Sunday, January 31, 2016

By Break of Day


By Break of Day
by M. L. Buchman


My Review
This was a little too technical for me, the first part was way over my head and a little boring. I did love the secret missions and the machines they used. I loved the teasing and the light heartiness but when it came down to business they were serious and the job got done. You could feel the chemistry between Kara and Justin it was powerful. I loved how they picked on each other about their background it was fun loving. The SOAR team work together like a fine tuned machine. They might tease each other but they have each other’s back. It broke my heart when Justin told Kara his story. That is a lot to overcome and be able to get back into and do your job.

The missions made the story for me I loved the way it was written and how things unfolded. You could feel the danger and held your breath until they came home unharmed. That last mission topped them all. It blew my mind the choices Kara had to make. They were tough she took it on the chin and did a wonderful job.

I totally enjoy both Kara and Justin family the fun loving teasing. There are many characters in this book that are wonderful. There were lots of things I really loved or liked about this book. I almost put it down at the start with all the technical that was over my head. It turned out to be a wonderful plot and a good read.

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Book Description  
Captain Kara Moretti flies high in her MQ-1C Gray Eagle UAV. It is the Night Stalkers' eyes and ears in the sky, and being behind a remote control and one step back from the action has always worked for her… and her love life.

Right until Captain Justin Roberts walks straight through her shields and into her heart. Justin is a pilot who loves being right in the middle of the fray. Together they'll go where life, limb, and heart are at risk in the Mongolian wilderness. But Justin learns there's something more important than missions - Kara.

Dog Collar Knockoff



Dog Collar Knockoff

by Adrienne Giordano


My Review
This is a fun loving mystery story Lucie loves dogs. She has a dog walking business along with dog accessory business which she runs out of her home. With her father getting out of prison she knows she has to move it. She finds a building, cleans it up, everything is going fine until track suits are found. There is also the mystery of the art.

The author gives you wonderful characters with a great plot.  Lucie is a wonderful character strong, caring and loving. She wants to make her own way legally. She wants nothing to do with her father’s crime business. The author gives you a pager turner filled with humor, mystery and delightful characters.  I found this to be a wonderful fun clean read.

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Book Description
Catering to the pampered paws set took Lucie Rizzo from unemployed to entrepreneur. With her dog walking/chic pet accessory business on the verge of success, Lucie’s ready to make a name for herself. One not tarnished by her dad’s mobster rep.

When an art deal she brokered between clients turns suspicious, it’s up to Lucie to sniff out the truth. She might not know the difference between Monet and Manet, but Rizzos are no strangers to jail time—and Lucie refuses to be someone’s prison bitch.

Unless that someone is a tall, blond and Irish cop. Detective Tim O’Brien certainly knows how to get Lucie hot under the rhinestone collar. And with her on-again-off-again relationship with Frankie Falcone currently off, O’Brien isn’t shy about making her feel wanted, mafia ties and all. Even joining her crack—or crackpot—team on the trail of two paintings with equally shady origins.


Saturday, January 30, 2016

Remorseless: Doc Powers & D.I. Carver Investigate #1



Remorseless: Doc Powers & D.I. Carver Investigate #1
 My Review
This was a really good listen with a wonderful plot. I have never read/listen to anything by this author. He gives a wonderful tale of mystery, suspense with crime and getting inside the head of a criminal.  This is a dark book of crimes that will have you with your mouth open. Peter said he is innocence and claims that his brother did the killing and framed him. After serving 18 years of his life sentence he is up for parole putting everyone in a tailspin. The author takes you through his parole hearing, how it affects him and all those around him even his brother and a few doctors.  It takes you through him getting out and all he does. There is no doubt this will shock you and surprises you as the author throws in some major twists. I thought I knew where this was going but I was so wrong. The author keeps you guessing at first you feel sorry for one and than the other. Never will you guess the ending and all that comes to pass.

I thought for the first time of narration the author didn’t do a bad job. His different character voices are outstanding. He could use a little work on his female voices but they are pleasant. His accent pulls you in and adds to the story. However he needs to work on how to the basics of narrating. He needs to slow down and take a moment between sentences or characters it is not a race to get done. I found it all blended too much together and I had a hard time keeping up. There are some changes in volume and quality of the voice that is very noticeable. With a little work Will could be an outstanding narrator. He did make this a believable story with having the emotions down for each character.

As for the rest of the book there were things I wasn’t sure why they were there. I didn’t feel that her ex needed to be gone into as much detail as the author gave. There is one or two other places I thought to much detail were given. However this was a very highly entertaining read/listen that I did really enjoy. True Crime has always been my favorite read. I have always found the mind a mystery of how it works and why some turn out so bad. I never could understand how someone could kill in cold blood or what makes a psychopath. I thought the author did an outstanding job of giving us some thought on this bring in characters that you could relate to and others that will truly shock you. This will leave you questioning our legal system in more than one way. I have to agree life should mean life there should be no parole. This is an action pack read with just the right amount of action give at the correct time. It is a very believable read/listen that is compelling and pulls you in.  I would really love to read more from this author and if he takes his time and works on his narration along with a few other issues I would love to listen to more of his audios. If you are into Mystery, Thriller & Suspens, Crime Fiction or Serial Killers this is a book you do not want to miss.

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Book Description

Obsession, lust and revenge... Part murder mystery, part crime investigation, this unique noir killer thriller is a real page turner.


'A tale of twisted minds, psychopathic planning and dark moods... A really enjoyable read.'

'I always felt like I was reading with my hands over my eyes, sort of peeking through my fingers, cringing at what I knew what was coming next...’

‘If you like your books gritty, dark with complex characters and a plot that takes you with it to the grand finale then you will enjoy this...’

‘Hooked me right from the start, a build up in tension as the book rolls along and some twists that will put a big smile on your face...'

'Not for the lily livered...'


All quotes are from Amazon reviews.

A devious serial killer, brutalized by years in prison is up for parole and, one way or another, he wants out.

Criminal profiler Doc Powers is assisted by Detective Inspector Jack Carver of London's Metropolitan Police as he tries to unravel the truth about this violent psychopath while battling demons of his own.

First in the series introducing Doc Powers, Forensic Psychologist, partnering DI Carver. Their second investigation is well underway and will be ready to read in 2016, with the third and final installment of their adventures together expected during 2017.

From the back cover of the paperback version of Remorseless:

Peter Leech is a cunning, devious killer, brutalized by half a lifetime in prison for the vicious murder of his parents. Now he’s up for parole and, one way or another, he wants out.

He's driven by obsessive lust for Judy Finch, a beautiful parole officer who spurned his advances, and his thirst for revenge on those he blames for his conviction.

His nemesis, Doc Powers, the forensic psychiatrist who assessed his mental health for trial, is now on the panel reviewing Leech’s parole application. But Doc fears for his own sanity. His feelings of guilt over his wife’s death and his terrible experiences as a criminal profiler threaten to overwhelm him. Hallucinations haunt Doc as he struggles to convince his colleagues that Leech is a dangerous unreformed psychopath.

A blossoming relationship with Judy helps Doc heal – emotionally and professionally – but he soon discovers he’s ill-prepared for Leech’s re-entry into his life...

A tense British Crime Thriller full of suspense, intriguing twists and a double figure bodycount... The first of a trilogy featuring the main characters.

Readers who loved this novel also enjoyed books by Mo Hayder, Alex Karva, Dean Kootz,Jeffrey Deaver, Val McDermid, Minette Walters, Brett Easton Ellis, Iain Banks' Wasp Factory, Misery by Stephen King, the Hannibal Lecter novels by Thomas Harris and many more! If these authors appeal then you may well enjoy this dark disturbing thriller too...

Check out the website to hear the author narrating the first 40 pages of the new Audiobook version of Remorseless. Please note, this is not a standard narration - Will has created character voices to reflect how they sound inside his head...

You can also find out more about the novel, the characters and other thrillers. Join Will's Readers Group for exclusive Member benefits...

www.remorselessthriller.com

Mail-Order Brides of the West, Book 4: Prudence: Mail-Order Brides of the West, Book 4

Mail-Order Brides of the West, Book 4: Prudence: Mail-Order Brides of the West, Book 4

Written by: Debra Holland
Narrated by: Lara Asmundson
Length: 6 hrs
Series: Montana Sky, Book .78
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:11-06-15
Publisher: Debra Holland
My Review
As always with an audio of Ms. Holland’s is an outstanding listen one that captures your attention taking you to another place and time. This was a very entertaining I have been looking forward to reading for a long time. Prudence for a long time has been hateful, mean and downright a prude. I believe her family named her well. All the other mail-order-brides have been wonderfully sweet, caring and loving. Some down on their luck other just wanting to make a new start. I have to say my heart went out to her when I learned why she is the way she is. She has had a tough life just another to show money doesn’t bring you happiness or love.

Michael who is well to do and wants the prefect wife decides maybe he will get his self one. Going into Sweet Water Spring he runs into the past mail order brides. To say they weren’t impressed by him is saying it lightly. They decide there is only one wife he needs to fit him to a T. They are both just the same and they feel he needs to be taken down a peg or two. The tell him to ask for Prudence’s hand which he does. Once Prudence hits the town nothing will be the same for either of them. She thinks she will be living in the style she has always had until her parents died. What she finds puts her on a tailspin.

It is always a delight to listen to a book that Lara Asmundson has narrated. She has always been able to bring the story to life for me. Her different character voices are outstanding as she pulls you and takes you away. There are no background noises only a wonderfully clear wonderful voice that is a pleasure to listen to. You have no trouble knowing who is talking her male voices are as wonderful as her female ones. Her tones let you know what each character emotions are as she pulls you in giving you a story you cannot put down.


This is a very well written story which makes you smile, at times will leaving you laughing or smiling. The author also made me feel sorry for Prudence which I didn’t think would ever happen. I didn’t expect Prudence to be so giving and nice. I really thought they would meet head on and fight it out. There was some but not what I expected. This was still a wonderful listen and well worth the money as are all of this authors audios. I always have trouble waiting for the next one. I love this series so much.

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Book Description
Shrewish Prudence Crawford is the last woman left at the Mail-Order Brides of the West Agency because she’s rejected every match offered to her as not good enough. One-by-one, she’s watched her fellow brides leave for their new lives and has heard tales of their happiness, and she wants that for herself—but not just any man. She will only take a husband who offers wealth and status.

Michael Morgan struck it rich in mining, or at least richer than anyone else in the tiny town of Morgan’s Crossing, Montana. He’s built himself the nicest house in town, which isn’t saying much when there are only ten homes in the whole place. He’s elected himself mayor of the population of 61 inhabitants and keeps his kingdom under tight control. When he hears stories of the mail-order brides arriving in nearby Sweetwater Springs, he decided to send for a wife, even if he has to exaggerate a mite to attract one.

A wealthy mine owner who’s the mayor of a town named after him and has a mansion sounds perfect to Prudence, even if the place is too close to the other mail-order brides whom she dislikes. But when Michael and his circumstances are not what Prudence dreamed, tempers flare and the fighting begins.

Can Michael tame the shrew, or are they destined to have a miserable marriage?

1886 Mail-Order Brides of the West Series in order:

Mail-Order Brides of the West: Trudy
Mail-Order Brides of the West: Evie
Mail-Order Brides of the West: Heather
Mail-Order Brides of the West: Lina
Mail-Order Brides of the West: Darcy
Mail-Order Brides of the West: Kathryn
Mail-Order Brides of the West: Prudence
Mail-Order Brides of the West: Bertha (Spring 2016)

Montana Sky Series in Chronological Order:

1882
Beneath Montana Skies

1886
Mail-Order Brides of the West: Trudy
Mail-Order Brides of the West: Lina
Mail-Order Brides of the West: Darcy
Mail-Order Brides of the West: Prudence

1890s

Wild Montana Sky
Starry Montana Sky
Stormy Montana Sky
Montana Sky Christmas
A Valentine's Choice
Painted Montana Sky
Glorious Montana Sky
Sweetwater Springs Christmas
Sweetwater Springs Scrooge
Healing Montana Sky (October 2015)
Mystic Montana Sky (July 2016) 

Make Me a Match: Baby, Baby\The Matchmaker Wore Skates\Suddenly Sophie



Make Me a Match: Baby, Baby\The Matchmaker Wore Skates\Suddenly Sophie
by Melinda Curtis, Cari Lynn Webb, Anna J. Stewart

 My review
Three bachelors make a bet they can match up six people for true love which puts this Alaskan town through many events this town has never seen.

Baby, Baby – Melinda Curtis
Nora surprised Cooper when she walked there is a memory that comes to mind that he knows this lady. This lady gives him the shock of his life and just might be the dream he has no idea he has been living for. Nora came for one reason and one reason only what she finds might give her hope that dreams can come true.

The Matchmaker Wore Skates - Cari Lynn Webb
Knowing each other from childhood, making mistakes and failing seeing the end but wishing for more. These two have a past and sparks fly when Kelsey comes back to town. Ty sure isn’t happy to see her as he tries to put her in her place. She just wants another story but what she might find is the one thing she never had true love. First they must face their past to find their future.

Suddenly Sophie - Anna J. Stewart
Sophie is looking for love in all the wrong place. The trio have made some wonderful matches and she wants in on the action. She is hoping to find the man of her dreams or at least someone to spend time with.  Gideon isn’t too happy he doesn’t think anyone is good enough for this wonderful lady. They each have always had a crush on each other but neither knew about it.  Will Gideon stake his claim to lead her to the arms of another man?


These are well written stories about second chances, overcoming ones past and looking a little deeper at one’s self. It is one major story with three in between where these authors come together blending the story more or less into one each telling a part. It is well balanced with each author complementing the other. This is a heartwarming clean read which leaves you with a feeling of peace.

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Book Description
Three bachelors turned…matchmakers? 
One special night with Cooper Hamilton gave Nora Perry a precious gift. But no way is the sweet-talking salesman the right guy for her…or is he?
Former pro athlete Ty Porter could get burned when he falls for the beautiful reporter who ruined his career—and could now expose his most zealously guarded secret!
Gideon Walker has a long history with free-spirited flower shop owner Sophie Jennings. But when the banker-matchmaker fixes her up with potential candidates, he realizes he's made a terrible mistake…