Hard Justice by April Hunt

Book Description

A DATE WITH DANGER

As the first female operative at Alpha Security, Charlotte "Charlie" Sparks has her work cut out for her. Sure, she can wrestle a man to the ground and hit a target at 200 yards with the best of them. But sometimes, being surrounded by all that testosterone can drive a woman to distraction-especially when that distraction is six-and-a-half feet of cocky, confident, Alpha-trained muscle.

Ex-SEAL commander Vince Franklin has been on some of the most dangerous missions in the world. But pretending to be Charlie's fiancé on their latest assignment in Miami is his toughest challenge yet. Vince and Charlie are like oil and water; they just don't mix. And when their fake romance generates some all-too-real heat, Vince learns that Charlie is more than just arm candy. She's the real deal-and she's ready for some serious action.

My Thoughts:

This was  a pretty good book.  Charlie has had to prove herself throughout her life.  Working at Alpha Security, she can take on any of the guys.  At least that was the case until Vince joined the team.  She had never had problems focusing before simply because of a guy, but Vince is distracting her beyond all reason.  When they are paired up, the attraction is palpable and the acting like an engaged couple is easier than it should be.  Even when their lives are in danger, the heat between them is obvious.
I really liked Charlie.  Her back story and that she kept it from her team was understandable.
It was a 4/5 for me.  I truly enjoyed this book and the way the characters interact.  The team is like a family and Charlie has a bunch of annoying big brothers at times.  Vincent is a man's man and has the mentality of 'I'm going to take care of my woman', which I love.  Even when he knows she can take care of herself, he wants to protect her.  There is a balance that the two of them have to reach with that and I enjoyed the ride to get there.  I really do want to read more about these characters and can't wait to see who the next book is about.
It was a 4/5 for me.  I'm going to go back and read any others I missed in the series.  

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.

Hello, My Love! by E Journey

Book Description: 
A modern-day pastiche of Jane Austen novels. Elise is a bright, beautiful law student, focused on a career and distrustful of men. She butts heads with Greg, an alpha male haunted by past relationships. 
Heartache and the specter of revenge. Unable to deny their feelings, they spend a night together. A jilted fiancée exacts revenge and forces them to face who they are and what they really want.
A love tale of this day. A delicious romance with a literary slant and spiced with a twist of whodunit, this escapist fare also takes us into the inner life (thoughts, hopes, and doubts) of the main protagonists as they contend with realities that often face couples in compelling relationships—revenge of a jilted lover, past relationships, abortion, career choices, reactions of friends and relatives.

My Thoughts:
I liked this. It is a modern telling of Jane Austen as the story would go in today's world. I loved the classic so I hoped this story wasn't going to twist it up and change everything. I'm so glad I read it. There is a wonderful flow to the story and the modern to it would give those who couldn't take the original a good way to get the story. I am going to recommend it to several friends who I believe will enjoy it!
It was a 4/5 for me. I will happily read more from this author. 

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. 

The Duke's Dilemma by Elaine Manders

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Book

Author: Elaine MandersBook title: The Duke’s Dilemma

Release date: May 27, 2017

Genre: Historical Romance, subgenre: Regency

Should he wed the perfect match—or the one he loves?

Edward Dalton, the new Duke of Langsdale, must soon take a wife to ensure the hereditary line. A young war widow seems the perfect choice. She is charming, well respected with impeccable character, and her connections to the Ton’s most important people is an asset he can’t ignore. But Edward is intrigued by another widow. The mysterious, hauntingly beautiful Lady Wayte.

Cassandra Wayte could not be a more unsuitable match. She isn’t received by polite society, and her notorious dealings with London’s underclass is the talk of nobility from White’s patrons to the most fashionable hostesses. It’s even whispered she murdered her elderly husband. But Edward sees a different side of the tragic lady, and he determines to discover the secrets tormenting her. As he peels away the layers of her resistance, he discovers a malevolent adversary stalking Lady Wayte and exposes a level of depravity that shocks even his war-hardened sensibilities. Can he win her trust and her heart? And at what cost to the dukedom?

As Cassandra’s relentless search for her husband’s murderer exposes both her and Edward to unseen dangers, all they can rely on is their love for each other and their faith in God.

My Thoughts:
I truly enjoyed this book.  Cassandra's life hasn't been easy.  She has a past that most of the Ton would be horrified of, but pay good money to hear about.  Her new neighbor, Edward, is a duke and has moved in with his sister and aunt in tow.  Cassandra is aware of the rumors swirling around her but she is determined to do her late husband's work.
I love that Cassandra's past while it shaped who she was, didn't actually define her.  Her husband was a savior of sorts and he introduced her to the Savior.  Her godmother coming 'alive' through the book made me smile.  The scheming is all too realistic of the 'upper class' ladies.  I thought the book was well written and dealt with some very touchy subject matter in a good way.  I didn't like the dishonesty on either side of the equation but the way it was done was understandable.  I think Sarah was my favorite character.  So much life and love!
It was a 5/5 for me.  I look forward to reading more books by this author!

Thank you to the author 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.

About the Author

Elaine Manders writes wholesome Christian romance and suspense about the bold, capable women of history and the strong, dependable men who love them. She prefers stories that twist and turn and surprise, told by characters of faith. She lives in Central Georgia with a happy bichon-poodle mix. Besides writing, she enjoys reading, crafts, and spending time with her friends, daughter, and grandchildren.

Guest post from Elaine Manders

Historical romance became my favorite genre back in the seventies and eighties, and one of my favorite settings was Regency England. A Regency can be a romance in the Jane Austin mode or historical romance set during the Regency period. There is a difference, and The Duke’s Dilemmafalls into this latter category. Yes, there is some of usual drawing room intrigue in an Austen novel, but The Duke’s Dilemma contains a serious spiritual theme. The plot fitted perfectly into my new series, The Wolf Deceivers.

I wrote the original manuscript nearly twenty years ago as a light, secular romance, but when I revised it to Christian romance, I was delighted to find the inspirational thread deepened the characters. Instead of merely fighting for her reputation while trying to wrest the duke from another woman, Cassandra, the heroine, must fight for her survival. Instead of being another handsome, sardonic nobleman, Edward, the hero, uses his intelligence and grace to protect Cassandra and win her love.

Even the secondary characters captivated me. Little Sarah’s match-making antics suited the Regency theme and provided some levity during the darker moments of the plot. Lady Ashford, Cassandra’s foil, developed a tenacity I had to admire in spite of all her shortcomings. And Sir Harcrumb became a villain I loved to hate.

Though the characters changed a great deal in the retelling, the plot remained basically the same. The only thing I added was a surprise twist at the end—something that has inadvertently become a part of my brand.

Every story is a learning experience for me, and I’m always grateful for how much I learn from my research and from the Holy Spirit. I’ve become more aware of those who deceive, and how vulnerable people, especially young people, are to Satan’s tactics. Also, I’ve unexpectedly come away with a better understanding of PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). Although this is a new label, we all know it has affected people throughout history.

Yes, The Duke’s Dilemma has taught me much, and I hated to say good-bye to these characters. I love stories that move me during the writing and only ask two things of my books. That they bring enjoyment to my readers and glory to my Lord and Savior, Jesus. I hope this one does both.

Blog Stops

August 22: A Baker’s Perspective

August 22: Books, Books, and More Books

August 23: Blogging With Carol

August 24: Genesis 5020

August 25: Avid Reader Book Reviews

August 25: Have A Wonderful Day

August 26: Jami’s Words

August 26: Faery Tales Are Real

August 27: Karen Sue Hadley

August 27: Ashley’s Bookshelf

August 28: Remembrancy

August 29: The Fizzy Pop Collection

August 29: For the Love of Books

August 30: Locks, Hooks and Books

August 30: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

August 31: Blossoms and Blessings

September 1: Pause for Tales

September 1: Caffeinated Reads

September 2: Live. Love. Read.

September 3: Just the Write Escape

September 4: Henry Happens

September 4: History, Mystery & Faith

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Elaine is giving away:

Grand prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card
1st place: paperback copies of Books 1 and 2 of the Wolf Deceivers series, The Chieftain’s Choice and The Duke’s Dilemma!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/bbab

Wicked Grove by Alexia Purdy

Book Description:
Most places, supernatural nuisances are easy to exterminate, but in Wicked Grove, magic runs wild.

As operatives of the elite Wicked Grove Supernatural Regulatory Agency, three fiercely independent and unstoppable siblings, Amy, Jay, and Craig, know the risks that come with the job. Get contaminated by one of the magicals, and you’re screwed. Scratched by a werewolf? You’re going to be howling come full moon. Bitten by a vampire? You might as well stamp “bloodsucker” on your face. You certainly won’t be welcomed at the agency anymore. It’s a no-brainer.

When Amy is captured by a malevolent faery tribe unlike any encountered before, the race is on to rescue her before she’s assimilated and lost forever. These creatures are not easily swayed, but there is one who can possibly help her escape. He also wants to return to the human realm, and he is tied to the faery tribe. It might backfire, but with Amy’s memories fading with each passing moment, she’s forced to make a desperate choice which could incite an unprecedented preternatural war and destroy all of Wicked Grove.

This is the first installation of a new, breakneck, supernatural thriller series from USA Today Bestselling Author Alexia Purdy.

My Thoughts:
Absolutely loved this book!  Awesome start to a promising new series.  The 'triplets' are the best supernatural hunters that the agency has.  Craig, Amy and Jay have a connection that they learned from their mother, but possibly it runs deeper than any of them imagined.  When Amy is captured by the faeries, her brothers aren't going to rest until she is back and safe.  Amy has always been strong willed and is going to escape, even if she will be the first ever do successfully do so.
There was a wonderful mix of characters here.  A lot happened and I loved getting to see Hayden again.  I cannot wait to see where the author takes this next, I have my hopes but we shall see!  Loved the story overall and the little details.  Heart break, family ties, revenge and  a whole host of other things are crammed into this book and you won't want to put it down.
It was a 5/5.  I will wait impatiently for the next in this series. Thank you to the author 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.

Acca by Christina Bauer (Audio Book)

Acca (Angelbound Origins #3)
by Christina Bauer
Genre: YA Supernatural
Audiobook Release Date: July 2017
Monster House Books

Summary:
In just one week, supernatural warrior Myla Lewis must discover enough evidence to send the evil House of Acca to prison… or she’ll end up in jail herself, along with her fiancé, Prince Lincoln. No pressure.
To gather proof, Myla and Lincoln go undercover at an all-girl’s high school on Earth. Lincoln acts as the new gym teacher; Myla becomes the school’s least popular transfer student ever. To stop them from getting the goods, Acca releases Hell on Earth. Literally. Good thing Myla and Lincoln aren’t afraid of a tough fight. This one promises to be the hardest yet. After all, who ever said high school wasn’t hell?

My Thoughts:
Seriously still adore this series.  Myla and Lincoln have to gather evidence to get rid of Acca.  There are demons involved (of course), undercover work, some hanky-panky, and of course plenty of tail kicking.  I swear Myla's tail cracks me up completely!  I still like the characters and their interactions.  I could have strangled Lincoln's father a few times.  I just love that Myla and Lincoln work so well together.  The first fight (not to mention the bets) had me cheering and it just got better.  There are a number of plots against them and everyone has their own agenda.  Myla just wants to be happy with the guy of her dreams.  He has obligations but so does she.  I also adore how Lincoln lets her be herself and doesn't limit her or put her into a box, she is a category all her own.
It was another 5/5.  I think I may slightly gush about these books but I do so adore them!
Thank you to the author 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.

Chasing Secrets by Lynette Eason

Book Description:
Elite Guardians bodyguard Haley Callaghan may be in South Carolina, but when a photo leads investigators in West Ireland to open a twenty-five-year-old cold case, her life is suddenly in danger. Haley knows how to take care of herself; after all, she's made a career out of taking care of others. But after an uncomfortably close call, Detective Steven Rothwell takes it upon himself to stay with her--and the young client she has taken under her wing. A protector at heart, he's not about to let Haley fight this battle alone.

In a sweeping plot that takes them into long-buried memories--and the depths of the heart--Haley and Steven will have to solve the mystery of Haley's past while dodging bullets, bombs, and bad guys who just won't quit.

My Thoughts:
This is the fourth and final book of this series.  I'm both sad and happy about this.  I'm happy because it was a great book.  Loved these characters and how they interact.  The bodyguards are all strong women and each have their own stories.  This one focused on Haley.  I've been intrigued about her from the start of this and was excited to read her story.  There is plenty of action.  Haley's job is, well a bodyguard so she knows how to take care of herself.  Steven is determined to help her.  The story twists around and I really just couldn't put it down. 
It was a 5/5 for me.  I'm sad the series is over but I thoroughly enjoyed 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.

Ker Fuffle by Kristin N. Spencer

Book Description:
Olive’s best friend needs her now more than ever, but can she piece together everything in time to help him?

When an anonymous email circulates through Normandie High, everything Olive knows about her family, church, and friends will change. In the midst of controversy, Olive finds she has been entrusted to protect her best friend and his secrets, though revealing them would make her life much easier. Meanwhile, she struggles to figure out what the Bible teaches about homosexuality while the members of Revive church lobby accusations back and forth, threatening to cause a church split.
In a twist that even Olive couldn’t anticipate, family relationships waiver as Olive tries to decode her mother’s mysterious behavior. When the past stirs up new accusations against Olive’s family, she learns that some secrets are more painful to reveal than others. 
Though a helpful guy in Spanish class has her attention, Olive realizes that boy problems are the least of her worries. Can she balance drama, schoolwork, and still be the supportive friend and daughter God wants her to be?

My Thoughts:
This book was a lot heavier than I expected it to be.  I will start by saying that because of the content, I would say it is for older teens.  The author does a good job of tackling real world issues and how Christians respond.  Olive is a realistic teenage girl who has a group of friends to support her.  In it, one friend is attracted to the same sex.  Olive does her best to understand and search out scriptures to back up how she believed.  There is quite a bit of conflict throughout.  The church is in the middle of it and it shows how differently people can respond to things they aren't comfortable with.
There is also an issue of abuse brought up and I thought it was handled well.  I've not known a whole lot of families like Olive's but I did like the dynamic.  Her little sister was just so happy.  The family prayed together over most everything and this is how it should be.  There were a couple issues that I didn't completely agree with the author on, but honestly I believe those are personal opinions/preferences.  Overall I thought she did a good job.
It was a 4/5 for me.  I want to go back and start with book one (this is book 3) because I want to see how the characters grow through the books and the other issues tackled by this author.

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

About the Author

Kristin N. Spencer is an American expat living in a 68 square meter flat with her husband and three kids near the Aegean Sea. When she isn’t wifing, mothering, counseling, discipling, or writing, she enjoys sewing cosplay costumes for her family, baking, and hanging out with other geeks. She writes whatever she wants, including Non-Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy. Her favorite person is Jesus and her favorite X-men character is Jean Grey. Kristin studied Comparative World Literature at California State University, Long Beach and received a Bachelors, which she fondly calls a degree in reading

 Guest Post from Kristin N. Spencer

Retrospective thoughts are so powerful, aren’t they? Now that I’m an adult I often look back on my adolescence and think, “Why didn’t anyone tell me?” As a YA author, I read a lot of books in my own genre, and I’ve noticed a pattern. Though many of the secular YA authors are brave enough to talk about the tough stuff, not many Christian authors go after the real world difficulties that face our young people. The passage of time constantly rips through generations creating new problems and situations. The world that my children are growing up in is very different from what I experienced, and the challenges that they face as Christians are also different. The Desires & Decisions series was born out of the need for me to able to address these controversial topics with my own children. Olive, a teenage girl growing up in Southern California, serves as the lens of perspective as we see almost everything from her point of view. Her world provides a safe, fictional place for Christians to flesh out these thoughts and think through what the Bible teaches about topics like racism, bullying, loving one’s neighbor, what real love is, and addiction.

Kerfuffle specifically explores the complex emotions associated with the Church and the temptation of same sex attraction. We get to experience the conflict Olive feels and also witness the varied reactions from different generations through Olive’s parents and other members of Revive Church. This issue isn’t going away, and as a Church we must be able to talk about it without alienating ourselves from those that struggle with this temptation. There is hope for every person through the blood of Jesus Christ, whether you struggle to love those who experience same sex attraction or you struggle with that temptation yourself. I hope Kerfuffleencourages you as you seek to walk closer to Christ.

Blog Stops

August 15: Bukwurmzzz

August 16: Book Reviews From an Avid Reader

August 17: Ashley’s Bookshelf

August 18: Blogging With Carol

August 19: Just the Write Escape

August 20: Carpe Diem

August 21: A Reader’s Brain

August 22: Remembrancy

August 23: Margaret Kazmierczak

August 24: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

August 25: Baker Kella

August 26: Avid Reader Book Reviews

August 27: The Power of Words (Spotlight)

August 28: JosephineAnneWrites

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kristin is giving away a grand prize of all three of her books: Newfangled, Flummoxed, and Kerfuffle and a T-shirt of your choice from the WritersLife Artist Shop ( https://writerslife.threadless.com)!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/bb66

Amulet of Morgana (The Avalon Relics) by Jennifer Yen

Book Description:
"We all have greatness within us, child. It is not a question of ability, but one of will. You must choose the path that has been laid down before you, no matter the challenges or the danger. It is only then that you fulfill the destiny that awaits you."

As her ancestor's form blurs in front of her, Morgana repeats the command she gave Sophia at the beginning of her journey.

"Trust in yourself. Find the crown. Save the realm."

Sophia and the others are summoned back to Avalon by the Elders only days after being dealt a crushing blow by the Dark Ones. They are asked to continue the search for Laila's crown, but a surprise attack shatters the bond between the five friends, leaving one imprisoned and the rest wondering just who might be next.

Realizing that the enemy has infiltrated their ranks, the Council locks down the realm while Sophia is whisked away under the protection of master guardian Remiel.

With pressure mounting from all sides, Sophia is pushed to her limits and makes a decision that nearly ends in disaster. Now, she must face the consequences of her actions and attempt to redeem herself. With help from unexpected allies and her own growing power, Sophia must stay one step ahead as she completes the quest for the missing relic.

Can Sophia overcome her fears and embrace her destiny, or will the Dark Ones finally succeed in tearing the Fearless Five apart forever?

My Thoughts:
I literally couldn't wait to read this book. I am completely invested in the characters at this point and must know what happens. They are still reeling from what happened in the end of book 3, and so is the counsel. There is more going on behind the scenes than I had really expected and it was great to get glimpses into that. Again, wonderful story telling that mixes it up with family, romance, betrayal, and friendship. The tests were still harsh but it seemed more like the keepers of the pieces weren't as fierce. I seriously hope the next (final) book of the series is out soon because I really must have some answers to questions now!!

5/5 and I impatiently await the release of book 5!

Laila's Crown (The Avalon Relics) by Jennifer Yen

Book Description:
She closes her eyes, and as she focuses on the object, words suddenly pop into her head. Her voice is haunting as she recites the phrases.

"Find the truth within the word, revealed in rhyme and riddle; Release the power from the first, bring balance to the middle."

At that, the Meriditom begins to spin rapidly, with a ball of light growing from within its center. 

As it enlarges, Sophia's body starts to rise off the ground, her arms outstretched and her eyes glowing with a ring of gold.

When a series of unexpected events unfold before Sophia's quering, the Council decides to task her with reassembling the famed Origo key. Long rumored to unlock the location of Laila's missing crown, the key's pieces have been spread throughout the realm, discoverable only by a seeker with the purest of hearts.

Entrusted with the key's center element, the Meriditom, Sophia and her friends embark on a quest across the outer lands in search of the five remaining pieces. Between the grueling challenges she must endure at each location and the growing tension between Damien and Michael, Sophia begins to wonder if the magic she seeks is worth the sacrifice.

Will the Fearless Five succeed in completing the Origo key, or will a stunning betrayal stop them in their tracks and claim the life of another?

My Thoughts:
I couldn't wait to get back to my merry band of (hopefully) real savers. I absolutely adore these characters. I got a bit annoyed a couple of times but that was the author's intent. Sophia still doesn't understand all of the rules and laws that guide her new homeland. The search for these pieces is intense and I wasn't sure we were all going to make it (yes, I said we because I swear I was there). The story didn't slow down and I didn't want to skim over it but devoured the book as quickly as I could.  The ending I kinda saw coming but was still left unprepared for it all. I just want more and to find out what happens to these characters. 
5/5 for me. Ready for the next book!

Origo Key (The Avalon Relics) by Jennifer Yen

Book Description:
"All things change, and we change with them; 

the time is near, the flower blooms from the stem.

A child of Fey, foreseen in lore, 

with relics in hand, will power restore."

Sophia has barely recovered from her battle with the Dark Ones when she receives word that her presence has been requested in Avalon. The Council of Elders, the realm's highest faeids, plan to perform a quering, a terrifying ceremony that could leave her lost in her memories forever.

To make matters worse, she must accept an offer to be hosted at the home of Ariella and Nathaniel Fey, who believe she is the daughter they gave up to protect. Things are even more complicated once Sophia arrives in the capitol city, with constant nightmares and an old promise threatening to derail her budding romance and tear the friends apart.

Still, the longer she stays in the realm, the closer Sophia feels to the magic around her. Her connection to the Lilith links grow stronger by the day, and soon the sacred relics reveal another secret.

Will living life as a faeid awaken long suppressed powers, or will the pressure be too much for Sophia to handle?

My Thoughts:
After my heart broke at the end of book one, I was ready to see what was in store next for the characters I had grown to love.  Sophia is summoned to Avalon.  There we meet a whole new cast of characters to either like or dislike.  She has to stay with the couple who believe her to be their daughter, but that she has never met before.  Then there are the traditions of the land that she doesn't understand and could easily part her and her friends if she isn't quickly taught.  Add to that, her powers are growing stronger and so is her connection to the relics.  I loved following the gang through another adventure and really like some of the new characters and not so much others.  Can't wait to see where the author takes them next on their journey and the next twist.

It was a 5/5 for me.  I'm in love with this series!

Cowboy Heaven by Cheryl Brooks

Book Description

When you find yourself in cowboy heaven...
When lonely widow Angela McClure hires a gorgeous hitchhiking cowboy with an affair in mind, she knows they’ll have to be discreet: her old-fashioned father and the stern ranch foreman adamantly discourage any interaction between her and the ranch hands.

Things can get hot as hell...
Despite their attempts at secrecy, the heat between them is undeniable. To divert suspicion, Angela forms a new plan: she’ll flirt with all of the ranch hands. Suddenly Angela has a whole stable full of sexy-as-sin cowboys to play with, but only one can win her heart.

Praise for Cheryl Brooks:
“Really sexy. Sizzling kind of sexy. Honestly, only Cheryl Brooks can deliver a line like, ‘I can give you joy unlike any you have ever known’ and make you want to melt.” —Bitten by Books
“Ms. Brooks delivers plenty of sexual tension, suspense, and pleasure in simply being alive.” —Romance Junkies
“Incredibly sexy and wonderful to read all around.” —Night Owl Romance
“Fun…unique…and wicked sexy! Cheryl Brooks knows how to keep the heat on and the reader turning pages!” —Sydney Croft

My Thoughts:

This one was just not my cup of tea.  Angela has been lonely since her husband passed away.  She sees a sexy cowboy walking down the road and picks him up.  They proceed to 'have fun' in the truck on the way to her house and she hires him on as a ranch hand as a boy toy on the side.  She also begins to flirt with the other hands so no one becomes suspicious of her new relationship but that just confuses the issue and seriously angers someone.

I'll start out by saying that I attempted to read this once and put it down because it just wasn't interesting me.  I finally picked it back up and finished it but I didn't connect to any of the characters.  Angela has lived the last couple years letting others dictate her life and is breaking free.  She does that in a completely strange way (to me) and if the characters had been the jealous type, could have been very messy.  As it was, there was plenty of flip flopping and confusion of relationships.  I did like her father though and his 'old fashioned' ways, though they don't fit anymore, he reminded me of some of the men I grew up around.

It was a 2/5 for me.  I just didn't connect to the characters or story.

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.

Cover Reveal Isan by Mary Ting!!!

Title: ISAN:

Author: Mary Ting

Genre: YA Dystopian/Sci-Fi

Cover Designer: Deranged Doctor Design

Publisher: Vesuvian Books

Publication Date: May 1^st, 2018

Hosted by: Lady Amber’s PR

Blurb:

The world has changed.

Scientists warned it would happen.

Meteors devastated the Earth. World Governments developed plans to help surviving citizens. The United States disbanded and salvageable land was divided into four quadrants—North, South, East, and West—governed by The Remnant Council.

Struggling to survive, seventeen-year-old Ava ends up in juvenile detention, until she is selected for a new life—with a catch. She must be injected with an experimental serum. The results will be life changing. The serum will make her better. To receive the serum Ava agrees to join a program controlled by ISAN, the International Sensory Assassin Network.

While on a training mission, she is abducted by a rebel group led by Rhett and told that not only does she have a history with him, but her entire past is a lie perpetuated by ISAN to ensure her compliance. Unsure of who to trust, Ava must decide if her strangely familiar and handsome captor is her enemy or her savior—and time is running out.

Mary Ting resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl. When she started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It was the reason she had to write one-Something Great. Why the pen name, M Clarke? She tours with Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children’s chapter book-No Bullies Allowed.

Author Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1QmDZ8z

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4388953.Mary_Ting

Blog: http://www.marytingbooks.blogspot.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/maryting

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMaryTing

Pre-Order Links:

Universal Pre-order ebook: www.books2read.com/ISAN

Amazon Print: http://amzn.to/2vlgCtD

Disarming Detective by Elizabeth Heiter

Book Description:

The case that's haunted one FBI profiler for years may have finally met its match in a sexy—and dedicated—detective…

When FBI profiler Isabella Cortez finds a stranger outside her office, she's in trouble. Because even though Detective Logan Greer is one of the good guys, their instant attraction is a serious distraction. Ella's got one mission: to find the criminal who hurt her friend and drove her to become a profiler. But Logan's appeal isn't just chemistry. He has a case that bears an eerie resemblance to the crime Ella's been trying to solve for years. Together, they're racing to stop a killer, but the closer they get, the more dangerous the search becomes. Falling in love could be deadly…or it could be the only way to survive.

My Thoughts:

This was a good one.  Isabella is an FBI profiler and she is going on vacation with her friends.  The night she is to leave, she finds a man outsider her office.  After their initial meeting, Isabella agrees to look at Detective Logan Greer's file.  Logan wants her to profile a case he has down in Florida.  Isabella isn't overly interested until something in the file catches her eye.  Now she and Logan are trying to find a killer before he strikes again.
I laughed at their first meeting!  These two characters were fun for me to read about.  Neither Isabella or Logan followed orders but both were determined to stop the killer.  The back story on Isabella's friend is one I want to know more about and I'm hoping there is another book about it.  The romance was good.  The story line was easy to follow and get into.  Nothing to dislike about this story!
It was a 4/5 for me.  I like this author's style!

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.