Category Archives: Reviews

Giveaway – She’s Got The Time by M O Mack @MimiJeanRomance @xpressotours

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She’s Got The Time
MO Mack
(Suite #45, #3)
Publication date: August 29th 2024
Genres: Adult, Thriller

From author M.O. Mack comes the third, heart-stopping thriller in the Suite #45 series, SHE’S GOT THE TIME.

SENTENCED FOR A CRIME SHE ONLY WISHED SHE COMMITTED…

Emily has broken plenty of rules. Some she regrets. Others, well, not so much.

Running from her husband Ed for example? No regrets. He was a controlling predator who trafficked women while working for the FBI. But had she known she’d end up working for a group of hit men, she might’ve made different choices. Big regrets.

On the bright side, the group only kills bad guys. On the not-so-bright side, every cartel south of the border wants the group dead, and she’s number one on the cartel’s list.

Emily also regrets trusting Charge, her hit man boss. She regrets caring about him more than she should.

But when the feds arrest her for the murder of her ex, Emily knows she’s been set up, and all signs point to Charge. Why would he do this to her? The prison is filled with cartel gangs, and there’s a price on her head.

Can she find a way out before her time is up?

The clock is ticking…

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

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EXCERPT:

“I thought you loved me,” she said, knowing now that the confession he’d made after she’d saved him all those weeks ago had just been another lie.

Charge jerked his head back, like she’d taken him off guard. “What’s that have to do with anything?”

“It’s everything.” Because he’d told her that while he’d been preparing to do the hit on Ed, he’d watched her from afar and fallen for her. He’d said it was the reason he’d helped her after she’d run from Ed. “You’ve been playing me this entire time. Haven’t you? The story about you loving me was a scam to get me to keep working for you.” And it had worked. He’d probably done it because he believed she’d eventually lead him to Ed.

“I don’t have time for this right now. And I’ve proven my loyalty to you.”

“No. You said whatever you had to in order to make me trust you.” She hung her head. “I can’t believe I fell for it.” Not to mention, she’d started having feelings for Charge. She’d taken a life for him. She’d risked her own ass, too.

“I’m sorry you think that,” he said smugly, “but it doesn’t change the situation or what has to be done next.”

“And just what’s that? Am I supposed to take out the warden next? Or the head of one of the gangs here so you get paid?” She pushed back in her chair. “I’m done, Charge. Done.”

“Don’t be silly. You won’t get out of this prison alive unless you pull your head from your ass, Justine, and follow my instructions.”

This again. And why did he always call her Justine when he wanted to control her? Did he think it was some kind of psychological magic wand to garner compliance?

He went on, “You only have a day, two max, before someone realizes you have a ten-million-dollar price on your head. You don’t have much time, but it’s enough time to—”

“No, Charge. No more. I’m not buying into your crap. I mean, look at where I am.” She tried to throw her hands in the air, but they were chained to the table. “We both know I’m not getting out of here. Not after I killed that guard. At best, I’ll survive a week, and if it’s all the same to you, I’d like to enjoy what little time I have left.”

Author Bio:

Obviously, M.O. Mack is a cover. Don’t bother looking for the author’s true identity. She must remain secret due to the sensitive information written in her stories…

Okay, most of all that is total rubbish! M.O. is a full-time author from the great state of Arizona, who loves making stuff up and hates a slow story. The faster the better! Most days, M.O. tries to avoid the news (too icky) so it doesn’t interfere with writing nail-biter stories.

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MY MIMI JEAN PAMFILOFF REVIEWS

MY M O MACK REVIEWS

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A Book For All Ages – Earth Shot by Stephen Henning #stephenhenning #sciencefiction

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Amazon / Kindle Unlimited / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Earth Shot by Stephen Henning is suggested for those 9 and older and I loved it. Earth Shot made me think of ET, with the 3 friends, one of them being the younger sister, but it didn’t take long for the differences to start to show when we get to know the dying alien and Magic.

Sure, THEY wanted to find the aliens, but the kids weren’t going to help them. Not only are the kids hiding from the military, but they are also hiding from the evil alien that wants to kill them all.

Magic is awesome. At times I felt sorry for him, but he’s only a machine, a tablet. I can only imagine how enamored a child would be, maybe, like me, at times forgetting it’s not alive.

I had so much fun with the kids, dodging bullets and danger, while soaring through the skies. The action was non stop, keeping me flipping pages. At times, I laughed, at times I was scared, but I never lost faith in the children.

This is the second series of Stephen Henning’s I am reading and I love his work. It keeps me entertained for hours at a time. I find the characters personalities shine throw, keeping me involved, wondering what is going to happen to them next.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Earth Shot by Stephen Henning.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

A dying alien begs you for help, but it’s not your problem ‘cos you’re just a kid. Right? Three young friends witness a UFO crash in a remote Suffolk forest and are forced to make a will they help a dying alien stop Earth from being plunged into war? If so, they’ll have to trust their lives to a know-it-all computer nicknamed Magic, with its array of clever gadgets; take on a dangerous, shape-shifting enemy; break into a US Air Force base; and find a way to reach an orbiting spaceship. Ultimately, they’ll have to rely on one another’s loyalty and friendship if they are to stay alive and save the world.

EARTH SHOT is the first book in a new science fiction series, aimed at avid sci-fi readers aged 9 and upwards.

If you like stories of alien invasion and children’s action & adventure sci-fi books, then the Seconds to Midnight series is for you!

  • Genre: Action and Adventure, Fiction, Science Fiction
  • 203 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Published July 5, 2024
  • Series: Seconds To Midnight, Book I

ABOUT STEPHEN HENNING

Stephen Henning

 I began writing the first Class Heroes book on my laptop in February 2011, but these stories have probably been continually playing in my head since I was aged five or six, when I would act them out with toys and with my friends. I then branched out into using pencils, colouring pens and paper, moving on to writing pads and then my first computer.

So, as you’ve probably gathered, I have always enjoyed making up stories and the super-hero genre has been one of my favourites.

The CV-type stuff is that I went to Sheffield Hallam University to study English. I then trained and briefly worked as a journalist in Salford. After that, I moved into publishing – which was great. An interesting and fun industry to be in and fascinating to see how books are put together and sold.

After that I started doing technical writing, which led me to start my own business with my friend and colleague Andrew Butters. My love of writing, generally, led me back to writing fiction. Our company, Elucidox Ltd, publishes the Class Heroes books.

If you want to know a bit more about me, what kind of super powers I have and the kind of super villains I have to tangle with on a daily basis, then feel free to watch Rage. This is a short film, that took a long time to make. It’s a simple day in my life :-). Actually it’s just a fun movie that I made with the very kind help of some of my best mates. We had a laugh doing it, hope you like it too. And if you do, then why not explore the super world of the Class Heroes books?

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$20 GW & Review – Proven Innocence by Mary J Rocco @goddessfish

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PROVEN INNOCENCE by Mary J Rocco

GENRE:  Suspense/murder

MY REVIEW

Proven Innocence by Mary Rocco is her debut novel. The writing didn’t quite get there for a four or five star rating, but I see a lot of potential with the content. The mystery was easy for me to figure out, but I like that the one under suspicion, Cindy, is not the main character. Gabrielle is. That is a nice touch, Mary.

The writing needs work, but the characters and the story line were interesting enough to keep me turning the pages, wanting to find out how Cindy will get out of the mess she’s involved in through no fault of her own. She is accused of killing her husband and children and many are quick to call her guilty.

Gabrielle has taken it upon herself, a complete stranger to help cindy prove her innocence. She needs help. She can’t do it on her own. Even though Officer Mike Thomas has shown an interest in her, he has already labeled Cindy guilty, so she investigates on her own. I felt confident we would be hearing more about them before the story was over.

Proven Innocence has ruthless characters who’s motto is: Once you’re in, you’re never out.

The italicized sentences made it hard to read on my ereader. I get what Mary was trying to do, but I don’t think it was necessary.

Mary J Rocco did a good job with Proven Innocence and I look forward to reading more of her work as she polishes her craft. I foresee good things in her future.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Proven Innocence by Mary J Rocco.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
3 Stars

Amazon / Kindle Unlimited / Goodreads

BLURB

Cynthia Evans wakes up in the trunk of a car, no idea how she got there, only to discover she’s wanted for the murder of her husband and children. With no memory of life prior, Cynthia is sure she did not commit the crime.

Only problem is-how does she convince anyone she’s not a murderer when she is not sure who she is?

With the help of a downtrodden diner waitress, Gabrielle, Cynthia fights to prove her innocence.

One thing is clear: Rick Evans is dead. But who is the real killer?

EXCERPT

Too many possibilities. To concentrate on survival, I must assure myself that this person driving knows I am here and plans to release me from the dark layer upon reaching his destination.

Seconds seem like minutes, minutes like hours, leaving it nearly impossible to estimate how long I have been lying here. My best guess is about thirty minutes, not including how long I lay there unconscious in the sealed compartment. No sense of day or night. No idea if it is dark or light outside, what day it is, or where I am in the world. I keep straining to listen for faint conversation, but still no luck. The blood on my head is drying and forming the beginning of a thin, crusty layer on top of my skin. My head itches, but I will not move a muscle to scratch it as the pain has not been numbed.

Suddenly, I feel the car turn around a ramp. The curvy road throws my body to the back part of the trunk. Gravity and cen¬trifugal force are not kind to my aching ailments as we exit the major highway. A series of turns are made after the exit, each a few minutes apart. I need to remember how many turns it takes to make a quick getaway back to the interstate, though, at this point, I have no foreseeable idea how that will happen. If my calculations are correct, the car proceeded off the high¬way as follows: it turned left at the end of the exit ramp; then it proceeded for about three minutes and made another left, a quick right, then another left. The ride begins to feel bump¬ier as the road beneath the wheels is no longer smooth pave¬ment. From the sound of the gravel below, I deduce the road is not paved. The location is too remote for paved roads––not a good sign.

Everything slows to a stop, and the roar of the engine fades. We have arrived at our destination. Sheer panic ensues.

What am I going to do? Is it best to pretend as if I am still knocked out? This person obviously wants me alive, or he would have finished the job earlier.

Click.

The driver popped open the trunk. It is slightly ajar, just enough to let in a small beam of light but not enough for me to see outside. Muted sunlight breaks through the space between the trunk and the car.

Both the driver’s side and the passenger’s side doors slam shut simultaneously, causing me to rock back and forth slightly.

There are two people.

AUTHOR Bio and Links

I have dreamed of being an author since the age of ten. I have been writing and crafting stories for the last twenty years, mostly because, well you know, life… and I got in my own way. After finishing law school, graduate school, travelling the world, getting married and starting a family I figured now was the time.

I was born and raised on Long Island, New York and spent ten years in my early adulthood living carefree in New York City. I currently reside with my husband and two beautiful children in the western suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, where I am a practicing attorney.

I hope to continue to publish many more novels that entertain and thrill readers.

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mary-J.-Rocco/author/B0CX13KN4Y

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Review – The Long Way Home by Alex Bueno @AlexBuenoauthor

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Amazon / Audiobook / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Alex Bueno came up with the idea for the series while talking to a friend. He wanted to make it as realistic as possible, and I think he did a great job of it. It could become one of my go to books, if I’m ever caught up in an apocalypse. The way current events are going, who knows.

The Long Night, Book I, was all about the cyberattack and the initial scramble to survive. This volume is about the aftermath. I love a book that has me asking myself, “What would I do?”

I do love a book that has a summary of the previous book. Sometimes there is a long lapse in between, but Alex had this one done pretty quick, while The Long Night was still fresh in my mind.

We will travel from The Polk correctional Facility in Polk City to Mount Weather, Virginia, where the President is being housed, to Harbour Island, to Lake Bueno Vista. I’m sure we will be hearing about the convicts and it won’t be good news.

John and Jack are still struggling to get back to Harbour Island. They are lucky to find a good Samaritan who is willing to share their resources. They will earn their keep before their visit is done.

President Lowell has found there is a traitor in their midst and they have to smoke them out.

The characters in the novels run the gamut, from the best to the worst. The action is nonstop as the characters struggle to survive. Not all will make it and some will be sorely missed. I found myself thinking things like, don’t go there, don’t do that, lay low, hit ’em NOW! At times my heart was in my throat, my hands clenching my reader, flipping the pages as fast as I can because I have to see what’s happening next.

Alex Bueno did a wonderful job keeping me engaged, from beginning to end.

We have cliffhangers, but I expected that, seeing it’s a trilogy. I can hardly wait to get my hands on the third book in the series, The Long Dawn.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Long Way Home by Alex Bueno.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Survive the Impossible in ‘The Long Way Home’, the Electrifying Sequel to ‘The Long Night’

In the wake of a devastating cyber-attack followed by an electromagnetic pulse, the Winters’ fight for survival intensifies in ‘The Long Way Home’. As chaos consumes a technology-less nation, former military officer John Winter and his son, Jack, press on in their perilous 100-mile journey from Orlando to Harbour Island, Florida. Each step brings new dangers, from lawless lands to the desperate and ruthless, pushing their limits and testing their resolve. Their sole objective is to reunite with John’s wife, Emily, an esteemed electrical engineering specialist, and their daughter, Sarah, who are struggling to organize the community for even harder times ahead.

Meanwhile, US President Thomas Lowell grapples with a crisis that cuts to the core of American democracy. Surrounded by betrayal and an unseen adversary, his decisions are pivotal in steering a fragile nation through despair and fear.

‘The Long Way Home’ escalates the suspense and drama found in its predecessor, delivering an intense narrative filled with action, strategic challenges, and a deep exploration of the human spirit. Fans of gripping survival thrillers like William R. Forstchen’s ‘One Second After’, David Crawford’s ‘Lights Out’, and Emily St. John Mandel’s ‘Station Eleven’ will find this novel an unforgettable addition to their reading list.

Will the Winters overcome the seemingly impossible odds to find each other again? Will President Lowell manage to overcome internal and external threats to save the soul of America? The answers are in the pages of this thrilling sequel that will leave readers breathless and waiting for the next chapter of this captivating saga.

Grab your copy today and continue the journey into a world where the night has fallen, but the fight for the morning is just beginning.

  • Genre: Apocalyptic, Cyber Thriller, Dystopian, Fiction
  • 418 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Published April 30, 2024
  • Series: Long Night, Book II

ABOUT ALEX BUENO (from Amazon)

Trained as an engineer and driven by a passion for storytelling, Alex is a lifelong learner, with a background in tech product development. Yet, it’s not just the wonders of the digital age that fascinate him. His novels revolve around thrillers and adventures, consistently exploring the influence of technology on society. At the same time, he weaves in Christian values emphasizing family, community, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Inspired by renowned authors like Stephen King, James Patterson, Tom Clancy, and Michael Crichton, Alex’s stories captivate while also provoking deep thought.

Alex cherishes life alongside his wife and their 18-year-old son. Their journey is anchored by unwavering faith and a profound bond.

MY ALEX BUENO REVIEWS

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Review – Fantasmagoriana And Tales Of The Dead by Eric J Guignard and Leslie S Klinger @lklinger @ericjguignard

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Every time I receive a package from Eric J Guignard, I rip it open in eager anticipation of the next anthology of chills and thrills to come. This time, I received Fantasmagoriana, The Chapbook Spotlight in Eric J Guignard and some swag.

guignard

Hill House Gallery Presents: A Chapbook Spotlight On Popular Authors – Volume: Eric J Guignard

In Eric J Guignard’s Chapbook, he shares a creature feature novelette and an interview.

In the Last Days of the Gunslinger, John Amos we have the survivors of a small town, trapped on a clifftop, where the creatures cannot reach them. Seeing it’s a short read, I’ll only tell you that I was swept away with the humans when they are forced to leave their sanctuary. Cross your fingers and hope there is something left to run to.

Fantasmagoriana

First published in 1812, Fantasmagoriana has become one of the most seminal ghost-story anthologies of all time.

The Gothic Horror stories included in Fantasmagoriana Deluxe: A Combined Edition of Fantasmagiana And Tales Of The Dead are sure to entertain. They have a subtle, sneaky feeling of doom hovering over the pages. This is award winner Eric J Guignard’s eleventh anthology created by Ericc J Guignard.

I have been following Eric J Guignard for some time now, and he never fails to draw shivers up my spine, and having me checking those shadows hiding in the dark corners of my room. I make it a point to have the lights on, and never read his stories when I am alone…Never know what’s lurking around…

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

First published in 1812, Fantasmagoriana has become one of the most seminal ghost-story anthologies of all time.

Originally collected as a French translation of eight German-language tales, Fantasmagoriana famously led to the creation of such works as the horror-classic novel Frankenstein, the short story “The Vampyre” (a progenitor to the fantasy vampire genre), the novella “Ernestus Berchtold; or, The Modern Oedipus,” the poem “Manfred,” and more.

In 1813, the anthology was partially translated into English as Tales of the Dead, excluding three of the original stories while adding in one new, and inspiring an even wider audience to delight in stories of the ghostly and macabre.

Now, for the first time, both Fantasmagoriana and Tales of the Dead have been combined with all stories into one English-language volume, in this beautifully presented showcase by Dark Moon Books!

Also included within are:
• Original English translations by Anna Ziegelhof
• Introduction by award-winning author Lisa Morton
• Annotations by noted literary editor Leslie S. Klinger
• Illustrations, biographies, reading list, and more!

Open yourself to Fantasmagoriana Deluxe, and to all that is weird, ghostly, and wonderous.

  • Genre: Anthology, Fiction, Gothic, Horror
  • 242 pages, Paperback
  • Published November 28, 2023 by Dark Moon Books

ABOUT ERIC j GUIGNARD

ERIC J. GUIGNARD is a writer and editor of dark and speculative fiction, operating from the shadowy outskirts of Los Angeles, where he also runs the small press, Dark Moon Books. He’s twice won the Bram Stoker Award (the highest literary award of horror fiction), been a finalist for the International Thriller Writers Award, and a multi-nominee of the Pushcart Prize.

He has over one hundred stories and non-fiction author credits appearing in publications around the world. As editor, Eric’s published multiple fiction anthologies, including his most recent, Pop the Clutch: Thrilling Tales of Rockabilly, Monsters, and Hot Rod Horror , and A World of Horror , a showcase of international horror short fiction.

He currently publishes the acclaimed series of author primers created to champion modern masters of the dark and macabre, Exploring Dark Short Fiction ( Vol. I: Steve Rasnic Tem ; Vol. II: Kaaron Warren ; Vol. III: Nisi Shawl ; Vol. IV: Jeffrey Ford ; Vol. V: Han Song ; Vol. VI: Ramsey Campbell).

He is also publisher and acquisitions editor for the renowned +Horror Library+ anthology series. Additionally he curates the series, The Horror Writers Association Presents: Haunted Library of Horror Classics through SourceBooks with co-editor Leslie S. Klinger.

His latest books are Last Case at a Baggage Auction ; Doorways to the Deadeye ; and short story collection That Which Grows Wild (Cemetery Dance).

Outside the glamorous and jet-setting world of indie fiction, Eric’s a technical writer and college professor, and he stumbles home each day to a wife, children, dogs, and a terrarium filled with mischievous beetles. Visit Eric at: www.ericjguignard.com, his blog: ericjguignard.blogspot.com, or Twitter: @ericjguignard.

ABOUT LESLIE S KLINGER

Leslie S. Klinger is considered to be one of the world’s foremost authorities on those twin icons of the Victorian era, Sherlock Holmes and Dracula. He is the editor of the three-volume collection of the short stories and novels, THE NEW ANNOTATED SHERLOCK HOLMES, published by W. W. Norton in 2004 and 2005, winner of the Edgar® Award for Best Critical/Biographical Work and nominated for every other major award in the mystery genre. THE NEW ANNOTATED DRACULA, published by W. W. Norton in 2008, delivers promises a similar in-depth examination of Bram Stoker’s haunting classic and its historical context.

Since the 1960’s, the study of the rich fantastic literature of the Victorian writers has been Klinger’s consuming passion. He has written dozens of articles on Sherlockiana, published more than a dozen books on Sherlock Holmes and Dracula in addition to the Norton works, and regularly teaches UCLA Extension courses on Holmes and Dracula.

He and Laurie R. King have co-edited three anthologies of stories inspired by the Sherlock Holmes Canon, the latest being ECHOES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES, published by Pegasus Books. In addition, he has edited a number of anthologies collecting original and classic detective and vampire tales.

His groundbreaking THE ANNOTATED SANDMAN, a panel-by-panel examination of Neil Gaiman’s near-legendary “Sandman” comics. Given unprecedented access to Gaiman’s scripts and based on hours of conversations with the author, Klinger adds hundreds of notes describing historical sources, literary and popular cultural references and illuminates the characters and milieu of the rich stories. Published by DC Comics, the first volume appeared in January 2012; the remaining three were published in 2013, 2014 and 2015. His THE NEW ANNOTATED H. P. LOVECRAFT, highly praised and nominated for various awards, was published by W. W. Norton in 2015. He is currently working on THE ANNOTATED WATCHMEN for DC Entertainment, to be published in July 2017, as well as THE NEW ANNOTATED FRANKENSTEIN, which will appear from W. W. Norton in July 2017.

In a completely different genre, Klinger and Laura Caldwell have co-edited a searing, heartbreaking true-crime anthology ANATOMY OF INNOCENCE: TESTIMONIES OF THE WRONGFULLY CONVICTED, to be published by W. W. Norton in March 2017. The volume pairs major mystery/thriller writers with exonerees to tell their harrowing tales.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Klinger received an A.B. in English from the University of California, Berkeley, followed by a J.D. from Boalt Hall (School of Law, U.C. Berkeley). Since then, he has lived in Los Angeles, pursuing a legal career in tax, estate, and business planning. Klinger is a member of the Baker Street Irregulars, the Horror Writers Association, and the Mystery Writers of America. He served three times as the Chapter President of the SoCal Chapter of MWA and on its National Board of Directors and currently serves as Treasurer of the Horror Writers Association. (less)

MY ERIC J GUIGNARD REVIEWS

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Review – Covert Risk by Jane Blythe @jblytheauthor #romanticsuspense

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Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Jane Blythe writes some of the best romantic suspense novels I have ever read, fast paced and easy to read.. They may run in series, but each can stand alone. Each has a hunkalicious knight in shining armor to go with a damsel in distress. In Covert Risk, Lila and Surf are in the spotlight.

Surf doesn’t love ’em and then leave ’em, but he is a one night stand kind of guy. He uses sex as a coping mechanism and fights his desire to keep Lila in his life. He would be putting her in danger, so he dumps her, rather cruelly, too.

Lila finds out she’s pregnant. Since he won’t answer her calls, she goes to him.

“It’s like a damn horror movie, “Arrow muttered. “Every time you think it’s over it’s not.”

We have had an ongoing, overthrow the country, story line running through this series, but that is what ties all the characters together. The immediate danger is solved, but there is a lingering danger that will be dealt with in the next and final book of the series, Savage Risk, which ties everything up in a neat little package.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Covert Risk by Jane Blythe.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

An unplanned pregnancy puts her in the sights of a terrorist.

Lila Angeletti fought hard to get away from her family and build her own life. After years of not letting anyone get too close she falls for a man only to have him break things off with no explanation. Then she finds out she’s carrying his baby. Determined to give her child the life she never had she tracks down the father to tell him but if he wants nothing to do with them she’ll raise this baby alone.

Christian “Surf” Bailey didn’t want to walk away from Lila but it was the only way he could think of to keep her safe. When he learns she’s pregnant all bets are off. He’ll do whatever it takes to win her trust back and protect his little family.

But the threat to his team and someone from Lila’s past have joined forces leaving him and the woman he loves stranded in the forests of Switzerland fighting for their lives.

  • Genre: Fiction, Military, Romance, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Thriller
  • 240 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Published June 13, 2023 by Bear Spots Publications
  • Series: Prey Security, Alpha Team, #5

ABOUT JANE BLYTHE

USA Today bestselling author Jane Blythe writes action-packed romantic suspense and military romance featuring protective heroes and heroines who are survivors. One of Jane’s most popular series includes Saving SEALs, part of Susan Stoker’s OPERATION ALPHA world! Writing in that world alongside authors such as Janie Crouch and Riley Edwards has been a blast, and she looks forward to bringing more books to this genre, both within and outside of Stoker’s world. When Jane isn’t binge-reading she’s counting down to Christmas and adding to her 200+ teddy bear collection!

Website  /  Twitter  /  Facebook

MY REVIEWS FOR JANE BLYTHE’S BOOKS

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Review – Don’t Ask Don’t Follow by Mary Keliikoa @mary_keliikoa @edelweiss_squad

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Amazon / Audiobook / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I had seen Mary Keliikoa’s name around and always wanted to read some of her work, so when I saw Don’t Ask Don’t Follow on Edelweiss, I grabbed me a review copy. I was glad I did. I quickly got attached to Beth Ralston and curious about her sister, Lindsay.

Beth’s relationship with her family members are complicated, but she is confident and can stand on her own two feet. She was the responsible one, covering for her sister when they were growing up. Lindsay was the one taking risks, telling Beth, Don’t Ask, Don’t Follow.

When Beth’s boss is found murdered, she begins an investigation that reveals secrets that affected her life and her family’s life. I consider myself a realist and I know that sometimes it is family that can hurt you the most. Beth will be discovering. Maybe, too often, I think the worst of people.

As the investigation deepens, I found people playing God. They may mean well, but who are they to play judge, jury, and executioner. What makes their decisions the RIGHT one?

Guess what? I also saw my name, Sherry, was given to a character. Will she be a good one or a bad one? I don’t care. It’s just fun to see my name in a book. Author’s don’t use it a lot.

There are Book Club Discussion questions at the end of the book, and I think this could be a good one for your book club. There are plenty of questions about the characters motivations and the dysfunctional family that Beth is part of. Mary Keliikoa threw out enough false leads for me to follow and question how I could be wrong about this or that. Red Herrings are always fun to run across, being lead down a fuzzy path of clues.

The only thing I found missing was that heart in my throat, what will happen next feeling. That’s what makes the difference between a mystery and a thriller to me, and I consider Don’t Ask Don’t Follow more mystery than thriller.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Murder, dark family secrets, and the unwavering bond of sisterhood— regardless of the cost

Beth Ralston, a paralegal in Portland, Oregon, would rather be racking up billable hours than mingling at an office party— especially when her sister Lindsay, aka her plus one, is a no-show.

After making her obligatory rounds, Beth returns to her office to find that her boss, who she’d talked with moments before, has been murdered. She sees a woman fleeing the scene. Wait— was that Lindsay? Unable to catch up to her in time, Beth waits for the police to arrive and notices that Lindsay has left her phone behind with an unsent text message to Beth displayed on the screen: “ Don’t ask. Don’t follow.”

Lindsay is unreachable for days, and when Beth starts to come under suspicion for the crime, she decides that waiting is impossible. While retracing Lindsay’s steps, determined to bring her home, Beth uncovers what her sister, an investigative reporter bent on changing the world, was trying to expose— corruption, secrets, and betrayal on an unimaginable level. Revealing the truth might bring back the one person she’s desperate to find— but it could also destroy the only life and family Beth’s ever known.

Perfect for fans of Gregg Olsen and Karin Slaughter

  • Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Psychological Thriller, Suspense, Thriller
  • 368 pages, Paperback
  • First published June 4, 2024 by OceanView Publishing
  • Goodreads Reviews & Ratings – 3.91 – 318 ratings, 193 reviews

ABOUT MARY KELIIKOA

Mary Keliikoa is the author of the award-winning HIDDEN PIECES and DEADLY TIDES in the Misty Pines mystery series, and the PI Kelly Pruett mystery series, which includes the Shamus Finalist and Lefty, Agatha and Anthony award-nominated DERAILED for best debut.

Her first domestic suspense, DON’T ASK, DON’T FOLLOW will be out June of 2024.

A Pacific NW native, she admits to being that person who gets excited when called for jury duty. When not in Washington, you can find Mary with toes in the sand on a Hawaiian beach. But even under the palm trees and blazing sun, she’s plotting her next murder—novel that is.

www.marykeliikoa.com

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Review – All The Missing Girls by Linda Hurtado Bond #AlltheMissingGirls #NetGalley @authorlindabond

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MY REVIEW

All The Missing Girls by Linda Hurtado Bond is not listed as a series, but it is. The first book, All The Broken Girls made Linda a must read author for me and I can hardly wait until she comes out with the next book in the series. They are fast paced mystery, suspense, thrillers that kept me flipping the pages.

Mari, an investigative journalist, Tony, her detective friend and love interest, and her photographer, Orlando, are on their way to Cuba. They may be the main characters, but there are plenty of peripheral characters that shine. They will be entering the country illegally to find her sister, Izzy, who she believes has been kidnapped by Raul, the man who killed her mother.

They were going to make a documentary about finding Izzy, until they find young girls are going missing and the fodder for the documentary grows. It doesn’t matter what she has to do, but Mari is not leaving Cuba without her sister. As they dodge the military and those who want to shut them up, the danger rises.

Whoa…as I read along I quickly figure out where the story was going, but it was such a grisly shock when I got there and Linda took a step further, making it even more shocking than I thought and shivers ran up and down my spine. I hate confined spaces. I love when an author can take something that seems predictable and ratchets it up a notch.

Each book has two mysteries to be solved, one which ends in the book, but it leaves a cliffhanger type ending for the ongoing mystery that will take place in the next book. I can hardly wait to get my hands on Book III, The Phantom Pirate of Gasparilla.

Three o’clock pm, Friday, September eighth. The clock starts ticking. Again

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of All The Missing Girls by Linda Hurtado Bond.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

She doesn’t belong here.

There’s no way for TV news crime reporter Mari Alvarez to get into Cuba except illegally. But with her estranged sister missing—and likely under the control of the guy who killed their mámá—Mari has no choice but to enter the country on an unregistered boat in the dead of night. Now she has forty-eight hours to find her sister, take revenge on her mother’s killer, and escape before the authorities even know she’s there…

But there’s nothing simple about it. With few contacts and a trail of cryptic clues, Mari and Detective Tony Garcia—along with her photographer—are caught up in a maze of lies, deceptions, and a sinister undercurrent of Brujería. Witchcraft.

Every lead draws Mari further into a world of shadows, and it soon becomes clear that her sister isn’t the only young woman who’s gone missing. But there’s no one here they can trust. And as they close in on the horrifying truth, one thing becomes clear…no one will let them leave Cuba alive.

  • Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller
  • 350 pages, ebook
  • First published August 19, 2024 by Entangled: Amara
  • Series: Book II

ABOUT LINDA HURTADO BOND

Linda Hurtado Bond

Be sure to follow Linda Hurtado Bond on BookBub for the latest book info: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/linda…

Author Linda Hurtado Bond is an Emmy award winning TV news anchor and an author of romantic thrillers.

She’s worked as a television news reporter and anchor in Fort Myers, Orlando and Tampa Florida. For the past twenty years, she’s shared important information with viewers on the latest medical breakthroughs and has written emotional, human-interest stories on those who have the courage and spirit to fight for their lives.

She writes every day, under deadline, but has always loved losing herself in a good fiction story. Her love for writing fiction actually started in high school, but a thriving, busy professional life, along with five kids ( 2 step-kids, an adopted son from Cuba and 2 daughters ) kept her busy for many years.

Entangled Publishing released three romantic adventures Alive at 5, Cuba Undercover and Flatline. Think James Bond meets Romancing the Stone. Cuba Undercover is based on her own true life love story.

She has received numerous writing awards for Alive at 5 , Flatline and Cuba Undercover.

Her latest book, All the Broken Girls, releasing in 2022, features two Cuban American characters and a deep dive into Cuban American culture.

Linda has won 13 Emmy awards, numerous Society of Professional Journalist awards, Associated Press awards, as well as a Florida Bar award and an Edward R. Murrow award.

This former baton-twirling beauty queen from The University of Georgia, now lives in Tampa Florida with her husband and kids.

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / Bookbub / YouTube

MY LINDA HURTADO BOND REVIEWS

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Review – The Corpse Whisperer Sworn by H R Boldwood @BoldwoodH @SDBookTours

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MY REVIEW

Corpse Whisperer Sworn by H R Boldwood is the third book in the Corpse Whisperer Series and I am fortunate to have them all, thanks to the author. The books are quick reads, because it’s hard to stop myself from racing through the pages.

With a gun in one hand and a blade in the other, Allie Nighthawk searches the streets of New Orleans for the necromancer, Toussaint. Who will win the face to face confrontation?

She can raise the dead, but spends most of her time putting down the freshies, flesh eaters and corpsicles with the help of her hotty, wantta be boyfriend, Ferris.

As I picture the zombies from The Walking Dead, I am laughing most of the way through the blood and guts, the zushi. The writing is humorous, even when they are shooting, slashing and stabbing, and their lives are on the line.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Corpse Whisperer Sworn by H R Boldwood.

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4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Follow Allie Nighthawk to exciting New Orleans where she raises the dead, puts down rotters, and dabbles in the mystical world of hoodoo. She’s on the trail of an evil necromancer who will stop at nothing to rule the world with his army of deadheads. Is her magick strong enough to save the day? Or will this necromancer from her past kill her before she gets the chance? She figures she’s got a fifty-fifty shot. Make that forty-sixty.

  • Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Paranormal, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Urban Fantasy, Zombies
  • 356 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Published May 8, 2020 by Third Street Press
  • Series: Allie Nighthawk Mysteries, #3

ABOUT H R BOLDWOOD

H.R. Boldwood, author of the Corpse Whisperer series, countless short stories, and Imadjinn Award finalist, is a writer of horror and speculative fiction. In another incarnation, Boldwood is a Pushcart Prize nominee and winner of the 2009 Bilbo Award for creative writing by Thomas More College. Boldwood’s characters are often disreputable and not to be trusted. They are kicked to the curb at every conceivable opportunity when some poor unsuspecting publisher welcomes them with open arms. No responsibility is taken by this author for the dastardly and sometimes criminal acts committed by this ragtag group of miscreants.

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

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Review – The Hospital by Leslie Wolfe @SDBookTours @LWNovels

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MY REVIEW

MIND OFFICIALLY BLOWN!

I have read some Leslie Wolfe books and knew I was in for a good read, but I never anticipated how good. I should have begun sooner in the day, because I didn’t want to stop reading. I gave up in the wee hours of the morning, but picked it up to finish while drinking my coffee.

So many cringe worthy moments I can’t begin to describe them all. Just thinking about them to write this review has hair standing up on the back of my neck and shivers running up and down my spine. Is someone watching me?

Imagine being blind and paralyzed, totally at the mercy of those who ‘care’ for you.

Now, imagine, not all of them have your best interests at heart. I’m starting to get an ominous, horrifying feeling of someone orchestrating a sick game on her, but I have yet to figure out WTF is going on.

More than once I had to remember to pick my jaw up off the floor and close my mouth.

Hello movie people. The Hospital would make a great book to movie adaptation. The complex mystery and psychological torture she endures is sure to put the thrill in thriller.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Hospital by Leslie Wolfe.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
5 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

I should feel safe here. I don’t.

I thought I had it all. The loving husband I married on a beach, sand between my toes. The career I fought for. The beautiful home tucked away between pines and mountains.

But my perfect life crumbled when my husband betrayed me. And then it started. Everywhere I went, someone was following me… But no one believed me. Were they right? Was I losing my mind?

Then, one day, I wake up with a searing pain in my head, and only the sound of sirens and distant conversations to pierce my confusion.

I’ve been attacked. I’m in the hospital.

It should be reassuring. But all I can think is: I’m trapped.

I must escape. But I know I can’t trust anyone, and I’ll do whatever it takes to save myself.

You will never see the twists coming in this jaw-on-the-floor gasp-out-loud rollercoaster from the no.1 bestselling author of The Surgeon. Fans of Freida McFadden, Lisa Jewell and Shari Lapena won’t be able to put it down!

  • Genre: Fiction, Medical, Mystery, Psychological, Suspense, Thriller
  • 322 pages, ebook
  • First published May 21, 2024 by Bookouture

ABOUT LESLIE WOLFE

Leslie Wolfe is a bestselling author whose novels break the mold of traditional thrillers. She creates unforgettable, brilliant, strong women heroes who deliver fast-paced, satisfying suspense, backed up by extensive background research in technology and psychology.

Leslie released the first novel, Executive, in October 2011. Since then, she has written many more, continuing to break down barriers of traditional thrillers. Her style of fast-paced suspense, backed up by extensive background research in technology and psychology, has made Leslie one of the most read authors in the genre and she has created an array of unforgettable, brilliant and strong women heroes along the way.

A recently released standalone and an addictive, heart-stopping psychological thriller, The Girl You Killed will appeal to fans of The Undoing, The Silent Patient, or Little Fires Everywhere. Reminiscent of the television drama Criminal Minds, her series of books featuring the fierce and relentless FBI Agent Tess Winnett would be of great interest to readers of James Patterson, Melinda Leigh, and David Baldacci crime thrillers. Fans of Kendra Elliot and Robert Dugoni suspenseful mysteries would love the Las Vegas Crime series, featuring the tension-filled relationship between Baxter and Holt. Finally, her Alex Hoffmann series of political and espionage action adventure will enthrall readers of Tom Clancy, Brad Thor, and Lee Child.

Leslie has received much acclaim for her work, including inquiries from Hollywood, and her books offer something that is different and tangible, with readers becoming invested in not only the main characters and plot but also with the ruthless minds of the killers she creates.

A complete list of Leslie’s titles is available at LeslieWolfe.com/books.

Leslie enjoys engaging with readers every day and would love to hear from you. Become an insider: gain early access to previews of Leslie’s new novels.

MY LESLIE WOLFE REVIEWS

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