Reading and #Reviews (Koontz, Proell, Garner)

I'm a writer, but I'm also a reader. Each month, I'll share with you reviews of present and past reads. My available time to read is limited because I write, but I love to curl up with a paperback or an eBook at night for the last hour of my day.

I tend to read what I write, but not exclusively. Besides Romantic Suspense, I read crime and law novels, once in a while a true story, WWII historicals, mysteries, and main stream character driven books.

Here are some of the books I've read recently or in the not too distant past. Maybe you'll discover a new book or author! 

Watchers by Dean Koontz

It took me a couple of chapters to get into this book. I gave it more time than I normally do because of the author. I’m glad I hung in there. I’m a dog lover, so that might be why I didn’t give up. I came to really like the main character, Travis Cornell, too. He appears to be a mellow fellow but his past life is slowly revealed, and we learn he’s a whole lot deeper. When he meets a woman whose life is sad, and whose self-esteem is non-existent, the book takes on a new twist. The story is great. The characterizations are excellent. The premise is wild but believable.

Blurb:

On his thirty-sixth birthday, Travis Cornell hikes into the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains. But his path is soon blocked by a bedraggled Golden Retriever who will let him go no further into the dark woods.

That morning, Travis had been desperate to find some happiness in his lonely, seemingly cursed life. What he finds is a dog of alarming intelligence that soon leads him into a relentless storm of mankind’s darkest creation...

https://www.amazon.com/Watchers-Dean-Koontz-ebook/dp/B001974DG0/

 

A Deadly Truth by Joyce Proell

Ms. Proell satisfied me for a second time. I read her first published book set in western times. Now this Victorian era romantic mystery was equally enjoyable. She has a knack for placing the reader deep in the time period. What I enjoy in a book are characters I can easily visualize and love to love or love to hate. Cady is a whip, a woman for her time and yet timeless. Doyle is a hero's hero. Cady's sleuthing into a student's murder and her subsequent involvement with Doyle kept me turning the pages.

Blurb:

When Doyle Flanagan finds two strangers in his library—one dead and the other the beautiful but meddlesome Cady Delafield, his life begins to unravel as all clues point to him for the murder. As the sexual tension sizzles and Victorian conventions crumble, Cady risks job, reputation and family ties to help him clear his name. Even as his life hangs in the balance, his passion for her drives him on, but will the truth about him be the one thing to scare her away?

https://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Truth-Joyce-Proell-ebook/product-reviews/B00DQH3U3I/

 

Deadly Deception by Marissa Garner (Rogue Security Book 2)

Do you believe a nasty family secret can be hidden by some and ignored by other family members for decades? It can, and it does in Deadly Deception. Ms. Garner tackles an issue in this thriller in a most compelling way. I don’t want to give away the zinger, so I’m not going to go into what that issue is. In addition to the suspense, she’s thrown in a great romance. This is the second book in a series, but you don’t have to read the first to enjoy this book.

Blurb:

When her mother disappears, Jessica Hargrove's life begins to unravel. And her problems are only just beginning. A horrible secret has been revealed, threatening to destroy three generations of her family, and the one person who may be able to help her is the man she's never stopped loving, the man who once broke her heart....

LAPD Detective Sean Burke is back in his small hometown, pondering if his career in the big city is what he really wants anymore. As painful as it is to see Jess again, she needs him. He can't walk away when she's about to lose everything she holds dear. But will what he discovers ruin their second chance at love?

https://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Deception-Rogue-Security-Book-ebook/dp/B0716WP633/

 

Reading and #Reviews (Garner, Gallant, Henderson)

I'm a writer, but I'm also a reader. Each month, I'll share with you reviews of present and past reads. My available time to read is limited because I write, but I love to curl up with a paperback or an eBook at night for the last hour of my day.

I tend to read what I write, but not exclusively. Besides Romantic Suspense, I read crime and law novels, once in a while a true story, WWII historicals, mysteries, and main stream character driven books.

Here are some of the books I've read recently or in the not too distant past. Maybe you'll discover a new book or author! 

Wanted (FBI Heat, book 3) by Marissa Garner

As expected, I was not disappointed by the third book in Ms. Garner’s series. First off, I love the heroine and hero names. Yes, I’m a name geek. Katriona and Dillon. Names are important in fiction to set a tone! A problem at the nuclear power plant where Kat (good short name too) works is troubling. And there is no one she can trust to help her figure it out. Well, yeah, there is but she’s the guy she left at the altar. When it was revealed in the story why she left him, in spite of loving him, my immediate reaction was whoa is he going to be angry. Dillon is FBI. There is lots of suspense and danger. And the love they still have, although rocky, holds it all together.

BLURB:

Kat MacKenzie knows something is terribly wrong at the Diablo Beach Nuclear Power Plant, but she can't figure out if it's computer error, equipment malfunction, or human sabotage. Unfortunately, the only person she can trust with the problem is the man she left at the altar two years ago. If Dillon doesn't already hate her, he surely will once he discovers why she abandoned him.

The last person he expects to call him is the woman who broke his heart. But FBI Special Agent Dillon O'Malley can't ignore Kat's plea for help-not when national security may be at stake. As enemies become clear and catastrophe threatens, can Kat and Dillon put the past behind them to save the day and secure their future?

CLICK HERE FOR AMAZON BUY LINK

We’ll Never Tell (Secrets of Ravenswood, book 1) by Jannine Gallant

This is a great premise. Three teens witness a murder and have the bejeebies scared out of them to keep their mouths shut. Seventeen years later, the crime comes back to haunt them. The killer is near and their lives are in danger. But there is also an old love in the mix. You’ll love this romantic suspense for all the reasons you should love a romantic suspense.

BLURB:

Three young girls witness a murder—and make a pact never to tell what they saw. But when the woman’s body is uncovered seventeen years later, the killer’s faith in their promise is shaken. A few deadly reminders may be in order…

Samantha Beaumont knows it’s time to reveal the truth about what happened in the woods all those years ago—until the accidents begin. Fear that the killer will shut them up permanently leads Sam on a quest to protect her friends and expose the murderer’s identity. No one, certainly not the man she spent one memorable night with, will stop her.

Ethan Thorne has no reason to believe Sam is any more interested in a commitment now than when she ran from him five years before. Still, he can’t resist trying one more time… When he realizes her life is in danger, he’ll risk everything for a chance at love.

CLICK HERE FOR AMAZON BUY LINK

Unwritten Rules (Phoenix Ltd., book 1) by Alison Henderson

I’ve read this series out of order, but no worry. They stand on their own just fine. I’m just sorry I waited so long to read this one. The premise is unique—a petite female body guard protecting a CIA agent turned author. At times, it seems he should be protecting her, but you can’t sell her short. He’s into her before she finally feels the attraction. There is plenty of suspense and a growing romance to keep you reading.

BLURB:

Madelyn Li is in trouble.

Her bodyguard agency is teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, her grandmother keeps trying to marry her off, and someone is trying to kill her latest client. All she wants is to safely escort thriller writer and former CIA agent Carter Devlin on his cross-country book tour and collect her check, but two obstacles stand in her way: a shadowy assailant and her growing attraction to her dashing client.

Carter Devlin has agreed to accept the beautiful and determined Ms. Li as a bodyguard to appease his publisher. But who would want to kill a beat-up, retired ex-spy on a book tour? When the attacks turn deadly, he quickly learns there’s more to Madelyn than a pretty face and tempting body. Will the spark become a flame before a killer snuffs it out?

CLICK HERE FOR AMAZON BUY LINK

Reading and #Reviews (Gallant, Garner, Dean, Patterson)

I'm a writer, but I'm also a reader. Each month, I'll share with you what I'm reading and reviews of past reads. My available time to read is limited because I write, but I love to curl up with a paperback or an eBook at night for the last hour of my day.

I tend to read what I write, but not exclusively. Besides Romantic Suspense, I read crime and law novels, WWII historicals, mysteries, and some main stream character driven books.

Here are some of the books I've read recently or in the not too distant past. Maybe you'll discover a new book or author! 

Ominous Legacy by Jannine Gallant

Romantic Suspense 

Ms. Gallant’s tag line “Will a historical legacy doom the nation…or save it?” roped me in. But when it comes to her novels, I’m a sure mark. Once again, she didn’t fail to entertain me. I had a crush on Wyatt Stone from the start—a television personality with a sense of adventure. Talia Davis is a member of Counterstrike. I’ve enjoyed Counterstrike novels before. So, the premise is our founding fathers created an out for our nation should the government not fulfill its purpose, should the people be in jeopardy of a just governing body. Seven people have inherited the ability to change the current government. Wyatt is one of them, and he’s on a quest with the help of Talia to discover the other six. The trouble is there are two factions who don’t want that to happen, and they aren’t afraid to stop Wyatt and Talia even if it means murder. It’s suspense you’ll really enjoy. 

BUY LINK

Targeted by Marissa Garner

Romantic Suspense 

This book is the second book in the FBI Heat Series and the second one I’ve read. The third and final waits for me in my reader. You might guess I find them entertaining reads. In this story, Marissa Panuska is an FBI Special Agent who is undercover in a terrorist organization. Yes, readers, edge of your seat suspense. With every page turn I was afraid she’d get found out. Ameen Ali is a former Navy Seal. He discovers Marissa is part of a cell spreading American hate propaganda at his mosque, he doesn’t want to believe she’s evil. When he saves her life, and is drawn into the nightmare of her undercover work…well you have to read the book to see what happens. Intrigue and suspense and romance. A great read. 

BUY LINK

Without Mercy by Alicia Dean

Thriller 

Alicia Dean is now one of my favorite authors. I’ve read at least a half dozen of her stories. She is versatile and successful regardless of the genre. This could be her best novel yet. China Beckett witnesses the murder of her boss during a bank robbery where she works. Going home to be with her daughter and get past her horrific experience isn’t going to happen. She and her daughter become hostages to these criminals in her home. Protecting her daughter is upmost for her, but these ruthless killers have a plan of their own. You’ll be flipping the pages and staying up later than you intended once you pick up this book. 

BUY LINK

Kiss the Girls by James Patterson

Crime 

This is one of his best. I love his character Alex Cross. In this one, the doctor/detective investigating two competing villains. These guys are sick puppies. It’s a typical Patterson novel that will keep you reading.

BUY LINK

Reading and #Reviews (Dean, Hubbard, Garner)

I'm a writer, but I'm also a reader. Each month, I'll share with you what I'm reading and reviews of past reads. My available time to read is limited because I write, but I love to curl up with a book or an eReader at night for the last hour of my day.

I tend to read what I write, but not exclusively. I've just about finished Kiss the Girls by James Patterson. Lovin' it. This is one of those crime books that was made into a movie. I really enjoyed the movie and the book is every bit as good. Besides Crime Novels, I read Romantic Suspense, law novels, WWII historicals, mysteries, and some main stream character driven novels.

Here are some of the books I've read recently or in the not too distant past. Maybe you'll discover a new book or author!

Precarious: Martini Club 4 by Alicia Dean

Romantic Suspense Novelette 

I love all things 1940s so this story attracted me from the beautiful cover to the title. And the read met my expectations of an Alicia Dean story. Iris Taggart is engaged to one of the wealthiest men in Boston…her mother’s dream, not hers. When she reunites with an old friend, a WWII hero and now a detective, her doubts grow stronger. Lucky they find each other again when a killer has Iris on his victim list. It’s a fun romance in the romantic 40s.

https://www.amazon.com/Precarious-Martini-Club-1940s-ebook/dp/B085BR3N7P/

Adirondack Mountain Mystery Series by S.W. Hubbard

Mystery 

This is a three book bundled series. The third book is a short story anthology.

Police Chief Frank Bennett patrols the not-so-mean streets of Trout Run, New York, an idyllic town nestled in the rugged Adirondack Mountains. 

The Lure
Police Chief Frank Bennett has his hands full when a group of environmental activists shows up in Trout Run trying to close down Raging Rapids, a popular tourist attraction. But of course there is murder to deal with.

Blood Knot
When a tough-love school for troubled teens opens its doors in Trout Run, Frank Bennett worries about the arrival of so many juvenile delinquents on his turf. Sabotage and murder follow.

Dead Drift
Frank Bennett investigates three puzzling crimes in these short mysteries with big twists.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books. Frank Bennett is a homespun character, and I have a little crush on him. He has two sidekicks, a younger man who is in training to be a cop and the older female secretary. It’s small town and delightful. I could see the scenery, got to know the townspeople, and the mystery and suspense kept me going. The short stories were enjoyable although not as good as the full-length stories.

https://www.amazon.com/Frank-Bennett-Adirondack-Mountain-Mystery-ebook/dp/B07HWTT3M6/

Hunted by Marissa Garner

Romantic Suspense 

Catching bad guys in San Diego's underworld isn't just FBI Special Agent Ben Alfren's job, it's his life. He doesn't have time for a serious relationship, doesn't want one either. So when he meets his sexy new neighbor, Amber Jollett, he has nothing more in mind than unwinding with a glass of wine, a romantic walk on the beach...and maybe a hot fling. Not only do they get caught up in each other, but also a human trafficking ring.

Passion and danger kept me reading this romantic suspense. You’ll love it.

https://www.amazon.com/Hunted-FBI-Heat-Book-1-ebook/dp/B017RQSNXU/

Reading and #Reviews (Garner, Konrath, and Henderson)

I'm a writer, but I'm also a reader. Each month, I'll share with you what I'm reading and some reviews. My available time to read is limited because I write, but I love to curl up with a book or a reader at night for the last hour of my waking day.

I tend to read what I write, but not exclusively. I also like detective thrillers, WWII historicals, mysteries, and some main stream character driven novels. I just finished Overland on the Hippie Trail by Larry Farmer. I'll review it soon. My current read is a Dying to Love You by Alicia Dean. It's a short romantic paranormal and I'll share my review in the future.

Here are some of the books I've read recently. Maybe you'll discover a new book or author!

BUY LINK CLICK HERE

Risky Redemption (Rogue Security) by Marissa Garner

This is the first book I've read by Marissa Garner and it won't be the last. My favorite kind of books have both suspense and romance. Wow, does this Romantic Suspense meet my reading taste. I see there are other Rogue Security novels so I'm happy. The main characters in this novel kept me reading. This guy is just the right amount of bad and certainly enough tough. Angela is a heroine we can route for. Definitely recommend to romantic suspense lovers.

Bloody Mary (Jacqueline “Jack” Daniels #2) by J.A. Konrath

BUY LINK CLICK HERE

I didn’t read the first book in the series. It didn’t hurt. Jack is a tough female detective who deals with her ex, a new boyfriend, an oversexed and overfed partner, her mom’s failing health and, of course, murder. This serial killer is a sicko. The characters are well portrayed and in spite of the subject matter, there is humor. It was a little too cutesy for me, but overall an entertaining, light read. Suspense/Mystery

Boiling Point (Phoenix Ltd. Book 2) by Alison Henderson

BUY LINK CLICK HERE

I love stories about mistaken identity, or in this case, hidden identity. When a female body guard poses as a chef (and she can't cook), and a male body guard poses as a chauffeur (and he never drives), the humor is light in the midst of real suspense. Their attraction for each other, and their suspicion of each other, makes for fun reading while they try to protect each half of a couple in danger. You’ll enjoy this Romantic Suspense an entertaining read. By the way, I again didn't start with book one in the series. What's up with that? Whatever, it didn't matter.