The Therapist by B.A. Paris

This is an mystery suspense novel (PG)

♥♥♥

(Three Will hearts)

Blurb....

 

When Alice and Leo move into a newly renovated house in The Circle, a gated community of exclusive houses, it is everything they’ve dreamed of. But appearances can be deceptive…

As Alice is getting to know her neighbours, she discovers a devastating secret about her new home, and begins to feel a strong connection with Nina, the therapist who lived there before.

Alice becomes obsessed with trying to piece together what happened two years before. But no one wants to talk about it. Her neighbors are keeping secrets and things are not as perfect as they seem…

The multimillion-copy New York Times bestselling author B.A. Paris returns to her heartland of gripping psychological suspense in The Therapist--a powerful tale of a house that holds a shocking secret.

My Review

So...

I've enjoyed this author's books, but this one was a slight miss for me. If not for the fact that I got an advanced audio copy, I would have given up early as the story was far too slow to be a thriller. It read more like dry chick-lit. Alice just wasn't a compelling character to keep up the story.

Though at some point, it did pick up. I can't say when. However, most of the twists that came late in the story, I guessed. The only one, a certain secret, was lost to me. Probably because I was never invested in that character.

I will admit, early on, I suspected everyone until it was obvious who it was--before the reveal that is.

One small complaint--I thought for sure UKers were more into tea than coffee. Maybe that's changed or I'm just not well informed as I'm not a UKer. But it struck me as odd that everyone was going on about coffee and not tea. Hmmm

Overall, I can't say it was a bad read (or listen). I've certainly endured worse. This just isn't my favorite from this author and it happens.

If you enjoy mild suspense and this author--I say give it a go. You might really enjoy this one.

Thank you St. Martin's Press for the Advanced Copy.

My book boyfriend--Will 

 

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Hot Cover!!! Because of Him an all-new romance by Terri E. Laine is LIVE!

Because of Him by Terri E. Laine Release Date: September 7th Genre: New Adult Romance

Because of Him an all-new romance by Terri E. Laine is LIVE!

Past and present intertwine with light and dark to tell a story ...Because of Him

Something inside me fiercely craves normal.

Sheltered all my life and taught to be afraid, I want to be bold, fearless.

Up until now I've kept myself and my heart safe.

Tade Astor, a guy so hot he steals my breath away, jeopardizes it all.

He isn't the kind of guy to give up on what he wants—me.

He’s determined to prove my safe world is missing something—him.

Even though he may not be the cocky guy I assumed him to be...

He’s definitely not the guy I should give my heart to.

But each time I see him, he becomes harder to resist.

I want to be brave and give him a chance... though it might come back to haunt me.

At the heart of Because of Him is a love story. But due to certain sensitive topics, it might not be suitable for all readers.

Read Today!

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2j57ULq

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Preorder Captivated by Him:

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Meet Terri E. Laine:

Terri E. Laine, USA Today bestselling author, left a lucrative career as a CPA to pursue her love for writing. Outside of her roles as a wife and mother of three, she’s always been a dreamer and as such became an avid reader at a young age. Many years later, she got a crazy idea to write a novel and set out to try to publish it. With over a dozen titles published under various pen names, the rest is history. Her journey has been a blessing, and a dream realized. She looks forward to many more memories to come.

Connect with Terri:

Website: www.terrielaine.com

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Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris

Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris

This is a thriller/suspense novel (Rated PG-13)

♥♥♥♥ 

(Four Chilling Hearts)

Blurb...

Everyone knows a couple like Jack and Grace: he has looks and wealth, she has charm and elegance.

You'd like to get to know Grace better. But it's difficult, because you realize Jack and Grace are never apart. Some might call this true love.

Picture this: a dinner party at their perfect home, the conversation and wine flowing. They appear to be in their element while entertaining. And Grace's friends are eager to reciprocate with lunch the following week. Grace wants to go, but knows she never will. Her friends call—so why doesn't Grace ever answer the phone? And how can she cook such elaborate meals but remain so slim?

And why are there bars on one of the bedroom windows?

The perfect marriage? Or the perfect lie??

>>>>BUY NOW<<<<

My Review

There are a few reasons why I can't give this full marks. But mostly the book chilled me and had me eagerly turning the pages to find out how things would turn out. I'll probably be thinking about this one for a while.

I spent one day reading the hardback copy sent to me by the publishers. I’d briefly read the blurb in order to sign up to read it, but I’m not a blurb reader. I like to go in blind. Thankfully, by the time the book showed it, I didn’t quite remember what the book was about.

So I dived in. And within a day’s time, I’d read the entire book. This book doesn’t disappointment in entertainment value. It was worth the read for sure.

What was lacking? I think I needed more of what happened in the end. We see the stage set for events and then it skips to tell us the results. I needed more. I wanted that satisfaction of knowing more. Considering the POV, I know that is hard. But some authors on occasion will switch POV, thus giving us that extra. It’s hard to explain without spoilers. After the journey, I needed that little bit.

Otherwise, this was a spectacular read. I recommend it.

My NOT book boyfriend is Jack. (I went with Jamie as inspiration because I just finished the series the Fall and his character seems fitting.)

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Sojourn (Bellator Saga #3) by Cecilia London

Sojourn (Bellator Saga #3) by Cecilia London

This is an adult romantic suspense with a dystopian twist (Rated NC-17)

Book Summary

Haunted by her experience at The Fed, Caroline tries to create a new identity. A new present, a new future. She can’t escape the memories that dog her when she least expects it, leaving her mired in a depression that she finds difficult to escape. Caroline needs to regain her physical and mental strength if she intends on surviving the journey to find the elusive rebellion. But that’s easier said than done with the ghosts of the past constantly whispering in her ear.

The road is long and dangerous, and there are no guarantees. She and her companions have no idea what they will find when they arrive at their destination. And what they finally discover may change everything.

Part Three of a Six Part Saga. Sojourn (approximately 89,000 words) is not a standalone and must be read after the first two books in the series. Ends in a cliffhanger. For readers 18+. This book contains adult situations including explicit sex and violence.

My Summary

There isn't a whole lot I can say without giving away spoilers, but let me try.

This book starts off where we left off in book two. We continue to move forward in the story with flashes of the past to give us more of what we want. (You have to read to understand that comment).

I have to admit, this book shows a side of Caroline I didn't always like but understood given her circumstances. In fact, I can't totally blame her for most of her actions, but it didn't mean I had to like them all. 

The end of this part leaves us satisfied and unsatisfied at the same time. How? Well, I think there are some good things there, only the freaking book ends. And its a good thing when you're left wanting more.

The major goodness about this series is that although there are six parts, this story isn't dragged out with fluff. Things happen that keep you turning the pages and wanting more. I'm scared and excited for what's to come, which makes this series so thrilling.

You are missing out if you haven't read this one. If you don't like dystopian, this isn't your typical "Divergent or Hunger Games" dystopian story. And although the world has changed in major ways, the landscape of the story remains the same. So you not walking into a strange new world. There are just a few government type changes that have occurred that have made life difficult. So don't be afraid of the word dystopian and dive into this one.

My book Boyfriend will always be Jack.

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Tequila & Lace (Saddles & Racks #2) by Kimberly Knight

Tequila & Lace (Saddles & Racks #2) by Kimberly Knight

This is a contemporary romance novel (Rated NC-17)

♥♥♥♥1/2
(Four and a Half Army Hearts)

Book Summary

Army Strong and dripping with sin ...

Paul Jackson had his dreams mapped out. He’d graduate from high school, attend college, go pro for football, marry his high school sweetheart and live happily ever after. Until his high school sweetheart threw away everything he never knew he wanted. Throwing caution to the wind, he put his country's dreams before his own.

The Army was a perfect distraction from her. It helped him become a man. To serve, to protect, to fight, to become strong. But when Paul returns home after three tours, he knows there’s nothing better than sexy woman, a shot of tequila and a pocket full of cash. 

But he still thinks about her … 

Joselyn Marquez’s life changed the night of her seventeenth birthday. A forty-eight hour roller coaster trip sent her running for her life. She was homeless, and her family had disappeared. All odds were against her. 

But sometimes the odds work out.

Years later, she’s an FBI agent serving as an undercover escort to investigate sex trafficking in Las Vegas. When the investigation connects her past, will she be able to do the right thing or will she still keep running from the night of her seventeenth birthday?

Tensions will rise.

Sparks will fly. 

Passions will soar. 

And the past will come knocking …

BUY LINK

My Review

This author has a knack for making you think you’re going down a predictable path and then bam, we head in another direction.

I must admit the beginning of the story made me cringe and I had to put the book down for a bit before I had courage to read through. And mind you I read all kinds of stuff. But everyone has a hot button or trigger for lack of a better word. And I found mine.

The good thing was I picked up the book again and the sensitive subject matter is handled with care and fade to black. Thank the heavens.

The rest of the book, I thought I know what’s going to happen. I was right and wrong. The end leaves you wanting for more and I can’t wait for the next book.

My book boyfriend Paul.

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Sabin, A Seven Novel by A.M. Hargrove

Sabin, A Seven Novel by A.M. Hargrove

This is an adult sci-fi romance novel (Rated NC-17)

♥♥♥♥♥
(Five Sexy Alien Hearts)

Book Summary

This is an Adult soft sci-fi stand alone novel that contains sexual scenes and language, making it unsuitable for younger readers. This novel contains hot aliens. You have been warned.

The Seven have a code: find and protect Judgment Day (a weapon of mass destruction that poses as a harmless necklace) and the ones who possess it at all costs; and never, under any circumstances, divulge information about ourselves.

I have always abided by this code. Until Serena Callahan, a sassy, no-nonsense female, found the damn choker, and now I’m the one being choked by my own emotions. Ever since the day she entered my life that code has meant nothing to me. And for the life of me I can’t figure out why I’m allowing a damn woman to lead me around by her slender finger. The rules have changed and she’s calling all the shots only she doesn’t know it. But if we can’t find the necklace soon, none of it will matter anyway.

My name is Sabin and I am the commander of The Seven.

BUY LINK

My Review

This isn’t my first alien novel by this author and I’m glad she’s jumped back in with another new sexy alien novel.

For all the fans of X-files, V, Roswell, this book is probably for you. Also, if you’ve grown out of YA and loved the Lux series by Jennifer Armentrout, you’re going to love this.

Talk about Alpha male, that’s what you have in Sabin. Add a dash of feisty female and you have a mix that will make you laugh and squirm (sexy time) in all the best ways. It also has action. These aliens aren’t sitting around doing nothing. They are busy saving the universe too.

I can’t say too much because I hate giving spoilers when it’s not necessary. This read will deliver. You will be entertained. And you’ll probably want to pick up other of her sexy alien books when you’re done.

Overall, this is a solid read and I totally recommend.

My book boyfriend is Sabin.

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Tight by Alessandra Torre

Tight by Alessandra Torre

This is an adult romantic suspense with a dash of erotica (Rated NC-17)

♥♥♥1/2

(Three and a half Tight Hearts)

Book Summary

I was happy in my small town. In my life as a single, thirty-two-year-old woman. I had a good job, wonderful friends, my independence.

I also hadn't got laid in three years. Hadn't been on a date in two. Had stopped counting calories and wearing makeup... a while ago.

Then Brett Jacobs waltzed in. Caressed my thigh, dug rough fingers into my hair, lowered his soft mouth to my skin, took sexual control of my mind and stirred it all around with what he packed in his pants. He flipped my quiet life upside down and crawled into a place in my heart I thought was dead.

The issue is his secret.
The issue is her.
The issue is that I don't even know she exists, and he thinks she's dead.
The issue is that shit is about to hit the fan and I can't hold on to him tight enough.

BUY LINK


My Review

This is my second book by this author. The first was Sex, Love and Repeat which was pretty good. I’d heard mixed reviews about other books by this author and held off. I was recommended this one because of the twist and finally gave it a shot.

When I dived in, I immediately noticed how good the writing was. The words flowed with metaphors and adjectives that made sense. I was entranced.

Then, the super duper long sex chapter happened. Let me say, I can appreciate that the author didn’t wait until the 50% mark to have the sex happen, but it went on forever. And I love a good sex scene, but even I got bored.

One thing I loved about this story was that the author didn’t romanticize the subject matter. So many books have these days and it’s a serious subject that’s not at all hearts and flowers. To take a stance to put the subject back into perspective was a great thing.

However, with that said, I picked up the twist from the very first chapter it was “mentioned” and I use that term loosely because I don’t want to give spoilers. And it was because I assumed it couldn’t be that predictable, did I backtrack and make other guesses. For that reason, it was a real let down when the reveal happened.

So while it was a well-written book and a solid plot, I can’t give it five stars. I might have given it four except the one major sex scene felt like it went on for days and the others if there were any, didn’t add any value. I have to take off for that.

And I'd also like to mention the Title of the book. It didn't really make sense to the plot. I got the clever way the author used it as subtitles to chapters. But honestly, she overused the word in each chapter that didn't really further the plot of the story or the cleverness. I did a lot of eye-rolling ever time the word was used after a few chapters. I think it might have been better used in a different story where the word made sense.

SPOILERS

I also thought the age of the victim at the end of the book seemed old for the type of crime. I'm not saying it's impossible, but it made it harder to believe. (32, smh).

END OF SPOILERS

Audio Review

Angelo Di Loreto and Piper Goodeve did a good job with the narration. Because however, I bought the e-book and audio, I read the second half, impatient to find out what happened. And I can read faster than I can listen.

Overall, it’s a good read, I would recommend.

My book boyfriend Brett. (there was very little physical description of him like hair color, etc.)

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Blindsight (Blindsight #1) by Adriane Leigh

Blindsight (Blindsight #1) by Adriane Leigh

This is an adult contemporary erotic novel (Rated NC-17)

♥♥♥♥♥
(Five Hunter Hearts)

Book Summary

{blind·sight: the ability to see without knowing it}

Sometimes a single touch is all it takes to spark a wildfire.

Erin Warner learned that the day she bumped into the dashing, tattooed stranger on a busy Chicago street corner. She’s captivated from the moment his mystifying green eyes find hers, and it isn’t long before she finds herself flying to exotic locales to assist him, the award-winning erotic photographer Hunter Ellis, on location. What she didn’t bargain for was the way he makes her blood bubble and churn with lust and thinly-veiled promises of unfathomable erotic pleasure with every click of his camera. 

But there is more to Hunter than meets the eye, including the intricately etched tattoos decorating his body that disguise horrific scars from a past, he refuses to revisit. As she peels away the layers, Erin realizes that what she thought was true, never really was at all, for both of them.
Now she can only hope that blind adoration for the dashing stranger didn’t sign her death warrant.

The first in a thrilling new erotic serial intended for mature audiences.

BUY LINK

My Review

This story starts with a question that draws you into the story. Although this is a sexy book, there is a suspense element to it, which I love.

From the beginning, I’m guessing and I’m never quite sure. Along the way, Hunter grabs me with his sexy self. He’s gorgeous, mysterious and knows how to satisfy a woman. And well, that’s enough to keep me flipping pages when I should have been doing something else.

This is a serial, but the next installment will be out soon. So there is no need to wait. I’m looking forward to finding out what happens next because that ending was a shocker that left my jaw dropping.

My book boyfriend Hunter.

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X (Kinsey Millhone #24) by Sue Grafton

X (Kinsey Millhone #24) by Sue Grafton

This is an adult mystery/crime solving novel (Rated PG-13)

♥♥♥1/2

(Three and a Half Lack Luster Hearts)

Book Summary

X: The number ten. An unknown quantity. A mistake. A cross. A kiss.

X: The shortest entry in Webster’s Unabridged. Derived from Greek and Latin and commonly found in science, medicine, and religion. The most graphically dramatic letter. Notoriously tricky to pronounce: thinkxylophone.

X: The twenty-fourth letter in the English alphabet.

Sue Grafton’s X: Perhaps her darkest and most chilling novel, it features a remorseless serial killer who leaves no trace of his crimes. Once again breaking the rules and establishing new paths, Grafton wastes little time identifying this sociopath. The test is whether Kinsey can prove her case against him before she becomes his next victim. 

My Review

Sue Grafton is one of a few authors that I’ve read so many book in a series. J.D. Robb and J.R. Ward are probably the other two.

While I normally love her writing and story, this one after two years of waiting fell completely flat for me. Kinsey is 38 and alone and I feel bad for her. It just seems that she will die alone even without Henry because he will outlast her.

Anyway, the story was too predictable and there wasn’t any twist I didn’t guess. I also think the whole neighbor thing pissed me off. The laws… Well, no spoilers.

Overall, I’m too invested in the series not to read the last few books (Y & Z). However, I hope that they turn out better than this one. And can Kinsey get a HEA, lol. Let her ride off in the series sunset not alone.

Audio Review

Judy Kaye does a wonderful job of narration and bringing the story to life.

My book boyfriend was Henry.

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The Knight (The Patrick Bowers Files #3) by Steven James

The Knight (The Patrick Bowers Files #3) by Steven James

This is a police procedural novel (Rated R)

♥♥♥♥1/2

(Four and a Half Shiny Hearts)

Book Summary

In "The Knight," the third installment in the bestselling series of thrillers featuring FBI criminologist Patrick Bowers, the stakes have never been higher. 

Agent Bowers is used to tracking the country's most dangerous killers, but now it looks like a killer is tracking him. When he realizes the murderer is using clues from an ancient manuscript as a blueprint for his crimes, Bowers faces a race against time to decipher who the next victim will be and to stop the final shocking murder--which he's beginning to believe might be his own. 

Gritty, chilling, and intense, this psychological thriller is guaranteed to keep readers up all night.

My Review

This installment has a sadistic killer that will make you cringe at the details that are given. Still, this author knows how to weave a story.

At the beginning I was quite surprised to find out that Patrick’s love interest was out of the picture and in steps someone new. It kind of bothered me because I never really understood what the problem was with the old relationship and why the break up.

Then there was Tessa, an interesting character she is. We learned the truth about her. There were points when I was mad at her for the reactions she had. As smart as she is, I didn’t understand how she could discount feelings she learned and take them as a bad thing. She seemed to help Patrick on every case but she couldn’t see a scared young woman debate a decision she obviously didn’t make.

Sorry so cryptic, I don’t want to give spoilers.

And this mystery had me baffled. I never guessed who done it until literally right before Patrick did, so well done there.

This book is fast pace and this series is fast becoming one of my favorites.

Audio Review
Richard Ferrone did a good job with the narration and capturing the emotions from all the characters.

My book boyfriend is Patrick.

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Sense of Deception (Psychic Eye Mystery #13) by Victoria Laurie

Sense of Deception (Psychic Eye Mystery #13) by Victoria Laurie

This is an adult mystery/thriller novel (Rated PG-13)

♥♥♥♥

(Four Deceptive Hearts)

Book Summary

In New York Times bestselling author Victoria Laurie’s newest Psychic Eye Mystery, Abby Cooper senses a convicted killer is innocent, but she’ll need hard evidence to save the woman before it’s too late… 

A ticked-off judge has tossed Abby in the slammer for contempt of court, and during her brief but unpleasant stay she learns the story of a condemned woman who is facing a far more serious sentence. Skylar Miller has been found guilty of murder and faces the death penalty. Everyone believes she’s guilty, including her own family and her ex-husband—everyone, that is, except Abby, whose finely honed intuition tells her this woman doesn’t belong behind bars.

With the help of her husband Dutch and her friend Candice, Abby launches into her own investigation to clear Skylar and find the real killer. But after a final appeal is denied and Skylar’s attorney scrambles for a stay of execution, time is running short—and the list of suspects keeps growing. There’s no margin for error as the life of an innocent woman hangs in the balance…

My Review

I really enjoy this series. It’s fun and light-hearted. I know I can count on Abby stumbling her way through an investigation.

This installment wasn’t a disappointment in that respect. I did figure out who did it early on. I thought the motive was flimsy. Anyway, I can’t say more without giving too much away. I think the choice of killer might have been to throw the reader off, but it didn’t really. I am glad it was fiction.

I look forward to another installment of the series. Dutch was in the book but not. Oscar was really the one in the supportive role with Abby this book. But I love how Dutch and Abby’s marriage was real and how Abby knew what she had to do to help keep the marriage going on a good foot.

Audio Review

Elizabeth Michaels did a good job with narration.

My book boyfriend is Oscar.

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Dust to Dust: A Novel (Kovac and Liska #2) by Tami Hoag

Dust to Dust: A Novel (Kovac and Liska #2) by Tami Hoag

This is an adult mystery/crime/thriller novel (Rated R)

♥♥♥♥

(Four Sam Hearts)

Book Summary

Sorry. The single word is written on a mirror. In front of it hangs a Minneapolis Internal Affairs cop. Was it suicide? Or a kinky act turned tragic?

Either way, it wasn’t murder. At least not according to the powers that be. But veteran homicide detective Sam Kovac and his wisecracking, ambitious partner, Nikki Liska, think differently. Together they begin to dig at the too-neat edges of the young cop’s death, uncovering one motive—and one suspect—after another. The cloud of suspicion falls not only on the city’s elite, but over the very heart of the police department. Someone wants the case closed—quickly and forever. But even with their careers and their lives on the line, neither Kovac nor Liska will give up. As they unearth a connection between a two-month-old murder case and one that has been closed for twenty years, they find themselves chasing a killer who will stop at nothing to keep a dark and shattering secret.

My Review

I’m fast becoming a fan of Tami Hoag. I’d like to read more about these two cops. They are really well fleshed out. And after checking a few reviews, the first book in this series really didn’t focus much on them. So I’m not missing much.

This was a tough subject. I think the author could have done without several pop culture references that dated the book unnecessarily, like the mention of Rene Russo, who isn’t a big actress nowadays. There were several others. Without that, I wouldn’t have put it together this book was written so long ago.

Even though this book is about gay bashing and slightly about keeping in the closet, it still happens today. Thankfully, more and more people don’t feel the need to hide who they are.

There were several times in the story I wish the author had made different choices for certain characters because I felt bad for them. And this is a good thing because these are fictional people not human.

However, early on I decided the whos and the whats and was right. It was a little too obvious for me. I hope that future novels I read by this author aren’t so easily figured out.

I’m enmeshed in the lives of these two cops. I want them to have a HEA, so I’ll be reading on.

Audio Review

David Colacci did a good job at narration. The female narration wasn’t bad either. I didn’t have a hard trouble following all the different characters.

My book boyfriend Sam.

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Fury (Blur Trilogy #2) by Steven James

Fury (Blur Trilogy #2) by Steven James

This is a young adult suspense/mystery/thriller novel (Rated PG-13)

♥♥♥♥

(Four Wolf Hearts)

Book Summary

The disturbing visions that helped Daniel Byers solve a deadly mystery have finally quieted, and the sixteen-year-old basketball star is looking forward to things settling back to normal. But when his father mysteriously disappears, Daniel realizes that the key to finding his dad rests in deciphering his chilling hallucinations.

Soon, long-buried secrets begin to surface, revealing clues that could help him locate his father. But as the past collides with the present and reality begins to blur around him, Daniel faces a race against time to save his dad before it’s too late.

Filled with pulse-pounding suspense, Fury continues the thrilling young adult Blur Trilogy from bestselling author Steven James.

My Review

It’s so refreshing to read a young adult novel told by a male lead and written by a man. There is such truth and insight into the character. Daniel reads believable all the way through and I just love his character that much more.

This book is a semi continuation from the last book. Although we have a new mystery closer to home, we get more answers. I feel I’m rooting now for both Daniel and his Dad. And Daniel’s friends are just great.

Can I mention the romance factor in this story took it up a notch? It’s still not a romance novel or even a romantic suspense novel for that matter, but I thought I would mention. Again the romance is naturally occurring as an ongoing part of Daniel’s life but in no way is the center of the story.

Again, I picked the who done it but changed my mind so many times, I can’t even claim victory; which again is a good thing. I love to be surprised and wrong about twists in the story.

I’m bummed about having to wait until next year for the final installment. Parts of me wish the series wouldn’t end. And for those that don’t like cliffies. There isn’t really a cliffy. This isn’t a romantic entanglement story. So you can read without fear of cliff hangers and having to wait until next year for the final installment. There are however still mysteries surrounding Daniel that aren’t completely answered. But that’s the thing about series.

Audio Review

Nick Podehl did a fabulous job on narration. He easily slipped between male and female believably and kept all the main characters including some minor separate and distinct.

My book boyfriend is Daniel.

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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.

Blur (Blur Trilogy #1) by Steven James

Blur (Blur Trilogy #1) by Steven James

This is a young adult mystery/thriller novel (Rated PG-13)

♥♥♥♥1/2

(Four and a Half Blurred Hearts)

Book Summary

The isolated town of Beldon, Wisconsin, is shocked when a high school freshman’s body is found in Lake Algonquin. Just like everyone in the community, sixteen-year-old Daniel Byers believes that Emily Jackson’s death was accidental. But at her funeral, when he has a terrifying vision of her, his world begins to rip apart at the seams.

Convinced that Emily’s appearance was more than just a mere hallucination, Daniel begins to look carefully into her death, even as he increasingly loses the ability to distinguish fantasy from reality.

What’s real? What’s not? Where does reality end and madness begin?

As Daniel struggles to find the truth, his world begins to crumble around him as he slips further and further into his own private blurred reality.

Full of mind-bending twists and turns, Blur launches a new trilogy of young adult thrillers from Steven James, a master of suspense.

My Review

I’m never sure what I’m going to get with a new author, but this one knocked it out of the park for me. By the time you read this review, I’ve moved on from his YA series to his adult one.

Steven has created a rich lovable character in Daniel. He’s the school jock but clueless when it comes to girls which makes him so endearing. He’s also got a got head on his shoulders and a good heart despite the rejections he fills from being abandoned by one of his parents.

Let me just say to all my romance lovers, there is a little romance in this book but it’s organic to the story. It’s a part of Daniel’s life not the center or the crux of the plot. So if you’re looking for that, you might be disappointed. This story is about Daniel and all the mystery that surrounds him and strange things that happen as he solves a mystery. And I should mention his merry band of friends that help him along the way. They are also well constructed.

I can honestly say that yes, although I guessed the who done it; I guessed that person along with several other, never really deciding on any one. So the author did a good job of keeping me guessing.

Overall, I was anxious to start the next book in the series to get more answers about Daniel. Since I’m reviewing that book tomorrow, I won’t say more.

Audio Review

Nick Podehl did a fabulous job on narration. He easily slipped between male and female believably and kept all the main characters including some minor separate and distinct.

My book boyfriend Daniel.

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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.

Conscience (Bellator Saga #2) by Cecilia London

Conscience (Bellator Saga #2) by Cecilia London

This is an adult dystopian novel (Rated NC-17)

♥♥♥♥1/2
(Four and a Half Hearts)

Book Summary

An escape plan foiled….

A determined woman….

One last tiny sliver of hope….

Jack will find me.

The Fed wants answers. And Caroline is determined not to provide them. They pull out all the stops, testing her sanity, testing her strength, testing her humanity.

Jack will find me.

Subject to cruel and merciless treatment at the hands of a government she once trusted, Caroline clings to her sole lifeline, her only chance at maintaining her tenuous hold on reality: her memories of her husband, Jack, her children, Marguerite and Sophie, and the friends who mean the world to her.

Jack will find me.

But what happens when hope starts to fade? How long until her interrogators cross over into the unspeakable sadism she fears ? How long before she finally breaks apart?

Part Two of a Six Part Saga. Conscience (approximately 120,000 words) is not a standalone and must be read after the first book in the Bellator Saga, Dissident. All books in the series end in a cliffhanger. For readers 18+. This book contains adult situations including graphic violence, explicit (consensual) sex and light BDSM, psychological and physical trauma, and an oftentimes raw, dark, and gritty plot. 

It's free for a time, here are the links.

Amazon US: http://goo.gl/N8F362

Amazon CA: http://goo.gl/iqTFhY

Amazon UK: http://goo.gl/DP1lrS

B&N: http://goo.gl/eGq1cl

iBooks: https://goo.gl/yXNV8k

Smashwords: https://goo.gl/YuR4Ys

Kobo: http://goo.gl/jsHPdS

My Book Boyfriend

This author has me wrapped around her finger. I’m aching to get my hands on the next installment. In this one, things change. The story is still going forward from the past and the present. And Jack gets dreamer by the second.

There are certain parts of this book that may be uncomfortable for some. But it’s certainly not the darkest thing I’ve read. It doesn’t even come close. It’s not dark like say Captive in the Dark, Bang, Consequences, etc. So don’t get scared. But there are things that will make you squirm.

Although we learn more about how Jack and Caroline got to this point, there certainly are unanswered questions like where will we go from here. But that’s a question at the end of every book in a series except the last.

This book was also sexy as hell, I’ll just warn you. This author surprised me with that and that’s a good thing.

Overall, although I categorize this as dystopian, it’s not a “save the world” kind of book even though in a small way it is. It’s more that the world is still the same but there is such a fundamental change in the way the government is run, it’s worth the dystopian categorization. But it’s as much as a love story/thriller as well.

My book boyfriend Jack.

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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.