The Accidental Spy by David Gardner Blog Tour/Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

Harvey Hudson finds himself unemployed due to the college he taught at closing. As luck would have it, one day he bumped into a long-ago girlfriend of his who co-owned her own company. She hired him to be a technical writer, but what did Harvey know about being a technical writer? Nothing. He knew it was a pity hire, but he took the job anyway. He also found himself delivering candy and balloons until his a-ha moment and sent an order of balloons into the sky. Then, he goes on to pizza delivery, which, he discovered, wasn’t all bad … and it gave him time to think about his What-Ifs. Harvey is also an aspiring author.

Harvey decided to answer a random email one day … since he knew squat about technical writing he decided why not? And … he outsourced his job. Enter Amaya, the lady on the other end of the email. Enter a random happenstance involving the FBI. Enter some really burly dudes … Igor, Boris, and the like. Enter a world Harvey knew nothing about, thus the title “Accidental Spy.” Harvey definitely goes on some adventures through this tale … adventures he never thought a random fellow like himself would be involved in. There is also a bit of romance … some unresolved feelings from years past.

I have to say that I was quite entertained by some of the antics portrayed in this tale. If you’re looking for a light read about an average guy going about his business and stumbling across a world he was less than qualified to be involved in, give this one a read. I’m sure you’ll find yourself chuckling and shaking your head just a bit.

  

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Accidental-Spy-David-Gardner/dp/1645994201/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1667847741&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-accidental-spy-david-gardner/1142249406?ean=9781645994206

 

Find Mr. Gardner:

Website: https://davidgardnerauthor.com/#spy

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071044801939

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/david-gardner-3f033b66-f480-4af4-bb4f-35ec9105f146

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21115110.David_Gardner#spy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidagardner07/

 

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What Meets The Eye by Alex Kenna Blog Tour/Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

Being an avid reader, I enjoy discovering new authors, debut authors, and Ms. Kenna is no exception. If this is only Ms. Kenna’s first/debut novel, I can only imagine what she’ll bring us in the future. If you’re looking for another go-to author to add to your ever-growing list, you may want to give Ms. Kenna a spot.

In What Meets the Eye, Ms. Kenna has created a character by the name of Kate Myles. Kate used to be a police officer and ended up going down another path, that of being a PI. She’s helped solve a few cases, but in What Meets the Eye she is hired by the father of Margot, an artist by trade, whose case the police believed was open and shut. Not so her father. Enter the conflict Kate has with her ex-husband, John, who also used to be a lawyer. John has some harsh feelings toward Kate, especially when it comes to their daughter, Amelia.

The case of Margot leads Kate down some very dangerous paths, but she also reconnects with a former LAPD officer, namely Luke. Against Luke’s better judgment, who also has a story of his own to tell, he decides to give Kate the benefit of the doubt and help her out. There are also numerous other shady characters that we are introduced who help shape this tale of whodunnit. There are avenues that Kate takes that don’t work out and lead her down to a path of destruction until her a-ha moment and she decides to go in another direction.

Again, if you’re looking for a debut/new author, Ms. Kenna is going to be one to follow. It will be interesting to see what she brings us next.

  

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/What-Meets-Eye-Alex-Kenna/dp/1639101845/ref=sr_1_1?crid=G70Z1MVKTUS2&keywords=what+meets+the+eye+alex+kenna&qid=1667847390&sprefix=what+meets+the+e%2Caps%2C253&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-meets-the-eye-alex-kenna/1142221179?ean=9781639101849

 

Find Ms. Kenna:

Website: https://www.alexkenna.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085915802718

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22295347.Alex_Kenna

Twitter: https://twitter.com/alexkenna9

 

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No Child of Mine by Nichelle Giraldes Cover Reveal and Blurb

 

COVER REVEAL AND BLURB! There’s a Goodreads giveaway - link below!

We are so excited about this haunting debut from Nichelle Giraldes that publishes September 12, 2023.

 

Blurb:  The Push meets The Haunting of Bly Manor in an atmospheric and beautifully haunting debut story about motherhood and love.

There's something in the dark. And it's starting to whisper...

Essie Kaur has defined herself by her ambitions, a fiercely independent woman whose only soft spot is her husband, Sanjay. She never imagined herself as a mother. It was never a part of the plan. But then she finds out she's pregnant. As her difficult pregnancy transforms her body and life into something she barely recognizes, her husband spends the nights pacing in the attic, slowly becoming a stranger, and the house begins to whisper.

As Essie's pregnancy progresses, both her and Sanjay's lives are warped by a curse that has haunted her family for generations, leaving a string of fatherless daughters in its wake. When she's put on bedrest, Essie trades the last aspects of her carefully planned life for isolation in what should be a welcoming home, but she isn't alone. There's something here that means to take everything from her…

 

Link to Goodreads giveaway: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/359321-no-child-of-mine

Defensive Instructor by Debra Parmley Book Review

 

I received this book as a gift.

This is the second book of Mrs. Parmley’s that I have read in the Brotherhood Protector series. In this tale, we are introduced to the Three Cs Ranch, a place that was specifically built out in the middle of nowhere (literally) to shelter abused women and teach them skills to defend themselves. We are introduced to Barrett who is the defense instructor and from the description he’s quite the looker. The first client to arrive at the Three Cs is Chyna Taylor. Chyna has escaped from Phineas (Finn) her abusive ex and is one of the first of a group of women to be housed at the Three Cs. She is joined later by seven others, all with varying backgrounds, but one common theme - their abuse. They are learning to process their feelings with the help of Leah, the resident counselor, and they are also learning self-defense, taught by Barrett. Naturally, there is some powerful attraction between Barrett and one of the eight ladies, which is against the rules of the Three Cs. As remote as this location is in Montana, it’s not quite remote enough.

What I am enjoying, so far, about this series is that they are short novellas that can be read in a few hours, perfect for those folks who are traveling or just do not have time for a longer book, or even someone who is waiting during appointments. There is enough action to keep the reader interested. What I also enjoy is that there is enough heat, enough attraction between the two people involved so as not to be overly in your face, but you know it’s there.

Extreme Vetting by Roxana Arama Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review. (Publishing February 7, 2023.)

Laura Holban is an immigration attorney, she herself having come to the States from Romania. The main client she is helping in this tale is Emilio Ramirez and later his wife, Blanca, the main goal being that they are allowed to stay and work in the US, after having come to the States a very long time ago. Emilio is hardworking as is Blanca, so much so that they built their own home to raise their two sons, Jacob and David. Laura also has a daughter, Alice, as well as her mother who is still in Romania and an ex-husband, Adrian, who is with his new family in Romania as well. So, not only is Laura having to deal with a system that is not friendly toward immigrants, but she is also having to deal with a teenager and not-so-nice feelings toward her ex-husband, who also wants nothing to do with Alice. Talk about a vicious circle.

So, she meets Emilio and takes on his case at the urging of his son, David, and really, the last thing she needs is another case, but when David knocks on her front door how can she say no? David and Alice also develop a friendship; they lean on each other. Enter Kyle who is willing to help Laura with her case because they discover not so up-and-up issues with the system they are working their way through. Laura also finds out that some of her clients who were deported, through no fault of her own, did not have such good outcomes. Emilio’s past has finally caught up to him and he has to tell Laura the truth as well as his own family.

This is Ms. Arama’s first novel and takes the reader through the trials of what it’s like to find asylum in the States, and even what it’s like to be deported. This tale takes the reader on the ups and downs of hope and disappointment while working one’s way through the system, both the lawyer’s side and the client’s. Emilio faces some truths and comes to a decision that will hopefully save his family, which makes him a very realistic character. David is a teenager wanting to help his family; those values having been instilled in him by his parents. I think it’s an extremely well thought out book for a first-time author and look forward to reading more from her. I hope you’ll give this one a read.

Dark of Night by Colleen Coble Blog Tour/Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

This is book two in the Annie Pederson series by Ms. Coble and it picks up right where book one left off. It can, however, be read as a standalone.

In this tale, Annie has been called in to help find a missing woman, Michelle. Annie is still also dealing with her new relationship with Jon, as well as Kylie (her nine-year-old daughter) still not fully accepting Jon. Kylie is still grieving the losses she suffered at such a young age. Taylor is still around as well … becoming somewhat of a thorn in Annie’s side so to speak. However, in this tale the truth surrounding Taylor is finally revealed. Of course, Taylor does something unspeakable and Annie has to figure out whether or not to forgive her.

Jon is wrestling with how to get Kylie to accept him, even just a little bit. He is also wrestling with the decision of whether or not to accept the position he has been offered at a nearby clinic. Of course, something happens at his old clinic to make him believe that everything is going to fall apart and it’s going to reflect on him, even though he had nothing to do with it.

Michelle’s story leads both Annie and Jon to a women’s shelter where they met Idoya James, who claims she knows nothing about where Michelle might have gone off to. There is more to Idoya than meets the eye, but her story was never fully revealed. The whodunnit in this tale certainly caught this reader by surprise.

The thing I enjoy about this series is the consistency of the characters, the thoughts and feelings that they all experience make them much more realistic. I am quite certain that Annie and Jon are going to be having some more adventures that lead them deeper into the woods.

  

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Night-Annie-Pederson-Novel/dp/0785253742/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1667846870&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dark-of-night-colleen-coble/1141293095?ean=9780785253747

 

Find Colleen Coble:

Website: https://colleencoble.com/

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

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/colleen-coble

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/33227.Colleen_Coble

Twitter: https://twitter.com/colleencoble

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colleencoble/

 

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Under A Veiled Moon by Karen Odden Blog Tour/Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

Down a Dark River is book one in this series; I would recommend reading that one first to introduce yourself to the main character, Michael (Mickey) Corravan. This tale is set in 1878, London, a time when the Irish were not a favorite, so many people at odds with each other. In this particular tale, Scotland Yard Inspector Corravan finds himself involved in trying to figure out the death of a man, where he came from, who is family was. Boom! There was a terrible accident on the Thames involving two vessels, so that added to his open investigations. While he was investigating these two crimes, a couple others happened, only adding to the question of how these crimes were connected, if they were. During these overlapping investigations, he starts discovering things about the family who took him in that he did not know, and he finds himself at wit’s end trying to figure it all out.

While the historical genre is not a usual one for me to read, I was highly impressed with the writing of this tale, very detailed descriptions of how things were back in the 1800s. Compared to today’s technology, can you imagine solving any kind of crime while taking notes (with pen and paper) and having to remember it all? No computers, no internet, no cell phones, none of the ‘conveniences’ of today. I would recommend this book to history buffs and those who enjoy the historical genre.

This may sound a bit silly, but I was actually reading this book with an Irish accent. Do you ever do that … create voices for your characters?

  

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Under-Veiled-Inspector-Corravan-Mystery/dp/1639101195/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1667847017&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/under-a-veiled-moon-karen-odden/1140985498?ean=9781639101191

 

Find Ms. Odden:

Website: https://karenodden.com/

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

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/karen-odden

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3290721.Karen_Odden

Twitter: https://twitter.com/karen_odden

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karen_m_odden/

 

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The Dead Don't Dream by Meghan O'Flynn

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review. (Publishing January 24, 2023; not my picture.)

This is the first book I’ve read by Ms. O’Flynn and I am quite certain it won’t be the last. This is storytelling full of imagery that really grasps the reader’s attention. I found myself chuckling at some of the descriptions of Maggie’s patients and their antics, even some of Maggie’s antics.

Maggie is a psychologist/therapist who finds herself becoming immersed in her patients’ lives, some more than others, such as the case of Tristan Simms. This leads her to do some detective work, if you will, on her own as she wanted to get to the bottom of Tristan’s sleepwalking. Not to mention the fact she couldn’t get him out of her mind. There is also a secret side to Maggie that no one knows about. There is a bread trail of crumbs laced throughout these pages that Maggie follows, twisting and turning, so much so that she doesn’t really know what to believe or who to trust. Not only does Maggie have a secret side, she also helps women get out of certain situations, which makes her an intriguing character to say the least. Maggie is also dealing with her parents and their particular set of issues.

The pictures that are painted throughout this tale will certainly keep the reader turning pages to find out what happens in the end. If you are looking for a tale that will hold your attention and give you a good chuckle at the same time, give this one a go. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed! I wasn’t.

This is Mind Games book one. This can also be read as a standalone. Short chapters and very fast paced.

Montana Marine by Debra Parmley Book Review

 

I received this book as a gift.

This book is part of the Brotherhood Protector series. In this tale, we are introduced to Angelica Glory who is a diva in every sense of the word. We also get to meet Lucy Woods, Ms. Glory’s assistant. In reality, Lucy really wanted a job in the costume department when she was offered the job of Ms. Glory’s assistant. She took it, thinking at least she was in the vicinity and could move to the costume department when a position became available. Enter the roses and the notes, which Lucy dutifully filed away. Enter the lingerie, which Ms. Glory eagerly opened and passed off to Lucy. Enter Monroe … Ms. Glory’s manager. Off they go to Montana so the Brotherhood Protectors could … well … protect them. This did not sit well with Ms. Glory and she became even more moody, taking her bad mood out on Lucy. Enter Jack (Gunny to his friends) who was in charge of the protection detail for both Ms. Glory and Lucy.

While I figured out where this story was headed, it was an enjoyable read … one that made me go awww … This is a quick read, having finished it in a day, but it contains a few different storylines. There is Ms. Glory and her divaishness. Lucy and her insecurities, staying in a job that she does not like but needs, seeing it as a means to an end. And a good introduction to the Brotherhood Protector series.

The Stairs on Billy Buck Hill by Steven L. Orebaugh Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

Kurt McCain, MD, anesthesiologist, working for a private practice affiliated with a hospital has a reputation for being on time, caring for his patients, going the extra mile including writing articles, doing research, being involved, being taken under the wing of his ‘boss.’ Being extraordinary in other words - living for anesthesia and his job. To his own detriment, not having a social life. He was involved with Cassy until she took off. His sister, Katy, thinks he needs someone in his life; Kurt hesitates. He’s been hurt before … by Cassy. Thinking he’s not ready to give his heart away again until … Lauren. Lauren is beautiful in every sense of the word - from her looks to her personality to the people she introduces Kurt to. Kurt finds himself becoming addicted to Lauren. Lauren, as it turns out, has other issues and is virtually using Kurt to get her what she wants. Fortunately, for Kurt, before it’s too late to turn back from the path he went down with Lauren, he gets bonked on the head with a door.

Being a medical transcriptionist, I’m always interested in reading a medical ‘thriller.’ This is certainly a different read, not a thriller by definition, but a book that entails what medical professionals are faced with on a daily basis … the temptation that stares them in the face. I think it’s an important topic that probably doesn’t get talked about enough. There is also quite a bit of Kurt’s personal story entangled within the pages - from the relationship he has with his sister and her family, the relationship he had with Cassy, with Lauren, with his inner turmoil about what he was doing with his own life, his career, culminating in the end with his recovery and his one final test.

The Summer She Disappeared by Carissa Ann Lynch Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review. (Not my picture; publishing February 28, 2023.)

Willow and her family are not rich by any means. Instead of big, expensive summer vacations, they travel about forty minutes away from home (Branton) to Hillendale for the summertime. Basically, only shifting locations, but still … the scenery is different. Willow meets Kathi Jo and they become fast friends.

The following summer, it’s back to Hillendale. Kathi Jo has changed. She’s now hanging out with Blake, Tommy, and Trevor. Chloe, Blake’s sister, doesn’t bother hanging out with them. Willow never felt she fit in with this crowd, always thinking she was being judged by them. This is the summer some terrible things happened. This is the summer they wish they could all forget. This is the last summer Willow and her family spent in Hillendale.

Fast forward quite a few years and Willow finds herself back in Hillendale, trying to fix up the lake house so she can sell it or rent it, since it’s hers now. Being back in Hillendale brings back a lot of memories and a lot of questions - the main one being what happened to her friend.

If you like a tale told in a dual timeline, with a couple of storylines mixed together, give this one a read in 2023. There are dropped hints of what happened that fateful summer that will keep the pages turning until the answers are revealed.

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The House Guest by Hank Phillippi Ryan Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review. (Not my picture. Publishing February 7, 2023.)

In her previous life, Alyssa (then Alice) was what you would call an underprivileged child, complete with pretty much an absentee mother. In her adult life, along comes Bill who captivated her, made her promises of having everything she ever wanted and all she had to do was marry him and the world would be hers. Of course, she jumped at the opportunity … all in the name of love, or at least she thought it was love. Fast forward about eight years and her world crumbled. Bill up and left her … high and dry. Feeling sorry for herself one evening, Alyssa finds herself drowning her sorrows at a bar, a place she would normally not be.

Enter a bedraggled-looking Bree. The typical bar conversation ensues. You know the one, how are you, bad day type of thing. Alyssa leaves, only to return a few days later thinking maybe she’d see Bree again. And guess what? In walks Bree. This time, though … more conversation, more of Bree’s story comes out, and Alyssa felt bad enough for Bree that she invites her to stay in her guest house.

Things take some twists and turns after that. Alyssa encourages Bree to look at the genealogy results, which then leads them on a path toward discovering Bree’s real family which leads them to Dez, which leads them to a trail of money, which leads them to discovering that Bill wasn’t the upstanding citizen he portrayed himself to be. Just when I thought I had Bree and Dez figured out - PLOT TWIST! Then, again, just when I had this tidbit figured out - PLOT TWIST!

Add this one to your 2023 TBR because … the plot twists will make your head swivel. Ms. Ryan does not disappoint with this one, it seems a simple story … it’s not.

The Forgotten Boy by Emily Shiner Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am writing a review. Publishing January 2023.

This tale is told in two voices, those of Mina and Rebecca. Mina has returned to Black Tar, Tennessee, to clean out her parents’ home. The stipulation in her mom’s will is that Mina do this on her own or she doesn’t get her inheritance. To say Mina is less than thrilled to be back home is an understatement. There’s a knock on the door. It’s Rebecca of Secure Solutions checking in with Mina to be sure everything’s okay and she still wants to maintain the services her parents setup regarding the alarm system. At least, that’s the story Rebecca tells Mina.

To say this tale is twisted is putting it mildly. Rebecca has her own reasons for befriending Mina. Mina has her reasons for not wanting to be back home, but she also wants to uncover some memories that have been clouded by her drinking. Wanda just wants her jewelry back.

While this story has minimal characters, it kept my attention without being overloaded with characters. It doesn’t have to be.  I look forward to more books from Ms. Shiner … especially if they are this twisted with an ending that makes you go hmmmm … I didn’t see that coming.

Where The Guilty Hide by Annette Dashofy

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review. (Not my picture. Publishing January 2023.)

I have never heard of Ms. Dashofy but I am so glad I have now! I look forward to reading more from her. If you’ve never heard of her or read any of her books, I would encourage you to do so. I’m sure, like me, you’ll add her to your list of favorites in no time.

Emma finds herself trying to escape her past, but everywhere she looks she feels like she’s being watched. She ends up hiding out in a campground in Erie, but not only is she trying to escape her past, she is also trying to find her sister, Nell. Nell’s last known residence was in Erie … somewhere. For employment, Emma works as a freelance photographer for a couple of different publications. She is almost out of money when she gets an opportunity to work on a project for a friend of hers, taking pictures for a project he’s working on. Along the way, she finds herself taking a walk along the beach, noticing a yoga class, all the while taking pictures of what catches her eye - the seagulls, the water, the clouds, a pile of trash … or at least it appears to be a pile of trash. Little does she know what would happen after she took that picture. Enter Detective Matthias and his partner. Enter a case of some home invasions, but how are they tied to this picture?

If you like a story that has multiple different story lines that all tie together in the end, this tale is sure to keep you turning the pages!

Her Sister's Death by K.L. Murphy Blog Tour/Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

Can you imagine your sister doing something that you thought she would never do? This is the position that Val found herself in. Her sister, Sylvia, checked into the Franklin, a local hotel that has a history of its own.

This story combines a story from 1921 involving newlywed Bridget to her overbearing husband Lawrence. These stories are intertwined in a way that I sure didn’t see happening … at all.

Val, being a journalist at heart, finds herself in the library one day researching for anything she can find on what might have happened to her sister because she didn’t believe Sylvia did what the authorities were claiming. There had to be something more. Enter Terry Martin, a retired detective, who was the lucky, or not so lucky, recipient of watching Val crumble. After hearing her story, he decided to help her, but he wasn’t sure why.

Bridget and Lawrence’s story is interwoven between these pages as Val and Terry continue down this path of truth finding, all the while meeting and interviewing some interesting characters. You’ll be introduced to Wyatt (Sylvia’s husband); Angela (Wyatt’s administrative assistant); Dani (Wyatt’s wanna be girlfriend); Merry and Miles (the children); Billy (working at the Franklin); along with a host of other minor characters that help craft this tale.

If you like a story that includes a bit of ghostliness, a murder or two, an unexpected partnership trying to get to the answer, and some dysfunctional relationships, give this one a read.

  

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Her-Sisters-Death-K-Murphy/dp/0744307414/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1G3J63Y1NS7DD&keywords=her+sister%27s+death+k.l.+murphy&qid=1663519584&sprefix=her+sister%27s+death+k%2Caps%2C306&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/her-sisters-death-k-l-murphy/1140923109?ean=9780744307399

 

Find Ms. Murphy:

Website: https://kellielarsenmurphy.com/

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

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/k-l-murphy

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6565833.K_L_Murphy

Twitter: https://twitter.com/klmurphyauthor?lang=en

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/k.l._murphy/

 

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1 Last Betrayal by Valerie Brooks Blog Tour/Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review. This is book three in the Angeline Porter Trilogy.

This book starts out at an extremely fast clip, slows down in the middle, and picks up again near the end. I can only imagine that the first two books in this series are written in the same way. I expect the other two can also be read as standalones, but they may be helpful in getting a better understanding of the characters we meet in book three.

Angeline (Ang) has discovered that she has a sister in Bibi and a brother in Ian. This tale takes us on Ang’s trip to Florida to help Bibi who apparently has gotten mixed up with a bad group of people and Ang isn’t sure what’s going on. She is working with Gerard, an undercover FBI agent, who she finds out isn’t necessarily telling her the entire truth. She also teams up with Detective Prosper while she’s in Florida. Ang is also grieving the loss of her other sister, Sophia, and is trying to understand why she did what she did and is after the truth in that aspect of her life. There are dogs! Tempest is Ang’s dog, and Otto is Bibi’s dog. There is an assortment of interesting characters contained within these pages, some of whom aren’t who or what they seem.

The voice of this story is so believable … the thoughts that Ang has and some of her statements are so spot-on, lending to her character’s personality. She is just so ‘real,’ so relatable. Seriously, if you like a fast-paced tale with some shady characters, give this one a read. This is my first book by Ms. Brooks and certainly won’t be my last. You will definitely be entertained by the characters she creates. 

  

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Last-Betrayal-Angeline-Porter-Trilogy/dp/1732373248/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1663519197&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/1-last-betrayal-valerie-j-brooks/1142180174?ean=2940166595980

 

Find Ms. Brooks:

Website: https://valeriejbrooks.com/

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

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/valerie-j-brooks

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/12043727.Valerie_J_Brooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ValinParis

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriejbrooksauthor/

 

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Hero Haters by Ken MacQueen Blog Tour/Book Review

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

I took a chance on this book as the premise sounded interesting to me. I found myself engrossed and reading 200 pages in a day. I was literally trying to figure out how things tied together as it seemed disjointed in the beginning, but then it finally clicked and I had that a-ha moment … you know the one, where everything ties together and you finally “get” it. There are quite a few smaller stories intermixed with the main one.

Sedgewick Medallions are given to “heroes” throughout the U.S. The medallions represent acts of heroism, which are carefully vetted. One such person who vets for Sedgewick is Jake Ockham. Jake has also returned home to Centralia to work at his Aunt Clara’s local newspaper; his dad happens to be in the area as well. (Check out that backstory, the one between Clara and Roger, Jake’s dad.) Jake is minding his own affairs when a medallion comes up for sale; this is almost unheard of. The thing is … the asking price was way too low. While this is going on, a new doctor comes to town, Tina Doctorow. (Check out her story!) She has ties to the community that run far deeper than anything Jake was expecting.

Essentially, some medallion winners go missing. Sedgewick doesn’t want to get involved. Jake chases the story with the help of Erik to find an answer that he wasn’t expecting, where the past and present collide in what Jake, as a reporter, searches for - the truth.

I will warn readers, however, this book is not for the faint of heart. The descriptions of what happens to some folks is quite realistic, to those who may be more sensitive. I suspect, if it was cast right, this would make for a good movie, creepy, but good.

 

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Hero-Haters-Ken-Macqueen/dp/1509243852/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1662900692&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hero-haters-ken-macqueen/1141765523?ean=9781509243853

 

Find Mr. MacQueen:

Website: https://kenmacqueen.com/

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

BookBub: (not on BB, 09/11/2022)

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22701710.Ken_MacQueen

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kmqyvr

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kmqyvr/

 

Interested in your own book tour?

Partners in Crime: https://www.partnersincrimetours.net/

 

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Duplicity by Shawn Wilson Blog Tour/Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

Brian Kavanagh (Brick to his friends) has found himself unemployed, so off to Ireland he goes to unwind and think. There, he meets Nora whom he later visits in Chicago, his home base being Washington, DC. Brick also finds comfort in visiting his local tavern, Boland’s Mill. Being unemployed in his forties, Brick doesn’t know what he’s going to do next until he gets a call from Grace Alexander, one of the teachers at the local university. She wants to teach her students how to work a cold case and the case of Henry Yang has caught her attention. She wanted Brick’s input due to his expertise. Brick finds out some very interesting things after he’s given permission to look into this cold case by his lieutenant.

Then, there is the story of his former partner, Ron, and his family (wife Jasmine and six-month-old twins, Jayla and Jamal). Imagine Ron’s surprise when he returns home after his shift and his family has disappeared. The usual suspects in such a case are suspected. Ron, of course, is beside himself and is forced into administrative leave, but he can’t rest and Brick manages to help him stay focused, even providing his own home as a sort of refuge to Ron. The twists and turns to this aspect of this book … totally unexpected. You’ll have to read the book to find out more.

If you like a story that has at least two intertwining stories, give Duplicity a read. I would categorize this as a police procedural with a couple of unexpected twists thrown in just to keep things interesting. There is even a wee bit of romance tossed in. I enjoyed Ms. Wilson’s writing style and look forward to seeing what she brings us in the future.

 

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Duplicity-Brick-Kavanagh-Mystery-Book-ebook/dp/B09XPHSF1L/ref=sr_1_1?crid=VL1M1HSH34R5&keywords=duplicity+shawn+wilson&qid=1661789460&sprefix=duplicity+shawn+wilson%2Caps%2C2570&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/duplicity-shawn-wilson/1140922886?ean=9781608095100

 

Find Ms. Wilson:

Website: https://shawnwilsonauthor.com/

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

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/shawn-wilson

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/448354.Shawn_Wilson

Twitter: Not on Twitter

Instagram: Not on Instagram

 

Interested in your own book tour?

Partners in Crime: https://www.partnersincrimetours.net/

Need a proofreader? I’ve got you covered - https://www.melissaproofs.com/

 

Concrete Evidence by DiAnn Mills Blog Tour/Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

The Elliott family is well respected in their community … until suspicion falls upon their construction company with a fault in the new dam they just constructed. Mr. Elliott Sr. is also a senator so has gained friends as well as enemies in the political arena. Avery, his granddaughter, was raised by Mr. Elliott, her granddad, ever since she was a pre-teen since her parents had no interest in her upbringing. This, obviously, caused a crushing blow to the young Avery, but her granddad loved her and raised her to be a strong, independent woman with a strong faith. Her upbringing was tested when accusations were flying around town about her granddad’s construction company, so much so he wanted Avery to leave town until things settled.

Enter Marc Wilkins, FBI agent, and his partner Roden doing their best to get to the bottom of the deaths surrounding the situation. Were the victims a matter of coincidence or were they somehow connected to what happened? Marc was also dealing with the death of his father whom he was estranged from, the finding out of having a younger sister, and keeping his mother out of danger. Add to this the growing attraction he felt toward Avery.

There are a myriad of other characters that help enhance this story, Shipley, Buddy and Saundra, Leeanne, Craig, the ranch hands, Tessa (Marc’s sister), the memory of Marc’s father.

This is a carefully crafted tale looking for “concrete evidence” of what happened to the dam along with the who and why. I kept thinking I had it figured out, but no … the person behind the damage and the reasons why came as quite a shock which made for an interesting read and an interesting conclusion. This story ties in a very strong family connection, a family who is closely devoted to their faith, a family who sticks together through thick and thin, a budding romance, a brother and a sister who didn’t know about each other building a relationship, a man who also learns how to forgive his father for what he didn’t have growing up. That’s a powerful lesson.

 

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Concrete-Evidence-DiAnn-Mills/dp/1496451902/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2LOR0LER2P5HL&keywords=concrete+evidence+diann+mills&qid=1661789143&sprefix=concrete+evidence+diann+%2Caps%2C1478&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/concrete-evidence-diann-mills/1141091007?ean=9781496451903

 

Find Ms. Mills:

Website: https://diannmills.com/

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

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/diann-mills#concrete

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/81639.DiAnn_Mills#concrete

Twitter: https://twitter.com/diannmills#concrete

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diannmillsauthor/

 

Interested in your own book tour?

Partners in Crime: https://www.partnersincrimetours.net/

Need a proofreader? I’ve got you covered - https://www.melissaproofs.com/