Deception Bay by Chris Patchell @chris_patchell

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I have been reading Chris Patchell for some time now and am always eager to get my hands on another one of her books. Deception Bay is another mystery that had me wondering what was buried beneath the waves and hooked from the beginning.

Deception Bay

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I know some people don’t like a prologue, but I love to be teased and it hooked from the opening pages, and Chris did that very well.

It didn’t take me long to figure out some of the mystery from the prologue. I’m still working on the whys,and I don’t have any idea of the who, so the mystery is still very much alive.

Austin’s heading home, to Whidbury Island to see about his mom, who has been in an accident. He has a panic attack on the ferry and meets Ellie.

The cat…he named it CAT, after Inspector Clouseau’s valet. I have always loved the Pink Panther series and the bumbling Inspector Clouseau. CAT does sneak attack him when he comes into the house, freaking him out, and it makes me laugh every time I think about it.

Pink Panther.png

From Wikipedia

If he wasn’t a writer, I might mistake him for Rockford, from the Rockford files. He’s constantly getting beat on.

But who would want to hurt his mother? His mother had issues before she was hurt, so I have a feeling he came to visit but may never leave.

He is forced to face his past and the inner demons that he can’t seem to get past. He grows, changes, forgives and solves a couple of mysteries too.

Three deaths, past and present.

Well, all in all, a wonderful tale of romance, murder and mystery, and love, forgiveness and laughter.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Deception Bay by Chris Patchell.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos  4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

She’s armed. He’s dangerous. Together, can they stop a killer from tearing a small island community apart?

When wise-cracking cozy mystery author, Austin Martell, left his hometown on Whidbey Island for the bright lights of New York, he vowed he would never go back. But some promises are impossible to keep, and when Austin discovers that his mother has suffered a serious accident, he has no choice but to return. Austin soon learns that her accident may be no accident at all, and secrets that were laid to rest after his brother’s tragic death off the coast of Deception Bay, have now begun to surface.

Austin finds himself in the center of a real-life murder mystery, when Police Chief Ellie Sharpe uncovers a curious connection between the author and the death of a local businessman. Born and raised on Whidbey and trained as a New York cop, Ellie is smart, and tough, and determined to solve the mystery behind the killing before more people die. Sparks fly as the two pair up to figure out who is responsible for the murder. The closer they come to discovering truth, the more desperate someone is to keep the sins of the past from coming to light.

Someone close to Austin harbors a deadly truth. Can Ellie unmask a killer before Austin becomes one more secret buried beneath the waves of Deception Bay?

ABOUT CHRIS PATCHELL

Chris Patchell

Chris Patchell is the bestselling author of In the Dark and the Indie Reader Discovery Award winning novel Deadly Lies. Having recently left her long-time career in tech to pursue her passion for writing full-time, Chris pens gritty suspense novels set in the Pacific Northwest, where she lives with her family and two neurotic dogs.

Website  /  Twitter  / Facebook

 MY CHRIS PATCHELL REVIEWS

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Grand Finale – His One and Only Bride by Tara Randel @TaraRandel @PrismBookTours

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for
His One and Only Bride
By Tara Randel

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch – Note from the Author

Greetings everyone! I hope you’re settling into the new year. It’s a great time of expectation, hope and looking forward to the surprises and adventures 2018 will bring. I’m excited about the release of my newest Harlequin Heartwarming book, His One and Only Bride. If ever there was a story about fresh starts, this is it.

. . . Hopefully, you’ll enjoy Mitch and Zoe’s journey as they discover what is really important in life.

Happy reading!

— Tara

underneath the covers – Excerpt

“Do you remember where our lockers were?” Mitch asked, thankfully changing the subject.

“I haven’t thought about high school in years.” She looked around to get her bearings. “Down this hallway?”

“Looks right.”

She ran her fingers over the cold metal of the lockers, could still make out the numbers on the doors despite the limited light. “Twenty-three, twenty-four…Here we go. Twenty-five. My old number.”

“Wonder if the combination is the same.”

“Who even recalls those numbers?”

“I do. Yours was ten-fourteen-one.”

She stared at him, incredulous. “How, after all this time, can you rattle off my combination?”

“Certain things are imprinted on my memory.”

It’s All About the Romance – Your Wedding Day…and the Photographer

In His One and Only Bride, Mitch is an injured photojournalist back in the small town where he started his career. He reluctantly embraces the role as the town photographer, covering weddings, family events and studio shots. He quickly discovers he loves weddings and soon becomes the go-to guy in town.

An important and memorable aspect to the overall wedding experience are the pictures commemorating the event. A photographer’s job is to catch the overall joy of the ceremony and the fun of the reception. Much weight is placed on the photographer to catch all these special moments. So as a wedding professional, what are some of the tips of the trade? . . .

Becky on Books – Review

“Finally, an HEA for Zoe! . . .

Though it was frustrating at times to read about the walls these two put up between themselves, both before and during the novel, it did serve to make their ending that much sweeter. A heartwarming side romance between secondary characters and Zoe and Mitch’s absolutely adorable one-year-old son really added to the experience.”

Katie’s Clean Book Collection – Excerpt

Mitch expected his wife’s surprise. After all, to her, he’d risen from the dead.

His hand gripped the cane that had become his lifeline. He wanted to heave it over the railing, but that meant lifting an arm that still needed rehab to function properly. Instead of cataloging his injuries, he focused on his shell-shocked wife.

“I don’t understand. We were told…I thought you were…”

“Dead?”

She reached out to place her palms on the deck railing.

“The report was mistaken.”

“But…How…Why?”

Rockin’ Book Reviews – Reviews

“This is a very predictable story but very well-written in a smooth, flowing manor. The characters are easily connected with and the scenes easily visualized.

There were a few twists.” – LAWonder10

“I really enjoyed reading this book. It has suspense, romance and a lot of other fun happenings. . .

I would highly recommend this book to other readers.” – Vickie

Book Lover in Florida – Tips for Choosing a Wedding Photographer

The wedding day can be stressful, but if you plan in advance and cover your bases, the day can go off without a hitch. Here are some tips when hiring a photographer.

The Search

Start your search by getting a list of local photographers and reading reviews from recent newlyweds. Review websites and blogs to check out photos of other weddings they’ve shot, which will give you an idea of their style. Visit their social media pages. Look for feedback from previous clients. . . .

A Baker’s Perspective – Review

“This was such a fun story to read. . . . But in this story, there was so much more to their separation, not just his job. And that is what makes this story so great. . .

There’s a tenderness you start to see between Zoe and Mitch as the story moves on, and it really does give the reader hope that even amongst the greatest conflict in our lives, there really is a chance to make it all okay. I think romance readers will want to dive right in and see how these characters come together.”

Heidi Reads… – Excerpt

“Come see your son.”

Leaning on the cane, he made his legs move forward. When he came to the side of the crib, he gazed down at the sleeping boy, who had one thumb brushed up against his lips. Mitch’s breath caught and completely left him for a moment.

Zoe moved to give him better access. He stepped closer. Leo’s chest rose as he inhaled and exhaled. Mitch stared, then began taking inventory, like he imagined a father would upon the delivery of his child. Ten fingers and toes. Light colored hair, standing on end. Chunky little legs. Rosy skin. Spiky eyelashes caressing his cheek.

A longing, unlike any he’d ever experienced before in his life, pummeled him. This was his son. His flesh and blood. A miracle.

Locks, Hooks and Books – Review

“His One and Only Bride is part of The Business of Weddings series and my first introduction to Tara Randel’s writing. I thought it was pretty good. It is full of drama and sweetness, with a little bit of mystery. I loved seeing Mitch and Zoe together and kept wondering what would happen next. Such a good heartwarming story.”

Bookworm Lisa – Review

“I enjoyed the emotions in the book. I felt like it captured the characters thoughts and the angst of their relationship. . .

. . . The book has mystery! That is a wonderful bonus for a reader.

If you love second chance romance with a bit of mystery you should pick this one up.”

Hearts & Scribbles – Excerpt

“So, what do you think?” she asked.

“I think I can’t wait to get to know him.”

The frown again.

“What?”

“I just can’t picture you staying in Cypress Pointe long enough for any quality time with Leo.”

“My priorities will change.”

“Really?” Disbelief tinged her voice. “For how long?”

Remembrancy – Review

“My second favorite trope in the romance genre (just behind the friends to more theme) is second chance at love. And boy, oh boy, does His One and Only Bride hit that nail on the head. . .

Though this book is the finale of a series, it’s the first one I’ve read and, while I was curious about the supporting cast, I was never taken out of Zoe and Mitch’s search for their true HEA.”

Jorie Loves A Story – Review

“I quite literally moved through this novel with all the emotions stitched inside it – you even get a jolt of an alert realising there is a dearly dangerous ‘suspense’ element lingering just out of sight for you to grasp and hold a breath to see how it will resolve! Meanwhile, the solidarity of the friendships, the humbleness of the character’s journey towards redemption, forgiveness and a second chance at starting over their lives is what grounds you into the background. You want to rally behind these characters because of how earnestly their attempting to right the wrongs of the past whilst owning to the realities of their futures. This is what makes Contemporary Rom engaging as it feels more like a slice of our reality knitted into the foreground of a modern fictional setting.”

I Am A Reader – It All Leads Up To a Day

Weddings are a beautiful event. The dress. The flowers. The reception. But it doesn’t just materialize out of nowhere. So what goes in to planning a wedding? . . .

Reading Is My SuperPower – Review

“His One and Only Bride by Tara Randel is beautifully written with a sweet message & layered characters. Zoe’s hesitancy to welcome Mitch back with open arms is believable and sincere, as is Mitch’s struggle to adjust to life back home with a host of injuries and regret. If you want to renew your belief in the power of love and authentic forgiveness, this is a great choice for your TBR pile!”

Nicole’s Book Musings – Excerpt

Zoe glanced at Mitch’s handsome face. Despite the paleness and general look of exhaustion, she saw real humor light his eyes for the first time since he’d been home.

“I always imagined I’d have to keep an eye on you two. I have a feeling there are going to be a lot of don’t-tell-Mom moments in my future.”

“Does that mean you won’t fight me about being active in Leo’s life?”

“Not unless something happens to warrant it.”

Zoe reached out to touch his arm, then pulled back. Touching probably wouldn’t be a good idea. Not yet.

Two Girls and a Book – Review

“There’s a little mystery, a lot of romance and a precious baby named, Leo that made this an enjoyable read. This is the first book that I’ve read by Ms. Randel and I was impressed with her writing. I look forward to reading more of her work. This is a clean romance that can be read in a short time.”

Thoughts of a Blonde – Review

“A presumed dead resurrection is always a drama-filled subject that we don’t get to read all that often, so the turmoil it brought forth in this latest book in the Business of Weddings series really packed a punch.

. . . Overall, an emotional read with relatable characters and a strong storyline!”

The Bookworm Chronicles – The Big Event-The History of Weddings

How did this special day of joining yourself to the love of your life come about? Today, we see huge weddings on televisions and in magazines, but how did many of the traditions we love today come about? . . .

Paulette’s Papers – Excerpt

They’d taken a few steps when Mitch stopped.

“Something wrong?”

“This is the place we shared our first kiss.”

Her stomach fluttered. He was right.

With the life-altering events of the past week and watching Mitch’s near-meltdown just a short while ago, Zoe had forgotten. How could she have failed to recall such a momentous event?

“It was junior year.” Mitch grinned at her. “We’d been flirting and I was determined to make us a couple. When I suggested it here, you got all teary, said yes and then I kissed you.”

Okay, if she were truthful, maybe she didn’t want to remember that night. The sweet memory brought a pinch of pain in the vicinity of her heart.

“That was a long time ago.”

“Doesn’t make it any less memorable.”

Inside The Mind of Mind of an Avid Reader – Review

“The emotional turmoil of this book had me from the first chapter. I had to know what happened next. Mitch and Zoe have been through so much. This book will take you on an emotional roller coaster. The depth of this book is so unreal. The mindset of these characters will take your breath away.”

And don’t forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven’t already…

His One and Only Bride
(The Business of Weddings #5)
Tara Randel
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
January 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming

He never thought he’d see her again!

After being reported missing, presumed dead, globe-hopping photojournalist Mitch Simmons never thought he’d see his estranged wife, Zoe, again. Yet here he is back in their coastal Florida town, where Zoe is mayor. Turns out she isn’t the only one he left behind.

Discovering he has a baby son awakens thrilling new emotions in Mitch. And there are his still-powerful feelings for the high school sweetheart he vowed to love and honor forever. Thankfully, they’ll have the chance to find the love that was always there…

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

USA Today Bestselling Author Tara Randel has enjoyed a lifelong love of books, especially romance and mystery genres, so it didn’t come as a surprise when she began writing with the dream of becoming published. Family values, mystery and, of course, love and romance are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Tara lives on the West Coast of Florida, where gorgeous sunsets inspire the creation of heartwarming stories, filled with love, laughter and the occasional mystery.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter

Tour Giveaway

– US PRIZE PACK: Signed copies of Rival Hearts, The Bridal Bouquet and The Wedding March, a Harlequin Heartwarming tote bag, a 2018 appointment planner and a $25 Amazon gift card
– US residents only
– Ends January 31st

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Giveaway & Review for Arachnosaur by Richard Jeffries #RichardJeffries @SDSXXTours

 
Arachnosaur
by Richard Jeffries
Genre: Horror
I hate spiders. They totally creep me out and I love it, which is why I had to read Arachnosaur by Richard Jeffries. lol
 
Soldiers facing off against terrorists. Death, blood, bullets and savagery.
 
Key struggles to make sense of what was happening to him, a concussion messed with his mind. Could he believe what he was seeing? The squad had been slaughtered. How many were left besides him? He wanted answers.
 
And….we know something worse is coming his way.
 
Key and Daniels are opposites, but work well together as a team. Key is methodical and Daniels a bit reckless. Can they save the world from the egomaniacs who think they can control their new weapon? Foolish, foolish men.
 
I love the combination of military intrigue and giant spiders. So much of it read as if it could be real. The writing was detailed and the action was non stop.
 
The world…well…I loved to visit it, but don’t want to live there.
 
I would love to be on their next adventure.
 
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Arachnosaur by Richard Jeffries.
 

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos 4 Stars

 
 
Desert Swarm
After his superior officers are killed in action, Corporal Josiah Key
assumes command of the 3rd Battalion, Marine Raiders. In the tiny
village of Shabhut, Yemen, while trying to put the blast on ISIS
forces, an even deadlier enemy emerges: ancient, unreasoning
creatures who tear into both U.S. troops and terrorists without
mercy, leaving brutally dismembered corpses in their wake.
 
They are known as the Idmonarchne Brasieri,
giant prehistoric spiders roused from millennia-long slumber by
power-mad terrorists. These aptly-named ‘Arachnosaurs’ are
hungry. They’re angry. And they have declared war against all of
humanity . . . whose days might just be numbered unless Key and his
unit can stop them.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Richard Jeffries holds
a degree in Creative Writing, obtained before he went to work for
American intelligence. He has seen the world—and things in it—which
inspired the writing of these novels. Now retired from covert ops,
Jeffries divides his time between rural Connecticut and London. In
his spare time he pursues his lifelong interest in Kung Fu and
classical piano.
 
 
 
Follow the tour HERE
for exclusive excerpts and a giveaway!
 
 
 
 
 
  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
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  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
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Monday Mini Review – Angel Fall by Susan Ee @Susan_Ee

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Angelfall by Susan Ee is one heavenly story I won from Toi Thomas.

Angelfall (Penryn & the End of Days, #1)Goodreads  /  Amazon

MY REVIEW

I am so glad I won this book because I loved it and I probably never would have found it on my own. The angels brought death, destruction and the apocalypse. Sixteen year old Penryn will team up with Raffe, an angel warrior caught up in angel politics. They will save each other again and again, as they struggle to find a way through the new world they live in. Forbidden love, complex characters and world building full of desperation and danger make me want to now who will be left standing. I was immediately drawn into this dark and desperate world of angel against angel, angel against human, human against angel and human against human, as Penryn and Raffe try to change what’s left of the world they live in.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos  4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

It’s been six weeks since angels of the apocalypse descended to demolish the modern world. Street gangs rule the day while fear and superstition rule the night. When warrior angels fly away with a helpless little girl, her seventeen-year-old sister Penryn will do anything to get her back.

Anything, including making a deal with an enemy angel.

Raffe is a warrior who lies broken and wingless on the street. After eons of fighting his own battles, he finds himself being rescued from a desperate situation by a half-starved teenage girl.

Traveling through a dark and twisted Northern California, they have only each other to rely on for survival. Together, they journey toward the angels’ stronghold in San Francisco where she’ll risk everything to rescue her sister and he’ll put himself at the mercy of his greatest enemies for the chance to be made whole again.

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • animated smilies photo: animated animated.gifLook on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
  • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!