Currently Reading: Still See You by Lisa Gardner

Goodreads Blurb

Frankie Elkin is an expert at finding the missing persons that the rest of the world has forgotten, but even she couldn’t have anticipated this latest request—to locate the long-lost sister of a female serial killer facing execution in three weeks’ time.

She has called herself “death,” but people called her the devil.

The case was sensational. Kaylee Pierson had confessed from the very beginning, waived all appeals. Despite the media’s chronicling of her tragic circumstances—the childhood spent with a violent father—no one could find sympathy for “the Beautiful Butcher” who had led eighteen men home from bars before viciously slitting their throats.
Now, with only twenty-one days left to live, Pierson has finally received a lead on the whereabouts of the sister who was kidnapped over a decade ago, and she needs Frankie’s help to find her. The Beautiful Butcher’s offer:

When was the last time your search ended with finding the living?

Unable to resist the chance for a rescue, Frankie takes on Pierson’s request. Twelve years ago, five-year-old Leilani went missing in Hawaii. The main suspect? Pierson’s tech mogul ex-boyfriend, Sanders MacManus. Now, on a remote island in the middle of the Pacific—the site of MacManus’s latest vanity project—fresh evidence has appeared. In order to learn the truth and possibly save a young woman’s life, Frankie must go undercover at the isolated base camp. Her challenge: A dozen strangers. Countless dangerous secrets. Zero means of calling for help. And then the storm rolls in…

Author Biography

Lisa Gardner is the #1 New York Times bestselling thriller author of the Frankie Elkin series, as well as the Detective D.D. Warren, the FBI Profilers and the PI Tessa Leoni series.

Her current suspense novels feature Frankie Elkin, an everyday, average person who specializes in finding missing people. When the locals have given up, when the media has never bothered to care, Frankie takes on the challenge. From looking for a missing teen in inner city Boston to searching for a missing hiker in the wilds of Wyoming to rescuing a possibly kidnapped girl on a remote island in the Pacific, Frankie is on the case!

Lisa lives in the mountains of New Hampshire with two crazy pups. When not writing, Lisa loves to hike, play cribbage, and, of course, read!

I will post my review once I am done reading this thrilling novel that will be released on March 12, 2024.

Review: Snow Angel Cove by RaeAnne Thayne

Goodreads Blurb

Nothing short of a miracle can restore Eliza Hayward’s Christmas cheer. The job she pinned her dreams on has gone up in smoke—literally—and now she’s stuck in an unfamiliar, if breathtaking, small town. Precariously close to being destitute, Eliza needs a helping hand…for her sick young daughter’s sake as well as her own. But she’s not expecting her holiday hero to almost run her down with his car!

Rescuing Eliza is pure instinct for tech genius Aidan Caine. At first, putting the renovation of his lakeside guest lodge in Eliza’s hands assuages his guilt—until he sees how quickly he could fall for her. Having focused solely on his business for years, he never knew that what his life was missing was Eliza and her little girl. But is he willing to risk hoping for a yuletide romance that could lead to forever?

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Won this book on RaeAnne’s FB page. I am speechless. This book left me wanting more. The chemistry between Aidan and Eliza was amazing. This book started with devastation and hurt but ended with a happy ending. I loved both characters occupation its was a perfect match. This book hits close to home since I lost my grandmother on Christmas Eve of 1995 because of cancer. I know how Aidan felt like life was going to be over before he received his results. I loved that Aidan’s character was strong, limitless, and with a touch of love and compassion while not portraying it. Eliza was determined and strong-willed. I smiled every time Maddie got excited. I would have never foreseen that she had a medical condition since she was always happy and energetic. The end of the story got me all teary-eyed from the gift he did for Eliza to the love that all the family gave to each other. Christmas is a time to spend with family and where magic can come true. I read this book in two days, not wanting to put it down. Thanks so much for a sweet and romantic story.

Author Biography

I’m not one of those people who knew from birth she was destined to become a writer. I always loved to read and throughout my childhood I could usually be found with a book in my hands. To the disgust of my friends, I even enjoyed creative writing assignments that made them all groan. But I had other dreams besides writing. I wanted to be an actress or a teacher or a lawyer.

Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.

After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.

Through it all — through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor — I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.

I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try — their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I’ve come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the “that’s-it!” feeling I get when a story is flowing.

I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.

Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can’t imagine my life any other way.

I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com

Cover Reveal: Take Any Chance by Brenna Aubrey

BOOK DETAILS:

Take Any Chance
by Brenna Aubrey
(Gaming the System, #10)
Publication date: April 30, 2024
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

In the game of life, Mia Drake has leveled up like a pro. Just out of medical school, she’s landed her dream job—a medical residency at a prestigious hospital. She has a beautiful home and an amazing husband. But there’s one more achievement she’s determined to unlock: becoming a mother.

In the business world, Adam Drake is a beast. He can face any threat. Conquer any boardroom. But when Mia issues the challenge to start a family, Adam will have to take up a sword to fight the ultimate boss—his own fear.

The path forward is clear, but are Adam and Mia truly ready to embark on this epic quest?

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209072107-take-any-chance

Pre-order:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3IhJruQ

AUTHOR BIO:

Brenna Aubrey is a USA TODAY Bestselling Author of contemporary romance stories that center on geek culture. Her debut novel, At Any Price, is currently free on all platforms. Her books are on over a million e-readers worldwide, have been translated into German, French, Italian and Dutch. They’ve also been adapted as an interactive app game. Look for the brand new POINT OF NO RETURN series and her extremely popular GAMING THE SYSTEM series.

She has always sought comfort in good books and the long, involved stories she weaves in her head. Brenna is a city girl with a nature-lover’s heart. She therefore finds herself out in green open spaces any chance she can get. She currently resides on the west coast of the US with her husband and children (both human and furry).

Author links:

https://brennaaubrey.net/newsletter-signup/

https://www.facebook.com/BrennaAubreyAuthor

https://www.instagram.com/brennaaubreyauthor/

Tweets by BrennaAubrey

https://brennaaubrey.net/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5824327.Brenna_Aubrey

Review: My Control by Lisa Renee Jones

Goodreads Blurb

Mark’s POV novella

I have lost the man I once was, letting guilt and heartache define who I am. Darkness has controlled me, and one woman has seen what no one else has seen in me, what I do not wish to exist. My hunger for her has driven me to the edge of sanity, but no more. She’s about to find out that the Master has returned.

My Review: Rated 5 out 5 stars

Once again, Lisa writes another amazing book. Left my heart broken, trying to find out if Rebecca is still alive or not. Crystal is such a sweet girl who is trying her best not to fall for Mark, the sexual controller. Loved that she stands up for herself and doesn’t let him get his way. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next in their relationship. Mark is torn apart from not knowing what happened to Rebecca. He ended up becoming her Master but she was truly in love with him and wished that he felt the same way about her.He is driven with guilt of never telling her he truly loved her since there relationship was not ordinary. As I read, you could feel the disappointment in not protecting Rebecca, anger, guilt, and hatred, and he is looking for revenge from any angle. He has timed out from being the master but is trying to get Crystal to turn to his kinky ways. Felt the sexual tension between them. A touch sends tremors through their body. They are meant for each other, but both try to put a barrier between them. When Lisa describe the feelings they got when they saw each other and just a slight touch sent feelings that neither felt could be possible. You won’t want to miss this book.

Author Biography

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT series. Suzanne Todd (producer of Alice in Wonderland) on the INSIDE OUT series: Lisa has created a beautiful, complicated, and sensual world that is filled with intrigue and suspense. Sara’s character is strong, flawed, complex, and sexy – a modern girl we all can identify with.

In addition to the success of Lisa’s INSIDE OUT series, she has published many successful titles. The TALL, DARK AND DEADLY series and THE SECRET LIFE OF AMY BENSEN series, both spent several months on a combination of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists. Lisa is presently working on a dark, edgy new series, Dirty Money, for St. Martin’s Press.
Prior to publishing Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women’s Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.

Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at www.lisareneejones.com and she is active on Twitter and Facebook daily.

Review: A Wedding in Provence by Ellen Sussman

Goodreads Blurb

What could be more idyllic than a wedding in Provence? That’s what Olivia and Brody think when they invite their closest friends and family to spend their wedding weekend with them. But when Olivia’s older daughter from her first marriage invites a man she met on the plane to join her, the delicate balance of the entire weekend is upset. Soon Olivia’s best friend, the owner of the inn who is hosting the wedding, discovers that her husband has cheated on her. Then Brody’s mother shows up without his father, who has gone into hiding. How can one choose love in the midst of chaos? Told from the point of view of Olivia and her two daughters, A Wedding in Provence is a moving novel about love, trust, secrets and family.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Won this book from goodreads. I really liked this book because it showed the characters’ true colors. I was very happy that the wedding wasn’t between two young adults but two mature adults who had both been married before. There are many people who, after being married once don’t feel like marriage is the right route. I loved how Olivia and Brody were together at all times before their wedding as everything around them was a disaster. The two daughters, Nell and Carly, really were the opposites. Nell was a walking disaster, and everyone knew it while Carly was a disaster, while not showing that she couldn’t take her life anymore. I love how weddings bring the whole family together regardless of differences. There were moments in which you could feel the agony and pain that each character was enduring while trying to move on. This book reflects love, death, power, commitment, arguments, and disagreements, but they made it through it all. I recommend you pick this new release.

Author Biography

Ellen Sussman is the New York Times bestselling author of four novels, A Wedding in Provence, The Paradise Guest House, French Lessons, and On a Night Like This. She is the editor of two critically acclaimed anthologies, Bad Girls: 26 Writers Misbehave and Dirty Words: A Literary Encyclopedia of Sex. She teaches through Stanford Continuing Studies and in private classes. www.ellensussman.com

Review: Highland Wolf Pact by Selena Kitt

Goodreads Blurb

Sibyl Blackthorne isn’t afraid of anything–except maybe being sold into marriage to a man she doesn’t love. A man she’s never even met. A man who, by reputation, is one of Scotland’s cruelest lairds in over a century.

But what choice does she have, with her father dead and her uncle now married to his brother’s widow, putting him in charge of not only the Blackthorne fortune, but Sibyl’s future as well?

Then her betrothed turns out to actually be far worse than his reputation, so headstrong Sibyl decides life as a peasant, or even death, would be preferable to a future with such a despicable man, and makes plans to run away.

On an organized hunt for wolves–or, as the Scots call them, wulvers–Sybil escapes her fiancé’s clutches, only to find she’s run into something far more untamed and dangerous in the middle of the woods.

When a big, brawny, long-haired man, who only speaks to her in Gaelic and calls himself Raife, simply picks her up and carries her off with him into the Scottish wild, Sibyl knows she’s in trouble.

When he takes her to a place no human has ever been, she knows she’s gone over the edge.

And when he, at last, marks her as his own, she discovers that only one wild heart can claim another.

Note To Readers: This is the extended version with over 10K words of new material and a BONUS epilogue and preview of the SEQUEL.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This was an amazing read. I love books that have action and romance. The heroine was very independent, strong, a healer, brave, and risked her life before she risked the people who protected her. Sibyl had some balls by defending herself from that retched Alistair. He definitely got what he deserved. A gentleman doesn’t treat women like property. My heart was at the edge a number of times during this book. I was so nervous for her when she let the wolf out of the cage. I couldn’t possibly find the courage to do such a thing, let alone be in a cave with a wolf pact. Raife was half a wolf/half man who protected Sibyl from the very beginning of the book. Love struck him the moment he saw her. Sibyl was trained by her father to be brave and taught her how to use weapons, hunting and shooting. Sibyl was annoyed that Raife won’t let her out of the cave and let her wander around. She felt like a prisoner, but she got closer to everyone and truly cared for their safety and hospitality. The romance between Raife and Sibyl was a little ruff at the beginning since she would freely flirt and kiss him, but he would not tickle her fancy. Wolfs when they find their mate, they mate for life. He didn’t just want to have a fling. I was so annoyed by her uncle, what an evil man. Selfless and cold heart-ed. He only cared about money and pleasing the king. Selena can write some really hot and spicy sex scenes. Be sure to pick this book up. You don’t want to miss this awesome book. Thanks, Selena, for letting me review early.

Author Biography

Selena Kitt is a NEW YORK TIMES bestselling and award-winning author of erotic and romance fiction. She is one of the highest selling erotic writers in the business with over two million books sold!

Her writing embodies everything from the spicy to the scandalous, but watch out-this kitty also has sharp claws and her stories often include intriguing edges and twists that take readers to new, thought-provoking depths.

When she’s not pawing away at her keyboard, Selena runs an innovative publishing company (www.excessica.com) and bookstore (www.excitica.com), as well as two erotica and erotic romance promotion companies (www.excitesteam.com and www.excitespice.com) and is now head of the Erotica Readers and Writers Association (www.erotica-readers.com).

Her books EcoErotica (2009), The Real Mother Goose (2010) and Heidi and the Kaiser (2011) were all Epic Award Finalists. Her only gay male romance, Second Chance, won the Epic Award in Erotica in 2011. Her story, Connections, was one of the runners-up for the 2006 Rauxa Prize, given annually to an erotic short story of “exceptional literary quality.”

She can be reached on her website at www.selenakitt.com

Review: Haunted Hamlet by Kathi Daley

Goodreads Blurb

When a ghost hunter is found dead in a haunted house just days before Halloween it looks like the killer may be living impaired. Zoe must juggle the annual Zoe Donovan Spooktacular with zombies on the run, the annual pumpkin carving contest, a haunted hayride, a relationship in crisis, and a little behind the scenes investigation

My Review: Rated 5 out if 5 stars

Won this book on GoodReads. This was the first book I read from Kathi, and I enjoyed the thrill. As I kept reading, I was trying to figure out if the house was haunted or if there was really a killer? I loved how Zoe isn’t a cop but she zero in on feelings that someone is up to something and that they might be linked to the case at hand. She is such an excellent detective who really doesn’t think the trouble she might get in for snooping around. I love the relationship she has with Zak, and they are made for each other. She had me at the edge of my seat, walking into that creepy house numerous times in the dark. Is she crazy or what. I am a scaredy cat, so I can’t be as brave. I am looking forward to reading more about Zoe Donovan.

Author Biography

Kathi lives with her husband, kids, grandkids, and dogs in beautiful Lake Tahoe. When she isn’t writing, Kathi likes to read (preferably at the beach or by the fire), cook (preferably something with chocolate or cheese,) and garden (planting and planning not weeding). She also enjoys spending time on the water when she’s not hiking, biking, or snowshoeing, the miles of desolate trails surrounding her home.
Kathi uses the mountain setting in which she lives, along with the animals (wild and domestic) that share her home, as inspiration for her cozy mysteries.

Join me on Facebook at Kathi Daley Books (www.facebook.com/kathidaleybooks) for updates on my books, photos of life in Lake Tahoe, recipes, contests, and giveaways. For weekly updates and contests sign up for The Daley Weekly Newsletter (http://eepurl.com/NRPDf).

Review: Need You Now by Lisa Renee Jones

Goodreads Blurb

Life is hard. Life leaves you beaten, broken…alone. Then one day, a stranger touches your hand and you feel something intense, unforgettable, but yet, you want to forget. You need to forget. It’s safer than believing in things you’ve decided don’t exist. You know all about shattered promises and lost hope. You know them so much better than you know this excited, warm, wonderful feeling, and it scares you. He scares you, but he also makes you feel alive again. He makes you realize you haven’t really been living. You’re surviving and you fear he’s the one who’ll make you forget how to keep doing it. But what if he’s the one who changes everything?

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read from Lisa, and it was amazing. I am in love with both characters Jensen and Danny. They really do make the perfect couple. Jensen seems like he is a little naughty and mysterious while Danny looks like a good girl with some heated desires. Danny bumps right into Jensen, and she feels automatic attraction and desire. She gets so mesmerized by him that she ends at his hotel room, which gets a little heated, while not knowing he is a family member of her boss. Her enchantment dissipates, and panic sets in, and she leaves. Really loved that tension between them when she finds out he will be her boss and she has to travel with him. The plot was great, and I loved the way she ended this novella. I am looking forward to reading about what happens next with these captivating characters. Love, lust, and passion are written all over it. You don’t want to miss this and what to come.

Author Biography

Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at www.lisareneejones.com and she is active on Twitter and Facebook daily.

Review: Penny Palabras by James B. Willard, Patrick K. Beavers, illustrator

Goodreads Blurb

Penny Palabras, 17, has experienced the paranormal for years. She knows that things aren’t always what they seem. She’s tormented by a malevolent entity called the Straw Man. As she searches for ways to banish him from her life, she’s haunted by more than ghosts. Her nightmares won’t let her sleep, her friends and family can’t understand, and the Straw Man is getting more powerful every day.

This Season One volume collects episodes 1-6 of Penny Palabras as well as the kickstarter funded addition of the “Lucas” segue and additional developmental artwork. The episodes are (minor plot spoilers follow):

01 – The Spectacular Revolver. Penny begins her narrative, introducing us to her world. We learn about the Straw Man, meet the Pawn Broker and the Librarian, and Penny acquires the Spectacular Revolver.

02 – The Devil’s Weight. Penny is visited by a surprise guest when she least expects it. She learns more about ghosts and getting rid of straw men.

03 – The Detachment Bell. Penny’s friend Stevan brings her an artifact that she’ll later find useful.

04 – Disappearing Acts – Penny gets expelled from school and we see what it’s like to be tormented by the Straw Man. Penny realizes that there is only one way to protect her family and friends from him – by leaving.

05 – A Gun In Act One – Penny makes some discoveries that lead her to her father and has another run-in with the Straw Man. She finds out more about the librarian and herself as a result of his attack.

Segue – Lucas. Backed by a Kickstarter supporter of the project, this segue chronicles Penny’s quest to find the summoning spell that she uses in the beginning of the next episode.

06 – Love Letters – The season one story arc concludes as Penny resorts to extremes, allowing the Tiger Devil and his associate to help her bind the Straw Man and send her home.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Won this book from GoodReads. This graphic novel was nicely written. Love the artwork that was done for this book. I feel horrible for Penny. It’s such a freak twisting novel. Really wasn’t expecting what was unraveled in the last few chapters. I could relate to Penny because I myself have nightmares most nights. I have some really twisted weird dreams. This book reminds me of bullying. Since the Straw Man and the tiger devil won’t leave her alone. They are willing to help only if you do something for them, which is definitely not something that you would normally do. It’s great that they started the book with the cast of characters and there picture so you would know who the character is. The way I interpret this book is a teenager who has been haunted by some evil spirits and is looking for a way put. No one can help her, but the spirit of the librarian who knows what she is going through. I can’t wait to read the rest of the novels.

Review: The Doppler Affect by Dr. Shawn Phillips

Goodreads Blurb

Shapeshifters Control Our Lives!

The frightening power of vampires, werewolves, and lycanthropes has lived within our nightmares for centuries, failing to be reasoned out by the rapid advances in science and technology. The truth is that they are very much a part of our reality. However, they are merely the genetically inferior offspring of a more powerful race, known as doppelgangers, who evolved alongside humankind. These shapeshifters adopted a secretive yet manipulative approach when dealing with us, feeding off the sexual desires of men to sustain their society…until desperate times forced a new order.

Christopher Sands, a rising investment banker, was just another victim in a long list of doppelganger schemes. Framed for a crime he wouldn’t commit and watching his family fade farther and farther from his prison bars, Chris makes an unbelievable discovery; shapeshifters aren’t the only race with supernatural abilities. Can he find the strength to accept an even worse fate than prison to not only save his son, but all humankind? Will Michael Sands be able to control the spirits that haunt him to finish what his father cannot?

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Received this book directly from the author, and I am glad I was able to read this book. This was the first book I have read about doppelgangers/shapeshifters. I loved that the book was broken up by day and went from the Doppelgangers then to the real world. After reading this book, I freaked out and wondered if Doppelgangers really exist? It would be very scary to see someone who looks just like me, and more odd is when people say I saw a person that looked just like you. As I read, I started to get confused with who the real human character was. The shapeshifters seem to be everywhere in places, at least expected. They want to take over the world and have the vampires and lycans as slaves. I would have loved it if all the other supernatural creatures would have grouped up and attacked the Doppelgangers. If you love paranormal books, then you definitely want to pick this book up. Thanks for broadening my knowledge with a new paranormal group, the Doppelgangers.

Author Biography

Shawn Phillips wrote his first book, a young-adult fantasy novel titled Dillon’s Dream: Water in Earth (definitely not successul), in 2009 before following it up with his adult paranormal fiction novel, The Doppler Affect (wow, really did great). He will be publishing a new novel Darkened Demigod: Weapon of War on 31 January of 2018.
He spent his younger years living in southern Michigan farming communities before running away to Holland, Michigan to pursue a chemistry degree at Hope College, which he completed in 1992. After migrating to California, he continued his chemistry studies and obtained his doctorate degree in 1997. After a brief yet enjoyable stint at DuPont, he signed on as a civil servant for the United States Air Force. He is currenlty the site director of the AFRL Rocket Lab, having spent nearly twenty years conducting and directing propulsion research for Air Force needs.