other is skeptical yet supportive; her mother was resolutely on Mina’s side yet painfully silent when Mina’s father’s fury dethroned any semblance of peace in the house. And what of the best boyfriend she never thought could be hers?! Unconvinced and worst of all, deceived. I was exhausted by all the disappointment Mina’s pregnancy caused and protective as a mother, for the cruelty she had to endure. And this was only Mina’s first trimester! I kept praying this was only a “test”, but why would they (who is they?!) allow a child to suffer through humiliation and scorn? I was riveted, despite the nearly 500 pages in which Ms. Detweiler takes to tell you.     

“I don’t want people to think there’s a random daddy running around out there, some kind of meaningless one-night stand. How do I win, Mom? How do I make people hate me the least? Because that’s the best I can hope for.”

Wow, right?! Ms. Detweiler wrote a wonderful, fictional story about the creation of miraculous life.   The supporting cast of characters does a phenomenal job of embracing the unknown and giving life to fear.

“But it’s like that old saying—‘those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.’

The ending was not my favorite. You can imagine what happens, that’s no big spoiler. It’s the fact…that it did? Was Ms. Detweiler really going to speculate as to the baby’s future?! She’d be writing history and that’s a path I’m not interested in following.

I loved Mina’s crisis of faith; I loved her commitment (even when a tiny spark of romance threatened to veer her off course – swoony storyline amidst so much division); I loved her age-appropriate meltdowns. Mina was meant to be marvelous and I believe Ms. Detweiler achieves just that.

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher

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Possessed by a Wolf by Sharon Ashwood – a Review

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Possessed by a Wolf by Sharon Ashwood – a Review

 

Possessed by a WolfAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:
Wolves mate for life…and wolves never forget their first love

Royal photographer Lexie Haven wasn’t expecting to see her ex-boyfriend Faran ever again. She could accept that he was a spy, but a werewolf? No way. No matter how good they had been together, she has very personal reasons for steering clear of monsters. That is, until he literally crashes into a royal gathering in all his furry glory—and with a gunman on his tail.

Within minutes of seeing each other again, the two estranged lovers are on a collision course. For now, Lexie is a prime suspect in the heist of a priceless ring, and only Faran can help her find the jewel and restore peace to the royal kingdom. But first, Lexie needs to trust in second chances and the supernatural.


Review:

I was looking forward to a wolf…*GASPS, did I just write that?!* But Faran is no ordinary wolf. He was made irresistible at the direction of Sharon Ashwood. Working for La Campagnie des Morts – the Company of the Dead, as Famine, a loyal member of the Four Horsemen, Faran is really the jokester of the group who tends to hang back. Until now, that is. Faran is lead on a solitary assignment, but facing Lexie is more dangerous to his heart. I loved Possessed by a Wolf and I’m making it public record!   Sharon Ashwood has done a marvelous job with her Horsemen series. It’s a must read!

The wedding of Princess Amelie of Marcari to Prince Kyle of Vidon is imminent. Chloe (from Possessed by a Warrior and currently blissfully engaged to swoon-worthy Sam) is coordinating the big event as well as the engagement soiree. She’s dumbfounded when shots ring out at the party (where’s the love?!), but this union is more than the sum of its parts.

“The disagreement between Team Vampire [Marcari] and Team Slayer [Vidon] had kept the two tiny countries at war since the Crusades. The marriage between Amelie and Kyle – a true love match, by all accounts – was supposed to unite the kingdoms and end the hostilities.”

When the Four Horsemen, allies and defenders of the Marcari, are heaved aside unceremoniously, wedding detail/protection is terribly vulnerable. Faran is the least recognized member of The Company, so he’s instructed to blend in with the crowd and jump to Princess Amelie’s side should the need arise. Not too risky an undercover case, until Faran reunites with his ex, Lexie, hired photographer for the wedding events. Brave in the face of heartbreak, and flying bullets, the two quickly abandon emotional baggage to protect one another. It’s a natural, effortless pull — one that neither cares to examine too closely, of course. Chickens! 😀

Lexie’s not without her own set of trouble. On the night of the engagement party, Lexie’s job was to photograph the wedding band containing fire rubies, the crown jewels of Vidon that Kyle had specially made for Amelie. The jewelry is encased and secured with its own alarm system! Except for the night in question, that is. Amidst the eruption of violence, the ring was stolen and the Vidonese security team is not taking it lightly. It was Lexie’s assignment after all. So how can Faran fly under the radar? How can Lexie prove her innocence?

Chloe had saddled him with a cover identity as Lexie’s husband and assistant. Chloe had meant to give him a plausible excuse to be in the palace, but that meant Lexie would be close to whatever trouble Faran might stir up.

Posing as a married couple? Fun indeed! Truth be told, it hit too close to their once upon a time relationship, but communication is sorely needed. I thought Lexie was a little too frigid for Faran, but my assessment doesn’t negate the effect Lexie has on Faran; she gets him fired up almost instantaneously. It bugged me a bit, if I may be honest. Faran wears his heart on a sleeve; he’s passionate and hurt over the way Lexie broke things off. Lexie doesn’t seem nearly remorseful.

The mystery thickens with motive, doppelgangers, fey, and ghosts. The “hot potato” retrieval of the wedding ring is engaging, but the thief, of the supernatural variety, exposes hidden truths, lore and a slew of theories. Before long, Vidon, Marcari, and The Company are surrounded by a motley crew of suspects (some even royal!) Who stands to gain the most by preventing Kyle and Amelie’s wedding? Is there something more nefarious in the making?

I would be remiss if I didn’t recant my original opinion of Lexie. While her obstinacy battled with indifference, we come to dawning revelations where she’s concerned. Sometimes it’s better to err on the side of caution even though your heart is reaching out for its other half. Lexie undergoes a slow, but startling transformation. She displayed a spine of steel when knowledge dictated action. Lexie fought even harder when her heart was in question.

While the book is focused on Faran and Lexie, we are treated to scenes with Sam and Mark (they are a tight unit), but a spectacular cameo amped up anticipation to say the least. Ms. Ashwood is set to leave it all out there in July for the next, and final installment of the series, Possessed by the Fallen. That’s only 3 months away! I’ll read that one slowly, to savor the epic conclusion.  

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Author

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Blessed are Those Who Weep by Kristi Belcamino – a Review

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Blessed are Those Who Weep by Kristi Belcamino – a Review

 

Blessed are Those Who WeepAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
San Francisco Bay Area reporter Gabriella Giovanni stumbles onto a horrific crime scene with only one survivor—a baby girl found crawling between the dead bodies of her family members. Reeling from the slaughter, Gabriella clings to the infant. When Social Services pries the little girl from her arms, the enormity of the tragedy hits home. Diving deep into a case that brings her buried past to the forefront, Gabriella is determined to hunt down the killer who left this helpless baby an orphan.

But one by one the clues all lead to a dead end, and Gabriella’s obsession with finding justice pulls her into a dark, tortuous spiral that is set to destroy everything she loves

Review:

“Mrs. Martin called me at the newspaper yesterday and told me she had a big story-possibly the biggest one of my career”

Yet upon arrival, Gabriella encounters a 10-month old baby girl sitting amidst a horrific murder scene. What an opening chapter! Welcome to book 3 of the Gabriella Giovanni Mysteries, Blessed Are Those Who Weep. Kristi Belcamino continues to impress with her haunting thriller series. I am sorry to say that I missed the sequel *SMH*(and major events), so I had a lot to infer. Most notably was her ENGAGEMENT to swoon-worthy Detective Sean Donovan. It was a joy to reconnect with these lead characters (deciphering memories and recall) and get wrapped up in their next daunting investigation. Very well done!

The web gets tangled when the orphan’s future lies with a wolf dressed in sheep’s clothing: Her own father who’s in transit from Iraq. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Military corroboration impedes police investigation to apprehend the killer and a wild, violent goose chase ensues with new motives, suspects and doubt. Nothing remotely kid-friendly about this game!

I loved the chapter spacing and story pacing. A brief chapter can be so precise and impactful! I do tear at my hair when Gabriella acts so recklessly/impulsively (though she downplays those moments “without thinking”). I’ll say! There are questions that should be second nature as a journalist, but she doesn’t ask those. She should also resist following leads as if she were a police officer! Having said that, Gabriella will ensure a villain is behind bars; there is a method to her madness.

The subplot of acquiring her sister’s killer is never far from Gabriella’s thoughts and is only augmented by the orphan. Gabriella suffered a miscarriage in book 2, so the protective feelings over the baby are a visceral reaction to her personal loss. As a natural consequence to the miscarriage, Gabriella reflects on the reasons why she couldn’t see her own baby to term.

“I can’t help but worry I’ll never be able to have a baby. That I’m being punished for taking a life. Taking two lives.”

It’s an agonizing reproach and you pray she stops berating herself (and starts sharing those feelings with Sean); otherwise this unhealthy obsession is going to push him away. I cringed frequently; saddened by her “wasteful” attitude when lovemaking wasn’t productive.

The clock is ticking on what seems to be all facets of Gabriella’s life. What will she salvage first or does her chaos result in a series of detonations? Blessed Are Those Who Weep was a great story in a thriving series. Ms. Belcamino arms Gabriella with great instinct. Details are gritty and intense and she never shies from the emotional and complicated issues. I look forward to the next installment and development of this character!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Author

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