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
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!
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).
