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!

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.

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!

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 ;)

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.