Short Review

Fallen by Rebecca Zanetti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is just book two in the Deep Ops series. Their was a lot of backstory in book one and there is more about this misfit group in Fallen. Featuring the hacker Brigid Banaghan and the ultra cool Raider Tanaka we learn more about Bridid and her secrets. Raider has some two. The two have to work together and ignore the attraction that is building. There is romance, tension, danger and forgiveness. before Fallen is over. Great second book in an exciting series.

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 354 - Watcher in the Woods by Kelley Armstrong, Detonation Event by John Andrew Carr

Watcher in the Woods by Kelley Armstrong
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rockton is still having trouble. Someone is not who they seem. Why does that cause trouble? Because it brings in someone trying to make an arrest and capture. That just cannot be allowed but the way it is stopped is not the best way to stop it. In fact that just brings more trouble. Casey Duncan and her boyfriend, Sheriff Eric Dalton are both such great characters and it is great fun following them as they try to unwind everything that is happening. There are some very interesting new characters that play a part in this story. I think the best is Casey's sister. It will be interesting to see how her story plays out in future books. This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.


Detonation Event by John Andrew Karr
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As the title suggests this starts out with a bang and one that arrives ahead of time. At its heart is the battle between those who want all efforts made on Earth and those who see space as part of the salvation of humans. I found a lot of this new and interesting. There are the changes to humans that most of us would not think are good changes. While the detonation event is part of the story there is also another event that has to be faced. As the story progresses the two events are woven together until they join near the end. This keeps all the main characters alive and kicking but leaves the big problems still to be solved. Stay tuned. The next book should be as wild a ride as Detonation Event.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 349

What Doesn't Kill Her by Christina Dodd
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book two in the Cape Charade series, this will stand alone. I loved the characters. Rae steals the show as she and her mother, Kellen bond in a very different way. This is a seat of your pants thriller with more twists and turns than a rollercoaster. There are secrets and more secrets as each scene plays out. Kellan's past is one of those secrets and it is impacting her future. I loved all of the action and the suspense mixed with just the right amount of romance. It was nice to find out who the bad guy was and why he wanted Kellan dead but the rest of the ending sure left other things up in the air.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.


Alien Mischief by Cara Bristol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

You really need to listen to the voices in your head. Madison is hiding and Enoki keeps hearing that his mate is near. When Enoki rescues Madison he thinks that Madison is male but guess what? He is a she. That leads to many many misunderstandings. Both almost miss out. This is a cute story with two great characters who finally get it together and have their HEA. I am enjoying this series and meeting the women and aliens who are finding their mates.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 299 - Hidden by Rebecca Zanetti, What I've Done by Melinda Leigh

Hidden by Rebecca Zanetti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This caught me from the first few pages. I loved Pippa and how her curosity kept her watching her new neighbor. As for that neighbor, Malcolm West had secrets of his own. It was fun watching the two get to know each other as they worked to build trust. Turns out neither were who they said. That lead to a interesting story line with a lot of danger, tension and of course romance. This is first in a series and I am looking forward to the next Deep Ops characters to get hit with romance mixed with danger.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.


What I've Done by Melinda Leigh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Morgan Dane has a new client. Haley Powell does not know what happened; just that she woke up covered in blood and the man she went home with is dead. This leads to a thrill a minute case when Morgan, Haley, Sharp and Lance all are put in danger of their lives. This series gets better with each new book. Cris Dukehart is the voice of What I've Done and she does a great job in bringing the story to life. I loved the ending but no spoiler here. Listen to find out.

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 149 - Dark Justice by Jenna Ryan, The Rancher's Christmas Song by RaeAanne Thane, Kris Longknife's Replacement by Mike Shepherd

Dark Justice by Jenna Ryan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Amber Kelly is in a world of hurt and it just keeps getting worse. In all of this she does not fall apart but keeps trying to get things right. Gage Morgan is assigned to keep her safe. The fly in the ointment; Rachel, Amber's sister. Both have been in witness protection and Rachel has just given away their location. This is a fast paced action filled story that was a tension filled fun read. The four stars instead of five - that was because one of the bad guys was not taken down and Amber, Gage, and Rachel were not completely safe at the end.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

The Rancher's Christmas Song by RaeAnne Thayne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

You just know that when young twins show up there will be a romance in the air. This time Beckett McKinley's wild twin boys set the stage by making a bargain with Ella Baker. In return for helping them with a special song for their Dad they will teach her how to ride. Of course Beck ends up doing the teaching and finally realizing that Ella is much more than he thought. A great romance that takes place at the Christmas Ranch while introducing a new cast of characters. A great fit for the series.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.


Kris Longknife's Replacement by Mike Shepherd
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sandy Santiago is the replacement for Kris at Alwa Station and her fun begins at once. This takes the reader on a tour of the space around Alwa, goes to the cat's home on Canopus Station and on to a fight with those terrible aliens who kill all they find and blow themselves up before they will surrender. It is a alright story that is aimed at fans of Kris. I did not like some of the voices used in the story. Sandy was OK Penny's voice was so light and high she sounded like a very young girl not the mature woman she is. Even so it was an interesting listen.

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 138 - Going Dark by Monica McCarty, A Conspiracy in Belgravia by Sherry Thomas, The Lady Travelers Guide to Scoundrels and Other Gentlemen by Victoria Alexander

Going Dark by Monica McCarty
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What do you do when you are a Seal group and your mission goes very, very bad. Someone has betrayed you and all the survivors go dark. One goes to Scotland and while trying to stay under the radar finds himself in the middle of a plot to blow up a drilling ship. Oh, and of course there is a woman involved that needs help. A really good start to the new Lost Platoon series. The backstory is covered at the beginning. The character development is first rate and the danger is very real. I loved how the Annie Henderson and Dan Warren (not his real name) learn to work together while protecting Dan's identity. A easy to read and hard to put down book.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.


A Conspiracy in Belgravia by Sherry Thomas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A new mystery of Charlotte Holmes and a new set of characters walk through the series. It turns out Lord Ingram's wife is up to more than anyone knows. At the same time Charlotte has a marriage proposal - one that would make her more acceptable to society. I am enjoying this series and all of the ends and outs that are part of the plot. I am not that much of a Sherlock Holmes fan so I don't really know or care how it follows or deviates from the original stories. I just like the mystery and suspense that kept me guessing throughout the story.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.


The Lady Travelers Guide To Scoundrels And Other Gentlemen by Victoria Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

India Prendergast is off to prove that the Lady Travelers Guide is up to no good. Derek Saunders is determined to prove just the opposite. That leads to a fun romp where India learns some things about herself and how she reacts to other people and Derek learns that there is more to India than he thought. An interesting take on what different people do during difficult times of their lives and how they react to events in their past. A nice start to a new series with a interesting twist to the plot line.

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Fatal Threat by Marie Force - Review Tour and Giveaway

Fatal Threat

by Marie Force

• Book #11 in the Fatal Series
• Release July 25th 2017 by Harlequin Books
• Genre: Romantic Suspense, Romance, Contemporary Romance
• Add it on Goodreads
• Get a Copy:

About

With a killer on the loose, it’s the worst time to be on lockdown…

It’s just another day at the office for Washington Metro Police lieutenant Sam Holland when a body surfaces off the shores of the Anacostia River. But before Sam can sink her teeth into the new case, Secret Service agents seize her from the crime scene. A threat has been made against her family, but nobody will tell her anything—including the whereabouts of her husband, Vice President Nick Cappuano.

This isn’t the first time the couple’s lives have been at risk, but when a bombshell from Sam’s past returns to haunt her, she can’t help but wonder if there’s a connection. With a ruthless killer out for vengeance, and Nick struggling to maintain his reputation after secrets from his own past are revealed, Sam works to tie the threat to a murder that can’t possibly be a coincidence. And she has to get it done before her husband’s career is irrevocably damaged…

Quotes:

“The next book in the Fatal series opens with a doozy of a mystery that will have readers immediately intrigued. Ten books in and this series is still bringing the heat and still going strong.” –RT Book Reviews on Fatal Identity

“Although Fatal Identity is the 10th book in the series, new readers will have no trouble jumping in and catching up with the non-stop action. Take a chance on Marie Force, Sam Holland and the Fatal series, particularly if you like romantic thrillers. Well written, suspenseful stories balanced with the right amount of romance can be few and far between. Ms. Force and her characters will fill that gap in your bookshelf quite nicely indeed.”–TalkNerdyWithUs.com on Fatal Identity

“This is book ten in the Fatal series, and the first book I’ve read…. I liked this one so much, I want to go back and read about Nick and Sam’s journey.”
– Smexy Books on Fatal Identity

Review:

I binge read the Fatal series last summer.  As I finished one book I immediately started the next until I had read them all.  I was excited when Fatal Threat came out and was hooked from the very first paragraph.  Once again there was danger, tension, and romance.  What started out as a threat to the entire family ended with another big change facing Sam Holland and Nick Cappauno.  This series just keep getting better and better.  Start at book one for the most enjoyment.

Author Bio Marie Force:

Marie Force is the New York Times bestselling author of 60 contemporary romances, including the Gansett Island Series and the Fatal Series from Harlequin Books. In addition, she is the author of the Butler, Vermont Series, the Green Mountain Series and the erotic romance Quantum Series, written under the name of M.S. Force. All together, her books have sold 6 million copies worldwide!

Her goals in life are simple—to finish raising two happy, healthy, productive young adults, to keep writing books for as long as she possibly can and to never be on a flight that makes the news. 

Amazon Gift Card $25
10 Books (1 to 10) in The Fatal Series!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Fatal Series

A series of romantic suspense standalone books set in Washington and a fictional Metropolitan Police Department.

Blog Tour

Monday, July 17th – BookHounds – Guest Post
Tuesday, July 18th – Booklovers For Life – Guest Post
Wednesday,July 19th – Lauren’s Crammed Bookshelf – Review  & My Slanted Bookish Ramblings – Review
Thursday, July 20th – Hooked To Books – Guest Post
Friday, July 21st – Parajunkee – Guest Post
– –
Monday, July 24th – Pretty Sassy Cool – Review with short Interview
Tuesday, July 25th – Cocktails and Books – Review
Wednesday,July 26th – MIxed Book Bag – Review & Ebook Indulgence – Review
Thursday, July 27th – Lovely Loveday – Review & Abigail Books Addiction – Guest Post
Friday, July 28th – Sassy Book Lovers – Review

The Fortune Teller by Gwendolyn Womack - Blurb Blitz and Giveaway

The Fortune Teller

by Gwendolyn Womack

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE: Romantic Thriller

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Semele Cavnow appraises antiquities for an exclusive Manhattan auction house, deciphering ancient texts―and when she discovers a manuscript written in the time of Cleopatra, she knows it will be the find of her career. Its author tells the story of a priceless tarot deck, now lost to history, but as Semele delves further, she realizes the manuscript is more than it seems. Both a memoir and a prophecy, it appears to be the work of a powerful seer, describing devastating wars and natural disasters in detail thousands of years before they occurred.

The more she reads, the more the manuscript begins to affect Semele’s life. But what happened to the tarot deck? As the mystery of her connection to its story deepens, Semele can’t shake the feeling that she’s being followed. Only one person can help her make sense of it all: her client, Theo Bossard. Yet Theo is arrogant and elusive, concealing secrets of his own, and there’s more to Semele’s desire to speak with him than she would like to admit. Can Semele even trust him?

The auction date is swiftly approaching, and someone wants to interfere―someone who knows the cards exist, and that the Bossard manuscript is tied to her. Semele realizes it’s up to her to stop them: the manuscript holds the key to a two-thousand-year-old secret, a secret someone will do anything to possess.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT

To my reader: I can see what time you live in, and I feel your eyes upon me. We are from different eras, you and I, and by the time you are reading these words, my ancient world will have long been buried. I am one you call a seer—someone who can divine the future and divine it well.

The power of intuition will have ebbed in your time, so you may not believe this story, or worse, think it a fable. But I assure you, my tale is true. I will begin by telling you about my life before, when I was a girl in Alexandria, Egypt.

In my youth, I did not know I had the sight. Only at certain times did the faintest glimpses of what was to come strike me like glimmers of light. Suddenly, I could see when the rains would come, whether my brother would marry, if my father would buy me the wesekh collar from the market. This kind of simple knowledge would present itself, but for the most part, I thought nothing of these inklings.

Copyright © 2017 by Gwendolyn Womack. All rights reserved.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Gwendolyn Womack is the author of the RWA Prism award winning novel The Memory Painter. She writes metaphysical thrillers and love stories that travel history, exploring divination, reincarnation, magic, and time travel. She lives in Los Angeles with her family and is currently working on her third novel.

She can be found online at http://www.gwendolynwomack, on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Gwen_Womack, and on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorGwendolynWomack

Book Video: https://youtu.be/Ws3VTKpjnGc

Buy Links for The Fortune Teller:

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Fortune-Teller-Novel-Gwendolyn-Womack/dp/1250099773/ref=asap_bc

Barnes & Noble

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-fortune-teller-gwendolyn-womack/1124362940;jsessionid=6DF5A2E53A3AAA8BA204FAB563CDDC4D.prodny_store01-atgap01

iBooks

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-fortune-teller/id1183106094?mt=11

BAM!

http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Fortune-Teller/Gwendolyn-Womack/9781250099778?id=6647547489807

Independent Bookstores

http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781250099778

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION 

Gwendolyn will be awarding Exploring Tarot Using Radiant Rider-waite Tarot: Deck & Book Set  (US ONLY) to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to visit the other blogs on the tour:

June 5: Notes From a Romantic's Heart
June 6: It's Raining Books
June 7: Books, Dreams,Life
June 8: Christine Young
June 9: EskieMama and Dragon Lady Reads
June 12: Lampshade Reader
June 12: Sharing Links and Wisdom
June 13: fuonlyknew
June 14: Romance Novel Giveaways
June 15: Celticlady's Reviews
June 16: Deal Sharing Aunt
June 19: Two Ends of the Pen
June 20: The Bookworm Chronicles
June 21: Mixed Book Bag
June 21: Booklove
June 22: Hearts and Scribbles
June 23: Independent Authors
June 26: Long and Short Reviews
June 27: Jazzy Book Reviews
June 28: Nickie's Views and Interviews
June 28: Random Thoughts From a Tech Nerd
June 29: Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews
June 30: Danita Minnis

Short and Sweet Book Reviews #71 - Someone To Love by Donna Alward, Mistletoe Cowboy by Carolyn Brown, When All The Girls Have Gone by Jayne Ann Krantz

Someone to Love by Donna Alward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Do opposites attract or do they just seem to be opposites? That is a question that Ethan and Willow have to answer when an unexpected attraction pops up between the two. Both are struggling with events from their past. One of my favorite things about this book is how Alward used Yoga as a big part of Willow's recovery. In a world where pills seem to be the answer to everything using meditation and relaxation as a big part of the cure is great to see. I loved Willow and how strong she was and how she realized that while she was recovering she was also marching in place and not going forward. A really nice story with great characters.

Mistletoe Cowboy by Carolyn Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

You just have to pull for Sage and Creed as they find themselves snowed in. Add in a very ugly stray dog and a cute stray cat with kittens and you feel how cozy the Rockin C Ranch is. Of course there is Sage's grandmother who is trying to pull strings from a distance. She just knows that Sage and Creed are made for each other. A nice enjoyable Christmas or any time story.


When All The Girls Have Gone by Jayne Ann Krentz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When All The Girls Have Gone is typical Jayne Ann Krantz. There are two very interesting characters who have the lead in the story. There is a plot inside of a plot. Expect plenty of twists and turns as the story unfolds. And for good measure a final surprise at the end. This was a book I did not want to put down. It held my interest and kept me guessing.

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Book Beginnings and The Friday 56 - January 20, 2017

I'm linking up with Rose City Reader for Book Beginnings and Freda's Voice for Page 56. Check out the links above for the rules and for the posts of the participants each week. Pick the closest book on your book stack and join the fun.

The Beginning:

Prologue: "When she came to, Evelyn Talbot could hear nothing. She couldn't see anything, either."

Chapter One: Twenty years later... :He'd kill her if he could. He'd attacked her once before. She had to remember that.



Page 56:

"The alcohol had mellowed him and made her talkative, maybe too talkative, but she couldn't remember when she'd had a better time, especially with nothing but Led Zeppelin playing in the background, a fire raging in the hearth and a man she barely knew for company.

From Her Darkest Nightmare by Brenda Novak.

At Wolf Ranch (Montana Men #1) by Jennifer Ryan

Contemporary Western Romance/Thriller

From Goodreads:

After years on the rodeo circuit, Gabe Bowden wants nothing more than land of his own and a woman who will claim his heart for more than one night. When he has the chance to buy the enormous Wolf Ranch spread, he snaps up the incredible deal. Everything is set, until Gabe rescues a woman on the deserted, snowy road leading to the property, and the half-frozen beauty changes everything.

Ella Wolf rushes to her family's abandoned Montana ranch after her twin sister is murdered. She knows she's next . . . unless she can uncover a secret hidden somewhere at Wolf Ranch. The last thing Ella expects is to be rescued by a rugged rancher with his own agenda. A man who almost makes her forget how dangerous love can be.

As an unlikely partnership sparks into something so much more, and a killer closes in, can Ella and Gabe learn to trust one another before it's too late?

At Wolf Ranch is a thriller as well as a romance.  As I read parts of the book my heart rate speeded up and I had to stop before I could go on.  It really took some time for the entire story to unfold.  I loved how Ella had the presence of mind to run first when she realized how much danger she was in.

When Gabe rescued her she found the person who would help her find the solution to her sister’s murder.

 The two were a great match but because they were from very different worlds they had a rough road to their HEA. 

The tension level in At Wolf Ranch kept me reading.  There were surprises scattered throughout the book and of course a nice buildup to a romance.  At Wolf Ranch is a great start to a new series by Ryan.  It is very well written with a great plot and characters.  Pick it up for a really fun and interesting read.

Avon published At Wolf Ranch by Jennifer Ryan in 2015.

I received an ARC of At Wolf Ranch from Edelweiss in return for an honest review.

Wedding at Cardwell Ranch by B. J. Daniels

Romantic Thriller

From Goodreads:

The highly anticipated continuation of the Cardwell Ranch Collection, read by more than 2 MILLION!

Jackson Cardwell won't stop until she is safe.

In Montana for his brother's nuptials, Jackson Cardwell isn't looking to be anybody's hero. But the Texas single father knows a beautiful lady in distress when he meets her. Someone's hell-bent on making Allie Taylor think she's losing her mind. Jackson's determined to unmask the perp...and guard the widowed wedding planner and her little girl with his life.

Allie has no idea who wants to harm her and take her daughter away. The truth is even more shocking. For Allie's past has stalked her to Cardwell Ranch. And not even the sexy cowboy who awakens irresistible passion may be able to save her from a killer with a chilling agenda.

Slowly but surely the Cardwell Cousins are moving from Texas to Montana. Jackson Cardwell had a terrible marriage and an even worse divorce. He does have one good thing from his marriage and that is his son Ford. It is one reason he can identify with Allie, a young widow with a daughter.  For the Cardwell’s it is all about family.  Allie is all about family too but unfortunately she married into the wrong one.  Someone is trying to make her think she is crazy so they can take her daughter.  She does not know who to trust but Jackson soon becomes her knight in shining armor.  Once again there is a woman in danger and a Cardwell coming to the rescue.  There were quite a few twists and turns and like Allie I often did not know what to believe. The wedding in the book - It is Tag’s and Allie is the wedding planner.  Now there are three of the Cardwell Cousins in Montana. I wonder what B. J. Daniels has planned for those two.

Harlequin published Wedding at Cardwell Ranch by B. J. Daniels in 2014.

I received an ARC of Wedding at Cardwell Ranch from Netgalley.