Her Passionate Hero

Her Passionate Hero (Black Dawn #3)

by Caitlyn O'Leary

There is nothing funny about bullying as this author shows through many years and hurtful people one women is still fighting the bullies in her school but now she is fighting them for the students she watches over as vice principal. Aliana has gotten in over her head when her ex students step up the game putting her life in danger because she is trying to help others overcome their past and get out of the gangs. Some could really have a wonderful life and do something with it, being able to help others with what they have learned with the money they could be making. This is a very emotional, compassionated, heartfelt read from the here and now dealing with bullies and the past where one love that got away. This is a powerful outstanding story of second chances for more than one couple but students that have so much potential. Can these kids get out and make something of their selves and can one man and one woman who have always meant everything to each other overcome the pain, face the past and find the love that they always shared without anyone getting killed?

I loved the danger, the near death and the outcome of helping children make a better life. The author really pulls you in holding you on the edge with your heart in your throat as one group threatens Aliana in ways that will make you yell and want to grab her out of the pages. That is until one hero from the past comes and deals with them keeping you on your toes as he takes over putting a plan into action stealing not only Aliana heart but your own.

There are so many wonderful parts from the seal brothers coming together putting some gang members in their place to the laughter of the little old women who steal your hearts. They are something else. Yes this is a serious book but Hunter has a way about him that makes you smile as he does his best to keep Aliana, her mother and grandmother safe while spreading the smiles, laughs and joy. The teasing between the seal brothers is so natural you can’t help but chuckle. When the little old ladies do their best to help you have to laugh as you roll your eyes just like Hunters does. The grandmothers are something else as they do their best to do a little match making. This is a wonderful story showing how love can conquer bring so many people together for one common goal. The name fits this book to a T there is so much passion, love and hero’s that will bring a tear to your eye, a smile to your face and make you laugh out loud.

The characters are great even the gang members your heart goes out to a few so many people who need so much but only a few can be helped. Aliana is a strong, capable woman who doesn’t like to ask for help. She sees herself totally different than those around her. I loved how Hunter shows her just how truly beautiful she is inside and out. Hunter is just an amazing man who is strong but for the right person he isn’t afraid to show his pain, his love is raw you have no trouble feeling every emotion he feels. There is one boy I just wanted to grab and hold I was just so proud of him and all he does. Out of everyone I think he was my hero, I would have loved to have watch him become a man.  Aliana friend is a trip an a half, a very bold woman I just adored. I loved how the author shows each characters true self, the wit, their pain and their love. Ms. O'Leary knows how to draw her readers in showing that people are not perfect but at the same time making the perfect in so many ways. The passion is strong I really liked how there was sexual tension with some very powerful love scenes. When they finally come together it is mind blowing.  From the first page until the last the author held me in the palm of her hand. I enjoyed the twists and turns, excitement, danger never knowing what will happen next. At times I didn’t know how it was going to turn out my heart was in my throat. I found myself yelling, talking to the characters as well as saying you go girl. I had no trouble at all feeling  Aliana pain from the past to the future as well as Hunters pain of the not knowing, confusion and heart break. It was an outstanding read from start to finish. I couldn’t put it down and plan to read it along with the rest of this series. It is truly one outstanding read from an author who knows how to writing giving you a touching, exciting, thrilling, and delightful read you are going to love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Buy Links

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078P78BHY/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B078P78BHY&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

B&N

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/her-passionate-hero-caitlyn-oleary/1127748356;jsessionid=84698EC408E676D2118629010A4E4E06.prodny_store02-atgap06?ean=2940158924545&st=AFF&2sid=Goodreads,%20Inc_2227948_NA&sourceId=AFFGoodreads,%20IncM000004

ITunes

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/her-passionate-hero/id1330068739?mt=11&ign-itsct=1330068739-1330068739&ign-itscg=0177&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Summary

Aliana Novak spent most of her school years being bullied. Her only refuge, was Hunter Diaz, until the day he graduated and left her to deal with the tormentors herself. But that was then, this is now. Those horrific experiences molded her into what she is today and made her the perfect candidate for Vice Principal of one of the toughest, schools in East LA. Sometimes the harder you fall, the stronger you rise. Aliana always rose to the challenge until one the most notorious gangs in East LA had her in their sights.

Hunter Diaz, scraped and fought his way out of the gangs of East LA, to serve honorably as a SEAL in the United States Navy. He has become one of the most dangerous men on the planet. When his adopted grandmother tells him an old friend is in trouble back home, he returns to the place he vowed to leave firmly in the past.

Hunter expects to find the same awkward and fragile girl he once knew. Instead, he finds a beautiful strong woman who is closed off from everything but the children under her care. Even when her life is on the line she is determined to handle things on her own. What had happened to Aliana? Can Hunter break down her walls and prove to her he is still her knight in shining armor before she ends up dead?

Dark Harvest

Dark Harvest

By: Chris Patchell

Narrated by: Lisa Stathoplos, Corey Gagne

Series: The Holt Foundation Stories, Book 2

Length: 11 hrs and 7 mins

Unabridged

Release date: 09-27-17

The beginning of this audio will give you the chills over how easy it is for one woman to disappear without a trace, it is just way too easy when evil come to call it will leave you spellbound. This is a story about hope, needs, wants, love, the unknown, sorrow, pain and death when one man wants answers to questions he needs to survive and overcome issues he has. It is a chilling, thrilling, heart stopping read that will hold you spellbound on the edge leaving you with your heart in your throat wanting to pull these poor women out of the pages giving them back the life they once had. Will one pregnant woman be enough or will he need more, what does he need them for and what about their unborn babies. Come take the journey like no other get inside a man’s head that demands answers at any cost along with the people at the Holt Foundation as they struggle to keep it open after the founder died. These people give their heart and soul to victims they do not know in hopes of finding them and bring them home alive.  

With this audio you have to narrators that are very talented with wonderful character voices that gives true emotions. You can hear the pain, sorrow, fear and the unknown. They each more or less take a chapter, their voices go well together blending into a delightful narration that pulls you in and holds you spellbound. With double narrators in most audios there are issues here you will not find any. There are no background noises, no volume changes as they go from one narrator to the other, there is no place where the volume is higher or lower than the ones before. It really sounds like they were in the same room side beside throughout the audio. What they deliver are delightful character voices that fit the characters with true emotions from a chuckle, laugh or tears. You have no trouble knowing who is talking or what they are feeling. Both male and female voices are great women with power to women who are uncertain along with strong males that are alpha to the more dearing softer males. Emotions are played against each other giving you a highly entertaining listen. I had no trouble picturing the scenes as they unfolded. Some of these pictures will stay in my mind for a long time to come. Their performance is outstanding and it was a pleasure being able to listen to them work together bring a very exciting thrilling audio. I can’t wait to listen to more of their work.

The author spins a tale that makes you turn the pages and keep you spellbound. Between the plot and the narration I could not put this audio down. From what I have read the author brings back past characters from her first book weaving into this story so it blends well. It makes you want to pick up the first book to find out what Marissa and her daughter has already lived through. This is a standalone you do not need to read the first one but it would be nice to know what these two went through. You never feel lost you always know what is happening and have a good knowledge of their past. There was nothing that I didn’t like about this story it has it all a little romance, danger, thrills, chills, excitement, overcoming your past, living for your future, and deaths so very sad so real that your heart almost stops. It is a story inside a story, true it is based on the foundation and the missing women but is also based on one ex cop him dealing with losing his wife and walking away from the police force overcoming the man he turned into be and turning a page to become a better man. You get to see his fight for survival starting over finding out what he lost might not be as much as he is about to lose. A women and her daughter that has been to hell and back fighting just to put one foot in front of the other as they find some common ground they both can live with. Marissa daughter who is still deal with the past that will haunt her to her dying day (if you have read the first book you will know what I am talking about). Then you get to know the women who come up missing what they are feeling, their needs and wants. They deserve so much more but get so little from those around them.  You get to know the abductor and the women who help him. What all she has had to deal with and why she does what she has done. I doubt you can read/listen to this and not be touched deeply. It is truly a wonderful, thrilling, chilling read you won’t be able to put down. I loved this so much I have picked it as one of my favorite read for 2018. This author just blow me way.

Buy Links

Audible

https://www.audible.com/pd/Mysteries-Thrillers/Dark-Harvest-Audiobook/B075X2ZNG6

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Harvest-Holt-Foundation-Story-ebook/dp/B06XK11GY4/ref=cm_cr_if_orig_subj?_encoding=UTF8&linkCode=xm2&tag=audiblecom0f-20

B&N

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dark-harvest-chris-patchell/1127279228?ean=9781543672374

Summary

Becky Kincaid ventures out in the middle of a snowstorm to buy a car seat for her unborn baby and never makes it home. When a second pregnant woman disappears, Marissa Rooney and the team at the Holt Foundation fear a sinister motive lurks behind the crimes.
Lead investigator Seth Crawford desperately searches for the thread that binds the two cases together, knowing that if he fails, another woman will soon be gone. While Seth hunts for clues, a madman has Marissa in his sights and she carries a secret that could tear her whole world apart.
Can Seth stop the killer before he reaps his...dark harvest?

The Hollow

The Hollow

By: Christopher Zaleski

Narrated by: Anna Grace Conover

Length: 7 hrs and 38 mins

Unabridged

Release date: 12-06-17

Language: English

Publisher: Christopher Zaleski

I thought this was a very interesting thriller built around paranormal or supernatural based on psychic, crime and murder of one man and his need for power. At first I though Mr. Fredericks was after knowledge but it soon become clear he is a mad man who wants to control people. The Hollow is a pretty fast pace with some action, danger that the victims fine they can’t fight and are willing to do a mad mans bidding. There are so many twists and turns you don’t know what to believe or who to trust.

The narrator does a pretty good job of narration there are a few places where there is a small volume change it isn’t when a break was taken it is more of emotion that is a little out of place. There are a few places where a pause was taken a little too soon but not enough to take away from the audio. Her character voices are pleasant as well as her normal voice. A few of her voices are a little too close to her natural voice but you know which character is talking. For the most part the character voices flow easy and evenly throughout the audio. There was no background noise and I could not tell if any breaks were taken. The music that was used fit the story very well not to over powering, not to loud or to soft, it blended well with the story. I thought the voices for the most part fit the characters. I always knew who was talking and what they were feeling. Her emotions for the most part were good I could feel how scared Carol was. I did enjoy her narration and feel with a little time as she grows so will become more powerful and will exceed in her deliverance.

First let’s go over what I didn’t care for. I didn’t care for the way the story started out, sexual present right from the start I thought took away from the beginning of the story. I feel it would have been more powerful a little later on. I just didn’t care how some of the first part was presented.  The author does a great job in showing what the hollow is but I would have liked a little more information at the ending of it.

With that said shall we move on? The author as a very unique writing style that really pulls the listener in taking them on a journey of the unknown with new technology and the powers they may bring. I really liked how things played out with Carol from her unknowing to her feeling of being watch, her reaction is so natural. I had no trouble feeling the fear she hold deep inside not only from the hollow but from those that were suppose to love her and the people watching her. As her powers come to light and start taking over the fear is real the control over her is frightening as well as her need to learn how to control whatever it is. Her relationship with Matthew is so free and easy, no lines but they grew up together so it is natural they are very easy with each other. Even though the sexual tension was too soon it slows easy. The unknown, the difference between bodies and the control it has is natural as it would be with most teens trying things for the first time. It is a pretty clean read the author bases the story over the hollow, what it is and the control of not only it but of the people around her trying to bring her in and take control. I loved watching her learn what the hollow is and what all she could do with it. The murders, the how things unfolded effected her very much. I had no trouble feeling the pain of what she was going through, what she had done or those she loved when she found out they may have played a big part in the things that are happening to her. Even I had my doubts to the people around her. Oh there is no doubt from the start no one will like Mr. Fredericks and as I learned more I wished I could do a few things to him he did to others. The author does an outstanding job pulling the reader in giving you a page turner. I just had to know what happen next that I had trouble turning the audio off.  The mystery and a few surprise along with some action, the unknown, hurt, pain and sorrow awaits you but also some smiles, pleasures and kindness. Nothing is as it seem, trust no one but yourself. If it isn’t been twisted it will be and you will be saying what the heck just happened. I totally enjoyed this and can’t wait to listen to more work from this author.

Buy Links

Audible

https://www.audible.com/pd/Mysteries-Thrillers/The-Hollow-Audiobook/B077YN1278

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Hollow-Christopher-Zaleski-ebook/dp/B075J6VW7S/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Summary

Teen prodigy Carol has always known she was different from the other kids, but when her talents turn supernatural; her life takes a disastrous turn.

Despite her over achievements, Carol struggles with a neurosis she calls "The Hollow". Though she believes the hollow is her private cross to bear, there is a sneaking suspicion that she is being watched, studied from the shadows.

Fear sends her fleeing from her childhood home, leaving behind her one true love, Matthew. Running is only a distraction. The hollow continues to grow, and with it comes supernatural abilities, and dangerous, uncontrollable impulses to use them. The ensuing bloodshed sends her running back to Matthew.

There is someone watching Carol, having her followed, recording all her actions, her words, her abilities. Mr. Fredericks hungers for Carol's powers and will stop at nothing to get them.

Unbearable truth emerges; Carol discovers she has been an experiment from birth. She must gain control of the hollow before the doorways to darker paths open. It's time for Carol to rise above her fears and reclaim her life once and for all.

©2017 Christopher Zaleski (P)2017 Anna Grace Conover and Christopher Zaleski

Heart of Eden

Heart of Eden (Colorado Hearts #1)

by Caroline Fyffe

I just love new series a fresh start with new characters that you get to know and most of the time come to love. I really loved the map that is included that if you want to go back and see the lay of the land you can. I enjoyed the opening which gives you a little back ground and you get to get a feel of each character. Not all is as it seems there has been some lies told along the way that made the characters lose year of knowing a kind man. It is too late for them but is it too late for the children to learn and grow, find love and overcome a hurtful past. As we take the journey with these five daughters we see heart break, pain and sorrow of a love they will never know and all they will find and have to deal with along the way.

 Blake’s life hasn’t always been good when he came to work for John he got way more than a job but a man to look up to. A man who has honor, kindness and helpful giving way more of his self than is expected to a foremen.  His feelings for the five girls are not the kindest how could they stay away from a man that was just a kind sweet man. Now that that their father has died they are on the way to see what is left for them in the will. He just shakes his head how is he going to deal with this mess and all the problems they will bring.  Blake is a strong man who takes care of those he cares about, he isn’t afraid to call a spade a spade and has no trouble laying it all out telling them all just how it is. This is one man that had me from the first page when he was high on the hill overlooking the land telling us his feeling on John, his daughters and the land.

The girl’s lives haven’t been any easier than Blake’s has been. Losing a father they don’t really remember and a mother so soon after they have moved being left to two very unkind people to raise them they just want to be done with it all. They are looking forward to their arrival and all that it may bring in hopes for a better life.  Each girl is unique it was fun getting to know them and watching them try to fit in and learn the ways of the land. They have a big choice to make, stay or go and learn more about the father that so many lies has been told.

Belle is headstrong but also kind hearted she gives a lot to those she cares about. She is strong and looks out for her family. Trust isn’t something any of the sisters gives easy they have reason not to. As Belle gets to know Blake she finds a man she can look up to, she loves the stories he tells of her father. She looks forward to their time together talking and listening. She has a lot of choices to make there is one left at home that she is close to but what about these new feeling for Blake.

I really enjoyed the twist and turns and the surprises the author throws our way. It is intriguing filled with danger of the unknown.  Not everyone is happy that the girls are there and someone wants them gone. As the danger builds love blossoms not only between people but the love of the land. The author has a way of writing a story that pulls you in, painting a scene that is easy to picture. I have been like Blake setting on a horse on top of the world looking out as far as you can see taking in the beauty that lay before me. It was so easy to relate to him and so easy to picture the things he saw.  I thought of my own son that has the same name, Blake became my Blake which made him even more endear to me. I was held spellbound by the heartbreak, tears, sorrow, smiles and surprises they were so real to me I felt I could just about each out and touch the characters. They became my friend, my family, I took on their pain, when their heart broke so did mine. My hats off to the author for bring such a realistic story that holds you spellbound keeping you on the edge from danger to surprises that you feel all the way to your toes. This is a big win for me I can hardly wait until the next one comes out to find out what is in store for me.  If you want a true delightful pleasure pick up the audio Ms. Fyffe audio’s are a wonderful I am so looking forward to listening to this.

Buy Links

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073D6DCW8/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B073D6DCW8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

Audible

https://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Heart-of-Eden-Audiobook/B078P55PBB?ref=a_a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1&pf_rd_p=e81b7c27-6880-467a-b5a7-13cef5d729fe&pf_rd_r=V5JE8J90TXS7X3M2H5JV&

B&N

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heart-of-eden-caroline-fyffe/1126820645;jsessionid=7C89D6B5F2AE280169A64A703D06A20C.prodny_store02-atgap08?ean=9781542048323

Summary

USA Today bestselling author Caroline Fyffe’s sweeping saga about five sisters finding love and forging new lives on the Colorado frontier.
Raised by guardians in Philadelphia, the Brinkman sisters have suddenly been bequeathed more than the truth about their late, estranged father—they’ve also inherited the Five Sisters Ranch, the dynasty he’d built for them in Eden, Colorado. It’s theirs on one condition: to claim it, they must live on it for six months—a wilderness worlds away from the comforts of the city. For Belle Brinkman, her father’s last wish could fulfill a dream she never knew she had.
Though Blake Harding, their father’s protective friend and faithful foreman, has yet to come to terms with his own broken past, he finds his heart opening to the inspiring and determined Belle. But Eden soon proves to be a tough paradise for all of them when the sisters’ lives are threatened by someone hell-bent on driving them out of town. Now they must gather their courage if they’re going to secure their legacy and have a chance at claiming the new life and possibilities of love that the untamed territory offers.