Review: Tear Me Apart by J.T. Ellison

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

The follow-up to her critically acclaimed Lie to Me, J.T. Ellison’s Tear Me Apart is the powerful story of a mother willing to do anything to protect her daughter even as their carefully constructed world unravels around them.

One moment will change their lives forever…

Competitive skier Mindy Wright is a superstar in the making until a spectacular downhill crash threatens not just her racing career but her life. During surgery, doctors discover she’s suffering from a severe form of leukemia, and a stem cell transplant is her only hope. But when her parents are tested, a frightening truth emerges. Mindy is not their daughter.

Who knows the answers?

The race to save Mindy’s life means unraveling years of lies. Was she accidentally switched at birth or is there something more sinister at play? The search for the truth will tear a family apart…and someone is going to deadly extremes to protect the family’s deepest secrets.

With vivid movement through time, Tear Me Apart examines the impact layer after layer of lies and betrayal has on two families, the secrets they guard, and the desperate fight to hide the darkness within.

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

Tear Me Apart by J.T. Ellison is another great tale. It has the mystery, intrigue, and dark edge to it like all of her previous books. However, the pacing was what almost stopped me from reading the book. It felt dragged. In the beginning there was no action or dialogue that made me want to dig in further. I felt myself wanting to quit until the middle of the book when the story finally gripped me. I should be hooked in from the beginning. But I was not. I love this writer’s work. Every book is unpredictable as to which way she writes. This one kept me wondering…until the clues came straight out which gave away too much in my opinion.

The story was about a family a family being torn apart by deception. The main characters is dying and relied on her parents to help save her. Only to find out, they are not her parents after all. Can you imagine being a family all those years only to discover that when it really counts, the truth come out…or sort of does. Mindy’s predicament is a tough one. Then there is someone wanting to keep things hidden. Only time will tell if Mindy survives and whether her family is completely destroyed. Overall, Tear Me Apart by J.T. Ellison was a good book. But not as great as her previous ones.

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: One More Moment by Samantha Chase

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

Julian Grayson is taking a break
…from his cheating fiancée
…from his band
…from his life in the spotlight

Charlotte Clark is devoted to her work
…to save the world
…to help the homeless
…to get a broken man back on his feet

When Charlotte Clark offers to pay for Julian Grayson’s coffee, the world-famous drummer assumes she wants something from him. But Charlotte has no idea who he is, and Julian can’t resist keeping up the charade—being incognito is a novelty and a relief. He’ll have to tell her…eventually. But as Charlotte cheerfully undertakes to transform his life, Julian realizes there’s something about her that gives him what he hasn’t felt in years: hope.

Shaughnessy Brothers: Band on the Run Series:
One More Kiss (Book 1)
One More Promise (Book 2)
One More Moment (Book 3)

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

One More Moment by Samantha Chase is the best novel yet in this Band on the Run series. I could not tear my gaze away from the pages. Heat plus, raw emotions, and flaws that make it super easy to connect with the characters, make this a must read. Inside, is a famous rock musician who was badly burned. His ex burned him repeatedly and broke his pride. Julien is so full of anger that his character had this heavy weight constantly keeping him from being happy. Everyone tells him what and how he should live. He’s not ready to let go of his anger. That was until he met, a beautiful kind hearted woman. Charlotte has a way of stunning the drummer. He expects her to ask him for something. Yet she continuously proved she wanted nothing more than to help him. Julien needs to let lose his anger and face his past. Otherwise, his present happiness won’t be his future. And Julien wants Charlotte in his future more than he knows.

Once more, Samantha Chase has created a masterpiece. One that everyone can relate to…as well as remembering way after the last page is read. The characters made me fall in love and root for their happiness. Julien was a stubborn man. That made his fight tougher and more realistic. I liked how he was an average joe, who looked good, and had  a heart of gold despite his wealth and music talent. Charlotte was just an ordinary woman helping the homeless finds jobs. She complimented Julien and was his light to his darkness. Both were strong and independent characters. I cried for Julien’s pain, I laughed at how ridiculous Julien’s jealousy was, and I melted when they had their good moments. I cannot read a book by this writer without my heart and soul getting attached every damn time. Overall, I highly recommend this sexy as hell contemporary romance to all.

 

Review: Cowboy, Cross My Heart by Donna Grant

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant takes you deep inside the Texas rodeo scene, where danger and desire ride side by side. . .

Naomi Pierce isn’t the type to let a cowboy sweep her off feet. It’s not her first rodeo, after all. But when she returns to her Texas hometown, she can’t help but be swept up again in the rough-and-tumble world of hard-riding, bronco-busting good-ol’-boys she loved as a girl. She might be here to photograph her Rodeo Queen best friend. But it’s one fine-looking cowboy who really captures her eye…

Brice Harper is all man, all muscle, and all heart. From the moment he rides into the stadium, he can’t help but notice the beautiful stranger with a camera watching him from the stands. It doesn’t take a zoom lens to see the sparks of instant attraction. But things really heat up when he meets Naomi up-close–and he discovers that someone is stalking her friend. Brice wouldn’t be any kind of cowboy if he didn’t offer to help the ladies out. But can the rough rider keep this spirited shutterbug out of danger–without risking his heart?

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Cowboy, Cross My Heart by Donna Grant is a strong read. There are issues of sexual harassment, rape, and unlawful men abusing their power status. The emotional journey was a roller-coaster ride. There were just as many ups as there were downs. I cried for the women being abused by men who should have been trusted. It was sickening reading how a strong character broke into a frightened women for her life. Until her best friend came back to visit her and start investigating into what was happening…the young lady would have been drowning in a miserable life. Their friendship was unbreakable and held them together. The men, aka the cowboys, who came to the rescue made my heart melt multiple times. I fell in love with each cowboy who swore to protect the women and their family. Also, the theme of family was strong here. It showed how one family who went through abandonment survived. Their love and support for each other made me smile. Their were parts that were funny, charming, and romantic as hell. Other parts were intense, dangerous, and scary. Donna Grant provided a lot of action-packed scenes. This made the contemporary romance novel a quick read. I loved it. Overall, I would highly recommend this title to all readers. Plus, it provided an inspiration for women to stand up for themselves.

Review: The Heiress He’s Been Waiting For by Kaitlyn O’Riley

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

In Victorian London, the Hamilton sisters are known for their bookshops—and for finding their happily ever afters on their own terms. Now, much to their chagrin, their offspring are following in their unconventional footsteps—in life and in love…

Raised in New York, shipping heiress Sara Fleming was ready to elope—until her disapproving parents tricked her onto a boat heading to England. Her only consolation is getting to see her beloved aunts and cousins. Even the start of London’s Season—and a strikingly handsome earl—can’t make her forget the man she left behind.

Considered one of London’s most eligible bachelors, Christopher Townsend, the Earl of Bridgeton, is not what he seems. Having inherited his father’s crushing debt, he must choose a wealthy bride to save his family’s estate. Though rumored to be penniless and committed to another, Sara takes his breath away—and makes him question what he truly needs to be free of the past. But he’ll have to win the headstrong beauty’s heart one kiss at a time.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

The Heiress He’s Been Waiting For by Kaitlyn O’Riley is an interesting spin to the England society. A young lady in New York has fallen for the charms of a no good thief. Yet she has no idea of his schemes nor his evil plans for her. However, her parents have heard the rumors. They tricked their daughter into a boat trip to London. Once there, they will visit their family.

That is where the beauty heiress meets the charming Duke. Only he’s dirt poor and trying to protect his sisters and mother from ruin. Marrying a rich lady would help provide for his family. Little does he know that the American lady he’s falling for is richer than first rumored.

Sara feels that instant attraction and pull to the Duke. But in her mind she still has eyes for her American beau. Only time, will tell if the American lady and London Duke will find their happily ever after.

Overall, I highly recommend this funny, action-packed, and romantic tale to all. It made me laugh and fall in love with the strong yet determined young couple. Their banters and moments of passion made my heart melt.

Review: A Simple Christmas by Charlotte Hubbard

 

 

 

 

Synopsis: 

“Hubbard writes Amish stories with style and grace.”
–RT Book Reviews 

The rustic beauty of a country Christmas fills the Simple Gifts crafts shop, while the Amish residents of Willow Ridge pull together in uncertain times–and in the face of an unexpected homecoming. 

Nora Hooley’s shop is abuzz with preparations for the holiday open house, and Rosalyn Riehl is handcrafting wreaths from evergreen boughs, pinecones, and other natural materials. The work is a welcome diversion for the only unmarried daughter of Cornelius Riehl: her gruff dat has been receiving envelopes marked Past Due, leaving dutiful Rosalyn to manage the household’s inexplicably shrinking budget. Then another distraction swaggers into Simple Gifts–blue-jeaned and leather-jacketed, with a reputation that precedes him.

Marcus Hooley hightailed it to Willow Ridge on a wing and a prayer–not that he’s the praying type. He rejected his Amish roots long ago. But behind the bad-boy attitude is a gifted horse trainer who’s counting on some
bent-but-not-broken family ties to throw him a lifeline. He can’t erase his past, but a sparking attraction with strong, spirited Rosalyn holds the promise of a second chance . . . and of shedding light on shadowy secrets to build a bright tomorrow.

Praise for A Simple Vow

“Charlotte Hubbard has a way of writing that draws you into the story from beginning to end.”
–Romance Junkies

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

A Simple Christmas by Charlotte Hubbard is a sweet Amish tale. There is plenty of trouble, intrigue, and emotion to keep the pages turning. A person runs from his  life only to head straight into another mess. Only this one leads his heart  into a bright future. But until he figures out his path, a lot of mischief and sadness follow him everywhere. Another young person, is dealing issues with her father. A secret that is eating up the family and soon tears them apart. Meeting each other, leads them to hope…and maybe, happiness. Charlotte Hubbard brings a warm heartfelt story to life. Her characters are open and inviting. It is easy to get lost within their journey. Themes such as forgiveness, family, and faith is inserted into this book. I am in love with the novel. Perfect, clean, and inspiring…to read. Overall, I recommend to all Christian readers. This Amish tale is must read.

 

Review: Feared by Lisa Scottoline

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

Machiavelli, a corrupt lawyer, aggressively strikes close to the DiNunzio household, attacking Mary’s father and one of their beloved family friends by filing a lawsuit that accuses them of embezzling from the treasury of a local South Philly social club to which they belong. The lawsuit is frivolous, but Machiavelli ups the ante by spreading rumors that support its allegations, muddying the reputation of Mary’s father.

The claims shake the DiNunzio clan to its foundations, threatening her father’s weakening heart, and Mary steps in to fight back. But Machiavelli is a more than worthy adversary. Then the unthinkable happens, and Mary goes to her own dark side, finding a part of herself that makes her more fearsome than ever before. Is it still a battle between good and evil, when good turns evil? And will Mary be able to find herself, before she loses her soul completely?

Feared, the sixth entry in the acclaimed Rosato & DiNunzio series, expertly explores what happens when we are tempted to give in to our own inner darkness.

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Feared by Lisa Scottoline is a heart-racing plot. The intensity of the scenes kept my heart pounding. I was not sure of what would be the outcome. The main character went through a lot of changes recently. From motherhood to catching bad guys, this strong independent woman made me speechless. Her bravery was crazy. Lies, deception, and danger hung in the air. Lisa Scottoline poured suspense and action onto every page. Not one single boring moment. Also, I loved the small community of support that was created for the main character. It softened the hard yet dark edges of this story.

Romance, crime, and mystery are displayed here. I could not get enough of the characters. Mary is the central character. She is pregnant and solved a case that others couldn’t solve. Her instincts are so clear, that it was frightening. Her guesses were right but sometimes the wrong suspect is chosen. But none of that stopped Mary from working the case. Her strong willed personality helped define her as a woman not to be toyed with…as one of the male characters has figured out later in the plot. The connection between Mary and her husband, as well as the connection with another man kept the me guessing. Feared is a novel about facing fears and getting justice. Overall, I would recommend it to readers seeking a rush of adrenaline.

Review: In Hitler’s House Book 2 by Jonathan Lane

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

In book two of In Hitler’s House, Willy Weber and Carlotta Krause descend into the depths of the espionage game as World War II rages around them. Working at once against Hitler and often at odds with one another, each fears getting an order to assassinate the other. Meanwhile, the allies dither over whether or not they should be assigned to assassinate Hitler.

Their love grows more intense and more desperate. Carlotta, with her hidden Jewish background, comes into ever greater danger of being sent to a concentration camp. Willy, who is now responsible for delivering certain essential war materials to the Reich, must play a dangerous game as he contrives to short the orders on instructions from his handler, master spy Paul Dukes. Hitler becomes increasingly suspicious that Willy is actually a spy and saboteur, but his love for him as the son he never had prevents him from acting on his suspicions…until it doesn’t.

As the war intensifies, the increasingly deranged Hitler makes more and more bizarre sexual demands on both Willy and Carlotta, to the point that they are forced to do things with him that will haunt them for the rest of their lives.

The battle within Hitler’s very secret innermost circle parallels the war unfolding beyond the peaceful Untersberg and Hitler’s mountain hideaway the Berghof, where intrigue abounds and danger hides in every shadow.

Jonathan White Lane is the pseudonym of a scholar of both 20th Century and classical history.

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

In Hitler’s House book 2 by Jonathan Lane, the plot becomes more dangerous. Those closest to Hitler are experiencing the fear that he creates. None of them know for sure, if they will kill each other or be killed. Then, there’s those that are closer to Hitler’s heart, that are now suffering the same kind of fear as those who work for his deadly fantasies. Hitler’s demands become unbearable and it is that which will destroy them all one by one. Doom is leering over the cast of characters as war is a constant battle. Hitler is getting more delusional by the second and that makes him the deadliest enemy alive.

History, espionage, and secrets come alive in this novel. Jonathan Lane knows how to entertain his readers. I was lost within his book. It was deeply engaging and fun to follow as the events played out…deception is both a miracle and a curse to those around Hitler. Even Hitler himself is causing his own destruction because of it. Overall, I would recommend this historical dark tale to readers everywhere.

 

Review: Savage Liberty by Eliot Pattison

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

The fifth installation of Eliot Pattison’s Bone Rattler series follows the exiled Scotsman Duncan McCallum to the stepping-stones of the American Revolution

Acclaimed author Eliot Pattison continues his Bone Rattler series as Duncan McCallum is drawn into dark intrigue surrounding the Sons of Liberty in this gripping thriller set in the early days of the American revolution.

Pattison’s deep historical knowledge and attention to detail brings a young America to life, immersing the reader in the atmosphere and events that were to lead to the American rebellion. Protagonist Duncan McCallum is lead into a mystery of murder, treachery, and intrigue with Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and a secret society of American patriots organizing to resist the British throne.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Savage Liberty by Eliot Pattison is a novel that sent me back in time. I love following Scottish characters. I have never read a novel, where they were never not in trouble. There was always something going wrong to keep the action steady. Duncan MaCallum’s life was interesting. Death was constantly hanging over his head. Duncan is a strong, determined, and stubborn man. He appeared foolish but is not. He is braver than most men. His relationship with the strong-willed woman, Sarah, is beautiful. Both are good people struggling to survive in their new world. Boston was a place of danger, violence, and uprising. Duncan was smart to leave there but somehow it still chased after him. The time period was captured perfectly. Eliot Pattison created this story in way that deeply engaged me in all the characters’ lives. I felt as though I just lived through them all. Overall, I would recommend this to history fans and historical fiction lovers. This was fun to follow.

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 Summer I Met Jack by Michelle Gable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

New York Times bestselling author imagines the affair between JFK and Alicia Corning Clark – and the child they may have had.

Based on a real story – in 1950, a young, beautiful Polish refugee arrives in Hyannisport, Massachusetts to work as a maid for one of the wealthiest families in America. Alicia is at once dazzled by the large and charismatic family, in particular the oldest son, a rising politician named Jack.

Alicia and Jack are soon engaged, but his domineering father forbids the marriage. And so, Alicia trades Hyannisport for Hollywood, and eventually Rome. She dates famous actors and athletes and royalty, including Gary Cooper, Kirk Douglas, and Katharine Hepburn, all the while staying close with Jack. A decade after they meet, on the eve of Jack’s inauguration as the thirty-fifth President of the United States, the two must confront what they mean to each other.

The Summer I Met Jack is based on the fascinating real life of Alicia Corning Clark, a woman who J. Edgar Hoover insisted was paid by the Kennedys to keep quiet, not only about her romance with Jack Kennedy, but also a baby they may have had together.

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

The Summer I Met Jack by Michelle Gable is a great read. It is based off some realistic events. I found that part intriguing. My mind spun with how would those characters have survived, done, and moved forward. The consequences of their actions and the choices they have made will affect them like a domino affect. The book was similar to some soap opera themes but had a real life tune. There was plenty of drama, sacrifices, and emotions that flew across the pages. I was deeply entertained. The intensity and curiosity of what would happen to and between both Jack and Alicia caught me.

This novel was historically interesting. Michelle Gable did her research into the whole affair JFK and Alicia Corning Clark. The writing was engaging. I could not stop reading her book. The more I got into it, the more I had to read it. There was and still is a mystery surrounding the real historical events and the ones in the novel. I loved that! A romance that soon turned forbidden, and then distorted and kept hidden in such a way tha no one really knows the answers was appealing to me. Overall, I recommend The Summer I Met Jack to all readers.

Review: Honeysuckle Dreams by Denise Hunter

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

After Brady Collins’ ex-wife dies, he receives devastating news—his nine-month-old son Sam isn’t his son at all. And Sam’s wealthy maternal grandparents want custody of the child. Brady knows he’s in for the fight of his life. But regardless of what any blood test says, Sam is his son, and Brady will go to any lengths to keep him.

Brady’s attorney tips him off that one major life change would virtually assure him of winning guardianship of baby Sam at the final hearing: an impending marriage. And his friend Hope is willing to step in as the loving and devoted fiance.

Local radio celebrity Hope Daniels has been driven by a solitary goal her entire life, and after a happy accident she’s finally offered her dream job. But if the truth comes out about her arrangement with Brady, she may miss the chance of a lifetime and stand in the way of a dear friend’s dreams.

As Brady and Hope make sacrifices to help each other in their times of need, they risk uncovering a truth neither of them expects to find.

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

Honeysuckle Dreams by Denise Hunter is a sweet tale full of sacrifices and hope. Two friends are battling for things they want in life. However, when the push comes to shove they put aside their dreams for a better future than they hoped for…

Brady is a decent man and going to be a wonderful father. His trouble broke my heart. I felt sympathy for him right away. It was easy to connect with Brady due to his circumstances. Losing a loved one and then finding out that your newborn isn’t yours to begin with…is a whole new level of difficulty that no one wants to have. Yet Brady is dealing with them all. Then, the pressure from his wife’s family is giving him even more trouble. But hope and promises lie with his friend, Hope.

Hope is a determined woman willing to get what she wants. Yet something keeps pulling her towards Brady and his newborn that she cannot deny. A new future with new possibilities is hard to let go of when the hear is being torn.

Honeysuckle Dreams is exactly as it sounds. Hope and dreams colliding causing for an adventure of a lifetime. Overall, I was entertained from beginning to end. I would recommend it to readers everywhere.

Review: Betrayed by Nick Haskins

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

Sixteen years ago, William Majors Sr. made his young son, Billy, a promise that he would always take care of him after his mother died. He vowed to raise his son into a man he would someday be proud of. William also vowed not to take another wife until Billy was all grown up, so he opted to live as a single man. That all changed the day Jennifer Payne walked into his life. Her seductive body and stunning beauty instantaneously captures William . . . and Billy. When Billy secretly deceives William – seemingly overnight – Jennifer finds herself trapped in a dangerous love trio with both Father and son. When she chooses one over the other, a deadly line of betrayal will be crossed that will shake The Majors’ forever . . .

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

Betrayed by Nick Haskins is an interesting drama. One small family lost their loved one.  Now many years later, a father is ready to love again. Yet this new character may just rip them apart. The plot was intense, dark, and sad. I felt sympathy for the father and son. Some things are easy to steer away from while other temptations are not. Jennifer Payne was exactly that. She ended up destroying what mattered most.  Watching the destruction of a father and son relationship was hard. It was an huge emotional  mess.

Nick Haskins is a creative writer. His novel was entertaining and deeply engaging. Themes of love, lies, and betrayal are found here. Family, loss, and grief are the other remaining themes readers will find. The father was my favorite character. He had the best intentions and was trying to do well by his son. For that reason, it was easy to connect with William. Overall, the plot was promising but a bit slow due to the telling instead of showing. I recommend this drama action filled story to all readers.

Review: After Anna by Lisa Scottoline

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

Nobody cuts deeper than family…

Dr. Noah Alderman, a widower and single father, has remarried a wonderful woman, Maggie Ippolitti, and for the first time in a long time, he and his young son are happy. Despite her longing for the daughter she hasn’t seen since she was a baby, Maggie is happy too, and she’s even more overjoyed when she unexpectedly gets another chance to be a mother to the child she thought she’d lost forever, her only daughter Anna.

Maggie and Noah know that having Anna around will change their lives, but they would never have guessed that everything would go wrong, and so quickly. Anna turns out to be a gorgeous seventeen-year-old who balks at living under their rules, though Maggie, ecstatic to have her daughter back, ignores the red flags that hint at the trouble brewing in a once-perfect marriage and home.

Events take a heartbreaking turn when Anna is murdered and Noah is accused and tried for the heinous crime. Maggie must face not only the devastation of losing her daughter, but the realization that Anna’s murder may have been at the hands of a husband she loves. In the wake of this tragedy, new information drives Maggie to search for the truth, leading her to discover something darker than she could have ever imagined.

Riveting and disquieting, After Anna is a groundbreaking domestic thriller, as well as a novel of emotional justice and legal intrigue. And New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline will keep readers on their toes until the final shocking page.

 

 

Praise for Lisa Scottoline:

“Scottoline keeps the pace relentless as she drops a looming threat into the heart of an idyllic suburban community, causing readers to hold their breath in anticipation.” —Booklist on One Perfect Lie

“Readers can be assured that the author nails the high school milieu, from athletic rivalries to sexting…they’re in for one thrilling ride.” —Kirkus on One Perfect Lie

“Entertaining…This fast-paced read culminates in a daring chase that would play well on the big screen.” —Publishers Weekly

 

 

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

After Anna by Lisa Scottoline is an intense thriller. A deadly journey where people have died and other may still die. A father wrongly accused of murdering his wife’s daughter. He never killed anyone and the dead girl isn’t who they originally thought she was. This family was torn apart and ruined. Only to be bounded together again once more. However, getting back together, will depend on timing. If they’re too late the husband dies and so does the real daughter. But if timed right, they may just end of saving both. The FBI are involved after a therapist finds out that the young girl isn’t the one matching in the newspaper. This whole time, the innocent have been trapped and tortured. I was filled with intrigue. This book kept me guessing. I was afraid of what the outcome would be. Lisa Scottoline has once again, written a title worthy of reading. Dramatic, frightening, and emotional…After Anna is a journey of survival and hope in a world of darkness. Overall, I recommend it to readers everywhere.

 

Review: The Flower Girl Murder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

Daisy Burns was a likable, devoted wife and mother who spent her spare time volunteering at school events. Everyone loved Daisy. So why would someone shoot her three times and dump her body behind a Planned Parenthood chapter in North Carolina?

With no witnesses and few leads, Raleigh detective Marc Allen turns to the press for help—specifically, veteran news anchor Lancaster Heart. Heart agrees to broadcast the police department’s plea for information in his nightly newscasts.

Elderly viewer and longtime social worker Blanche Avery is positive she recognizes the photograph on the television as an older version of her friend Daisy— the young, heavily pregnant girl she met years before who made the decision to give her child up for adoption.

When Tanner Goochly Jr.—a member of a notorious crime family—becomes the victim of another point-blank shooting, Allen races to discover the connection between the murders. Could it be that Daisy was somehow involved with an illegal enterprise, or was she hiding something else, another secret to be discovered?

The body count is rising, and the suspect pool is widening. As Allen’s investigation reaches a fever pitch, he realizes that a mother’s choice could have killer consequences.

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

The Flower Girl Murder by Keith Hirshland is another crime investigation. A murder that goes unsolved until a clue pops up…from there I was hooked. Not everything is what it appeared to be. A young woman who appears to be a decent woman is found dead. No clues as to why or who did it. Then, another body is found and the detective is racing to find out why and how they’re connected. Two murder victims with an apparent opposite lifestyle are now dead. The race to find the killer is exciting. Crime, secrets, and lies keep the detective, Marc Allen busy. But then someone remembers something…and from there all hell breaks loose. There was a lot of action, intrigue, and suspense to keep me entertained. The who done it kept echoing in my mind…guessing happened a lot. Keith Hirshland is a talented writer. He made it impossible to stop reading his book. The detective is a determined fellow who gives his all into solving his investigations. I really liked this character. Overall, this was a great read. I recommend it to all.

Review: Lies in the Wind

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

Merriam Press Wind Fiction Series

In the fifth installment of the misadventures of Megan Docket, Megan becomes embroiled in the investigation of a double murder. As she solves the crimes, she deals with her love life and protects an autistic boy from the killers. The previous four volumes in the Wind series are Voices in the Wind, Alone in the Wind, Cries in the Wind, and Fire in the Wind.

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Lies in the Wind by Judy Bruce is the fifth novel in the Wind Series. A journey of full of murder, lies, and mystery. This book brings up topics like love, family, and autism in ways that grab a hold of my heart and never let go. Megan is the main protagonist who investigates and solves the murder investigation inside this book. Megan is a character that engages readers fully. I loved her personality. She has a big heart and felt so real. I could easily be friends with her in a heartbeat. Her and her love, Jay are a great couple to follow. This plot has many surprises, twists, and turns. I enjoyed each and every one of them. The emotional part of the journey was intense. I fell in love and cried. Judy Bruce definitely knows how to deliver a world in which readers, like myself, can get lost within…overall, I highly recommend her novel to all.

Review: Sugar and Spice and All Those Lies

Synopsis:

Cooking a wonderful meal is an art. An act of love. An act of grace. A gift that affirms and gives life—not only does it nurture those who partake of the meal; it also feeds the soul of the creator. These are lessons Gina learns from her mother, daughter of an unfortunate French chef.

Gina is a young woman born to poor parents, a nobody keen to taste life outside the world she was born into. A world that exposes her to fascinating people gripped by dark motives. Her passion for cooking is all she has to help her navigate it.

She gets lucky when she’s chosen to cook at a Michelin-starred restaurant in the San Francisco Bay Area where customers belong to a privileged class with money to spare for a dinner of inventive dishes costing hundreds of dollars. In this heady, scintillating atmosphere, she meets new friends and new challenges—pastry chef Marcia, filthy rich client Leon, and Brent, a brooding homicide detective. This new world, it turns out, is also one of unexpected danger.

Can the lessons Gina learned from her mother about cooking and life help her survive and thrive in this other world of privilege, pleasure, and menace?

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

Sugar and Spice and All Those Lies by Evy Journey is a contemporary readers like myself won’t forget. The plot itself is this dark edgy vibe to it with a hint of romance. It’s more dangerous than anything. Friendships are tested, broken, and destroyed. Romances begin so fast and end just as quick as they started. From a sexy filthy rich man to a regular average joe, the main protagonist has her hands full. Being seduced by a rich man can be nice…but with comes unwanted danger. Unexpected events occur and kept me intrigued. I felt both sympathy for the bad ones at first but I felt even more sorry for the protagonist. Her pain is both a physical and emotional one. What a rollercoaster…

Evy Journey has created three-dimensional characters. I could see, hear, and feel everything they did. It was crazy. One moment Gina’s work life goes from being busy good to a nightmare. Her past friendship comes out and it gets worse with each page. I felt connected to Gina. She’s a hard worker and a good person.

Gina comes from a poor family. Inherited her skills of cooking from her family, Gina works her butt off in the food industry. She has finally landed herself at a top star restaurant and her personal life unwinds completely. All it takes is for one rich customer and a former best friend to bring the unexpected and disasters to Gina. What Gina thought she knew will change as the course of events escalate out of control. Life threatening, deadly, and stunning…scenes kept me turning the pages.

Leon is the filthy rich customer who wants nothing but Gina. However, he’s dating her best friend. Talk about issues and complications. Here, this was the first warning bell for Gina,,yet she didn’t think things would turn out for the worse…

Imagine trusting a best friend one moment and then fighting for your life…

That’s what happened to Gina…not once but twice.

Pastry chef, Marcia, is the other best friend that Gina has. I really liked Gina until I noticed her crazy moment over the “brooding” cop, Brent. She was obsessed with him as hers until she learned he doesn’t like sweets. Luckily, Brent had that going for him…because Gina has a past that one doesn’t know until the unexpected happens…

Brent is the homicide detective that meets with Gina when the accident with her first best friend happens. From there, Brent and Gina have been in contact since. Brent soon becomes a little jealous because Gina is gorgeous and Leon is trying to take her. Brent knows something about Leon and try’s to tell Gina, but she still goes with Leon. Thinking Leon really loves her…

Romance, work, and friendships are deeply explored in this exciting piece. Evy Journey has captivated me from the beginning with this tale. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it was worth reading every single last page. Sugar and Spice and All Those Lies is exactly what’s in this novel. There’s a little of all that inside…overall, I recommend this contemporary to readers everywhere.

Review: The Criminalist

Synopsis:

“CSI–Without the makeup.”
A Russian model and a reluctant forensic scientist must join forces to fight a dangerous sex trafficking ring.
Paul Connert, just your everyday forensic scientist, keeps a dark secret as he combs through scenes of violent death. Then his world is rocked by the beautiful and desperate Vika Koslava, a Russian model who arrived in the US with her sister for an erotic photo shoot. When the sister disappears, he must join forces with Vika and use all his skills to stop a deadly sex trafficking ring before she meets a similar fate. The Criminalist is the story of forensic science at its best, and it’s all about teamwork, but can everyone on Paul’s team be trusted?
It’s been five years since PAUL CONNERT’S fiancEe died of a drug overdose and he’s never forgiven himself for not trying harder to help. Now he plans to atone. He seeks a woman who reminds him of his lost love and fantasizes about getting her into rehab, even if by force. But then he meets the feisty, alcoholic, VIKA KOSLAVA, a beautiful Russian model who was sent on an erotic website assignment to Santa Barbara with her heroin-addicted sister. When her sister goes missing, Vika is left homeless. Paul uses a clever means to meet Vika, but his intervention fantasy is quickly busted when he meets her, face-to-face.
Paul and his crime lab friends join forces to protect Vika by enrolling her in a secret clinical trial but also continue the search for her sister. We follow Paul and Vika as they go through their daily routines: Paul as he processes a murder scene, Vika as she is exposed to experimental nanoparticles as a part of her addiction therapy. When they get together and form a powerful alliance to fight the violent members of a sex trafficking ring, he will need to use all his scientific skills to keep her safe.
The Author says, “When I retired from a twenty-five year career as a forensic scientist in southern California, I took home a treasure-trove of story ideas. I’ve been there, I’ve collected that and I’ve weathered the subsequent cross-examination, too. When I cooked up The Criminalist, I wanted readers to feel what it was really like to work in a crime lab. I drew from the colorful personalities I had worked with and blended in scenes from real-life cases. The story includes several strong female leads and a plausible, suspenseful plot. There are a few graphic (but not gory) crime scenes and a dash of courtroom drama. Running throughout is an engaging, romantic thread.”

John Houde, author of the award-winning nonfiction book, Crime Lab: A Guide for Nonscientists, has had a career in forensic science spanning four decades. Now he draws upon his experience to spin an intricately woven adventure in the world of truth and lies, love and hate, science and crime…

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

The Criminalist by John Houde is an interesting crime novel. Forensic science lovers like myself will enjoy this read. Similar to CSI Criminal Minds this novel demonstrates forensic science in a realistic setting. The suspense builds up as I progressed through the pages. The plot was exciting. Crime, drugs, and a disappearance that kept me intrigued. I liked the forensic scientist, Paul Connert. He is a likable character. It is his duty to investigate the case of her missing sister. Intense, frightening, and very believable. John Houde has created a tale that sent me straight into the book. I was hooked. Visa is another main character, that I liked. Her personality is great. The book brought issues like drugs and sex trafficking out in the open. Overall, it stunning, and I recommend it. 

Review: The Best Kind of People

Synopsis: 

Shortlisted for the Giller Prize • A local schoolteacher is arrested for a heinous crime, leaving his family to wrestle with the possibility of his guilt in this exquisite novel about loyalty, truth, and happiness.

The Woodburys cherish life in the affluent, bucolic suburb of Avalon Hills, Connecticut. George is a beloved science teacher at the local prep school, a hero who once thwarted a gunman, and his wife, Joan, is a hardworking ER nurse. They have brought up their children in this thriving town of wooded yards and sprawling lakes.

Then one night a police car pulls up to the Woodbury home and George is charged with sexual misconduct—with students from his daughter’s school. As he sits in prison awaiting trial and claiming innocence—is it possible?—Joan vaults between denial and rage as friends and neighbors turn cold. Their daughter, seventeen-year-old Sadie, is a popular high school senior who becomes a social outcast—and finds refuge in an unexpected place. Her brother, Andrew, a lawyer in New York, returns home to support the family, only to confront unhappy memories from his past. A writer tries to exploit their story, while an unlikely men’s rights activist group attempts to recruit Sadie for their cause.

Provocative and unforgettable, The Best Kind of People reveals the cracks along the seams of even the most perfect lives and the unraveling of an American family.
– Praise from Canada for The Best Kind of People.

“[Zoe] Whittall’s intuitive understanding of human nature makes The Best Kind of People a gripping novel, one that shines a light on family dynamics under extreme pressure.”—The Vancouver Sun

“Whittall’s undisputed talent as a writer shines, as does her understanding into the complexity of our sympathies, our morality, and our humanity. With incredible empathy and undeniable skill this book is sure to spark much-needed dialogue, vital debate, and richly deserved acclaim.”—Stacey May Fowles, author of Infidelity

“The Best Kind of People examines the effects of rape culture on an entire community with rare nuance and insight. Every character is fully rounded, flawed, and achingly human. It puts me in mind of a twenty-first-century Ordinary People.”—Kate Harding, author of Asking for It

“This may just be Whittall’s breakout novel, and deservedly so.”—The Winnipeg Review

“Taut, compassionate and clever.”—Toronto Star

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

The Best Kind of People by Zoe Whittall is a stunning piece of fiction. It had the same intensity as the To Kill a Mockingbird and as The Crucible. All three novels were based on false accusations that built up into a nightmare. Destroying many lives. While it wasn’t as bad as The Crucible it certainly held the same kind of trouble. 

Watching how a man went from town hero to a victim of lies. Lies that were set up by young girls. Their lies brought a once closely held family to the ruins. A father sent off to jail, a wife feeling wary about her husband, and a daughter trying to deal with the torments at school. Zoe Whittall shows us, readers, that even the best kind of people can fall victim to cruelty and lies. George Woodbury a fellow teacher, husband, and father is wrongly accused of raping innocent girls. Yet these girls were far from innocent…they were the tormentors. Bullying, drugs, coming out, and marriage are just some of the strong themes present inside this captivating novel. It all felt so real. The pressure built to a point that I felt like all were drowning along with the victim. The whole Woodbury family were victims to slander. Sad, heartbreaking, and believable. This is a must read for all. I recommend this page-turning tale to readers everywhere. 

Review: Any Dream Will Do

Synopsis:

Shay Benson adored her younger brother, Caden, and that got her into trouble. When he owed money, Shay realized she would do anything to help him avoid the men who were threatening him, and she crossed lines she never should have crossed. Now, determined to start fresh, she finds herself in search of a place to stay and wanders into a church to escape from the cold.
Pastor Drew Douglas adored his wife. But when he lost her, it was all he could do to focus on his two beautiful kids, and his flock came in a distant third. Now, as he too is thinking about a fresh start, he walks through his sanctuary and finds Shay sitting in a pew.

The pair strike up a friendship—Drew helps Shay get back on her feet, and she reignites his sense of purpose—that, over time, turns into something deeper, something soulful, spiritual, and possibly romantic. Even Drew’s two children are taken with this woman who has brought light back into their lives. Perhaps most important, Shay learns to trust again as she, in turn, proves herself trustworthy to her adopted community.

But Caden’s return to town and a disastrous secret threaten to undo the life Shay has tried so hard to rebuild. It will take the utmost courage and faith if she and Drew hope to find healing and open their hearts to a brighter future.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Any Dream Will Do by Debbie Macomber is as close to a realistic story as possible. Everything felt real. It was like reading a person’s journey from the rough life to a good one. A young woman has had trust issues due to the men in her life. With no One But a brother as family and as a friend, Shay had to learn a lot of lessons. Including, not trusting her baby brother. He relied on her and she made a bad choice because she thought it was a life or death situation. Her brother used her. Broke his promise and left Shay to deal with the consequences. Shay went to prison, lost her bank job, and is dealing with a lot of emotions. Anger, fear, and survival mode. After being released she finds no where to go. Stepping into a church, Shay’s life turns around….she meets Paster Drew. 

Pastor Drew is another interesting character. He and his very young kids lost a loved one. A wife and mother. Drew was hopeless and lost until he meets Shay. He sees hope for her. Even though she can’t. She has a tough attitude but inside she’s good. Drew calls a friend and help Shay into a program for women like her. Because he helped her, Shay forms an attachment of trust, liking, and hope towards him. Drew can’t help but feel good knowing he helped her. Something about Shay also gives him hope for the future. Then there’s his kids. Both meet Shay. Shay loves them as much as they love her. 

Debbie Macomber has written an inspiring tale here. I couldn’t stop reading it. The whole story made me cry, smile, and fall in love. Lost souls finding their ways after a tragedy. A little faith, hope, and love go a long way in this novel. Those who have been through a tough time can easily relate to both Shay and Drew’s issues. Struggles can make or break us at times. But it’s about continuing even when we have nothing else to lose. Overall, I recommend this contemporary to all. Any Dream Will Do is a must read. 

Review: Love in the Deep South

Synopsis:

Meet the young and beautiful Laydii Mitchell from Memphis TN. An 18-year-old high school senior on her way to college, and seems to think she is on top of the world. She’s dating the up and coming hustler, John Jackson; who is loved by the ladies, and hated by most guys. The two seem to think that their bond is unbreakable, that is; until something happens that rocks the both of their worlds. Will they be able to remain that “forever it” couple, and continue to stand above all, or will life’s hard knocks finally bring them to their knees? 
— Keya Harris, is Laydii’s best friend, who can’t seem to stop her cheating boyfriend Samuel White, from sticking his penis in places it doesn’t belong. She fights with any and everybody to remain that number one lady in his life, only for him to disregard her efforts; by hitting a little too close to home with his cheating ways. Will this couple be able to rise above all obstacles and come out on top, or will Keya finally get fed up with the bull, and decide to leave. 
—- Aaron Thomas is the man to see. He started out hustling at the tender age of 15, and is now headed on his way to the top at just 24. In his young life, he’s seen more money than he knows what to do with; which makes him a hot commodity for the ladies. However, he isn’t checking for the local “gold diggers,” as he is well aware of their intentions of getting with him for his money. His focus lies elsewhere; on one particular female that is seemingly “unavailable. Will Aaron finally be able to get the woman he has been “vying” for, and finally have his happily ever after? 
—- Toni Simpson is Laydii’s younger fifteen-year-old sister. She is young and carefree, as most girls are at that age. However, she’s more than just your typical teenager, as she so badly wants to be grown and take on the world way before her time. Unaware of the ill intentions of those surrounding her; she goes and gets herself into a situation that even she’s not so sure she can get out of. Will Toni be able to return to that once carefree teen, or will fatal circumstances force her to grow up before she is really ready. 
With drugs, lies, sex, murder and betrayal; many will be left devastated, and trying to find their way out of this twisted web of chaos. Ride along with these characters, as they take you on a journey around the dirty south city of “Memphis.” 

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Love in the Deep South (A Memphis Hood Tale) is a wonderful novel detailing the lives of those who live in Memphis. The language was beautifully done. The charcaters were believable. I felt as though the writer, N.L. Hudson, transported me from my seat straight into her book. Once inside, the drama was thick, entertaining, and well-told. However, the content is graphic and recommended for those 18 and above. Sex, drugs, and murder inside….overall, I recommend this African American novel to readers everywhere. 

Review: Family Sins

Synopsis: 

MURDER IN EDEN 
Felled by a cowardly shot to the back, Stanton Youngblood has just enough time before he dies to leave a single clue to his killer’s identity: the word Wayne, scrawled in his own blood. 
That word means everything to his widow. Leigh Youngblood was once Leigh Wayne, but she left her wealthy family behind thirty years ago when she fell in love with Stanton, a betrayal the Waynes have never forgiven. Now she publicly vows to discover which of her siblings thinks money and power are enough to cover up a murder. 
Back in town to find his father’s killer, prodigal son Brody finds his search for justice comes with an unexpected ray of light. He’s loved Talia Champion forever, but when she said she couldn’t marry him, he left town and never looked back. This time it’s Talia who needs him, and it isn’t in him to deny her anything. 
But the killer still has a score to settle, and if that means spilling more blood—so much the better. 

Rating: 5-stars

Review: 

Family Sins by Sharon Sala is a dark and intriguing tale. A romantic suspense novel that made me cry, laugh, and feel terrified. Fear, anger, and revenge are found on every page. One family full of hatred comes to a hault. Their sins are their downfall. Neglecting a sister. Leigh was the smartest one. She was also kind. Leaving behind her bad family for love. They threatened to kill her husband. Now thirty years later, their threat is fulfilled. Leigh finds husband dead. I felt her pain. I felt her husband’s love for her even as he was dying. Sad, realistic, and stunning. Sharon Sala has out done herself with this title. Family Sins is exactly that. Overall, I highly recommend this book to all. 

Review: Daddy’s Gone A Hunting

Synopsis:

In her latest novel Mary Higgins Clark, the beloved, bestselling “Queen of Suspense,” exposes a dark secret from a family’s past that threatens the lives of two sisters, Kate and Hannah Connelly, when the family-owned furniture firm in Long Island City, founded by their grandfather and famous for its fine reproductions of antiques, explodes into flames in the middle of the night, leveling the buildings to the ground, including the museum where priceless antiques have been on permanent display for years.
The ashes reveal a startling and grisly discovery, and provoke a host of suspicions and questions. Was the explosion deliberately set? What was Kate—tall, gorgeous, blond, a CPA for one of the biggest accounting firms in the country, and sister of a rising fashion designer—doing in the museum when it burst into flames? Why was Gus, a retired and disgruntled craftsman, with her at that time of night? What if someone isn’t who he claims to be?
Now Gus is dead, and Kate lies in the hospital badly injured and in a coma, so neither can tell what drew them there, or what the tragedy may have to do with the hunt for a young woman missing for many years, nor can they warn that somebody may be covering his tracks, willing to kill to save himself . . .
Step by step, in a novel of dazzling suspense and excitement, Mary Higgins Clark once again demonstrates the mastery of her craft that has made her books international bestsellers for years. She presents the reader with a perplexing mystery, a puzzling question of identity, and a fascinating cast of characters—one of whom may just be a ruthless killer . . . 
Rating: 5-stars

Review:

In Mary Higgins Clark’s novel, Daddy’s Gone A Hunting, I was terrified. A young woman realizes the man that is playing as her father really isn’t her father after all. Then, there’s someone stealing from her real father’s company. Murder is just around the corner…and soon, the young woman will find herself in a deadly situation. The mystery was great. I was guessing all along. The suspense and intrigue was there like always. Once more, I was impressed with Mary Higgins Clark’s writing. Her novels never disappoint me. Overall, I highly recommend Daddy’s Gone A Hunting to all. 

Review: Believing the Lie

Synopsis:

After writing sixteen Inspector Lynley novels, New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth George has millions of fans waiting for the next one. As USA Today put it, “It’s tough to resist George’s storytelling, once hooked.” With Believing the Lie, she’s poised to hook countless more.Inspector Thomas Lynley is mystified when he’s sent undercover to investigate the death of Ian Cresswell at the request of the man’s uncle, the wealthy and influential Bernard Fairclough. The death has been ruled an accidental drowning, and nothing on the surface indicates otherwise. But when Lynley enlists the help of his friends Simon and Deborah St. James, the trio’s digging soon reveals that the Fairclough clan is awash in secrets, lies, and motives.
Deborah’s investigation of the prime suspect-Bernard’s prodigal son Nicholas, a recovering drug addict-leads her to Nicholas’s wife, a woman with whom she feels a kinship, a woman as fiercely protective as she is beautiful. Lynley and Simon delve for information from the rest of the family, including the victim’s bitter ex-wife and the man he left her for, and Bernard himself. As the investigation escalates, the Fairclough family’s veneer cracks, with deception and self-delusion threatening to destroy everyone from the Fairclough patriarch to Tim, the troubled son Ian left behind. 

Rating: 3-stars

Review:

Believing the Lie by Elizabeth George is indeed my first read to this writer’s series. I was instantly hooked from the beginning. Elizabeth George sucked me into her novel. Suspenseful, deep, and intriguing. However, the ending wasn’t what good. The book was like a chocolate cake dressed up to make my mouth water but then when it got to the actual bite, it lacked…that’s how the ending was for me. I wanted Inspector Thomas Lynley to investigate a death … a real death. But instead it turned out to be several other things. Believing the Lie will have readers like me thinking was it just an accident or was there a murder. The ending ruins all that. When it comes to crime fiction, I liked how Elizabeth George created a smoking gun…to lure and and make the bad guys sweat some. Overall, it was good..not the best. 

Review: Rogue Empire

Synopsis:

In this addictive page-turner, a mistargeted drone strike shatters peace between the United States and China. Can one man stop total war?
THE #1 BESTSELLING BLAKE CARVER SERIES RETURNS. Discover why critics call it “Astonishing,” “Chilling” and “Impossible to put down.”
As dawn rises over Tripoli, counter-terrorism operative Blake Carver arrives ahead of a planned drone strike on an extremist stronghold. But his plan to extract an embedded CIA operative turns disastrous when the mistargeted attack reduces the Chinese Embassy to rubble. 
All signs point to an inside job, and Carver finds himself on the wrong end of an internal investigation. Forced into exile, he watches helplessly as Beijing erupts in riots, an American diplomat is murdered and cyber attacks are unleashed on Wall Street. The two superpowers teeter on the brink of all-out war. 
With only the help of a renegade hacker and an old flame with powerful friends, Carver must act alone to thwart the most ingenious conspiracy the world has ever known.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Rogue Empire by William Tyree is a thriller that will put readers straight into the action. Fast-paced, frighteningly real, and highly engaging. I was hooked instantly. Blake Carver is a man readers will love. He reminds me, of Jason Bourne. Tough, clever, and a good man. It was so dangerous, that my heart was racing. I highly recommend Rogue Empire to all. 

Review: Sister, Sister

Synopsis:
Alice: Beautiful, kind, manipulative, liar.
Claire: Intelligent, loyal, paranoid, jealous.
Claire thinks Alice is a manipulative liar who is trying to steal her life.

Alice thinks Claire is jealous of her long-lost return and place in their family.
One of them is telling the truth. The other is a maniac.

Two sisters. One truth.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Sister, Sister by Sue Fortin is phenomenal. Keeps readers guessing until the end. Secrets, past lives, and a new danger come whirling into Claire’s life. She lost her sister Alice as a kid. Now, married with kids of her own…a letter appears from her sister Alice. Saying she thinks she finally found Claire and her mother. But Claire’s smart and will soon find answers to what’s really happening. Deadly, suspenseful, and engaging. Sue Fortin has masterfully woven a tale about two sisters. One dies the other just barely makes it out alive. A man from Claire’s past will do everything to make sure her life is a complete mess. Like sowing doubt about her daughter’s real father. Pictures with dates…emails sent it seems even after death. Claire and her family will have a new fight on their hands. The sister so greatly wanted will finally be found. Life will go on…

Sister, Sister is both haunting and frightening. The emotional stress that Claire goes through is crazy.  The story is fast-paced and well-written. Once I entered the story, I couldn’t stop reading it. Powerful storytelling and believable characters. The fear will send shivers down anyone’s spine. Overall, I highly recommend this thriller to all. 

Review: Onyx Webb Book 7

Synopsis:

Onyx Webb is a complex multi-genre mash-up that combines elements of supernatural suspense, crime, horror, romance, and more. The Onyx Webb series follows the unusual life of Onyx Webb along with a central group of characters in various locations and times.

The billionaire Mulvaney family, piano prodigy Juniper Cole and her brother Quinn, paranormal show hosts Cryer and Fudge, and a few others make up the core of the series. Written like a book version of your favorite tv series (think: supernatural soap opera like American Horror Story) each character’s story moves forward with most every episode. It may appear that the characters are entirely unrelated and yet episode by episode, the connections will become clearer. Like being an inch away from a spider web, with each book, the web will move further and further away revealing the full story of every character and most importantly, the stunning conclusion for Onyx Webb herself.

In Book Seven:

Juniper’s brother Quinn visits Koda and will finally see his sister.

Stan Lee gets revenge against Mika Flagler.

Onyx Webb deals with the crazy film festival and life alone… for now.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Onyx Webb book 7 episodes 19,20, and 21 are brilliant! Once again, my favorite two writers have sun another fascinating read. The characters I loved since the beginning are all here. What I love most about this series is that with new book there are a variety of genres combined into one stunning masterpiece. Readers can like one particular genre and be blown away with this book. Every possibility of disaster can occur as well as the paranormal side of things. Every page keeps readers like myself constantly on their toes. I never know what to expect from one episode to another. But with each book, parts of the story fall closer together. I really wish this series could be featured in as a TV show one day. I’d love to see these characters both bad and good step out into the lime light. The way the words are written the scenes as well as the characters come to life. Visually entertaining. Addictive because readers will want to know what happens next and keep turning those pages in a haste to figure it out…Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz have outdone themselves when writing this book (including the other books in this series). Juicy details and plenty of action to keep readers hooked. Overall, I highly recommend reading Onyx Webb book 7 to readers everywhere. 

Review: The Insides of Banana Skins

Synopsis:

Sukey is 17. It is 1967 and she moves into a crowded North London flat: her bed is cushions on the floor of the kitchen.Kitty, the official tenant of the flat who Sukey knows from when they were both at college, occupies the main bedroom. She works in a pub, steals money and other people’s husbands. Currently Dennis, a creepy older man who is estranged from his wife, shares her bed. 

Also living in the flat is Jaz, Sukey’s best friend. He is studying drama and is a virgin. He shares a room with Beaky, another student, Minnie who works in an alternative food shop, Ted, her boyfriend, and Malc a drug dealer. They drink, use dope and take LSD. When there’s nothing else available, they smoke the insides of banana skins.

The novel starts a few months earlier as Sukey is dumped by her first boyfriend. Jaz comes to find her and helps her move into the flat. Sukey is aimless, drifting, trying out drugs and men. She’s unable and unwilling to give her life direction. 

Sukey makes friend with Bridie, an Irish woman who lives in the ground floor flat with two children. Separated from her husband, she works part time as a prostitute. Their landlord and his family occupy the top floor. He is an Indian man whose wife speaks no English. 

Relationships in the flat change. Malc meets the beautiful Jojo and goes to live with her. Ted leaves Minnie. Tessa, Sukey’s friend from school, comes to stay and after she and Beaky sleep together they find a place of their own and move out. 

Sukey meets Joe, who works in a strip club. Joe introduces Sukey and Jaz to Vic, a pornographer and his wife, Jules, a stunning-looking woman and successful potter. They live in a beautiful house, have two young children and indulge in unusual sexual practices. 

Through Joe, Kitty and Tessa become strippers. Kitty also poses for Vic, who has a market for various types of obscene photos. Minnie and Sukey, who have barely tolerated each other, become friends.

Jojo moves into the flat, and although she’s still seeing Malc, has insisted that they live apart until he stops taking heroin. Malc now shares with Ted. The flat is rent-free but in return both men have to have sex with its elderly woman owner. 

One night Malc, drunk in Piccadilly Circus, is run over and killed. Soon after, Jules commits suicide. Tessa finds a new boyfriend, a fire-eater who up till now has been homosexual. Beaky leaves her. Kitty disappears.

In the absence of Kitty, Sukey takes charge of the flat. Ted and Jojo get together and Jaz tells Sukey that there’s a man he’s kissed and how he thinks he wants to be with him. 

Weeks after she’s disappeared. Kitty’s body is found. She’s been murdered. It is an unsettling time. Sukey begins to tire of her aimless drifting existence, but she can’t imagine how else to live.

Vic is arrested for Kitty’s murder. Although stunned, the group living in the flat carry on. There is however a sense that the old life is over with new ones starting. Jaz begins an affair with Stevie, Tessa’s homosexual boyfriend. Tessa, now pregnant, moves back into the flat and Jaz goes to live with Stevie. Minnie is negotiating a deal with the owner of the shop where she works, she has ambitions to be a businesswoman. 

The landlord decides to sell the house and the group makes plans to leave. Minnie offers Sukey a room in the flat that she is renting above her shop. Sukey accepts and her new life starts.

Each chapter ends with a short piece written from the future. These give the reader a glimpse of what happens to the characters in thier later lives as well as providing additional insight into the events that have just taken place.

Although parts of the story focus on one of the others who occupy the flat and we see a little bit of what that life looks like for Jaz, Minnie, Beaky, Tessa, Ted, Jojo and even Dennis, this is Sukey’s story, told from her point of view. It’s about a young girl in a strange world and how she gradually learns to live in it.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

The Insides of Banana Skins by Jane Seaford reminds me so much of The Great Gatsby novel. The similarities of how people live in poverty and the sins they commit. It was quite interesting following each of the characters as their stories progressed. The events led to their new ways of living as well as to their failures. The raw openness of everything was refreshing to read. Characters like Minnie and Sukey were beyond believable. They did what they thought they had to endure to survive. Strong and determined. I didn’t like Dennis as his character was not one that I would like to know better. He is absolutely disgusting. Not just how he treats himself but in how he treats women as well. Using them for his own wants and needs then turning his back as well as verbally abusing them. He made my skin crawl. Ted is another male character that wasn’t on my top favorites lists. His whatever attitude and the fact that treatment of Minnie wasn’t nice. I can see real men out there acting or stooping to these men’s levels…however, I just don’t want to run into the likes of them. Minni thought she was doing fine. The fact that she let a guy like Dennis play her mad me a bit mad. Was she that oblivious? Minni was a college student then meet a married man and front here her life changed.  It seems that Minnie grows as the story unfolds that others seems to roll with the time. Sex isn’t pretty or beautiful. It’s one of the main themes inside this book. Most books make sex into something wonderful but we forget that there’s an ugliness about it as well. Here, readers see that. Jane Seaford has brought together real people’s lives into these characters. Whether they’re bad or good, their actions show that destruction, death, love, and friendships come and go. Some things never change…The Insides of Banana Skins demonstrates the harsh reality of life and the cost of our consequences. Overall, I recommend this read to all. 

Review: The Tidewater Sisters

 

Synopsis:

Tandi Reese and her sister, Gina, have always been bound by complicated ties. Amid the rubble of a difficult childhood lie memories of huddling beneath beds and behind sofas while parental wars raged. Sisterhood was safety . . . once. But now? Faced with legal papers for a fraud she didn’t commit, Tandi suspects that her sister has done something unthinkable. With Tandi’s wedding just around the corner, a trip to the North Carolina Tidewater for a reckoning with Gina was not part of the plan. But unraveling lies from truth will require confronting strained sibling bonds and uncovering a dark family secret that could free Tandi from her past or stain her future forever.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

The Tidewater Sisters by Lisa Wingate is an extraordinary novel. A perfect read for all. The tale inside is full of loss, heartbreak, secrets, and distrust. A mystery surrounding the lawsuit in Tandi Reese’s hands lands her back to her childhood home. There she finds things she never thought she had. Anger, frustration, and sadness crept, over readers, as they follow Tandi’s final journey. Imagine two sisters, not on good terms at all and then a horrible surprise leading back to the past. One past, that the main character thought she left behind for good. Her current life has moved forward. A marriage on the horizon with a decent man and now, this.

The Tidewater Sisters is the final book in the series. The writer’s style is beautifully played throughout the story. I felt the emotions as if they were my own. The struggles were believable and the suspense of what was to come…kept me hooked. A fast-paced read that will stun all. I would love to see Lisa Wingate’s novella turned into a movie or TV series. It’s definitely that entertaining as well as intriguing. Overall, I recommend this read to all.

 

Review: Broken Roots by Michelle Diana Lowe

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Synopsis:

After her father’s invention earns her family millions, sixteen-year-old Teisha Cole moves from London to Florida. Uprooted from the place she loves, Teisha now lives in a broken home full of secrets and lies.

Following the death of Teisha’s grandmother, her fractured family is replanted in rural England, where a kingpin and his clan are laying in wait. What ensues is a dangerous game that brings their house to its knees, as the family’s wealth begins to disappear.

When Teisha’s father develops a mysterious illness, Teisha turns detective to unravel the truth. Escaping onto the streets and stumbling into the foster care system may be her only hope of survival.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Broken Roots by Michelle Diana Lowe is an intriguing read. From the beginning to end Michelle Diana Lowe captures readers’ attention with this suspenseful yet dysfunctional tale. A young girl’s home and life immediately change when they move to a new place. Upon moving, there’s a mystery and threat that hangs in the air. Keeping readers wondering what next will happen. Young Teisha, takes it upon herself to survive. Her family is in great danger from a deadly group. Secrets and lies may just destroy everything Teisha had or ever knew. Michelle Diana Lowe is a talented writer. Her novel brings forth strong issues that readers everywhere can easily relate to. Family life and life’s struggles are real issues. This brilliant story brings to life characters and issues that we all struggle with…I enjoyed following the main character as the story developed. Truly, a must read for all. Overall, I highly recommend Broken Roots to readers everywhere.

Review: Christmas Under a Cranberry Sky

 

Synopsis:

This year spend a wonderful Christmas on Juniper Island, where love can melt even the iciest of hearts…

Piper Chesterfield lives a glamorous life travelling the world and reviewing the finest hotels. She calls nowhere home, she works alone and that’s how she likes it. For long ago Piper decided that to protect her heart she should lock it away.

So when Piper’s next assignment brings her to the newly opened Stardust Lake Hotel for the festive season, the last person she expects to face is Gabe Whitaker, the man who broke her heart so completely she could never love again.

But Piper isn’t the only one who has been frozen in time by heartbreak. Gabe hasn’t forgotten the golden-eyed girl who disappeared from his world without a trace.

Now fate has reunited them on Juniper island, can the magic of Christmas heal old wounds? And can this enchanting town be the one place Piper can finally call home?

Curl up with this gorgeously romantic tale and let the glistening snow and the roaring fires of Stardust Lake Hotel get you in the festive spirit this Christmas.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Christmas Under a Cranberry Sky by Holly Martin is hilarious, sweet, and dreamy. A romance like a fairy tale. One that lured me deep into the hearts of the characters. Their lives were interesting. Two best friends who truly love another so much…but then life brings them trouble and heartache. Soon what was destined to be a forever happy ending turned out to be a twelve-year lonely journey separated, frustrated, and wondering what could have been. Life is messy. It has never been easy or anyone. Especially,  when one has gone through a never ending cycle of rejection. Piper’s birth mother never wanted her. She was found abandoned and soon adopted by a caring woman. A woman who couldn’t have any of her own kids. But the husband never wanted Piper. After his wife’s death, he has done his most to make Piper feel unwanted. He led her to believe that her friend and friend’s parents never wanted her. Then, both daughter and father are drowning in a car. Piper makes it out alive. But her father has died. Devasted , stressed, and worried she goes to the one person she has ever loved. But fate would have to play an evil trick on a damaged girl’s heart. She sees something that had her leaving forever without a goodbye. Her best friend has wondered all these years why she left without so much a word. But when fate has them both face-to-face their years of wonder, loss, grief, and heat came back instantly. The love they had as teens is just as strong if not stronger. Christmas Under a Cranberry Sky is full of laughter, family, friendships and reunited love. I fell in love with the characters instantly. Their troubles broke my heart and their passion melted my heart. Holly Martin is indeed a writer with a talent. Overall, I highly recommend this Christma romance story to all.

 

 

Review: Bad Napkin

 

Synopsis:

The young adult comedy about love, lies and lists.

“. . .this delightful, quirky book . . . A zany and satisfying story for fans of YA tales that pack as much humor as they do heart.” – Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

When Sophy’s backpack is turtled, Russ finds a plus-minus list on a napkin stuck to the bottom of a copy of The Catcher in the Rye. He knows with certainty Sophy wrote it about him. Except Julie wrote it about her boyfriend Freddie, the school’s oddly sexy football quarterback. Russ decides to change himself to save his relationship with Sophy. But then he writes his own plus-minus list about her in revenge. And that’s when things start to go very wrong.

Sophy’s research project. Julie’s list on a napkin. A terrible discovery. Feeble self-improvement. Horrifying betrayal. The McRib. A watermelon named Brittany. A cyber-wedgie. A cactus-wedgie. A beautiful girl with a foul mouth. A foul girl with a beautiful mouth. And love. And kissing – lots and lots of kissing (with perhaps a bit too much tongue at times).

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Bad Napkin by T.S.W. Sharman is a hilarious read that will bring readers in every time. I thoroughly enjoyed this laugh-out-loud title. The characters were a variety of kinds that made the plot juicy and ripe. Teenagers whose struggles and perfections made them interesting individuals. A popular girl ends up in a super awkward situation due to a friend of hers taking a list that was written about a terrible boyfriend. It was about Julie’s boyfriend…except Russ, who likes Sophie thought it was about him. So, he then decides to improve himself for her. But what happens next is a dramatic roller-coaster full of ups and downs as well as love. T.S.W. Sharman writes a charming novel that will keep readers coming back time and time again. Themes like being young, finding love, and friendship can be found within this stunning novel. I absolutely loved following the characters’ growth as the story unfolded. The mood swings were crazy but in a realistic yet believable way. Overall, Bad Napkin is a definite must read for readers everywhere.

Review: Fifth Column

 

Synopsis:

The neat row of small, late-Victorian terraced houses was punctuated by a gaping space: homes reduced to rubble in the night raid. Among the debris the body of a young, red-headed woman is found. But she has no connection to the houses or the street, nor can her identity be established. Nor was it the bomb that killed her. When the post-mortem reveals death by strangling, D.I. Jago is called on to investigate. He quickly establishes that the body is that of Mary Watkins, a seemingly respectable employee of a local engineering company. But the company is missing important chemicals, and few seem to really care about the death of Mary – not even her family. Was the young woman all she appeared to be? As Jago digs deeper he starts to uncover a trail of deception, betrayal, and romantic entanglements…

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Mike Hollow’s novel, Fifth Column, is an intriguing mystery with tons of suspense. The story wraps readers into a murder mystery. This highly entertaining yet suspenseful read reminds me of two detective shows of mine that I love. It reminds me of Miss Fisher’s Mysteries and Detective Murdoch. The tale takes readers deep into London during WWII. a frightening and chaotic time for a crime to happen. Here, there will be bombing and then a murder case that detective Jago must solve. Mike Hollow’s writing is engaging. I found myself piqued about the characters and cases at hand. I wondered who and why and how. Fifth Column reads like old crime fiction novels that instantly become ones favorite and never go out of style. The danger, suspense, and the suspects were fun to follow along. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this detective mystery. Detective Jago has officially been added to my favorite detectives. There are a lot of themes combined within this read. A bit of romance, secrets, lies and much more.  Overall, I highly recommend this well-developed tale to readers everywhere.

 

 

Review: Stealing Taffy

 

Synopsis:

Ten weeks in a swanky Arizona rehab center and Tanyalee Newberry, aka Taffy, is ready to give up everything that isn’t good for her—her forgery habit, taking (i.e., stealing) things that don’t belong to her, and, of course, men. But when her flight home gets rerouted, she finds herself in a hotel room with her smoking-hot travel companion. One night together is all it should have been. But passion is oh-so sweet…

Special Agent Dante Cabrera has been duped at his own love-’em-and-leave-’em game by this so-called Taffy. To forget she ever existed, Dante buries himself in his work…until a case leads him to North Carolina and, impossibly, right back to her. He has no business messing around with this felonious femme fatale, especially one who could be in more danger than she thinks. But Dante also knows there’s more to her than great looks and hot nights—a soul-searching woman who wants amend her past sins. Is he ready to take their desire to the next level…and steal Taffy’s heart?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Stealing Taffy by Susan Donovan is a fabulous adventure for all readers to lose themselves within…imagine going to the airport and seeing the most attractive man around…one that leaves you staring and staring at him forever until he meets your gaze and suddenly you’re caught. Fate is a funny thing. After coming out of the women’s bathroom almost late for the plane ride…Taffy is seated next to the hot man she was caught checking out moments before the plane ride. The federal agent thought he would be stuck next to a fat sweaty man and instead he was sitting next to a gorgeous woman. Her hair was a reddish color and she was wearing some shade of pink. Once she sits down she talks nonstop. But Dante doesn’t care. He thinks she’s stupid because she asked where Brooklyn was located and he found out that she might be super crazy. Got shoplifting, writing checks, and a lot of other issues. Taffy thinks Dante is super hot and she would love nothing more than to bed him. However, she’s trying to stay away from all men and make up for her life’s mistakes. But then the weather had to bed and they both end up doing what they shouldn’t.

Stealing Taffy is hilarious, sexy, and sweet. There is never a boring moment with Taffy around. She has a lot of mistakes to apologize for and the one she isn’t looking forward to is her sister. Both lost their parents and have since then made life hell for each other. However, Taffy made life worse for her sister, grandpa and a bunch of others. Including a jealous ex who is worse than originally mentioned. The heated chemistry between the federal agent and a woman with a felony is undeniably out of this world. Neither one can get the other out of their thoughts. Taffy is well-mannered, southern belle, and pretty. She can be mega tough and super sweet. I enjoyed following Taffy’s adventures and Dante’ step towards accepting his feelings for Taffy. Overall, I highly recommend this romance to 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: 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: 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: Midnight in Berlin

 

Synopsis:

Berlin in the spring of 1939. Hitler is preparing for war. Colonel Noel Macrae, a British diplomat, plans the ultimate sacrifice to stop him. The West’s appeasement policies have failed. There is only one alternative: assassination. The Gestapo, aware of Macrae’s hostility, seeks to compromise him in their infamous brothel. There Macrae meets and falls in love with Sara, a Jewish woman blackmailed into becoming a Nazi courtesan.

Macrae finds himself trapped between the blind policies of his government and the dark world of betrayal and deception in Berlin. As he seeks to save the woman he loves from the brutality of the Gestapo, he defies his government and plans direct action to avert what he knows will be a global war.

Inspired by true events and characters, James MacManus’s Midnight in Berlin is a passionate story that will leave you in awe of the human capacity for courage, sacrifice, and love set against the world on the brink of war.

Rating:

Review:

Midnight in Berlin by James MacManus is an incredible telling of when Hilter came to power. I am a huge history fan and love anything that features world war two. This is a moment in history that comes as a nightmare to all and still in the present seems to haunt us. James MacManus brings to life history and its events of this cruel time period. The way people lived their lives, how they socialized and the war developing at hand…popped up, as a three-dimensional stage where readers can witness everything first hand. Midnight in Berlin is a fascinating novel that immediately swoops reader into the horrifying journey that is just building up in Germany. Nazis, the Gestapo, and a thrilling romance are brilliantly wrapped inside this fictional masterpiece.

James MacManus’s historical novel…is truly a powerful tale that swallows one up, whole. Here there is a British officer and a Jewish woman who meet by fate and fall in love. She is posing as a Nazi courtesan. But not because she wants to…but because she’s forced to accept. A romance develops and war trudges on…danger, suspense, intrigue…kept me turning the pages faster. It’s was like reliving the terrible times all over again. Macrea plans to stop Hitler himself. But whether he does or not is something readers must figure out on their own. I found myself highly entertained and deeply engaged at the battles being bought. I wanted to survive…Politics, murder, corruption, courage, and sacrifice were tied into this magnificent title. The talent is superb. I can definitely see this novel being on the big screens everywhere. The famous names of Hitler’s men are brought to life within this read. Amazing how history can scoop us up and take us back in time. Overall, I highly recommend Midnight in Berlin to readers everywhere.

 

 

Review: Reverie

 

Synopsis:

Julia James has spent most of her life hiding in plain sight. For her, the cello was a way to get past a hellish childhood. Even now that she is one of the top cellists in the country, and a contender in the most prestigious, high-stakes music competition in the world, she hopes no one will notice her. But then someone does. A chance (or is it?) encounter brings her to the attention of the distractingly sexy, charismatic French horn player, Jeremy Corrigan. As he helps her to embrace her talent, her sexuality, and her past, Julia thinks she might finally be headed toward her ‘happily-ever-after.’ Unfortunately, happily isn’t so much ‘ever-after’ for Julia. The lines between love and obsession are blurred in REVERIE.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Reverie by Lauren Rico is a stunning contemporary novel that blew me away instantly. I was immediately drawn into the leading female character’s life story. Her troubled past to the present trouble brewing up…Love, hatred, abuse, lies…and danger wrapped up in one riveting tale. From a dysfunctional family with abuse going on to a young woman falling into a trap of abuse far greater than the one she escaped from as a child. This is a novel for adults only. There’s hot steamy sex…lies, betrayal,  murder, and beatings. Lauren Rico has masterfully created a novel that shows us the violence and threats that happen in real life. Sometimes there’s no justice…the good fall victim and to those that are unaware might just die for a selfish reason that was completely unexpected. The nightmare never ends…as Julia and her new love, Matthew, now fight for their lives. The stirred up the mess of a dangerous murderer, and now, he may just come after them next. The suspense and intrigue are high in this exciting and thrilling read. Reverie is an adventure that readers will carry with them forever. Overall, I highly recommend this beautifully told story, to readers everywhere.

 

 

Review: Deceived

 

Synopsis:

Stony Jackson is a man easy on the eyes and a total charmer, he’s well accustomed to having his choice of women with a simple flash of his million-dollar smile. Even after settling down with the one tryst that could make his toes curl, he is not completely fulfilled. It’s not until Stony is reunited with the woman he failed to conquer, that he realizes he wants to have his cake and eat it too. A chance meeting brought her back into his life and he staked his claim on her for keeps, but will it last if she finds out about the secrets he is working so hard to keep hidden?

Addison Short is hot on the path to becoming the top attorney in the state when she stumbles upon the man of her dreams. A face from her past, this man proves to be a total package. Their marital bliss is in full swing, yet Addison finds herself unfulfilled with her motherly duties. Will a trip to New York help rekindle her passion or will her world be turned upside down?

Adrian Jordan is living the fairy tale life that most people can only dream of. With a college-sweetheart marriage, a pampered, lavish life, and a man that offers good looks, charm, wealth, and serious pipe-laying, Adrian lives every day in orgasmic bliss until a secret bond with a long-forgotten acquaintance threatens to expose skeletons long locked away.

This sizzling page-turner places all three lives on a collision course as they’re thrown into the flames of deceit, betrayal, and turmoil–will they escape or become fatalities of love?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Deceived: One Man Two Lives by Sydni Anderson is full of urban drama, romance, and betrayal.  One man is secretly living two separate lives with two women who are completely clueless of the situation…however, both knew each other from college. It has gotten to the point that both women suspect that their man is cheating…and one night’s events will almost blow his cover and set the ball rolling for his destruction. One woman was making her way to the top of her career when she had met her husband. They have a daughter but she wants more…she wants back in her job field. She thought her husband cheated on her and when she went to discover the truth…she ended up arrested. Addi has met a new man who heats her from outside and within…but she doesn’t want to cheat on her husband. Then there’s Adri who is also with Addi’s husband. She thinks their man has cheated but she settled for his lies that he’s not. But as the juicy intense plot unfolds…can one man hold his two lives together or risk losing both? Addi is at a crossroads in her life and her best friend has hooked up with the hot policeman that arrested Addi. Where fate has taken these characters is left for readers to discover on their own. I loved reading this title from Sydni Anderson. Her characters are believable and the scenes are smoking hot. Overall, I highly recommend this tale to readers everywhere.

 

 

Review: The American Girl (A Novel)

 

Synopsis:

From a bright new talent comes a riveting psychological thriller about an American exchange student in France involved in a suspicious accident, and the journalist determined to break the story and uncover the dark secrets a small town is hiding.

On a quiet summer morning, seventeen-year-old American exchange student Quinn Perkins stumbles out of the woods near the small French town of St. Roch. Barefoot, bloodied, and unable to say what has happened to her, Quinn’s appearance creates quite a stir, especially since the Blavettes—the French family with whom she’s been staying—have mysteriously disappeared. Now the media, and everyone in the idyllic village, are wondering if the American girl had anything to do with her host family’s disappearance.

Though she is cynical about the media circus that suddenly forms around the girl, Boston journalist Molly Swift cannot deny she is also drawn to the mystery and travels to St. Roch. She is prepared to do anything to learn the truth, including lying so she can get close to Quinn. But when a shocking discovery turns the town against Quinn and she is arrested for the murders of the Blavette family, she finds an unlikely ally in Molly.

As a trial by media ensues, Molly must unravel the disturbing secrets of the town’s past in an effort to clear Quinn’s name, but even she is forced to admit that the American Girl makes a very compelling murder suspect. Is Quinn truly innocent and as much a victim as the Blavettes—or is she a cunning, diabolical killer intent on getting away with murder…?

Told from the alternating perspectives of Molly, as she’s drawn inexorably closer to the truth, and Quinn’s blog entries tracing the events that led to her accident, The American Girl is a deliciously creepy, contemporary, twisting mystery leading to a shocking conclusion.

Rating: 5 stars

Review: 

Can you imagine being a young teenager girl and a foreign exchange student who is staying with a family…next thing you realize is that you’re in the hospital. They way you were found  causes a stir among everyone. So many questions and no answers. Your memory is blank…all except for the memory of running away from something dangerous. Everything else is gone. An American teenager like Quinn Perkins becomes a victim and even played a bit in being a non-victim…she has been given a camera to help jog her memory by recording all that she does know as she remembers it. The media and public are after her for the disappearance of the family she stayed with…a journalist, Molly Swift soon becomes Quinn’s only ally throughout the danger and helps solve the mystery. Quinn being accused, for murder, of each family member, leads Molly into digging deeper into the case to search for answers. But can she find them before it’s too late and is she protecting a real victim or perpetrator? The American Girl by Kate Horsley is mysterious, thrilling, and highly entertaining.

The American Girl is so much like Gone Girl. I am not just saying that…the suspense and deep plot speak volumes. Instantly, I was pulled into the story and taken in by Quinn Perkins, the American girl. The story is fast-paced. Readers will find it being told by each of the characters perspectives. This just adds to the drama and intensity of the danger looming ahead. The truth is there yet so hard to reach…and once it’s found everything fell together unleashed the devasting news on what really happened. The how and why of it all kept me on the edge of my seat. I was deeply entranced with this magnificent tale and I highly recommend it to readers everywhere. Kate Horsley is indeed a talented writer.

Review: A Thuggish, Ruggish Love 2

 

Synopsis:

“For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.” – Luke 8:17, NIV

When Mackie, Xavier, Blaze and Aleah all met up in the same place at the same time it was explosive. Nobody knew how their lives were intertwined.
The result left Xavier fighting for his life.

With Xavier unconscious and not able to point his finger at the shooter, detectives begin their investigation into who shot him?

Aleah is falling in love fast and hard. She’s never been a part of anything close to resembling street life but for a chance at love she’s willing to ride or die for Blaze.
Mackie has been thrown for a loop with Xavier being shot. She seeks the comfort of her best friend since childhood as she tries to come to turns with what she’s done.
Diesel has always been team Mackie. He wants to carry her away from the only life that she has ever known. With several obstacles in their way, will they be able to avoid the demons that are chasing them?

Blaze has spent his entire life protecting his little sister. As Mackie’s sins are trying to catch up with her, he continues to put his life on the line to keep her safe. But with the Feds hot on his tail, he must decide if he is willing to continue to put Mackie first or accept a life that includes being locked up.

Keya’s stress level is through the roof. When she finds out Aleah’s role in Xavier being shot, she comes unglued. Their sisterly bond is stretched to the point of popping.
As the anticipation builds surrounding these lives, find out if Xavier is given a lease on life; if Blaze and Aleah can build a life together; if Mackie is able to leave the game behind; and if Keya can find it in her heart to forgive.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

A Thuggish, Ruggish Love 2 by Regina Swanson has just got hotter and more intense than one before it. Wow…the drama and romance heat up inside this new novel. The writing continues to impress me as it lures me deep into four lives that just keep getting more complicated. Complicated, sexy, and emotional…that’s A Thuggish, Ruggish Love 2 by Regina Swanson. The suspense from the last novel’s ending expands into this title and it’s impressive. The old and new issues get tangled and loyalties blur. Where will Keya, Xavier,  Aleah, Mackie and her brother Blaze end up…then there’s a new character who gets more attention…and Keya might just find a bit of happiness for once. The big questions that keep readers on the edge of their seats are whether or not siblings will stick together or go with what finally makes them happy.

A man is left hospitalized and his sister, new lover, and wife are worried if he’ll make it out fine. Then there’s his sister who works hard at her job and trying to help her brother and his wife with their issues. Blaze doesn’t want the thug life but his sister loves it and now it’s coming back to bite them both in the ass…only thing is Blaze willing to go to the lengths to protect his sister from what he tried telling her not to do or will he do what he needs to do to be happy? Aleah is in a rut. Her husband went from a loving great man to very abusive faster than she could ever imagine. He stops with abuse but ignores her all the time and then finally goes after another woman. A woman that is highly dangerous…and living a dark lifestyle that’s about to crumble….a simple fight ensues and all of them are involved in some way or another. Will they survive or fall trying? A Thuggish, Ruggish  Love 2 is steamy, fast-paced, and intriguing. Regina Swanson doesn’t disappoint. Her characters have once again, dragged me deep into the center of their lives. Their world became my own…Overall, I highly recommend this urban street romance to all.

 

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: Ride It Til’ the Wheels Fall Off 2

 

Synopsis:

Crazy is as crazy does! And there’s a whole lot of craziness going on in Ride It Til The Wheels Fall Off 2.

You would think that Brad would have learned not to mix love and psycho. Yet again, he can’t seem to connect the fact that sexing multiple women at one time will end in a disaster for everyone involved.

Meanwhile, Amber is doing whatever she can to keep her hooks in Brad. A pregnancy is just what she needs to hang on to him. As she prepares for their future together, can she keep her mental demons at bay long enough for him to fall in love with her.

Brad has Peaches in his thoughts. The last time they were together, she blew his mind. He can’t stop thinking about the next time they’ll get to spend some time together. But Peaches has a closet full of skeletons tucked away just beneath the surface. Everything is not as it seems.

Faith has moved on from Brad and rekindled what she had with Taylor. Sonya is not pleased about this and feels betrayed especially since she is carrying Taylor’s seed. She has plans to get Taylor back. How far will she go to make this happen?

Two women, two men, two pregnancies but one baby… Something is not adding up! Grab Ride It Til The Wheels Fall Off 2 to find out who has a problem with the arithmetic.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Toca Swanson has done it once again! Her second novel inside this crazy addictive series has it hit off of the charts so high. The drama is higher and better than ever. Ride It Til’ the Wheels Fall Off 2 is another fabulous hit by Toca Swanson. I was once more swept into the drama series. The story is told from each characters’ point of view. I loved reading the novel that angle. Each characters’ point of view only adds to the trouble brewing ahead as always. As the tale progressed…the tension was building up and not just from one character but from all of them. Each one has their own take on life and once they decide on what they want there is no stopping them.

Ride It Til’ the Wheels Fall Off 2 by Toca Swanson is like watching an Urban soap opera come to life. All the characters play a major role in adding to the masterpiece. Amber from book one is still going after Brad. Brad knows she’s a crazy chick and won’t stop unless he does something. Faith is confused by the men in her life and doesn’t know what she really feels yet. Then there’s Sonya who was once with Taylor. The Taylor that is best of friends with Faith and loves only her. Taylor and Faith have slept together…Sonya is wanting Taylor back and is planning on using her pregnancy to tie him to her…however, the baby isn’t his and Sonya has also slept with others. Where life will take these crazy unforgettable characters next is something that readers have to find out on their own. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this second novel and following what happened after book one. There’s also, a surprise twist and suspense to keep me turning the pages in a race to find all the juicy details. As always, Toca Swanson doesn’t disappoint readers and keeps bringing a hot steamy tale to all. Overall, I highly recommend this exciting urban fiction to readers everywhere.

 

 

Review: Ride It Til’ the Wheels Fall Off

Synopsis:

All good things must come to an end. Eventually.

Faith has finally found the one that she wants to spend the rest of her life with. Brad is everything she thinks that she wants in a husband.

Brad loves Faith, but he also loves to have a string of women in several cities. When he’s away from Faith and out of town his hobby seems to be collecting other women. It’s the perfect setup for him to keep Faith and his other women too.

But Brad will soon find out that there’s a thin line between love and crazy when he crosses paths with Amber. Amber falls hard and fast for Brad. So much so that she follows him back to his hometown to be with him. When Amber uncovers Brad’s web of lies, all hell breaks loose.

Ride It til the Wheels Fall Off will have you on the edge of your seat as true love meets fatal attraction.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Toca Swanson’s writing is brilliant. Her characters especially , Faith, have wrapped their way around my heart. I was compelled with the plot that builds up into one of the most suspenseful and intense stories I have read. The entire set of characters led readers with a whole set of possibilities of what might occur. As a reader…I wasn’t sure what to expect until something happened.. I love reading fiction that keeps readers like me on our toes constantly. The answers to all of my questions were answered and new questions were formed as the plot came to a close leaving me wondering what’s next. Ride It Til the Wheels Fall Off by Toca Swanson is indeed an Urban fiction novel that also brings up a lot of women’s issues. Here, I have met a variety of strong women dealing with similar issues as well as different issues as well. The drama, lies, and betrayal are thick in inside this incredible read. I tried not to hold my breath but it was hard…addictive, stunning, and well-written.

Ride It Til’ the Wheels Fall Off by Toca Swanson is definitely a must read for all. Readers like myself will have met the most compelling set of characters ever. The characters’ lives and troubles deeply swept over me. I felt everything like I was there experiencing it all instead of just reading it. That just shows how powerful Toca Swanson’s writing is. I easily got lost from my world and plunged deep into this novel. Here, I have met a woman who was the only single lady out of her friends. She met a man named Brad who is the last man a woman like herself would be with…but until another woman stirs up the nests that Brad has kept to secretly…Faith and all the others wouldn’t know what’s about to hit them all. The emotional journey from this steamy hot read packed with tons of action…is superb. It was like riding a roller coaster… and absolutely one thrilling ride I won’t be forgetting anytime soon. Overall, I loved reading this title by Toca Swanson. I highly recommend her novel to readers everywhere.

 

Review: Murder in Morningside Heights

 

Synopsis:

After spending his first few weeks as a private detective by investigating infidelities of the wealthy, Frank has a more serious case at hand.

Abigail Northrup of Tarrytown, New York, was her parents’ pride and joy. After graduating from a prestigious women’s college in Morningside Heights, she took a job there as an instructor. She also joined the ranks of the New Women, ladies planning for a life without a husband in which they make their own decisions and make a difference in the world. Unfortunately, her murder ended all that.

When the police declare the incident a random attack and refuse to investigate further, Abigail’s parents request Frank’s help. Of course, he’ll need Sarah’s assistance as she’s more familiar with the world of academia, and it will be far easier for her to interview the lady professors. Yet difficulties arise as they learn that although Miss Northrup may have been an exemplary student and teacher, she lived in a world of secrets and lies…

Rating: 5 stars

Review: 

Murder in Morningside Heights by Victoria Thompson is the first novel I have read by this talented writer. This mystery thriller suspense tale took me deep into the heart of New York City. There I got to meet an amazing couple. Known as Frank Malloy and his wife Sarah. Together these two make an irresistible pair that works well for this story. Frank Malloy was with the police but now is a detective with his own agency. His wife Sarah helped him pick the name of the agency. It’s this agency that suddenly gets a case that will intrigue the couple and readers like myself.  Victoria Thompson took me on a case that involved a woman of high academia and one that supposedly announced that women don’t need a husband to be successful. But as with all cases the person being investigated is usually far from what they actually are.

Victoria Thompson’s latest novel brought a high scandalous read that intrigued me from the beginning. I was instantly hooked.  Murder in Morningside Heights lured me back in time when women thought they need not a husband and can make their own decisions. One such woman who believed in this was found murdered. Suspense from this plot created so many what ifs and lead me on a chase to find the killer. Both Frank and his wife are an interesting couple. Their personalities make them suited for one another and for working together on such cases as this one. Imagine being in New York city surround by a society that is high maintenance, secrets, and lies. I loved reading this…I felt sucked into a whole new society where adventure and danger come hand in hand. Powerful themes and intricate scenes that dragged me into the great mystery. Overall, I would highly recommend this title to readers everywhere.

 

Review: Somebody Else’s Business

 

Synopsis:

This journey of the unexpected begins with the deployment of John Willoughby. He writes a letter expressing his committed love to his fiancee Tiffany Adams, who misplaces the letter within an hour after receiving it. Through happenstance, Kelly; the wife of another relationship finds the letter while walking her dog. Enthralled by the expressive content, she takes the letter home with the intent of using it as a tool to rekindle the spontaneity in her marriage; from there the story unfolds, into a series, of destructive episodes. The words and expressions intended for one relationship are read and conveyed in another. As a consequence of being involved, in Somebody Else’s Business, the trust and fidelity in Kelly’s marriage have been compromised. The seeds of assumption are carried yet further by an unwary housekeeper Maria, who promulgates a discovery of baseless assumptions implicating her employer’s husband of infidelity. A confrontation ensues. Guilt leads to the fate of a husband and the destruction of two additional relationships. Overall 15 lives are devastated based on assumptions. The characters are methodically developed and sequenced to bring home the lesson of “Speculative Disqualification.” From tragedy and fate, a victim emerges as a hero for social consciousness. The storyline transitions ingeniously for a climatic twist. The lesson ends with the consolation of its beginning. Though we watch from the sidelines and are entertained by the characters wit, keep in mind “Somebody Else’s Business” is everything and anything that doesn’t pertain to you.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Somebody Else’s Business by Charlton James is a superb novel of drama, tragedy, and intrigue. Immediately readers’ attention is drawn by the curiosity of the character’s find and the reaction chain it causes. Relationships are on the line of breaking…destructive, emotional, and powerful tale of how someone else’s business gets picked up by another and another until the damage appears, and everything is never the same. Charlton James is a master at suspense and creating a novel that sparks, entertains, fascinates readers. The characters are well-developed and the pages are well-written in a way that will forever entice readers to its plot. Charlton James as a dramatic flare for creating the juiciest drama and trouble readers shall ever find. I fell in love with this talented writer’s words and the scenes that unfolded before me. Somebody Else’s Business is definitely a must read for those who love Pretty Little Liars, Downton Abby, and Manchester. Overall, I highly recommend this stunning story to readers worldwide. I promise once you read this you won’t be disappointed.

 

Review: Bed of Lies

 

Synopsis:

Secrets and scandals are a way of life for the Murdochs of Chesterton, Virginia. But the lies that bind them may end up tearing them apart…

With his drama-filled marriage behind him, Evan Murdoch has finally found happiness with his longtime friend turned fiancée, Leila Hawkins. But when his party-boy brother, Terrence, is seriously injured in a car accident, a gossiping press puts the family back in the spotlight. Soon Terrence could face a lawsuit–and much worse, if his vengeful half-brother, Dante, has his way. Terrence’s only bright spot is journalist C.J. Aston–but is she really on his side, or does she have another motive?

While Terrence struggles to recover from his injuries, Paulette, the little sister of the family, is struggling with a secret: she’s pregnant, and unsure whether the father is her blackmailing ex or her husband. Amid the turmoil, Evan does his best to stay above the fray, but a shocking revelation makes that impossible–he’s a Murdoch after all, and trouble seems to be their business…

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Bed of Lies by Shelly Ellis is her second best novel yet. I was amazed how she keeps all the drama, trouble, and scandals afloat in this new exciting book of hers. Once again readers are brought back to the irresistible family, the Murdochs. As we have seen in book one scandals are just one major pain in the side that the family has yet to endure. Evan Murdoch and his fiancee finally get through the first round of trouble that headed their way and now it’s coming back. However, it will be his friend Terrance, Terrance’s half brother Dante, and Evan’s sister who will be stirring up a bee’s nest. Can Evan Murdoch keep his wits this time or will it all be too much for him to handle?

Bed of Lies is exactly what’s inside this new title. Shelly Ellis is a talented writer whose plots have readers coming back for seconds. This time, readers get second helpings on the Murdoch family and their friends. A woman carrying child but not sure who the actual father is and receiving blackmails from a man that may be the father of the baby will keep readers in suspense all the way until the last page. Readers will love the buzz of excitement, betrayals, and lies as the Murdoch’s dig their way through the drama that life keeps tossing their way. Shelly Ellis’s novels are juicy with enough action, heat, and spice to lure readers every time. Overall, I highly recommend this romance novel to all.

 

 

Review: June (A Novel)

 

Synopsis:

Twenty-five-year-old Cassie Danvers is holed up in her family’s crumbling mansion in rural St. Jude, Ohio, mourning the loss of the woman who raised her—her grandmother, June. But a knock on the door forces her out of isolation. Cassie has been named the sole heir to legendary matinee idol Jack Montgomery’s vast fortune. How did Jack Montgomery know her name? Could he have crossed paths with her grandmother all those years ago? What other shocking secrets could June’s once-stately mansion hold?

Soon Jack’s famous daughters come knocking, determined to wrestle Cassie away from the inheritance they feel is their due. Together, they all come to discover the true reasons for June’s silence about that long-ago summer, when Hollywood came to town, and June and Jack’s lives were forever altered by murder, blackmail, and betrayal. As this page-turner shifts deftly between the past and present, Cassie and her guests will be forced to reexamine their legacies, their definition of family, and what it truly means to love someone, steadfastly, across the ages.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Review:

June by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore is an intriguing read for all. The novel itself fluctuates between events from the 1950’s to the present moment. Events from the past have an enormous effect on the characters and how their lives will play out in the end. Three women’s lives are brought together inside this juicy drama filled novel. Readers will be piqued as to how each character handles the new information they have been given and what will become of them. A grandmother has passed away and left an inheritance to one woman and then a grandfather that she never knew about left her an inheritance as well.  Hollywood star from the past brings all the secrets, lies, and betrayals to the women presented in the present moment within this title. It’s funny how one knows their life and then suddenly it all changes with a death of two people. Two people who have held secrets for a long time.

Miranda Beverly-Whittemore’s writing is well-written. The characters will become living beings that pop off the pages as the events that haunted the past come bubbling up to the present. Nothing like family drama to stir things up…as a reader I didn’t really click with any one character. The characters had news they were not expecting and dealt with it on a day to day basis. I didn’t feel sympathy for the women…but I could relate to their issues. June is an intimate yet suspenseful tale that will lure readers into its plot. Each woman has her own struggles as well as the ones they all share. This gives the story depth and a realistic feeling to it. I was curious with each page as to how the ending would turn out…and I have to say the tension builds into an explosively stunning piece. Overall, I recommend this novel to readers everywhere.

Review: Lazaretto (A Novel)

 

Synopsis:

Diane McKinney-Whetstone’s nationally bestselling novel, Tumbling, immersed us into Philadelphia’s black community during the Civil Rights era, and she returns to the city in this new historical novel about a cast of nineteenth-century characters whose colorful lives intersect at the legendary Lazaretto—America’s first quarantine hospital.

Isolated on an island where two rivers meet, the Lazaretto quarantine hospital is the first stop for immigrants who wish to begin new lives in Philadelphia. The Lazaretto’s black live-in staff forge a strong social community, and when one of them receives permission to get married on the island the mood is one of celebration, particularly since the white staff—save the opium-addicted doctor—are given leave for the weekend. On the eve of the ceremony, a gunshot rings out across the river. A white man has fired at a boat carrying the couple’s friends and family to the island, and the captain is injured. His life lies in the hands of Sylvia, the Lazaretto’s head nurse, who is shocked to realize she knows the patient.

Intertwined with the drama unfolding at the Lazaretto are the fates of orphan brothers. When one brother commits a crime to protect the other, he imperils both of their lives—and the consequences ultimately deliver both of them to the Lazaretto.

In this masterful work of historical fiction, Diane McKinney-Whetstone seamlessly transports us to Philadelphia in the aftermath of the Civil War and Lincoln’s assassination, beautifully evoking powerful stories of love, friendship and humanity amid the vibrant black community that flourished amid the troubled times.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Lazaretto by Diane McKinney-Whetstone is a historical fiction novel that takes immediately back to the post Civil War time period. The cruel injustices brought onto the Africans during this time period can be seen by all. I picked this novel because of the racial issues covered in this brilliant novel. As a student, I have just studied this topic and wanted to read more about the time period and Lazaretto was definitely the, it novel to read. Readers will be intrigued by the rise of conflicts, lies, and danger of secrets once kept.

The one of a kind historical novel, Lazaretto, is a story of a hospital that comes under deep scrutiny during a conflicted time era. Blacks are staffed at the hospital where tensions and drama will soon follow. A woman gives birth to a child but is told it died only that wasn’t true. What happens to the woman who kept the lie and what happens the lies and secrets resurface will cause trouble for all including the hospital. A realistic portrayal of Africans and white folk is clearly visible within this story. The danger and suspense will keep readers guessing on every page. The drama and action will leave readers glued onto every detail. A juicy historical that will become the new all-time classic read for readers everywhere.  I enjoyed reading this new title by Diane McKinney-Whetstone, and I highly recommend to readers worldwide. The Lazaretto is one must read for all.