The Black Book (audio)

Three bodies in a beautiful and luxurious bedroom.

Billy Harney was born to be a cop. The son of Chicago's chief of detectives, whose twin sister is also on the force, Billy plays it by the book. Alongside Detective Kate Fenton, Billy's tempestuous, adrenaline-junkie partner, there's nothing he wouldn't sacrifice for his job. Enter Amy Lentini, a hard-charging assistant state's attorney hell-bent on making a name for herself-who suspects Billy isn't the cop he claims to be. They're about to be linked by more than their careers.

One missing black book.

A horrifying murder leads investigators to an unexpected address-an exclusive brothel that caters to Chicago's most powerful citizens. There's plenty of incriminating evidence on the scene-but what matters most is what's missing: the madam's black book. Now shock waves are rippling through the city's elite, and everyone's desperate to find it.

Chicago has never been more dangerous.

As everyone who's anyone in Chicago scrambles to get their hands on the elusive black book, no one's motives can be trusted. An ingenious, inventive thriller about power, corruption, and the power of secrets to scandalize a city-and possibly destroy a family

Billy Harney comes from a family of cops. He is a homicide detective and is working on a case that brings him to a suspected house of prostitution. When he and his partner Kate lead the raid their careers take a turn for the worse. An unstoppable listen with twists that kept me guessing who could have taken the black book? The story is told in past and present chapters that easily weave a fast-paced, entertaining story that has you suspecting everyone. Edorado Ballerini did a fantastic job with the narration.

*Thank to Hachette Audio for this excellent listen*

Cross The Line (audio) + Giveaway JIAM

Alex Cross chases a cold-blooded killer...with a conscience.

Shots ring out in the early morning hours in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. When the smoke clears, a prominent police official lies dead, leaving the city's police force scrambling for answers.

Under pressure from the mayor, Alex Cross steps into the leadership vacuum to investigate the case. But before Cross can make any headway, a brutal crime wave sweeps across the region. The deadly scenes share only one common thread – the victims are all criminals. And the only thing more dangerous than a murderer without a conscience, is a killer who thinks he has justice on his side.

As Cross pursues an adversary who has appointed himself judge, jury, and executioner, he must take the law back into his own hands before the city he's sworn to protect descends into utter chaos

The Alex Cross series has remained one of my favorites. Have I loved every book? Nope, but I like this character and his family. He is good at his job, but loves his family more than anything. It has been great to watch them grow, change and become closer as the years have passed. There are three cases pulling both Alex, his partner Samson and wife Bree in many directions. Could they be connected?  A couple of twists, fast paced with plenty of action made for an entertaining listen. What frustrates me with this series is that I listen on audio and there have been a few narrators for the voice of Alex Cross. Most of them has done a good job, but this latest voice was too young sounding for a veteran Detective with three kids. I loved Peter Bradbury's voice of the villain.  Despite the change in narrators, I will listen to the next Alex Cross book that releases in November.

*Thanks to Hachette Audio for this review copy*

I am hosting a giveaway of my gently used (previously listened to) audiobooks. Enter by commenting on my Friday audiobook posts. I will draw a few winners on July 7th. Please let me know which audiobook(s) you are interested in listening to of the group pictured here. 

Last Words by Michael Koryta narrated by Robert Petkoff
Distress Signals by Catherine Ryan Hyde narrated by Alan Smyth, Bronson Pinchot and Suzanne Torren
Always A Cowboy by Linda Lael Miller narrated by Jack Garret
Here's To Us by Elin Hilderbrand narrated by Erin Bennett
A Duke To Remember by Kelly Bowen narrated by Polly Lee
Spinning the Moon (2 classic stories) by Karen White narrated by Susan Bennett and Pilar Witherspoon

Audio Bookshots+ Giveaway JIAM

Life moves fast—books should too.Impossible to put down.

 Visit BookShots.com for more information

The Bodyguard by Jessica Linden

Abbie is good at her job as a security expert.  She has been hired to protect an up and coming Congressman.  John Lassiter is determined to fight against human trafficking and his new bill has put him in the cross hairs of some dangerous people.  He does not want to lose his reputation as being accessible to his constituents.  He convinces Abbie to pose a new aid to the team until an attempt has him taking these threats seriously. Abbie struggles with her attraction and desperately tries to keep their relationship professional, John doesn't help matters as he wants to give in to it. Erin Cottrell's narration of the suspense and romance has just the right mix to make this quick audio enjoyable.

Bedding the Highlander by Sabrina York

In an effort to end a feud between rival clans, the Rannoch and Killian family have been commanded to unite in marriage.  Kirk and Brody have come to bring Katherine home to wed the Laird/brother Ben.  When Katherine is reported to have run away in order to escape this marriage he starts for home only to have a pair of thieves try to steal their horses.   The thieves turn out to be two girls on the run.They have lied about who they are and hope for Kirk's help to get safely to her grandfather. Along the way they hatch a plan to make it a sure thing that she is not "marriageable". Kirk attracted to Katherine, goes along with the seduction.  When her true identity is revealed with their love survive? Euan Morton's narration was swoon worthy and added greatly to this short audio.

*Thanks to Hachette Audio for these review copies*

June is Audiobook Month. Check out the other bloggers celebrating this month by recommending their top 5 audiobooks and why they love to listen here. Each blog is hosting a giveaway for earbuds and  3 free audiobook downloads on Audiobooks.com. 

I am hosting a giveaway of my gently used (previously listened to) audiobooks. Enter by commenting on my Friday audiobook posts. I will draw a few winners at the end of the month. Please let me know which audiobook(s) you are interested in listening to of the group pictured here. 

Last Words by Michael Koryta narrated by Robert Petkoff
Distress Signals by Catherine Ryan Hyde narrated by Alan Smyth, Bronson Pinchot and Suzanne Torren
Always A Cowboy by Linda Lael Miller narrated by Jack Garret
Here's To Us by Elin Hilderbrand narrated by Erin Bennett
A Duke To Remember by Kelly Bowen narrated by Polly Lee
Spinning the Moon (2 classic stories) by Karen White narrated by Susan Bennett and Pilar Witherspoon

#loveaudiobooks

Dead Man Switch (audio) + Giveaway

Someone is hunting down America's most elite special ops soldiers - in their homes.

A deadly fall on a rugged stretch of California coast. A burglary gone wrong in Virginia. These incidents seem unrelated, but the victims were living undercover, their true identities closely held secrets. They are members of a classified team, the last line of defense against foreign threats. Now someone is assassinating them one by one, taking out family members and innocent bystanders to make the deaths seem like accidents.

Captain John Hayes, a special operations legend, has left the military to settle down with his family. But when he pieces together a pattern behind the murders and discovers that his protégée, Claire Rhodes, a brilliant assassin, is the prime suspect, he returns to duty to unmask the attackers.

With every success, the killers grow bolder. Their ultimate goal: lure Hayes and his remaining fellow soldiers to Manhattan, to eliminate them all in a single devastating strike. To save his teammates and thousands of innocent lives, Hayes must find a way to stop a seemingly unstoppable weapon.

After listening to Cold Barrel Zero in which John Hayes, a special operation operative is introduced, I knew a great character had been created and was glad to know his story wasn't over.  In this second book he has finally cleared his name with those that matter. There are a select few that know he's been cleared but his cover has been kept in place which will hopefully be of advantage when he has to race to find out who is behind the systematic killing of those involved in Cold Harvest. He is relentless in wanting to protect his team, but one of them may be behind these attacks.  Narrator Peter Coleman gets the fast paced, thrill ride atmosphere of this second John Hayes novel perfectly. I could not stop listening! 

*Thanks to Hachette Audio for this review copy*

June is Audiobook Month. Check out the other bloggers celebrating this month by recommending their top 5 audiobooks and why they love to listen here. Each blog is hosting a giveaway for earbuds and  3 free audiobook downloads on Audiobooks.com. 

I am hosting a giveaway of my gently used (previously listened to) audiobooks. Enter by commenting on my Friday audiobook posts. I will draw a few winners at the end of the month. Please let me know which audiobook(s) you are interested in listening to of the group pictured here. 

Last Words by Michael Koryta narrated by Robert Petkoff
Distress Signals by Catherine Ryan Hyde narrated by Alan Smyth, Bronson Pinchot and Suzanne Torren
Always A Cowboy by Linda Lael Miller narrated by Jack Garret
Here's To Us by Elin Hilderbrand narrated by Erin Bennett
A Duke To Remember by Kelly Bowen narrated by Polly Lee
Spinning the Moon (2 classic stories) by Karen White narrated by Susan Bennett and Pilar Witherspoon

#loveaudiobooks

IQ by Joe Ide JIAM + Giveaway

A resident of one of LA’s toughest neighborhoods uses his blistering intellect to solve the crimes the LAPD ignores.

East Long Beach. The LAPD is barely keeping up with the neighborhood’s high crime rate. Murders go unsolved, lost children unrecovered. But someone from the neighborhood has taken it upon himself to help solve the cases the police can’t or won’t touch.

They call him IQ. He’s a loner and a high school dropout, his unassuming nature disguising a relentless determination and a fierce intelligence. He charges his clients whatever they can afford, which might be a set of tires or a homemade casserole. To get by, he’s forced to take on clients that can pay.

This time, it’s a rap mogul whose life is in danger. As Isaiah investigates, he encounters a vengeful ex-wife, a crew of notorious cutthroats, a monstrous attack dog, and a hit man who even other hit men say is a lunatic. The deeper Isaiah digs, the more far reaching and dangerous the case becomes.

Isaiah Quantabe (IQ) is a genius destined for something big. With the encouragement of his older brother he is determined to get out of  the neighborhood. When his brother is gunned down his life changes. Trying to avoid foster care his intelligence helps him to figure out crimes that people bring to him which gets him a reputation. IQ is a great new character, very easy to like even when he gets himself involved with some shady characters. Sullivan Jones did a fantastic job narrating the many characters that IQ came in contact with. His narration really sets you in the story in East Long Beach It was hard at first to get the rhythm of the story going from past to present, but once I did I could not stop listening waiting to find out how this case would be solved.  This debut book will definitely be on my favorite list of 2017 and I look forward to the next book featuring Isaiah.

. *Thanks to Hachette Audio for this review copy.*

June is Audiobook Month. Check out the other bloggers celebrating this month by recommending their top 5 audiobooks and why they love to listen here. Each blog is hosting a giveaway for earbuds and  3 free audiobook downloads on Audiobooks.com. 

I am hosting a giveaway of my gently used (previously listened to) audiobooks. Enter by commenting on my Friday audiobook posts. I will draw a few winners at the end of the month. Please let me know which audiobook(s) you are interested in listening to of the group pictured here. 

Last Words by Michael Koryta narrated by Robert Petkoff
Distress Signals by Catherine Ryan Hyde narrated by Alan Smyth, Bronson Pinchot and Suzanne Torren
Always A Cowboy by Linda Lael Miller narrated by Jack Garret
Here's To Us by Elin Hilderbrand narrated by Erin Bennett
A Duke To Remember by Kelly Bowen narrated by Polly Lee
Spinning the Moon (2 classic stories) by Karen White narrated by Susan Bennett and Pilar Witherspoon

#loveaudiobooks

No Man's Land by David Baldacci (audio)

Two men. Thirty years.

John Puller’s mother, Jackie, vanished thirty years ago from Fort Monroe, Virginia, when Puller was just a boy. Paul Rogers has been in prison for ten years. But twenty years before that, he was at Fort Monroe. One night three decades ago, Puller’s and Rogers’ worlds collided with devastating results, and the truth has been buried ever since.

Until now.

Military investigators, armed with a letter from a friend of Jackie’s, arrive in the hospital room of Puller’s father–a legendary three-star now sinking into dementia–and reveal that Puller Sr. has been accused of murdering Jackie.

Aided by his brother Robert Puller, an Air Force major, and Veronica Knox, who works for a shadowy U.S. intelligence organization, Puller begins a journey that will take him into his own past, to find the truth about his mother.

Paul Rogers’ time is running out. With the clock ticking, he begins his own journey, one that will take him across the country to the place where all his troubles began: a mysterious building on the grounds of Fort Monroe. There, thirty years ago, the man Rogers had once been vanished too, and was replaced with a monster. And now the monster wants revenge. And the only person standing in his way is John Puller.

The letter accusing his father leads John to investigate on his own,  He doesn't remember much and wants to discover the truth  Good friend Veronica Knox is ready to help when they both are called off the investigation by military brass they know they are getting close to something no one wants them to know..  There is a dual story of Paul Rogers recently released from prison, making his way back to Virginia for a reckoning.  As Paul's story unfolds it becomes clear his past has something to do with Jackie's disappearance.  As the chapters alternate and John's investigation brings him back to where he grew up the two stories converge in an unputdownable listen superbly narrated by Kyf Brewer and Orlagh Cassidy. I hope there are more John Puller stories. 

*Thanks to Hachette Audio for this review copy*


 

Audio Bookshots #2

Life moves fast—books should too.Impossible to put down. 

Black and Blue by Candice Fox #.5
Narrated by Federay Holmes
3 hours

Harriet Black is a sex crimes Detective with the Sydney Police.  A young woman's body is found near the shore, and she is sure it is the Georges River Killer. When she arrives on scene, a lone wolf cop Tate "Tox" Barnes is primary.  Since she is sure of the killer she wants on the case.  However, partnering with Tox could be career suicide. She wants nothing to do with him, but he won't go away.The more they investigate it becomes clear this is not a victim of the Georges River Killer. A fellow cop is investigating a missing couple and their yacht.  When the two cases collide, Harry has to work even harder to prove she belongs and deserves a place on the task force. Harry is a great character, strong, independent and willing to work hard. Her background is touched upon and I hope will be explored further in the next book. Federay Holmes narrates her frustration and determination expertly. She nails the fast paced action and explosive ending with a twist that floors Harry.  Looking forward to Never, Never.

Come and Get Us By Shaun Serafin
Narrated by January LaVoy
3 hours

Miranda and her husband Aaron and daughter Sierra are taking a weekend trip.  When they are forced off a cliff and survive she has to go for help. Before Aaron passes out he tells her to be careful who she trusts.While climbing up the cliff someone shots at her.  She realizes that this was no accident. With break neck speed Miranda has to get help. When she outwits those coming for her and gets her family to their destination, she discovers their lives are still in danger.  With quick thinking she figures out a way to save her family.  January LaVoy does a great job with Miranda's fierce determination to save her family.  An enjoyable listen. 

Bookshots Audios are quickly becoming my go to audios for short trips or slow afternoons at work.






*Thanks to Hachette Audio for these review copies*

Baby Doll (audio)

You've been held captive in one room, mentally and physically abused every day, since you were sixteen years old.

Then, one night, you realize your captor has left the door to your cell unlocked.

For the first time in eight years, you're free.

This is about what happens next ...

Lily knows that she must bring the man who nearly ruined her life - her good-looking high-school teacher - to justice. But she never imagined that reconnecting with her family would be just as difficult. Reclaiming her relationship with her twin sister, her mother, and her high school sweetheart who is in love with her sister may be Lily's greatest challenge. After all they've been through, can Lily and her family find their way back after this life-altering trauma?

Very little of Lily's captivity is involved in this story  It is mostly the aftermath of her escape when she returns home to her family and discovers what has happened in her absence.  Some of what happened was understandable and believable. Abby's behavior was a bit over the top, but our sense of revenge loved what she does. Jenna Lamia narrated two parts (Lily and Abby) it was hard at times to listen to her narrate as her vocalization was too whiny or too young sounding that it was not believable. Ellen Archer narrated the mother very well.  Macleod Andrews stole the book as he narrated Ricky's psychopathic tenancies perfectly.   Despite some of the issues I had I could not stop listening to this debut novel.

*Thanks to Hachette Audio, Blackstone Audio for this review copy*

Audio BookShots

Life moves fast—books should too.Impossible to put down. Visit BookShots.com for more information

Learn To Ride by Erin Knightley
Narrated by Courtney Patterson

Madeline has relocated from New York to Texas for a job and is determined to be professional for the year that she will be in this small town. She is put off by how everyone knows or wants to knows her business.  One evening she runs into a handsome cowboy and has a fling. She is mortified to learn that Tanner lives in town and is the local rodeo hero.   Is she willing to take a chance on love or will she continue to be "professional" for the time she is here? 

$10,000,00 Marriage Proposal by Hilary Liftin
Narrated by Sarah Mollo-Christensen

Three single women, Suse, Caroline and Janey see a billboard that says: Will you marry me for $10,000,000? I am a creative, open-minded businessman with limited time and desire to play the field. This is a serious proposal. Each of them think it is a joke. Suse is challenged by her co-workers to apply. She is a tech nerd that develops techy stuff and wants to do more than she is at the present. Going through the interview process allows her to let go of past relationships. Caroline is fed up with auditions, rejections and living with her mother. Her mother challenges her to go through the process and approach it like an audition. She is tired of not being herself and does it her own way. Janey has just lost her job as a reality show producer and is determined to pursue that angle since she is go-getter in her career, but a failure in her personal life. We learn about each one of these women as they make it to the next step in the interviews. Which one will be chosen? Do they really want what is offered? A fun, short listen with a conclusion that is satisfying.

*Thanks to Hachette Audio for these review copies*

Here's To Us (audio)

Laurel Thorpe, Belinda Rowe, and Scarlett Oliver share only two things; a love for the man they all married, Deacon Thorpe--a celebrity chef with an insatiable appetite for life--and a passionate dislike of one another. All three are remarkable, spirited women, but they couldn't be more different. Laurel: Deacon's high school sweetheart and an effortlessly beautiful social worker; Belinda: a high-maintenance Hollywood diva; and Scarlett: a sexy southern belle floating by on her family money and her fabulous looks. They've established a delicate understanding over the years--they avoid each other at all costs.

But their fragile detente threatens to come crashing down after Deacon's tragic death on his favorite place on earth: a ramshackle Nantucket summer cottage. Deacon's final wish was for his makeshift family to assemble on his beloved Nantucket to say good-bye. Begrudgingly, Laurel, Belinda, and Scarlett gather on the island as once again, as in each of their marriages, they're left to pick up Deacon's mess. Now they're trapped in the crowded cottage where they all made their own memories--a house that they now share in more ways than one--along with the children they raised with Deacon, and his best friend. Laurel, Belinda, and Scarlett each had an unbreakable bond with Deacon--and they all have secrets to hide. 

Before the weekend is over, there are enough accusations, lies, tears, and drama to turn even the best of friends--let alone three women who married the same man--into adversaries. As his unlikely family says good-bye to the man who brought them together--for better or worse--will they be able to put aside their differences long enough to raise a glass in Deacon's honor?

Flawed humans with messy lives make this book a good listen. There isn't much to like about the characters, but I couldn't stop listening to see what happens when the three wives, children and good friend of this one man gather together at his beloved Nantucket house to scatter his ashes. It just screams a bad idea with everything that has happened in their lives  - betrayals, jealousies, and terrible decisions. As these characters deal with the grief secrets are revealed as we learn how they all came to be at this house. .

Erin Bennett does a great job narrating each of these characters that I always knew whose POV (Lauren, Belinda, Angie, Buck or Hayes) was being presented and it gave a complete picture of Deacon who has died before the book begins.

This book as a few recipes included as Deacon is a world renowned TV chef. It distracted from the story that the recipe was read in full.  If I had been reading this book, I would have skimmed over the recipe maybe coming back to it after I was finished. Do you read over the entire recipe? Do you prefer that they are included at the end of the book?

*Thanks to Hachette Audio for this review copy*

Audio Bookshots

Bookshots "stories at the speed of life" were introduced recently and they have become the go to audios when I need a quick listen. They would be great for those just starting audio books or those that want a short listen.

The Chase by JP and Michael Ledwidge  (9.5)

Detective Michael Bennet's case is an apparent suicide.  When he begins investigating things don't add up.  The identification comes back to a man that died years ago with ties to the military.  The case takes him on a wild ride.Danny Mastrogiorgio makes this short story a listening pleasure. He is the voice of Michael Bennett - his snark, love of family and dedication to his job.

Little Black Dress by JP and Emily Raymond

After her divorce Jane Avery spends a lot of time alone.  In an effort to make a change in her life she buys a little black dress that helps her feel empowered.  She engages in behavior that is out of character for her and lands her in a place she never expected.  A bit on the steamy side rather than the thriller I expected it to be.  Helen Wick does a good job narrating that kept me listening.

French Kiss by JP and Richard DiLallo

Luc Moncrief has joined the NYPD. A success in France, he now look forward to a new adventure in New York.  He is investigating the death of his partner while she was undercover.  He seems to be getting nowhere until his lover Della is stabbed.  He travels to Paris on a hunch with his new partner.  When she is attacked he is sure he knows who is orchestrating these murders. Luc is an interesting, likeable character and I hope there are more books featuring him . Jean Brassard's narration was a bit fast at times, but a great fit for the character.

Heist by JP and Rees Jones

Colin Mace narrated this fast paced short that drew me in and left me a bit stunned at the end.  His accents were easy to listen to and his character transitions were perfect. A diamond heist that had been planned and practiced finally happens. Just as the crew thinks it will go as planned their haul is almost stolen from them by thieves on motorcycles. When the jeweler doesn't call the robbery in it raises eyebrows. Detective Hill, soon to be retired, takes the case. He is lead on a chase that takes a couple of twists.

*Thanks to Mitch and Hachette Audio for these Bookshots Audios*