2023 Update What a difference audio can make! Even though this is a short story, its message resonates strongly. My original opinion stands but it came2023 Update What a difference audio can make! Even though this is a short story, its message resonates strongly. My original opinion stands but it came through more powerfully because of the narrator and my clearer understanding of the emotional toll taken on anyone not living their truth. Brockmann was ahead of her time with her insights.
Original Review This was the first time we get any real insight into Robin's Shadowland series and character, Joe Loughlin. It was so very revealing to see the parallels in the characters evolution and Robin's when he was dealing with the very same career dilemma. It was so very interesting and, of course, too short. Love anytime Jules is on the page.
Merged review:
2023 Update What a difference audio can make! Even though this is a short story, its message resonates strongly. My original opinion stands but it came through more powerfully because of the narrator and my clearer understanding of the emotional toll taken on anyone not living their truth. Brockmann was ahead of her time with her insights.
Original Review This was the first time we get any real insight into Robin's Shadowland series and character, Joe Loughlin. It was so very revealing to see the parallels in the characters evolution and Robin's when he was dealing with the very same career dilemma. It was so very interesting and, of course, too short. Love anytime Jules is on the page....more
Free Agent by Robin Covington (4 stars) Jamie "DC" Washington just capped a winning season with a win of I read three of the stories in the anthology.
Free Agent by Robin Covington (4 stars) Jamie "DC" Washington just capped a winning season with a win of the Cup for the Cajun Rage in New Orleans. Even more remarkable was that he did it after coming out...the first openly gay player. He's using his day with the Cup to celebrate back in his hometown with the LGBT youth center he supports. On his way there, his seat mate is none other than the gorgeous Etienne Beaufort, the team's PT who Jamie has secretly adored. They finally get to explore a relationship they're both ready for. I loved Jamie for his courage, honesty and decency. Etienne was just perfect in this relationship as he hung out with Jamie for the day (and steamy night) and got this special man. Lots of complexity in this story, accomplished amazingly in such a short story.
Check My Heart by Christi Barth (4.5 stars) Kurt Lundquist is at a crossroad now that he and his teammates have won the Cup. All of his focus was on winning that coveted prize as it was the promise he made to his 14-year old brother, Jasper, before he died. A chance encounter with Jasper's hospice nurse, Lissette Broussard awakens him for the first time in almost a year. While it may have seemed ghoulish to some, these two were absolutely perfect for each other, both giving unselfishly (though Kurt had a definite anti-hero moment). I really loved their story as they healed the wounds caused by Jasper's death around their joint planning for the celebration around Kurt's Cup day that centered on his brother's hockey team. Lissette went all in even though it meant leaving her heart exposed and Kurt's generosity just warmed my heart. Lovely story with some elegant moments. The scene at the hockey rink for a date night was just fabulous (and oh so erotic).
Deep Check by Kimberly Kincaid (4 stars) Finnegan (Finn) Donnelly is the first player for the Cajun Rage to have his Cup day and he decides to use it to return to his hometown for the first time in seven years. He visits the grave of his best friend from high school, Asher Gibson, a firefighter who died in the line of duty before Finn could apologize for having destroyed their friendship in one foolish moment. Finn also needs to repair his relationship with January Sinclair, the third member of their group who was at the center of that conflict and is now an administrator for the fire department's Station Seventeen. What I loved about these two were their willingness to be vulnerable with each other after so much hurt and pain. They were both passionate people who were able to find their way pretty easily and enjoy their time together unabashedly. I liked how they rediscovered each other and it was fun, sexy and romantic. This was my first story by this author and it's part of the Station Seventeen series, which I'm now going to read.
(I received an ARC from the authors in exchange for an honest review)
Merged review:
I read three of the stories in the anthology.
Free Agent by Robin Covington (4 stars) Jamie "DC" Washington just capped a winning season with a win of the Cup for the Cajun Rage in New Orleans. Even more remarkable was that he did it after coming out...the first openly gay player. He's using his day with the Cup to celebrate back in his hometown with the LGBT youth center he supports. On his way there, his seat mate is none other than the gorgeous Etienne Beaufort, the team's PT who Jamie has secretly adored. They finally get to explore a relationship they're both ready for. I loved Jamie for his courage, honesty and decency. Etienne was just perfect in this relationship as he hung out with Jamie for the day (and steamy night) and got this special man. Lots of complexity in this story, accomplished amazingly in such a short story.
Check My Heart by Christi Barth (4.5 stars) Kurt Lundquist is at a crossroad now that he and his teammates have won the Cup. All of his focus was on winning that coveted prize as it was the promise he made to his 14-year old brother, Jasper, before he died. A chance encounter with Jasper's hospice nurse, Lissette Broussard awakens him for the first time in almost a year. While it may have seemed ghoulish to some, these two were absolutely perfect for each other, both giving unselfishly (though Kurt had a definite anti-hero moment). I really loved their story as they healed the wounds caused by Jasper's death around their joint planning for the celebration around Kurt's Cup day that centered on his brother's hockey team. Lissette went all in even though it meant leaving her heart exposed and Kurt's generosity just warmed my heart. Lovely story with some elegant moments. The scene at the hockey rink for a date night was just fabulous (and oh so erotic).
Deep Check by Kimberly Kincaid (4 stars) Finnegan (Finn) Donnelly is the first player for the Cajun Rage to have his Cup day and he decides to use it to return to his hometown for the first time in seven years. He visits the grave of his best friend from high school, Asher Gibson, a firefighter who died in the line of duty before Finn could apologize for having destroyed their friendship in one foolish moment. Finn also needs to repair his relationship with January Sinclair, the third member of their group who was at the center of that conflict and is now an administrator for the fire department's Station Seventeen. What I loved about these two were their willingness to be vulnerable with each other after so much hurt and pain. They were both passionate people who were able to find their way pretty easily and enjoy their time together unabashedly. I liked how they rediscovered each other and it was fun, sexy and romantic. This was my first story by this author and it's part of the Station Seventeen series, which I'm now going to read.
(I received an ARC from the authors in exchange for an honest review)...more
Wow! Two romances in one and the action is riveting.
Beatrice is in labor and Cal agreed to her plan to have the baby at home. No sooner than they and Wow! Two romances in one and the action is riveting.
Beatrice is in labor and Cal agreed to her plan to have the baby at home. No sooner than they and Hunter arrive home from Chicago, trouble shows up in a big and awful way. With all agents assigned and out of town, it all falls in the hands of Connor McKenzie, the more than able Shadow Force International (SFI) office manager, and Sabrina Merinos, one of their pilots.
I loved this story. Seeing Beatrice tamed by labor was an experience in itself. The assault on her and Cal's home was chilling and everything that happened going forward was breathtaking. I'd always wondered about Connor and in just a few pages, I got him and the brewing romance between him and Sabrina. Seeing SFI in action is always interesting and this situation delivered (pardon the pun).
I literally couldn't put this story down and finished it in one sitting. It's a really nice addition to the series. 4.5 stars
(I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review)
Merged review:
Wow! Two romances in one and the action is riveting.
Beatrice is in labor and Cal agreed to her plan to have the baby at home. No sooner than they and Hunter arrive home from Chicago, trouble shows up in a big and awful way. With all agents assigned and out of town, it all falls in the hands of Connor McKenzie, the more than able Shadow Force International (SFI) office manager, and Sabrina Merinos, one of their pilots.
I loved this story. Seeing Beatrice tamed by labor was an experience in itself. The assault on her and Cal's home was chilling and everything that happened going forward was breathtaking. I'd always wondered about Connor and in just a few pages, I got him and the brewing romance between him and Sabrina. Seeing SFI in action is always interesting and this situation delivered (pardon the pun).
I literally couldn't put this story down and finished it in one sitting. It's a really nice addition to the series. 4.5 stars
(I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review)...more
When the tortured and mutilated body of Benji Thatcher, a 15-year old street urchin, is discovered after the attempt to bury him is interrupted, SebasWhen the tortured and mutilated body of Benji Thatcher, a 15-year old street urchin, is discovered after the attempt to bury him is interrupted, Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin gets involved at the request of Paul Gibson. What was done to this child offended Sebastian's sensibilities and he immediately launches an investigation only to find that there appears to be a pattern of street children inexplicably disappearing. No one seems to have noticed.
Throughout this series, the plight of the poor and abandoned children has been in the background. This story faces those issues head on as we're given more insight into the ugly truths of the era. These children were virtually invisible to the gentry and noble class as both Sebastian and Hero highlight, him through the investigation and her through research of an article she's writing in the topic.
The author's further commitment to historical authenticity is the incorporation of the works and story of the Marquis de Sade, infamous for his debauchery and sexual deviancy and from which the term sadism was created. The suspects were tied to de Sade either as admirers of his last book or as followers of his sexual practices. Make no mistake, this is an uncomfortable story as these are behaviors inflicted on children and it's not an indictment about sexual proclivities. It was hard to take in but respectfully presented without any hint of gratuitous violence.
It's not all doom and gloom as there are important progressions in Sebastian's personal life. It was brilliantly and deftly presented, providing a balance sorely needed to offset the distasteful aspects of the investigation. It also is clear that this series hasn't yet ended...not a cliffhanger but definitely the promise of more to come.
I love this series and this book was outstanding. I also recommend not reading it until you've read all of the others before it as the character development evolves to a pretty loud crescendo in this one. Yes, you'd enjoy this on its own merits but you'd be missing some critical subtleties that just makes the reading experience extraordinary....more
Bullet Catcher Benjamin Youngblood is on the firing line, about to lose his job because the client who he was protecting disengaged because of his actBullet Catcher Benjamin Youngblood is on the firing line, about to lose his job because the client who he was protecting disengaged because of his actions. Never mind that he was saving the guy’s life. Now he’s out to prove his instincts were right, which leads him to flower farmer Callie Parrish who turns out to be a pretty good partner.
I love these short stories that feel like a bit more. This one ramps up quickly but we get all the details we need to settle in for the ride. Benjamin and Callie make a great team, even developing a witty banter to spice things up. It’s exciting and fun, if you ignore Lucy’s role in the whole thing. I’m not fond of her character and nothing she does here changes that.
This feels like the end of the series, even though there’s another super short story that follows. I’ve enjoyed the series but wish we’d seen more of the previous characters in an epilogue or something. This was a fun one but certainly not a fitting end for the Bullet Catchers. ...more
Margaret (Maggie) Carr is the housekeeper of Thornton Hall, located in the isolated woods of a small town in Yorkshire. It belongs to her deceased motMargaret (Maggie) Carr is the housekeeper of Thornton Hall, located in the isolated woods of a small town in Yorkshire. It belongs to her deceased mother’s cousin, Dr. Thomas Black, who’s supported her over the last five years. Maggie’s facing another pretty lonely Christmas until architect Josiah (Joss) Hale shows up in the middle of a snowstorm. See, Dr. Black is trying to do a little matchmaking at the request of Joss’s mother. He just forgot to let Maggie know a stranger was coming.
If you’re in the mood for a sweet but sensual romance story set during the Christmas season, this will warm you inside and out. Maggie’s an innocent but she’s also bright, witty and resourceful. Joss is a big man with an outsized personality, a talented architect who’s lived life fully. I wouldn’t characterize him as your typical rake as he’s unmarried only because he hasn’t found a woman who didn’t bore him to death. Things between the two of them do progress quickly as they’re stranded in the house for days but it worked in this story.
Campbell has created two interesting and likable characters that you want to be together. Their fun in celebrating an old-fashioned Christmas evokes all the right emotions for the season. I enjoyed everything about this one.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)...more
Joe Moffat is the owner of Knockers, Scarlet Springs’ town bar (the name relates to a mine mythology about Tommyknockers). He’s a really good guy but Joe Moffat is the owner of Knockers, Scarlet Springs’ town bar (the name relates to a mine mythology about Tommyknockers). He’s a really good guy but no one really knows much about him. Rain Minear has worked for him for 20 years as his general manager and hostess. He’s loved her for about as many years but has a strong code of ethics about workplace relationships, especially since he’s the boss. Little does he know that his feelings are reciprocated until a snowstorm breaks the ice, sort of.
Until this story, my image of Joe was that of a counterculture sort based on his look (long hair, easygoing manner). He’s anything but! Joe’s history was rather incredible, as was Rain’s who has the sweetest soul. I loved everything about these two, both having a kind of nobility that was inspiring. Their relationship developed beautifully in a way that was true to their natures, even if Joe was a bit stubborn. It was wonderful.
The spirit of community resounded in this story, so fitting for the Christmas season. I knew I was going to love this book but it even surpassed my high expectations. It warmed my soul.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
Jesse Warwick is the HORNET Team medic who’s struggling with a lot of issues but mainly how to develop a relationship with his 15-year old troubled soJesse Warwick is the HORNET Team medic who’s struggling with a lot of issues but mainly how to develop a relationship with his 15-year old troubled son, Connor, and how to cope with perceived medical failures in the field. Complicating his life even more is the new addition to the team, Lainie Delcambre, a woman who was part of his past and he can’t keep out of his mind and heart. She’s trying to fit in as the only female in the group.
This story took a while to get going as much time was spent developing these characters in the beginning, despite a great prologue. Though both were in earlier books in the series, Jesse and Lainie weren’t fleshed out much. It was worth the time spent though because when things got crazy, I felt like I knew them so well and could predict their actions. Jesse and Lainie were well suited despite their differences. I also liked how the issues related to her being the only female on the team were portrayed. It was honest without being indicting or whining.
Speaking of action, it was pretty nonstop once the setting shifted to Martinique. It was riveting, heartbreaking and chilling. There was nothing predictable about anything that happened from thereon out. I literally couldn’t stop reading. I’m used to the books in this series being suspenseful but this was so much more. It was breathtaking.
I love this series and really liked this book, even though there were parts that broke my heart. The ending promised at least one more story and that makes me happy. 4.5 stars
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)...more
Edmund Sherritt, Major Lord Canforth, married his wife, Felicity eight years ago and two weeks later left to serveOriginally posted on The Book Nympho
Edmund Sherritt, Major Lord Canforth, married his wife, Felicity eight years ago and two weeks later left to serve in several war campaigns. Now he’s returning to a woman he fell in love with but was unsure of her feelings for him. It’s been a long time and he doesn’t know if she’s even interested in continuing their relationship.
This is such a lovely story, the Christmas season being an ideal setting for Edmund and Felicity to reunite. Their first encounter upon his return was also fitting, with no one else around and both "unarmed" as it were as neither was prepared for the moment. I liked how we were given both points of view to see where each was coming from as they sometimes awkwardly reacquainted with each other, taking small and tentative steps forward. It felt natural, authentic and endeared them both to me. In a short time, I got fully invested in these two and rooted for their relationship.
Edmund and Felicity's story was the perfect start to the holiday season. There’s nothing forced about their love for one another and it was poignant that these two were separated so soon after their marriage and not given time to express their feelings to each other. As usual, Campbell gives us some sensuality with her romance, making this an all around gem of a story.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review)...more
Tyler Jenkins is a 25-year old hard-working cowboy with a bit of a reputation for playing hard as well. Janie Smithwick is 36-year old widow strugglinTyler Jenkins is a 25-year old hard-working cowboy with a bit of a reputation for playing hard as well. Janie Smithwick is 36-year old widow struggling to keep her family ranch afloat since her husband's death a year ago. Their paths cross in a hilarious way but Tyler is drawn to this lonesome and attractive woman who is equally attracted to him but she's the one bugged by their age difference.
I enjoyed this May-December romance with a gender role switch. I liked that though Tyler had many admirable qualities he still was a work in progress and wasn't made to appear older or more mature. While Janie's foot dragging could be frustrating, her fears and concerns were realistic and it was interesting to see how she worked through them. And, Tyler's a foodie so the way to his heart was definitely through his belly and Janie certainly was adept at getting there!
I liked this story and am looking forward to continuing the series. ...more
Both Mia DeAngelis and Adam Miller have recently returned to Compass Cove on Long Island. Her grandparents lived there and she spent most summers withBoth Mia DeAngelis and Adam Miller have recently returned to Compass Cove on Long Island. Her grandparents lived there and she spent most summers with them growing up. Now that she's the sole guardian for her 13-year old nephew Ben, Mia wants the quality of life she experienced in this small town and accepts a position as a librarian for the local college. Adam was an NFL star quarterback until a car accident ended his career and had him reexamine his shallow-minded lifestyle. He's the coach for the college football team and is learning how to live a better life and have more meaningful relationships.
I found the premise for this story intriguing, drawn by the stereotypical contrasts between Mia and Adam (staid librarian and arrogant jock). Both lived up to those stereotypes at times but thankfully had deeper dimensions. I liked both of them though Adam had the steeper climb as he had become so accustomed to insensitivity he could be genuinely clueless in some instances. Mia was trying to be less risk averse, living a fuller life for herself and allowing Ben to just be a boy. There are some serious conflicts presented that threaten their relationship and, more importantly, Mia's self perceptions.
Adam and Mia's flaws made this such an enjoyable read. They were admirable people at heart but needed to grow. Their relationship was a slow build (thankfully), allowing both time to get to know each other, stumble and then recover like mature adults. I loved Ben who was a catalyst for change in the two, along with a host of supportive characters who will likely make for promising future stories. I like the town, the setting and strong sense of community that was well established here. I'm very much looking forward to continuing this series.
(I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review)...more
Louise Williams is a divorced mother who works from home as a freelance interior designer. She doesn’t have a lot of friends and devotes much of her lLouise Williams is a divorced mother who works from home as a freelance interior designer. She doesn’t have a lot of friends and devotes much of her life to 4-year old son Henry, living vicariously through the pictures and posts of her Facebook friends. Life’s fairly uneventful until she receives a friend request from Maria Weston, a girl from her high school days...she’s also been presumed dead for over 25 years. And, Louise has lived with the guilt of her role in what may have happened to Maria that fateful night she disappeared.
The story transitions between present day and 1989, that pivotal year when Louise’s life changed radically. Things lead to an upcoming high school reunion as the events of the past are slowly revealed. It was interesting how the challenges of teens two decades ago pretty much are the same today though the bullying methods are different with the introduction of social media. I struggled to have empathy for Louise because the choices she made at 16 years old seem to somewhat continue in the adult woman as she tries to figure out why she’s received a friend request from the dead teen. However, as the story progressed, I developed more understanding for her as she wasn’t a bad person, just someone who got caught up in her desire for acceptance.
The story is thought provoking in its attempt to contrast the human condition of teenagers and their adult selves and how those early behaviors shaped their life choices. Underlying all of that is the mystery of what happened to Maria, who’s behind the friend request and subsequent taunts. I had so many theories in play but none of them came close to the outcome, which was pretty chilling. The storytelling approach was effective, even though the pacing was a little slow. However, this was really very good for a debut novel. 3.5 stars
(I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review) ...more
Eleanor Oliphant is one of those characters who I find hard to describe in ways that won’t lead you to have the wrong impression. She’s socially awkwaEleanor Oliphant is one of those characters who I find hard to describe in ways that won’t lead you to have the wrong impression. She’s socially awkward, painfully direct and lives a life of isolation outside of her job. There are really good reasons why her emotional growth is stunted and that’s revealed deliberately over the span of the story. When she meets the new IT guy at her job, Raymond, who also has his own brand of social issues, the two of them form their own brand of friendship that slowly develops and leads them out of their self imposed compartmentalization.
I very much enjoyed this story, particularly how it was told...without excessive description and explanation. Eleanor delivers the narrative in her unique way, which provides strong characterization and allowed me to experience her transformation on her terms. The exposure of the events of her past that shaped her future were tragic and not all of the critical details are revealed until late in the story, though I’d guessed most of it.
The narrator was excellent, notably for her capture of Eleanor. It would have been easy to make her a caricature but she was subtle in her delivery. There were so many humorous moments resulting from Eleanor’s frankness and refreshing perspective, which the performance executed perfectly. I loved everything about this book and am even more impressed that this was the author’s debut novel. ...more
The story begins right where the last book ended with Tish Gordon and Case Spicer in the midst of a devastating fire. As Tish stands vigil at Case’s bThe story begins right where the last book ended with Tish Gordon and Case Spicer in the midst of a devastating fire. As Tish stands vigil at Case’s bedside, her family and the Rawleys are there with her. Ruthann finally has to face her connection to Marshall Rawley and the phenomena to the past that her sisters experienced before her.
As with the previous two stories, the connection to the past and the Dove Trilogy makes this a more fascinating tale. I’m enjoying that aspect and was challenged trying to figure out the angles. There was a lot more tension and suspense as the danger was very real in the present. Ruthann and Marshall’s relationship was shadowed by hers with Liam who prior to this story was her main focus. I must admit, I’m not a fan of love triangles and this one bothered me as I couldn’t stop thinking about poor Liam as Ruthann and Marshall’s relationship intensified. It kept me from being invested in their feelings for each other.
I enjoyed the story despite the triangle aspect and the fact that this ends in a cliffhanger. I’d suspected as much so it didn’t come as a surprise. This is an interesting series with strong family connections, past and present. It’s a unique storytelling approach, enhanced by my reading of the connected series at the same time. 3.5 stars
(I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review)...more
Detective Napoleon (Nap) Dumas is brought into a case involving a murdered cop in another state when prints found at the scene match those he’d entereDetective Napoleon (Nap) Dumas is brought into a case involving a murdered cop in another state when prints found at the scene match those he’d entered in the system years ago. They belong to his former girlfriend, Maura, who disappeared 15 years ago, the same night when his twin brother, Leo, and his girlfriend, Diana, died in a train accident. His search for answers sets him on a strange and sometimes dangerous path that he just can’t let go.
Nap is no saint as he’s got his own unorthodox sense of justice but the more he investigates, the more he’s convinced that everything he’s believed about his brother’s death might be wrong. It’s an unusual narrative, one I liked as Nap discusses the case and revisits the past through conversations with the deceased Leo. We learn a lot about their past and the people important to their lives, past and present. And, one wonderful surprise is a special cameo appearance of one of my favorite Coben characters! I’ll leave that for you to discover.
I loved the pace and complexity of this story. While I had a strong sense of who was involved, I hadn’t a clue as to the particulars, including the why so I just settled in for the always good storytelling. And, I loved Steven Weber’s narration, especially as he seemed to get underneath Nap’s skin and became this character, capturing all of his nuances. It was a perfect fit.
Friends know that Harlan Coben is one of my favorite auto read authors, even if the story just turns out okay because it’s still a standout. However, this was a gem of a read and I finished it in two days. Loved everything about it!
(I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review)...more
Morwenna Nash was a widow for five years before finally giving in to her friends and family's urging to move on. She's agreed to Lord Garson's requestMorwenna Nash was a widow for five years before finally giving in to her friends and family's urging to move on. She's agreed to Lord Garson's request of marriage and though he's a dear man that she's fond of, her heart will always belong to Robert Nash, the remarkable sea captain who was lost at sea and presumed dead. His sudden return at the most awkward of moments was at the very least shocking.
Of all the dashing widows, Morwenna was the one who capture my attention the most. She was the most reluctant and never let go of her grief. We weren't given many details about her past relationship with Robert so it was freshly delivered in this story. I loved his reappearance, with all the drama and emotion they both deserved. You couldn't help but feel bad for Lord Garson but exhilarated for Morwenna and Robert. As passionate as these two were for each other, they still had a lot ahead of them as they weren't the same people from five years ago.
This story has a lot of heat but more importantly, it reveals how post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is not a modern phenomenon. Robert clearly is suffering from the disorder and it manifests itself in ways appropriate to the early 19th century. Morwenna's sensitivity showed instinctive insight borne from her deep feelings for the man. This is a lovely story with an equally beautiful epilogue that brings a sweet ending to this wonderful series.
(I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review)...more
Naomi Archer is vacationing in the Colorado mountains near Scarlett Springs when she is confronted by some very bad people. She is ultimately discover
Naomi Archer is vacationing in the Colorado mountains near Scarlett Springs when she is confronted by some very bad people. She is ultimately discovered and rescued by Chaska and Winona Belcourt who take her in while she recovers. Naomi gets to see the best of the community during her time with them and is exposed to the Lakota heritage, which may be her own.
I loved everything, and I mean everything, about this story. Naomi captured my heart and Chaska my mind, body and soul. Her story was heartbreaking and her initial encounter with Chaska truly felt destined. Their developing relationship was just wonderful as he also led her to the Native American culture she'd always wanted to embrace. You'll have to read the story to learn why as I don't want to ruin the experience. Chaska isn't perfect but he's pretty close, especially in his sensitivity to Naomi, other women and his search & rescue team. Yes, he's gorgeous, talented and sexy but it's his inner beauty that makes him special.
So often Native American history and heritage is wrapped inside an aura of mysticism and otherworldly impressions. Not so in this story where culture and practices are steeped in traditions and philosophies that are in tandem with the environment and history. It has such an air of authenticity that I knew the author had been exposed to the culture more than just through casual research, which was indeed the truth (see the author's notes at the end). It was quite the education, one that I won't forget.
This story is outstanding and has a bit of mystery and suspense to go along with the romance and history. The strong sense of community was pervasive throughout the book, not only in Scarlet Springs but in the Lakota tribe, so much so that it was almost palpable, like they were separate characters. It is a powerful story on so many levels, one that will stay with me. I love this series but I especially loved this story.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)...more
Madeline (Maddy) Whittier has literally lived in a bubble for most of her 17 years, afflicted with a rare disease affecting her immune system. She’s nMadeline (Maddy) Whittier has literally lived in a bubble for most of her 17 years, afflicted with a rare disease affecting her immune system. She’s never left her house, living a lonely existence with her mother and nurse, Carla. That is until new neighbors move in next door and high school senior Oliver (Olly) Bright sees her watching them from her window. He shares his IM address and they begin an odd but enchanting online relationship that was destined to develop into so much more.
I really enjoyed this story, especially listening to the talented Bahni Turpin’s performance. The writing was cleverly crafted, the characters well designed and the story’s proposition challenging. Is mere existence living and is it worth the risk to experience more, even if it means certain death? Maddy’s evolution from contentment in her sterile environment to a desire to be in the world was deftly presented in a youthful but provocative voice. I loved her reasoning and how her relationship with Olly progressed.
I must admit that I considered what ended up being the story’s twist before it was revealed. It still didn’t alter my enjoyment because I found the book delightful. This is a wonderful debut novel.
(Note: I watched the movie a few days after finishing the book and enjoyed that, too. Great casting and a few changes here and there but essentially true to the book. The visual images were fantastic. See more about the film here.)...more
This review is for Diamond Drop by Roxanne St. Claire ★★★★ Bullet Catcher Donovan Rush is picking up and deliverinI will read other stories over time.
This review is for Diamond Drop by Roxanne St. Claire ★★★★ Bullet Catcher Donovan Rush is picking up and delivering a diamond purchase to a new client in Paris. Along the way, he encounters some very interesting challenges.
This is a cleverly written story, reminiscent of the early style of the series. While it’s short, it manages to pack intrigue, romance, witty banter and a startling twist in a few pages. It’s so well done. It’s also the last story in the series but not quite the fitting end I had in mind.
This review is for Vacation Interrupted by Allison Brennan (10/12/20) ★★★★ FBI Analyst Lucy Kincaid and Private Investigator Sean Rogan attempt yet another crime-free vacation. This time it’s on Cape Cod and things are looking pretty promising until Lucy answers a call to help a man in distress in the water. She later determines that the man thinks someone tried to kill him.
This is a really short story (22 pages) and I couldn’t imagine this being all that interesting. Silly me because once I started I was completely engaged. Well done, especially considering its brevity. Guess Lucy & Sean will never have that true vacation....more
Bryn Kelly moved from Austin to New York a few months ago to chase her dream of opening her fashion design store. When a friend sets up a meeting for Bryn Kelly moved from Austin to New York a few months ago to chase her dream of opening her fashion design store. When a friend sets up a meeting for her with business tycoon Aaric Christos, she's got more at stake than her business start up. See, she knew him from years ago when he was a lowly mechanic in Austin with a serious crush on her. It's been eight years and part of her doesn't want him to remember her given that she turned him away.
Even though Evan's heroines always seem a bit more immature than they should be, I'm always drawn to her books because of the storytelling and her complex alpha personalities. It helps that we periodically get bits of Aaric's point of view because it's helpful for context and settling down my angst about his true feelings. It was just enough and any more would have over complicated the story.
I enjoyed this one despite Bryn coming across more like a twenty-something than a full grown woman of thirty. I even liked her but just wanted her to woman up more. I very much liked Aaric who doesn't really come across as cold-hearted as the story tries to project and his past was the most intriguing.
When I learned that Sebastian York was narrating Aaric, I was all in and he didn't disappoint. In fact, he projected more of a warmth to him that helped smooth out those edges when needed. Both narrators did a good job but Sebastian had the edge.
I've heard we haven't seen the last of these characters but I'm satisfied with how things ended as is. If there is another one coming, I'll be in line for it as I liked these two and the business that brought them together.
(I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review)...more