Fear has a Name by Creston Mapes [2 stars]

Fear has a Name by Creston Mapes
From back cover:
It was more than a break-in. More than a stalking. It was personal. When a stalker targets his wife and two daughters, journalist Jack Crittendon must uncover who the person is and what his motives are-if he is to protect the ones he loves. The investigation leads Crittendon into a world of behind-the-closed-door secrets and faith gone awry, as does his story on a missing pastor, whose apparent suicide is more than it appears.

Each move Crittendon makes weaves him tighter and tighter into a web of lies, greed, hypocrisy, sin, and danger. He believed he'd never give in to fear and the hate it leads to. But that was before. And holding on to his faith won't be easy. Nor will keeping his family safe and ending the terror. Because that might require him to step over lines he said he would never cross.

Much of the beginning chapters were spent with the author going on and on about how perfect Jack's life is. He has the perfect wife, the perfect kids, he lives in the perfect town and has the perfect job. Everything is just too perfect. No annoying co-worker, no crazy barking dog next door, nothing to relate the reader to the characters, no real reason for me to really care about them and their well-being. I felt as though the author spent WAY too much time going on and on about details that really weren't important. Such as pages and pages describing the town Pam grew up in, the kids playing outside, all the shops she passes as she's driving around.

This book is categorized as a suspense/thriller, I really didn't find this book to be suspenseful or thrilling at all.
I found the secondary characters to be more interesting than the main characters.

The more I read about the villain, I felt more pity toward him than anything else. He's the only character with some back story. I'm not supposed to feel sorry for the bad guy! I'm supposed to not like him! You can't take him seriously as a villain because everyone knows he's just making a bunch of empty threats.

Evan was the only somewhat interesting character. He was the only person who had some depth.

The ending was just okay, but not good enough to make up for what was lacking in the rest of the book. Sadly, I would not recommend this book and I don't think I would bother reading the next book in the series.

Talon by Ronie Kendig [3.5 stars]

Talon by Ronie Kendig
From back cover:
Her brother is missing. And her only chance of finding him lies with a combat dog that has lost his edge.

All air force veteran Aspen Courtland wants is her brother back.
The US marine corps says he's dead, but Aspen won't believe it till she sees his body. Her only hope is her brother's tracking dog, Talon, but a brutal attack has left the dog afraid of his own shadow.

The truth is something Military Intelligence Operative Dane Markoski has never faced. But now it's the only thing-along with Talon's help-that can save him. But working with Talon means teaming up with Aspen as well, and Dane swore he'd never work with a woman.

Eventually they join forces to battle the elements and extremists. But if Talon can't rise up to his former glory for one last mission, the only outcome for all three will be game over.

While I enjoyed the book, I just haven't liked this series as much as I liked the Discarded Heroes series. The story was good, although I got a little confused at times with the plot, flashbacks, and character's names and nicknames.
My only real complaint was I couldn't stand Timbrel! I know she's the main character in the next book, (and I'm not really looking forward to that.) and I know she'll have some sort of backstory that will give you some insight into why she acts the way she does in this book, but she came across as incredibly arrogant and annoying!

I will definitely read the next book, although I am anxiously awaiting the release of Ronie Kendig's next series, The Quiet Professionals!!!

Paige Torn by Erynn Mangum [4 stars]

Paige Torn by Erynn Mangum
From back cover:
The girl who does it all might miss what's most important.
Everyone knows they can count on Paige Alder. But between volunteering at church, putting in overtime at work, and helping her best friend plan an anniversary party, she's lucky to grab a cheese stick for dinner. She can't even remember the last time she had a few minutes to relax or dig into God's Word. Then she meets laid-back Tyler, an attractive, Jesus-loving guy. Will he be able to help Paige get her priorities on track?

I really liked this book. I have loved all of Erynn Mangum's books since the beginning, and this one did not disappoint! Paige Torn is a cute, fun read. I liked Paige and I felt as though I could relate to her pretty well. Paige deals with the same issues all of us deal with, but with some good natured humor thrown in! Nothing too exciting really happened throughout the book, so it's not a real deep and thoughtful book, but that's ok with me! So, all in all, I really enjoyed this book and am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series, Paige Rewritten.

A Dangerous Stage by Camy Tang [2.5 stars]

A Dangerous Stage by Camy Tang
From back cover:
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, who has information that the show is rigged, she forms a prickly alliance with Charles Britton-the lawyer who sent her to prison-to uncover the dark figures manipulating the contest from behind the scenes.

Tessa's abilities are tested like never before as she's forced to balance the safety of her client's family and her confusing relationship with Charles. In the midst of the chaos, she hopes to bring down the shadowy organization all while holding on to her faith.

I really didn't care too much for this book. I liked the first book, Protection for Hire , but this one was a disappointing follow-up. I don't even know exactly what I didn't like. I had a hard time getting through it. The characters weren't as engaging as the previous book; I especially couldn't stand Charles. He comes across as way too much of a mama's boy. To the point where his mother pretty much runs his entire life and it got really irritating.

I thought the plot was lacking. The whole singing show thing was a little lame, it seemed a little far-fetched for some criminals to rig a singing show. 

I think there's a lot more that can be done with Tessa and I hope the third book will be much better!

Shattered by Dani Pettrey [3 stars]

Shattered by Dani Pettrey
From back cover:
When her prodigal brother's return to Yancey, Alaska, is shattered by his arrest for murder, Piper McKenna is determined to protect him.
Deputy Landon Grainger loves the McKenna's like family, but he's also sworn to find the truth. And he knows those closest to you have the power to deceive you the most. With his sheriff pushing for a quick conviction, some unexpected leads complicate the investigation, and pursuing the truth puts Landon's career in jeopardy.
When Piper launches her own investigation, Landon realizes he must protect her from herself-and from whatever complications await as the two follow clues deep into Canada's rugged backcountry. Not only does their long friendship seem to be turning into something more, but this dangerous case is becoming deadlier with each step.

After being dissatisfied with the first book in the Alaskan Courage series, I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book. I had trouble with all the different points-of-view in the beginning, it was a little confusing, but once I got all the characters straightened out it was ok. I just do not like having more that 2 or 3 different points-of-view throughout a book as it gets very confusing keeping everyone straight.
I also thought Piper was rather annoying with her 'I'm going to do whatever I want' attitude. There is a difference between being independent and being stupid!
I did like the plot line. The story was good and kept me guessing throughout most of the book. About 2/3 of the way through the book I started piecing things together and figured the plot out; but I thought the book was well done in that regard. I did find the romance aspect to be pretty cheesy and juvenile.
Again, I was disappointed in the authors lack of research. There are so many little facts that were wrong and could have been right had the author taken a couple of minutes to run a Google search! I really didn't get how Landon has jurisdiction in Canada and the fact that the ending
*mini spoiler below!*

takes place around this big blizzard in Portland when Portland rarely gets snow, let alone a blizzard!

*end mini spoiler!*

Overall, this was just an ok read for me. Not too exciting, but not a bad read either. I'll pick up the next book in the series and I hope by then the author will learn to do some research!!!

Placebo by Steven James [3 stars]

 

Placebo by Steven James
From back cover:
While investigating a controversial neurological research program, expose filmmaker Jevin Banks is drawn into a far-reaching conspiracy involving one of the world's largest pharmaceutical firms. He seeks answers about the questionable mind-to-mind communication program-and answers to his own family tragedy.

I had high expectations for this book. I really like the Patrick Bowers series, and from the synopsis of this book, I thought it sounded pretty good. But, I ended up being disappointed. The plot sounded good, but it was so bogged down with crazy science facts (that made the story hard to follow at times and made me, and other readers I have heard, feel a rather dumb.) The book was difficult to get through until the end when most of the story finally came together. I think if this had been the first book I had read by Steven James, I probably would have quit reading part way through.

The characters were pretty interesting and well rounded. I liked Fiona, she was definitely one of my favorite characters. And I liked Xavier as well.

I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series, but I hope it will be a little easier to follow!

Every Breath You Take by M.K. Gilroy [5 stars]

Every Breath You Take by M.K. Gilroy
From back cover:
When the son of a Chicago billionaire is murdered, the only lead in this high-profile crime is an exclusive dating service that discretely caters to the rich and famous. Who better to go undercover in that world of promising matches and questionable motives than an ace cop who is 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 finder herself in the crosshairs of a determined killer's gun.

I very much liked the first book in the series, (Cuts Like A Knife) and I was very excited when this book was released. Sometimes the second book in a series isn't always the best, but this book did not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
I really like Kristin. She's a great, well rounded and likeable character. It's hard to find a police book with a strong, female lead. Too many times I've read books about some dumb female who can't hold her own and does something stupid just so the 'hero' can come rescue her. But that is not the case with Kristin! She's tough and she's smart, and that's what I really like about her.

This is an exceptional action book with great characters, fight scenes, and a mystery that keeps you guessing until the end!

I can't wait until the next book!

Free Kindle and Nook books!

Here are some free Kindle and Nook books available for a limited time. Download them while you can!

Hazardous Duty by Christy Baritt
Kindle link (Available for Kindle only)
From back of book:
A frustrated forensic scientist wannabe, stuck with the dirty job of cleaning up after crimes, uncovers clues about a crime that have been swept under the rug by a killer willing to kill rather than be discovered.

Gabby St. Claire dropped out of school on her way to completing a degree in forensic science. Instead, she did the next best thing: she started her own crime scene cleaning business. When a routine cleaning job uncovers a murder weapon the police overlooked, she realizes the wrong person is in jail. But the owner of the weapon is willing to do anything to keep Gabby quiet. With the help of her neighbor, Riley Thomas, Gabby plays detective. But can Riley help her before another murder occurs?

Back on Murder by J. Mark Bertrand
Kindle link / Nook link  (Available until June 1, 2013)
From back cover:
A missing girl. A corrupt investigation.
They thought they could get away with it, but they forgot one thing:
Roland March is back on murder.
Houston homicide detective Roland March was one of the best. Now he's disillusioned, cynical, and on his way out. His superiors farm him out on a variety of punishment details...until an unexpected break gives March one last chance to save his career. And his humanity. All he has to do? Find the missing teenage daughter of a Houston evangelist that every cop in town is already looking for. But March has an inside track, a multiple murder nobody thinks is connected. Battling a new partner, an old nemesis, and the demons of his past, getting to the truth could cost March everything. Even his life.

(I really liked this book. (and the series!) If you love a good murder mystery, I would highly recommend!)

Low price Kindle and NOOK books!

Forsaken and Double Cross by James David Jordan are available for only $.99 for Kindle and NOOK download!

Kindle link / NOOK link
From back cover:
Book 1
When Simon Mason, the world's most famous evangelist, receives threats from Muslim extremists, he hires Taylor Pasbury, a former Secret Service agent, to take charge of his security. When the terrorists strike, making a demand of the pastor that would shake the most steadfast saint, Taylor draws on all her training to save Simon's daughter. Along the way she learns that she's not the only one who has done things she would like to forget-and she's not the only one who understands that there are some things more important than living.

 

Kindle link / NOOK link
From back cover:
Book 2
Someone is after former Secret Service agent Taylor Pasbury. Again. The top assistant of televangelist Simon Mason has turned up dead. All signs point to embezzlement and suicide, but something doesn't add up. When Taylor investigates, shots begin to fly.
As if dodging bullets isn't enough, another surprise awaits Taylor, and it's on her front doorstep. Her mother, who abandoned Taylor when she was a child, has reappeared. Soon Taylor, with her mother in tow, is careening down a twisting trail of danger and deceit, where nothing can be taken at face value. It's a path that leads to troubling truths about her family's past. A path that can lead to revelation and restoration.
Or disaster.

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.