Review: Consumed by J.R. Ward

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the popular Black Dagger Brotherhood series comes a brand-new novel about arson investigator, Anne Ashburn, who is consumed by her troubled past, her family’s scorched legacy, and her current case: chasing a deadly killer.

Anne Ashburn is a woman consumed…

By her bitter family legacy, by her scorched career as a firefighter, by her obsession with department bad-boy Danny McGuire, and by a new case that pits her against a fiery killer.

Strong-willed Anne was fearless and loved the thrill of fighting fires, pushing herself to be the best. But when one risky decision at a warehouse fire changes her life forever, Anne must reinvent not only her job, but her whole self.

Shattered and demoralized, Anne finds her new career as an arson investigator a pale substitute for the adrenaline-fueled life she left behind. She doesn’t believe she will ever feel that same all-consuming passion for her job again–until she encounters a string of suspicious fires setting her beloved city ablaze.

Danny McGuire is a premiere fireman, best in the county, but in the midst of a personal meltdown. Danny is taking risks like never before and seems to have a death wish until he teams up with Anne to find the fire starter. But Danny may be more than a distraction, and as Anne narrows in on her target, the arsonist begins to target her.

From the creator of the bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood, get ready for a new band of brothers. And a firestorm.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Consumed by J.R. Ward is draws me in like a moth to a flame. Irresistible to the flame, I couldn’t stop reading this book. Emotionally gripping, hot, and full of risks, this writer captures my full attention. The plot moved quickly. Attitude, loss, grief, and romance fill these pages. I enjoy watching the two siblings give each other shit. It was funny. They obviously care about each other but show it differently than most. Then, there’s the attraction between two firefighters who have a knack for danger. Just as they go on a scene they end up in a situation neither thought they would be in…the reality comes and shakes their world. Sending it breaking into pieces. Their confidence shatters. But with time and a team that still cares, they might just survive…unless someone they trust tries killing them and succeeds. Overall, this book consumes. It takes me in deep and does not let go.

 

Review: Face Off by Brenda Novak

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

Tortured and left for dead at sixteen, Evelyn Talbot turned her personal nightmare into her life’s work—studying the disturbing psychopathy of some of the world’s most vicious serial killers. Now a leading psychiatrist at Hanover House in a small Alaskan town, she tries to believe the past will never come back to haunt her—until a woman goes missing from a cabin nearby, and every clue points to the man who once brutalized her…

As her boyfriend, who is the area’s only police, begins to investigate—and finds not one but two bodies—Evelyn can’t forget that her would-be killer, Jasper Moore, was never caught. But there are no new faces in tiny Hilltop, no one who seems suspicious or potentially violent. In this twisted game of cat and mouse, Evelyn is certain of only one thing—Jasper must be hiding in plain sight. And if she can’t find him before he comes for her, she won’t be lucky enough to survive twice…

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Face Off by Brenda Novak is another brilliant installment to this series. I was intrigued. The entire time, I was waiting for Evelyn’s past killer to attack her. Yet each moment never seemed like the right time for Jasper. Jasper like any other serial killer, ended up making many mistakes. He became careless and it took him spiraling out of control. Everything he worked for, was doomed. The intensity of the big moment, kept me on edge. I was expecting a dark, creepy, and deadly read.

Brenda Novak provided me with just that. The characters were funny, entertaining, and added to the flavor of this read. I had to roll my eyes and bite my tongue at the humiliation that Jasper put up with as he planned his future killings. He hated the men who told him what to do and when to do his work. It was interesting to watch as his temper was pushed and how he barely reined it all in…I kept expecting him to lose his patience at the facility every time. Yet, he surprised me. So many turns and twists…Even knowing the background, I was still kept in the dark as to what would happen. The ending was epic. I would have wanted a bit more darker satisfying end with Jasper. But I will have to wait for the next tale to see what happens next. Overall, I recommend this thriller to all.

Review: When the Lights Go Out by Mary Kubica

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

A woman is forced to question her own identity in this riveting and emotionally charged thriller by the blockbuster bestselling author of The Good Girl, Mary Kubica. 

Jessie Sloane is on the path to rebuilding her life after years of caring for her ailing mother. She rents a new apartment and applies for college. But when the college informs her that her social security number has raised a red flag, Jessie discovers a shocking detail that causes her to doubt everything she’s ever known.

Finding herself suddenly at the center of a bizarre mystery, Jessie tumbles down a rabbit hole, which is only exacerbated by grief and a relentless lack of sleep. As days pass and the insomnia worsens, it plays with Jessie’s mind. Her judgment is blurred, her thoughts are hampered by fatigue. Jessie begins to see things until she can no longer tell the difference between what’s real and what she’s only imagined.

Meanwhile, twenty years earlier and two hundred and fifty miles away, another woman’s split-second decision may hold the key to Jessie’s secret past. Has Jessie’s whole life been a lie or have her delusions gotten the best of her?

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

When the Lights Go Out by Mary Kubica is a very depressing yet intense novel. Inside, I followed a young woman’s journey through nightmares. She has been in the hospital at her mom’s side and won’t sleep until her mom gets better or passes away. The doctor tried to tell Jessie to get some sleep, but she won’t listen. I felt her pain and her tiredness. Her confusion and pain about finding her father and her mom’s cancer was horrifying. Jessie could not tell apart reality from nightmare. I could not tell the difference until the ending…that’s when all became clear. Grief, loss, and secrets are explored in this novel. I cried a lot when I read this story. Jessie did want her mom to die from cancer. She kept hoping she would get better. Then, there was the fact that Jessie never knew her own father. Mary Kubica never revealed that secret. But the man that should have been her father became one to her while her mom was passing away from her cancer. The death was slow…and when the last moment came, it sped by quickly. My heart broke. Overall, this was intriguing, dark, and heartbreaking.

 

Review: Dagger’s Edge by Lora Leigh

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

#1 bestselling author Lora Leigh is back–with a vengeance–in her latest novel of passion and intrigue, Dagger’s Edge, featuring the men of Brute Force. 

Ivan Resnova wants nothing more than to escape his hard, brutal past. Starting over is not so easy once you’ve been a powerful crime boss but now, instead of being punished for his alleged crimes, Ivan fears that the one woman he can’t forget is in danger of paying the price.

Crimsyn “Syn” Delaney thought the danger she’d faced was over, and that she could resume her life. She never imagined it would return with a vengeance and throw her back into Ivan’s world. But when an attempt is made on her life, she needs Ivan more than ever to keep her safe–even if she is in danger of falling deeply and dangerously in love. . .

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Dagger’s Edge by Lora Leigh is one hell of a romantic suspense novel. Dark and intense like J.T. Ellison’s books yet hot and steamy like that of Lynsay Sand’s books. I could not tear my eyes away from this read. It was so intense, dark, and sexy. The characters were on edge constantly. Danger hung in the air on every page. One pair also had to battle their raw lust and love for each other until it exploded. Their lives were at risk and the depth to which they went to stay alive was amazing. Lora Leigh did not disappoint. Her words created vivid scenes and plenty of action to keep myself entertained. Overall, I highly recommend this epic romance to all.

Review: Dead Drift by Dani Pettrey

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

Private Investigator Kate Maxwell never stopped loving Luke Gallagher after he disappeared. Now he’s back, and together they must unravel a twisting thread of secrets, lies, and betrayal while on the brink of a biological disaster that will shake America to its core. Will they and their love survive, or will Luke and Kate become the terrorist’s next target?

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Dead Drift by Dani Pettrey is an exciting yet deadly journey. One that will reunite two old lovers who never gave up…time has a way of pushing old memories to surface and soon anger turns to passion. But now, they’re both targets. A fierce enemy has found out who they are and where they’re located. The end goal was to kill them both. However, FBI Agent Kate Maxwell and top agent Luke Gallagher are not to be stopped.

Inside Dead Drift, I got to experience the thrill of chasing down and stopping the bad guys. Especially one that wouldn’t stop targeting the FBI members. Danger, romance, and suspense kept me turning the pages. Dani Pettrey brought to life, the law enforcement and organization of a federal criminal case. It was both exciting and terrifying at the same time. I wasn’t sure what to expect and numerous times I thought both main characters would die. Death hung in the air as the agents worked to escape and capture an enemy. Overall, I would recommend this to all Criminal Minds and NCIS fans. This book has all the similarities but the danger feels so much more realistic.

Review: Not that I Could Tell by Jessica Strawser

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis: 

When a group of neighborhood women gathers, wine in hand, around a fire pit where their backyards meet one Saturday night, most of them are just ecstatic to have discovered that their baby monitors reach that far. It’s a rare kid-free night, and they’re giddy with it. They drink too much, and the conversation turns personal.

By Monday morning, one of them is gone.

Everyone knows something about everyone else in the quirky small Ohio town of Yellow Springs, but no one can make sense of the disappearance. Kristin was a sociable twin mom, college administrator, and doctor’s wife who didn’t seem all that bothered by her impending divorce—and the investigation turns up more questions than answers, with her husband, Paul, at the center. For her closest neighbor, Clara, the incident triggers memories she thought she’d put behind her—and when she’s unable to extract herself from the widening circle of scrutiny, her own suspicions quickly grow. But the neighborhood’s newest addition, Izzy, is determined not to jump to any conclusions—especially since she’s dealing with a crisis of her own.

As the police investigation goes from a media circus to a cold case, the neighbors are forced to reexamine what’s going on behind their own closed doors—and to ask how well anyone really knows anyone else.

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

Not that I Could Tell by Jessica Strawser is one of the most intriguing drama mysteries that I’ve read. This was similar to Pretty Little Liars and Big Little Lies. A lot of deception is found, here on the pages. Just when the characters think they know everything, their neighborhood gets shaken upside down.  Secrets, drama, and mystery were combined making this a page turner. I was deeply engrossed with the characters’ lives and how they were connected. My curiosity was snatched immediately by this writer.

A group of women sit outside, sipping their wine. Too much to drink, and one of them disappeared. Nobody knows what happened to their missing neighbor or why. Kristen seemed to have the perfect life and a divorce that was just about closed, when she was found missing.

The ending was sort of surprising in a way, but I kind of predicted  what was going to happen. It felt like the same kind of plot as other books but on a grown adult level. The story was easy to get lost within…but like I said it was predictable in many ways due to similarities. Otherwise, great mystery novel.

 

Review: The Angel Makers by Tessa Harris

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

In Victorian England, flower seller Constance Piper goes searching for the truth behind a new rash of murders in London’s East End . . .

In November 1888, the specter of Jack the Ripper instills fear in every woman who makes her living on the streets of London. But there are other monsters at large, those who shun fame and secretly claim their victims from among the city’s most vulnerable . . .

Options are few for unmarried mothers in Victorian England. To avoid stigma, many find lodging with “baby farmers”–women who agree to care for the infant, or find an adoptive family, in exchange for a fee. Constance Piper, a flower seller gifted with clairvoyance, has become aware of one such baby farmer, Mother Delaney, who promises to help desperate young mothers and place their babies in loving homes. She suspects the truth is infinitely darker.

Guided by the spirit of her late friend, Emily Tindall, Constance gathers evidence about what really goes on behind the walls of Mother Delaney’s Poplar house. It’s not only innocent children who are at risk. A young prostitute’s body is found in mysterious circumstances. With the aid of Detective Constable Hawkins, newly promoted thanks to Constance’s help with his last case, Constance links the death to Mother Delaney’s vile trade. But the horror is edging closer to home, and even the hangman’s noose may not be enough to put this evil to rest . . .

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

The Angel Makers by Tessa Harris is a story with a dark and most intriguing plot. Women who are helpless, desperate, and single with children…are being picked off. Until, the main protagonist, Constance Piper, works with the police to discover how, who, and why. The danger escalates and the intensity of the situation feels so real. It was like I was actually there in Constance’s shoes.

The characterization was well-done. I immediately took to both Constance Piper and her friend Detective Constable Hawkins. They made a great team in unraveling the clues. However, it is due to Constance’s special gift that the investigations get solved.

There was plenty of action and mystery to enjoy. Tessa Harris swept me into her book and caught my full attention. I did not read the previous novel, in this series, and I was able to follow along just fine. The time period was fun and realistic. I love historical reads with some dark and hidden thing to unravel. In this case, the death of the women and the mastermind behind it all. Overall, I loved reading this mystery and recommend it to other readers.

 

Review: The House of Binding Thorns

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

The multi-award-winning author of The House of Shattered Wings continues her Dominion of the Fallen saga as Paris endures the aftermath of a devastating arcane war….

As the city rebuilds from the onslaught of sorcery that nearly destroyed it, the great Houses of Paris, ruled by Fallen angels, still contest one another for control over the capital.

House Silverspires was once the most powerful, but just as it sought to rise again, an ancient evil brought it low. Phillippe, an immortal who escaped the carnage, has a singular goal—to resurrect someone he lost. But the cost of such magic might be more than he can bear.

In House Hawthorn, Madeleine the alchemist has had her addiction to angel essence savagely broken. Struggling to live on, she is forced on a perilous diplomatic mission to the underwater dragon kingdom—and finds herself in the midst of intrigues that have already caused one previous emissary to mysteriously disappear….

As the Houses seek a peace more devastating than war, those caught between new fears and old hatreds must find strength—or fall prey to a magic that seeks to bind all to its will.

Rating: 3-stars

Review:

The House of Binding Thorns by Aliette De Bodard is a fallen angel story. Fallen angels among others are fighting to own Paris. But after a war, they are struggling to make the city strong again. Still fighting over ownership, two houses are trying to combine power of ownership. Yet destruction still hangs in the air…ready to strike once more. Power, fear, and loyalties are tested within these pages. The plot felt slow to me. I felt like I was dragged through the book, in the slowest way possible. I did not feel connected to the characters. It was like they did whatever they felt like doing for their own goals. This book held potential to be more than what it presented. However, it fell short of those expectations.

 

Review: Crooked Principles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

Elijah Warren was a workaholic for the FBI, but during his hunt for the vicious “Poetic Murderer,” he fell in love with Aurelia Blanc—a beautiful and erudite forensic pathologist—and they barely escaped with their lives. They’ve since left the FBI for slower days and a mountain cabin, but a desperate call from remote Alaska leaves them not a choice.

Grizzly is a town of less than a hundred people, and for twelve straight years one of them has been killed. No one talks about the murders, like long- ignored secrets. In fact, it seems no one talks at all. But there’s a sick change in the pattern of death, and a mournful mother wants answers after her five- year-old son is stabbed and bludgeoned to death.

Something is very wrong in the diffident town of Grizzly, and stranded by the winter, Elijah and Aurelia face the killer daily, with paranoia as real as the icy air of Alaska. This is nothing like they’ve faced before.

Whose dark past will reveal Grizzly’s secrets?

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Crooked Principles by Kevin Cady is the second novel in this exciting series. I was hooked. There was enough danger, risks, and mystery to keep my interest. My eyes were glued to every word. The plot was engaging. The pages seemed to fly by quickly. Fear, death, and a dark game from a killer is chilling to read. Suspenseful, edgy, and thrilling…I recommend this mystery/thriller to readers everywhere.

Review: Coldwater

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

Having forfeited his youth to the state prison system, Michael moved back to the only home he’d ever known. An empty shell of a man who now lived–if it could be called living–in the still vacant house of his parents in a town with one stoplight. A town that hated him. Had always hated him. And was ready to pick up where the prison system had let off.

Now he’s on the run from men who’ve tried to kill him once; but Michael is more than an ex-con. A powerful, sinister force creeps inside him, threatening and destructive. Who–and what–it will destroy next is the only real question. From the bold voice that brought readers down Purgatory Road comes a new pulse-pounding, spine-rattling tale of vengeance and justice that will have them up all night.

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

Coldwater by Samuel Parker is a haunting, deep, yet nightmarish tale. The main protagonist is more troubled than what I was led to believe. A demon taking hold of him and controlling his life, Michael has if rough. A dark paranormal take over happens immediately. Hatred, sins, and death hung within the air with every page. Destruction felt unescapable. Hiding from those who want him dead and battling what is inside gave me chills. It was like a darker more sinister story than any of the Chucky movies that I have seen. Those movies give me nightmares. This was the first novel I’ve read by this publisher that was beyond frightening. Edgy, traumatic, and suspenseful…I never would have imagined this high of a level to be found. Coldwater is intriguing and entertaining but do not read it at night. This, is not for everyone to read. Overall, it was well-done.

Review: Cat Zero

Synopsis:

Artie Marshall is a scientist. She is perpetually underfunded, relegated to a damp basement, and besieged on all sides by sexist colleagues. Added to that she is immersed in a messy divorce. But she’s never been happier: she recently landed her own lab, based in an eclectic think-tank housed in the leafy suburbs of North London.
Artie spends her days studying an obscure cat virus that nobody else in the world seems to have heard of – or cares about. But her arcane little research problem suddenly becomes worryingly relevant as local cats start dropping dead overnight. Matters get worse when people start getting infected too.
Working with her right-hand man Mark, her vet friends and her street-smart technician, Artie races to get to the bottom of the ballooning epidemic. Unexpected assistance arrives in the form of two basement-dwelling mathematicians – a sociopathic recluse and his scary, otherworldly savant mentor. When their mathematical models suggest that the cat plague might actually be more sinister than it first appears, Artie gets drawn into a web of secrets and lies that threatens to blow apart her lab family, undermine her sanity – and endanger her own life. 

Rating: 4-stars

Review: 

Cat Zero by Jennifer Rohn is an exciting mystery. As an animal lover, the plot was scary. Something like this could happen anytime. I love reading stories that feature a strong female protagonist. Artie is just that. Her world seems to be sinking fast only to leave her in a more dangerous yet complicated situation. A deadly virus is found. Causing not only animals, but humans to die. 

Jennifer Rohn creates suspense with ease. As the characters race to solve the problem at hand, I found myself loving the book more. Death, danger, and intrigue. All wrapped up into a great read. A lot of different elements can be found, here. From science to a bit of romance, there’s a lot happening inside this, tale. However, I still found myself following along. This book, isn’t for everyone…due to the lab stuff. Overall, Cat Zero was good. 

Review: A Second, Less Capable, Head

Synopsis:

A Tea Party activist discovers that he is growing another head. A playboy befriends a fickle female only six inches tall. A rape victim confronts her assailant in a maximum security prison. 

James Hanna is a prolific writer whose stories have appeared in over a dozen literary journals. Drawing from his experiences as an adventurer in Australia, a counselor in an Indiana prison, and a San Francisco probation officer, James offers a variety of themes and genres in these nineteen aberrant tales. His stories range from a bizarre experiment (“Fruits”) to a manhunt in the dead of winter (“The Break”). From a flasher in search of the perfect pose (“Exposed”) to a diseased schizophrenic mind (“Hunting Bear”). 

Darkness abounds in James’ cryptic stories. And reading becomes dangerous again. 

A Second, Less Capable Head, The Guest, Exposed, The Stalker, Fruits, The Outback, The Sicilian, Breaking Vials, Honey Bunny, Jimmy Likes Mermaids, The Dress, Hunting Bear, Cheating the Jail Out of Time, The Break, The World Baseball League, The Wall, Hunter’s Moon, Another Will Take Your Place, The Body in the Bay. 

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

A Second, Less Capable, Head by James Hanna is a brilliant collection of short stories. Each one ranging in topic. A variety of charcaters and lives lived. Dark, engaging, and thrilling with every turn. I was intrigued. James Hanna definitely knows how to write well. A Second, Less Capable, Head is suspenseful, frightening, and hilarious. There’s so much to enjoy in this collection.  I highly recommend it to readers everywhere. 

Review: About A Girl

Synopsis:

“About a girl” is a short novel that begins with two strangers, a man and a woman, who meet at a bus-stop and go on an impromptu bar-crawl on a cool, winter day. Taking place in twelve hours it recounts the oddball, hardcore, characters they meet and their increasing emotional connection as they fall for each other almost immediately. Infused with sexual energy, pop-culture references, intellectual debate and literary allusions this is an unapologetic, uncensored look at our society through the eyes of the outsider. It is written in a free-flow, spontaneous style with long unhindered sentences that enable the reader’s eye to glide down the page as the story flows and moves to an urban beat of strippers, punk rockers and nightlife happenings.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

About A Girl by Tony Nesca is an interesting and unusual read. No other is like this one. The way it’s written is special. Loose, realistic, and more engaging. Reads like a book of poetry in a way. The sentences run together makes it easy for readers like me. Slipping into the charcaters’ shoes. Their thoughts and actions felt like my own. Crazy. Bold. But very good. Well-written. Uncensored writing that kept me intrigued. Unexpected love, life, and the shadiness of the characters is different but luring. Overall, I recommend About A Girl to readers everywhere. 

Review: Never Fear – Phobias

Synopsis:

For those who like their stories on the darker side …
19 Stories of phobia from New York Times bestselling master suspense authors F. Paul Wilson and Heather Graham with a “krewe” of dynamic award-winning storytellers.
Thomas F. Monteleone

E. McCarthy

Laura Harner

Lance Taubold

Elle J Rossi

Michael Koogler

Crystal Perkins

Richard Devin

Connie Corcoran Wilson

Mathew Kaufman

Aidan Russell

Ed DeAngelis

Jeff DePew

Don Marlowe

Holly Prentiss

Casey Parsons

Jason Pozzessere

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Never Fear – Phobias by 19 NY Times Bestselling Writers is one enormously dark collection. This anthology explores people’s worst phobias and makes them into stuff of nightmares. I was hooked. Definitely, not for those who don’t like so much horror, terror, and gore. Never Fear – Phobias is anthology readers don’t want to miss. The writing is superb. I enjoyed exploring the depths of each writer’s tale. 

Review: Never Fear – Christmas Terrors

Synopsis:

He see’s you when you’re sleeping …

Authored by Heather Graham, F. Paul Wilson, Lance Taubold, Aidan Russell, Thomas F. Monteleone, Lisa Harris, E. McCarthy, Richard Devin, Lee Lawless, Kristi Ahlers, Don Bruns, Ed DeAngelis, Lisa Manetti, Elle J Rossi, Deborah Grahl, Liah Penn, Crystal Perkins, Greg Linden, Connie Corcoran Wilson, Jeff DePew, Mathew Kaufman 
Twenty-Two Tales of Christmas Terror ranging from ancient Iceland to modern-day Iraq by New York Times Bestselling and award-winning authors, including: a new ghost story by Heather Graham, a Repairman Jack Christmas adventure by F. Paul Wilson, a spine tingling tale by master of horror Thomas F. Monteleone, and a special tale of Christmas wonder by Jon Land.
In a unique experience-a story within a story-you will follow along when the MacDonald family discovers an unidentified present under their Christmas tree. Who gave it to them? Where did it come from? No one seems to know. And when they open the mysterious gift, it sets them on a course to a Christmas of terror they could never have expected.

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Never Fear: Christmas Terrors is another brilliant anthology collection. Full of horror, terror, and darkness. Thrilling to read. The feel of goosebumps on my arm…the edgy scenes…it was all so real. The short stories were well-developed. Each piece gave a unique brand to the book overall. Once more, I was introduced to many new writers. I’m very familiar with Heather Graham’s writing. I felt that this collection was spooky but entertaining. Don’t read this collection at night…the fear may just take over….I highly recommend Never Fear: Christmas Terrors to readers wordwide. Fast-paced easy to read fiction. 

Review: Never Fear – The Tarot

Synopsis:

13Thirty Books asked twenty-six authors to agree to write stories based on the Tarot, with the cards determining which stories the authors would write. 
Over the course of several months we reached out to some of the best genre authors and proposed our idea. 
Once we had our authors, we took a tarot deck and a list of all twenty-six names. We would read the author’s name, shuffle the deck, and draw a card. 
That tarot card and its traits were all the authors had to go on. 
The card was removed, the deck was reshuffled, and the next name was read off. 
This anthology contains twenty-six stories based on the twenty-two cards of the Major Arcana and the four cards of the Minor Arcana. 
Award-winning and New York Times bestselling authors combine their talents to deal out twenty-six dark tales influenced by the Tarot. 
Authored by Heather Graham, Authored by Lori Avocato, Authored by Michael M. Hughes, Authored by Tim Waggoner, Authored by Tara Nina, Authored by C.M.C. Dobbs, Authored by Michael A. Stackpole, Authored by Matthew Costello, Authored by C.L. Wilson, Authored by Tori Eldridge, Authored by Lisa Mannetti, Authored by Patrick Freivald, Authored by Jamie Rush, Authored by Rebecca Paisley, Authored by Edward DeAngelis, Authored by Richard Devin, Authored by Lance Taubold, Authored by Jeff DePew, Authored by Lee Lawless, Authored by Hal Bodner, Authored by Jennifer St. Giles.

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Never Fear: The Tarot is authored by twenty-six different writers. This amazing collection was fascinating. I surprised at the depth of this anthology book. Each piece was cleverly written in a way that either chilled readers to the bone or kept them in suspense. Intriguing, well-done, and highly entertaining. I enjoyed reading each short story. Another reason, I’m happy with this collection was that I was able to experience a variety of new writers. The only writer I was familiar with was Heather Graham. Then, I learned that I had been missing out by not reading works from the other 25 writers. Overall, I was throughly impressed. Dark and mysterious. I recommend this to readers everywhere. 

Review: Dead Time

Synopsis:

If someone took everything you live for, how far would you go to get it back?
From award-winning author D. L. ORTON comes book three in the Between Two Evils series…
Shannon fights to stay alive inside a rogue biodome and discovers something totally unexpected… Peter. Lani is forced into the role of the reluctant heroine but rediscovers her street-kid mojo and sets out to find everything she’s lost. Diego receives another dirty sock (and a note) from the poorly aimed fireball express: “The window between universes is closing.” If Diego has any hope of getting back to Iz, he must get to the Magic Kingdom and power up the time machine before it’s too late. 
What could possibly go wrong?
Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Dead Time by DL Orton is book three to an entertaining series. Cleverly written by the award-winning writer. I can see why…her talent shines forth on each page. The plot grabs my attention. Leaving alert for what may come next. Fast-paced, edgy, and thrilling to read. Dead Time takes readers from their seats and sends them forth into the book. I was hooked. DL Orton has once more captured my interest. Her latest novel is a fantasy time-travel adventure that snatches readers up….overall, I recommend this novel to all. 

Review: The Darkness

Synopsis:

A young man is found murdered, his bones crushed nearly to dust before his body was dumped into New York’s East River
In New York there are hundreds of murders a year, but this one is different. Somebody is sending a message. And shockingly, the victim has ties to my brother, Stephen Gaines, recently murdered by an elusive drug lord known only as the Fury.
For years this kingpin has been shrouded in darkness. Stephen was executed just as he was about to shed some light. Working alongside my mentor, Jack O’Donnell, I’m going to find the truth behind this blood-soaked curtain. But the more we reveal, the more we realize just how dark the Fury’s plans are. And that no matter how brutal the violence has been, we haven’t seen anything yet….

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

The Darkness by Jason Pinter is a dark thriller. The plot instantly swept me into its web of murder, drugs, and violence. This novel was full of twists and turns. Intrigued, engaged, and full of suspense. Every page pulled me further into the chase. A deadly game of good versus evil. Blackmail, threats, and death. The fear factor is raised to new heights. Inside The Darkness, a man is found murdered right before he was about to shed some evidence. A message well received. A drug lord has some sinister plans as the duo team continued their search for the truth…the evilness only expanded. I haven’t read any of Jason Pinter’s previous novels but this one was good. It caughtmy attention. Perked my curiosity. It led me on a journey. 

Review: Rites of Azathoth

Synopsis:

F.B.I. criminal profiler Diana Mancuso doesn’t do field work anymore. Not since a tragic mistake that cost innocent lives. But when notorious serial killer Luther Vayne escapes from prison and resumes his campaign of brutal murders, the Bureau convinces her to take one last case. To catch him, she must understand him. She must delve into the arcana that fuels his madness, risking her life and her sanity to follow his twisted path. The trail plunges her into a shadowy world of occult rituals and unspeakable horrors, leading to a secret cabal operating at the highest levels—and a plot to summon the darkest of all powers, to bring forth an evil that does not belong in our world—to enact the Rites of Azathoth.

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Rites of Azathoth by Frank Cavallo is clearly a well-written dark fantasy. The title and cover caught my curiosity. Upon reading this tale, I found Frank Cavallo’s talent to entertaining. His novel is a dark mystery and horror combined. A thriller too. A serial killer, a tragic mistake that cost innocent lives, and new murders committed will surely lure readers further into the story. A fast-placed plot with an edge that will frighten and keep readers like myself deeply engaged. Suspenseful with every page. Guessing will occur as readers dig their way through it. Rites of Azathoth is wicked novel full of twisted scenes. Evil is here. Escaping it will be hard. Overall, I highly recommend this fantasy to readers everywhere. 

Review: Train to the Edges of the Moon

Synopsis:

Punk is no ordinary millennial who takes the life as it is. She has a nasty habit of getting in troubles, she shows the middle finger to prejudice and stupidity, she fights against her broken identity and darkness of her soul. She goes against the stream with her heavy, tight shoes, but she still tries to be a better person. Punk’s adventurous journey to become someone who matters starts in a Place Without a Name, continues in Italy and London. Her train is full of sad reflections, laughs, modern tales about our young lives, relationships and occasional heartbreaks. If you’re a misfit, depressed, lonely or tired of people telling you what to do join Punk’s wild side of the moon. It all may seem out of this world, but it is very real. 

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

Train to the Edge of the Moon by Asper Blurry is an interesting contemporary tale. One that spins readers deep into a millennial’s journey. Deep, dark, and emotional. Mental illness and the fight to survive is a common theme seems inside this book. Asper Blurry created a refreshing story. Many readers like myself can relate to the main character’s battle. To be understood, accepted, and happy. Life isn’t that easy nor neat. Humans are greatly flawed. Punk is a troubled teen whose life is anything but nice. Punk has many flaws which were expected. Believable and realistic. Train to the Edge of the Moon is a thrilling and raw. Readers will see the openness of the writer as they flip through every page. The writing by Asper Blurry is very bold. I enjoyed reading this novel. 

Review: Remnants

Synopsis:

“If you are a fan of murder mysteries, tense crimes, and a great team, then this series is perfect for you.” 

—The Reading Café on Violated (Brandon Fisher FBI series) 
All that remains are whispers of the past…
When multiple body parts are recovered from the Little Ogeechee River in Savannah, Georgia, local law enforcement calls in FBI agent and profiler Brandon Fisher and his team to investigate. But with the remains pointing to three separate victims, this isn’t proving to be an open-and-shut case.
With no quick means of identifying the deceased, building a profile of this serial killer is more challenging than usual. How are these targets being selected? Why are their limbs being severed and their bodies mutilated? And what is it about them that is triggering this person to murder?
The questions compound as the body count continues to rise, and when a torso painted blue and missing its heart is found, the case takes an even darker turn. But this is only the beginning, and these new leads draw the FBI into a creepy psychological nightmare. One thing is clear, though: The killing isn’t going to stop until they figure it all out. And they are running out of time…

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

After reading Remnants by Carolyn Arnold, I can definitely see how she is an international bestselling writer. Her writing is impressive. This latest novel of hers, is the sixth book within the FBI series. I haven’t read any of her previous books, yet I was able to connect easily with her charcaters. Plus, The plot had me deeply engrossed. 

Remnants is a thrilling yet suspenseful crime novel. Similar to popular programs like Criminal Minds and NCIS. Police procedurals, hard-boiled mystery, and tons of action. Every page left me guessing as to who was behind the murders. Dead body parts start popping up everywhere and then a full body. Police and the FBI profiler, Brandon Fisher, are puzzled. The count climbs, the intensity of the situation can be felt throughout the book. I loved the dark and edgy vibe as I dug further into the novel. The scenes felt real. It was like I was there investigating with Brandon Fisher. Carolyn Arnold is a mastermind in creating this stunning, clever, and engaging tale. 

Remnants is a suspenseful journey that will keep readers frightened once they finished reading. For those who love solving crime and chasing serial killers, this edge of your seat title is just for you. Overall, I highly recommend it. Looking forward to reading more, by Carolyn Arnold. 

Review: Tell Me How This Ends Well

Synopsis:

Why is tonight different from all other nights?

Tonight we kill dad. 

In 2022, American Jews face an increasingly unsafe and anti-Semitic landscape at home. Against this backdrop, the Jacobson family gathers for Passover in Los Angeles. But their immediate problems are more personal than political, with the three adult children, Mo, Edith, and Jacob, in various states of crisis, the result, each claims, of a lifetime of mistreatment by their father, Julian. The siblings have begun to suspect that Julian is hastening their mother Roz’s demise, and years of resentment boil over as they debate whether to go through with the real reason for their reunion: an ill-considered plot to end their father’s iron rule for good. That is, if they can put their bickering, grudges, festering relationships, and distrust of one another aside long enough to act. 

And God help them if their mother finds out . . . 

Tell Me How This Ends Well presents a blistering and prescient vision of the near future, turning the exploits of one very funny, very troubled family into a rare and compelling exploration of the state of America, and what it could become. (less)

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

Tell Me How This Ends Well by David Samuel Levinson is a dark read. A dysfunctional Jewish family that has more problems than most. Each family member has struggles. These struggles create the craziness and intensity that becomes frightening. Three adult kids each one hates their father in more ways than I can count. Their hatred is so strong that it sends chills over my arms and down my back. Despite hating their father, they all love their mother. They see her a the victim against their father’s terrible iron clad rule. As the pages unfold, I also learned what the father felt and thought of his kids and wife. There was never a good moment between all members. Sad, edgy, and unexpected twits. Tell Me How This Ends Well is a bold telling of one family. Their lives are far from perfection. The family’s pain will stay with readers for a long time. Overall, David Samuel Levinson’s book was a great read. 

Review: White Heat

Synopsis:

A dangerous cult has recently taken over the desert ghost town of Paradise, Arizona. Members worship at the feet—and in the bed—of its charismatic leader, Ethan Wycliff, and obey his orders blindly. They’ve already tried to murder one woman and they’re implicated in the disappearance of another.
Nate Ferrentino, who works for private security contractor Department 6, has been assigned to infiltrate this group. It’s a challenge he welcomes—until he learns that colleague Rachel Jessop will be going undercover with him. Thanks to their shared history, he’d much rather go alone….
The problem is, only married couples can participate in cult rituals. So, like it or not—and they don’t—Rachel and Nate must pretend to be husband and wife.
There’s no choice. Because if Wycliff isn’t exposed, if he isn’t stopped, more people will die. And Rachel might be one of them.
Rating: 5-stars

Review: 

White Heat by Brenda Novak is an intense yet stunning FBI read. Two FBI agents have to go undercover to catch the bad guy(s). Nate was the guy the wouldn’t let loose…and Rachel is the FBI agent who is beautiful as she is smart. She thought Nate liked her…so, she goes to surprise him…in the way most men wished. But it turns out that was ruined. Nate handled that situation horribly. Seeing Rachel there waiting for him, had him set on fire. But she’s a fellow co-worker. Rachel however feels hurt, embraased and ready to move forward from that situation. But a part of her still yearns for Nate. And Nate can’t stop his feelings toward her…especially now, with a new job where both have to be in close quarters as husband and wife. Rachel takes the drastic measures to get inside the compound they are needing to get into…but the danger is one neither could have imagined. Hearts, lives, and and their jobs are on the line. I loved following both charcaters as the tale unfolded. The heat was hot enough to light a forrest on fire. The suspense made me sit on the edge of my chair waiting as the intensity grew with every passing page. Fast-paced, thrilling and engaging to read. Overall, I highly recommend White Heat to readers everywhere. 

Review: Ghosts of Havana

 

Synopsis: 

A timely international thriller by the former deputy assistant secretary of state and bestselling author.

When four American fishermen stray into Cuban waters and are promptly arrested by Castro’s navy, State Department crisis manager Judd Ryker finds himself called in to negotiate their release. But the more, Ryker digs into the situation, the more things he discovers that just don’t seem to fit, especially now, with relations between the United States and Cuba supposedly thawing.  Who are these men really, and what were they doing there? What is Ryker’s actual mission, and what is his own government hiding from him?

Some people want the new initiative to succeed. Others want to stop it at any cost. Still, others see it as an opportunity for something much more radical. The common factor for everyone, of them: the time to act is right this minute.

The ghosts of Havana are walking, and Ryker is caught in the middle of them all.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Ghosts of Havana by Todd Moss is a masterfully woven tale. One that will plunge its readers deep into an unknown darkness surrounded by conspiracy, murder, and the search for truth. Ryker, the main character will soon find himself in a deadly situation. More questions arise than answers, and it will take everything for Ryker to survive it all. Highly engaging as well as well as entertaining. I was completely absorbed into the plot. Fast-paced and brilliantly told. Todd Moss knows how to keep his readers intrigued from the start to end. This novel made my heart race in anticipation of what was to come. It’s difficult and unseen troubles send readers on a journey that is full of action and suspense. The government can also be one’s worst enemy if not played right. Ghosts of Havana is truly a fascinating thriller that I highly recommend to all.

Review: Resolve, Courage, & Hope

Synopsis:

On December 13, 2007, in the small town of Lake Wales, Florida, Leon Davis Jr. walked into an insurance agency with a gun, duct tape, and gasoline. He demanded money, wrapped two women in tape, doused them with fuel, and flicked a lighter.

In what is considered part of the worst killing rampage in Polk County history, Resolve, Courage, Hope tells the true story of how Scott Headley picked up the pieces after a longtime client deliberately and viciously killed two of his employees, the aftershock of Davis’s murderous rampage, court trials, night terrors, and regaining his sense of self.
Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Resolve, Courage, and Hope by Scott Headly and Alison Nissen was an intriguing memoir. It’s unlike most I have read thus far. It’s about one man’s journey into the darkness. How he crumbles and falls into a black hole. Letting it swallow him up whole. His journey happens so quickly and is quite frightening. I was shocked, scared, and interested. My heart broke into many pieces not just for the man mentioned but for his family and the families of the women who died. Death, destruction, and hope. Nightmares that come and stay forever. Those are images one can never forget. Sad, well-written, and highly engaging. I had to read it all. Needed to know how the memoir ended. Resolve, Courage, and Hope is a new read that I recommend to all. It shows the darkness that haunts our world and plagues those who still survive. Overall, a great read. 

Review: Indecent

Synopsis:

BEING A CRIMINAL ISN’T AS SIMPLE AS IT SEEMS!

Based on true events!

There was a time when six countries were united by one man named Tito. He defended the country from the tyranny of Hitler, thus establishing himself as a leader. His system of government was Socialism controlled by his Secret Policethe UDBA. Most of the population was thrilled to live such a life and they considered the agents their protectors, but one brilliant kid disagreed.

Zlatan, at the age of sixteen, decides to live outside the system, but that leads him to prison, to serve a sentence of five years. Inside he meets his teacher, Uncle, a former spy for Tito’s Gestapo, who arranges an early release for him, but it comes with a high price.
In front of the prison gates, two agents catch him and give him an ultimatumdo or die. Zlatan agrees to their criminal requests but not for ”King and Country” but for the freedom he craves. His actions lead him to discover something dark in the pit of his mind. He learns there are greater things to fear than the police and other criminals. He must answer the question . . .

IS HE ACTUALLY FREE?

Be the first one to find out in this debut novella by a young author, filled with suspense and psychological battles of an abnormally self-aware man.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Indecent by Ethan Brant is an extraordinary read. Fascinating from beginning to end. The pages whirl by and the action is great. I found myself deeply satisfied with Ethan Brant’s masterpiece. A suspenseful new thriller that I recommend to all. His writing style is lures readers into a dark world of fiction. Putting them on edge.   The danger is a real threat. One that the main character, Zlatan, has trouble escaping. Defiance only gets him deeper into the dark world he knows. His actions have him questioning  if he will ever be free. Indecent brings readers a fast-paced yet heart racing crime fiction. One that young adults and adults will enjoy. I can see this first short story as a crossover that will entertain readers everywhere. This first tale gave off a vibe like that of the Bourne series but on a much younger level. Detailed, stunning, and well-developed. I highly recommend this book worldwide. The characters, the scenes, and the plot are just out of this world. I loved reading it. Indecent is definitely a must read.

Review: The Day Before

Rating:  5 stars

Synopsis:

A body is found in the Alabama wilderness. The question is:

Is it a human corpse … or is it just a piece of discarded property?

Agent Samantha Rose has been exiled to a backwater assignment for the Commonwealth Bureau of Investigation, a death knell for her career. But then Sam catches a break—a murder—that could give her the boost she needs to get her life back on track. There’s a snag, though: the body is a clone, and technically that means it’s not a homicide. And yet, something about the body raises questions, not only for her, but for coroner Linsey Mackenzie.

The more they dig, the more they realize nothing about this case is what it seems … and for Sam, nothing about Mac is what it seems, either.

This case might be the way out for her, but that way could be in a bodybag.

A thrilling new mystery from Liana Brooks, The Day Before will have you looking over your shoulder and questioning what it means to be human.

Review:

The Day Before by Liana Brooks is a thrilling read. Her main character is one of my new all-time favorites. Sam Rose is faced with obstacles and goes out risking her life. Danger, suspense, and intrigue all perfectly woven into a stunning new series. Mystery is great. But in this book the mystery will drag readers off their chairs and into the novel. Liana Brooks has a talent of keeping her readers guessing as well as entertained. The Day Before has spun a whole new twist on time travel. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. It was hard to stop reading and it will get readers riled up for the next installment. Adventure of a lifetime waiting…to be opened.  

Review: Forsaken

 

Synopsis:

Journey into the darkness… A child learns that he possesses the power to heal, and the terrible consequences that come with it. Sinister forces rise in opposition when a man tries to atone for the wrong he’s done. Welcome to Forsaken. Where people can’t simply move away after discovering the house is haunted. Where an innocent gift becomes one woman’s heaviest burden. From a friendly game of Russian roulette to a bachelor party that goes completely off the rails, happy endings are overrated.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Forsaken by Bryant Wiley is an excellent collection of short stories to read. All the tales within are dark, edgy, and intriguing. The suspense of what comes keeps me turning the pages in a haste to read it all. The writer’s talent is brilliant. I feel like I was taken from my chair and straight into the book. Each story was like another mini movie that stretched before me. I find it entertaining. Forsaken contains eight well-written and highly developed tales for all to enjoy. I like reading it, and I highly recommend it to readers everywhere.

 

Review: Her Darkest Nightmare

 

Synopsis:

THE HUNT FOR A SERIAL KILLER
Evelyn Talbot knows that a psychopath can look perfectly normal. She was only sixteen when her own boyfriend Jasper imprisoned and tortured her―and left her for dead. Now an eminent psychiatrist who specializes in the criminal mind, Evelyn is the force behind Hanover House, a maximum-security facility located in a small Alaskan town. Her job puts her at odds with Sergeant Amarok, who is convinced that Hanover is a threat to his community…even as his attraction to beautiful Evelyn threatens to tear his world apart.

BEGINS WITH AN ESCAPE FROM HER PAST
Then, just as the bitter Alaskan winter cuts both town and prison off from the outside world, the mutilated body of a local woman turns up. For Amarok, this is the final proof he needs: Hanover has to go. Evelyn, though, has reason to fear that the crime is a personal message to her―the first sign that the killer who haunts her dreams has found her again. . .and that the life she has so carefully rebuilt will never be the same…

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Her Darkest Nightmare by Brenda Novak is brilliantly well-written. With this talented writer, I have yet to see a poorly written and undeveloped book. Each of her novels, is better than the one before it. It is amazing what Brenda Novak conjures in each tale. This latest novel is a romantic suspense read that will have readers hooked from beginning to end. The fear is overwhelming. I could feel the raw tensions caused by both they work that the main character does and the romance that stirs between her and the police officer. The attraction is mutual. However, the issue lies with the female doctor who can’t forget the past and embrace her life. Or embraced what her life could be like if she would just let go of her nightmare.

Brenda Novak introduced us readers to a prison where a bunch of doctors wanted to analyze the psychopaths that kill and torture others. They hoped that this facility will give them the research they need to see what causes the killers to do what they do. Their goal was to find out what makes them kill and why in a false hope that they can save people. Monsters housed in one building that has top security. Yet one lady never made it to the facility to work on time…then there’s the sexy police officer who found a woman’s head all bashed in a way that no one could recognize her. He immediately laid the blame on the Hangover House aka prison full of psychopathic killers. But could the killer really be a loose prisoner or someone else that the doctor might know? The suspense as always left me hanging. I was eager to know who died and who the killer is, plus, I wanted to see what lied in the future for the two main characters. Then there’s the doctor who was tormented by her boyfriend. Raped and left for dead…yet somehow she made it through and worked her way to becoming a specialist that works in analyzing men aka killers like her boyfriend. Even though she spent years in therapy, she still can’t let go of the danger that’s bound her in like the prisoners around her. Intriguing, sexy, and phenomenal. Brenda Novak’s new novel, Her Darkest Nightmare, will have left her readers sweating in fear. Overall, I highly recommend this compelling read to all.

Review: Glossolalia

 

Synopsis:

What if your subconscious determined the fate of nations?

SPIES AND POLITICS – CONSPIRACIES/ASSASSINATIONS … No one but her uncle will hire Nancy, considering her habit of snapping out of amnesiac fugues, wondering how she got her bruises and the scent of men’s cologne. When she sees a crime of poison in progress at her uncle’s pesticide company, she chases the truck carrying away the chemical legally deemed too toxic to use or to dump. Her pursuit leads to more earthshaking discoveries than she’d imagined, in a convoluted world of international political intrigue and assassination, dark romance, esoteric occult rituals based on an Elizabethan spy code and CIA practices.

This political conspiracy suspense novel introduces a young woman with an ambiguous past involving herself in a killer organization with the engagement of one layer after another of her psyche. The Agents of the Nevermind series dares to explore the edgiest controversies and the complicated lives that disinformation-dispensing intelligence agents must endure as they create bizarre delusions in order to hide the uncomfortable truth about the financial foundation of their country’s power.

Fights, chases, edgy sex, power to the people, twists and turns, secret rooms, missing time, and bold truth rarely found in novels until now.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Glossolalia caught my attention at first by its cover alone. The cover spoke to me in a way that perked my interest. I looked at the front cover and it appeared similar to what one would see in a modern retelling of Alice in Wonderland. Then the title was the next item that caught my interest. It’s an unusal title that I don’t normally run across on books. I am an avid reader and this book was so peculiar that I couldn’t pass it. I just had to read it.

Tantra Bensko’s novel, Glossolalia, is a complex and most compelling read that I have ever laid eyes upon…the book consists of several different genres and combinations that make it a powerfully engaging read.  Suspenseful, check. Conspiracy, check. Political thriller, check. Science fiction fantasy double-check. Alternate universe double checked. Readers worldwide can find a little of everything within this stunning novel. This tale is full of action and intrigue from page one to the last page. Mind control, murder, and sex. All of these interesting things woven into a surprising story that will blow readers’ minds away. I just finished reading this and now, I am looking forward to the next brilliant adventure by the talented writer.

Here, we have a masterfully woven novel that brings the most unusual events into a fascinating world of fiction. Glossolalia means speaking in tongues. A young woman, Nancy, is the leading female character that instantly grabs readers attention. She does things like chasing after a truck that dumps harmful chemicals, works at her uncle’s firm that kills animals, and fighting. There’s never a dull moment. The main character suffers from bouts of amnesia. She takes us through her entire life and into a mystical land. This is the first book in the psychological suspense series called The Agents of The Nevermind. I am looking forward to reading the rest of this intoxicating fantasy series by Tantra Bensko. Glossolalia takes readers on an environmental and psychological journey. Overall, I highly recommend it to all.

 

Review: Money, Power & Sex

 

Synopsis:

Four Lives, four separate motives, one unbelievable outcome. Follow this twisting tale, full of romance, action, suspense, and drama. Watch each person desperately try to reach their desires and discover why they are willing to sacrifice whatever it takes to answer one question. How far are you willing to go for Money, Power, and Sex?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Money, Power, & Sex by Norian Love is a powerful love story. Instantly it wraps readers into its depth. It was easy to lose myself, within this novel. Danger, greed, power and loyalty are all wrapped up in this dark read. Some people chose their lifestyles and others force some to fall into the darkness. The characters are both liked and hated. Their lives are messed up from the beginning to end. There only was safe is if you’re dead. Love causes people to do things to protect the ones they care about…and love can also carry a death sentence to those around you. Sad, well-written, and suspenseful. The action kept me turning the pages. Drama can also be found in the urban romance. Norian Love also incorporated a little street life dirt into the story. Street life can be a deadly game. Never know what will or won’t happen. Money, Power,  & Sex is all it takes for motive…overall, this tale is one that readers won’t want to miss. The characters are only left with choices…choices that can drag them down or pull them back up…I highly recommend this edgy read to readers everywhere.

 

Review: Rise of the Chosen

 

Synopsis:

In Sam’s world, there are two rules. Rule #1: Nobody dies. Protect the living at all costs. Rule #2: Everybody dies. At least once.

The Waking was a global event in which a force called the Lifeblood invaded all humans who died. The few strong enough to control it came back as powerful immortals. The rest let the bloodlust take over and awoke with one goal – to kill.

Newly appointed Watch Guard Samantha Shields has a legacy to uphold. Her father died a hero defending their city and now she wants to follow in his footsteps. Except for the dying part, of course. Unfortunately, fate has other plans as she discovers deep dark secrets that make her choose between her loyalties and the lives of everyone in her city. Both rules are in play as Sam is forced to make hard decisions that could cost her everything – including the person she cares about most.

Rating: 4 stars

Review:

Rise of the Chosen by Anna Kopp is intense. There are the dead,  and the dead who walk. Then, there’s an army of individuals set on protecting the innocent. One young woman lost her dad and then her mother. After the loss of her mother, Sam was promoted to the highest level of fighting. Her boyfriend ends up being killed but issues out a warning to her. Then, she and her new teammates are preparing to fight a battle. One that is about to break out and only time will tell what happens next.

Rise of The Chosen was well-written. The main character, Sam, is a lesbian. So there’s plenty of F/F action happening. The tale is fast-paced. Packed with tons of action, tough choices, and fighting. Death is everywhere inside this novel. Losing the only family Sam had is a tough emotional journey. Then she also loses a past boyfriend that she cared about like a friend. Work is tough especially when the leading female didn’t have time to prepare or work her way up to the highest level. Lots of science fiction fantasy themes can be found in this exciting read. Anna Kopp is a talented writer. I was fascinated by her book about the dead and the war at hand.

 

Review: Big Bad Wolf

 

Synopsis:

Blythe wants nothing more than to get away from this. Not to just survive it, but forget it.
Strapped down, nearly naked, beaten, scared and drugged she has no idea where this dark and dismal place is. Kidnapped and being set up to be tortured again by the men who hold her, she has to find a way to break free and get away.

Can she dig deep inside and awaken the force that is her alter ego? Can she awaken the beast within? She is drawing hopeless thoughts and losing herself inside of the drugs that are repeatedly given to keep her weak.

Miss Hyde has her own list of ideas and not a single one includes just escape.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Big Bad Wolf by Kindra Sowder is the third incredible part to a stunning series. Once again, readers met with the bone chilling yet gorgeous man killer. She sells artwork, by day, and lures men to her bed by night. Using sex as a way to lure men to their final death. Blythe doesn’t just murder them but rip their bodies into bloody parts. Her inner dark side, Miss Hyde. Appearances are definitely deceiving. Just like the two before this one, the plot is full of action, murder, and dark events to come. Blythe will finally get a taste in what she does to men…however, it might just be the last thing she ever experiences. Then, there’s her friend who is more than beats the eye. Also, there’s more mystery added in this part than the previous books. A man who seems to be a boss that hires Blythe’s female friend and wants her alive…who and why…and more importantly what happens next is something I highly recommend readers to read. Kindra Sowder is a talented writer. Her words on every page are powerful enough to suck readers into her fictional world and to leave them forever in suspense. Big Bad Wolf is dark, murderous, and intense. Absolutely, a must read for all.

Review: Pain-Killer

 

Synopsis:

Blythe is intrigued. It would seem that her escapades into darkness are being watched. A painting, a very personal painting, has arrived in her gallery and the artist seems to know more than she should. A very unforgettable night leads her to realize that her plight into another world that devours flesh and punishes men will not be an easy one. Or will it?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Pain-Killer by Kindra Sowder is out of this world. A talented new writer who leaves readers hanging onto every one of her words. Once the book is opened, readers are led into a fast-paced, dark yet edgy world. Horror, blood, and nightmares. The action is plentiful and it seems the pages go by faster than readers think. This novella is part two of the Miss Hyde series. A young sexy woman who has both a good and a bad side. The bad side is one that men never come back to talk about…relationships no matter what kind are scary enough. Imagine dating someone or having a one night stand only then to be drugged, chained up, and murdered by a psychopath. Will the terror ever stop or will the killing continue to climb higher yet? Kindra Sowder’s writing is once more superb as always. I was immediately taken in by her leading female character. I highly recommend reading Pain-Killer during daylight hours. This tale will leave shivers down readers’ spines and a chill that doesn’t disappear. Overall, this is a must read for all.

 

Review: Friend

Synopsis:

FRIEND is a story about a set of girlfriends who start out inseparable but are slowly torn apart by jealousy, betrayals, and lies from the inside out. The story is told from the perspective of Bonnie, whose friendships are the center of her life for the moment. Her friends are Cora (the good girl), Leena (the giver of good advice but never the user), Jenelle and Jayna a.k.a. “the Twinzies” (and double trouble), and Hazel (the dime piece whose beauty is, unfortunately, often overshadowed by her selfish ways). After meeting as young girls, in different but equally dramatic ways, they become close, growing up together and learning the ups and downs of female friendship and adolescence.

Then, Donna enters the group. She was seeking a crowd she could consider her click after moving into the city, but she chose the wrong crowd. After meeting Bonnie and Hazel in high school and being brought into the group, she thought she found her click. But when Donna starts dating Pay, her alleged friend, the once uninterested Hazel decides all of a sudden she wants to claim something that once again wasn’t hers. When a secret love square forms, the group is forced to turn a blind eye to the unforgivable actions of one of their own at the expense of another. Throughout it all, Bonnie has been caught between her loyalty and her conscience, and Hazel’s other side becomes more and more evident and starts to create a wedge between the crew.

Bonnie and her new boyfriend Drew then become the target of Hazel’s selfishness; Bonnie decides that her friendship with Hazel isn’t worth the drama or her relationship with Drew and begins distancing herself from it all. Quickly things with this once tight group of girls begin to unravel and they are faced with the reality that their friendship isn’t what it once was. Their former rebellious pastime of boys, drinking, and partying with fake ID’s has turned into a dangerous game of lies, secrets, and manipulation. With all the girls forced to choose sides amid the unfolding drama, the line between friends and enemies has blurred. And these former “best friends” have now become “Frenemies”. You know what they say, there’s an “end” in “friend” for a reason.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Friend by Khadija Styles is an intensifying read. The drama is so thick that readers will be holding their breath with every page. The suspense of when all breaks loose is crazy in a good way. Teens taking life as it comes and dishing out what they want when they want it. Readers will find this novel having pieces of Pretty Little Liars and Mean Girls twists to it. Absolutely a dark tale that somehow finds a way of pulling readers into the fast-paced plot. One moment there’s a group o typical high school girls and then suddenly their world of friendships comes to a screeching holt. Fear, anger, and jealousy all on the line. Surviving rounds of hatred, lies, and betrayal will be the ultimate test for this particular group of girls.

Friend is an edgy YA read with adult content on every page. The end in friend might just be a sign for these high school girls. Khadija Styles writes a novel that shows the dark side to teenagers and what harm they are capable of doing if the right pressure and situation occur. But sometimes, things can blow apart even without the extra spice, to set things off. The story read from a first person point of view. I didn’t know what to feel towards the main character showing me what happens in the book. Feelings are complicated but the book is a definite must-read for all.

 

Review: Dark Psychosis

 

Synopsis:

Take a journey into the disturbed, delusional mind of Jack Cyrus … take a journey into Darkview … a small, remote coastal town, deep, within the Scottish Highlands. The sleepy, isolated spot bears a sinister, horrific history, shrouded by a chilling secret. A secret one man must unveil, which will ravage his soul … and sanity! Jack Cyrus is in damnation! After witnessing the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, he has become plagued by dark memories and devilish visions, the result of post-traumatic stress.

Compounding his trauma, he is faced with the sudden death of his wife, from cancer, after returning home to Scotland. Lost and alone, and struggling to forget the horrific circumstances surrounding her passing, Jack has developed schizophrenia, experiencing chaotic, disturbed thoughts and demonic hallucinations. On the sixth anniversary of his wife’s death, Jack receives a cryptic, hand-written letter from her, telling him she is still alive.

Suffering and held captive, she pleads with him to return to Darkview, the place she spent her last days, and rescue her from purgatory. Upon arrival in Darkview, strange things start happening, and what appears to be a centuries-old mystery, starts unravelling itself. Jack must piece together the clues and lost fragments of his sanity to solve the unravelling mystery. Is any of it real, or is it just a manifestation of Jack’s mind, or another facet of his schizophrenia?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Darkview Psychosis by R.J Bathgate and M.J. Hall is one of the darkest and most traumatized novella I have ever read. It’s one dark ride after another one. A sadness unlike anything I have experienced is brought forth from the words on every page. A misery of hell that appears to be a nightmare or is it? Readers will be stuck in suspense and intrigue even after the ending. Wow…explosive, edgy, and full of danger. Loss, love, and craziness that leaves more questions than answers. Both R.J. Bathgate and M.J. Hall have a raw talent for creating a thriller suspense that will blow readers away. From the beginning to end I was sucked into the fast-paced plot before me. If this is turned into a movie, I will forever have the worst nightmares imagined…overall, I highly recommend this novella to all. Definitely, a must read.

 

 

 

Review: The Lost Ones

 

Synopsis:

Single, childless and reduced to writing celebrity profiles, investigative journalist Suzannah Quinn’s life is not going to plan…

Then, during an interview with top publisher Roland Winterbourne, she meets Jamie Davis.

It’s love at first sight and within hours she has agreed to marry him.

But Jamie insists on inviting no friends or family to the wedding and Suzannah’s millionaire father quickly suspects him of being a fortune hunter.

At first, the couple is blissfully happy.

Suzannah’s only worry is Jamie’s mysterious past, which he refuses to talk about.

However, when Suzannah suddenly inherits a flat off Portobello Road, everything changes.

Whilst she is eager to reconnect with her happy childhood roaming the market before her father made his money, Jamie loathes Notting Hill.

The move quickly triggers a change in their relationships and it’s not long before the arguments start.

Then one morning, after a particularly bad row, Jamie goes to work and doesn’t return.

Suzannah thinks he’s sulking, but when he still hasn’t returned after several days, she fears something’s happened to him.

His colleagues are unconcerned because his job as a sales rep often takes him off the radar, but Suzannah becomes increasingly frantic.

When she finds a scrap of paper in his jacket pocket with a name and address in North Devon, she is eager to investigate.

What she discovers when she goes there brings her world crashing down.

After a visit from a mysterious woman, who brings even more life-changing revelations, she realises that in order to move on she must find her missing husband and discover the truth about him once and for all.

If Jamie is not what he claims to be then neither is her beloved Notting Hill, beneath whose perfection beats a dark and rotting heart that is finally exposed over a horrific Carnival weekend.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

The Lost Ones by Vena Cork is a dark psychological thriller. The story left me guessing as well as hanging onto the edge of my seat. I didn’t know what to expect. I thought the main male character was just a con man…until he disappeared. Then, my curiosity got to me. I turned the pages in haste to figure it all out…then, Vena Cork pulled a surprise on me. Never would have guessed…maybe true love does exist. A love that drags people together and left them so emotionally wrapped up that when their loved one disappeared, it’s heartbreaking…thoughts like he lied and conned me felt like real answers to what happened. But when I saw one thing, it turned into a whole different and deadly situation. A former investigative journalist falls helplessly for a man. Not just any man but one with a dark hidden past and one whose looks can melt any woman, on the spot. Soon, their love develops to a boiling point and then cuts off…but real love doesn’t just end…it lasts even when they think it has ended…The Lost Ones by Vena Cork is highly engaging and sucked me straight into the book. The plot was fast-paced. Vena Cork’s writing is phenomenal. I was taken on a power yet emotional journey unlike any other. Overall, I highly recommend this novel to readers everywhere.

Review: Follow the Screams

 

Synopsis:

Robin had made the ultimate sacrifice; losing life, love and fate in the process.
Or so it seemed. When all hope was lost her destiny was finally made clear. What would you do if you were trapped in a prison where most were put there by you? You rise…

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

 

Follow the Screams is an enticing paranormal urban read. This novel is book 2 in the Executioner Trilogy. Once more readers are lured back into a fast-paced plot full of danger and suspense. The writing portrayed within is superb. I couldn’t get enough of the characters and their journey. Plenty of action and thrills for all readers. The fight or be killed is a lesson one learns fast within the tale. Never turn your back for a second…Kindra Sowder brings excitement on every level. Whether it’s an emotional, physical, or psychological thrill ride, Kindra Sowder packs the best of everything into one place. I highly recommend her Executioner series. Books one and two have blown me away. Follow the Screams will leave readers begging for the next installment.

Here, readers are brought to an executioner’s worst nightmare. Being placed into the same place where all the bad guys were sent. Especially sent in by that executioner…life and death hang in the air. Readers hold their breath as they wait for the next moment. Will the characters survive or perish? Being sent to hell and trying to make one’s way back to the life she left will be one unforgettable journey. Again, Kindra Sowder has worked her magic in Follow the Screams. Satisfying, deep, and edgy. Overall, this paranormal read has made it on my top reading list.

 

Review: Flotilla

 

Synopsis:

Flotilla is an unyielding exploration of people and technology in a perilous world. When 15-year-old Jim joins his dad on Colony D, he doesn’t see it as the new frontier in green technology and sustainability; he sees a free pass out of rehab to spend the summer on a man-made island in the Pacific. Jim thinks his troubles are marooned on the mainland, but it turns out that his dad has secrets of his own. When things stop adding up, and Jim becomes suspicious, he makes a horrible discovery.

But now, that’s the least of his problems.

The United States come under attack, and Jim’s parents go missing. Drug runners and modern-day pirates are coming to settle a score. All he and his sister have now are an old boat, limited supplies, and each other. Jim must race against time if he wants to escape the catastrophic meltdown of civilization.

Rating: 5 stars

Review: 

Flotilla by Daniel Haight is a science fiction fantasy and post-apocalyptic novel. The story immediately drew me within its adventure. Family and drug abuse are two popular themes inside this young adult read. Daniel’s writing is incredible. His main character, Jim, is a troubled teen. Jim’s mom gets him out of rehab to work with his dad. Then life everywhere becomes chaotic. The world is being destroyed and with both, his parents taken and gone…Jim and his sister must learn how to survive with what they have. Only…their supplies won’t last too much longer. Out in the sea…nowhere to go. Being on land is just as dangerous for them.

Flotilla brings out fear on every level. Biowarfare break-out back home on the mainland. Deadly shootings happening everywhere…and bad guys are coming after Jim and his sister due to secrets his dad kept. Suspense, intrigue, advanced technology make this an unforgettable novel. The scenes are three-dimensional. Characters are believable and Jim is the main voice of the story. How he and his sister, as well as the rest of humanity, will survive is something readers have to dig to find out…Overall, this was the most exciting and thrilling science fiction novel I have read in a while. I highly recommend Daniel Haight’s brilliant masterpiece to all.

Review: Haven of Evil

 

Synopsis:

When floodwaters destroyed Kevin and Sandra Wilson’s home and personal possessions, the couple moved into a house in a town called Havenville. Kevin would learn about the house’s evil past after a series of eerie events.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Haven of Evil by Melvin Rivers is a dark and intriguing story. This book reminded me of Unfortunate Events. It seems like one destructive thing happens after another to this one family. A flood destroying their home and previous jobs. Then, there’s the crappy hotel living situation they are stuck in until the husband’s new job starts. A job that will start within a week. The wife is waiting and hoping that her raise finally comes in so that she can help her family’s living situation. The husband is so desperate for his family to move out of the hotel room, they e makes a bargain with a real estate lady. He waivers…but what he doesn’t know is that the home he and his family will live in is full of evilness. Nothing good will come of their arrival to the house. An evilness that of unthinkable portions happens to be in their new home. What comes of the family and their lives is one that readers will enjoy reading for themselves. Suspenseful, edgy, and well-told. Overall, I highly recommend Haven of Evil to readers everywhere.

 

 

Review: Marked for Life

 

Synopsis:

When a high-ranking head of the migration board is found shot to death in his living room, there is no shortage of suspects, including his wife. But no one expects to find mysterious, child-size fingerprints in this childless home.

Public prosecutor Jana Berzelius steps in to lead the investigation. Young and brilliant but emotionally cold, Berzelius, like her famous prosecutor father, won’t be swayed by the hysterical widow or intimidated by the threatening letters the victim had tried to hide. She is steely, aloof, impenetrable. That is, until the boy…

A few days later on a nearby deserted shoreline, the body of a derelict preteen is discovered, and with him, the murder weapon that killed the official. Berzelius finds herself drawn more deeply into the case when, as she attends the boy’s autopsy, she recognizes something familiar on his small, scarred, drug-riddled body. Cut deep into his flesh are initials that scream child trafficking and trigger in her a flash of memory from her own dark childhood. Her connection to this boy has been carved with deliberation and malice that penetrate to her very core.

Now, to protect her own horrific but hidden past, she must find the real suspect behind these murders before the police do.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Marked for Life by Emelie Schepp is one mind-blowing thriller. It rushes readers through a dark journey that goes deep into a character’s past. A killer is loose and one woman is determined to find the killer before the police do. Readers will be brought into one female prosecutor’s life and digging through demons in order to find clues on the murders at hand. Marked for Life is a chilling and edgy read that will keep readers up all night long.  This debut brings out realistic issues like child trafficking, drugs, and high levels of danger. A team of three forms and the deeper they investigate, the more memories are unleashed.

Emelie Schepp’s novel has wowed me from the beginning to end. I felt my heart pounding and the sweat, build up as the plot continued to unfold. A strong female leading role is evident, inside, this thriller. Having grown-up in a home that lacked the normal emotional journey that families share…leading prosecutor, Jana Berzelius, takes the lead on the murders. A murder weapon… and a container with people inside are found. A murderer thinks that Jana will never piece together the entire mystery…but when she does will it be too late for her and will the killer escape? Jana’s past childhood is darker than she thought…her father isn’t her real father….and her whole life has been dark. Living in the nightmares isn’t something that one wants to live in…and Jana ends up with more questions than answers. I felt sympathy for all the victims and the families that were found in the containers. Not many ended up in a good life like Jana. Marked for Life is a thriller that I would highly recommend to all. It will keep readers guessing…

 

Review: Damaged

 

Synopsis:

One boy. One lawyer. One chance for justice.

Ten-year-old Patrick O’Brien is a natural target at school. Shy, dyslexic, and small for his age, he tries to hide his first-grade reading level from everyone: from his classmates, from the grandfather who cares for him, and from the teachers who are supposed to help him. But the real trouble begins when Patrick is accused of attacking a school aide. The aide promptly quits and sues the boy, his family, and the school district. Patrick’s grandfather turns to the law firm of Rosato & DiNunzio for help and Mary DiNunzio is, on the case. Soon Mary becomes Patrick’s true champion and his only hope for security and justice. But there is more to the story than meets the eye and Patrick might be more troubled than he seems. With twists at every turn and secrets about the family coming to light, Mary DiNunzio might have found the case that can make her a true protector, or break her heart…

With Lisa Scottoline’s trademark emotional depth and fast-paced action, Damaged will have readers riveted to the last page as they root for the beloved characters and their fight for justice.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Lisa Scottoline has done it again! She has once more brought readers an intriguing legal thriller that leaves readers on the edge of their seats. I liked that the characters are a variety and how a child with learning disabilities is brought into the light. Just because someone is different doesn’t make them the enemy. Here, readers are taken on a deep journey that’s not just vividly physical but emotional as well. Anything that involves that law can be messy and super stressful. What really happened at a school shooting is a mystery that Mary DiNunzio will figure out…and hopefully come out of it with no worries. A case that seems to be tough gets harder as she digs through the evidence…Damaged is exactly what will happen if Mary isn’t careful.

Inside Damaged, readers are brought a fast-paced action thriller that will keep them turning the pages. A successful lawyer takes a case involving a young boy with dyslexia being accused of a school shooting. Mary NiNunzio works on proving the boy’s innocence. However, what she never expected was to fall in love with the young boy. Mary is also balancing her love life that might just hold a marriage in her future. Is it possible to have everything in life or will Mary lose what she has worked hard for? Lisa Scottoline’s novel is deeply satisfying. Every page is bone deep in suspense. Plus, there is a lot riding on the young boy, Patrick. The why’s and who would want to frame a kid is one that will perk up readers’ interest as the plot continues to roll. Abuse, family, and love are strong themes within this exciting tale.  What I really enjoyed was how one smart woman was brave and bold enough to face the challenges ahead and know what could possibly happen by committing herself to the case at hand. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this masterfully woven story. I would highly recommend Damaged to readers everywhere.

 

 

 

 

Review: Love & Hustle

 

Synopsis:

Sometimes things won’t work out no matter how hard you try.

Brittanya and De’Quan have been looking for love in all the wrong places. Once their paths cross, they assume that the love Gods have finally decided to shine a little light on them. Both have been raised in dysfunctional environments. So when things start to happen that are clear warning signs of a toxic relationship, neither seem to be able to recognize it. The last thing on their minds is going their separate ways.

Brittanya’s thug addiction could very well cost her something that she could never recover from. De’Quan, blinded by what could be may very well lose the most precious thing to him, freedom.

Will Brittanya and De’Quan realize that their addiction to each other has negative consequences for them both? Or will they be able to overcome and find the real love that they both so desperately seek.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Love & Hustle by Willnide Desrosier is definitely a dark and edgy read. There’s tons of drama, trouble, and hearts on the line. Inside this urban romance, readers will find a lot of adult content such as drugs and sex. The main characters are an interesting set. Both come from different sides of the world but share the same kind of experiences when they were growing up…Brittanya is a tattoo artist. She doesn’t want any other job but the one she has. College is not anything she wants either. However, like all women, she wants true love. But in her line of work finding that will be like looking for a needle in a haystack. Then there’s De’Quan. He’s a thug who wins Brittanya’s heart and he too is looking for true love. For De’Quan and Brittanya finding their true love will be difficult and once found it will be even harder to keep. Consequences, drama, and trouble follow these two as their journey deepens. Every page contained a lot of action and enough juicy details to keep readers hooked. Willnide Desrosier’s writing is great. Her characters come alive. The intrigue is thick and heavy. The romance and heat is hot enough to set the pages on fire. Overall, I would recommend Love & Hustle to readers everywhere.

 

 

Review: The Invisible Guardian

 

Synopsis:

Already a #1 international bestseller, this tautly written and gripping psychological thriller forces a police inspector to reluctantly return to her hometown in Basque Country—a place engulfed in mythology and superstition—to solve a series of eerie murders.

When the naked body of a teenage girl is found on a riverbank in Basque Country, Spain, homicide inspector Amaia Salazar must return to the hometown she always sought to escape. A dark secret from Amaia’s past plagues her with nightmares, and as her investigation deepens, the old pagan beliefs of the community threaten to derail her astute detective work. The lines between mythology and reality begin to blur, and Amaia must discover whether the crimes are the work of a ritualistic killer or of a mythical creature known as the Basajaun, the Invisible Guardian.

Torn between the rational procedures of her job and the local superstitions of a region shaped by the Spanish Inquisition, Amaia fights against the demons of her past in order to track down a killer on the run.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

The Invisible Guardian by Dolores Redondo is one riveting novel. It holds the power to transport readers deep into unknown territory where danger, murder, and mythology all come tumbling out…but are the growing numbers of deaths caused by a myth or a serial killer at large? The scenes are so vivid that, a chill escapes down my spine as I follow the female investigator. So many have died. The leading investigator has her own demons to go through and then dealing with this kind of crime only heightens the suspense. Family, work, and death, are all related somehow…finding the answers won’t be easy.

The title of this masterfully woven novel comes from the myth called The Invisible Guardian. The people that live where the body count rises…blame The Invisible Guardian for all the bloodshed. But anyone who works in law knows myths don’t kill people. It only creates and spreads fear.  Dolores Redondo is an excellent writer. Her tale is very compelling and kept me guessing with every page. The story is about a community that finds itself in danger. Women’s bodies have been piling up…and no one knows who, how, or why. Soon, Amaia Salazar is asked to investigate te case. She’s the best investigator that they  have and it’s up to her to figure everything out before it escalates even more out of control. The ending definitely glued me to the edge of my seat…as the shocking news that the marks on one woman’s body match that with others that have been dead way before the serial killer was born. The human teeth marks on the dead bodies may or may not match their serial killer. The lure of who killed all those other women is now a leading question that leaves readers hanging in a cloud of suspense. I cannot wait for the next novel by this writer. Overall, I highly recommend this title to readers worldwide.

 

 

Review: A Thuggish, Ruggish Love 3

 

Synopsis:

How far would you go to protect the one you love? Can you be that Ride or Die Chick?

When Blaze is faced with a lengthy prison sentence, Aleah is given the opportunity to become his savior. With an indecent proposal on the table that can be used to set Blaze free, will Aleah put aside her values and morals so that they can be reunited?

Xavier has Mackie on the brain! She was just that good. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to keep her in his life, including going against doctors’ orders. But this time, will it cost him more than just his time and money. With his body weak and frail, will he put his trust into someone who doesn’t have his best interest at heart?

Mackie has the weight of the world resting on her shoulders. On the run from three different law enforcement agencies and with Blaze and Diesel not easily accessible, she has to decide if life is worth living. As she is pushed to the limit, can she find the strength needed to overcome the possibility of losing everything that she holds near and dear to her heart?

Keya has found the love of her life in Khalil. He’s just what she needed to bring peace to her chaotic life. With Xavier in the hospital and Aleah consumed with Blaze, she learns to stand on her own. Trying to find a balance between loving Khalil and taking care of Xavier stretches her beyond her limits. Soon she will have to choose between love and happiness or putting family first.

Every woman needs a Blaze and every man needs an Aleah. Let A Thuggish Ruggish Love show you why.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

A Thuggish, Ruggish Love 3 by Regina Swanson is superb. Yes, it contains adult content. The sex is steamy hot and everywhere. The attraction among the characters is enough to heat any night. There’s abuse, drama, and romance. The suspense of what is and will happen to Blaze, Xavier, Mackie, and Aleah is stunning. I never knew what to expect. The romance between couples is high and messy. Emotions, as well as hearts, are on the line. Decisions will have to be made. Once again, I found myself deeply lured within Regina Swanson’s brilliant series. A Thuggish, Ruggish Love 3 is perfect. It realistically portrays the urban street life and the hostility between law enforcement and the thugs. Life isn’t all about happily ever afters and starting a family. It’s about finding yourself, being true to yourself and finding a way to survive what one has been dealt with…I enjoyed following the set of interesting characters as well as news ones. The story comes to life with this writer’s talent on every page. Overall, I highly recommend this latest novel by Regina Swanson.

Review: A Thuggish, Ruggish Love

 

Synopsis:

Mackie Carter was ten years old when she put a bullet in her mother’s skull, taking her life. At age fourteen, she learned everything she could about her family’s drug connections. When she turned eighteen, she jumped heavily into the Carter family drug operation.

Blaze Carter had been groomed by his father to be the next Carter family kingpin. It was an inheritance that he rather not claim. But when circumstances beyond their families control left him and his little sister to fend for themselves, he steps up and takes the reigns.

Xavier Thomas proves that the apple never really does fall far from the tree! He grew up watching his mother suffer at the hands of his father. He was brutal in his treatment of her and his entire family. Xavier swore that he would never treat another human the way that his father treated them. Now all grown up and with a wife if his own, that old saying is proving true.

Aleah was on the fast track to success. Valedictorian of her high school class, she set out to make her mark on the world. Freshman year in college, she met her soulmate. She and Xavier were inseparable. The next logical step was marriage.

As the stress of finding a job and taking care of a family begin to weigh in on Xavier, they must decide if their love is strong enough to stand the test of domestic violence, infidelity and just plain old selfishness.

Xavier’s little sister Keya is trying her best to keep her brother and his wife together. Although she knows that the relationship is toxic, she tries to keep hope alive believing that all things eventually work out for good.

As these characters’ paths cross and solace is sought where it shouldn’t be, who will be left standing and reaping the benefits of a million dollar operation?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

A Thuggish, Ruggish Love by Regina Swanson is out of this world. Readers are taken deep into the shadows of a much darker and harder lifestyle. Like that of a drug gangster operation. Regina Swanson brilliantly brings the urban street life to reality within these pages. Her characters are to die for…siblings looking out for another after they lost their parents. With only each other they turn, to a life,that could drag them down or bring them up in the world. The plot thickens with danger and an intensity that blew me away. I was held in suspense as the danger of inner family turmoil as well as the cheating and drug handling operations swayed from good to bad…and then back. The ending will have readers on the edge of their seats holding their breath.

A Thuggish, Ruggish Love is a romance that carries a lot of sex, drugs, and other adult material. However, it shows what the lives of the characters were like and how they struggled day to day with everything. From family to business to relationships…nothing is easy. Especially, when there are violence and others waiting to take the characters down…Regina Swanson’s writing is well told and highly entertaining. There’s never a boring moment in her plot. I never knew what to expect nor what would happen on the next page. I finished this incredible urban street romance in one sitting. Cannot wait to read her second and third novels in this exciting series. A Thuggish, Ruggish Love is addictive….the characters stay with you forever. Overall, I highly recommend this new title to readers everywhere.

 

Review: A Dangerous Love

 

Synopsis:

I’m the local sheriff of a small Montana town. Blue is the owner of the local pub. We have a great friendship, but I’m starting to want more. I’m not sure when Blue had become so important to me, or when I started to see her in a light other than friendship. All I know is that I want her, badly. She’s a little hesitant, at first, to get involved, but I finally convince her to go out on a ‘real’ date with me.

Soon after our initial date, she starts getting harassed and threatened. Her pub is even set on fire. Someone is after her, and we don’t know who or why, but it definitely has something to do with her involvement with me. Will our new, budding relationship survive the turmoil and danger?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

A Dangerous Love by G.J. Cox is superb. I was immediately taken into the life of one very sexy sheriff whose beyond wealthy and a sassy lady who owns a bar. Both of these characters with their personalities, love, and life troubles had me intrigued.  Their instant hot chemistry filled the pages. Both are so crazy about each other and when they suddenly let it all out…the heat burns up…like a one-hundred-degree summer day. Jealousy, danger, and a hot romance all are on the line in this magnificent title by G.J. Cox. This was the first of her novels that I have ever read…and I was blown away by the compelling plotline and the irresistible characters. The story was fast-paced, steamy, and suspenseful. If it’s not one dangerous thing…it’s another…and the two characters…both Blue and her sheriff lover may lose each other if the criminal or criminals are not caught soon. A Dangerous Love is addictive, highly entertaining, and overall a must read for readers everywhere. I highly recommend this romance to all.

Review: The Other Widow

 

Synopsis:

The author of The Pocket Wife explores the dark side of love, marriage, and infidelity in this sizzling novel of psychological suspense.

Everybody’s luck runs out. This time, it could be theirs . . .

It isn’t safe. That’s what Joe tells her when he ends their affair—moments before their car skids off an icy road in a blinding snowstorm and hits a tree. Desperate to keep her life intact—her job, her husband, and her precious daughter, Lily—Dorrie will do everything she can to protect herself, even if it means walking away from the wreckage. Dorrie has always been a good actress, pretending to be someone else: the dutiful daughter, the satisfied wife, the woman who can handle anything. Now she’s going to put on the most challenging performance of her life. But details about the accident leave her feeling uneasy and afraid. Why didn’t Joe’s airbag work? Why was his car door open before the EMTs arrived? And now suddenly someone is calling her from her dead lover’s burner phone. . . .

Joe’s death has left his wife in free fall as well. Karen knew Joe was cheating—she found some suspicious e-mails. Trying to cope with grief is devastating enough without the constant fear that has overtaken her—this feeling she can’t shake that someone is watching her. And with Joe gone and the kids grown, she’s vulnerable . . . and on her own.

Insurance investigator Maggie Devlin is suspicious of the latest claim that’s landed on her desk—a man dying on an icy road shortly after buying a lucrative life insurance policy. Maggie doesn’t believe in coincidences. The former cop knows that things—and people—are never what they seem to be.

As the fates of these three women become more tightly entwined, layers of lies and deception begin to peel away, pushing them dangerously to the edge . . . closer to each other . . . to a terrifying truth . . . to a shocking end.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

The Other Widow by Susan Crawford is an enticing thriller that sucked me right into the novel. Three different women are introduced to readers. One is an actress who is married and was with her other lover when both of them were sent off the icy road. Then, there’s Karen…her husband died and she’s struggling with the nagging feeling that someone is watching her from afar. Karens knows her husband was unfaithful…but does that give her a motive…and last there’s the female officer with PTSD who lands the case of Joe’s car accident that looks a lot more like a murder. This story kept me turning the pages in a rush to find out who was the killer and why. So many lives are brilliantly tangled up in this exciting thriller.

The Other Widow made me feel like I was there experiencing the whole thing from beginning to end. The car accident to theft, to spying and even more danger had me sitting on the edge of my chair waiting in anticipation. Wondered who was next and when…Danger, death, and suspicion hang thickly in the air. I never knew what to fully expect until it happened. The story brought me in deep into the affairs, marriage, and details of the characters. I felt chills going down my spine with every page.Susan Crawford is a talented writer. Intense and deeply satisfying read I have ever read. One never knows who a person really is until something bad happens and then everything one knew is up in the air for debate. Suspenseful, entertaining, and absolutely frightening…The Other Widow is definitely a must read for readers everywhere.

 

 

Review: Resort Isle

 

Synopsis:

San Diego Detective Frank Dugan has just become a victim of ruthless criminals, who have passed in and out of prison and continue to perform their grisly acts, in a free society. Dugan wants them put someplace where they can never return and never harm innocents again, and presents an innovative solution to this revolving door crime dilemma to the government. The result is Resort Isle, a lonely tropical dot in the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by the most vicious sharks known to man, a place from which there is no escape and virtually no supervision. This resort is the last vacation the worse of the bad will ever get.

But Detective Dugan never figured that one day he’d be the guest of his own invention, a permanent resident, on this island, where many that he sent there can’t wait to kill him.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Resort Isle by Paul Sekulich is one of the most fascinating, crime thrillers I have read. I couldn’t believe the odds of a man, who created the idea of an island for the worst criminals to be placed upon to be set on there as well. The main character, detective Frank Dugan, is by far the best fictional character ever. He lives quite a normal life like the rest of us. He and his wife are paying a mortgage on their home and have kids. Soon danger comes knocking on the door, and right on the day of Dugan and his wife’s anniversary…bad men come to take jewelry…only to find that they got the wrong Duggan and what happens next tore apart my heart…I could feel detective Frank Dugan’s anger and hurt. The plot is well-developed and one that kept me on the edge of my seat. I kept expecting far worse to happen to detective Frank Dugan…and the talented writer, Paul Sekulich kept me guessing all the way to the last page. Absolutely remarkable…I was instantly hooked by the story from page one. Not many authors can do that…Resort Isle is a place no good person ever wants to go…it’s a dangerous place that even the criminals fear of being sent. Overall, this is definitely a must-read thriller, for readers everywhere. I look forward to reading more of Paul Sekulich’s novels and hope the next  Overall, this is definitely a must read thriller for readers everywhere. I look forward to reading more of Paul Sekulich’s novels and hope the next one features my new favorite detective Frank Dugan.

Review: Field of Graves

 

Synopsis:

The entire city of Nashville is on edge with a serial killer on the loose. A madman is trying to create his own end-of-days apocalypse and the cops trying to catch him are almost as damaged as the killer. Field of Graves reveals the origins of some of J.T. Ellison’s most famous creations: the haunted Lieutenant Taylor Jackson; her blunt, exceptional best friend, medical examiner Dr. Samantha Owens; and troubled FBI profiler Dr. John Baldwin. Together, they race the clock and their own demons to find the killer before he claims yet another victim. This dark, thrilling and utterly compelling novel will have readers on the edge of their seats, and Ellison’s fans will be delighted with the revelations about their favorite characters.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

The Field of Graves by J.T. Ellison is by far her greatest work yet. Inside this, stunning thriller readers will get the best of J.T. Ellison’s characters all in one remarkable read. Lieutenant Taylor Jackson, Dr. Samantha Owens, and Dr. John Baldwin team up for this exciting serial killer chase.

A brilliant novel with a mastermind who knows how to lure readers from everywhere into her biggest and most chilling reads. A woman is left very much dead but naked and sitting on a statue of Athena. A message from the killer…the team working te case have their own battles to fight and then with an eerie case like the one at hand…will send shivers down readers spines. Many more bodies will be found…one woman will be used for a serial killer’s scheme…and just maybe with the help of J.T. Ellison’s amazing characters, the woman might just survive the entire nightmare. Then there’s Lieutenant Taylor Jackson and Dr. John Baldwin who have been fighting their feelings of attraction as well as their own demons. It’s hard to convince a stubborn, independent woman like Lieutenant Taylor Jackson that she wants and needs a man like Dr. John Baldwin.The Fields of Graves is exactly that….a field of endless graves of many countless souls who were killed because a lunatic serial killer. Can the team find him, save a victim, and make it out alive in the end? J.T. Ellison is a brilliant writer. Her words have readers looking over the shoulders and constantly turning the pages. There’s never a dull moment inside her thrillers. Readers will find themselves lost and caught up with their favorite characters from other novels by J.T. Ellison. I absolutely loved reading this new title. I always look forward to the next haunting, suspenseful, and full of action read by J.T. Ellison. Overall, I would highly recommend The Field of Graves to readers worldwide.