Review of AFRAID- An omnibus of novels by Lisa Childs, Alexandra Ivy and Lisa Jackson-* * * * *

  

Title:AFRAID

Author: Lisa Childs, Alexandra Ivy and Lisa Jackson

Genre: Murder Mystery

Rating: 5*

Publishers: Zebra

(Feb 22, 2022)

Paperback: 368 pages

ISBN: 978-1420153637

FTC Disclosure: ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley

Copy provided for the purpose of providing an honest review.

 This does not affect my opinion of this book.

A thrilling new book featuring the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Third Grave, that fans of Allison Brennan and Lisa Gardner won’t want to miss! Dark secrets and revenge converge as former students from an elite boarding school, which is also a haven for the daughters of the rich and famous, come face to face with the crimes of the past…
 
LUCY
Lucy Champagne was sent to St. Cecilia’s after her movie-star mother was brutally attacked by her sleazy boyfriend, Ray Watkins. Lucy’s damning testimony landed Ray a twenty-five-year sentence. But now, Ray is free. And he’s going to find Lucy and make her pay, no matter how far and how fast she runs . . .
 
RAYNE
Rayne Taylor found unexpected happiness at St. Cecilia’s, until her roommate, Natalie, committed suicide. Only when Rayne finds a box of mementoes from that time does she realize how wrong she may have been about Natalie’s death—and how far someone will go to keep the truth hidden . . .
ERIN
Erin MacDonald remembers little about the long-ago night she and her sister, Anna Beth, were kidnapped. While Erin was found safe, Anna Beth vanished forever. Now Erin has reluctantly come back to the family estate, where Detective Rafe Montego hopes to finally crack the case. But as flashes of Erin’s memory reemerge, she learns how deep the danger goes . . .

As all of these three authors are familiar and loved by me, this book was an automatic choice for me. While normally I don't read a lot of novellas, they were just the right size for a quick read late at night when I didn't want to be up till 4 AM finishing a suspense novel that would not let me sleep until resolving "who dun it" before being able to sleep. I loved the fact that these books were loosely connected yet stood alone. The only fault was that they ended way to quick. Each novella would have been a fabulous full length novel as they kept me quessing up until the end.

Lisa Jackson is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of over ninety-five novels, including Liar, Liar, You Will Pay, After She's Gone, Deserves to Die, Running Scared, and Shiver. She is also the co-author of One Last Breath, Last Girl Standing and the Colony Series, written with her sister and bestselling author Nancy Bush, as well as the collaborative novels Sinister and Ominous, written with Nancy Bush and Rosalind Noonan. There are over thirty million copies of her novels in print and her writing has been translated into twenty languages. She lives with her family and rambunctious dogs in the Pacific Northwest. Readers can visit her online at LisaJackson.com and find her on Facebook.

 

Alexandra Ivy is the New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal

bestselling author of romantic suspense, paranormal and erotic romance. She has also written Regency historicals under the name Deborah Raleigh. A five-time RT Book Award Finalist, Ivy has received much acclaim for her Guardians of Eternity, ARES Security, Immortal Rogues and Sentinels series. She lives with her family in Missouri and can be found online AlexandraIvy.com.

 

Lisa Childs is an award-winning and international bestselling author of more than seventy novels.  She was born on Halloween, which may have fated her predilection for spinning dark and twisty stories. In addition to romantic suspense, she also writes women’s fiction, paranormal and contemporary romance. Lisa loves to hear from readers who can contact her on Facebook, and through her Website LisaChilds.com.

Review- DEEP IN THE ALASKAN WOODS by Karen Harper-* * *

Title: Deep in the Alaskan Woods
Series: Alaska Wild Novel #1

Author: Karen Harper

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Rating: * * * 

Publisher: MIRA 

(April 28, 2020)

Paperback: 352 pages

ISBN: 978-0778309628

FTC Disclosure: ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley

Copy provided for the purpose of providing an honest review.

 This does not affect my opinion of this book.
Alexandra Collister came to her estranged cousins’ B&B in Falls Lake, Alaska, looking for a fresh start. The surrounding forest can be harsh and unforgiving—luckily, rugged wilderness tracker Quinn Mantell offers to be her guide. Still recovering from a toxic previous relationship, Alex is wary of getting too close, but when savagely deep claw marks appear outside her bedroom window, keeping her distance from Quinn is no longer an option.

Then a body turns up exhibiting the same ruthless slash marks, and Alex knows it isn’t a coincidence. Something sinister is lurking in the woods around Falls Lake, turning Alex’s fresh start into a brutal game of survival. The murky veil of forest offers more threats than answers. Can Alex and Quinn find the killer before darkness falls for good?

I've read oodles of Karen Harpers books and loved them. DEEP IN THE ALASKAN WOODS not so much. The story had great potential and I loved the setting but I never connected with the characters. The romance felt flat as did the suspense. Normally, when reading this type of book, I'm obvious of everything going on around me. At no time in this book did I feel like I anything other than I had a book in my hand. I'm not a fan of instant attraction. I like a relationship to grow and develop so that may have been part of my problem with Alex and Quinn. The only thing that kept me reading was I don't like not know who did the deed. 

Karen Harper is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of romantic suspense and historical novels. A native Ohioan, Karen is a former high school English teacher and English-and-writing instructor at the Ohio State University. (Go Bucks!) The Harpers are avid Ohio State football fans, but they have a serious side too. They were on the 10-year committee which revamped the main library on campus. The Ohio State Library houses her author collection in Rare Books and Manuscripts.

The Harpers love to travel, and Karen often uses her favorite places as settings for her novels. She's recently written books set in Edwardian England and South Florida, the latter where she lived for 30 winters. Her latest trilogy is THE SOUTH SHORES NOVELS, with forensic psychologist Claire Britten and criminal lawyer Nick Markwood. Her most recent historical is THE IT GIRLS.
These bring her published books to over 70 in a 35-year writing career.

Karen belongs to several writer's organizations, including International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, Romance Writers of America, Sisters in Crime and The Historical Novel Society. She appreciates hearing from readers on her website at www.KarenHarperAuthor.com and www.facebook.com/KarenHarperAuthor--and she answers!

Review of HIDDEN HEARTS by Marci Bolden 5*

Title: Hidden Hearts

Series: Hearts #1

Author: Marci Bolden

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Rating: *****

Publishers: Pink Sand Press (10-15-19)

Paperback: 308  pages

ISBN: 978-1950348237

FTC Disclosure: ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley

Copy provided for the purpose of providing an honest review.

 This does not affect my opinion of this book.
Former Army Sergeant Holly Austin and her team at the HEARTS agency don’t normally find the police at their door. But it’s been weeks since a local woman vanished into thin air...and now there’s a second victim.

Police Detective Jack Tarek wasn’t officially working the Julia Frederickson case until a second victim made the matter personal. Holly is willing to cooperate with Jack “unofficially,” but she quickly becomes a distraction he can’t resist. The leads on their cases might be running cold, but the attraction between the investigators is sizzling hot.


With every lead a dead end, those close to the investigation grow increasingly impatient for answers. Just as hidden secrets come to light, one of the investigators vanishes without a trace. The HEARTS team has just hours to solve the case—or risk losing one of their own.

This is a great start to a new for me series. I just saw that books two and three for the series are out in Kindle so definitely checking out the rest of the crew from HEARTS stories. 
While I found Holly more than a bit prickly, she grew on me and I loved her with Jack. There was a perfect mixture of romance and suspense that had me staying up all night devouring this book. While I don't want to say anything that will ruin the story for you, the layers of the characters and crime will keep you reading long after you should have turned off the light.

Go HERE to read an excerpt!

As a teen, Marci Bolden skipped over young adult books and jumped right into reading romance novels. She never left.

Marci lives in the Midwest with her husband, two teenaged kiddos, and numerous rescue pets. If she had an ounce of will power, Marci would embrace healthy living but until cupcakes and wine are no longer available at the local grocery store, she'll put that ambition on hold and appease her guilt by reading self-help books and promising to join a gym "soon."

Review For UNDER CURRENTS By Nora Roberts 5*

Title: Under Currents
Author: Nora Roberts
Genre: Romantic Suspense

Rating: * * * * *

Publishers: St. Martin's Press (Jul 7, 2019)

Hardback: 436  pages

ISBN: 9781250207098 

FTC Disclosure: Book from local public library

Within the walls of a tasteful, perfectly kept house in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, young Zane Bigelow feels like a prisoner of war. Strangers - and even Zane's own aunt across the lake - see his parents as a successful surgeon and his stylish wife, making appearances at their children's ballet recitals and baseball games. Zane and his sister know the truth: There is something terribly wrong.
As his father's violent, controlling rages - and his mother's complicity - become more and more oppressive, Zane counts the years, months, days until he can escape. He looks out for little Britt, warning her Be smart. Be careful. In fear for his very life, he plays along with the insidious lie that everything is fine, while scribbling his real thoughts in a secret journal he must carefully hide away.

When one brutal, shattering night finally reveals cracks in the facade, Zane begins to understand that some people are willing to face the truth, even when it hurts. As he grows into manhood and builds a new kind of family, he will find that while the darkness of his past may always shadow him, it will also show him what is necessary for good to triumph - and give him strength to draw on when he once again must stand up and defend himself and the ones he loves...

This is one of those books that you absolutely cannot put down until the end. While it didn't have any mindblowning twists, (it's more a romance than a suspense story) you'll realize very quickly the who, it will make you flinch with horror that parents could be so cruel. It will often have you near tears, but the main characters had so many Roark/Eve mannerisms and words of wisdom, I knew it would be a satisfying read.
I loved the depth of the main characters and how much they grew and evolved throughout the book. It's not often that the author takes the time and allows us to understand their back stories as well as allowing their love to grow slowly. I loved the locale as it's one I'm very familiar with and was right on the money with the locals in a small town in the mountainous North Carolina hill country. I hope that Nora took the opportunity to spend some time in the Asheville communities and see for herself some of the beautiful scenery and possibly the Biltmore house.
With a gardening soul myself, there may have been a bit too many pages spent on details with Darby's landscaping job but I enjoyed it.

Texas Cowboy's Protection By Barb Han -2 *

Title: Texas Cowboy's Protection

Series: Don't Mess With Texas Cowboys #1

Author: Barb Han 

Genre: Cowboy Romantic Suspense

Rating: * *

Publishers: Independently published

(Mar 26th 2019)

Ebook: 163 pages

ASIN: B07Q2RGR8S

Isaac Quinn missed his chance with Gina Anderson when he broke up with her after high school years ago and joined the military. Now, he’s back home for a big family announcement. Staying in Gunner isn’t in his plans until single mother, Gina, crosses his path. Learning she’s just escaped from an attempted kidnapping, he’ll stop at nothing to save her and put the creep behind bars…no matter how long it takes.

As a lover of second chance romance this book had great promise but it lacked enough meat to make it work. At only 163 pages it was a very quick read, barely an hour, but it took place way too fast and without enough content. I loved the main characters and the suspense, mystery but just kept feeling like I had to go back to see if I had missed something in the story telling. I hadn't. And what happened to Brittany's baby? Never mentioned who was caring for it. All in all, not enough meat to sink your teeth in, only enough to give you a taste. Which may have been the reason it was a free Kindle read. But got to tell you, I'd never spend $9 (Amazon price) for 150 page print book. I expect a bit more entertainment for that price. At 70 reviews strong on Amazon, all of them the free Kindle format, I'm apparently not the only one that feels that way.



View all my reviews

Review For HIDDEN By Rebecca Zanetti- 4 *

Title: HIDDEN

Series: Deep Ops #1

Author: Rebecca Zanetti

Genre: Romance/Mystery

Rating: 4*

Publishers: Zebra

(Sept 25, 2018)

Paperback: 400 pages

ISBN: 978-1420145816

FTC Disclosure: ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley

Copy provided for the purpose of providing an honest review.

 This does not affect my opinion of this book.

Hide. That's all Pippa can do to escape the terror chasing her. But now that she's off the grid in a safe house, she finds plenty of interesting things to watch through the window. Like her new neighbor, with his startling green eyes, killer smile, and sexy bad-boy tattoo . . .
Run. Malcolm West is fleeing the hell he unleashed in his last assignment as an undercover cop. A backwoods bungalow sounds like the perfect place to start over. Until he discovers he's been set up . . .

Fight. Someone's gone to a lot of trouble to bring them together. No matter how much he resents that, and his own driving needs, Malcolm will have to dig deep and let loose the banished killer inside himself, or Pippa's fears could come true faster than the flip of a bolt in a lock . . .

Zanetti never fails to entertain with her unique characters and this new book is a great start to a new series.  While I loved Malcolm and Pippa, my favorite character was Roscoe, the dog. His personality will have you laughing all the while enjoying the suspense that Zanetti is so great at building. Can't wait to see who's going to be in the next book in this series!

Deep Ops
1. Hidden (2018)

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Rebecca Zanetti has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and a hearing examiner - only to culminate it all in stories about Alpha males and the women who claim them. She writes dark paranormals, romantic suspense, and sexy contemporary romances.

Growing up amid the glorious backdrops and winter wonderlands of the Pacific Northwest has given Rebecca fantastic scenery and adventures to weave into her stories. She resides in the wild north with her husband, children, and extended family who inspire her every day--or at the very least give her plenty of characters to write about.

 Please visit Rebecca at: http://www.rebeccazanetti.com/
 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RebeccaZanetti.Books/
 Twitter: https://twitter.com/RebeccaZanetti

Review For ABDUCTION By Cynthia Eden

Title: Abduction

Series: Killer Instinct #1

Author: Cynthia Eden

Genre: Murder 

Rating: * * * * *

Publishers: Harlequin Intrigue

(Feb 21, 2017)

Paperback: 272 pages

ISBN: 978-1335720856

New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Eden has 

killer instincts when it comes to breathtaking suspense! 
Once the town troublemaker, Sheriff Hayden Black became the teen hero who saved young Jillian West from a savage kidnapper. He never got over their brief affair. Now the ex-SEAL and the burned-out FBI agent have reunited in their Florida hometown and rediscovered their powerful attraction. But as they hunt down a long-forgotten killer, will they get a second chance at happiness? When a series of accidents begins to plague Jill, Hayden won't let her fall victim again. There's too much history between them…and too much desire.

In typical Eden fashion, this book will keep you gripping the page till the very end. This was a great start to a series that I plan on binging as I've just picked up the whole series! Eden never fails to keep the action and the romance going. Besides being a great suspense it contains another of my favorite romantic tropes- second chance romance. 

Killer Instinct Series

1.Abduction (2017)

2.Hunted (2017)

2.5. The Gathering Dusk (2017)

3. After the Dark (2017)

4. Before the Dawn (2017)

5. Into the Night (2017) 

Review For COME SUNDOWN By Nora Roberts-4*

Title: Come Sundown 
Author: Nora Roberts

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Mystery

Rating: * * * *

Publishers: St Martin's Press

(May 30, 2017)

Hardback: 480 pages

ISBN: 978-1250123077

FTC Disclosure: My copy bought used

Come Sundown named as one of Whoopi Goldberg's "Favorite Summer Reads" on ABC's The View and one of NY Post's biggest blockbuster "Whizbang Books" of the summer.

A novel of suspense, family ties, and twisted passions from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Obsession...

The Bodine ranch and resort in western Montana is a family business, an idyllic spot for vacationers. A little over thirty thousand acres and home to four generations, it’s kept running by Bodine Longbow with the help of a large staff, including new hire Callen Skinner. There was another member of the family once: Bodine’s aunt, Alice, who ran off before Bodine was born. She never returned, and the Longbows don’t talk about her much. The younger ones, who never met her, quietly presume she’s dead. But she isn’t. She is not far away, part of a new family, one she never chose―and her mind has been shattered…

When a bartender leaves the resort late one night, and Bo and Cal discover her battered body in the snow, it’s the first sign that danger lurks in the mountains that surround them. The police suspect Cal, but Bo finds herself trusting him―and turning to him as another woman is murdered and the Longbows are stunned by Alice’s sudden reappearance. The twisted story she has to tell about the past―and the threat that follows in her wake―will test the bonds of this strong family, and thrust Bodine into a darkness she could never have imagined.

First of all- what can I say that hasn't already been said? It's a Nora Robert's book, which face it- is always a good read. It wasn't great but it was more than acceptable. It could have used some reduction as I found myself skimming after too many day to day details. But hey, I never want NR's books to end once starting one. While it was not one of her books that I read cover to cover in one or two sittings, it definitely had it's moments. It reminded me a bit of an extended version of Criminal Minds (without Shemar Moore though Sundown had a lot of the same personality) with plenty of romance sprinkled in. One thing that it didn't have that I've always loved about NR's books was that twist that I've come to expect from her books. Would I recommend it? Hell yeah! but rather than fork out the dough, get it from the library or as I did, wait several months after release and purchase it  as a used book for less than $5. One thing about NR's books, she sells so many that if you're patient you can always pick them up used at a reasonable price.

Nora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including The Liar, The Collector, Whiskey Beach, The Witness, and many more. She is also the author of the bestselling In Death series written under the pen name J. D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.

Launch Day Blitz/Giveaway & Review For TRAPPED By Rhonda Pollero-4*

Title: Trapped

Series: Finding Justice #3

Author: Rhonda Pollero

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Rating: * * * *

Publishers: Forever Yours

(Nov 7, 2017)

Paperback: 352 pages

ISBN: 978-1455597635

FTC Disclosure: ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley

Lured into danger, trapped by desire . . .

Chasyn Summers has a target on her back. As the key witness in a murder case, she's risking her life to testify in court--and she needs protection. But when she's assigned a personal bodyguard who's disarmingly tough--and distractingly gorgeous--it's not just her life that's in danger. It's her heart . . .

Declan Kavanaugh works strictly by the rules. Never get too close to a client. And never, ever, fall in love. But he's never protected anyone as beautiful, or as intriguing, as Chasyn. Surrendering to passion is a risk they can't afford to take, especially when danger meets desire and Declan realizes Chasyn Summers may be the ultimate trap.

Buy the Book!

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2yePhY1

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2jLKQBG

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2wHkfaf

iBooks: http://apple.co/2fluAG1

Google: http://bit.ly/2wzpRIr

Finding Justice Series
1. Exposed (2017)

2. Abandoned (2017)

3. Trapped (2017)

TRAPPED  Excerpt

Blog Tour & Giveaway For WYOMING WINTER By Diana Palmer

New York Times bestselling author Diana Palmer returns to the Cowboy State with a brand-new tale of desire and deception in this must read Fall title releasing October 31st from Harlequin Books!

Rafflecopter for Wyoming Winter Blog Tour Giveaway:

Harlequin is offering one (1) lucky Grand Prize winner a $25 Amazon Gift Card and three (3) Runner Ups a winner's choice eBook from Diana Palmer's HQN backlist! To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter below:

Title: Wyoming Winter

Author: Diana Palmer

Publisher: Harlequin

Release Date: October 31, 2017

Series: Wyoming Men #7

Genre: Contemporary Romance

ISBN: 9780373804214

There's something about those Wyoming men... New York Timesbestselling author Diana Palmer returns to the Cowboy State with a brand-new tale of desire and deception

Cultivating his vast Wyoming ranch is all security expert J. C. Calhoun wants. His land is the only thing the betrayed rancher can trust in after discovering his fiancee was pregnant by another man. But all J.C. holds dear becomes compromised when a lost little girl leads him to Colie Jackson, the woman who destroyed his life.

Colie stops at nothing to protect the people she loves. Years ago she left J.C. for his own good. Now, for the sake of her daughter, she must depend on a hard-hearted man who won't forgive her. As a band of ruthless criminals tracks their every move through the frozen Wyoming winter, Colie and J.C. will be forced to confront the lies that separated them--and the startling truth that will bind them forever...

Add to your TBR list:  Goodreads

Available:  Amazon  |  Barnes and Noble  |  Kobo  |  iTunes

Excerpt:

Blog Tour & Giveaway For BOSS By J.L. Lora

BOSS

by J.L. Lora
Trinity, #1
Publication Date: March 6, 2017
Genres: Adult, Romantic Suspense, Cartel, Organized Crime

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2iprcLx

Paperback: http://amzn.to/2yzAKtK

B&N: http://bit.ly/2xdb8yU

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2l7Qj6i

iTunes: http://apple.co/2medgmV

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2msUGIo

Determined to avoid the violence that claimed her family and friends, Carissa Elliott flees her hometown with a dangerous plan. She has proof that Calum DeMateo killed her father—now she just has to catch him. To do so, she’ll have to transform herself from small-town ingénue to New York crime boss.

When her path crosses with Alec McLean, the sexy stranger with whom she once shared a steamy nightclub kiss, things take an unexpected turn. Alec heads his family’s criminal organization, the kind of made man Carissa should want nothing to do with. But he also has a plan to take down Calum, and the flames that flicker between them are irresistible.

Will their vengeful quests jeopardize their chance at lasting love?

GR

MUSIC PLAYLIST

J. L. Lora was born in Dominican Republic and came to the United States just at the age of 13. Her goal in life was always to be a writer. As a child, she told stories to her family and friends and wrote fiction about historic figures. Today, her stories explore the dark side of good characters, people living in the gray areas of life and how they cope with the cards life has dealt them. She loves strong heroines and their equally powerful love interests. She currently lives in Maryland while pursuing her dream of writing compelling, sexy, can’t-put-down stories about empowered, badass alpha heroines and take-your-breath-away alpha heroes.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Newsletter | Amazon Author Profile

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Book Blitz & Review & Giveaway For ETHAN'S DAUGHTER By Rachel Brimble

Title: Ethan's Daughter

Series: Templeton Cove #7

Author: Rachel Brimble

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Rating: * * * 1/2

Publishers: Harlequin Superromance

(Aug 8, 2017)

Paperback: 384 pages

ISBN: 978-0373640393

FTC Disclosure: My copy

There's safety in solitude isn't there? Single dad and best-selling thriller writer Ethan James has no problem being Templeton Cove's most famous recluse until a surprise visit from the past plunges him into a real-life crime drama just as feisty nurse Leah Dixon barges her way into his world. Ethan's first priority is to protect his daughter. His second priority is to keep Leah out of this dark web and that means out of his bed. Except Leah isn't going anywhere; she's afraid little Daisy is in danger. Ethan couldn't live with himself if anything happened to Leah but pushing her away may be even harder!

Amazon: US | UK | AU | CA

Barnes & Noble | Kobo

GR

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