Search
Search results
Rachel King (13 KP) rated Never Let You Go in Books
Feb 11, 2019
I was originally drawn to this book because it was about a mother fighting for her daughter. As a mother of two young daughters who has already been through quite a bit of fighting for them, I can relate. Once I got into the book, I was a bit put off partly because I was introduced to too many characters so soon into the plot and a lack of unique characterization made it difficult for me to keep up with the plot (and this is coming from someone who has read Sara Douglass). A second reason was that it somewhat reminded me of another book I read recently with the meth theme. Drugs are just not something that I purposely want to read about in my fiction. The only thing that really kept me reading was Lexi's relationship with her daughter, Molly. Along the way, I discovered that there actually is a fantasy-like aspect to the book that is difficult to see for at least half the book. This is probably as close as you can get to the fantasy genre without actually qualifying for the classification. I so badly wanted the book to come "out with it" over the supernatural aspect that I flew through the rest of the book. The ending was mostly satisfying in that the bad guy gets his just desserts and all the lose ends are tied up appropriately, but my fantasy-loving side wanted a more fantastical intervention than what actually occurred. At times, the plot felt like a soap-opera, with Lexi's affair and two other characters being convicts, as well as Ward's constant harrassments and almost reality-defying omnipresence. I would describe the book as high-intensity suspense combined with overdramatic reality and a dash of supernatural.
Rachel King (13 KP) rated A Midnight Dance (Fiery Tales, #1) in Books
Feb 11, 2019
I love a good fairy tale re-telling, especially when it is retold specifically for adults, as this book is. Right from the beginning, the romance and chemistry between Sabine and Jules is steamy and passionate, and I had a hard time putting the book down at all. The Cinderella references are vague and somewhat after-the-fact. The glass slipper scene takes place at the beginning of the book when Sabine is young, and the stepmother and two stepdaughters look to Sabine as the head of the household, instead of placing her in the role of a servant. This book seems to take the original tale and turn it upside down, with Sabine forging her own destiny - with or without Prince Charming - and refusing to bend to misfortune.
Sabine's character is both headstrong and naive. A large part of her successes in the plot seem to be born out of pure luck, as she lacks any real skill at either deception or thievery. Jules strong attraction to her gives her the freedom to get as far as she does in her plans, even as she falls for him in return.
While the romance and eroticism takes center stage in the novel, there is a secondary element to the book that comes in subtly as Jules takes a more permanent role in Sabine's life. Jules is intent on a restoration of his honor and wealth, and the discover the truth about his father's accusations. Neither Jules nor Sabine suspect the guilty party until Sabine's life is in danger. Suspense and unpredictability pull me right to the end pages, and just enough is left hanging to lead into a sequel. I look forward to discovering what happens next!
Sabine's character is both headstrong and naive. A large part of her successes in the plot seem to be born out of pure luck, as she lacks any real skill at either deception or thievery. Jules strong attraction to her gives her the freedom to get as far as she does in her plans, even as she falls for him in return.
While the romance and eroticism takes center stage in the novel, there is a secondary element to the book that comes in subtly as Jules takes a more permanent role in Sabine's life. Jules is intent on a restoration of his honor and wealth, and the discover the truth about his father's accusations. Neither Jules nor Sabine suspect the guilty party until Sabine's life is in danger. Suspense and unpredictability pull me right to the end pages, and just enough is left hanging to lead into a sequel. I look forward to discovering what happens next!
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated The Accidental Guardian (High Sierra Sweethearts, #1) in Books
Feb 25, 2019
Holy cow! This book was fantastic! I have been a forever fan of Mrs. Connealy's since I read Petticoat Ranch. She is absolutely one of the best Christian Western Romance writers out there and I will forever sing her praises. When I saw she had another series releasing, I was all for jumping on that band wagon (no pun intended!)! Sitting down to read this, I had it read it less than two days, it was just that captivating.
Opening the pages to Deborah's story, watching her try to protect her sister and the young ones was amazing. I could feel myself becoming Deborah, telling her younger sister just what to do to keep them safe. When Ms. Connealy enters Trace into the picture.....well, whew! Not only was I instantly pulled to him, his protective side in a man like him, really made me swoon through out the book! I loved that! Seeing him with Deborah, his caring way toward her, was undeniably God-filled and romantic.
Mrs. Connealy has created yet another keeper for my shelf! She has taken a story of intriguing suspense, wrapped it up with her trade mark swoon-worthy cowboys and sassy heroines, and dished her readers an unforgettable laugh out loud, love story. This book is perfect for that rainy day, or long drive for a summer trip. Don't wait to get this one. Go grab it up now! It's 5 star worthy and so much more! Well done, Mrs. Connealy! Well done!!! I am highly anticipating the release of book 2, The Reluctant Warrior.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Opening the pages to Deborah's story, watching her try to protect her sister and the young ones was amazing. I could feel myself becoming Deborah, telling her younger sister just what to do to keep them safe. When Ms. Connealy enters Trace into the picture.....well, whew! Not only was I instantly pulled to him, his protective side in a man like him, really made me swoon through out the book! I loved that! Seeing him with Deborah, his caring way toward her, was undeniably God-filled and romantic.
Mrs. Connealy has created yet another keeper for my shelf! She has taken a story of intriguing suspense, wrapped it up with her trade mark swoon-worthy cowboys and sassy heroines, and dished her readers an unforgettable laugh out loud, love story. This book is perfect for that rainy day, or long drive for a summer trip. Don't wait to get this one. Go grab it up now! It's 5 star worthy and so much more! Well done, Mrs. Connealy! Well done!!! I am highly anticipating the release of book 2, The Reluctant Warrior.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Imperfect Justice (Hidden Justice #2) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
Holy Justice, Batman! This book was AH-mazing! Having read book one in this incredibly addictive, incredibly chiseled, incredibly captivating series, I was anxiously awaiting the chance to read this novel. When I got my greedy hands on it.......well, let's just say that this book right here, was absolutely one of the best books of 2017! I am always looking forward to a new Cara Putman novel now, and when she delivers one, I. Am. Hooked.
This book is powerful. It's filled with edge of your seat twists, as Emilie and Reid work together to find the clues, the pieces of the puzzle, to find Reid's neice. The roller coaster ride that follows these two incredible characters is enough to take your breath away. I felt every bit of emotion that these two felt, every heartache, every heartpounding piece of evidence within the pages left me wanting to wrap them up and hug them close!
If you love suspense with a dash of romance, then this intricately woven novel is one that you don't want to miss out on. It's 5 star worthy. It's a book that you must stay up past your bed time to finish, as you'll not want it to end. Every page turn will leave you breathless. This is absolutely, simply put, award winning. Once again, Ms. Putman has used her skills to throw her fans a book that will satisfy their hunger for the intense justice, and Godly messages that is Putman trademark! Bravo and hats off to you, Ms. Putman!
*Cafinated Reads received a complimentary copy of this book from LitFuse Blog Tours and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
This book is powerful. It's filled with edge of your seat twists, as Emilie and Reid work together to find the clues, the pieces of the puzzle, to find Reid's neice. The roller coaster ride that follows these two incredible characters is enough to take your breath away. I felt every bit of emotion that these two felt, every heartache, every heartpounding piece of evidence within the pages left me wanting to wrap them up and hug them close!
If you love suspense with a dash of romance, then this intricately woven novel is one that you don't want to miss out on. It's 5 star worthy. It's a book that you must stay up past your bed time to finish, as you'll not want it to end. Every page turn will leave you breathless. This is absolutely, simply put, award winning. Once again, Ms. Putman has used her skills to throw her fans a book that will satisfy their hunger for the intense justice, and Godly messages that is Putman trademark! Bravo and hats off to you, Ms. Putman!
*Cafinated Reads received a complimentary copy of this book from LitFuse Blog Tours and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Only by Death (Ozark Mountain Trilogy #2) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
Wow! It's been a long, long time since I've read a Kathy Herman novel. She was one my mom and I would read together and then talk about. We loved her writing style, the intenseness of her stories, the inspiring messages she would weave into the pages. Picking up this second book in her Ozark Mountain Trilogy was like meeting up with a long lost friend! I was instantly hooked, kept a part of the story as each page turned, and at the end, I wasn't ready for the results! I want more!
Ms. Herman has once again created wonderfully chiseled, heart capturing characters. She has created an intriguing plot line of twists, turns, ups and downs with Liam's story. Just when I thought I had Liam and his reasonings for doing things, Ms. Herman threw us another twist and really made the story play out like a movie. Losing my own mother unexpectedly 4 years, and my grandfather from Alzheimer's 8 years ago, this story just completely enveloped me and didn't let me go.
This is definitely one of the better murder mystery stories I've read in a long while. Ms. Herman knows how to throw the words out there and make them play out like a movie on the big screen. I have not read book one in this series but I was definitely not confused, and am looking forward to going back to book 1 and catching up on the other characters. This is most definitely a 5 star worthy novel. The suspense, the murder, the rollercoaster ride that you're taken on in this story of hope, mercy and intrigue is absolutely jaw dropping. Hats off to you, Ms. Herman! Can't wait for book 3!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Ms. Herman has once again created wonderfully chiseled, heart capturing characters. She has created an intriguing plot line of twists, turns, ups and downs with Liam's story. Just when I thought I had Liam and his reasonings for doing things, Ms. Herman threw us another twist and really made the story play out like a movie. Losing my own mother unexpectedly 4 years, and my grandfather from Alzheimer's 8 years ago, this story just completely enveloped me and didn't let me go.
This is definitely one of the better murder mystery stories I've read in a long while. Ms. Herman knows how to throw the words out there and make them play out like a movie on the big screen. I have not read book one in this series but I was definitely not confused, and am looking forward to going back to book 1 and catching up on the other characters. This is most definitely a 5 star worthy novel. The suspense, the murder, the rollercoaster ride that you're taken on in this story of hope, mercy and intrigue is absolutely jaw dropping. Hats off to you, Ms. Herman! Can't wait for book 3!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Dark Deception (Defenders of Justice #2) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
As a long time fan of Nancy Mehl's and just finishing Fatal Frost from the library, I couldn't wait to dive into this beauty. I was definitely not disappointed! She is a seasoned author who knows just what to bring her readers.
I loved the edge of your seat suspense in this novel. From page one, I was wrapped up in Kate's story. She was chiseled perfectly and really came to life while I followed her on this whirl wind journey. Her journey was not an easy one, that's for sure. In the witness protection program, she has dealt with so much in her life already. But, when she finds out she may have to retestify against the attacker that left her in the wfieitness program to begin with, the story line intensifies and I was pulled even deeper into the story.
Tony Deluca's character was also well chiseled and I loved watching him trying to get a grip on his feelings for Kate once again. The sparks between were evident and when the plot turns to a whole new surprise, those feelings might have to be on the back burner in order to save Kate, and himself, once again.
This book is definitely going on my top 10 2017 list! It's full of the perfect amount of romance, twists and turns, all while weaving in God's mercy and faith. More often than not, I was on the edge of my seat, wondering just what was going to happen next. This 5 star worthy, heart pounding, nail biting goodness is highly recommended! I can't wait to see what's in store for us readers next. <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/tlc-book-tours-review-dark-deception-by-nancy-mehl-giveaway/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
I loved the edge of your seat suspense in this novel. From page one, I was wrapped up in Kate's story. She was chiseled perfectly and really came to life while I followed her on this whirl wind journey. Her journey was not an easy one, that's for sure. In the witness protection program, she has dealt with so much in her life already. But, when she finds out she may have to retestify against the attacker that left her in the wfieitness program to begin with, the story line intensifies and I was pulled even deeper into the story.
Tony Deluca's character was also well chiseled and I loved watching him trying to get a grip on his feelings for Kate once again. The sparks between were evident and when the plot turns to a whole new surprise, those feelings might have to be on the back burner in order to save Kate, and himself, once again.
This book is definitely going on my top 10 2017 list! It's full of the perfect amount of romance, twists and turns, all while weaving in God's mercy and faith. More often than not, I was on the edge of my seat, wondering just what was going to happen next. This 5 star worthy, heart pounding, nail biting goodness is highly recommended! I can't wait to see what's in store for us readers next. <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/tlc-book-tours-review-dark-deception-by-nancy-mehl-giveaway/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated A Duel for Christmas (Pevensey Mysteries, #3) in Books
Mar 5, 2019
After seven long years in Devon, Lady Maud Worlington returns to London to reclaim life on her own terms, but a nefarious shadow and the prospect of financial ruin dog her steps. An impulsive and unforgettable kiss under the mistletoe creates a connection with Geoffrey, the handsome, young Duke of Tilbury. Yet as pleasant as it is to have a suitor, Maud is not sure how a boy of one-and-twenty can prove an equal partner in life and the equal of all the forces mounted against her.
The Duke of Tilbury considers himself as adept at managing matters as he is at swordplay, but his beautiful new acquaintance Lady Worlington has other ideas about how to manage her complicated life. Intrigued by their stolen kiss, Geoffrey pursues Lady Worlington’s affections, only to be foiled by the lady’s own doubts, by rivals for her hand, and by a sudden death, that affects both their families. When Jacob Pevensey, the investigator from Bow Street enters the scene, the duke becomes a prime suspect in the murder case. Truths are unearthed that Geoffrey would rather keep hidden, and the twelve days of Christmas race toward a perilous end.
My Thoughts: A story full of mystery, suspense, romance, and some charming characters. I truly enjoyed this story, based on the twelve days of Christmas, in true Victorian style. The characters were well developed and easy to relate to. Some you liked and some you dislike. It was good to see the strengthening of Maude's character, that she was finally able to stand up for herself and to go on with life without being bullied or blackmailed. This story takes many twists and turns and has many surprises for the reader. This is a book for those who like historical fiction. A wonderful read just in time for the Christmas season!
The Duke of Tilbury considers himself as adept at managing matters as he is at swordplay, but his beautiful new acquaintance Lady Worlington has other ideas about how to manage her complicated life. Intrigued by their stolen kiss, Geoffrey pursues Lady Worlington’s affections, only to be foiled by the lady’s own doubts, by rivals for her hand, and by a sudden death, that affects both their families. When Jacob Pevensey, the investigator from Bow Street enters the scene, the duke becomes a prime suspect in the murder case. Truths are unearthed that Geoffrey would rather keep hidden, and the twelve days of Christmas race toward a perilous end.
My Thoughts: A story full of mystery, suspense, romance, and some charming characters. I truly enjoyed this story, based on the twelve days of Christmas, in true Victorian style. The characters were well developed and easy to relate to. Some you liked and some you dislike. It was good to see the strengthening of Maude's character, that she was finally able to stand up for herself and to go on with life without being bullied or blackmailed. This story takes many twists and turns and has many surprises for the reader. This is a book for those who like historical fiction. A wonderful read just in time for the Christmas season!
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated Stalking Willow (Amazing Grace, #1) in Books
Mar 5, 2019
Synopsis:
Bitterness, stalking, and a neighbor to die for
What's a girl to do?
Trailed by a stalker in New York City, Willow Thomas, a young ad executive, scurries back to her small North Carolina hometown and the lake house where ten years earlier a scandal revealed her entire life had been a lie, and a seed of bitterness took root in her soul. The cocoon of safety Willow feels upon her arrival home soon unravels when she meets opposition from her family, faces the man she left behind, and the stalker reveals he is close on her heels. Can Willow learn to trust God to tear out her roots of resentment, reunite her family, ferret out a deadly stalker, and to rekindle the love she left behind?
My Thoughts: This novel grasps the reader's attention from the first sentence. Full of action and suspense the reader won't want to put it down.
Willow's family had been keeping secrets from her for years, she had a mother who didn't want her and a stalker on the loose.
The story of forgiveness, of a family that finally comes together. It's a story of how a family can overcome jealousy and bitterness toward one another.
This was an interesting story-line and full of action. I enjoyed reading this book and I have to say my favorite character had to be granny. With her faith in God, her prayers and her notes that she left behind really made the story and brought the family together.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Bitterness, stalking, and a neighbor to die for
What's a girl to do?
Trailed by a stalker in New York City, Willow Thomas, a young ad executive, scurries back to her small North Carolina hometown and the lake house where ten years earlier a scandal revealed her entire life had been a lie, and a seed of bitterness took root in her soul. The cocoon of safety Willow feels upon her arrival home soon unravels when she meets opposition from her family, faces the man she left behind, and the stalker reveals he is close on her heels. Can Willow learn to trust God to tear out her roots of resentment, reunite her family, ferret out a deadly stalker, and to rekindle the love she left behind?
My Thoughts: This novel grasps the reader's attention from the first sentence. Full of action and suspense the reader won't want to put it down.
Willow's family had been keeping secrets from her for years, she had a mother who didn't want her and a stalker on the loose.
The story of forgiveness, of a family that finally comes together. It's a story of how a family can overcome jealousy and bitterness toward one another.
This was an interesting story-line and full of action. I enjoyed reading this book and I have to say my favorite character had to be granny. With her faith in God, her prayers and her notes that she left behind really made the story and brought the family together.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Bubblesreview (110 KP) rated The Maze Runner in Books
Mar 13, 2019
Pros:
▪ Lots of action
▪ Suspense from page 1
▪ Fast paced (once past the slowish start)
Cons:
▪ More questions than answers at the end
*deep breath* ok here we go. So, this took me slightly longer to finish than I'd hope. I watched the films only days before starting this, I don't think that helped. I should've learnt my lesson by now, read the book before watching the films! My issue was, the film was almost entirely different from the book, if it weren't for the same character names and wording than you could easily mistake the film for not even being connected to the book, it's that bad. Ok, not that drastic but seriously though it's pretty bad.
The first half of the book was a little slow but still had plenty of suspensful moments and action. The second half is when it really began to pick up and from here is when it got interesting for me because it had no similarity to the film so it was like I was reading a story I had no idea how it was going to end. The ending really smashed it and made it for me but it did leave me with too many questions than answers, which is what the author usually aims for but perhaps TOO many questions is not that great.
Overall this is a really fun book to read, the characters are all really well described and you quickly gain strong connections with them, I really like the strong use of descriptive writing when it comes to the smell of things.
I do have the rest of the series which I plan on reading but for now I feel I need a break between each book but I'll definitely be picking up book 2 soon!
▪ Lots of action
▪ Suspense from page 1
▪ Fast paced (once past the slowish start)
Cons:
▪ More questions than answers at the end
*deep breath* ok here we go. So, this took me slightly longer to finish than I'd hope. I watched the films only days before starting this, I don't think that helped. I should've learnt my lesson by now, read the book before watching the films! My issue was, the film was almost entirely different from the book, if it weren't for the same character names and wording than you could easily mistake the film for not even being connected to the book, it's that bad. Ok, not that drastic but seriously though it's pretty bad.
The first half of the book was a little slow but still had plenty of suspensful moments and action. The second half is when it really began to pick up and from here is when it got interesting for me because it had no similarity to the film so it was like I was reading a story I had no idea how it was going to end. The ending really smashed it and made it for me but it did leave me with too many questions than answers, which is what the author usually aims for but perhaps TOO many questions is not that great.
Overall this is a really fun book to read, the characters are all really well described and you quickly gain strong connections with them, I really like the strong use of descriptive writing when it comes to the smell of things.
I do have the rest of the series which I plan on reading but for now I feel I need a break between each book but I'll definitely be picking up book 2 soon!
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Absolution: A Leine Basso Thriller in Books
Mar 24, 2019
A Great Series
Once again, DV Berkom provides us with a treat with her latest installment in the Leine Basso series. You would assume that things would be getting a bit stale and boring by now but you would be wrong.
Leine finds herself in a life and death struggle with her nemesis, Salome, a particularly nasty terrorist and assassin (are there any other kinds!) who is after Leine and those she holds most dear. Leine has to use all her skills honed when she herself was an assassin but also those gained whilst working for an organisation called SHEN who rescue victims of human trafficking.
What we are provided with in this book is action, adventure and a thrill-a-minute. What we are not provided with is loads of bad language, gratuitous violence and graphic descriptions of death ... don't get me wrong, there is violence but nothing that you would not expect in a book dealing with assassins, terrorism and trafficking; the author just doesn't go over the top, in fact she doesn't need to as she just lets her writing and the story do the talking.
With excellent characters - and I am particularly pleased to see the return of Jinn, the little streetwise girl Leine saved from being murdered in "Dark Return" - suspense from start to finish and an exciting story, this book grabbed me by the "short and curlies" and refused to let go until the last letter.
I want to thank DV Berkom for providing me with a copy in return for an honest review and for writing another fantastic book which I have no hesitation in recommending this and the rest of the series to anyone but particularly those of you who love a strong, female lead character who has a sensitive and loving side but who is not afraid to kick some rear ends!
Leine finds herself in a life and death struggle with her nemesis, Salome, a particularly nasty terrorist and assassin (are there any other kinds!) who is after Leine and those she holds most dear. Leine has to use all her skills honed when she herself was an assassin but also those gained whilst working for an organisation called SHEN who rescue victims of human trafficking.
What we are provided with in this book is action, adventure and a thrill-a-minute. What we are not provided with is loads of bad language, gratuitous violence and graphic descriptions of death ... don't get me wrong, there is violence but nothing that you would not expect in a book dealing with assassins, terrorism and trafficking; the author just doesn't go over the top, in fact she doesn't need to as she just lets her writing and the story do the talking.
With excellent characters - and I am particularly pleased to see the return of Jinn, the little streetwise girl Leine saved from being murdered in "Dark Return" - suspense from start to finish and an exciting story, this book grabbed me by the "short and curlies" and refused to let go until the last letter.
I want to thank DV Berkom for providing me with a copy in return for an honest review and for writing another fantastic book which I have no hesitation in recommending this and the rest of the series to anyone but particularly those of you who love a strong, female lead character who has a sensitive and loving side but who is not afraid to kick some rear ends!