Samantha Anderson leaves the comfort of her life in Dallas for a journey to Los Angeles where she has to deal wOriginally published onThe Book Nympho
Samantha Anderson leaves the comfort of her life in Dallas for a journey to Los Angeles where she has to deal with the estate of Charlie Pearson, a grandfather she never knew existed. FBI Agent Linc Hawkins, on leave and recuperating from devastating injuries he received during his last case, was like a son to Charlie and offers Samantha his help in navigating her new world. He believes Charlie was murdered and didn't commit suicide as it was ruled. Linc's suspicions seem to be confirmed when Samantha experiences some close calls soon after her arrival.
I was really happy this was Linc's story as he was seriously injured in the last story and we didn't know much about him. He's a wonderful character with a strong sense of loyalty and honor, even though he was pretty commitment phobic. Samantha was a little more uneven, running hot and cold but behaving characteristically for someone whose life was turned upside down.
I liked how the story began, with a prologue setting the tone for the tension and suspense to come. The mystery and the romance are slow boils that roil over the course of the story, allowing relationships to form, develop and grow on me by the end and then get threatened. I very much enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the series.
(I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an unbiased review)...more
Carly Harrington-Reese works late one night in her soon-to-be-opened boutique when she hears an animal whimpering from the next door unit. She discoveCarly Harrington-Reese works late one night in her soon-to-be-opened boutique when she hears an animal whimpering from the next door unit. She discovers an unconscious Noah Glover and his service dog, Harley, and barely has time to rescue them before the place erupts in fire. Noah is an arson investigator but all evidence points in his direction this time as the perpetrator. And Carly is caught squarely in the middle.
I really liked the mystery/suspense angle of the story, especially the inclusion on the real arsonist's point of view (but we still have to guess his identity). I also appreciated the added diversity as Carly is a former super model who happens to be Black. Unfortunately, the "romance" between Carly and Noah was more a lust-fest and it was difficult to swallow their instant love after only knowing each other a few days. There was a missed opportunity here to develop this relationship, including Noah's role as a single parent.
As with the other books in the series, Harley is the real star of the show, displaying his exceptional skills as an explosives expert while also illustrating his relationship to his handler. I read the series primarily for that education and this book delivered. If that's your main interest and you like mystery and suspense, you'll still enjoy the story despite the flaws in the romance. I'm still a faithful fan and look forward to the next book. 3.5 stars
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review) ...more
Darla Cavannah is back, now working for the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations and anticipating the adoption of a baby girl from China. Just as she'Darla Cavannah is back, now working for the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations and anticipating the adoption of a baby girl from China. Just as she's preparing to file papers for time off for impending motherhood, she's requested to lead the investigation of an apparent hate crime. A young Black woman was discovered hanging from a tree on the Old Miss campus. She's not just any girl...her father's the most well known man in the state.
Only Gusick could write this timely story of modern racism with wit, honesty and intelligence. You're drawn into the story, which is rapidly paced without being rushed. He doesn't indict anyone, leaving it up to the reader to form any judgments...or not.
Darla is one of my most favorite fictional characters and she has some moments here that are just outstanding. The breakout character, however, is her partner, Rita Gibbons, who will have you in stitches. But make no mistake, these are two extremely capable investigators who no one would underestimate.
The case has quite a few twists but not the kind that are done to entertain the reader. It's an excellent procedural and the culture of the region is perfectly captured. There are no caricatures here. I love this series and devoured this book, hoping for more to come. 4.5 stars
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review) ...more
I enjoyed this story so much more than the first book in the series! So very glad I decided to continue on.
Abraham (Bram) Evans certainly has his issuI enjoyed this story so much more than the first book in the series! So very glad I decided to continue on.
Abraham (Bram) Evans certainly has his issues but at least he evolves through the story. He was adopted by the family that first fostered him and his twin brother at age six. Anita (Ani) Martin was also fostered by the same family but after Bram had left and was on his own. Their relationship could be described as acrimonious at best...until it wasn't.
The thing I like most about all of the characters in this series is their authenticity. Bram and Anita aren't always likable individually and most definitely as a couple. What they are is realistic, behaving more like the people we know than those we wish they were. It's that honesty that works and exposing their vulnerabilities just makes them endearing.
This was a rocky, emotionally-jammed journey that I couldn't put down. The extended family was such a major factor in the story, illustrating the dynamics and beauty of blended relationships created through foster parenting, adoption and children born to the parents. Kudos to the author for writing such a powerful and positive example. Bram and Anita felt like real people and crept into my heart when I didn't expect to feel them.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)...more
The unimaginable happens when a mysterious man enters the town library and suddenly opens fire on the people insidOriginally posted on The Book Nympho
The unimaginable happens when a mysterious man enters the town library and suddenly opens fire on the people inside. Jolene Skornac, the 13-year old daughter of Ty Lewellyn's right-hand man, is caught in the attack. Detectives Dawn Cimarron and Rafe Melbourne investigate the shooting, which seems inexplicable and random. Meanwhile, one of their cold cases warms up at the same time, challenging them to handle both extremely perplexing crimes.
I really enjoyed this story, especially because it featured two cases in play at the same time. That felt realistic as most detectives probably juggle more than one case at a time. And, the older investigation was just as compelling as the current one.
The procedurals were very well done and even though the killer in one of the cases was pretty easy to pinpoint, figuring out the particulars and how it was pulled off was intriguing. The library shooter was a bit tougher and I just tagged along as Dawn and Rafe followed leads. A highlight was the moment in interview where the perps are taken down. Reminded me of another highly popular series and that's a really good thing.
I'm really enjoying this gem of a series. Prelatte is an excellent storyteller and I like how she weaves Dawn and Rafe's personal relationships into the story so seamlessly without overwhelming the investigations. Looking forward to what's next for this duo.
(I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review)...more
Jillian Matheson and her ex-fiancé Zach Gifford were together for eight years before she ceremoniously left her enOriginally posted on The Book Nympho
Jillian Matheson and her ex-fiancé Zach Gifford were together for eight years before she ceremoniously left her engagement ring on top of his amp three months ago. She was tired of taking a back seat to his music career and waiting to set a wedding date. And when he didn't work really hard to get her back, Jillian was ready to move on with her life.
I really liked both Jillian and Zach. He's a guitarist with a local band playing at The Love Shack, a popular beach restaurant there on Fortune's Island, owned by Jillian's parents. She's a waitress there so throughout their separation, they've never been too far apart physically. I also liked how, though Zach may have been the one most slacking, both of them bore responsibility for their failed relationship. Their pain, along with their hopes, fears and dreams were very well illustrated, making them seem real and like people I'd want to know better.
I enjoyed their introspective journey back to each other and the insights they gained in doing so. The story was a bit repetitive at times but overall was interesting. I also liked the music industry aspects, particularly how their songwriting developed. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, hopefully about Jillian's brother, Carter. 3.5 stars
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)...more
It's been five years since the last story and Keith Lazarow has accomplished the seemingly impossible. He's been dOriginally posted on The Book Nympho
It's been five years since the last story and Keith Lazarow has accomplished the seemingly impossible. He's been drug free and has become extremely successful as a commercial real estate investor in California. Leaving Fairham Island and his controlling, cruel mother has everything to do with him staying clean. However, when Keith's informed of her death, ruled a suicide, he has to go back to the place that represents lots of personal pain and failure. And, he doesn't buy Josephine killed herself. He's also looking forward to reconnecting with the woman who was his lifeline in those very dark days, Nancy Dellinger.
I thought Josephine's "redemption" at the end of the last book was questionable and a lot is discovered here that confirmed my suspicions. However, she's still a very complicated character and her actions made this an interesting mystery. Even in death she continues to overshadow her children.
I liked Keith's growth and how it was illustrated, not presenting him as cured but a continuing work in progress. His relationship, however, was disappointing as I never sensed the empathy I would have expected. But, I think he was authentically portrayed. Nancy's weakness in not being able to resist him was also realistic, even though I wanted her to have a stronger spine. Her behavior was just that of a normal woman, trying to get over a man she's in love with who doesn't return her feelings.
I enjoyed the mystery and while I figured out the answer, I flip flopped through the end:) There was one plot hole, though, that I'm still puzzled about. The romance was tough given Keith's disconnection but it was real. Otherwise, I liked the story and look forward to the next in the series, especially after the epilogue.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review) ...more
Helena Wade, Countess Crewe, the last of the original Dashing Widows, is losing the battle waged by Lord West to win her affection. She hasn't forgiveHelena Wade, Countess Crewe, the last of the original Dashing Widows, is losing the battle waged by Lord West to win her affection. She hasn't forgiven him for introducing and seemingly endorsing the horrible man she ended up marrying. They have a wonderful past, however, stemming from when they grew up together. But, he's slowly but certainly melting those barriers.
Helena is spirited, feisty, intellectual and incredibly interesting, as is Lord West. They're perfectly matched and their witty repartee was fun to read. She's bitterly damaged by her philandering former husband and West's dismantling of those crusty layers was clever and seductive. And, these two brought the steam.
I loved these two and thought the story created for them was outstanding. Helena's resistance was realistic and well founded. West's resilience was in tandem with his nature and we didn't have to suffer a protracted dance for long. It was also nice to have the earlier secondary characters be major factors in the story. This is a wonderful series! 4.5 stars
(I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review)...more
Dylan Royce is a former teen pop idol trying to transition into a serious rock musician. Between his manager and label, they've done a lousy job of maDylan Royce is a former teen pop idol trying to transition into a serious rock musician. Between his manager and label, they've done a lousy job of making that happen. When Ariel Watson, his new publicist, takes over and he gets the chance to sub on tour for Riptide (a band he's idolized forever), Dylan has a shot at being the musician he's always wanted to be and the woman he's adored from afar.
There's a lot to like about Dylan, especially considering he'd been “handled” for so long. His situation made me think about all the young teen stars who struggle with similar transitions, being totally mismanaged in the process by recording labels. I loved his heart and selflessness. Ariel came to him at the most perfect time and their relationship was refreshing.
It's a short story with some very strong themes, mostly about staying true to who you are and being clear about your purpose. I really liked Dylan and Ariel and how their personal journeys exemplified those themes. This series is a little gem in the rough.
(I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review)...more
Sebastian St. Cyr and his wife, Hero, head to Ayleswick, Shropshire to meet Jamie Knox's grandmother. He has something to deliver to her but hopes to Sebastian St. Cyr and his wife, Hero, head to Ayleswick, Shropshire to meet Jamie Knox's grandmother. He has something to deliver to her but hopes to learn more about his paternity. Unfortunately, he walks right into a suspicious death in the small village and the young, inexperienced squire enlists his aid in determining if the young woman, Emma Chance, committed suicide or was murdered.
I really liked this mystery because the pursuit revealed so much more about the town's history, spanning over two decades. It revealed so much about the political decisions that formed the societal norms in the present. Throughout, the parallels of Emma's exploration with Sebastian's own were contrasted skillfully. Jamie Knox's immediate and extended family were a separate fascination.
There were a host of suspects and Sebastian's methodical investigation helped to deconstruct the events leading up to Emma's death in a very interesting manner. Even though I guessed wrong, the clues were there. I really enjoyed this story, which also subtly presented Sebastian and Hero's deepening relationship (nicely done). I've enjoyed this series immensely and now will have to wait a few months for the next book's release. ...more
Julie Chandler returned home to Seaside, North Carolina following a failed relationship that left her trying to find her way. She's looking to developJulie Chandler returned home to Seaside, North Carolina following a failed relationship that left her trying to find her way. She's looking to develop a career based on her yoga instruction skills at the town's Veterans Center. Lawson Phillips is an Army pilot mentally recovering from a devastating helo crash that's left him struggling to fly again. He's had his eye on Julie but it takes an interesting turn once she begins her yoga classes.
I liked the promise of this story, as well as both Julie and Lawson. What worked was the spotlight on not just the symptoms of PTSD but the therapies that seem to work. I also liked that there weren't any shortcuts and Lawson had to do the work. I appreciated the attention given to emotional abuse and its impacts, though Julie's final confrontation required a suspension of reality.
By the middle of the book however, I began to receive so many mixed messages from them I lost my way. I also found it curious that there was so much emphasis on the sexual relationship but most of the activities were summarized oddly. I didn't need it to be more explicit but the story put me there.
Overall, an enjoyable story and romance, despite Lawson's low moment near the end. I just wish the characters would have been more deftly developed. 3.5 stars
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)...more
Miles Duncan and his SEAL Team are diverted to an extraction mission in Romania that goes horribly wrong. He's found by Charlotte Carstons, an MI6 ageMiles Duncan and his SEAL Team are diverted to an extraction mission in Romania that goes horribly wrong. He's found by Charlotte Carstons, an MI6 agent suspected of going rogue, who nurses him back to health and then disappears after arranging his rescue. Now she's back and needs Miles help to clear her name. He's now a Shadow Force International operative.
I liked that we got to see Shadow Force in more action in this story. Charlotte's formidable on her own and coupled with Miles, things get more exciting. Their personal relationship was pretty steamy but absent a lot of the angst you might have expected given the number of secrets both were managing. The climax was really exciting, filled with action and the full team in play.
I enjoyed the story and am very much liking this series.
(I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review)...more
Amos Decker is on his way to Washington, D. C. to join an FBI special task force headed by Ross Bogart. They'll be investigating cold and questionableAmos Decker is on his way to Washington, D. C. to join an FBI special task force headed by Ross Bogart. They'll be investigating cold and questionable cases. When he hears a news report about a former college football star who was on death row for murdering his parents and just escaped execution when someone suddenly confessed to the crime, it's no surprise that Decker wants this to be the first project of the task force.
I loved this story from the start as every scene was compelling, interesting and provided something new to ponder. It went from being fairly uncomplicated to becoming a thing with so many tentacles that it tangled my brain in a good way. Decker's mind continues to be fascinating and the team dynamics suited his style perfectly.
I also enjoyed the narration, which transitions between the two narrators every time there is a gender change during dialogue. Aside from helping with character distinction, it also livens up the performance. I'm committed to the audio format for this series.
Literally, I couldn't stop listening to this book (even put my headphones on in the middle of the night). This is great storytelling with a very intriguing character in Decker at the forefront. It also has a strong supporting cast and I especially liked the man of focus in the investigation, Melvin Mars, who I couldn't help but root for throughout. Loved everything about this reading experience.
(I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review)...more
Joe's story continues as he lands in Los Angeles trying to track Amy Adam, his latest lover who cleverly betrayed him.
While Joe isn't as creepy or se Joe's story continues as he lands in Los Angeles trying to track Amy Adam, his latest lover who cleverly betrayed him.
While Joe isn't as creepy or seemingly as unhinged as he was in You, he hasn't lost his murder gene. His rationalization is what's even scarier as I found myself often supporting his points of view. We get a much deeper sense of this man's intellect and cleverness. Joe embodies much of what we consider the human condition and it's unsettling to think how innocuously he appears to those around him. He could be anyone in our lives as no one seems to be able to see beneath the outward veneer he presents.
The narrator, Santino Fontana, is outstanding! He is Joe in every sense. He's funny when necessary and always cynical in delivery. When the character shifts in outlook, you hear that subtly. He made Joe leap off the pages.
Again, this story is profound less for the details of the story and more for how it creeps around your moral and ethical boundaries. Why in the world would I ever have a moment of sympathy and support for a character like Joe? I have no idea but, dang it all, I found myself rooting for Joe. 4.5 stars
(I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review)...more
Firefighter Jamie Rutherford temporarily assumes the role of lieutenant for Engine 39 when their permanent leader,Originally posted on The Book Nympho
Firefighter Jamie Rutherford temporarily assumes the role of lieutenant for Engine 39 when their permanent leader, Danny Walsh, is seriously injured in a fire. She's one of the few women firefighters, let alone one in a command role. Scott Kincaid recently decided to stop being a serial dater because he's ready to settle down and is waiting for "the one." When Jamie first walks through the door, he's stung but she can't risk her career by getting involved with another firefighter under her command. And, the rules for women are very different from the rest of the men.
I loved this story as it blended so many issues extremely well. Jamie is seven years older than Scott; is one of the few female firefighters in the country let alone Boston and is in a command position; needs to prove herself as a leader and hold her own as a firefighter; and, becomes romantically involved with someone under her leadership. As enlightened as Scott is about women being as capable as their male firefighting counterparts, he's challenged when he considers that it could be his wife in a risky career role. Gender equality issues were really well addressed without belaboring the topic.
I liked that these issues were realistically portrayed instead of taking a fictional approach to the story. Workplace romances are common, no matter how controversial, and their problems and concerns were real. I also really liked how much I learned about some of the routine aspects of a station's duties, how their shifts actually work and the many types of non-emergency calls they must respond to. These were nicely woven into the developing romance between Jamie and Scott.
I'm really enjoying this series and the balance between the roles of firefighters and their relationships. It's very well done and I loved everything about this story.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)...more
Susannah McGuiness and Jake Lassiter have flirted around their attraction but now that he's hired her to redecorate his home, they've decided to just Susannah McGuiness and Jake Lassiter have flirted around their attraction but now that he's hired her to redecorate his home, they've decided to just acknowledge it and move forward. Unfortunately for Jake, it apparently triggered his PTSD nightmares.
This is a story about grace, faith and the power of both in the midst of a debilitating condition. The realities of PTSD amongst our veterans was well presented through Jake who served in Iraq and suffered a traumatic loss that still haunts him. His burgeoning relationship with Susannah was an important part of his recovery as well as a contribution to the problem.
The families of both, extended and otherwise, play significant roles and Susannah's sister, Shelby, is perfectly set up for the next book.
I really enjoyed this story, which was personally well timed to deliver a message I was open to hearing. Jake and Susannah's triumph was inspirational.
(I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review)...more
Jacob Kincaid has returned home on Army leave after a nine year absence (no phone calls, nothing). His family is ecstatic...his twin brother, Hud? NotJacob Kincaid has returned home on Army leave after a nine year absence (no phone calls, nothing). His family is ecstatic...his twin brother, Hud? Not so much. He's renting a cabin by the lake near his family's ski resort, and finds Sophie Marren and her boat illegally moored at his dock. She's recently divorced and the boat is her sole takeaway from her cheating ex. Things start to heat up almost immediately after he orders her off his property.
This was an interesting, often fun story. I liked the issues Jacob and Sophie we're dealing with, his in repairing his relationship with his twin brother and hers in trying to ground herself following a failed and painful marriage. Sophie's humor is pretty infectious and Jacob typifies the stoic but honorable guy who gets swept up by her adventurous nature.
Though I would have preferred more emphasis on the dynamics affecting these two and the other Kincaids rather than their physical relationship (it was overly so), it was still a good reading experience. I like this family and I really liked Sophie and Jacob.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)...more
I didn't know what I was walking into with this story given the end of the last one. Here we have Max Daniels, theOriginally posted on The Book Nympho
I didn't know what I was walking into with this story given the end of the last one. Here we have Max Daniels, the president of the Skulls Motorcycle Club, shot outside of the Velvet Rope (a strip club) by his "brothers" who were trying to kill him. This after Joan, one of the strippers, had set off two bombs despite Max's efforts to stop her. She gets him into her car and we're off to craziness.
The only two certainties I knew about these characters were one was deadly dangerous and the other was a mystery. And, I wasn't certain I liked either one of them. If this story wasn't written by one of my most favorite authors, I'd take a pass otherwise. So, I dove in, holding my breath.
Honestly, I did take a complete breath until the end of the book. Max's dangerousness is real and is a threat to Joan for a large part of the story. She's an enigma as she shows no one who she really is, including her real name. We gain insights when she takes the seriously injured Max to her Aunt Fern's home in Florida, a woman she hasn't seen or talked to in seven years. It's here that Max and Joan do a dance that eventually disarms them, allowing the other to take in revelations that leave them open and vulnerable to each other.
This is not a traditional love story by no means. It's hard, sometimes mean, and refreshingly honest. Their journey had me participating more as a voyeur rather than empathetically as I had absolutely nothing in common with them to attach onto. But suddenly, I wanted them to win, survive and thrive because they'd earned it.
O'Keefe has once again done the impossible...made me care about characters who don't seem to deserve my emotional investment. It's an intellectually and emotionally rich story that I'm glad I decided to read, dragging feet notwithstanding. Kudos to the author who's never let me down. 4.5 stars
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)...more
In the space of a few seconds, three people at an ice skating rink in Central Park are mowed down by a sniper. LieOriginally posted on The Book Nympho
In the space of a few seconds, three people at an ice skating rink in Central Park are mowed down by a sniper. Lieutenant Eve Dallas gets the case and it's a race against time as they quickly discover they are dealing with a deadly and potential serial killer.
I loved that the story begins with the killer's point of view. It really helped to keep up with a complex but brilliant procedural. Eve really has a gifted brain and fits into a leadership role so effortlessly. She's very different these days as she leverages her team efficiently and effectively, reflecting the growth of a compelling character.
It's not all about the case as there are some interesting developments on the personal side. They were masterfully woven into the story, never taking away from the case but enhancing the overall tale. This is In Death at its finest.
This will rank as one of my favorites. Every time I think there's nothing more to be explored in this series, I'm delivered a story like this one to remind me why it is my most favorite one. Everything worked with precision. ...more
We finally get to discover who Lark Warren really is and put the broody Vaughn Wilde out of his misery...maybe. They hooked up at his twin brother CamWe finally get to discover who Lark Warren really is and put the broody Vaughn Wilde out of his misery...maybe. They hooked up at his twin brother Cam's wedding, spent a couple of intense weeks together and then she disappeared. When he looked into her background, Vaughn discovered she'd used several aliases before the current one but never found the first and real. A chance discovery in New Orleans puts them on a road trip together as he brings her back (unwillingly) to Washington, DC.
The fast pace of the story starts right away and never lets up! Lark, or Sage as she's now called, doesn't reveal herself easily and her layers are peeled back slowly over the course of the book. Don't assume that you know Vaughn because you've read Cam's story as these two men, though identical twins, couldn't be more different. His story is equally compelling as Lark's and together they're enigmatic.
I loved this book, even with a couple of plot directions that required a bit of belief suspension. It was tension filled with quite a few explosive action scenes. There were also some crossover characters from the HORNET series (to my delight). I'm still enjoying the Wilde brothers and their expanding family. I'm looking forward to Greer's story, which is next up.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
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