Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Relentless Pursuit by Kathy Herman

Relentless Pursuit: A Novel (Secrets of Roux River Bayou, #3)Book Description:
Rich with the Cajun flavors of south Louisiana, this final book in the Secrets of Roux River Bayou Series is a story of what it means to find true peace in an uncertain world.
 Sax Landry left home at seventeen to escape his father’s abuse, leaving his mother and sister to fend for themselves. Now, twenty-eight years later, both parents are dead, and guilt compels him to find his sister and make peace. His search leads to Les Barbes, Louisiana, where authorities fear a bio-terrorist has injected cyanide into juice cartons and fresh produce at the grocery store. People are dead. It’s not safe. Sax stays, fearing death less than living another day without peace. A divine appointment is about to change all that forever.

My Thoughts:
Loved this visit to Louisiana.  Sax is trying to track down the baby sister he left behind years ago.  He was escaping abuse but left her to endure it and now he has so much guilt that it has encompassed his life.  He is a musician but after a 3 year search, he will take as long as it takes off to finally talk to her.  While looking for her, he winds up in Les Barbes just as a rash of murders takes place and the police are investigating any lead they can find.
This was such a great book.  There is extreme happiness, sadness, anger, betrayal, love, and everything in between.  I liked most of the characters and the three older men in the restaurant were my favorite.  I loved how the author wove in that forgiveness isn't deserved or earned, but given.  God gives it to us and we do the same for those that have wronged us.  It isn't easy but it is following his example.  Great characters, suspenseful and compelling story, all in all a great book.
This was a 5/5 for  me.  I plan to go back and read the earlier books in this series. Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Spirit Bridge by James L. Rubart

Book Description

The Warriors Riding have battled in astounding supernatural realms, set captives free, and awakened thousands of hearts. But now their only chance of survival depends on calling for The Spirit Bridge.
Reece, Dana, Brandon, and Marcus have achieved staggering success in the spiritual realm . . . but each is reeling from vicious attacks. They need rest. A break from the war.
But the warlord Zennon is raging and will give them no quarter. The demon holds what he believes to be the trump card—a hidden strategy set in motion before Warriors Riding even began—that will detonate the team from the inside out. And he's just set it loose.
The street magician Simon—finally free of Zennon's alternate reality prison—is racing to remember his past before his ignorance obliterates his destiny. Then there's Miyo—a brash young warrior with advanced knowledge of spiritual realities and supernatural armor even Reece doesn't know about. These two will be pivotal in the final war.
If only the Warriors knew which side Simon and Miyo are truly on. If only they knew how to fight against Zennon's final assault.
The Spirit Bridge is the epic conclusion to acclaimed author James L. Rubart's Well Spring series, which will propel each of the Warriors Riding on a quest of true identity, ultimate freedom, and a final battle that will leave them changed forever.
My Thoughts:
To read this book and really enjoy it, I believe you have to have read the previous books in the series.  This is the third and final book in the series and it is good.  In a typical good vs. evil book, we meet demons and warriors.  Cryptic messages lead the Warriors and they fight to achieve their goals.  Even when they think they are finished, Zennon has a much larger war planned for them.
Though I didn't get in at the start of this series, the story line was really good.  It took me a bit to warm up to it and the characters but the author's writing style invites you in to get wrapped up in the story.  It is a story of good vs. evil, and it is a war.  Plenty of action, suspense and questions galore.  I wasn't sure how it was it was going to go and if the people I was wanting to would triumph or not.  I will definitely be reading more from this author.
For me it was a 3/5.  I think if you've read the series up to this point it will be a must read!
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via Booksneeze).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Friday, August 22, 2014

Zero Visibility by Sharon Dunn

Zero VisibilityBook Description:
Merci Carson doesn't have a clue—but she knows she owes her life to the quiet man who roared to her rescue in his snowmobile. EMT Nathan McCormick is used to handling challenging situations, but between the unexpected blizzard that stranded the lovely student and the desperate men chasing her, he has his hands full. Yet for Nathan, failure is not an option. Merci's bravery and kindness challenge his guarded heart, bringing every protective instinct forward and making him start to hope for the future. Together, they could be something special—if they can solve the mystery in time.

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this book.  Merci is just trying to get home to her aunt for the school break.  Finals stunk and someone breaking into her place wasn't what she needed.  Since her car broke down, she caught a ride with an acquaintance and they got stuck in the snow on the side of the road.  Thinking they were being rescued by two somewhat creepy men, everything changes when guns are pulled and a stranger rushes in to save their lives.  Merci and Nathan have to fight for their lives and their attraction is almost as thick as the snow around them.I really liked Merci.  She was trying to make it in life without relying on her father so she doesn't have to comply with all his ideals.  That means she isn't a typical student but she does work hard for everything.  Nathan wasn't supposed to be up at his family's cabin but God works things in His timing.  His being there was perfect timing, even if it put him in danger.  It also put him in the perfect place to save Merci's life and them to get together.  I just like the way God's providence is woven through the whole story.
This was a 4/5.  Solid suspense and good romance.


Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.


Tuesday, August 19, 2014

A Bouquet of Love by Janice Thompson

A Bouquet of Love (Weddings by Design #4)Book Description:
Cassia Pappas has found herself in a nearly impossible situation. She wants to spend her time immersed in her new job at a Galveston Island floral shop, arranging blooms and brightening occasions with her lovely creations. But her huge Greek family–especially her father–has other ideas. They’ve all relocated to Galveston to open up a new family restaurant location on the Strand– directly across the street from the Rossis’ popular pizza place–and they want Cassia’s full participation.
To make matters worse, as Cassia is trying to develop a strong professional relationship with Galveston’s premier wedding coordinator, Bella Neeley, her own father is intent on stealing all of the Rossi family’s faithful customers. Not exactly the best way to get into Bella’s good graces!
Still, at least Alex, that hot delivery guy from the nursery, is always hanging around the flower shop . . .
Fan favorite Janice Thompson gives readers one more romp with Bella, Galveston, and the bustling wedding biz in the final installment of her popular series. Anyone who loves quirky families, loads of laughter, and tender romance will find themselves hooked.

My Thoughts:
This book made me laugh out loud so many times!  Cassia's family is Greek, huge and loud.  Her father has opened up a restaurant right across the street from an Italian restaurant and has forbidden the family to speak to anyone from that restaurant.  There are several problems with that, the main one being the Rossis are everywhere!  Not to mention none of them are as bad as Cassia's father believes them to be, but there is no telling him that.  Cassia is also interested in Alex, who delivers the flowers to the flower shop she works at.I thought this book was really good.  The author does such a great job weaving humor throughout her books.  I absolutely love that.  Cassia and several in her family are put into amusing situations while trying to obey, yet avoid her father's decree.  Alex is great.  Too good looking and with a family just as loud and crazy as Cassia's!  I just couldn't put this one down when I started it.  I was really hoping her family would prosper, but at the same time wishing her father would see more than the Italian/Greek rivalry!  Still a great story and such wonderful characters.
A solid 5/5. I like seeing all the characters again.  If you haven't read the series, this is book 4 but you can read it as a stand alone and still really enjoy it!


Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Dark Tide by Susan Sleeman

Book Description:

MISSION: PROTECT BABY

Gina Evans knows her brother was murdered—even if the police won't believe her. After catching a quick glimpse of the evidence her brother had gathered, the same criminals are after her and her baby niece. And Gina's only hope is the man she left behind. Despite the painful memories, private investigator Derrick Justice won't fail Gina and her baby. Yet now, the woman he never stopped loving and the baby he's come to adore are in a killer's crosshairs. But can Derrick trap the cold-blooded murderer before he strikes again?

The Justice Agency: Family and law enforcement go hand in hand
My Thoughts:
I was excited about this book.  Gina is running from a murderer.  He killed her brother and now her best friend.  Not sure how she is being tracked, she turns to the one man who likely never wants to see her again for help.  Derrick loved Gina and she ended the relationship.  Now she is back and terrified, trying to keep her and her niece out of the hands of a murderer.  He is too caring of a man to let anything happen to them, but he doesn't want either of them hurt by the feelings that are obviously still between them.
I really liked Derrick.  He was a completely stand up guy.  Even if he was crushed by Gina leaving him, he was going to do whatever he could for her.  His family was also completely awesome.  They stepped up to help and protect Gina, even if they had some hard feelings towards her.  Gina has issues from her past, as does Derrick, but she still loves him and doesn't want him hurt.  There was plenty of action and suspense in this one.
It was a 4/5 for me.  I plan to go back and read the others in the Justice series.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Friday, August 15, 2014

Bane by Trish Milburn

Bane (Coven, #2)Book Description

Book Two of Trish Milburn's acclaimed COVEN series about a teen witch attempting to live outside the danger and corruption of her family's mob clans.
To protect those she loves from herself, Jax will leave them all behind. She'll risk everything in a desperate search for answers.
Jax Pherson fled the darkest of covens and from her own father's evil. For a brief moment, her courage was rewarded. She found everything she'd ever wanted. A normal life. An amazing boyfriend. An envy-worthy best friend .
But her past put them all in danger, forcing a confrontation with the dark covens. In a life-and-death battle to save those she loved from the covens, Jax gained staggering power. Power so intense, so dangerous, she fears the darkness that now dwells inside her like a living thing. 
If she can't control the power, she may yet become as evil as the witches she conquered. 
With her friend Egan, Jax leaves all she's built and heads for the one place that might hold the answers she desperately needs to hold back the darkness-Salem, Massachusetts. Her research unearths a shocking discovery: the Bane, a secret group of witches dedicated to thwarting the covens. 
Jax desperately needs their help in her fight against the covens, but finding the Bane is easier said than done and 
takes all her skills and courage. As Jax gets closer, her dark powers begin to rise and control her actions. If she succumbs to the darkness, Jax may have as much to fear from the Bane as the evil covens and the determined hunter on her trail.

My Thoughts:
It was so good to continue on with this story.  This book picks up right where White Witch leaves off.  Jax and Egan have left behind the ones they love to protect them.  They are determined to find out how to keep away from the dangers that chase them and exactly what happened to Jax.  They go to the start of it all, Salem, and discover more than they'd anticipated but not what they expected.  They also bring trouble following them and putting their new friends and old friends in danger.
I still enjoyed Jax's characters.  She was an original which made her both happy and scared.  She wants to be a good witch and not like her family.  Egan is the same way.  Both of them are having a horribly hard time with leaving the people they love behind, but they did what they had to for their protection.  Their new friends give them lots of information and they know they are on the right path for answers they seek.  The problem with being followed is the trouble it brings for everyone!
This was a 4/5.  I am ready to read the last book in this series now!


Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Downfall by Jeff Abbott

Book Description

She is a good mother. She will do what she must to ensure that her daughter Diana has a perfect life, just as perfect as the one they've led for the past seven years.

No matter who has to die.

DOWNFALL

The simplest beginnings can unravel a life. For Sam Capra, it is the moment a beautiful young woman walks into his San Francisco bar.

Sam doesn't want trouble. An ex-CIA agent, his only desire now is to build a quiet, peaceful home for himself and his infant son. But Diana Keene is no ordinary customer. She's pursued by two gunmen, and when she finds Sam, she whispers an urgent, desperate plea: "Help me."

And without any warning, Sam is thrust into a fight for his life. For Diana is being hunted by a deadly network-a shadowy alliance of select, influential men and women who use their connections, their authority, and their wealth to bend the world to their will. Now, this network aims its relentless fury against the man interfering with their plans to seize a new level of power: Sam Capra.

Threatened on all sides, Sam has only one hope to survive the network's all-consuming attack and return to his life with his son....he must destroy the man who owns the people who run the world.

My Thoughts:
I was excited about this book.  Sam is settling into his life as bar owner, father and helper for the round table.  When he is pulled into someone else's mess, it brings attention that doesn't make him or his employers happy.  A young woman's plea for help cannot be ignored though and Sam is dragged into a huge mess that puts him and those close to him in great danger.  Problem is, the foe is a well connected man who has a far ranging reach.
I love that Sam and the life he has built while working for the round table and finding his son.  Mia is still completely awesome and the latest adventure wasn't expected by either of them.  Sam wants to just run the bars and not have to put his CIA training into action again.  I loved all the action through the book, but seriously didn't like some parts!  Nothing went how I expected it to but that was the beauty of this series, it never does.  Sam is an unpredictable character surrounded by the same type of people.
This was a 5/5 for readers of the series, but I think anyone who loves action and adventure will enjoy it as well.  

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Revolution by K.A. Salidas



RevolutionBook Description:
Peace is an illusion. Blood, violence, and death follow Mira like shadows. 
Battle lines have been drawn between human and Otherkin, and a bloody war is on the horizon: one that will end in either a shift in the world’s balance of power...or ultimate destruction. 
In spite of their strength, powers, and a rage known only by the oppressed, the Otherkin are evenly matched by the superior numbers of the human army. To tip the balance in their favor, the Otherkin need more soldiers – and their only options are the Gladiators of New Haven city. 
Mira is sent across enemy lines to recruit any able-bodied vampires to her cause. But what she discovers along the way will blur the lines between friends and enemies. Seeds of doubt weaken Mira’s allegiance, and she finds herself torn between the old masters who used her as entertainment and the new ones who consider her as nothing more than a weapon.
As the war draws near, Mira will have to decide what she is truly fighting for.

My Thoughts:
This was  wonderful ending to this trilogy.  Mira had thought that she would find a hiding place with people like her.  Instead, she is in the middle of a war.  She isn't sure who she can trust, other than the 3 humans she brought with her.  Some of the Otherkin respect her, many hold her in contempt, and others still are afraid of her and the changes that have come with her arrival.  Mira knows she will still have to fight, but exactly for whom and why are decisions she must make.
Picking up right where the second book leaves off, Revolution shows Mira and her group still in limbo with the Otherkin.  They want Mira to do their bidding in exchange for keeping her humans safe.  Mira doesn't trust many, if any of them.  She had wanted a relaxing life after what she'd lived through, but that wasn't looking promising.  Besides, she still had to go in and free certain of her friends from the horrible life she had lead.  I was rooting for her through the whole thing and hoping she wound up with the 'right guy' as I absolutely had a favorite.  Overall, there were some surprises, plenty of action, and betrayal in spades.  I completely enjoyed it.
This is a 5/5.  I couldn't wait for this book to come out and I wasn't disappointed.  I loved the whole cast of characters the author put together in this trilogy. 

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

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Guest Post Author Paul DeBlassie III

The Story Behind The Unholy by Paul DeBlassie III
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The story comes out of over thirty years of treating patients in psychotherapy who are survivors of the dark side of religion…have been used and abused and cast to the side. I’ve seen that when this happens people, those around the victim, to include family and friends, often turn a blind eye and deny what has happened. Rather than writing a self help book I decided to approach this realm of human suffering in fiction. To tell a story moves the reader into a deep and unconscious dimension that bypasses conscious defenses, leaving us open to truths that otherwise would be blocked. So, dramatizing the dark side of religion, pulling what can be the most vile and evil, and pivoting it against an innocent and sincerely searching soul leaves the reader on edge, hopeful, but unsure as to what will happen and who in the end will survive…a truth conveyed symbolically and dramatically. To have written out a list of what to do or not to do in the midst of religious abuse might have helped some individuals, but would have left many people stone cold because there is no emotion is such guidance. In The Unholy, the story is pure emotion, fear and rage and hope and challenge, that inspires and frightens and causes us to stay up late at night in order to finish the story. Dream and chronic nightmares plagues people who’ve gone through the horror of being abused within a religious system. It could be emotional, spiritual, physical, or sexual torment—or all of the above—a true encounter with the unholy—that people undergo during childhood or adolescence or adulthood.

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Saturday, August 2, 2014

The Tea Shop on Lavender Lane by Sheila Roberts

The Tea Shop on Lavender Lane (Life in Icicle Falls, #5)Book Description:
When it comes to men, sisters don't share! 

After a fake food poisoning incident in L.A., Bailey Sterling's dreams of becoming a caterer to the stars collapse faster than a soufflĂ©. Now Bailey's face is in all the gossip rags and her business is in ruins. But the Sterling women close ranks and bring her back to Icicle Falls, where she'll stay with her sister Cecily. 

All goes well between the sisters until Bailey comes up with a new business idea—a tea shop on a charming street called Lavender Lane. She's going into partnership with Todd Black, who—it turns out—is the man Cecily's started dating. It looks to Cecily as if there's more than tea brewing in that cute little shop. And she's not pleased. 

Wait! Isn't Cecily seeing Luke Goodman? He's a widower with an adorable little girl, and yes, Cecily does care about him. But Todd's the one who sends her zing-o-meter off the charts. So now what? Should you have to choose between your sister and the man you love (or think you love)?

My Thoughts:
This was an interesting book.  Sisters being in love or at least interested in the same man is never a good thing.  Especially when there is business involved.  Cecily and Bailey are both attracted to Todd, but then there is Luke as well.  When business partners appear to be more, sisters will be at each others' throats.  Who belongs with who and how will the sisters live in the same town with all that is going on?
I enjoyed this story.  It had it's moments of oh my, laughable, and shocking.  The characters were so fun to know.  The story line was good, nothing went exactly how I expected it to.  I would have enjoyed more time with the characters but the story itself was good.
This is a 4/5 for me.  I look forward to more from Sheila Roberts.

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book (via PUYB).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.