Y is for You Can Run by Willow Rose @MadamWillowRose

Posted on December 13, 2019 by fundinmental

Woo Hoo! This is my Y for the Alphabet Soup Reading Challenge and will wrap it up, completed. I had this on my Kindle and have been working my way through a bunch of Willow Rose’s books I received for free. If you join her newsletter, she shares a lot of her books on for free on Amazon. I love her work, so if you are looking for some great mystery/thrill reads, give her a try.

She has some great covers too. This is the Goodreads cover, but right below it is the Amazon cover, which I like even more.

You Can Run: A heart gripping, fast paced thriller (Mary Mills Mystery Book 2) by [Rose, Willow]

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Willow Rose is one of my go to authors. I love her work and am so happy to be with her fabulous characters, waiting to see what badness will befall them. I hope you enjoy the RUN.

We begin all over the place as we learn about the characters, flipping back and forth between them, getting their thoughts and feelings first hand.

I was just strolling along until…the open back door of Kelly’s house.

I say yes to the dark side of an author’s imagination!

Cast of characters:

Marcia: a schizophrenic
Mark: Marcia’s son
Mary: Marcia’s friend, and if I am ever in trouble, I would love to have her by my side
Harry: who is he…really?
Peter: has Cerebral Palsy
Kelly: is someone stalking her?

I purposely left out one character, because I want you to meet him for yourself.

Each chapter is told from a character’s point of view. I do like getting the lowdown straight from the horse’s mouth. I feel I get to know them better.

I do wonder how they all will come together. What do they have in common? I know Willow Rose has something in mind, because she always has a diabolical plot brewing, never giving her characters on easy ride. I’m at 44% and I am finding answers to SOME of my questions.

Willow Rose deals with some sensitive issues in a positive, yet at times, cruel way, which comes across as reality. The character of Peter Elingston, cerebral palsy, is true. Google it if you want to know more.

I can’t imagine how terrifying it must be, trapped in your own mind. This applies to Marcia and Peter. It may break your heart, but it left me feeling better when all was said and done. No matter how bad things got, Willow Rose ends it on a positive note.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos — 4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

It’s not the kind of thing you’d expect to happen on an ordinary Saturday morning.

Her kids are arguing and her husband is still sleeping. Lisa is tired and wonders why her husband keeps working late. Is he having an affair? Is it the same girl as last time?

Lisa’s teenage daughter is acting up, and just as Lisa is about to walk up to her room and tell her who’s the boss around here, she feels the cold steel of a gun pressed against her cheek, while a hand covers her mouth.

Years later, it remains a mystery. Who killed Lisa’s family after holding them captive for twenty-four terrifying hours in their own house?

Mary Mills is enjoying her new life in Cocoa Beach. She is back with her husband Joey and the rest of the 7th Street Crew that she grew up with. She is writing a blog and doing pretty well for herself when she realizes one of her best friends, Marcia is in serious trouble.

It is well known within the crew that Marcia likes to drink a lot, but things are getting worse. Marcia is deep in over her head and she risks losing her children. Soon Mary realizes that maybe she doesn’t know her old friend as well as she thought.

It is said that a friend will help you if you’re knocked down, while a real friend says, “Stay down; I’ve got this.”

Will Mary be able to live up to this? Will she be able to help Marcia, to save her before it is too late? Does she want to after she digs deeper into Marcia’s story and finds out who she really is?

ABOUT WILLOW ROSE

TheQueen of Scream aka Willow Rose is a #1 Amazon Best-selling Author and an Amazon ALL-star Author of more than 60 novels. She writes Mystery, Thriller, Paranormal, Romance, Suspense, Horror, Supernatural thrillers, and Fantasy. Willow’s books are fast-paced, nail-biting pageturners with twists you won’t see coming. Several of her books have reached the Kindle top 10 of ALL books in the US, UK, and Canada. She has sold more than three million books. Willow lives on Florida’s Space Coast with her husband and two daughters. When she is not writing or reading, you will find her surfing and watch the dolphins play in the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Website * Facebook * Twitter * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

MY REVIEWS FOR WILLOW ROSE

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I Wanted To Love – Her Last Whisper by Jennifer Chase @JChaseNovelist @pumpupyourbook

Posted on December 12, 2019 by fundinmental

Her Last Whisper is one of those books that I really wanted to love. I read Dead Cold by Jennifer Chase and it was fantastic, so when I had a chance to grab Her Last Whisper from PumpUpYourBook, I didn’t hesitate.

Amazon / Audiobook / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I read Dead Cold by Jennifer Chase from the Jennifer Chase series and LOVED IT, so when I had the opportunity to read and review Her Last Whisper, what a great title, I had to have it. Unfortunately, it fell a little flat.

I love Prologues and Jennifer Chase’s Last Whisper prologue made me sit up and pay attention. I had hoped the story would continue to do the same, keep me on the line and reel me in.

Kate had been a patrol officer and an Army K9 handler, and a loner. Now she is stepping in to lead the cold case unit. I love cold case stories and the steps they take to solve the mystery.

I know what her first cold case will be, Amanda Payton, the kidnapped girl inn the prologue. I can detect too. LOL

Chad is her best friend, a firefighter for Sequoia County, but will it be more than that? I do like some romance with my serial killers. 🙂

He’s on the hunt…AGAIN.

I do love critters, especially dogs, in my stories. They tend to add that little extra I am always looking for. I just questioned why Kate didn’t have him by her side more. Even though it is explained why, I wouldn’t have left him behind. After all, Cisco is an Army K 9 and trained to the max.

We have a side mystery too. A blast from her Army past comes to town, looking for his lost brother. Will they come together, or is Jennifer Chase sharing her personal life to give us a glimpse into who she is, showing us a developed character?

Soooo close, but Her Last Breath didn’t quite get there for me. I devour suspense and thriller novels, so my expectations are always high when I ‘crack open a book’. A sense of urgency and suspense fell a little flat, BUT the ending was great. I would have liked that level of tension throughout .

There is no doubt I will be looking for more of Jennifer Chase’s work.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Her Last Breath by Jennifer Chase.

GOODREADS BLURB

Katie focuses her mind, trying to keep another anxiety attack at bay. The victim’s long brown hair is slick and wet, her body rigid in the grass. She looks more like a mannequin than the woman Katie had spoken with only yesterday, the woman she had promised to protect…

When a cold, naked body is discovered by a couple on a jog through the lush woodlands of Pine Valley, California, new recruit Detective Katie Scott is stunned to discover the victim is Amanda Payton – a much-loved local nurse and the woman at the heart of an unsolved case she’s been investigating whilst getting a grip on her crippling PTSD.

Weeks earlier, Amanda had run, battered and bruised, out into the headlights of a passing patrol car. She claimed to have just escaped a kidnapping, but with no strong evidence, the case went cold. The Pine Valley police made a fatal mistake…

Katie is certain the marks on Amanda’s wrists complete a pattern of women being taken, held captive and then showing up dead in remote locations around Pine Valley – and she won’t let someone die on her watch again.

But then a beautiful office worker with a link to the hospital where Amanda worked goes missing. With only days before the next body is due to show up, can Katie make amends for her past by saving this innocent life?

Totally gripping crime fiction for fans of Lisa Regan, Rachel Caine and Melinda Leigh. Nothing will prepare you for this nail-biting roller-coaster ride…

ABOUT JENNIFER CHASE

Jennifer Chase is a multi award-winning crime fiction author and consulting criminologist. Jennifer holds a bachelor degree in police forensics and a master’s degree in criminology & criminal justice. These academic pursuits developed out of her curiosity about the criminal mind as well as from her own experience with a violent sociopath, providing Jennifer with deep personal investment in every story she tells. In addition, she holds certifications in serial crime and criminal profiling. She is an affiliate member of the International Association of Forensic Criminologists. Her latest book is the crime thriller, Dead Cold.

WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS: WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

MY JENNIFER CHASE REVIEWS

Dead Cold

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Put A Smile On Your Face With Mistletoe Magic by Amanda Siegrist @amanda_siegrist

Posted on December 11, 2019 by fundinmental

Amanda Siegrist writes some wonderful happy ever after romance novels that can warm your heart and put a smile on your face.

Mistletoe Magic (Holiday Romance Novel, #2)

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Mistletoe Magic by Amanda Siegrist is a very appropriate title, but I won’t spoil the surprise for you. It may be predictable but there are some special moments that put a smile on my face and a happy ever after in their future.

Theresa works at the diner and is known for making the worst cup of coffee, but Officer Aiden Crowl comes every day for his cuppa. The precinct even has a bet on whether or not she will every make a good pot. She has always had a crush on him, going back to high school, and, with the death of his fiancee, will she have a second chance at love?

She comes from the wrong side of town and her alcoholic brother never lets her forget it with his drunken escapades, pounding on her door in the middle of the night demanding money, even going so far as to break into her house.

Theresa loves everything about Christmas, but this one is proving difficult for her. I can see where her self doubt and lack of confidence comes from, but I am looking forward to her overcoming her insecurities and becoming the wonderful character I know she can be.

HUH. I’m at 79% and I should have seen that coming.

I love small town romances and when tragedy strikes, the whole town comes together, showing their love and support.

Want a heartwarming smile on your face while reading a happy ever after Christmas novel? I found it here.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Mistletoe Magic by Amanda Siegrist.

GOODREADS BLURB

From USA Today bestselling author Amanda Siegrist comes a heartwarming holiday series that will fill you with the Christmas spirit and lots of love.

A mistletoe. A kiss. This just might be the start of a beautiful Christmas.

Theresa might not make the best pot of coffee in town, but people still flock to the diner for a cup, even Officer Crowl, who rarely displays a smile since his fiancé died. She’ll never be able to win his heart, but it’s hard to resist him, especially when he kisses her under the mistletoe. Well, on the cheek, but that has to count for something…right?

Staying busy keeps Officer Aiden Crowl sane. Because when he’s idle or alone, he thinks, and nothing good comes from that. Everyone thinks he was the perfect man. They think he’s broken because she’s gone. He is, just not for the reason they believe. Every time he walks into the diner, one sweet smile from Theresa erases some of the pain. He should stay away from her. Far away. But what is he supposed to do when they’re standing under a mistletoe? Kiss her, of course.

The entire Holiday Romance series: (Each book can be read as a standalone.)
♡ Merry Me (Book 1): Elliot & Lynn
♡ Mistletoe Magic (Book 2): Aiden & Theresa
♡ Christmas Wish (Book 3): Bentley & Emma
♡ Snowed in Love (Book 4): James & Erin…coming December 3, 2019

ABOUT AMANDA SIEGRIST

Love! Gimme some love and heaps of romance. I have a sappy heart that just loves two people meeting, going through the cycles of a relationship, and ultimately, falling in love. Give me a good book like that and I’m a happy camper:)

I write contemporary and romantic suspense, but I am partial to suspense. I just love a good mystery.

Besides writing, I love baking, crafts, and baseball…oh, and meeting new people. *smiles*

Website / Twitter / Facebook

MY AMANDA SIEGRIST REVIEWS

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Cozy Corgis – Scornful Scones by Mildred Abbott @MAcozymystery @pumpupyourbook

Posted on December 10, 2019 by fundinmental

Mildred Abbot’s Cozy Corgi Mystery Series has been a delight to read. I mean, look at that face. How can I possibly resist Watson and the quirky characters we will find in the small town of Estes Park.

Scornful Scones (Cozy Corgi Mysteries #5)

Amazon / Audiobook / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Scornful Scones was a delightful visit to the small town of Estes Park, tagging along while Fred and Watson poke their nose in another mystery.

Katie’s delightful squeal of joy and Watson’s scrabbling feet as he rushes to get the treat he missed when it was thrown to him put an immediate smile on my face.

A small town takes a while to accept an outsider and Fred sure doesn’t make it easy for them. Everyone knows everyone’s business and they are just waiting for Fred to start questioning her suspects, wasting no time in letting the gossip fly.

These quirky characters and their furry friends are always a delight to visit, giving me some light mystery and smiles.

I don’t have any complaints about Scornful Scones. It was a nice change of pace from the heavy, gruesome, dark and dangerous stories that I immerse myself in, leaving me needing a fun read for a change of pace.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Scornful Scones by Mildred Abbott.

GOODREADS BLURB

With summer approaching, Estes Park is abuzz with flowers, baking, tourists, and… murder.

Tourist season is about to begin, and the lovely weather has Winifred Page and her corgi sidekick, Watson, leaving the comfort of the Cozy Corgi Bookshop and Bakery to reluctantly attend a celebration at the Black Bear Roaster coffee shop. But a chill of uncertainty settles over Fred when a choking death doesn’t seem so accidental—despite the dry hazardous scones.

As Fred and police sergeant Branson Wexler rekindle a possible romance, Fred shares her suspicions. But is she seeing murder at every turn? Learning to trust her gut feelings, Fred risks the ire of the coffee shop owner to investigate not one, but two, deaths.

As suspects and motives abound, old resentments are uncovered, and Fred and Watson build new friendships even as they follow the crumbs to find clues to a killer.

ABOUT MILDRED ABBOTT

Reading the Cozy Corgi series is pretty much all you need to know about Mildred. In real life, she’s obsessed with everything she writes about: Corgis, Books, Cozy Mountain Towns, and Baked Goods. She’s not obsessed with murder, however. At least not at her own hands (nor paid for… no contract killing here). But since childhood, starting with Nancy Drew, trying to figure out who-dun-it has played a formative role in her personality. Having Fred and Watson stroll into her mind was a touch of kismet.

Website Address: http://www.mildredabbott.com
Twitter Address: https://twitter.com/MAcozymystery
Facebook Address: https://www.facebook.com/MildredAbbottAuthor/
Facebook Secret Club Address: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Mildredabbottscozymysteryclub/
Instagram address: https://www.instagram.com/mildredabbott/

MY MILDRED ABBOTT REVIEWS

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SciFi – Alien Bonds by Carmen Webster Buxton @CarmenWBuxton

Posted on December 9, 2019 by fundinmental

Carmen Webster Buxton approached me about reading her SciFi Wakanrean series because I had read a few of her other books and really enjoyed them. I was so happy she did. I have ventured out from my favorite genres of suspense/thriller/mystery and paranormal/supernatural more and more and have been pleasantly surprised.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

If you are a fan of Star Wars, Star Trek and SciFi, this may be a series for you. We have all you need…out of this world romance, intrigue, race discrimination, and characters that grow and develop as the story is told. Each book spotlights a different couple and could stand alone, but if you are new to the series, I highly recommend starting at the beginning.

I accidentally read the books out of order, grabbing the second book in the series, Alien Vows, and reading that first. It did make reading Alien Bonds easier, because I got used to the unique names and words, though there is a glossary at the end of the book. I invented my own pronunciations making the flow smoother for me. I do that a lot when there are tough names and words to mentally pronounce.

We are on the planet Wakanrea. Space travel is common, yet the species tend to stick to their own kind.

In Alien Bonds, we meet Dina Bellaire, a Terran, human, and Kuaron Du, a Wakanrean. Their meeting change their worlds forever. They meet from across a crowded room and they are floored by shahgunrah, a biological event that is like imprinting for werewolves . Their love is slow to develop, but their mating is instantaneous, creating problems that could be deadly…for her.

Some of the events make me think of the Twilight series, but I will leave that for you SciFi lovers to find out for yourselves. The surprise is worth the wait.

Carmen Webster Buxton has created a world that I got lost in by her ability to bring it to life through her descriptive words and the characters quickly became dear to me. There are hidden agendas, corporate greed, race hatred, romance, acceptance, and more.

Carmen Webster Buxton fills us in on the Wakanrean history and you could call the Alien Bonds historical fiction of the scifi kind. LOL

Jared, a Terran, human, is a character I met early in the story. He is Kuaron’s friend and their lively banter brings me lots of smiles. I wonder…will he get his own story? I would love to see it.

I want to thank you, Carmen, for giving me an opportunity to travel to a distant planet, meet some wonderful characters, and learn some life lessons along the way.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Alien Bonds by Carmen Webster Buxton.

GOODREADS BLURB

In ALIEN BONDS, two lives are changed in an instant. Industrial chemist Dina Bellaire travels all the way to the planet Wakanreo to advance her career. Her carefully planned life goes up in flames the second she meets Kuaron Du, a Wakanrean who makes his living singing ancient songs in a dead language. Both of them know they can’t go back to the way they were before they met. They just have to convince the rest of the universe that what happened to them is real.

ABOUT CARMEN WEBSTER BUXTON

Carmen Webster Buxton spent her youth reading every book published by Ursula LeGuin, Robert Heinlein and Georgette Heyer. This combination of far-future worlds, alien cultures, and old-fashioned courting customs influenced her writing, especially in her ThreeCon series.

Carmen was born in Hawaii and experienced a childhood on the move, as her father was in the US Navy. Having raised two wonderful children, she now lives in Maryland with her husband Charlie, and a beagle named Cosmo. She writes science fiction and romance, mostly set in the far future, and the occasional fantasy.

She has published several books, including THE SIXTH DISCIPLINE and its sequel NO SAFE HAVEN. TRIBES, SHADES OF EMPIRE, and THE NOSTALGIA GAMBIT are in her ThreeCon series; these books are set in a shared universe but do not share any characters. WHERE MAGIC RULES (a novella) is her only published fantasy. KING OF TREES crosses genres, as it is a time travel/alternate history/science fiction novel with fantasy overtones. SARONNA’S GIFT is her first book to be available as a paperback as well as an ebook, and the first overt romance. TURNABOUT is young adult dystopian science fiction that starts in the real world. ALIEN BONDS is another science fiction romance, the first book in a planned trilogy. The second book is ALIEN VOWS. The third book ALIEN SKIES will come out in 2019.

Carmen often blogs about ereaders, digital publishing, writing, and speculative fiction. Visit her blog to see what’s coming out next! To send her feedback on her books, send email to carmen.webster.buxton (at) gmail.com.

Website / Twitter / Facebook

MY CARMEN WEBSTER BUXTON REVIEWS

Where Magic Rules (on Goodreads)
Tribes (on Goodreads)
Shades of Empire (on Goodreads)

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Keeper of the Peace by Jennifer Malone Wright @Jennichad217 #AlphabetChallenge

Posted on December 8, 2019 by fundinmental

As the year counts down, so does my Alphabet Reading Challenge. I chose Keeper of the Peace by Jennifer Malone Wright for my K. I downloaded this on an Amazon free day on 11.14.17 and I am so glad I did.

Keeper of the Peace (Graveyard Guardians, #2)

Amazon / Audiobook / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

David’s back home and once he sets his eyes on Hannah again, he is determined to get her back. He messed up the first time, but he was not going to make that mistake again.

Hannah was devastated when David left the first time. Would she be able to let him back into her life? What about the fact that she is a Keeper, a protector of souls and he is investigating the murder of a Reaper and she is the one that killed him.

I was able to quickly relate to David and his love for his 1968 Chevelle. I had one and boy did I love that car. It was loud, fast and so much fun to drive. Funny the things that catch my attention, especially when Reapers and Keepers are going head to head.

As the real word and the supernatural collide, the story picks up the pace. It is pretty easy to figure out the story, but the journey and getting to know a great cast of characters makes me want to read more and to know what happens to the Chosen One and the Prophecy.

After starting to write this review I found out it was the second book in the series, but I had no problem diving right in, I checked my Kindle and found Keeper vs Reaper sitting there…waiting. I will be going back in time to read it. 🙂

GOODREADS BLURB

The love of her life left her long ago, shattering her heart into a million pieces. It’s taken Hannah almost twelve years to push away the hurt and move on with life. That is, until the death of a Reaper brings Detective David Foster back to town and their paths cross once again.

With more and more of the soul-eating Reapers passing through town in search of the Chosen One, who happens to be her sister Lucy, the Estmond family has been busy enough. Now, they rally together in hopes of keeping Hannah out of prison.

With all the trouble lately, being a Keeper, a protector of souls, has never been more difficult for Hannah. Will she forgive David and rekindle their relationship? More importantly, will he find out she is the one responsible for the murder he is investigating?

Sparks fly in more ways than one in the second installment of the Graveyard Guardians.

ABOUT JENNIFER MALONE WRIGHT

Jennifer Malone Wright is best known for her best selling novella series, The Vampire Hunter’s Daughter. Other works include the follow up to The Vampire Hunter’s Daughter series called The Arcadia Falls Chronicles, The Graveyard Guardians series and her full length vampire novel called Savior (A Higher Collective Novel).

She resides in the beautiful mountains of northern Idaho with her husband and five children where she practices preparing for the zombie apocalypse. Just kidding!

But seriously, between the craziness of taking care of her children, Jennifer has little time left for herself. The time she does have left, usually leading far into the night, is spent working on her beloved fiction or chatting with her equally crazy friends.

Jennifer also loves coffee, has a passionate affair with red bull, wishes the sushi were better where she lives and dances while she cleans.

Website / Twitter / Facebook

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One Sentence Review – Jingle Bell Bum by Patricia Hanrion #PatriciaHanrion

Posted on December 7, 2019 by fundinmental

A feel good story perfect for the holiday season.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY ONE SENTENCE REVIEW

A short but intense and heartwarming story that brought tears to my eyes as young and old alike come together, giving, sharing, and adding so much goodness to everyone’s life.

GOODREADS BLURB

Joseph was a shabby imitation of Santa Clause with his Salvation Army kettle in front of a K-mart, but what no one could have guessed was that Joseph was a miracle waiting to happen. This inspiring Christmas story tells the true tale of how a group of teenage carolers changed the life of a down-and-out bum. A moving and unforgettable read!

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The Enforcer by Abigail Owen @AOwenBooks #Dragons

Posted on December 6, 2019 by fundinmental

Love Dragons? Abigail Owen has a fabulous series for you. I have loved meeting and getting an in depth look into each character. This is a series that keeps on giving.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I am so excited to be back with these HOT firefighting dragon shifters, and to meet some new ones in The Enforcer, the third book of the Fire’s Edge series by Abigail Owen.

Drake was the only one who could save the family surrounded by fire, but because he is unmated, his body rebelled in his hurry to save them. It is Cami’s family that he rescues.

She is not afraid of him. She has issues of her own, no one to turn to for help, until…Rune. He just happens to be in the vicinity. He is a rogue, a dragon shifter with no clan and gathers those who need his help, offering them a safe refuge

Dragons come in many colors, each with their own special abilities, other than the normal fire breathing and such. If dragons do not mate, they begin to age and death is not far behind. Drake is one of those dragons. They have their own political intrigue and narcissistic rulers.There is betrayal, danger, love and sacrifice. The kings make the laws, the enforcers, enforce them. Going rogue is a death sentence.

Cami finds a friend in Skylar, who has her own secrets. For some reason, she is drawn to Cami and offers to help her, teaching her martial arts, while she is nursing Drake. At first she doesn’t know why she is drawn to him, but as she learns the ways of dragons, it becomes clear to her. At the moment, she is the stronger one.

“…is your default setting asshole?”

“I’m surprised he left you alone with me.”

“He didn’t want to, something about you being a scary motherfucker…”

Oh man, when a shifter dies…it brought tears to my eyes. Abigail Owen’s descriptive writing brought the scene to life and I could picture it in my mind. BUT, I’m not telling you who will no longer be with us. And Drake, that is his biggest fear. If he were to mate with Cami and not be healed, they would both die.

We have a lot of fun verbal foreplay that turns HOT, steamy, sexy, playful, HOT…ADULTS ONLY HOT.

“Did you know some dragon shifters can shift a single part of themselves?”

I know what first popped into my mind and I wonder what pop into yours. LOL

I love dragons in any shape or form. They are people first, doing all the things that humans do, after all, someone has to cook dinner, do laundry, and all those menial chores that need to be done day after day. I love Drake, Cami, and their merry band of misfits. Makes for some wonderful moments as their individual personalities are revealed. It has been a marvelous visit and I look forward to returning.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Enforcer by Abigail Owen.

GOODREADS BLURB

Death comes for everyone. Even Drake Chandali. The aging process that twists all unmated dragon shifters’ bodies into something useless has taken hold of his body centuries early. A mate could have reversed the process, but now it’s too late. To protect his team of enforcers, he leaves, and comes face to face with the woman he’d thought was human when he saved her from a fire months before.

Except she’s not human. She’s a mate.

Camilla Carrillo almost lost her family to wildfire. To discover she’s fated to mate a creature made of flame and rage, and become one herself, should be terrifying. But somehow a rightness settles inside her, especially when she’s around the glowering red dragon shifter who wants nothing to do with her.

When Drake learns Cami bears his mark — the same mark as the High King — he refuses to believe she’s meant to be his. It’s too late. How could he turn Cami only to take her with him to the grave? At the same time, he can’t walk away. Hiding her from the corrupt, rotting High King might be the last honorable thing Drake ever does with the little time he has left.

ABOUT ABIGAIL OWEN

Award-winning paranormal and contemporary romance author, Abigail Owen was born in Greeley, Colorado, and raised in Austin, Texas. She now resides in Northern California with her husband and two adorable children who are the center of her universe.

Abigail grew up consuming books and exploring the world through her writing. A fourth generation graduate of Texas A&M University, she attempted to find a practical career related to her favorite pastime by earning a degree in English Rhetoric (Technical Writing). However, she swiftly discovered that writing without imagination is not nearly as fun as writing with it.

MY REVIEWS FOR ABIGAIL OWEN

The Shadowcat Nation

Andromeda’s Fall / Sarai’s Fortune / Tieryns’ Fury / Seneca’s Faith

The Svatura Series

Blue Violet / Hyacinth / Crimson Dahlia / Black Orchid

The Fire’s Edge Series (each book can stand alone)

The Mate / The Boss / The Rookie

Inferno Rising Series

The Rogue King

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Spiderman – No Mercy by Joanna Schaffhausen @slipperywhisper @MinotaurBooks

Posted on December 5, 2019 by fundinmental

Every so often I will follow an email link from NetGalley and check out what’s happening. I try to limit how many books I grab at one time…you know how that is. I found some books by Joanna Schaffhousen and grabbed a couple. I would like to thank NetGalley, Minotaur Books and Joanna Schaffhausen for the opportunity to read and share them.

Amazon ‘/ Audiobook / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I immediately began reading No Mercy by Joanna Schaffhausen after finishing The Vanishing Season. I am loving the author and her characters and eagerly begin.

We start where we left off in The Vanishing Season. Each book can stand alone, though I highly recommend beginning at the beginning, because once Ellery got under my skin, I had to know… Each mystery, in this case two mysteries, end with my complete satisfaction and leave me wanting more. Now…let’s get to it.

Ellery Hathaway is on leave because of what happened. And that you will need to find out for yourself. Even though No Mercy is Book II, Joanna Schaffhausen will fill you in on the necessities.

Reed Markham is getting a divorce. He is an FBI profiler, so for those of you who watch Criminal Minds, you can see the complications that would entail for those left at home.

I love Joanna Schaffhausen’s ability to show me Tula, Reed’s daughter. I can see the little firecracker racing around, not happy with her pigtails daddy did because they are a bit lopsided. She’s ready for mommy to pick her up, but she’s so caught up in just being, she forgot she doesn’t have any shoes on. Joanna’s ability to show me the event had me smiling as I watched her.

Ellery had never been on a date. After her abduction at fourteen years old, I can understand why. Sure, she has sex. But she uses it like a weapon. Romance? She doesn’t believe it can ever happen for her after what Francis Coben, the serial killer did to her. Even though he is in prison, so is she. He is always with her…in her mind.

Something happens. I won’t tell you what, but Reed comes rushing to her side, leaving with just the clothes on his back. He saved her once, and he is determined to not let anything else happen to her. Little does he know, trouble seems to find her…or does she go looking for it? There is no romance between them, but, I wonder….

A note…

“You really think I’m unlucky enough to attract the attention of a third serial killer?”

Imagine yourself and everything about you splashed all over the internet. You even have a Wikipedia page, telling of the horrors inflicted on you by a serial killer. People building websites devoted to you…of HIM…the trolls, the filthy, disgusting…

Even though this is fiction, it reads like a true story. I don’t know how Ellery could even step outside her home. Especially on a dark night. I don’t know if I would every leave my house again. Could you? I would have alarms on every access point, the outside lit up as if it’s daytime and, at least, ONE BIG guard dog.

When it came time for Reed to leave, his boss giving him an ultimatum, I knew he couldn’t do it. There’s a rapist on the loose, an old arson case, and someone is messing with Ellery.

I love that he cooks for her, and stays with her. He’s a good cook and it is a definite improvement over the fast food she lives on. He refuses to leave her home alone.

Joanna’ Schaffhausen’s characters are the lowest of the low and the highest of the high. They range from the pond scum that doesn’t deserve to breath air to the knight in shining armor that all children dream about.

Ellery’s need to help others makes her a target all too often, but it leads to lots of non stop action and intense mysteries. Danger lurks around every corner and even comes knocking on her door. Joanna Schaffhausen stacks mystery on top of mystery, because one isn’t enough. LOL

Reed: “I want you to stop taking chances with your life.”

Ellery: “You forget. I’m living on borrowed time.”

OMG. Joanna Schaffhausen continues to blow me away with her in your face, can’t put down, take my breath away suspense.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of No Mercy by Joanna Schaffhausen.

GOODREADS BLURB

Police officer Ellery Hathaway and FBI profiler Reed Markham take on two difficult new cases in this stunning follow-up to The Vanishing Season.

No Mercy is award-winning author Joanna Schaffhausen’s heart-pounding second novel.

Police officer Ellery Hathaway is on involuntary leave from her job because she shot a murderer in cold blood and refuses to apologize for it. Forced into group therapy for victims of violent crime, Ellery immediately finds higher priorities than “getting in touch with her feelings.”

For one, she suspects a fellow group member may have helped to convict the wrong man for a deadly arson incident years ago. For another, Ellery finds herself in the desperate clutches of a woman who survived a brutal rape. He is still out there, this man with the Spider-Man-like ability to climb through bedroom windows, and his victim beseeches Ellery for help in capturing her attacker.

Ellery seeks advice from her friend, FBI profiler Reed Markham, who liberated her from a killer’s closet when she was a child. Reed remains drawn to this unpredictable woman, the one he rescued but couldn’t quite save. The trouble is, Reed is up for a potential big promotion, and his boss has just one condition for the new job—stay away from Ellery. Ellery ignores all the warnings. Instead, she starts digging around in everyone’s past but her own—a move that, at best, could put her out of work permanently, and at worst, could put her in the city morgue.

ABOUT JOANNA SCHAFFHAUSEN

Joanna Schaffhausen wields a mean scalpel, sharp skills she developed in her years studying neuroscience. She has a doctorate in psychology, which reflects her long-standing interest in the brain―how it develops and the many ways it can go wrong. Previously, she worked as a scientific editor in the field of drug development. Prior to that, she was an editorial producer for ABC News, writing for programs such as World News Tonight, Good Morning America, and 20/20. She lives in the Boston area with her husband, daughter, and an obstreperous basset hound.

Website / Twitter / Facebook

MY JOANNA SCHAFFHAUSEN REVIEWS

The Vanishing Season

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A Blizzard and I Am Snowed In Love by Amanda Siegrist @amanda_siegrist

Posted on December 4, 2019 by fundinmental

Amanda Siegrist is a go to author for me and I am so happy to be Snowed In…Love with her wonderfully romantic novel. The perfect time to wrap up in something warm, fix that hot toddy you know you want, and get lost in the world of James and Erin.

Snowed In Love by Amanda Siegrist released on 12.3.19, just in time for the holidays.

Amanda Siegrist does her own covers and I love them. What do you think?

Snowed in Love (Holiday Romance Novel, #4)

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I love a story that starts out with some natural disaster, whether it be an earthquake, a hurricane, a tsunami, or, in this case, a blizzard. Perfect for this time of year! I am also back with some familiar characters that I have grown to love, sharing their life with them.

James Brennan is in love, but he never lets her know about it. He is a recovering alcohol, has done bad things, hurt those close to him, and doesn’t feel he deserves anything good in his life, especially someone like Erin. The only thing that keeps him from another drink is his sister Theresa and his sponsor Terry.

Erin thinks he is a sweet guy and loves that he always stops at the emergency room desk to talk to her. He doesn’t know that she is secretly crushing on him and she is hesitant to tell him.

A lot of the normal romance, a small town, ugly gossip and an unlikely couple.

James is accused of something he didn’t do, loses his job and doesn’t even want to fight back. BUT, there are those around him that care for him and will not let it stand. I watched him struggle with his addiction, wondering why anyone would care. He’s just a loser, but there are those that believe in him. He can’t see it. He doesn’t think he deserves it.

Every time I open an Amanda Siegrist novel, I know I will get the full story, even when it’s a series. I love the recurring characters that pop in and out, as I learn more about the couple being featured. Each new book introduces me to an up close and personal look at their life.

Once I started, I couldn’t stop. I read it in one sitting and had the warm fuzzies at the end.

I voluntarily reviewed and ARC of Snowed In Love by Amanda Siegrist.

GOODREADS BLURB

From USA Today bestselling author Amanda Siegrist comes a heartwarming holiday series that will fill you with the Christmas spirit and lots of love.

A blizzard. A cabin. A cup of hot chocolate.
The perfect mixture to fall in love.

James Brennen is nothing but a screwup. At least, in the small town of Mulberry, that’s what everyone thinks of him. As a recovering alcoholic, he’s trying his best to turn his life around, to be a better man. All of his hard work comes crashing down when he’s fired from his job at the hospital—accused of stealing drugs. Nothing ever changes and he’s done trying to prove himself. Needing time alone, his friend’s cabin in the middle of the woods provides the perfect escape. He knows he’s found deep trouble, not only when he gets stranded during a brutal snowstorm, but that he’s stuck with the one woman he’s wanted since the first day he laid eyes on her. The passion burns bright between them, but it doesn’t matter, as soon as Christmas is over, he’s leaving for good.

ABOUT AMANDA SIEGRIST

I write contemporary and romantic suspense, but I am partial to suspense. I just love a good mystery.

Besides writing, I love baking, crafts, and baseball…oh, and meeting new people. *smiles*

Website / Twitter / Facebook

MY AMANDA SIEGRIST REVIEWS