Welcome Back To Apple Grove

There's no place like home ~ Grace Mulcahy thought she'd finally gotten Apple Grove, OH, out of her system. Until she's lured back for a family barbecue and spies a broad-shouldered hottie hanging out at the grill. He somehow seems utterly at ease, whether flipping burgers or horsing around with her hellion nephews. Why didn't her brother-in-law tell her he had such gorgeous friends? Suddenly her mouth is watering for more than her best friend's famous pie.

When firefighter Pat Garahan sees Grace, it's like a five-alarm bell goes off and he's the one ablaze. She says she wants to leave Apple Grove, but he will do whatever it takes to keep her around. The life of a firefighter isn't an easy one, though, and he'll have to prove their immediate sparks can have a lasting chance at love...​

This is a small town that is a delight to revisit. Fun and quirky characters are easy to like, and want them to get their HEA. I like how understanding and accepting everyone was of Grace and her decisions.  They love her so much they play matchmaker. A great afternoon read.  

Author:  C.H. Admirand
Published: December 2013
Pages: 322
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source:  Sourcebooks
Finished: 12/15/13



This complimentary review copy was received thankfully from Danielle and Sourcebooks and in no way influenced my review of this book. These are my personal thoughts and reactions to the reading of the book.

Take Over At Midnight

Name: Lola LaRue

Rank: Chief Warrant Officer 3

Mission: Copilot deadly choppers on the world's most dangerous missions

Name: Tim Maloney

Rank: Sergeant

Mission: Man the guns and charm the ladies

The Past Doesn't Matter, When Their Future is Doomed

Nothing sticks to "Crazy" Tim Maloney, until he falls hard for a tall Creole beauty with a haunted past and a penchant for reckless flying. Lola LaRue never thought she'd be susceptible to a man's desire, but even with Tim igniting her deepest passions, it may be too late now...With the nation under an imminent threat of biological warfare, Tim and Lola are the only ones who can stop the madness--and to do that, they're going to have to trust each other way beyond their limits.

Loved these gutsy, strong women of the elite SOAR team.  Lola felt pressure to prove herself, and does not want a complication of Sgt. Maloney.  An action filled, exciting mission oriented book.  Liked that characters from the previous 3 books featured prominently.

Andrew, Lord of Despair

Andrew Alexander will do anything to protect those he loves...

After a tragic yachting accident leaves him wracked with guilt and despair, Andrew Alexander becomes certain he doesn't deserve to be around his own family, let alone the beautiful, forthright Astrid Worthington. He wanders for years, only allowing himself respite from his self-imposed exile when he thinks Astrid safely married. He returns home to find instead that the only woman he's ever loved has been recently—and mysteriously—widowed.

...especially from himself

When Andrew leaves, Astrid refuses to pine. She finds an amiable husband and contents herself with a cordial if unexciting marriage. But her husband's sudden death and Andrew's reappearance threaten to break her heart all over again. When Astrid's life is threatened, she finds Andrew will do anything to protect her not only from her enemies, but also from the truth of his dark past.

Lonely Lords book 7 was another quick, entertaining read.  What is it about guilt ridden, tortured heroes needing strong, spirited women that draw my attention? That certainly is not my life. From the previous book it was thought to be a given that these two would get together.  I liked that I was surprised at the beginning of the novel and had no idea how their HEA would be accomplished.   I did have the mystery behind Astrid's husband's death figured out early.  As always the secondary characters are just as interesting and entertaining. Looking forward to book 8 in this series.

Author: Grace Burrowes
Published: December 2013
Pages: 381
Genre: Regency
Source:  Sourcebooks/NetGalley
Finished: 11/25/13



This complimentary review copy was received thankfully from Sourcebooks and in no way influenced my review of this book. These are my personal thoughts and reactions to the reading of the book.

Red Hill

For Scarlet, raising her two daughters alone makes fighting for tomorrow an everyday battle. Nathan has a wife, but can’t remember what it’s like to be in love; only his young daughter Zoe makes coming home worthwhile. Miranda’s biggest concern is whether her new VW Bug is big enough to carry her sister and their boyfriends on a weekend escape from college finals.

When reports of a widespread, deadly “outbreak” begin to surface, these ordinary people face extraordinary circumstances and suddenly their fates are intertwined. Recognizing they can’t outrun the danger, Scarlet, Nathan, and Miranda desperately seek shelter at the same secluded ranch, Red Hill. Emotions run high while old and new relationships are tested in the face of a terrifying enemy—an enemy who no longer remembers what it’s like to be human.

This was an apocalyptic novel with zombies. It did not read like a "zombie" novel as it was more about the survival of those uninfected by the virus. I was drawn in from the very beginning hoping these characters would get where they were going safely. They journey is told by three characters, Scarlet, Nathan and Miranda, each narrator did a wonderful job with their character. I liked the 3 POVs and the transition was easy between each. There are tough decisions they have to make that get you thinking about what you would choose to do. A fast paced, emotional read with a hard, but realistic ending.

Author: Jamie McGuire
Published: October 2013
Narrated by January McVoy, Emma Galvin & Zachery Webber
Genre: Apocalyptic Fiction
Source:  Simon and Schuster Audio
Finished: 12/8/13


This complimentary review copy was received thankfully from Simon & Schuster and in no way influenced my review of this book. These are my personal thoughts and reactions to the reading of the book.

Gone and The Longest Ride (audios)

Gone by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge

A crime lord has declared war on America. Only Detective Michael Bennett knows why.

Manuel Perrine doesn't fear anyone or anything. A charismatic and ruthless leader, Perrine slaughters rivals as effortlessly as he wears his trademark white linen suit. Detective Michael Bennett once managed to put Perrine behind bars, the only official in the US ever to accomplish that. But now Perrine is out, and he has sworn to find and kill Bennett and everyone dear to him.

Detective Bennett, along with his ten adopted children, their nanny, and his grandfather, are hidden safely on a rural California farm, with guards courtesy of the FBI's witness protection program. Perrine begins to embark on an escalating series of assassinations across the country, killings whose brazenness and audacity bring into question the possibility of safety and law in the US. The FBI has no choice but to ask Detective Bennett to risk it all in Perrine's war on America.

 I love that JP, et al's books are fast, easy and very entertaining reads. Listening on audio is the same. The Michael Bennett series is a favorite of mine. The two narrators did a excellent job and the sound effects were an added bonus. This book had plenty of action and suspense, but something was missing (for me). I didn't feel the closeness/connection of the family, they were to whinny for me. I look forward to the next book in this series.

Author:  James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge
Published: September 2013
Genre: Suspense/Thriller
Source: Hachette Audio
Finished: 11/23/13

The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks

Ira Levinson is in trouble. At ninety-one years old, in poor health and alone in the world, he finds himself stranded on an isolated embankment after a car crash. Suffering multiple injuries, he struggles to retain consciousness until a blurry image materializes and comes into focus beside him: his beloved wife Ruth, who passed away nine years ago. Urging him to hang on, she forces him to remain alert by recounting the stories of their lifetime together – how they met, the precious paintings they collected together, the dark days of WWII and its effect on them and their families. Ira knows that Ruth can’t possibly be in the car with him, but he clings to her words and his memories, reliving the sorrows and everyday joys that defined their marriage.

A few miles away, at a local bull-riding event, a Wake Forest College senior’s life is about to change. Recovering from a recent break-up, Sophia Danko meets a young cowboy named Luke, who bears little resemblance to the privileged frat boys she has encountered at school. Through Luke, Sophia is introduced to a world in which the stakes of survival and success, ruin and reward -- even life and death – loom large in everyday life. As she and Luke fall in love, Sophia finds herself imagining a future far removed from her plans -- a future that Luke has the power to rewrite . . . if the secret he’s keeping doesn’t destroy it first.

Ira and Ruth. Sophia and Luke. Two couples who have little in common, and who are separated by years and experience. Yet their lives will converge with unexpected poignancy, reminding us all that even the most difficult decisions can yield extraordinary journeys: beyond despair, beyond death, to the farthest reaches of the human heart.

A few years ago I read my last Sparks book.  I won't get into the reasons. I choose this book based exclusively on the narrators Ron McLarty and January LaVoy. Both are top favorites of mine and did such a fantastic job narrating that I stuck with the story.  I loved Ira and Ruth! The ending was a complete let down being that it was borrowed from another story.   

Author: Nicholas Sparks
Published: September 2013
Genre: Contemporary
Source:  Hachette Audio
Finished: 11/30/13

This complimentary review copy was received thankfully from Mitch and Hachette Audio and in no way influenced my review of this book. These are my personal thoughts and reactions to the reading of the book.

Don't Want To Miss A Thing

Dexter Yates loves his fun, care-free London life; he has money, looks and girlfriends galore. But everything changes overnight when his sister dies, leaving him in charge of her eight-month-old daughter Delphi. How is he ever going to cope?

Comic-strip artist Molly Hayes lives in the beautiful Cotswold village of Briarwood. When it comes to relationships, she has a history of choosing all the wrong men. Leaving the city behind, Dex moves to Briarwood - a much better place to work on his parenting skills - and he and Molly become neighbours. There's an undeniable connection between them. But if Dexter's going to adapt, he first has a lot to learn about Molly, about other people's secrets...and about himself..

This was a good choice to read after finishing a couple of dark, twisty, suspenseful novels. Last year I quickly became a fan of Jill, but this will not be my favorite book of hers. It wasn't bad, it was nice. I did not find it as funny as her previous books.  There is a lot more going on than Molly and Dex's story, which was a bit of a distraction for me, it was nice that everyone got a happy ending. 

Author: Jill Mansell
Published: November 2013
Pages: 434
Genre: Chick-Lit
Source:  Sourcebooks
Finished: 11/12/13



This complimentary review copy was received thankfully from Danielle and Sourcebooks and in no way influenced my review of this book. These are my personal thoughts and reactions to the reading of the book.

 

Gareth

She's caught between a rake and certain ruin...

Felicity Worthington's only hope of avoiding poverty—or worse—is to accept her distant cousin's dubious bequest... a thriving, high-class brothel. Felicity has 90 days to convince her cousin's solicitors that Gareth Alexander has taught her the art of pleasing a man, though she's more interested in the gentleman she glimpses beneath Gareth's debauched airs, than in the rake he's become.

In the business of love...How much should he teach her?

Gareth Alexander, Marquis of Heathgate, has little incentive to help a spinster learn to manage a brothel—except that the alternatives for the prim, pretty Miss Worthington are even worse. His resistance to teaching Felicity how to be a madam leaves Gareth wondering if the honor he'd thought long dead still survives, and if that honor allows him to yield to the lady's ruinous scheme... and to their shared desires.

Book 6 in the Lonely Lords series. Gareth is the Lord of Rakes. I am just as partial to rakes as I am to highlanders. This rake was asked by a lady to teach her what she needs to know in order to inherit her cousin's business she needs to support herself and her sister, only to find that instead of ruining her, she redeems him.  Another wonderfully written story of redemption that is full of humor, secrets and action. I look forward to the next book in the series featuring Gareth's brother Andrew.

Author:  Grace Burrowes
Published: November 2013
Pages:  384
Genre:  Regency Romance
Source:  Sourcebooks/NetGalley
Finished:  11/5/13



This complimentary review copy was received thankfully from Danielle and Sourcebooks and in no way influenced my review of this book. These are my personal thoughts and reactions to the reading of the book.

How To Handle A Highlander

Moira Frazer is betrothed to a man who is old enough to be her father, but it’s her duty to her clan to marry him, and she’s determined to see this through…until she meets Gahan Sutherland.

Gahan knows this match is designed to start a feud between the clans which is why he decides to stop the wedding. But when Moira awakens a passion within him that he never knew existed, he realizes that the outcome of this perilous situation will determine the future of his own happiness.

Put a Highlander on the cover and I am opening the pages! Gahan and Moria are honorable and want the best for their clan. They fight their attraction for each other, while others want to manipulate that attraction for their own end.  The villains were easy to identify and root against.  I do hope that Cam and Saer will be getting their own books.

Author:  Mary Wine
Published:  November 2013
Pages:  352
Genre:  Historical Romance
Source:  Sourcebooks
Finished:  11/2/13



This complimentary review copy was received thankfully from Danielle and Sourcebooks and in no way influenced my review of this book. These are my personal thoughts and reactions to the reading of the book.

Born Wild

She's got three rules:

1. Trust no one... Eve Edens has been abandoned, used, or manipulated by almost everyone she's ever met. Born into ridiculous wealth, she's dealt with the petty jealousies and sordid little resentments for nearly thirty years. But after three botched attempts on her life, she can no longer ignore the truth. Someone wants her dead.

2. Avoid the bad boys at all costs... William "Wild Bill" Reichert, the wonderfully sexy boy who abandoned her years ago, is back in town. Only he's no boy. Now he's a covert operative — and he's all man. When Eve hires Bill to help her discover who is behind the attacks, Bill soon comes to suspect it's someone much closer to Eve than she dares to believe.

3. And never fall for the same ruse twice...The search for the killer takes Bill and Eve deep into the dark secrets and strange world of the rich and famous, and into the heart of red-hot passion re-ignited by the peril that threatens to consume them both. But does Eve dare risk her heart on Bill a second time?

This was one fast thrilling wild ride! Eve has been working on reinventing herself and she is not about to allow it to be interrupted by a killer.  Billy is one hot dude and I've been waiting for his story.  The identity of the killer kept me guessing.  The side story of Mac and Delilah was just as hot and I hope they feature in their own book.

Author: Julie Ann Walker
Published: November 2013
Pages: 384
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Source: Sourcebooks
Finished: 10/1/13



This complimentary review copy was received thankfully from Danielle and Sourcebooks and in no way influenced my review of this book. These are my personal thoughts and reactions to the reading of the book.

Lady Jenny's Christmas Portrait and Morgan and Archer

The only unmarried Windham sibling, Lady Jenny would not mind so very much taking care of her parents, if only she could study art in Paris for a few years first. Jenny longs for both an artistic challenge, and for a small taste of the passion life holds for those with the courage to seize it.

Lord Elijah Harrington arrives to the Windham household to spend the Yule season painting portraits commissioned by Their Graces, and Jenny thinks she’s met not only a kindred spirit, but a man she might love. Alas, for Jenny—and Elijah—honor has obligated him elsewhere, and while ‘tis the season to be merry, for Jenny and Elijah it will take a miracle to bring them their happily ever after.

The last Windham to get a HEA. While I enjoyed catching up with the rest of the family and liked Jenny and Elijah's passion for their art, the rest of the story was just so-so for me.  Their shared love of art and banter about it was more appealing than their chemistry.  The lengths Jenny's family went through to get the couple alone together was comical. Grace has become a favorite author and I look forward to her next series.

Author:  Grace Burrowes
Published: October 2013
Pages: 386
Genre: Regency Romance
Source:  Sourcebooks
Finished: 10/15/13

Archer Portmaine is investigating a plot against the Crown when he meets Morgan James, a young lady who believes her hearing problems make her a poor candidate for marriage, although her disability provides the key to unraveling Archer's mystery—and to capturing his heart.

Morgan and Archer were secondary characters from previous novels in the Windham series.  Since this is a novella their story is a bit rushed, but very enjoyable. 

Author:  Grace Burrowes
Published: November 2013
Pages: 91
Genre:  Regency Romance
Source:  Sourcebooks/NetGalley
Finished:  10/20/13



This complimentary review copy was received thankfully from Danielle and Sourcebooks and in no way influenced my review of this book. These are my personal thoughts and reactions to the reading of the book.

Getting Rowdy

Charismatic bar owner Rowdy Yates isn’t the kind of man women say no to. So when he approaches waitress Avery Mullins, he fully expects to get her number. However, the elusive beauty has her reasons for keeping her distance— including a past that might come back to haunt them both.

Avery spends her nights working for tips…and trying to forget the secret Rowdy is determined to unearth. But when history threatens to repeat itself, Avery grows to rely on Rowdy’s protective presence. As the sparks between them ignite, she will be forced to choose between the security she’s finally found…and the passion she’s always wanted.

This is the third book in the Love Undercover series. It stands alone well, but after meeting Pepper, Logan, Reese and Alice, I want to go back and read books 1 and 2. Rowdy is a teddy bear under his tough, bad-boy exterior. Avery sees underneath the tough as nails ladies man and is determined not to be one of his conquests.  His change is a blast to read. The action and suspense is fast paced and attention holding.  I will definitely be reading more of Lori's books .

Since first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a Waldenbooks, Borders, USA TODAY, Publishers Weekly and New York Timesbestselling author. She also received the Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Series Romantic Fantasy and Contemporary Romance.

Lori believes it is important to give back to the community as much as possible, so she routinely arranges events among authors and readers to gather donations for various organizations.

Visit Lori's website.
Tour Site: BookTrib



This complimentary review copy was received thankfully from Media Muscle, BookTrib and Harlequin and in no way influenced my review of this book. These are my personal thoughts and reactions to the reading of the book.

Double Feature

SAM DOLAN is a young man coming to terms with his life in the process and aftermath of making his first film. He has a difficult relationship with his father, B-movie actor Booth Dolan—a boisterous, opinionated, lying lothario whose screen legacy falls somewhere between cult hero and pathetic. Allie, Sam’s dearly departed mother, was a woman whose only fault, in Sam’s eyes, was her eternal affection for his father.

 Also included in the cast of indelible characters: a precocious, frequently violent half-sister; a conspiracy-theorist second wife; an Internet-famous roommate; a contractor who can’t stop expanding his house; a happy-go-lucky college girlfriend and her husband, a retired Yankees catcher; the morose producer of a true crime show; and a slouching indie film legend. Not to mention a tragic sex monster.

A family saga with everything that I love...difficult relationships, dysfunction, family members that are easy to love and some to hate. Emotional, humorous, angsty and overall a satisfying debut brilliantly narrated by Holter Graham.

Author: Owen King
Published: March 2013
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Source: Simon and Schuster



This complimentary review copy was received thankfully from Lauren and Simon and Schuster Audio and in no way influenced my review of this book. These are my personal thoughts and reactions to the reading of the book.

The Coincidence of Calle and Kayden

For Kayden, suffering in silence was the only way to survive. If he was lucky, he could keep his head down, do as he was told, and make it through the day. But one night it seemed like his luck - and his life - might finally end...until an angel named Callie appeared just in time to rescue him.

Callie has never believed in luck. Not since her twelfth birthday when everything was taken from her. After the worst was over, she locked up her feelings and vowed never to tell anyone what happened. Now, six years later, she continues to struggle with the painful secret that threatens to consume her.

When fate lands Kayden and Callie at the same college, Kayden is determined to get to know the beautiful girl who changed his destiny. Quiet and reserved, Callie still fears letting anyone else into her world. But Kayden is certain that Callie has come back into his life for a reason. And the more he tries to be a part of her life, the more he realizes that, this time, it's Callie who needs to be saved.

The story of two wounded people that find each other at college and begin to wonder if they can be together.  Both characters grab your heart and make you care deeply for them.  Told in the voices of Callie and Kayden authentically, honestly and emotionally.  The ending will make you crazy, thankfully, I had a heads up, and look forward to the next book.  Leslie Bellair did a fantastic job narrating. 

Author: Jessica Sorenson
Published: August 2013
Narrator:  Leslie Bellair
Genre: New Adult Contemporary
Source: Hachette Audio
Finished: 9/28/13



This complimentary review copy was received thankfully from Kelsey and Hachette Audio and in no way influenced my review of this book. These are my personal thoughts and reactions to the reading of the book.

A Seal Wolf Christmas

Navy SEAL Bjornolf Jorgenson and undercover operative Anna Johnson have a rocky beginning at their first meeting all to do with pantyhose and tying her to a bed after some heavy-duty sparring, and him declaring she has mighty fine killer knees. Christmas is coming but thoughts of sugar plum fairies and kissing under the mistletoe isn’t something these two gray werewolves have in mind when they're tasked to be the newlyweds preparing for Christmas while investigating a SEAL’s murder at a Christmas Tree farm.

Neither care about Christmas, sharing gifts, and all the traditions that go along with the season since neither enjoyed the holiday while growing up. But as they battle each other as to what makes for the perfect newly married couple’s first Christmas, they learn that a little Christmas cheer can become so much more, especially if they can take down a SEAL’s killer before they become his next target.

A great read while I was recovering with back issues. Both characters are strong, independent with scarred pasts and when they get together it is explosive.  The mystery is full of adventure with twists that keep the pages turning.  It was great to revisit with characters from previous books.

Author: Terry Spear
Published: October 2013
Pages: 282
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Source:  Sourcebooks
Finished: 9/25/13


This complimentary review copy was received thankfully from Danielle and Sourcebooks and in no way influenced my review of this book. These are my personal thoughts and reactions to the reading of the book.

Gabriel

 

Gabriel North has spent two years allowing his family to believe him dead, while he assumes the identity of a hardworking steward on the neglected Three Springs estate. When Gabriel falls in love with Polonaise Hunt, cook at Three Springs, he realizes he must solve the mystery of who tried repeatedly to kill him, before he can ask any woman to share his life.

Gabriel resumes his proper identity as Marquis of Hesketh only to find that Polonaise has also resumed her calling, that of talented portrait artist, and she’s been commission to paint Gabriel’s heir. While Gabriel tries to untangle the mystery of his attempted murder, he finds Polonaise has been keeping secrets of her own. She can capture Gabriel’s likeness on canvas, but can he capture her heart?

 

I fell in love with Gabriel and Polly in Beckham and was thrilled to read their story.  This series has become one of my favorites.  The characters are easy to love despite their flaws. Secrets abound, and it was a bit frustrating for this reader.   The secondary story of Aaron and Marjorie was just as enjoyable.  Grace writes with humor, emotion that is just plan fun.  If you love Regency, don't miss this series.

Author:  Grace Burrowes
Published: September2013
Pages:
Genre: Regency Romance
Source:  Sourcebooks/NetGalley
Finished: 9/29/13



This complimentary review copy was received thankfully from Danielle @ Sourcebooks via NetGalley and in no way influenced my review of this book. These are my personal thoughts and reactions to the reading of the book.

Stranded by Dani Pettrey

When her friend vanishes from a cruise ship, reporter Darcy St. James isn’t satisfied with their explanation that she simply left her job of her own accord. Something isn’t lining up, and Darcy believes the only way to find the truth is to put herself in Abby’s position.

Within days, Darcy learns her friend wasn’t the only person to disappear mysteriously. Last summer, a woman vanished under almost identical circumstances.

Gage McKenna has taken a summer-long stint leading adventure excursions for the passengers of various cruise lines that dock for a few days of sightseeing. He’s surprised to find Darcy working aboard one of the ships, investigating a troubling report.

Something sinister is going on, and the deeper they dig, the more Gage fears they’ve only discovered the tip of the iceberg.

The first two books in this series, Submerged and Shattered were page turning delights. I was looking forward to Darcy and Gage's story in this third installment. The suspense and investigation of Darcy's missing friend overshadowed their romance and I was a bit disappointed. The action and adventure was non-stop and well written - it kept me glued to the pages to find out what happened to Abby.  I found myself more interested in Kayden and Jake and hope they get their own story.

Author: Dani Pettrey
Published: September 2013
Pages: 342
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense
Source: Bethany House/Librarything
Finished: 9/22/13



This complimentary review copy was received thankfully from Bethany House and Librarything's Early Reviewer program and in no way influenced my review of this book. These are my personal thoughts and reactions to the reading of the book.

Bellman and Black

ONE MOMENT IN TIME CAN HAUNT YOU FOREVER.

Caught up in a moment of boyhood competition, William Bellman recklessly aims his slingshot at a rook resting on a branch, killing the bird instantly. It is a small but cruel act, and is soon forgotten. By the time he is grown, with a wife and children of his own, William seems to have put the whole incident behind him. It was as if he never killed the thing at all. But rooks don’t forget . . .

Years later, when a stranger mysteriously enters William’s life, his fortunes begin to turn—and the terrible and unforeseen consequences of his past indiscretion take root. In a desperate bid to save the only precious thing he has left, he enters into a rather strange bargain, with an even stranger partner. Together, they found a decidedly macabre business.

And Bellman & Black is born.

I eagerly anticipated this book after loving the author's debut, The Thirteenth Tale. I was drawn into William's story even though it unfolded slowly.  We are introduced when he is a child and go through his life's up and downs for 50+ years.  William felt haunted by Mr. Black, but the book did not feel like a ghost story to me.   The book would make a great club selection with it's themes of abandonment, success, losses, death and eeriness's.  The writing was wonderful and I read the book in one sitting.  Can't wait to see what comes next from this author.

Author: Diane Setterfield
Published: October 2013
Pages:  336
Genre:  Historical
Source:  Atria's Galley Alley
Finished:  8/31/13



This complimentary review copy was received thankfully from Atria's Galley Alley and in no way influenced my review of this book. These are my personal thoughts and reactions to the reading of the book.

Trouble in Paradise

With her besties Bailey and Toni in tow, Rachel leaves work and rainy LA behind and sets off for a much needed vacation in Aruba. Greeted by glittering sand and a balmy breeze, the three friends can't imagine anywhere more perfect.

But just minutes after hitting the beach, they're approached by a panicked young woman. A gofer on the biggest reality hit since "Survivor," she's lost the show's child star and must find her, now, before anyone else realizes she's gone. Rachel, Bailey, and Toni put their dreams of paradise on hold and embark on a whirlwind search for the girl—a search that ends with a twist so disturbing no one, not even a fortune-teller, could have seen it coming...

This audio short story introduced me to Rachel Knight and friends. I liked these character immediately and luckily there are just a few books in the series for me to catch-up on.  January McVoy does a great job narrating.

Author: Marcia Clark
Published: May 2013
Genre: Crime Fiction
Source: Hachette Audio
Finished: 8/31/13


This complimentary review copy was received thankfully from Mitch and Hachette Audio and in no way influenced my review of this book. These are my personal thoughts and reactions to the reading of the book.

The Shining Girls

THE GIRL WHO WOULDN'T DIE HUNTS THE KILLER WHO SHOULDN'T EXIST.

"The future is not as loud as war, but it is relentless. It has a terrible fury all its own."

Harper Curtis is a killer who stepped out of the past. Kirby Mazrachi is the girl who was never meant to have a future.

Kirby is the last shining girl, one of the bright young women, burning with potential, whose lives Harper is destined to snuff out after he stumbles on a House in Depression-era Chicago that opens on to other times.

At the urging of the House, Harper inserts himself into the lives of the shining girls, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. He's the ultimate hunter, vanishing into another time after each murder, untraceable-until one of his victims survives.

Determined to bring her would-be killer to justice, Kirby joins the Chicago Sun-Times to work with the ex-homicide reporter, Dan Velasquez, who covered her case. Soon Kirby finds herself closing in on the impossible truth .

I was drawn to this book because of it's time-travel aspect. The story is told by Harper, Kirby, Dan, the victims, and a few other characters that cross paths. While this was cleverly unique, it lost me a few times and left me with too many questions. It wrapped up quickly, which is not a negative, but I was looking for something else. The narrators, Khristine Hvam, Peter Ganim, Jay Snyder, Joshua Boone, Dani Cervone, Jenna Hellmuth, kept me engaged with the novel.  Didn't love it, but didn't hate it either.

Author: Lauren Beukes
Published: June 2013
Genre: Thriller/Fantasy
Source: Hachette Audio
Finished: 8/29/13



This complimentary review copy was received thankfully from Mitch and Hachette Book Group and in no way influenced my review of this book. These are my personal thoughts and reactions to the reading of the book.

To Wed A Wicked Highlander

She always wanted to be one of the boys...

Sybella would do anything to prove she's just as valuable to the MacKenzie clan as her brother is. She'd go on any hunt, take any dare. But her father has a different sort of mission in mind: marriage. It's simple, he explains. All she has to do is marry Alexander MacDonell and report back on his family's secrets. It will be easy, he says, as long as she doesn't do anything foolish...like fall in love.

Until she got a man

As laird of the MacDonells, Alex has a duty to produce an heir. It's a duty he won't mind with the lovely Ella as his wife―even if she is one of the dreaded MacKenzies. He's wooed and won many ladies, but Ella is a challenge like no other. He can tell she's holding something back. But not for long. Because inch by inch, he plans to expose everything she's been hiding and claim the ultimate prize: her heart.

I continue to be a sucker for Highlanders. Sybella is a strong, independent young woman, a perfect surprise for Alexander MacDonnell. She struggled with loyalites but was kind and understanding. A thoroughly enjoyable weekend book. Book 3 in the Bad Boys of Highlands easily stands alone.

Author: To Wed A Wicked Highlander
Published: September 2013
Pages: 293
Genre: Historical Romance
Source:  Sourcebooks
Finished: 8/22/13



This complimentary review copy was received thankfully from Kelly and Sourcebooks and in no way influenced my review of this book. These are my personal thoughts and reactions to the reading of the book.