The Stars Shine Bright by Sibella Giorello [3.5 stars]

The Stars Shine Bright by Sibella Giorello
From back cover:
After the FBI suspends her for bending its rules, Special Agent Raleigh Harmon is looking for a chance to redeem her career and re-start her life.

Sent undercover to a thoroughbred horse track, Raleigh takes on a double life to find out who's fixing the races. But when horses start dying and then her own life is threatened, Raleigh realizes something bigger-and more sinister-is ruining Emerald Meadows.
     She's never felt more alone.
     Her one contact with the FBI is Special Agent Jack Stephanson, a guy who seems to jump from antagonistic to genuine friend depending on the time of day. And she can't turn to her family for support. They're off-limits while she's undercover, and her mother isn't speaking to her anyways, having been confined to a mental hospital following a psychotic breakdown. Adding insult to her isolation, Raleigh's fiancé wants them to begin their life together-now-precisely when she's been ordered not to be herself.

     With just days left before the season ends, Raleigh races to stop the killing and find out who's behind the track's trouble, all while trying to determine if Jack is a friend or foe, and whether marrying her fiancé will make things better-or worse.
     Raleigh is walking through the darkest night she's faced, searching for a place where the stars shine bright.

This book was just ok for me. I really like Sibella Giorello's wirting, but this book just didn't really work for me. I had trouble getting through it and it wasn't as enjoyable as the previous books. The plot itself, the whole racing thing, something I am not really interested in, was boring to me.  The book was very well written and researched, and I really felt the author knew what she was talking about, it was just a little boring.

I love Ms. Giorello's writing, she has an amazing way with words and describing things. I enjoyed the characters in this book. The character development was good and all the secondary characters had good depth. It was just the plot that didn't work. This is one book I won't be reading again, but I definietly be reading the next book!

Murder in Miami by Noel Hynd [2.5 stars]

Murder in Miami by Noel Hynd
From back cover:
Between midnight and dawn most people are dead to the world, others are just dead.

U.S. Treasury Agent Alexandra LaDuca travels to Miami to continue her investigations into the murder-and-money laundering activities of the Dosi cartel, an intrigue set in motion in Hostage in Havana. Sent there by the U.S. Treasury Department to speak with a recent Cuban defector, she soon realizes this key player may be no help at all.

A vast global money laundering scheme fueled by cocaine profits. A woman who promises to put Alex in touch with the spirit world. A lethal trap by the Dosi cartel. A handsome actor back in New York who suggests that love and romance may soon return to Alex's life. All this is what Alex is up against as she attempts to navigate a Miami underworld that encompasses elements of the surreal and supernatural.

But can Alex emerge from this world with her life--and her faith--intact? Can she get past the painful tragedy of her past and discover God's plan for her future?

To put it bluntly, I really did not like this book. It seemed to drag on forever and I felt as though I would never get done with it. There were tons of unnecessary details, no character development (this is the fifth book and I still don't really know anything about Alex and her personality.) Since the book is based mostly in Miami, there is a lot of Spanish, but not a whole lot of translation. Which is quite frustrating to someone who doesn't know Spanish! Dialogue was pretty boring and I thought Alex's love interest was pretty lame. I was really missing Ben (the Veteran from the previous books, I don't really remember what happened with him, but I think he would've made a much better romantic interest.) There were a few times I kept hoping the plot would pick up and something interesting would happen, but it felt like even the author didn't know what to have happen and would kill someone else off just for the heck of it.

I don't really know what else to say about this book. I hate having to write such a negative review, because I don't like to be mean; but I just felt like I wasted so much time reading this and I kind of felt cheated by the story. I don't think I will be buying the next book.

Free Kindle books!

Everyone loves free books, so I thought I would share some of the recent free Kindle books I've found. Enjoy!

Dead Reckoning by Ronie Kendig
From back cover:
When underwater archeologist Shiloh Blake finds herself in the middle of an international nuclear arms clash during her first large-scale dig, she flees for her life. Is the man trailing her and enemy or a protector sent by her CIA father? Who is he and how is he always one step ahead? Whoever he is, the only way to prevent a nuclear meltdown means joining forces with this mystery man. Will Shiloh violate her vow to never become involved in her father's web of intrigue and mystery? Will she reconcile with her past and with him? Will she allow God to help her through this ordeal of danger, mistrust, and uncertainty? 
Read my review HERE.

Cool Beans by Erynn Mangum
From back cover:
Everything seems to be going perfectly for Maya Davis. She has a great job at a coffee shop, gets along with her parents, and is happily single. That is until her best friend unknowingly starts dating Maya's high school sweetheart, her annoyingly perfect brother moves back to town, and her co-worker starts showing interest in her. What is God trying to teach her about life, love, and commiserating over coffee? 

Erynn Mangum is one of the few authors outside of the suspense/thriller category that I will read. Her books aren't too deep, but they're fun, humerous reads. And you can't go wrong with it since it's free, right?

Opening Moves by Steven James [4.5 stars]

Opening Moves by Steven James
From back cover:
Milwaukee, 1997. In a city reeling from the crimes of Jeffery Dahmer, a series of gruesome kidnappings and mutilations draws authorities into a case like nothing they've ever seen. Cops think a Dahmer copycat is on the loose.

But Patrick Bowers, working as a homicide detective, suspects this is more than an ode to the infamous cannibal. When he discovers that the shocking acts reference some of the most notorious and macabre killers in our nation's history, the investigation spirals into a nightmare of manipulation, brutality, and terror.

Wielding groundbreaking investigative techniques, Bowers must now face off with a killer who will stop at nothing to get his message out to the world.

I really, really like Steven James's books. They're extremely well written and full of facts. This book has a lot of true crime mixed into it.

This book was written after the first five books had been released, and I would recommend reading this one before you start The Pawn. Having read the other books, I was almost at a disadvantage because I knew the outcome to the main plotline. But don't get me wrong, this was still an incredible book! 

Opening Moves is quite gruesome, more so than the other books. The book starts out with the author saying how this book gave him nightmares while writing it. It really kind of grosses you out as you're reading it, you're thinking; There really can't be people out there like this, can there? But yes, unfortunately there is. And there are people out there who have to see and deal with this in real life. People like Pat. You really get to know him throughout this book. His thought process, what makes him the cop he is, and how he copes with everything. What I really love about Steven James's books is how he gets into the characters' heads. He tells the story from Pat's point of view, then switches to the killer.

Too many times have I read crime books and not felt a thing for the victim. It's just another book with another murder. But there's just enough back story on each victim, that you really feel for them, and hope that they might survive.

So, if you can get over the grisly details, I highly recommend this book if you like suspense and thrillers. This is an outstanding installment in the Patrick Bowers series.

Trinity: Military War Dog (A Breed Apart) by Ronie Kendig [4 stars]

Trinity: Military War Dog by Ronie Kendig
From back cover:
An ex-Green Beret and his war dog on the greatest mission of their lives.
And probably their last.

A year ago in Afghanistan, Green Beret Heath Daniels's career was destroyed.
Along with his faith.
Now, he and his military war dog, Trinity, have a chance to redeem their skills through the A Breed Apart organization. The job works. But his passion is to be back in the field. The medical discharge says it can't happen due to the traumatic brain injury the forced Heath to the sidelines.

Until...
Military intelligence officer Darci Kintz is captured and the geological survey team she's covertly imbedded is killed while secretly tracking the Taliban in the beautiful but brutal Hindu Kush. It's clear only one dog can handle the extreme conditions to save her. And only one man can handle Trinity.

Time is running out on the greatest-and most dangerous-mission of their lives.
 
The author did a really good job of making Trinity seem realistic. She almost seemed human and she had a great personality.
There were some good character twists-not everyone was who they seemed to be. The characters in Ronie's books are always very interesting. Very real, which I really enjoy.

The first third or so of the book was a little slow, just trying to get everyone/everything straight until we get to the meat of the story.

I didn't like this book quite as much as the Discarded Heroes series (which I LOVED) but this is a great book full of military suspense, romance (a tad cheesy but not bad), and lots of action! I will be looking forward to the next book, Talon: Combat Tracking Team!

Proof by Jordyn Redwood [4 stars]

Proof by Jordyn Redwood
From back cover:
After DNA evidence clears a suspected serial rapist of grisly crimes, ER physician Dr. Lilly Reeves think she's a danger to the case, and takes matters into her own hands. Police detectives er colleagues worry her obsession will be detrimental to her health. But Lilly can't stop, even if it means digging into a dark mystery that science cannot comprehend. Alone and on the run, Lilly wonders: Is there any proof that will bring a monster to justice?

I'll start off by saying this is a book for mature audiences, since it deals with the topic of rape.

I thought this book was very well done. There's a lot of medical details, but not so many where they're hard to follow or understand. The characters were well done and I felt as though I really got to know Dr. Lilly Reeves throughout the book.

I found the genetics aspect of the book to be very intriguing!

It was interesting that we find out who the killer is in the middle of the book (you never see that happen!) and the rest of the story is proving that the person actually did commit the crime when DNA testing proves wrong.

I did figure out a few of the plot twists, but overall, this is a very well done book. I am looking forward to the next book in the series!

October releases

Here are some October releases I'm looking forward to.

Releases October 1, 2012.

Deployed (Called to Serve) by Mel Odom
From back cover:
Lance Corporal Bekah Shaw joined the Marine Reserve to support herself and her young son when her ex-husband decided they were no longer his responsibility. Deployed to Somalia for her current tour of duty, she learns that her team must protect international humanitarian efforts and hunt down the terrorists responsible for the violence and carnage. The mission seems straightforward until the team encounters a renegade, a ghost who seems to be fighting against both sides.

Rageh Daud once lived in contentment with his family in Mogadishu, Somalia. But when that life was torn from him by a terrorist attack, he vowed to avenge his loved ones whatever the cost. Raising an army of men from the displaced people scattered through the countryside, his only goal is destruction—until he encounters an orphan child he feels compelled to protect.

When their worlds collide in a desperate situation, Bekah’s Marines and Daud’s militia realize that their only hope for defeating a common enemy—and their only chance at staying alive—may be to form an unthinkable alliance.

Releases October 1, 2012.

When A Heart Stops by Lynette Eason
From back cover:
A killer's deadly game needs new players . . . but someone's about to change the rules

As a medical examiner, Serena Hopkins is used to dealing with death. But that doesn't make it any easier when she's called to the eerie scene of a murder--especially when Serena realizes that she knows the victim. Nearly as unnerving is the presence of FBI agent Dominic Allen, her childhood crush.

As evidence mounts and points to a serial killer with disturbingly familiar methods, Serena and Dominic must work to find a pattern and stop the killings before the murderer strikes again. And when Serena's own life seems at stake, she must decide if the secret she has been keeping has put her next on the killer's hit list. Can she trust Dominic with the truth before it's too late?

Releases October 2, 2012.

Full Disclosure by Dee Henderson
From back cover:
Ann Silver is a cop's cop. As the Midwest Homicide Investigator, she is called in to help local law enforcement on the worst of cases, looking for answers to murder. Hers is one of the region's most trusted investigative positions.

Paul Falcon is the FBI's top murder cop in the Midwest. If the victim carried a federal badge or had a security clearance, odds are good Paul and his team see the case file or work the murder.

Their lives intersect when Ann arrives to pass a case off her desk and onto his. A car wreck and a suspicious death offer a lead on a hired shooter he is tracking. Paul isn't expecting to meet someone, the kind that goes on the personal side of the ledger, but Ann Silver has his attention.

The better he gets to know her, the more Paul realizes her job barely scratches the surface of who she is. She knows spies and soldiers and U.S. Marshals, and has written books about them. She is friends with the former vice president. People with good reason to be cautious about who they let into their lives deeply trust her. Paul wonders just what secrets Ann is keeping, until she shows him the John Doe Killer case file, and he starts to realize just who this lady he is falling in love with really is....

Releases October 23, 2012.

Every Breath You Take by M.K. Gilroy
From author's website:
When the son of a Chicago billionaire is murdered the only lead on this high-profile crime - one that has the media buzzing and politicians scrambling - is an exclusive dating service that discretely caters to the rich and famous.

Who better to go undercover in the world of personal profiles, promising matches, and questionable motives than an ace detective who is single and as attractive as she is tough.

Detective Kristen Conner may not be able to figure out her own love life, but she is about to get a crash course on finding Mr. Right – even as she finds herself in the crosshairs of a determined killer's gun.

Releases October 30, 2012.

A Dangerous Stage by Camy Tang
From author's website:
Tessa Lancaster worked for her uncle in the Japanese mafia until she was sent to prison for a murder she didn't commit. Now, after finding God behind bars, she takes odd jobs as a bodyguard to keep her distance from the family business.

In A Dangerous Stage, the second book in Camy Tang's Protection for Hire series, Tessa gets caught up in the web of lies surrounding a shady singing competition. Hired by one of the contestants, she works with Charles Britton---the lawyer who sent her to prison---to discover the dark figures manipulating the contest from behind the scenes.

Tessa's abilities will be tested like never before as she's forced to balance the safety of her client's family and her deepening relationship with Charles. In the midst of the chaos, she holds on to her faith to keep her safe and bring down the shadowy organization.

Looks like there's a lot of good books coming out! Anything you're excited for?

Free Kindle book

Proof by Jordyn Redwood
From back cover:
After DNA evidence clears a suspected serial rapist of grisly crimes, ER physician Dr. Lilly Reeves takes matters into her own hands. Police detectives think she's a danger to the case, and her colleagues worry her obsession will be detrimental to her health. But Lilly can't stop, even if it means digging into a dark mystery that science cannot comprehend. Alone and on the run, Lilly wonders: Is there any proof that will bring a monster to justice?

I just finished this book (although I haven't posted a review yet.) But I really enjoyed this book. Very good plot and characters. And it's free! Download it here!

Hide and Seek by Jeff Struecker and Alton Gansky [4.5 stars]

Hide and Seek by Jeff Struecker and Alton Gansky
From back cover:
She traded her gun for the power of words, but now she needs both.

Amelia Lennon no longer wears a uniform or carries a weapon. An Army trained Foreign Affairs Officer; she's negotiating a dispute with the Kyrgyzstan government that threatens to leave the United States without an airbase in that region. While following a government contact - the lawyer daughter of Kyrgyzstan's president - Amelia witnesses an attempt to abduct her. She thwarts the kidnapping, but now the two women are on the run in a city that's erupting into chaos.

Master Sergeant J.J. Bartley is the Special Operations team leader tasked to rescue them. With a new member in his unit whose secret could endanger everyone's life, J.J. must solider the team through crazed mobs intent on overthrowing the government. Back home, his pregnant wife is misinformed that her husband and his men have been killed. Before this is over, Bartley will find out that's the least of his problems.

I love a good military suspense/thriller and this was a very good read. I really enjoyed all the characters, even the secondary ones.  I really like J.J. and his team, especially their humor and the way they interact with each other. Everyone comes across as very real and relatable.
I especially liked Amelia. She was smart and tough! I like a strong, kick-butt female character. I think this is my favorite of Jeff Struecker's books.

Faith is an integral part of the story, and I like how it isn't shoved down anyone’s throat. It's there, but it's not pushy.

The only thing I don't like about this book (and all the books in the series.) is there's too many points of view. It's always a little confusing at the beginning trying to figure out who is who. I found myself skipping over parts of a characters POV's a couple of times and not missing anything in the plot.

I hope there's more books in this series! I highly recommend this book; there's plenty of suspense and action. And there's a character in here to satisfy every reader.

Nothing to Hide by J. Mark Bertrand [5 stars]

Nothing to Hide by J. Mark Bertrand
From back cover:
The victim's head is missing, but what intrigues Detective Roland March is the hand. The pointing finger must be a clue-but to what? According to the FBI, the dead man was an undercover asset tracking the flow of illegal arms to the Mexican cartels. To protect the operation, they want March to play along with the cover story. With a little digging though, he discovers the Feds are lying. And they're not the only ones.
In an upside-down world of paranoia and conspiracy, March finds himself dogged by injury and haunted by a tragic failure. Forced to take justice into his own hands, his twisting investigation takes him into the very heart of darkness, leaving March with nothing to lose-and nothing to hide.
I really enjoyed this book! I thought the first two books in the series, Back on Murder and Pattern of Wounds, were really good. I like the author's voice and his use of words. Each and every sentence seems to be carefully thought out. The writing is brilliant, really.

A word of warning, the initial murder is a little gruesome, but the book is so well written, if you can stand a little gore, it's WELL worth it!

I did figure out the killer A little over halfway through the book, but was left guessing as to how the plot would come together.

Mr. Bertrand definitely has a gift for character development. I really enjoy each and every character in these books. There's so much depth and emotion to the characters, they come across as real people you might know or come across in day-to-day life.
Roland March is such a great character. I appreciate the fact that while he's a tough cop, he has a soft, compassionate side. Sometimes authors get so wrapped up in giving us a gritty, tough cop character, they forget that that doesn't come across as 'real'.
I thought it was interesting that while March might not always follow the rules, everything he does seems smart. He makes educated decisions and only disobeys the rules if he has no other choice, while still realizing what he's doing is wrong.

I think this is the last book in the series, and while it's disappointing to see a great series end, I would have to say this is one of the best series I've ever read.

When the Smoke Clears by Lynette Eason [3.5 stars]

When the Smoke Clears by Lynette Eason
From back cover:
After a brush with death due to equipment failure, smoke jumper Alexia Allen is ordered to take time off while the incident is under investigation. She makes a last-minute decision to recuperate at her mother's home and attend her high school reunion. Yet trouble seems to be following her, and within hours of arriving home she is confronted with murder, arson-and a handsome detective.
But the conflicts ahead are nothing compared to the ghosts of her past. As she struggles to accept and forgive her family's past, she must also decide if the secret she's been guarding for the last ten years must finally come to light.

Let me start off by saying I am not a huge fan of Lynette Eason's last books, the Women of Justice series. I found them to be very predictable, so much so, that in one of the books I figured out the killer in the first 30 pages. But, I'm all for second chances and was hoping this book might redeem itself. While it was a little more difficult to figure out the killer, I did figure it out pretty early on and was rather disappointed with who it was. I won't say why, as I don't want to give the story away, but if you read this, you'd understand.

Being from Washington, I was hoping this book was going to be based there, and I was a little disappointed that it wasn't, but that's just me. ;)

Anyways,
I read a lot of suspense and thrillers, and I thought the amount of 'bad things' happing in this book was too much. It was just one thing after another after another! I think if the author would've halved the amount of attempts on Alexia's life and it would've been ok. It was definitely overkill, (Please excuse the pun.) and got to the point where the 'unexpected' was very expected.
I was also disappointed with the fact that this book is called When the Smoke Clears, and Alexia is a smokejumper, that there was no firefighting/smoke jumping aspect to the story like I was hoping for.

Now for what I DID like...
Alexia's story and background were interesting, and I found Alexia to be a strong character despite all she'd been through. But I felt like there was something missing to that would have made her a truly great character.
The romance aspect was not too cheesy or over the top, very well done.
The main themes throughout this book are Alexia dealing with her past and forgiveness. I liked that while this was a Christian book, it didn't come across as preachy.

Low price Kindle book!

The Pawn by Steven James is only $4.00!
From back cover:Patrick Bowers specializes in tracking down the killers who elude the FBI's best forensic investigators. As an environmental criminologist, Bowers employs twenty-first-century geospatial technology to analyze the time and space in which a crime takes place. Using an array of factors, Bowers can pinpoint, with surprising accuracy, the important clues that lead to solving the toughest of cases.

Bowers's impressive skills have made him one of the Bureau's top agents. Until now. Called to the mountains of North Carolina to consult on a gruesome murder, Bowers finds himself caught in a deadly duels with a serial killer who seems to transcend Pat's analytical powers. Forced to track the killer's horrific string of murders one by one, bowers finds his techniques and instincts put to the ultimate-and perhaps final-test.

I HIGHLY recommend this book! (Unless you get creeped out easily or don't like crime stuff, then you should probably skip this.)
This book is full of twists and turns, from the very first pages to the last. You'll start out thinking one thing is going to happen, and suddenly something completely different happens! I really like the main characters, Patrick, and his daughter Tessa.
The author is very knowledgeable and this book is filled with fact and information. (Almost too much at times.)

So if you're looking for an exciting, suspenseful read, then check this out! And, it's only $4.00, you can't really beat that ;)

Free Kindle books!

Dead Reckoning by Ronie Kendig  is about underwater archeologist Shiloh Blake who is on her first large scale archeological dig. While underwater, one of her teammates is shot and killed and her partner, Khalid, is severely injured. Suddenly Shiloh finds herself in the middle of an international nuclear arms conflict. She escapes, only to be followed by a mysterious man. Is he good? Or bad? And how is he always one step ahead of her?

Meet Reece Jaxon, former Navy SEAL turned spy. His mission is threatened by Shiloh as he tries to hunt down the sources to a nuclear dead drop in the Arabian Sea. The only way to prevent a nuclear meltdown is for Shiloh and Reece to work together.
Shiloh is skeptical of Reece, considering her own estranged father is a spy and who she holds responsible for her mother's death. There is only one way to stop the nuclear meltdown, but will Shiloh trust Reece enough to do it?
My review HERE.

Deadly Aim by Patricia H. Rushford is still free as well.

From back of book:

Angel Delaney puts up a tough front-as a female police officer she must. She works for peace in her coastal Oregon town, but loathes the means she must sometimes use to get it. So when her line of duty requires her to use deadly force against a twelve-year-old boy, Angel's world begins to crumble. The community wants answers, and Angel is dismayed to find that the media portrays her as a racist, a rogue cop, and a menace. While she works to clear her name and her conscience, the investigation into her use of deadly force creates more questions than answers. The detective working on Angel's case, has his hands full when crucial evidence disappears and other people are found murdered. Do these killings relate to the boy's death? Is Angel next?

Identical Differences by Erynn Mangum [3.5 stars]

Identical Differences by Erynn Mangum
Book info from Amazon.
Alexia Patterson has spent her whole life waiting to get out of small town Longsville, Oregon. Her twin sister, Rachel, is a different story. When Rachel calls to tell Lexi that she's engaged and asks her to come home for a few weeks before the wedding, Lexi is anything but eager to go back to Longsville. Add in Justin MacPherson, a guy she's hated since junior high, and the two weeks are not looking good. Surely God's plan isn't to make Lexi insane, right?

I love Erynn Mangum's books, but this wasn't one of my favorites. It's an e-novella, so it's short. I never felt too connceted to the characters and I actually thought Alexia was kind of rude at the beginning of the book. I also thought Alexia's reason for hating Justin was kind of dumb too.
Erynn did do her research on the Northwest. I especially liked her little comments about Birkenstocks.

I would highly recommend her other books .

Recollection by Tom Pawlik [4 stars]

Recollection by Tom Pawlik
Book info from Tyndale
New York City cabdriver Adrian Colfax awakens one night muttering a mysterious string of numbers and with the fragments of a bizarre dream in his head. He can’t shake the feeling there’s something he’s supposed to do. Something very important. He just can’t remember what it is.

Through a series of haunting visions, Adrian comes to believe he's been transported back in time to prevent the violent murder of the girl he loved. But he also learns that saving Kate could result in something even more catastrophic.

The clock is ticking. What will you do with the time you have left?

I read and reviewed another book from the 7 Hours series (Whole Pieces by Ronie Kendig) and thought I'd try another book from the series. I enjoyed this book as well.
I really liked the characters. The dialogue was very good, thoughtful at times and interesting.

I was very suprised by the ending. This book really puts into perspective the difference this characters choice makes about changing his past and how it effects those around him. It really makes you see the whole picture and understand even through bad times, God does see the bigger picture and He does know what he's doing! And even going back and changing one event can effect so many people. This is a great book for a Christian to read. While it won't answer why God lets bad things happen, it definitely makes you ask yourself some questions and make you look at your own past.


If you haven't already, check out my photography blog! I'm posting pics from my trip to Las Vegas Part 1 Here and Part 2.

Free Kindle books

In Between: A Katie Parker Production by Jenny B. Jones
From back of book:

Katie Parker knows life isn't fair. After all, when your mom's in jail and your dad's a no-show, you figure things just aren't going your way. But hey, she can deal. Then she finds out she's being sent to live with a foster family--in In Between, Texas. What kind of town has a name like In Between? And what kind of family wants a kid like her? One thing's for certain: None of this will be good. Sure enough--thanks to some new "friends" and her non-Mom's crazed mother, Mad Maxine--life sails right past bad to stinking. Then again, she's just a temporary kid, they're just temporary parents, and she definitely doesn't have any ideas about making any of this permanent. God, on the other hand, may have other plans altogether.

 

This is YA, which I don't read much anymore, but I LOVE Jenny B. Jones's books! She is so funny and I really enjoyed the characters in this book! (Especially Mad Maxine!) So even if you aren't a YA reader, you should enjoy this. And best of all, it's free!

 

Deadly Aim by Patricia H. Rushford

From back of book:

Angel Delaney puts up a tough front-as a female police officer she must. She works for peace in her coastal Oregon town, but loathes the means she must sometimes use to get it. So when her line of duty requires her to use deadly force against a twelve-year-old boy, Angel's world begins to crumble. The community wants answers, and Angel is dismayed to find that the media portrays her as a racist, a rogue cop, and a menace. While she works to clear her name and her conscience, the investigation into her use of deadly force creates more questions than answers. The detective working on Angel's case, has his hands full when crucial evidence disappears and other people are found murdered. Do these killings relate to the boy's death? Is Angel next?

 

I read this book awhile ago, the story is pretty good. And being from the Northwest, I always find stories based there pretty interesting.

 

Danger in the Shadows by Dee Henderson

From back cover:

Under FBI protection. Sara isn't even Sara Walsh anymore. Her name is what they tell her. Her home is where they send her. And she's never there for long.

Though faceless, he haunts Sara's dreams. He's the man who abducted Sara as a child and continues to stalk her. He's the one who is determined to end their connection-and Sara's life.

Which makes her falling in love with a man as high profile as Adam Black a bad idea. And a dangerous one. For both of them. Sara's life is an unsafe place for love-and certainly an unsafe place for the children Adam longs for. No one knows that better than Sara, and she can't take the risk.

But if she doesn't, her life will never be her own. Where will she find the courage to name her terror and face her fear?

 

This is the prequel to the very popular O'Malley Series. The series is pretty good, the romance a little cheesy at times, but they're all a good read.

Submerged by Dani Pettrey [2.5 stars]

Submerged by Dani Pettrey
From the back of the book:
Bailey Craig vowed never to set foot in Yancey, Alaska, again.
She has a past - and a reputation, and Yancey's a town that doesn't forget. She's returned only to bury a loved one killed in a plane crash. But then dark evidence emerges and Bailey's expertise becomes invaluable for the case.
Cole McKenna can face dangerous rescue dives. He can face the fear a murderer may be threatening his town. But facing the reality of Bailey's reappearance is a tougher challenge. She broke his heart...but doesn't seem to be the same girl who left Yancey ten years ago. And he's not the same guy she left behind.
Racing against the clock and a rising body count, Bailey and Cole must move beyond the hurts of their pasts to work together until the truth of what is hidden in the depths finally resurfaces.

I thought this book sounded really good when I first heard about it; and while the story was pretty good, I was continually irritated by the author's complete lack of knowledge on Alaska. When I read a book, I want to know the author did his or her research and knows what they're talking about.
This author didn't get much right in that regard.
Such as:
-The average temperature in SE Alaska in the summer is in the 60's...not the 70's and 80's as she was saying. That would be record breaking temps in Kodiak (where the town of Yancey was modeled) if it got up into the 80's.
-The author kept trying to make it sound like everyone in Alaska lives the hang loose lifestyle, board shorts and flip flops. This is Alaska, not Hawaii! It's way too cold and unpractical to dress like that!
-There really aren't a lot of sandy beaches in Alaska. Most of the coastline there is rock. And if there did happen to be a sandy beach, it's probably not going to be big enough to go for a run on. You'd break your ankle on a rock.
-And my favorite? The part where they say it's hard to rent a boat during peak king crab season...it's summertime. King crab season runs from October to January. I would know, my dad used to fish king crab!
There were more, but I don't want to get too picky. I really don't want to seem mean, but if the author can't get simple facts straight, how am I supposed to be convinced of the bigger story?

I really did think the writing was good, especially for a first time author. And the plot was quite intricate, enough so that I could follow it well without getting lost.
The characters were ok, I didn't love them, but I didn't dislike them either. And I also found the romance part to be a little cheesy. Overall, this book was just an ok read for me.

I'll read the next book in the series, but I hope the author does some research.

If you're looking for a good mystery book based in Alaska, I would highly recommend something by Kimberley and Kayla Woodhouse.

Always the Designer, Never the Bride by Sandra D. Bricker [3 stars]

Always the Designer, Never the Bride by Sandra D. Bricker
Audrey Regan has worked years to make a name for herself as a wedding dress designer.
But unfortunately, Audrey's business isn't going anywhere and she's barely able to bring in any money. If she doesn't land a contract soon, she might have to close down for good.
When her best friend, Carly, asks her to design a wedding dress, she makes the decision to fly to Atlanta, knowing full well this may be the last dress she designs.
While in Atlanta, Audrey's world is turned upside down when she meets Carly's fiance's brother, JR, and she finds a new business prospect when she's asked to design a gown for a plus sized bride. Will Audrey be able to revive her business? And has she finally found true love?

It almost doesn't seem right to say, but this book was a little too happy. There's no 'suspense', no real character development, nothing really even happening except everyone and their brother (litterally as it turns out) getting married. It just wasn't real to me, everything was just too perfect, like a Strawberry Shortcake movie or something.
It got to be a little confusing keeping all the characters and their spouses straight. I found myself getting them mixed up and trying to remember who was who.
This book wasn't real memorable, but makes for a light read. I found myself looking forward more to the little facts and recipies at the end of each chapter than I did about the story itself.

This is book three in the series. Book 1 Always the Baker, Never the Bride and Always the Wedding Planner, Never the Bride (review).

Eyes of Justice by Lis Wiehl [4 Stars]

Eyes of Justice by Lis Wiehl
The Triple Threat consists of FBI agent Nicole Hedges, federal prosecutor Allison Pierce, and crime reporter Cassidy Shaw. They met in high school, but didn't become friends until their high school reunion when they realized they all had something in common - their desire to see justice.
They've solved a few crimes together, but this time it's personal. When one of the Triple Threat is murdered, the remaining two are devastated and vow to bring the killer to justice, no matter the cost.
It doesn't take the police long to make an arrest, but the women soon become convinced that the police have the wrong person behind bars.
It suddenly becomes apparent that the killer doesn't just want one member of the Triple Threat dead...he wants them all dead.
Will the Triple Threat be able to overcome their grief and lock up the killer before it's too late?

When I first started reading this book, I wasn't sure about the killing off of one of the main characters, it seemed kind of weird to kill off someone you've come to know, three books into the series. I didn't feel too bad though, because she wasn't one of my favorite characters. It just left me feeling a little perplexed.

The plot line was good, the story pretty well written. There were some plot twists I saw coming, but most of them I didn't. I do really like the two remaining Triple Threat members. They have very real personalities and quirks.
I'm not really sure about the new character Ophelia. There was really no back story or getting to know her. She kind of just appears and (I'm guessing) supposed to take the place of the deceased Triple Threat member.
I wasn't too impressed with the ending, even though the crime was solved. I know some of the plot lines were left for the next book, I just felt like the book didn't really 'end', it just stopped.
Overall, this book is a great addition to the Triple Threat series.
This is the fourth book in the Triple Threat series. Book one - Face of Betrayal, book two - Hand of Fate, and book three Heart of Ice.

Whole Pieces (7 Hours Series) By Ronie Kendig [4.5 Stars]

Whole Pieces by Ronie Kendig
(info of book from Tyndale)
After a brutal attack left him without a limb and his team dead, former Green Beret Haytham "Hawk" Wilson is angry at life and God. Bitter, he pushes everyone out of his life. Every day he relives his decision to send teh Afgan boy home rather than following orders to kill any who came upon his hidden team. So when on his deathbed at age 36, eaten alive by grief and regret, he's offered the chance to relive any seven hours. Hawk is determined to go back, kill the boy, and save his team. The decision is simple...until he gets there.

The clock is ticking. What will he do with the time left?

There are 7 books in the 7 hours series. (I've only read this book.) The whole concept of choosing 7 hours to relive is kind of a neat. I'm not really a fan of supernatural/fantasy type stuff; but this was good. It adds a whole new level of emotional turmoil to the character since he knows the outcome of his decision. He has to weigh every decision he makes, agonizing over what could happen.
I love Ronie Kendig's writing, and I think she could write just about anything. She has a way of writing and making you feel like you're right there (which is kind of scary in some situations!) But I really enjoyed this story, it's short, won't take too long to read, and definitely worth the $2.99!

On another note, isn't the cover awesome?!?!

This book is $2.99 and available for Kindle only. Or PDF version HERE

The Chase by DiAnn Mills [3.5 stars]

The Chase by DiAnn Mills
To the FBI, it's a cold case. To Kariss Walker, it's the case that could change her writing career.
Five years ago, an unidentified little girl was found starved to death behind a Houston apartment complex. A news anchor at the time, Kariss reported on the case.
Today, Kariss, a New York Times Bestselling author, plans to turn the unsolved case into a suspense novel. With the help of an FBI friend, Kariss is assigned to Special Agent Tigo Harris, who later gets the case reopened.
Tigo isn't thrilled with the idea of becoming a 'babysitter'. Considering he's deep in the middle of a gun running case against a powerful Houston gang.
The search for the dead girls' missing mother gets both the characters in over their heads as they try to figure out what happened. Will they be able to find the murderer and close the case?

This wasn't a real great book to me. The characters weren't too interesting. Especially Kariss, I'm not really a fan of reporter types. They're all the same, make stupid decisions, get themselves in trouble, and magically get themselves out of trouble. It's hard to feel sorry for someone who makes dumb decisions. (You go into a bad part of town by yourself, what do you think is going to happen?) She was very hard to like and I didn't feel much of a connection with her.
Tigo was better, there was a little more depth to him.
I figured out some of the plot twists, especially toward the end, totally saw that coming.
The story was a little too predictable for me.
I liked the idea of the story though, and I admired Kariss's hunger for justice and was glad with the outcome. I just felt there was more that could have been done with the story.

Cuts Like A Knife by M. K. Gilroy [5 Stars]

Cuts Like A Kinfe by M.K. Gilroy
Detective Kristen Conner, the newest detective with the Chicago PD, is after a ruthless serial killer dubbed The Cutter Shark. The killer targets young women with successful careers.
Kristen is a tough girl, she grew up in a cop's home and takes intense hand-to-hand combat training.
Faith and family are important to Kristen. She coaches her 7-year old niece Kendra's soccer team, The Snowflakes, she always shows up to family dinners, and almost never misses church.
But things get crazy when she's assigned to the Cutter Shark case. Kristin is a good cop, but she's never faced anything like this before. Will she be able to stop the Cutter Shark before he kills again?

I really liked this book! Kristin, the main character, is pretty cool. She's tough, funny, and not too girly, so I identified well with her ;)
I liked that Kristin struggled some with her faith and didn't come across as too perfect or preachy. She has anger problems, but tries hard to overcome them. I felt like I really got to 'know' the characters.
I never lost interest and was left guessing who the killer was until the very end! Which is a great feat if you ask me, because I'm not too easy to fool ;)
This book is very well written, realistic, and relatable. I can't wait until the next book!

2 Free Kindle Books

Always the Wedding Planner, Never the Bride by Sandra D. Bricker is a free Kindle download!
This is the second book in the Emma Rae series. I reviewed this book not too long ago. (You can read my review HERE)

Always the Designer, Never the Bride by Sandra D. Bricker is available for a free Kindle download. This is the third book in Emma Rae series.
I have not read this book yet, but if it's anything like the previous books, it'll be a fun, light read.







Pretty cool to find two book in the same series as free downloads!

Free Kindle Book: Hazardous Duty by Christy Barritt

Hazardous Duty by Christy Barritt is a free Kindle download! I reviewed the third book, Organized Grime, HERE.Hazardous Duty is the first book in the Squeaky Clean Mystery Series. It follows Gaby St. Claire, a girl who dropped out of college to start her own crime scene cleaning business.
Gaby is on a routine cleaning job when she discovers something the police missed...the murder weapon. And she soon realizes the police have the wrong person in jail. Gaby begins to feel ignored by the people working on the case, so she decides to figure it out herself. Can she stop the killer before he kills someone else?

This is a fun read, even though it's about a crime scene cleaner, it's not icky or gory on the details. The characters are fun and interesting. This is a great read! And it's free, so who can complain?

The Swiss Courier by Tricia Goyer [4 Stars]

The Swiss Courier by Tricia Goyer
It's August 1944, Germany has recovered from the attempt on Hitler's life and the Gestapo is rounding up suspected enemies of the Third Reich.
Gabi Mueller is a young Swiss-American working in the translation pool at the American Office of Strategic Services (OSS)(Forerunner to the CIA)
Gabi is happy to do her part, but longs to have more of an impact on the war effort. She's thrilled when she's recruited by her supervisor for an undercover operation. Being a spy is dangerous and once in Germany, carrying a Swiss passport does not guarantee safety if something goes wrong.

Joseph Engel is a German physicist tasked with working on the atomic bomb. The German government and military are pressuring Joseph and his researchers to produce a 'miracle weapon' to turn the tide of the war in Germany's favor.
But things go terribly wrong when a Gestapo officer discovers something about Engel's past not even he knew about, and suddenly he's a wanted man.

Gabi is soon tasked with couriering Joseph Engel out of Germany and to safety. The task won't be easy and it will take all of her courage to avoid the Gestapo.

I don't normally read historical fiction, I find it boring, but the World War II era is interesting and a story about a female spy during that time sounded especially fascinating.
I really liked Gabi, I thought she was a good, strong character. All the characters were well-rounded and interesting.
There were some twists I didn't see coming, which were cool.
It was interesting to read the different perspectives of the American's, Swiss, and Germans during the war.
I thought this book did a good job of bringing history to life.

Favorite series - To Catch A Thief Series

The book I'm reading right now is taking me a long time to get through, so instead of not posting at all, I thought I would share some of my favorite book series!

The To Catch A thief series by Jill Elizabeth Nelson includes the books Reluctant Burglar, Reluctant Runaway, and Reluctant Smuggler.

The series is about security consultant Desiree Jacobs and FBI Agent Tony Lucano.
The first book, Reluctant Burglar-Desiree Jacobs father has been murdered and now the security company becomes her responsibility. But when she finds a container of stolen paintings, she finds out the truth, her father was a thief. She can turn the paintings over to the law, disgracing her father’s name, embarrass museums around the world with the fact they've been displaying forgeries and destroy the company’s name, or, turn the art over to the bad guys and her father’s murderer walks free.
But when she receives a death threat, she has to decide whether or not to trust her rival, Tony Lucano, for help and protection.

I really like this series; I've read the books twice. The characters and plot are interesting. This series has a good mix of mystery, suspense, and romance. Some parts are a little predictable, but the plot is interesting enough to keep you reading.
Overall, a great series if you enjoy mysteries!