The Torching by Kerry Peresta Blog Tour/Book Review

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

Book 1 in this series is The Deadening. This is where we learn the basis of Olivia’s story, what she went through after she woke up.

Book 2 in this series is The Rising. This is such an appropriate title. This is where we learn how Olivia basically starts to rise again, how she learns more about who she is since she woke up, how all the pieces start to fall into place.

There is such a consistency to these first two books, especially with the attraction between Olivia and “her” detective, Hunter Faraday. I am intrigued with the relationship Olivia has with her daughters, how they all have to re-learn who they are.

Book 3 brings us to The Torching. It is now three years later, and Olivia has managed to pretty much put her life back together in some aspects, in other aspects not so much. Lilly, her daughter, is all grown-up and is heading off to college, which brings with it a mom’s sadness over her daughter leaving home and yet a sense of pride to see Lilly sprouting her wings. Monty (Olivia’s ex-husband) is still quietly in the background. Hunter Faraday is still up in the air about how he feels about Olivia, which makes him all the more attractive. He never gives up on her.

Helen, Olivia’s therapist … she’s turning out to be a pretty tough lady. In this tale, she is put into situations she never dreamed of being in, not even as a therapist.

Sherry, Olivia’s friend and office assistant … I suspect there’s going to be more adventures for the two of these women. They make a pretty good team in the private investigation business.

Pete … I kind of felt sorry for Pete and the situation he found himself in. Some of it he brought on himself, but the other side of it … Pete seemed to be very easily manipulated.

Tasha … the arson investigator. Tasha has a way about her that makes people immediately trust her. Olivia found herself drawn to Tasha, even going so far as to consider her a friend, especially since Tasha was keeping her in the loop about the fire investigation.

You will find all the usual characters in this tale - Riot (the cat). Callie who is still dealing with her own family life drama and her own daughter going off to college. Tom, Olivia’s mentor, who has been harboring a secret from her. Olivia’s mom, she finally has to face the truth about her past. And we also meet Marlowe (Olivia’s new dog).

Olivia is very headstrong and since she woke up, she has discovered another side of her personality. This sometimes leads her right down the trail of trouble, but somehow she manages to pull herself through and make it to the other side. Through her persistence, or maybe it’s sheer stubbornness, with the help of a few others, she manages to find out who is behind what’s happening to her and those around her. The whodunnit in this tale at the very end … that was a surprise.

  

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Torching-Olivia-Callahan-Suspense-ebook/dp/B0BX8GZDXN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=17I2QP1ATXL4S&keywords=The+torching+kerry+peresta&qid=1679324175&sprefix=the+torching+kerry+peresta%2Caps%2C211&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-torching-kerry-peresta/1143302527?ean=9781685123239

 

Find Ms. Peresta:

Website: https://kerryperesta.net/#torch

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/klperesta#torch

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kerry-peresta#torch

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7579490.Kerry_Peresta#torch

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kerryperesta#torch

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

 

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/

 

One Wrong Word by Hank Phillippi Ryan Cover Reveal

 

A heart-racing new cat-and-mouse thriller from USA Today bestselling and multiple Emmy award-winning author Hank Phillippi Ryan. But in ONE WRONG WORD, which person is the cat, and which is the mouse? Words have the power to change lives, and no one knows that better than crisis management expert Arden Ward. But she's in big trouble—she's accused of having an affair with a client. It's not true! She would never do such a thing! But she gets the blame—and now she's about to be fired.  Arden is granted two weeks to save her career and her reputation. And then she meets Cordelia Bannister. Cordelia needs help for her husband Ned, a Boston real estate mogul. Though he was just acquitted in a fatal drunk driving accident, his reputation was ruined, and the fallout is devastating not only the Bannisters' lives, but the lives of their two young children. Arden devotes her final days on the job to helping this shattered family, but soon, revelations about what really happened the night of the accident begin to emerge. And then—another car crash throws Ned back into the spotlight.  This case is Arden’s last chance to protect her own future and clear her name—and the Bannister kids may be in danger! But the more she tries to untangle the truth, the more one disturbing question haunts her—what if she’s protecting a killer?  Everyone believes that words can never hurt them, but Arden knows the reality. And she soon discovers that one wrong word will not only kill her reputation—it may kill Arden herself. Scandal meets The Undoing in this diabolical cat and mouse thriller!

WOW. It's coming in February 2024!

The Hemingway Deception by Tj O'Connor Blog Tour/Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

Catalina Reyes is on a mission. Ana is struggling with her new life as Ana Karras, raising Sarah, and her old life as Ana Montilla. Ana finds herself ultimately working with the CIA - her mission is to help them find her parents. Is Ana able to trust Agent Trane and his team to fulfill their end of the bargain? After all, it is her Mama and Pappa they are going after. Will Cat be able to save her son, Mateo, from his stepfather, Nico? And what about Ana’s Yiayia Poppi (her grandmother) - now there’s a character full of surprises!

For me, this story didn’t really take off until after the first hundred pages or so that cover the backstories of both Catalina and Ana, describing the incidents that led them to the present day. This tale is full of political intrigue, if you will, with opposing sides going after each other - the traditional bad versus good.

The quest for each of these women is to find Hemingway, for different reasons. The question is - who is Hemingway? That answer came as quite a surprise. How the officials in this tale were dealt with … that story holds some surprises of its own. I found Cat and Ana both to be strong women but in different ways. Sarah, the little girl, is also brave for such a young child and all she’d been through, plus her faithful companion, Lobo, the three-legged dog, is a survivor in his own right. There is just a hint of romance that’s enough to keep a reader’s interest wondering how that will play out.

  

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Hemingway-Deception-Tj-OConnor/dp/B0BVCY955Z/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1677772314&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-hemingway-deception-tj-oconnor/1143053186?ean=9798218103323

 

Find Mr. O’Connor:

Website: https://tjoconnor.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TjOConnor.Author/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tj-o-connor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7148441.Tj_O_Connor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tjoconnorauthor

 

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/

 

Up Close by Danielle Girard Book Review and Release Day

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review. 

This is book three in the Badlands series, book one being White Out, book two being Far Gone. In Up Close, Detective Kylie Milliard finds herself dealing with a few different things: The case she is currently working on involving local high school students; the job in Fargo; her feelings for a certain deputy and what she’s going to do about them.

While Kylie and Carl are trying to figure out what happened to Audrey, they go down a road that makes them question their own judgment - were they on the right track or not?

There are a couple of different story lines involved in the telling of this tale: The crime at hand, which leads to more clues and another, entirely separate crime, and the emotional rollercoaster that Kylie and Carl find themselves riding. Then, boom! PLOT TWIST. Didn’t see the first one happening … at all. Going along another chapter or two … then, boom! PLOT TWIST. That one I sure didn’t see coming. Twisted? A bit, sure. Totally unexpected? Absolutely.

If you like a series that has consistent characters, the Badlands Thriller Series is one to try. While this is a series, each book can be read as a standalone. Give ‘em a read, let me know what you think. If you like the Badlands series, give Ms. Girard’s Schwarzman series a read as well.

 

BLURB: It’s every parent’s worst nightmare.

In only a few months, the small town of Hagen has lost two high school seniors, both under strange circumstances. When a third senior, the mayor’s son, drives through the plate glass window of the town’s diner and ends up in a coma, the deaths no longer seem unrelated accidents. The town is paralyzed with fear. The police can find no good explanation. Other students deny any knowledge of what’s happening, but Detective Kylie Milliard is certain at least some are lying.

Hagen’s sole investigator, Kylie Milliard fears that something sinister is at play, but she can’t convince the town’s powers that be to take her concerns seriously. Mounting discord between herself and Hagen’s sheriff have her thinking that it may be time to leave Hagen for a bigger city and a new job, but she’s not going anywhere until she determines the connection between the self-destructive act of the mayor’s son and the two untimely deaths.

Whoever is behind the dangerous stunts doesn’t want to be discovered. To keep their secret, they’re willing to take out anyone who gets too close. With time running out before the next stunt, Kylie is in a race to solve the puzzle. She is all too clear that, until she does, no one—not the students, nor the town—is safe from danger.

A Little Bit of Grace by Phoebe Fox Book Review

 

Potential spoiler alert!

This book was nothing like what I expected. I didn’t read the blurb, I rarely do. I thought it may be some sort of love story, but it was so much more than that.

In this tale, we are introduced to Grace who is dealing not only with her mother’s death but also with the fact that Brian, her high school sweetheart, no longer wants to be with her. The way this story is written, Grace is real with all those feelings that we go through, anger, hate, confusion, even though it had been almost a year since they split up. To compound that more, she still lives in her childhood home and Brian still lives three houses down, so there is a constant reminder of what could have been, of what was. Until the postcard.

Who in the world is M? And why had she never heard of M? She dialed the number.

Enter Aunt Millie. Enter a spontaneous trip to Florida. Enter Aunt Millie’s story.

Aunt Millie is such a colorful character, not only in the clothes and jewelry she wears but in personality. There came a point in her life when she had to be who she was meant to be. This led to her removing herself from her family for her own peace of mind.

There is a scene in this book that involves pictures that Grace found in a box that actually showed the progression of Millie, then Milton, slowly becoming a part of the background in the pictures until he was no longer there. Grace also found some old letters that her mom had written, which helped her better understand her mom and what she went through growing up.

Millie also helped Grace understand that it was okay to move on from Brian, that it was okay to pursue her own dreams, whatever they may be.

I also appreciate the fact that Ms. Fox took the time to research what it is like to be transgender. She has written a story that is non-judgmental, a story that is full of realism, a story that is honest (even though fictional) with some humor thrown in, a story that has relatable characters, a story that is … well … full of “A Little Bit of Grace.”

The Wayward Target by Susan Ouellette Blog Tour/Book Review

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

This is book three in The Wayward Series. It can certainly be read as a stand-alone, but reading the first two would help in knowing the “full” story behind Maggie and her motivations to overstep the bounds of authority, to understand how she and Roger got together, to learn about the relationship she developed with Warner Thompson, and what happened to Steve. I did enjoy this story that had Maggie running from the bad guy, Bukayev, and his goons.

I enjoyed the characters of Creature, Karina, and Daud who did as well as he could with what he knew. Karina was tougher than anyone might think.

If you like political intrigue, bad guys versus good guys, a female analyst who puts herself in danger no matter the consequences, and a bit of romance, I’m sure you’ll enjoy The Wayward Series. It will be interesting to see what happens in book four. I’m sure there are more adventures waiting for Maggie.

  

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Wayward-Target-3-Susan-Ouellette/dp/0744308755/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1677771524&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-wayward-target-susan-ouellette/1141356450?ean=9780744308723

 

Find Ms. Ouellette:

Website: https://www.susanouellette.com/#target

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SusanOuelletteAuthor#target

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/susan-ouellette#target

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/122764057-susan-ouellette?stay=true

Twitter: https://twitter.com/smobooks#target

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

 

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/

 

Murder on Oak Street by IM Foster Blog Tour/Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

This is quite a long read … coming in at 503 pages! So, for those who enjoy historical fiction filled with many twists and turns to get to the answer of whodunnit hold onto your reading hats, sit back, and enjoy the read!

This tale starts out in 1902 and we meet Cornelius Desmond along with Daniel O’Halleran and his uncle, Timothy O’Halleran. Daniel was working in the coroner’s office and was very much involved in solving crimes, just like his Uncle Timothy. Fast forward to 1904 … when Daniel finds out about a position in another town. In Daniel’s new position and a new investigation, he meets Kathleen and the rest of her family, their household help, and a few other shady characters.

Just like today’s modern crime “thrillers,” if you will, the author puts forth many twists and turns and how Daniel kept up with all of them, I’ll never know. This was back in the day when there were no computers, no internet full of a vast amount of information, and travel was by train and even horse and buggy as automobiles were just coming onto the scene. There are family dynamics involved that make the reader’s head spin trying to keep up with the lies, deceit, secrets (family and personal), and a bit of romance. I was quite intrigued how Daniel was able to keep up with all the information he was gathering and how he finally came to figure out whodunnit.

 

Purchase Link:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Street-South-Shore-Mystery/dp/1733337571/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1XPW8JG60KTL1&keywords=murder+on+oak+street+i+m+foster&qid=1677519302&sprefix=murder+on+oak+stre%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-1

 

Find Ms. Foster:

Websites:

Mysteries: https://imfostermysteries.com/

Romances: https://andrea-matthews.com/

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

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/i-m-foster

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22926746.I_M_Foster

Twitter: https://twitter.com/IMFosterMystery

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

 

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/

 

A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm Blog Tour/Book Review

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

This book pulled me in immediately. As soon as I started to read it, I knew I would hardly be able to put it down. The story of the Hadfields is one of a family back in the late 1980s, growing up poor but not knowing it and making the most of what they had. Sloan didn’t know she was poor, all she knew was she had a mom, a dad, and her brother Ridge. Like any teenager with hopes and dreams, Sloan took off and never looked back.

The fascination with crows throughout this book is what intrigued me. The author drops many interesting facts about crows. Sloan’s perseverance to find out the truth about what happened also intrigued me. Sloan is the kind of person who doesn’t give up and I appreciate that about her character. I also like the character Noah, who was Sloan’s best friend back when they were growing up, even though their friendship crossed a barrier back then. I appreciate the fact that Sloan’s parents did the best they could for their kids, like any parents do. I even appreciated Felicity who is a very colorful character.

To me, the characters in this book are very relatable, anywhere from what they went through as kids to the music they liked, even the TV shows they watched back in that time period. I definitely would not hesitate to read more of this author’s work.

 

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/River-Crows-Shanessa-Gluhm-ebook/dp/B0BXB72MMR/ref=sr_1_1?crid=WL50Y8RPJ552&keywords=a+river+of+crows+by+shanessa+gluhm&qid=1679325270&sprefix=a+river+of+crows%2Caps%2C592&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-river-of-crows-shanessa-gluhm/1143175839?ean=9781956851588

 

Find Ms. Gluhm:

Website: https://shanessagluhm.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorshanessagluhm#crows

Readers’ Roost Facebook Street Team: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1152847591847326/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/shanessa-gluhm#crows

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20042646.Shanessa_Gluhm#crows

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GluhmShanessa#crows

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

 

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/

 

The Vanishing at Castle Moreau by Jaime Jo Wright Blog Tour/Book Review

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

Once I got to chapter 3, I really did not want to put this book down. It pulled me in. This story starts out with The Girl in 1801, moves on to Daisy in 1870, then goes right to Cleo (and Murphy, her cat) in the present day. Each of these individuals have a tie to Castle Moreau whether they know it or not, the castle draws them for whatever reason. Castle Moreau was built by Tobias Moreau for his wife; they had a daughter Ora Moreau, who became a well-known authoress, though her subject matter was frowned upon by the more proper ladies of her time. Daisy was hired to “watch” Madame, as she was known, and report back to her son, Lincoln; there’s a backstory there as well.

Fast forward to the present day when Cleo is hired by Deacon Tremblay, a descendant of the Moreaus, to organize his Grand-mere’s mess, his Grand-mere being Virgie. Cleo has her own story and her own reasons for running, which will keep you turning pages to find out what secrets she has. I was highly entertained with Deacon hiring Cleo on the sly, and how Cleo handled the secrets she started to uncover.

There are quite a few intertwining twists intermixed between the pages of The Vanishing at Castle Moreau and they all weave together for this fascinating tale. This tale is a ghost story, with a haunted castle; people go missing, seemingly having just disappeared into thin air. Again, for whatever reason, The Girl, Daisy, and Cleo are all drawn to Castle Moreau. The ending … the real reason … that was quite a shocker! I look forward to more of Ms. Wright’s tales.

This sums up Castle Moreau: “For there was nothing here but absurdity, angles and twists that no one could explain, and yet the castle called with an addictive element. Beckoning. It reached into the deep places in one’s soul and began to expose them for what they were. Broken pieces.”

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Vanishing-at-Castle-Moreau/dp/0764238345/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1674574798&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-vanishing-at-castle-moreau-jaime-jo-wright/1141540036?ean=9780764238345

 

Find Ms. Wright:

Website: https://www.jaimewrightbooks.com/

Podcast: https://www.jaimewrightbooks.com/podcast-1

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

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jaime-jo-wright

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13916081.Jaime_Jo_Wright

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jaimejowright

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

 

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/

 

The Way We Weren't by Phoebe Fox Book Review

 

Marcie Malone - Marcie Jones when she was in high school. She met Will in high school and they had that once-in-a-lifetime chemistry, the knowing they were destined to be together. Enter pregnancy. Enter all the hopes and dreams vaporizing in the blink of an eye, their lives taking a big turn in another direction. Enter the very sensitive topic of losing their baby and all the emotional turmoil that goes with it, and some pretty in-tune, realistic feelings of grief, loss, and sense of relief (that’s not a bad thing, it’s very realistic).

Will Malone - Wanting to do the right thing. There is no other way to describe Will other than the strong, steady, wanting-to-take-care of Marcie kinda guy.

Fast forward twenty-five years.

Heading off to work one day, Marcie keeps driving.

Enter Flint - how to describe Flint. He’s an old codger who has suffered some pretty traumatic losses himself, which gives him a very rough, very blunt disposition. Gotta love him though, he calls it like he sees it. Flint and Marcie have so much in common, having experienced the same kinds of losses, only on different levels. Marcie never judged Flint, and in turn, Flint never judged Marcie.

Enter Isobel - who has also suffered great loss in her lifetime.

Enter Jeff - the local beach artist Marcie met while she was on her excursion. Jeff opened up in Marcie something that she had been ignoring, not pursuing for the past twenty-five years.

And the most colorful characters in this tale - Darla (the owner of the Tequila Mockingbird, the local bar), and her three constant customers - Art, Petey, and Bink. These four just add so much to this tale of heartache, hope, recapturing what was lost.

The thing that binds Marcie, Flint, and Isobel together, sadly, is their own personal tragedies, but somehow friendships are formed, relationships rekindled, hope still survives in the deepest parts of themselves.

This is not my typical read, but I decided to give it a go. I was not disappointed. If you are looking for a lighter read, but one with some pretty “big” topics, I’d recommend giving this one a read. I almost finished it in a day … that is how drawn into this story I was. Another thing I really appreciate about this story is how “real” the thoughts and feelings of the characters are, as well as how the community was drawn together in the face of a storm.

The Other Cheek by Jafe Danbury Book Review

 

I received this book as a gift.

We do not hear the “other side” of domestic abuse … you know, the one from the man’s side of things. Abuse in any form is not easy to talk about nor is it easy to walk away from.

So, here we have Rich … a young guy, married for the first time, then SLAP! What? How could that possibly have just happened? It did. I found myself relating to Rich, so much. That’s a rare thing for me, to feel like someone “got it,” a character in a book. Yeah, to be honest, like one quote in this book - been there, done that, got the tee-shirt (in my case, minus the SLAP!). Rich, though, is a stand-up guy. Never once did he blame Tami, never once did he judge her for her own issues. That says something about Rich’s character. I did, however, enjoy his birthday present to her.

Tami … let’s just say Tami has her own set of issues which are nothing to laugh about. On one hand, I did find myself feeling a bit sorry for Tami, on the other hand - not so much. She comes across as a spoiled brat who just wants her own way and when she doesn’t get it - BOOM! She flies off the handle, which I think had more to do with her mental illness than anything else. She just could not cope in certain situations.

Then there are their families - Tami’s family did not seem overly supportive, at least not to me, or maybe they just did not understand the depth of her issues. Rich’s family - extremely supportive, nonjudgmental; the kind of family you want on your side. Much to Rich’s surprise, I’m sure, his friends/coworkers rallied around him.

Yes, this is a story of domestic abuse but there is also a deeper meaning. It is also a story of hope, a story of making it through to the other side, a story of “The Other Cheek.”

I stayed up past my bedtime reading this one … that doesn’t happen often. This book definitely comes from the author’s heart, and I totally respect him for putting his story “out there.” I am going to put a trigger warning on this one for domestic abuse, in all forms.

Montana Seal Protector by Debra Parmley Book Review

 

I received this book as a gift.

This is book seven in this seven-book series about the Brotherhood Protectors. This one is the story of Ellen and her journey through the Triple C Ranch and then her life outside of the ranch.

I have to say that, so far, this has been my favorite book of the series. I like the fact that Ellen went through the program and then has an “after story,” if you will, learning that she can have a “normal” life after what she went through.

I also liked learning about Travis and his backstory, how he got his nickname “Ballistic.” And his little boy, how he was coping with his loss and his new life. There is a fight scene, of course, which I enjoyed.

Mortimer has his own story.

This particular book moves along at a good pace and brings into play characters from previous books in the series. While it can be read as a stand-alone, I think reading the other books in the series will help give readers a better sense of the other characters who are named and more of their backstories. The thing about this particular series is that these are short stories, what one might term a novella, so they are perfect for a road trip, a bus trip, or while waiting for an appointment. They pack just enough “heat” to keep turning pages.

The Salt House by Mike Donohue Publication Day/Blurb

 

A secret is a promise. It can also be a prison.

Max Strong finds himself in Texas working for the richest rancher in town. Alex Blackburn wants Max to find his wife. She vanished five years ago leaving behind only a pool of blood. Everyone in town, including the police, believes that Blackburn killed her. So why is he trying so hard now to find her?

As Max starts asking questions, two things become very clear. Someone is lying and someone is hiding a terrible secret.

As unpleasant secrets leak out, and the body count rises, one thing is for sure. Max might just be the right guy in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Not everyone wants to be found.

The Salt House is the latest riveting thriller in the Max Strong series filled with taut suspense and shocking twists that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Read the latest addictive thriller in the Max Strong series today. Perfect for fans of David Baldacci, Lee Child, Gregg Hurwitz, John Sandford and Ace Atkins.

A Bad Bout of The Yips by Ken Harris Blog Tour/Book Review

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

As usual Jawnie and Rockfish have found themselves in yet another pickle. Pilar and Kara have purchased a piece of property with plans to develop it into something better. The stickler is the bad guys don’t want this to happen because it interferes with their own plans.

All the characters you expect from a Rockfish tale are found in this one, along with some extra not so upstanding characters.

What I like about Jawnie and Rockfish, other than Rockfish reminding me of James Rockford from “The Rockford Files,” is the banter between themselves. They never seem to take anything too seriously, but they really are. They seem to be the kind of folks who take on cases that no one else will, fighting for the underdog so to speak. Plus, I like the fact that the characters’ voices remain consistent book to book, no matter what they’ve been through previously.

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Bout-Yips-Files-Rockfish/dp/1685131530/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1677079998&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-bad-bout-of-the-yips-ken-harris/1142986307?ean=9781685131531

 

Find Ken Harris:

Website: https://kenharrisfiction.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kah623

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ken-harris-54a24282-553a-45ca-8f49-bf6adb71224e#Tuesday

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21772175.Ken_Harris#tuesday

Twitter: https://twitter.com/08025writes

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

 

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/

Liar's Dice by Gabriel Valjan Blog Tour/Book Review

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

Shane Cleary is an interesting fellow. He is a former police officer turned PI, and from what it sounds like, this was not a voluntary change. In the tale of Liar’s Dice, Shane is pulled into at least four different scenarios that are all connected, if even in some small way, in the end.

Here is what I find interesting … on the back cover the author is described as writing historical fiction. Say what? Some of the items found in this tale I remember as a kid … these don’t make me feel dated or old, rather bring up memories of my childhood … the things I grew up with. Rotary and push button phones, payphones on street corners, and TVs without remotes. I also enjoyed this author’s writing style in that his descriptions are drenched in metaphors, but some of them provide a good chuckle and seemingly come out of nowhere. Not to mention Delilah, Shane’s cat.

I would presume that the other books in the Shane Cleary series are written in the same fashion with characters that are just as colorful. If you’re looking for a “historical” read that is not from the 1960s or earlier, try this one. I’m sure you’ll be entertained!

  

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Liars-Dice-Shane-Cleary-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0BHTZN2Z1/ref=sr_1_1?crid=N3S534FRGWU5&keywords=liar%27s+dice+gabriel+valjan&qid=1674574436&sprefix=liars+dice+gab%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/liars-dice-gabriel-valjan/1143151325?ean=9781685122065

 

Find Mr. Valjan:

Website: https://gabrielvaljan.com/#liar

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011325634871

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/gabriel-valjan

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5774664.Gabriel_Valjan#liar

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GValjan#liar

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

 

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/

 

Leaving Phoenix by Jafe Danbury Book Review

 

I received this book as a gift.

This book has been on my radar for awhile and has been on my shelf for a longer while. I finally got around to reading it. The first chapter got my attention and I thought what am I going to be reading, it’s pretty gruesome. As it turns out, this is the story of Phoebe, who was originally born Phoenix. The first part of this tale is about how Phoenix’s mom, Rose, was finally brave enough to escape a really bad relationship.

Fast forward a few years and Rose is raising Phoenix to the best of her ability. They didn’t have much and Rose didn’t know what she was doing as a first-time mom, but she was making it work. Fast forward a few more years and Phoenix is five years old. Tragedy strikes.

Fast forward and Phoenix, now Phoebe, is with her Pop Pop, her adoptive father. Her adoptive mom took a hike. It is now around 1998 to 2000 … remember Y2K? The author has absolutely nailed the era. The songs he mentions, the “old” items he mentions, just everything I remember as a kid (well, maybe not some of the music) are absolutely spot on! Even Tab, the soft drink. There’s a character who loves his Tab.

Enter a letter that shows up one day that Pop Pop was expecting, he just didn’t know when. It was time to tell Phoebe some more truths about what happened to her mom. Off Phoebe, now Phoenix again, to California to find the answers she didn’t know she wanted. California provided a great many adventures and answers for Phoenix. Be sure to check out the picture of the tattoo that is in the book!

The tone of this book is spot on as well … never once did the “voice” change and that is something I truly appreciate about a writer. Another thing I enjoyed about this book is the imagery, the metaphors, some even making me chuckle just a bit.

Cold Light of Day by Elizabeth Goddard Blog Tour/Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

Shadow Gap, Alaska, with a population large enough to keep you company but remote enough to let you hide, or so Grier thought. He also didn’t expect to meet Chief of Police Autumn Long. He also didn’t expect he would get attached to the dog, Cap, who came with the cabin he rented. Nor did he think Otis and Sandford would get under his skin and become his friends, but they did. And, don’t forget Hank who also lives like a hermit but seems to have his pulse on the community.

This book starts out with Kenny going on an adventure to meet up with his Uncle Hank in Shadow Gap when he stumbles upon something no one wanted him to see. Then, we get into Grier and all his trouble that he was running from. Autumn’s father was the police chief before her so, of course, she has to deal with the men on her staff (all two of them) and how they felt about her being police chief. Plus, she is also dealing with things that happened a very long time ago concerning her mom, and then she finds out what really happened which sets her back a minute. Grier is thinking perhaps he needs to move on when some folks have some unfortunate accidents. And, Grier, always wanting to do the right thing, falls to Autumn’s request to help her solve what is going on the not-so-quiet town of Shadow Gap, where nothing bad happens.

This tale involves bad guys, good guys, some truths that no one expects, faith, and an undeniable attraction which makes for an interesting story. I suspect Autumn and Grier have some more adventures ahead of them.

If you like Paige Shelton and Susan Furlong with their Alaska adventures, then you are sure to like Ms. Goddard and hers! This will be an interesting series to read as it progresses. (This is Missing In Alaska, book one.)

 

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cold-Light-Day-Missing-Alaska/dp/0800742044/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1673035096&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cold-light-of-day-elizabeth-goddard/1141499603?ean=9780800742041

 

Find Ms. Goddard:

Website: https://elizabethgoddard.com/#cold

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethGoddardAuthor#cold

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/elizabeth-goddard#cold

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1295402.Elizabeth_Goddard#cold

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethgoddard#cold

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

 

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/

 

The Family Bones by Elle Marr Book Review

 

I received this book as a gift. (Picture used with permission.)

You don’t want to mess with the Eriksens. They are one messed up family. But, guess what? They’ve decided to have a family retreat at the lodge that Uncle Zane purchased, Horsefly Falls. This tale is told in two voices, that of Olivia, a family member who has no desire to see her father’s side, and Birdie, a podcaster. Olivia is working on her dissertation which is about psychopathy, and who better to study than her own family? She also has a fiancé, Howard, who is nothing but supportive.

Enter Birdie, the podcaster. She’s made it her mission to seek justice for those folks who can’t speak for themselves anymore. Enter her research into what happened to Li Ming Na. Her research takes her to many forums on the internet, one of which led her to a retired police officer, who shared information with her, redacted though it was, because he, too, believed in justice and this case always felt off to him, which also led her to Horsefly Falls.

A very twisted tale indeed with the whoddunnit cleverly disguised. I thought I had figured out whodunnit, but I was wrong. If you like a bit dark, twisted tale of bizarre family dynamics, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this newest one by Ms. Marr.

Thicker Than Water by Megan Collins Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review. (Not my picture, publishing July 11, 2023.)

Where are all the Megan Collins fans? You have got to read this one … I think it’s her best yet. And I’ve read them all. This one is very fast-paced and will keep you turning the pages until the very end to find out the secrets that Julia, Sienna, and Jason are all hiding. Not to mention the true crux of Aiden’s anxiety issues and how much he really sees happening between his parents.

There is an interesting mix of characters intertwined in this tale. Julia and Sienna met when Julia was dating Jason, then they got married, but Julia (Jules) and Sienna’s relationship was much stronger than the one between Jules and Jason. They became so close they even started a business together, held hands to let the other know they weren’t alone, finished each other’s sentences. Until … they clashed in their belief of Jason, Sienna wanting to hold onto her childhood beliefs, Julia doubting her husband. Aiden trapped in his teenage years, not knowing what to do with his feelings.

Then, there’s Sienna’s memories of Clive Clayton and what he did when they were younger. Then, there’s the money trail. And Maeve.

If you are looking for another go-to author, I highly recommend you add Megan to your never-ending list. I am positive she is only going to get better throughout her career. Give Thicker Than Water a read when you have a chance.

A Body Washed Ashore by Bradley Pay Book Review

 

I received this book as a gift.

This is book three in the Spectrum series. This book introduces us to a whole host of colorful characters and, so far, has been my favorite of the series. I think that’s because the book is more focused on the characters and not so much the places they go on the cruises. In this book, the first cruise starts out with a blind dinner, where six total strangers are introduced to one another and have dinner together. That would seem kind of awkward, but in this instance many bonds are created. These six include Tracey and Charlotte; Fong and Lee; Remy and her cousin, Frannie. This book encompasses a two-year period from 2012 to 2014, in which time these six characters get together quite often, bonds are formed and broken, some surprises pop up along the way especially involving Charlotte, and a big mistake happens.

This is definitely a series you’ll want to read in order to get a better understanding of the characters involved. The bonfire and scraps of paper I found interesting; we all have something we want to let go of. 

Blind Trust by Debra Parmley Book Review

 

I received this book as a gift.

This is the third book in the Brotherhood Protectors series. In the first two books, we were introduced to a couple of the Marines who were involved in the Brotherhood Protectors. In book two, we were introduced to the Triple C’s Ranch, a shelter to house and help women get out of dangerous situations. It is located in a remote location which was supposed to be safe. We were also introduced to Cecelia, a former resident of a sister location and the receptionist to Triple C’s. Cecelia happens to be blind.

In Blind Trust, we learn more about Cecelia and we are introduced to Brian, a new recruit to the Brotherhood Protectors. Brian was immediately taken in by Cecelia, thinking she was a gorgeous lady and he couldn’t keep his mind from wandering to thoughts of her. Cecelia has her own story, her own reasons for not trusting easily, for not wanting to leave the ranch. She felt safe there. And, being blind, she knew her way around. She had no cause to leave and no cause to trust Brian … until she did.

If you like quick reads where there is an immediate attraction, a bit of action with a hero involved, and a female character who is flawed but stronger than she thinks, give this one a shot.

Off The Deep End by Lucinda Berry Book Review

 

I started this in the middle of the afternoon on a Sunday and kept reading past my bedtime. Ms. Berry is one of my go-to authors and she does not disappoint. This tale starts off with a terrible car accident that involves Jules, her son Gabe, and another young man, Isaac. Jules is able to pull Isaac out of the water, but when she realizes it’s Isaac and not Gabe, she goes back down to try and find Gabe. Isaac waited for a minute before he went in after Jules. For whatever reason, this car accident and the incidents surrounding it, at least in Jules’s mind, bonded her and Isaac in a way she was having a difficult time explaining. And, let’s not forget the games Jules was challenging the forensic psychologist with (Dr. Stephens), having been a therapist herself. This is definitely one twisted tale!

In true Berry fashion, this tales takes on some very sensitive subjects - mental illness, in many forms; attempted suicide for various reasons; a troubled teen who creates a world in a video game; a father who is trying to reach his son through that video game; a mother not knowing what to do to help her son; a mother who is grieving for the loss of her son; a lot of survivor’s guilt; a school shooting; a little sister who adored her big brother and then didn’t. This is a very intense read that is not for the faint of heart.