Review – The Final Winter by Iain Rob Wright @iain_rob_wright

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I love the cover of The Final Winter by Iain Rob Wright…and who doesn’t love a story that takes place during a fatal weather even…in this case, a blizzard.

It is available through Kindle Unlimited.

Amazon / Audiobook / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I began Final Winter eagerly. I love the cover and the blurb drew me in. It started out slow, for me. I kept thinking, will I finish it. My mind wandered and I kept bringing myself back. I am sooo glad I did. What began as a two, or maybe even, one star read, turned into a solid three stars. I would love to give it more, but I didn’t get into the story until I was halfway through. I thought…this is a story of our humanity…how low can we go…and that’s okay. Then, the last quarter of the book SAVED it. Final Winter was definitely worth reading.

There’s also some great bonus content: seven short stories of Final Winter, each spotlighting a family during the apocalypse and the standalone short: The Peeling of Samuel Lloyd Collins, which may be short, but, most assuredly, is not sweet.

I believe I have a couple more stories by Ian Rob Wright hanging around on my Kindle. I’ll be checking that out.

3 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Critically acclaimed début novel of bestselling author, Iain Rob Wright.

What would you do if it started snowing in every country in the world? Would you panic? For a ragtag group of strangers gathered at a dilapidated English pub, the best solution is a pint of beer with a hearty shot of denial. The truth is too strange to admit; but, one by one, they will be forced to accept reality – that something sinister is lurking outside in the snow. Something no one could imagine.

Amongst those at the pub is Harry Jobson, the local drunk. Nobody would ever look to him during a time of crisis, but as things deteriorate he is forced to get a grip on his past and be the man he was always meant to be. It will be up to Harry to find answers to questions like: who just threw a body through the window with the word SINNER carved into its chest?

Not everyone is going to make it through the night – and those who do will wish they hadn’t.

Special edition bonus content – seven additional short stories set during the events of The Final Winter, plus one additional stand-alone tale: The Peeling of Samuel Lloyd Collins.

ABOUT IAN ROB WRIGHT

One of Horror’s most respected authors, Iain Rob Wright is the writer of more than twenty books, many of them bestsellers. A previous Kindle All-Star and a mainstay in the horror charts, he is a prolific producer of unique and original stories. From his apocalyptic saga The Gates to his claustrophobic revenge thriller ASBO, Iain writes across a broad spectrum of sub genres, creating both beloved series and standalone titles.

With work available in several languages and in audio, Iain Rob Wright is one of the fastest rising stars in horror, but when not writing he is a dedicated family man. Father to Jack and Molly, and husband to Sally, he is often seen sharing his family memories with his fans on Facebook.

To get 6 of his books for free (no strings), just visit: www.iainrobwright.com

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Review – Claws by Ricky Sides #rickysides

Amazon / KindleUnlimited / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

The fabulous cover speaks horror and I love it! A pet food company messing with Mother Nature…I know that is not going to end well. You may look at your pet a little differently after reading Claws. Is your cute, cuddly little bundle of fur looking at you funny? Is your sweet kitty licking your hand as an appetizer…getting ready to take a chunk out of it? LOL Will that make you sleep better, when kitty curls up on your chest wanting snuggles? The main issue I had was with the ‘romance’. The dialogue did not ring true, but, then, I look at a book like Claws as a B movie, not known for its sophistication, but still a very enjoyable use of my time. Greed and all that comes with it was expected. The head of the ‘operation’ will stop at nothing to get more of that all mighty dollar. Will he get his comeuppance? I loved the ending.

3 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

I’d like to give special thanks to Jason Merrick for the great cover.

Alcorn Pet Food Corporation is working with an experimental cat food laced with hormones and appetite enhancers. The special food causes cats to add muscle, gain weight, and exhibit extremely aggressive behavior. When an employee threatens to expose the pet food as a threat to public safety, she finds herself out of work, her home ransacked, and all her carefully gathered proof missing. Meanwhile, animal rights activists release the cats involved in the testing because they are scheduled to be euthanized. These bigger, stronger, and more aggressive animals begin to prey on small game in the area. Then the ravenous cats turn their attention to people.

Lovers, runners, hunters, dogs, deer, rabbits, normal cats, and even motorists begin to fall victim to the predations of these enhanced felines. An unemployed scientist, a small special ops team, a grieving father, a chief of security, and a homeless veteran join forces to try to prevent a catastrophe.

When a murderer steals the secret formula that created the menace and sells it to eight foreign enemies of the United States, the stakes suddenly get a lot higher, because the most deadly biological weapon ever created has just been released. The genie is out of the bottle and the world will never be the same.

To make matters worse, the scientist discovers that the first generation offspring will be even bigger and more aggressive, and then they learn that the food also affects dogs and rats.

ABOUT RICKY SIDES (from Amazon)

Ricky Sides was Born in Florence, Alabama in May of 1958. He has a wife named Sue that he married at age 18. He has one adult son named Larry Dale.

The author studied martial arts from 1981 to the mid 1990s. He has been an avid camper and student of survival. The techniques described in his fight sequences are often from his own personal experience and training. He has taught women’s rape prevention seminars in the 1980’s that he conducted free to the public.

The author’s writing experience includes the ” Peacekeeper” series, the “Brimstone” series, “The Ultimate in Women’s Self-Defense,” and “Adventures in Reading,” “Claws,” which is a suspense / horror novel that will ultimately serve as the back story for an epic post apocalyptic novel that he will release in 2011. “Claws 2. After the Apocalypse,” and “Lina’s Story,” which is connected to the peacekeeper series.

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Review – Baby Talk by Mike Wells @MikeWellsAuthor

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

There is no way I would pass on Baby Talk by Mike Wells, just by looking at the cover. It made me think of Rosemary’s Baby, and, as I got to reading, it made me think of The Omen. Baby Talk is Book I of a trilogy and a quick read. Mike Wells managed to pack a lot into Baby Talk. Suitably creepy and I felt bad for Neal Becker. Even though it is not such an original story, I still enjoyed (?) my time with the characters and want to see where Mike Wells takes the story.

3 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

In this creepy horror novel, Neal Becker is convinced that his 5 month old baby daughter can talk. But that’s impossible…isn’t it?  Except that Neal didn’t really want to get married in the first place – the pregnancy was the result of a one-night stand, and he preferred an abortion. Now, Baby Natasha knows it, and she’s out to get him!  Or so Neal believes…join the two in a terrifying battle for survival that will make your blood run cold.

ABOUT MIKE WELLS

Email me at mike (at) mikewellsbooks.com or follow me on Twitter (@MikeWellsAuthor) and get a FREE copy of one of my bestselling books. I’m an American author best known for my Lust, Money & Murder series and and written more than 25 other thriller and suspense novels. I also have taught in the Creative Writing program at Oxford. I’m known for my super fast-paced, ‘unputdownable’ books.

Please visit my website/blog at:

http://www.mikewellsbooks.com/

And please join me on Twitter and Facebook:

http://twitter.com/mikewellsauthor

http://facebook.com/mikewellsauthor …more

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The Iron Will by F C Yee & The Secret Keepers by Jean Nicole Rivers @yeebookauthor

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I won both the books and was so excited to read them, though The Secret Keepers has been patiently waiting for a long time, unfortunate that it got buried in the stack of books I want to read.

The Iron Will of Genie Lo (The Epic Crush of Genie Lo, #2)

Amazon / Audiobook / Goodreads

A fun and dangerous journey with Genie Lo and her friends and enemies and loves, in a young adult novel. A battle between magical creatures and demons. I enjoyed it and don’t feel I was lost by not reading the first book, though I do feel I may have gotten more involved in the characters and the outcome if I had.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
3 Stars
The Secret Keepers (Black Water Tales #1)

Amazon / Goodreads

I loved this horror thriller filled with shock moments that had me wondering…is it in her mind…as the secrets are slowly exposed, leaving it hard to figure out who is good, who is bad and why.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

MY JEAN NICOLE REVIEWS

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Giveaway & Review – Dark Waves by Amanda Uhl @GoddessFish @AuAuthor

Dark Waves by Amanda Uhl

GENRE: Paranormal Romance

MY REVIEW

Dr Audrey Gilbert is in trouble, and the only way to save her job is to get Kevin to return the fold. She is a paranormal psychiatrist and her specialty is healing hackers with PTSD. With minimal information, she meets him…face to face.

Kevin Jorgensen is a recluse, but there is something about Audrey that intrigues him.

Nothing earth shattering, but a nice story and a quick read. I love reading paranormal/supernatural stories and Amanda Uhl has given me a fresh look at a familiar genre, filled with plenty of intrigue.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Dark Waves by Amanda Uhl.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
3 Stars

BLURB

A fearless doctor

Paranormal psychiatrist Dr. Audrey Gilbert is not used to failure, especially when it comes to her career. She possesses an uncanny ability to see into her patients’ souls and mend their brokenness. When she misdiagnosis a patient and is fired, she is given a chance to regain her job. Her task? Restore the health of a deranged mind hacker. But safeguarding her heart while convincing the detached and bitter man to trust her, just might be the challenge of a lifetime.

A tormented hacker

Born into a family of powerful psychics, Kevin Jorgensen has always had a quick wit and a sunny disposition. But that was before he nearly lost his life battling a rogue mind hacker. Now he spends his days in isolation, fighting for his sanity. He swears never to use his gift, not even if he’s drawn to the woman determined to help him recover.

A battle for survival

When Audrey and Kevin discover someone has tampered with her mind, they must work together to determine why. Because if they fail, their lives and the lives of many other hackers will be destroyed.

EXCERPT

“Besides the hacker who went rogue, have there been any other disgruntled patients of yours over the last few years?”

Audrey frowned and rubbed her temple. “Not that I recall.”

“You have a headache?”

The pain in her head throbbed as if in answer. “I… Yes, a small one.”

“Have you noticed any recent gaps in your memory? Fuzzy thoughts?”

She narrowed her gaze. “What are you suggesting?”

“Audrey, some of your memories have been wiped.”

Her heartbeat sped up, and it felt like all the blood drained from her forehead at once. The room tilted in a crazy circle, and she saw white spots in front of her eyes. There was a rushing sound, and in an instant, all the colors in the room faded to black. She blinked and realized she was slumped in the recliner with Kevin leaning over her, shaking her shoulders, the earthy scent of him filling her nostrils.

“You okay?”

“Yes,” she managed. Her skull felt like someone had stuffed it with cotton. “I…”

“You fainted. Take it easy.” He crouched next to her, tucked a pillow behind her head, and helped her sit up. “I probably should have found a better way to tell you.”

Ya think? What was even more shocking was him hovering over her like she was his patient. He needed to move far away so she didn’t have to breathe in his rich, masculine smell. She had the insane desire to reach out and hug him so she’d feel safe.

Heat rushed to her cheeks, and her head cleared. “I’m…I’m all right now.”

Kevin didn’t budge, sending her blood pressure up a notch.

She brushed her hair behind her ears and tried to think. “You said my mind had been wiped. How can you know for certain?”

“I’m a former hacker, remember. I know the signs. What’s more, your blocks have been removed.”

“My…blocks?” She sat forward, the hair on her arms rising with her. The blocks were for her safety—to protect her as she worked with hackers. “They’re permanent. It’s impossible to remove them…isn’t it?”

He must have been reassured she had recovered from her faint because he stood and returned to the couch before answering, and she managed to get her breathing under control.

“Not quite. It’s difficult for the vast majority of hackers, but not everyone.”

“You mean you can do it,” she said, hardly daring to breath.

“Yes, and any other class tens who specialize in blocks. After all, we’re the ones who put them in place. Audrey, I need you to think really hard about when you first started having headaches.”

AUTHOR Bio and Links

Amanda Uhl

Award-winning author Amanda Uhl has always had a fascination with the mystical. Having drawn her first breath in a century home rumored to be haunted, you might say she was “born” into it. After a brief stint in college as a paid psychic, Amanda graduated with a bachelor of fine arts in theatre and a master’s degree in marketing. Over the past twenty years, she has worked as an admissions representative and graphic designer, owned her own freelance writing company, and managed communications for several Fortune 500 companies, most recently specializing in cyber security. Amanda is an avid reader and writes fast-paced, paranormal romantic suspense and humorous contemporary romance from her home in Cleveland, Ohio. When she’s not reading or writing, you can find Amanda with her husband and three children, gathering beach glass on the Lake Erie shoreline or biking in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Visit her online at www.amandauhl.com.

Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Goodreads / Amazon / Bookbub

  • Universal Link: https://books2read.com/DarkWaves
  • Amazon –> https://amzn.to/3RK85Yy
  • Barnes&Noble —> https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dark-waves-amanda-uhl/1141462195
  • iBooks —> https://books.apple.com/us/book/dark-waves/id1623878665
  • Kobo —> https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/dark-waves-1
  • Google Play —> https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Amanda_Uhl_Dark_Waves_Mind_Hackers_Series_Novella?id=Eb9vEAAAQBAJ
  • Goodreads —> https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61082061-dark-waves
  • Bookbub —> https://www.bookbub.com/books/dark-waves-mind-hackers-series-novella-by-amanda-uhl
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One Sentence Review – Shadow Hunter by Andrea Pearson @andreapearson2

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Shadow Hunter is my first book by Andrea Pearson and I feel like I read it out of order, even thought it is the first book. Is it a spinoff?

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

This action packed, demons running amok, kill or be killed paranormal and supernatural thriller had me intrigued from the first sentence of the blurb: Bound to destroy the woman he loves…but I kept tripping up over the tense and I felt like I was missing something…is this a spinoff from a previous series…was it Abel’s turn to tell his story?

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3 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Bound to destroy the woman he loves…

Abel hasn’t seen Lizzie in at least seven years, and his experiences since then have changed him significantly. He’s sure he’s moved past his earlier crush, that he’s immune to her carefree and bubbly personality, but the moment his eyes land on her, he knows he’s still in love.

Instead of a joyful reunion, though, he only suffers agony at being in her presence again.

Because he’s being blackmailed into murdering her.

And there’s no way out. The Shadow Prophet has vowed to kill everyone Abel holds dear if he doesn’t complete the job. Abel has tried everything he can think of to break the contract, but nothing has worked, and he has nowhere else to turn.

Complicating things further, he gets recruited by a second client to help Lizzie achieve an impossible mission. One where they must work closely together while hunting immortal demons. One that will either destroy him or force him to kill her before he’s found a way out—before he’s ready to do it.

But how can a man ever be ready to murder the woman he loves?

If you enjoy high-stakes fantasy action, romance with a hint of angst, and fast-moving paranormal stories, you’ll love Shadow Prophet, book one in an addictive fantasy series

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Giveaway & Review – The Wrong Side of Murder by Lauren Carr #iReadBookTours



 

Join us for this tour from August 1 to August 26, 2022!

Book Details:

Book TitleThe Wrong Side of Murder (A Nikki Bryant Cozy Mystery) by Lauren Carr
Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +),  274 pages
Genre:  Mystery/Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:   July 21, 2022
Content Rating: This cozy mystery is rated G for everyone!

MY REVIEW

Nikki had returned to her small town home in Pine Grove, PA, to run her family’s TV station, WKPG TV. She is an investigative journalist and loves the freedom she has to choose what the station runs.

Ryan is the head of the state crime lab, her high school boyfriend.

It has been twenty years since Jodi had been tried in the court of public opinion for her mother’s murder. She claimed she was innocent, but people couldn’t understand how she did not hear anything, seeing it was a very small house.

Nikki is determined to solve the mystery and find the killer. She can relate to Jodi, because her dad had been murdered and it wasn’t until decades later that the mystery was solved.

In cozies, it seems there is always a critter who has a large personality and The Wrong Side Of Murder is no exception, with Elmo having the privilege of filling that slot.

Smiles, romance, laughs and mystery. Bodies pile up and there are plenty of suspects to go around.

Lauren Carr is adept at creating mysteries with characters that can seem like your net door neighbors, critters and dialogue that keep me smiling through the crime solving.

For me, cozies are hard to rate and I find it the same for The Wrong Side Of Murder. A wonderful summer read, light on the suspense but fun to read.

You may want this in your beach bag.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Wrong Side Of Murder by Lauren Carr.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
3 Stars
The Wrong Side of Murder is another wonderful cozy mystery by author Lauren Carr. It has all the elements that draw me in – an intelligent female lead, an equally smart boyfriend who partners to help her, a complicated plot where clues are slowly revealed, people who aren’t what they seem to be, comedic moments to balance the darker ones, and several quirky pets full of personality.  

It’s a wonderful book to escape into at the end of the day. And get ready to read into the wee hours as, if you’re like me, you won’t be able to stop reading until the mystery is revealed.  
– Marilyn R. Wilson, Olio by Marilyn
Nikki’s an intense individual who makes the perfect investigative journalist. She wants answers yesterday and she is willing to dig in to get them. She might get it wrong at the beginning but with the help of her family and close friends, she’ll get the answers she wants and needs. – review by Blooming with Books

Book Description:

Nikki Bryant’s Next Case Takes Her to the Wrong Side of Murder

One spring morning, Jodi Gibbons got up and went to school as she did every day. Her young life went sideways though when the police found that her mother had been brutally killed during the night.

Twenty years later, many in Pine Grove believe Jodi got away with murder. After all, how could she have possibly slept through her mother’s violent death in the very next room?
After decades of silence, Jodi accepts investigative journalist Nikki Bryant’s invitation to tell her side of the story. However, before the interview can take place, someone silences Jodi permanently.

Now it is up to Nikki Bryant and her friends to uncover the secret that Jodi Gibbons has been protecting—a secret someone believes it is worth killing to keep from being revealed.

Buy the Book:
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Be Sure to Check Out the First Installment in the Nikki Bryant Cozy Mysteries: 


Book Details:

Book TitleKiller Deadline (A Nikki Bryant Cozy Mystery) by Lauren Carr
Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +),  232 pages
Genre:  Mystery/Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:   April 23, 2020
Content Rating: This cozy mystery is rated G for Everyone!

I love this cozy mystery! It is full of suspense, action packed, fast pace with that small town feeling. I love the characters, I have to admit, I fell in love with Elmo on the spot! I loved Nikki’s spunk and determination. She keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire book! I highly recommend this book to those who loves a good cozy mystery!! – 5-Star Review at Splashes of Joy 

Book Description:

Folks in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania, claim that where Nikki Bryant goes, trouble is not far behind. Her refusal to back down from a challenge has made Nikki Bryant a top investigative journalist.

When an online friend nudges her to join him in a pact to reconnect with their first loves, Nikki and her boxer dog Elmo leave the bright lights of Las Vegas for the charming town of Pine Grove. There, she must face the biggest challenges in her career and life—the first love she had left behind and her father’s unsolved murder.

But before she has time to unpack her car, Nikki stumbles upon the dead body of local news anchor, Ashleigh Addison, her childhood rival. Could Ashleigh’s death be connected to an explosive news story that she had teased about airing live? Did that explosive story have anything to do with the murder of Nikki’s father?

With the clues in her father’s cold case hot again, Nikki intends to chase down the story of her life until she catches his killer—no matter what it takes.

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Continue reading

Review – Protecting Eagle by Jane Blythe @jblytheauthor

Operation Alpha

Jane Blythe is a must read author for me, as you will see at the end of the post. I am excited to begin a new series, called Prey Security. Protecting Eagle is part of the Operation Alpha Fan Fiction for Susan Stoker’s SEAL of Protection, Delta Force Heroes, and Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes Worlds. They all have at least one of Susan’s characters in them.

Protecting Eagle (Prey Security #1; Special Forces: Operation Alpha)

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I am always excited to be back in one of Jane Blythe’s world.

Oswald didn’t want to do it, but he walked her to the cell and left her there. She had worked for them to get information on the family and passed it on to someone. Prey security is at risk. He’s torn because his gut tells him she’s not a bad person and there is more going on than meets the eye.

Eagle Oswald fights his attraction to Olivia. He has to know who she gave the information to so he can protect his family and his business. They are pretty much one and the same. Was it a favor for a friend? Was someone using her? Why? Why? Why? His gut told him something wasn’t right about the situation.

Kaden Ibrahim is a terrorist leader in Syria. His goals were many: money, power and control. He uses fear to get it. Right now, he wants information.

Jane Blythe’s characters are damaged in some way, whether through past or present trauma and losses.

Olivia’s mantra: Suck it up, Buttercup.

I enjoyed the story, but it didn’t quite work for me, The mystery kept me reading, I had to know the what and why. I would classify this as a romantic cozy mystery. Is there such a thing? If someone is looking for a light mystery to keep them busy, this would work. Definitely won’t stop me from grabbing the next book.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Protecting Eagle by Jane Blythe.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
3 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

First impressions can be hard to overcome.

Olivia Wakefield took the job at the prestigious and world renowned Prey Security under false pretenses. She always knew there was a chance she could be found out. What she didn’t expect was for her sexy boss to put her in prison, or to find herself directly in the crosshairs of a dangerous terrorist. Now she’ll have to rely on said boss to keep her alive, problem is she doesn’t trust him.

Eagle Oswald takes his responsibilities seriously. There isn’t anything he wouldn’t do to protect his family and his company, including locking up the woman he hasn’t been able to get out of his head since she came to work for him six months ago, even though his gut tells him there’s more going on than meets the eye. When Olivia is threatened he will stop at nothing to protect her. Keeping her safe should be easy, earning her trust and winning her heart won’t be.

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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New Release – Mail Order Bride by Britney King @britneyking_

MY REVIEW

Gina’s dad is concerned about what will happen to her when he is gone, so he places an ad in the Farmer’s Almanac for a Mail Order Bride. I do wonder if there is more behind his desire to have her married. What could be in it for him?

Joel responds and comes to Tennessee. He propose and Gina grasps at her chance to get out, but it’s to Texas. She wants to be an actress and her goal is to get to Hollywood.

In the beginning I was confused. We were jumping from one point of view to another. It took me a while to figure out who was writing in the diary, and that is a good thing, a little mystery to stir my curiosity. I never felt a sense of urgency, though I was curious about how it would end.

I did enjoy my time with the characters and seeing this is an ARC, that may be why I thought Mail Order Bride was not polished, was a bit jumbled, not fleshed out. It did not grab me, making me want to read into the early hours of the morning.

I have enjoyed all the Britney King books that I have read, and some of them have blown me away, so she will always be a must read for me.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Mail Order Bride by Britney King.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
3 Stars

SYNOPSIS

The bestselling author of the “clever spine-tingler” The Secretary returns with a vicious and suspenseful tale of love-gone-wrong. 

When Joel answers an ad in the back of the Farmers’ Almanac that promises to deliver the perfect wife, he isn’t sure what to expect.

For sure, it isn’t Gina.

Gina was aware she possessed secret powers—that’s what her father called them—from a very young age. He always told her she would make a perfect bride. So that’s exactly what she became.

She knows she’s not supposed to use her “powers” for evil and destruction, but Pine Lake is a small place, and Gina has big dreams—plans, in fact. She also has charm, beauty, sex appeal, and intelligence.

Only two things stand in her way: the social norms of 1953, and her new husband, Joel.

The solution may call for desperate measures. But, then, if anyone can get away with murder, it’s Gina.

However, there’s something Gina has yet to realize. That handsome groom of hers? He’s a serial loner for a reason.

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ABOUT BRITNEY KING

Britney King lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, children, a dog named Gatsby, one ridiculous cat, and a partridge in a peach tree.

When she’s not wrangling the things mentioned above, she writes psychological, domestic and romantic thrillers set in suburbia.

Without a doubt, she thinks connecting with readers is the best part of this gig. You can find Britney online here:

MY BRITNEY KING REVIEWS

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New Release – Helltown by Casey Sherman @caseysherman123

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Helltown: The Untold Story of Serial Murder on Cape Cod

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Well, this wasn’t quite what I thought it would be. I love reading about serial killers, suspense and thriller fiction and nonfiction. Helltown seems to be a cross between them. It reminds me of the way recreations are done on TV, and I did do some web searching to check on some of the facts. It covers more than the murders. It’s about the 1960s, Cape Cod, Provincetown, the drug culture, hippies…

I have been traveling to the Cape for more than twenty years and I love it. You know exactly where you are by your surroundings, a unique and beautiful place. So many familiar places, I couldn’t help but smile as we drove the roads, ate in the restaurants and…

Can definitely see how far we have advanced when it comes to investigating a murder and how many more tools we have at our disposal.

The police, Kudos to them. Once they established a murder had taken place, they worked together tying the knot around Costa’s neck.

Even though there were fictional elements thrown in, I loved the way it was written. Easy to read, flowing smoothly.

I think a lot of people may have trouble with the recreations and suppositions, and that is why I didn’t rate this higher. It is supposed to be true crime, but it was written like a fictional novel. It was more about the times and the Cape than only a serial killer.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Helltown by Casey Sherman.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
3 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

1969: The hippie scene is vibrant in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Long-haired teenagers roam the streets, strumming guitars and preaching about peace and love… and Tony Costa is at the center of it all. To a certain group of smitten young women, he is known as Sire―the leader of their counter-culture movement, the charming man who speaks eloquently and hands out hallucinogenic drugs like candy. But beneath his benign persona lies a twisted and uncontrollable rage that threatens to break loose at any moment. Tony Costa is the most dangerous man on Cape Cod, and no one who crosses his path is safe.

When young women begin to disappear, Costa’s natural charisma and good looks initially protect him from suspicion. But as the bodies are discovered, the police close in on him as the key suspect. Meanwhile, local writers Kurt Vonnegut and Norman Mailer are locked in a desperate race to secure their legacies as great literary icons―and they both set their sights on Tony Costa and the drug-soaked hippie culture that he embodies as their next promising subject, launching independent investigations that stoke the competitive fires between two of the greatest American writers.

Immersive, unflinching, and shocking, Helltown is a landmark true crime narrative that transports us back to the turbulent late 1960s, reveals the secrets of a notorious serial killer, and unspools the threads connecting Costa, Vonnegut, and Mailer in the seaside city that played host to horrors unlike any ever seen before. New York Times bestselling author Casey Sherman has crafted a stunner.

ABOUT CASEY SHERMAN

Casey Sherman

Casey Sherman is a New York Times Bestselling Author of 13 books including The Finest Hours (now a major motion picture starring Casey Affleck & Chris Pine), Boston Strong (the basis for the film Patriots Day starring Mark Wahlberg), Animal & Hunting Whitey.
Sherman is also the author of 12, Search for the Strangler, Animal, Bad Blood, Black Irish, Black Dragon, Above & Beyond and The Ice Bucket Challenge.
Sherman is a contributing writer for TIME, Esquire, Washington Post, Boston Herald and Boston Magazine and has appeared as a guest an analyst on more than 100 television news programs.
Sherman is a graduate of Barnstable High School (Cape Cod), Fryeburg Academy (Fryeburg, Me.) and Boston University.

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