The Ulterior Motive

The Ulterior Motive

by Jack Coleston

For a debut novel I thought this was really good, the author really put a lot of thought and time into writing this giving you a wonderful mixture of fiction, fact and history. I enjoyed the detail he gave to places it really made them story come alive you have no trouble picturing the scenes that play out before you. I thought this was a very believable story that was very fast paced with lots of action. It is a story that could very easily be taken right from our newspaper. Is a story that kept my attention but at times I was a little confused. There are a lot of characters to keep up with and hard keep them all clear in my mind. At times I had trouble remember who was who and had to back track to keep it all straight. For me it was a page turner with lots of action and thrills for those of us who crave it. I felt the danger and at times my heart beat a little faster. The buildup was great with just enough details to really keep it interesting and the reader invested. There really is not a dull moment throughout the story.

Stanley and Anna really have their hands full trying to stay one step ahead of a terrorist group and its mystery leader Caliph. IMJIW is a terrorist group that is spreading throughout Iraq and Syria. Being a big military support myself and being told many different stories from our soldiers that had been in Iraq it was very easy to buy into this story line with a plot that is not only exciting but thrilling. I almost felt I was right there with them. Not only is this group a threat to Iraq and Syria but to the US with our National Security being in danger it is a race against the clock.

I thought it was worth my time and really enjoyed the read. For those that like thrillers, adventure and action there is much to enjoy between these pages. You really need to pick a time when you can really focus on the story and play close attention as not to get confused with so many different characters. That is really the only issue I had with this story just too much going on to fast to keep up with. It is a very fast pace and enjoyable read.

Buy Links

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Ulterior-Motive-Jack-Coleston-ebook/dp/B01NBV9W2B/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1485823737&sr=1-1&keywords=9780473384760

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http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-ulterior-motive-jack-coleston/1125504691?ean=9780473384777

Kobo

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Summary

The fate of the United States hangs in the balance and only a select few can prevent the impending disaster.

Stanley Carmichael is an intelligent and hard-working member of the Central Intelligence Agency. Yet, he never expected to be named Deputy Director of the CIA so soon in his career. Nonetheless, he finds himself stepping into shoes that feel impossible to fill.

Anna Carmichael is a legend. She’s one of the fiercest ex-members of the Special Activities Division, where she saw more than enough blood and war for a lifetime. Now, she’s still CIA, but stuck behind a desk and bored. Luckily for her, it seems her fieldwork isn’t done yet. For as soon as Anna’s partnered with rookie FBI Special Agent Blayze Phillips, she realizes his investigation is a lot more dangerous than it seems—especially when it turns its attention to the mysterious Caliph al-Maqasid.

They know that the Caliph spent the last few years successfully uniting fractured terrorist groups in the Middle East. Now he's formed the most well-funded, strategically efficient operation that’s on its way to becoming a true global caliphate. But who is the Caliph, really? Why doesn’t anyone know anything about this infinitely clever, charismatic, and terrifying man? And what, exactly, is he plotting next?

The Carmichaels will have to work together to find out, because the Caliph is about to strike at the heart of America

Bridget, A Father's Daughter

Bridget, A Father's Daughter (Blood sister series 1)
by Diana Nicholas 
 

I am really torn on the rating for this review there are so many good things in this story. For my taste it is too short and leaves a lot out that would truly make this a 5 star read. For a debut and new series it was a good read. So much is left out, so much left unsaid that really needed more explaining to really give you the understanding of their relationship and the buildup for a romance. Does this make it a bad read no it is wonderful and really held my attention. What this story is lacking is chemistry, the pull of attraction between Bridgette and Alexander. Oh it is there but we really never see it, when things go a little haywire you see the start but no depth only the outcome. There is not enough romance you really do not see what really pulled these two together from meeting to marriage.

What I likes was the secret baby, not knowing who is the mother adds to the mystery. For all five sisters to stick to not naming names really adds a lot to the story. The author writes it in a way that really pulls you in making you guess but I am pretty sure the outcome of who the mother isn’t. Charlotte adds a lot to this story but you do not get to see the full impact of her meddling. Again you see the start and finish but not what goes on in between that would really make this story more interesting. I really wanted to see how Alexander turned Bridgette mind to have faith in him and not in what she saw. Alexander’s mother is something else I expected her to be cold hearted but she really is a wonderful lady who really wants the best for her son. I thought more time was given to her than Bridgette and Alexander getting to know each other and making a relationship. Not saying that less should have been written I thought it was great and would have liked to know a little more about her. I just felt I know his mother and Bridgette more than I know of Alexander and their building up of their relationship. It is a clean read that is done in style that really makes it a delightful read.

I thought the author gave a great understand to the sisters, I would have liked to have know why they each thought they destroyed or let their father down. I would have liked to have known how he died. I thought the author really showed how hard it is to be a mail order bride the conflict in deciding and the worry of the turn out a woman has. I loved the meddling mother how she took over in some of the decisions. I enjoyed how Bridgette and Alexander thought about the whole mail order bride thing. I found so much in this story that was so interesting and was really pulled in. This could have easily been a 150 to 200 or more page story and have been a wonderful read with the authors writing style would have easily make it a 5 star read. I believe this is easily a 3.5 star read it kept my interest from start to finish with mystery, meddling and a woman who might just stand in Alexander and Bridgette way of finding true happiness. I really loved the twists and turns that really throws a tailspin on the story that leads to a few rough and rocky roads. I just need more information. I hope the author really does more building in the future stories they could really be outstanding reads. Bottom line I really enjoyed it just needs more romance and the conflict detailed out. I know others will feel as I do and really love what is given. I do look forward to seeing what the author does with the rest of this series.

Buy Link
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N9NVY8Z/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01N9NVY8Z&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

Summary
Five sisters, a single tragic act and a secret baby.

Three years ago, the worst happened and a baby was sired, destroying the future of five sisters. The blood sisters made a vow to keep the maternity of baby Sophie a secret. Now with their father dead, they must plan their future and the only option is to become mail order brides. They cast lots to decide on who will go first.

Bridget picks the determining card and she is set off to leave for Butte Montana. She dreams of a world where she can ride horses to her heart’s content and there are plenty of horses in Montana. The only person who comes between her and her dreams of a peaceful life is Charlotte Turner. Who is the pretty blond with a knowing grin and what hold does she have on Bridget's intended?

Alexander Baron’s only interest in taking a mail order bride is to appease his controlling but loving mother. He’s a workaholic completely dedicated to continuing with his father’s legacy of making Windy Willows the largest ranch in Montana.

Still, his new bride intrigues him. Beautiful, with mysterious, green almond shaped eyes that hide secrets which reveal themselves in her dreams, Alexander is determined to find out what demons ail his beautiful wife. Can he convince her that what matters is their future and not her past?

Can Bridget keep the secret of Sophie’s mother from her determined husband? Will the mysterious Charlotte Turner give her and Alexander the space they need to become a proper husband and wife?

This is the first book in the Blood sisters’ series. If you like clean, historical fiction about women with a past who risk everything to find love on the Western frontier, you will love Bridget, a Father’s Daughter.

Texas Justice

Texas Justice: Texas Mavericks: Ranger Lake

by Cynthia D'Alba

Texas Justice is just what it said a story full of revenge, guilt, sorrow, death, and innocents all looking for justice for one reason or another. When a sexy lawman said “Spread’em” What do you do? You give him a little sass to make it interesting which really starts this book off with a bang. As is the normal for Ms. D’Alba she gets your attention, grabbing it with a page turner that keeps your eyes glue to the pages. There is a little mystery over Tess’s past and what that has to do with the car accident that leaves a child dead. Many lies will be told for their own reasons as Sheriff Monroe is pulled from his duties, his love and his family to put together the pieces trying to find the truth and mend a broken heart while keeping the women he wants with him and out of jail.

Dr. Tess Sweeney is having a wonderful day looks to be an even wonderful night with the hot Sheriff Monroe ending it in her bed with his arms wrapped tightly around her. That is until she gets the call there has been a bad accident with a small child at deaths door.  She is at a dead run busting through  the hospital doors only to find her past coming back to haunt her. Without giving the story away I can say the rest of the story is the nightmare of her past, a small child, his parents, her lover, his family and a town who won’t let a past go wanting to put the stops to a well train surgeon who has given her life to heal those who need her.

Ms. D’Alba delivers a well told believable story  that is full of so much pain by a man who thinks only of his self and a wonderful lady doctor who gives her all only to be accused of crimes she has not commented. Your heart will go out to so many in this story but none like it will for Tess who has lost so much in such a short lifetime and the man who is standing behind her not only giving his heart but his trust. The author throws in a few twists that will surprise you along with an outcome that will shock you. It is a very well written story with wonderful characters some you will just love others you will hate a few you won’t feel nothing at all for them.

What I would have liked to have seen is Kyle’s parent’s reaction to her along with seeing them down the road if they had a family or not.  What I loved was the excitement, disappointment, sorrow that came through the pages and grabbed my heart holding me captive throughout. The chemistry between Tess and Kyle is very powerful, the way Kyle stood beside her makes him my hero. It’s really a story of power how it is use and who will be brought to their knees. We learn that Tessa had a major problem that she has overcome but still can’t live down. The author covers these issues in a way that it really reaches in covering the reader in sorrow that makes you want to reach in and pull her out of the book until she can catch her breath before she makes a wrong choice.

True the story hits you right in the heart but there is also some humor, love, hot passionate scenes, fun, playful, as well as emotional, painful, hurtful not knowing which way the author is going to take it you yell no, no don’t do it or saying yes yes bring that sucker down. The ending is sad with a few losing so much but very happy and thrilling as others make their wishes come true.

If you are looking for a hot, exciting book that will keep you in the edge captivated the read from start this is the one for you.  Come set down a spell a visit with a hot Sheriff and a lady doctor as they fight for Texas Justice.

Buy Link

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JN8X0OM/ref=x_gr_w_glide_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_glide_bb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01JN8X0OM&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

Summary

First-term Sheriff is torn between duty and love when the Chief of Surgery is accused of medical malpractice and homicide.

Following an auto accident and a death during surgery, Sheriff Kyle Monroe is pulled between professional responsibilities and his personal life. He’s ready to stand by Dr. Tess Sweeney to fight bogus medical malpractice charges, even under pressure from his doctor brother and the county District Attorney distance himself from her. He has to clear her of the charges to keep their new found love going.

Saddles and Soot

Saddles and Soot

by Cynthia D'Alba

You start off with a chuckle as the FIREFIGHTER meets the vet. You know what must be going to happen but you are still very surprised as this scene plays out. You think to yourself NO he just didn’t and OH MY what a sassy little lady that vet is. The scene where Tanner sends his brother to the store had me laughing my head off, rolling my eyes and saying MEN.  There are so many wonderful aspects to the wonderful read from the humor to the sorrow. Ms. D’Alba knows how to reach in grabbing your heart and giving it a twist. This was a book I knew I should not have started until today but I wanted something to read. I ended up with three hours sleep. I just could not put it down. There is so much laughter here, so much fun. As we all know along with the sunshine there must be a little rain this is where the author really grabs your heart nearly breaking it with misunderstanding, lack of communication and just downright jealousy.  It is one bumpy ride for this couple but one heck of a fun ride as well.

Georgina takes over running the animal hospital why the vet goes on a long vacation.  Here first day in a new town doesn’t go as well as she had planned. You can imagine how surprised she was when she decided to burn some trash only turning around to find the fire department right in her face trailing behind them the fire hose running full blast. If that wasn’t enough one hot little fireman gives her the dressing down of her life.  Georgina isn’t going to take this setting down as they go nose to nose neither holding back. This starts the entertainment and it doesn’t stop as you set with your mouth hung open and laughing your way through this delightful fun, sexy, exciting read.

 I have to say I didn’t like Tanner at first he was just downright mean but when he gives that little almost grin he steels your heart. Tanner is a charmer but he isn’t the only charmer in this family Zack is something else I really hope we get to read his story.  Tanner has it all sexy appeal, a smile that will melt you pants right off you, humor that keeps you smiling but he can be downright mean just ask his sisters that he is watching over why his parents are out of town. He is ready for the complete deal, wife, kids and a white fence that is until he has to keep an eye on his brothers and sisters. He is starting to think he might not be ready for the whole show. Between his siblings and Georgina it is enough to drive a man to drink.

Georgina has been burnt in the worse way she doesn’t want a relationship, she does miss burning up the sheets and wouldn’t say no to the handsome firefighter if he just happens to fall in those sheets with her. She is one sassy little lady but gentle and strong, she has a way of pulling people in making them feel calm. She isn’t afraid to take on all the ranchers or bullheaded cowboys either.

This is a small town with delightful characters that cannot seem to stay out of each other’s business. We only see a little of this in the story but you know they are there keeping an eye on things and having fun in the rumor mill. The supporting characters are a lot of fun that adds a lot of entertainment to each scene.  You are just going to love Jolene she is going to steal your heart almost from the first time you see her. She will also pull on your heartstring by the end of her story you will have a big smile on your face. You have strong characters that won’t back down standing their ground with a delightful mother who know just how to push you just enough to make you think and go nuts. Friend that tells it like it is but supports you no matter what. I would so love to be part of this small town there is never a dull minute.

I loved the humor, baiting, arguing, passion, love scenes were hot, emotions, chemistry and just what a fun this story was. Those love scenes will burn up the pages leaving you fanning yourself and wishing you could take her place. Ms. D’Alba gives you passion at its finest. The author has a writing style that pulls you in keeping you invested as you laugh your way through each page leaving you at times with tears almost in your eyes from the pain, misunderstandings and sorrow. The plot really pulls you keeping you entertained from the first page. This is one author knows how to take her readers by storm making a few twisters in her plot as she spins a story that will leave you spellbound. Her stories are ones that will stay with you along after you put the book down. If you haven’t read anything by this author you don’t know what you are missing. I encourage you to pick up one of her books and give it a read. Saddles and Soot would be my pick for you to start with. I just love this very talented author as I am sure you will to.

Buy Link

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01695FM20/ref=x_gr_w_glide_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_glide_bb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01695FM20&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

Summary

Veterinarian Georgina Greyson will only be in Whispering Springs for three months covering for the town veterinarian while he is on a research trip. She isn’t looking for love or roots, just maybe a good time before she moves on.

When his parents leave on their dream fantasy RV trip, Tanner Marshall is left in charge of his family’s cattle ranch, as well as his two younger brothers and sister. When he isn’t ranching, he’s doing duty on the volunteer fire department, a job he loves more than ranching. At thirty-four, he’s ready to put down some roots, including marriage, children and the white picket fence.

When Georgina accidentally sets her yard on fire during a burn ban, the volunteer fire department responds and she gets quite the fire lecture from one very cute firefighter. If there’s one thing Tanner hates, it’s carelessness with fire, but there’s something about his latest firebug that he can’t get out of his mind.

Can an uptight firefighter looking to settle down convince a cute firebug to give up the road for a house and roots?

The Honorable Mr. Darcy:

The Honorable Mr. Darcy: A Meryton Mystery, Book 1

Written by: Jennifer Joy

Narrated by: Nancy Peterson

Length: 8 hrs and 37 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:12-12-16

Publisher: Jennifer Ramirez

The book was a good story of misunderstandings leading to major issues.  It was a heartwarming romance but I really didn’t see a lot of mystery. I have never read Pride & Prejudice and most likely never will it is just not something that interests me which I believe this story is based on or around. It has a good plot but it is drawn out a little too much for me and I found my mind wondering having to really think about what I just listened to as to make sure I got the full impact. I have read others in this time period that really pulled me in with a lot of action, mystery etc this one just didn’t do it. I did like how Darcy protects Elizabeth even though he wanted her for his self but wanted it to be a match she wants not one she is forced into. All in all it was an okay read I give it a 3.5 bring it up to a 4. Some area where just too long to really grab and keep my attention.

Ms. Peterson did a wonderful job on narration her tones were smooth and her voice is very rich. I really like her character voices both male and female were full of emotion you always know what the other is feeling. You are never left guessing who as to who is saying what, it was very easy to tell who each character was. She got the bratty sister down so well that she got on my nerves which I am sure was what she was suppose to do. If any breaks were taken you could not tell, the volume stayed even throughout the whole audio. This was a very rich, clean and clean audio with a much enjoyable voice that does not get tiring to listen to. There isn’t any background noise it was a very clear audio from start to finish. Ms. Peterson has a very easy voice to listen to. I haven’t listened to anything by her and look forward to listening to more of her work.

The author gives you a few twist and turns to make the story more interesting. Darcy is accused of shooting Mr. Wickham. There is only one person who can prove he wasn’t anywhere near that tent at that hour but to do so they would have to get married. The author tells a story of what to do, tell or not tell. The story is based on trust, honor and misunderstanding.

Buy Links

Audible

http://www.audible.com/pd/Mysteries-Thrillers/The-Honorable-Mr-Darcy-Audiobook/B01MRV0DW6

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Honorable-Mr-Darcy-Prejudice-Variation-ebook/dp/B01MDLU2GC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1485298304&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Honorable+Mr.+Darcy%3A

Summary

Everyone has a secret. Who will kill to keep theirs?

Lieutenant George Wickham is dead.

The shot rings out in Wickham's tent as the good citizens of Meryton dance the night away at Mr. Bingley's Netherfield ball. The only person who can confirm Fitzwilliam Darcy's alibi faces the loss of her reputation and her freedom if she comes forward.

Convinced that her sole motive is the pursuit of justice— and not her growing attraction to Mr. Darcy— Elizabeth Bennet begins an investigation to clear his name and evade an unwanted marriage.

If Darcy didn’t shoot Wickham in cold blood, who did? Which of Longbourn’s neighbors is not who they seem?

With a killer on the loose, can Elizabeth avoid being the next victim as she comes closer to revealing the truth?

Sweet Serendipity

Sweet Serendipity

by Jamie Farrell

As always nobody but nobody can bring a smile to my face like Ms. Farrell can with her delightful humor. I read books by her every day and not get bore.  What I loved about this story is two people who grow up together but here is the twist that makes this just a great read Skye didn’t really care for Wyatt most of the time. This makes this such a believable story since you have to agree we do love our others or at least I hope you do but there are times we might not be so sure we like them.  Hey that is normal but then there are those times when we look at the other and think man I sure do love you.  I hope you come and join us as we escape to the wonderful town of Hope Falls where you get taken away from the here and now and join a make believe town that seem so real you wish you could escape and become a part of it.

Wyatt has had a crush on Skye since the beginning of time when he finds her at his buddy’s vacation home he is unsure if his dreams have come true and his luck has finally won out or if he is in for the ride of his life with this being the longest week he has ever lived.  Seeing Skye again reminds him of what he has always wanted…. her not for the here and now but forever. Can he make her see him in a different light the person, who he really is and not how she has always seen him? The heck with it he is jumping in head first and let the chips fall where they may. In the end he will have to girl body and soul or at least he hopes he will.

Skye has other thoughts OMG a week with him he is so goody toe shoes with always never doing anything wrong, lord he is so bossy and the list goes on.  He and his military muscles and flashy sexy smile can go take a hike.  Love who needs it not her, but there is just something about this man she loves to hate that she can’t resist. OMG why her please someone make him go away before it is too late and she is in to deep. This couple is in for a rocky trip from the very first time they looked into each other’s eyes until the moment they find they can’t live without the other as they take a trip down memory lane things change and then change again remembering the past with the good and bad can they make up for lost time or will their moment in time be lost forever?

Ms. Farrell gives you a refreshing story with new ideas and twist on love and romance that keeps you smiling and laughing out loud. I love her outlook on life, love and romance with her original ideas and her delightful characters there is never a dull moment. She gives you characters you can relate to, fall in love with as you laugh at them and/or along with them. She gives you the prefect romance time after time with just enough sweet, sassy, heat, and love to make you keep coming back for more. Her stories are very well written as she hooks you and then twist you to her way of thinking making you love every minute you spend with her and her characters.  You will find nothing sweeter, funnier, and lovelier than the talent Ms. Farrell brings to you in Sweet Serendipity. Be sure and pick it up you won’t be disappointed.

Buy Link

Amazon

 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MU9SFDA/ref=x_gr_w_glide_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_glide_bb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01MU9SFDA&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

Summary

Wyatt Owens has had a crush on his best friend’s little sister for as long as he can remember. So when he unexpectedly finds her at his buddy’s vacation home – naked, no less! – when he arrives for a week of hanging in Hope Falls, he can’t decide if this is his lucky day, or if he’s in for the longest week of his life.

Skye Ryder has never much liked Wyatt. He’s bossy and disapproving and he never does anything wrong. But she’s also never been alone with him before. Nor has she ever noticed how sexy he can be, especially when he’s showing off his military-issue muscles and flashing those rare smiles. She’s not looking for love, but the man she hated is suddenly the man she can’t resist.

Can they make it last forever, or does what happens in Hope Falls stay in Hope Falls?