Rogue Descendant by Jenna Black

Book Description:
The third novel in an action-packed urban fantasy series from the acclaimed author of the Morgan Kingsley, Exorcist books—starring a female private eye who discovers that she’s an immortal huntress.

No longer the leader of the Olympians, Konstantin has now gone into hiding. Konstantin is vulnerable, and Anderson believes now is the perfect time to destroy his nemesis. He orders private eye Nikki Glass to use her powers to locate Konstantin, and she balks at the idea until a series of attacks leads her to believe that Konstantin is gunning for her and Anderson instead of remaining safely in hiding.

Nikki’s search is complicated by Cyrus—Konstantin’s son and the new leader of the Olympians—who threatens retribution should his father be killed. The complications mount up as Nikki begins to suspect that Konstantin might not be behind the attacks after all. The only person who hates Konstantin more than Anderson does is Anderson’s estranged wife, Emma, who has joined the Olympians. And Nikki knows Emma would be more than happy if Anderson and his people embroil themselves in an all-out war against the Olympians—a war they cannot hope to win.

As Nikki tries to figure out who the true enemy is, she deals with her tumultuous relationship with Jamaal, who struggles to control his death magic. But being loved by a descendant of a death goddess is the least of Nikki’s worries…

My Thoughts:
I completely loved this book.  Nikki has been avoiding Anderson specifically so she doesn't have to argue with him over searching for Konstantin.  She feels that even with all he has done, she cannot be a part to just murdering him...that is until she becomes the target of some attacks.  Cyrus is now the ruler of the Olympians and though he has taken his father's role, he makes it clear that Konstantin is off limits for Nikki or any of Anderson's people to attack.  Nikki is willing to search for Konstantin if he is the one behind the attacks but the niggling feeling she has is that he isn't the one targeting her.
I have missed Nikki and it was so wonderful to continue her story.  Of course I was antsy to see how Nikki and Jamaal were and their relationship is as rocky as ever.  I would have loved to see more of it but the author has done a wonderful job of leaving you wanting more.  Anderson seemed a bit different in this book, more focused on revenge than logic.  I think that was intentional on the author's part as well to show that Emma's leaving affected him more than he let on.  We didn't see as much of the others in the house as in previous books but they were still in and out. 
I rate this a 5/5 and cannot wait for the author's next book.  I can't believe how she left it in the end!!!

**This book contains adult content**

A Matter of Trust by Lis Wiehl

Book Description

When life is murder, who can you trust?

One minute Mia Quinn is in her basement, chatting on the phone with a colleague at the prosecutor’s office. The next minute there’s a gunshot over the line, and Mia listens in horror as her colleague and friend Colleen bleeds to death.

Mia’s a natural for heading up the murder investigation, but these days she has all she can do to hold her life together. As a new widow with a pile of debts, a troubled teenaged son, and a four-year-old who wakes up screaming at night, she needs more time with her family, not less—and working Colleen’s case will be especially demanding. But Colleen was her friend, and she needs to keep her job. So she reluctantly teams up with detective Charlie Carlson to investigate Colleen’s death. But the deeper they dig, the more complications unfold—even the unsettling possibility that someone may be coming after her.

Lis Wiehl’s signature plot twists and relatable characters shine in this absorbing series debut . . . with an intriguing cameo from her best-selling Triple Threat series.

My Thoughts:
This was a great mystery.  Mia is recently widowed, back to prosecuting and trying to keep up with her home-life complete with two kids.  Her husband's death left her with a mountain of debt.  Hearing a friend being murdered over the phone is terrible and Mia is heading the investigation to solve the murder.  She is teamed with detective Charlie Carlson.  They dig into the murder and find more than they'd ever imagined.
I really liked Mia.  She is one determined woman.  Juggling all she has, kids (traumatized as they are), stressful work environment and so much death is a LOT to deal with and she makes her way through it.  The author does talk about some rather touchy subjects like bullying, debt, failings of the judicial system...none of them are easy topics and the author does a great job with them.
I rate this a 4/5.  I loved the mystery and can't wait to read another!
Thank you to Booksneeze 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.

Guarding the Witness by Margaret Daley

Book Description:
RUNNING OUT OF TIME...
After two months of protective custody, bodyguard Arianna Jackson is days away from testifying at a murder trial when the unthinkable happens. Her Alaska safe house is attacked, and Arianna is forced to go on the run with U.S. Marshal Brody Callahan. Arianna is used to issuing orders, not taking them, but now, out in the wild, with a bounty on her head and a killer on her heels, she has only one hope of making it to testify-the handsome protector at her side.
Guardians, Inc.:Born to protect, bound to fall in love

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this one.  Arianna is a bodyguard, or she was until she witnessed a murder while on a job.  She is taken into US Marshal custody because of WHO she saw commit the murder.  Now the big job is to keep her alive and Brody, a US Marshal, is determined to do that no matter what the cost.  The two of them survive an attack and are in a race against time to get Arianna to court to testify before they are either killed or the murderer walks.
Arianna was a wonderful character.  She was strong, capable and fiercely independant.  Yet she knew exactly when she needed help and how capable Brody was.  Brody himself was a great character.  The two of them together were a great team and I really did enjoy their story.  The element of faith that she managed to portray was very low key but also important to the characters and portrayed wonderfully.  The only downside was I knew how it was going to end, but it was still good!
I rate this a 4/5.  It was a good, enjoyable book.

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.

Dark Salvation by Katie Salidas

Book Description:
A gathering storm of violence is on the horizon. Whispered threats of the Acta Sanctorum’s return have the supernatural world abuzz. Only recently aware of the other world hidden behind our own, Kitara Vanders has barely scratched the surface of what being supernatural truly means. A special woman in her own right, she possesses unique telepathic abilities, gifts that have recently come under the scrutiny of the Acta Sanctorum, a fanatical organization whose mission is to cleanse the world of anything supernatural. Targeted and marked for death, Kitara’s only hope lies with the lethally seductive yet emotionally scarred warrior Nicholas.
Knowing full well the atrocities of which the Acta Sanctorum is capable, Nicholas is all too eager for the battle to begin. Fueled by pain and rage from the loss of his mate, he’s itching for a fight, but one thing stands in his way: Kitara, a beautiful dark-haired woman with unique psychic abilities and an unusual link to the Saints. Despite his resolve to remain focused on his mission, a purely physical relationship binds them together in a way neither of them expected. And when her life hangs in the balance, Nicholas finds his own is teetering on the edge too.

My Thoughts:
I was so happy to see Nicholas' book!!  Nicholas is tired of waiting for the Acta Sanctorum to make a move.  He has been vigilant at keeping watch for them but nothing so far.  Kitara isn't happy when she meets up with Nicholas but there is something that draws her to him.  The fact that she is looking for her Acta Sanctorum fiance should have warned him away but Nicholas just cannot resist.  Knowing she has powers of her own, Nicholas is determined to protect Kit no matter who he is up against.
I literally couldn't wait to read Nicholas' book.  His story has been wonderfully sad up to this point.  Kit was perfect for him.  A witch with plenty of power (though you shouldn't call her that!) she can hold her own against him.  Their chemistry is undeniable and hot!  His propensity for saving her life and his jerkish attitude should completely put her off but it actually tugs Kit in more.  It was  a great storyline and I absolutely love Kit now!  I  loved catching up with some of the other characters as well and seeing where they are.
I rate this a 5/5.  If you've read the series up to this point, it is a must read.  If you haven't read the series, it is a good vampire/werewolf series!

***This book contains adult content***

Hidden in Plain View by Diane Burke

Book Description:

Colliding WorldsAfter a tragedy rips through her Amish community, Sarah Lapp doesn't remember anything. She can't recall her Plain upbringing, her deceased husband or the shooting that landed her under the protection of handsome undercover cop Samuel King. She is, however, aware of the confusing feelings he creates in her from the moment he walks into her life. Sam is determined to protect Sarah and her unborn baby in case the shooters return. Because if they do, it'll be more than just Sarah's memory at stake.

My Thoughts:
I was enthralled with this book.  Sarah Lapp wakes up in the hospital and cannot remember anything.  She was apparently the victim in a shooting where a vindictive man killed another man and her husband, the father of her unborn child.  Now the murderer is determined to get what he believes she has of his and will do anything to get it.  Sarah is put under the protection of Detective Samuel King.  He was chosen for this assignment because of his unique Amish background.  He will have to guard his heart as well as Sarah to keep the life he has chosen!
I loved the issues wrapped up in mystery in this book!  The author not only made it a suspense but included Amish and Romance and did a great job with it.  I felt so terrible for Sarah constantly wanting/needing her memory but never having even a flash.  Sam was a strong protector and though he was not Amish, still had their core beliefs so he fit in well with the family.  Sarah's in-laws were wonderful characters and though not perfect, they were wonderful to her.  I was beyond ready for them to catch the bad guy at the end because he was soooo good at being bad!!
I rate this one a 5/5.  It was a good suspense!

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.

The Unexpected Song by Iris Johansen

Description
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Iris Johansen comes a simmering, sensual story of a powerful man who will do anything to capture the voice—and heart—of a talented soprano.
Jason Hayes isn’t used to hearing the word “no”—not from performers, not from critics, and certainly not from women. He is the greatest composer the stage has seen in a century, and musicians and actors the world over covet his roles. So when the woman he wants—needs—to play Desdemona in his musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello turns down the role, he launches a relentless campaign to win her over—and maybe even secure her heart, too.Daisy Justine has a powerful gift, a sweet soprano voice with beauty to match. She desperately wants to accept the role Jason Hayes has offered her; it would be the job of a lifetime. And there is an undeniable, vibrant magnetism between them—a current that both thrills and frightens her. But she absolutely cannot go to New York with Jason, and she can’t tell him why—unless her body betrays her.

My Thoughts:

Really enjoyed this one!  Jason is determined to have Daisy play Desdemona but she turns down the role.  Daisy would love to take the role but she just cannot leave.  Both have secrets and neither can let the other in on it but Jason HAS to have Daisy for that role no matter what.  The chemistry between them is undeniable but would that be enough for Jason to persuade her?
I loved the pull between Jason and Daisy.  The fact that both of them have secrets that they feel they need to keep is intriguing and I must say his was scary!  I felt so sorry for Daisy having to turn down the role she so badly wanted but I understood why she did it.  Jason's reaction to being turned down amused me and I loved that he didn't take no but was going to get her for that part.
I rate this a 5/5.  It was a mesmerizing book.

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.

Truth Stained Lies by Terri Blackstock

Book Description:
Cathy Cramer is a former lawyer and investigative blogger who writes commentary on local homicides. When she finds a threatening note warning her that she's about to experience the same kind of judgment and speculation that she dishes out in her blog, Cathy writes it off as mischief ... until her brother is caught in the middle of a murder investigation---the victim is his ex-wife. As her brother is tried and convicted in the media, and bloggers and commentators like her have a field day, Cathy wonders if she should have taken the threat more seriously. Cathy and her two sisters, Holly and Juliet, moonlight as part-time private investigators, working to solve their brother's ex-wife's murder. Juliet, a stay-at-home mom of two boys, and Holly, a scattered ne'er-do-well who drives a taxi, put aside their fear and lack of confidence to learn the art of investigation. But will it be too late to save their brother from a murder conviction, or his five-year-old son who's the killer's next target?

My Thoughts:
This was an intriguing and good book.  Cathy is a blogger.  She covers local murders and she and her followers try and convict those on trial.  When she receives a cryptic threat, she somewhat disregards it.  Then she gets a call that her brother is the prime suspect in his wife's murder.  Since they are going through a messy divorce and his alibi is a clown did it, the bloggers like Cathy are having a field day while she is trying to prove his innocence. 
I loved the whole story line.  Cathy's past with the justice system from her legal career, fiance's murder and his brother's issues with being a detective made the whole story more intriguing.  I felt so terrible for Cathy's nephew with losing his mother and (basically) his father on the same day, it made me want to cry!  Her siblings and the whole family interested me too.  I loved the story lines that all twined together, just like real families do!  Faith was an undercurrent throughout and woven well into the story.  The author did a great job with the suspense and making it feel personal.
I rate it a 4/5.  It was a good read!
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.

When a Secret Kills by Lynette Eason

Book Descriptions:
Investigative reporter Jillian Carter knows it's time to put the past to rest. She's tired of looking over her shoulder, letting a killer go free. She's no longer the scared kid who changed her name and disappeared. Now, no matter what the cost, Jillian must do what she is trained to do--ferret out the truth and expose it. Senator Frank Hoffman committed murder ten years ago--and Jillian watched it happen.
Didn't she?
Not even the enigmatic and attractive Colton Brady, her ex-boyfriend and nephew of the killer, will be able to make her leave this alone. Get ready for the spine-tingling, nail-biting conclusion to an explosive series.

My Thoughts:
LOVED this book!  Jillian ran from her hometown years ago because of something she saw.  She changed her name and is now an investigative journalist.  What she witnessed and years of secrets lead her back to her hometown.  It is time she set the record straight, even if it will hurt someone she loved.  Now she just has to find the evidence to prove what she knows she saw.
I loved the two main characters, Jillian and Colton.  The secrets and years apart have left their mark on both of them.  The author does a great job with the suspense and throwing twists and unexpected turns into the story.  She also does a great job of weaving faith and God through her books without making it preachy.  I hated to see the series end but this book was a wonderful ending.
I rate this a 5/5.  Wonderful conclusion to the series.  Great book but I would reccomend reading the series in order.
Thank you to Revell 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.

Available May 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

An Unholy Communion by Donna Fletcher Crow

Book Description:
The third installment in the best-selling Monastery Murders series Following the ancient tradition, ordinands from the College of the Transfiguration gather at first light on Ascension morning to sing their praises from the top of the college's tallest tower. Not one to miss any liturgy, Felicity finds herself swept up in worship as she listens to the timeless words.
But her delight quickly turns to horror when a black-robed body hurtles over the precipice and lands at her feet. Her investigative instincts immediately kick in when she sees a double-headed snake emblem clutched in the lifeless hand. Was this suicide? Or murder?
This time, though, Felicity will leave the investigating to someone else. She and her fiance, Antony, are off to lead a youth pilgrimage through Wales. Yet even in this remote, mystical land, lurking figures follow Felicity and Antony, and Felicity finds herself haunted by the writhing snakes. Then an ancient holy well reveals another body . . .
Ingeniously plotted by a master of contemporary suspense, An Unholy Communion weaves Great Britain's holy places and history with an intricate mystery that will keep readers guessing to the very end.

My Thoughts:
This was a good one.  Felicity is enjoying the morning praise when things change drastically.  A black robed figure falls, and lands at her feet.  In his hand, the dead man holds a double-headed snake emblem.  Investigators believe it to be suicide but Felicity and Father Anthony aren't so sure, especially with who the dead man is. 
This was a good mystery!  I like that the book started with such a bang.  The characters stayed true to the series, they develop further and get more interesting.  I liked the investigator's comments toward Felicity.  The author does a great job of making you feel like you are in the story instead of simply reading it.
This one was a 4/5.  Really good continuation of this series!!!

Thank you to litfuse 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.

Duchess by Susan May Warren

Book Description:
The golden age of Hollywood is in the business of creating stars. Rosie Worth, now starlet Roxy Price, has found everything she’s wanted in the glamour of the silver screen. With adoring fans and a studio-mogul husband, she’s finally silenced the voices—and grief—of the past. Her future shines bright…until the fated Black Friday when it all comes crashing down. When Roxy loses everything, she finds herself disgraced and penniless. Her only hope is to join forces with Belgian duke Rolfe Van Horne, a longtime film investor. But Rolfe is not who he seems, and he has other plans for Roxy and her movies—plans to support a growing unrest in Europe, plans that could break her heart and endanger her life.

When her country needs her, will she have the courage to surrender her glittering world and her one true love?

My Thoughts:
This was a good book.  Rosie Worth is now an actress in Hollywood's golden age and she goes by Roxy Price.  She has achieved everything she wanted.  She has a husband that propels her career and fans that adore her.  Then, Black Friday happens and Roxy loses everything and her only option is to partner with Rolfe Van Horne.  He is a film investor that has ulterior motives for Roxy.  Can she do what she needs to for the greater good?
I loved watching Rosie/Roxie change through this book.  Her marriage was simply an agreement between two people, there was no love.  She seems to make mistake after mistake, bad decision after bad decision and you want so bad to make her 'see' what she should be doing.  The history woven in makes the book more interesting.  The overall theme of you can't control everything and you have to let go spoke to me.
I rate this one a 4/5.  A wonderful conclusion to this trilogy.

Thank you to Litfuse 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.

Jennifer by Dee Henderson

Book Description:

It’s a summer of change for Jennifer O’Malley. The busy physician has a pediatrics practice in Dallas, and meeting Tom Peterson, and falling in love, is adding a rich layer to her life. She’s sorting out how to introduce him to her family–she’s the youngest of seven–and thinking about marriage.
She’s falling in love with Jesus too, and knows God is good. But that faith is about to be tested in a way she didn’t expect, and the results will soon transform her entire family.

My Thoughts:
Wonderful companion book.  Jennifer is a pediatric doctor and is invested in all of her patients.  She is also an O'Malley, the significance of which is missed by most people.  Tom Peterson is comfortable the way he is, a surgeon.  When they meet in the hospital over a struggling child, it was fate...or something bigger?
I've read all the O'Malley books and always loved Jennifer.  She and Tom were just great together and I love knowing their story now.  If this is where you start the O'Malley books, it will flow in perfectly.  Tom is such a wonderful man, influence, and all around good guy.  Jennifer is so caring and loving that you can't help but like her.   I rate this 5/5.  It was wonderful to read Jennifer's story with Tom!

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