Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Dangerous Waters (Lantern Beach Mysteries #4) by Christy Barritt

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring Dangerous Waters (Lantern Beach Mysteries #4) by Christy Barritt. This whole series has been amazing, but this one is the best yet!

About the Book

Danger lurks on the horizon, leaving only two choices: find shelter or flee.

Cassidy Livingston’s new identity has begun to feel as comfortable as her favorite sweater. She’s been tucked away on Lantern Beach for weeks, waiting to testify against a deadly gang, and is settling in to a new life she wants to last forever.

When she thinks she spots someone malevolent from her past, panic swells inside her. If an enemy has found her, Cassidy won’t be the only one who’s a target. Everyone she’s come to love will also be at risk.

Dangerous waters threaten to pull her into an overpowering chasm she may never escape. Can Cassidy survive what lies ahead? Or has the tide fatally turned against her?

Book Beginning

18 Weeks Earlier

"I've got an assignment for you." Raul Sanders's words blasted an artic chill across the small room.

.

Friday 56 (56% on my Kindle)

Something strange was going on here, and he didn't like it. And, just like Cassidy, he wasn't sure of the best way to get to the bottom of it

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Probing: Cycle Three of the Harbingers Series by Bill Myers, Frank Peretti, Angela Hunt, and Alton Gansky

About the Book

Myers, Peretti, Hunt, and Gansky Offer Latest Harbingers Volume

Cycle Three of the Harbingers series offers more suspense, more chills, and a deeper look into the battle for light in a growing darkness.

In Myers's "Leviathan," the team heads to Hollywood for a taping of the new TV pilot, Live or Die, the Ultimate Reality. Little do they realize the depths of darkness they are about to enter--a darkness that, unless they stop it, will soon spread across the globe.

Frank Peretti's "The Mind Pirates" offers a rousing story featuring bizarre visions and memories of a murder, a kidnapping by 17th-century pirates, and an earring with mysterious powers. The team must overcome the ruthless scheming of an evil, hidden nemesis.

In "Hybrids" from Angela Hunt, the sight of two children chills the team to their bones. Seeking rest and relaxation, the four friends must instead find answers to the arrival and mission of two mysterious black-eyed children.

In "The Village" from Alton Gansky, a visit to a guarded and secretive small town in North Carolina becomes the most challenging mystery they've ever faced--as they race to solve a problem they barely understand before time runs out.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

It was great being back with the gang for another round of spooky and suspenseful adventures.

Leviathan by Bill Myers finds the group in Hollywood and visiting the set of a reality TV show. I found this story to be extremely thought-provoking. It really made me think about some things. I think it's probably my favorite story out of the entire series so far.

Umm... where do I start with The Mind Pirates by Frank Peretti? It definitely wasn't one of my favorites. It was bizarre and often times confusing. It seemed kinda disjointed and out of place with the other stories. But maybe it's just me. I've never been a big fan of pirate books.

In Hybrids by Angela Hunt, two mysterious and creepy kids show up. Sinister things seem to happen wherever they go. Those kids were SERIOUSLY creepy! They made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. But despite the creepy factor, this story was really good. I enjoyed it a lot.

The gang head to a small and remote mountain town in The Village by Alton Gansky. This was another great one from the viewpoint of Tank. The last half of it moved along at a mad dash and had me racing along to find out how it would end. So good!

I am loving this series and can't recommend it enough!

Four Stars

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Plastic Magician (The Paper Magician Series #4) by Charlie N. Holmberg

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring The Plastic Magician (The Paper Magician Series #4) by Charlie N. Holmberg releasing May 15, 2018.

About the Book

Wall Street Journal bestselling author Charlie N. Holmberg returns to the enchanting world of The Paper Magician.

Alvie Brechenmacher has arrived in London to begin her training in Polymaking—the magical discipline of bespelling plastic. Polymaking is the newest form of magic, and in a field where there is so much left to learn, every Polymaker dreams of making the next big discovery.

Even though she is only an apprentice, Alvie is an inventor at heart, and she is determined to make as many discoveries—in as short a time frame—as she can. Luckily for her, she’s studying under the world-renowned magician Marion Praff, who is just as dedicated as Alvie is.

Alvie’s enthusiasm reinvigorates her mentor’s work, and together they create a device that could forever change Polymaking—and the world. But when a rival learns of their plans, he conspires to steal their invention and take the credit for it himself.

To thwart him, Alvie will need to think one step ahead. For in the high-stakes world of magical discovery, not everyone plays fair…

Why I Need It

I really liked The Paper Magician and am very intrigued by this spinoff. It'll be interesting to get a look at a different type of magic and a perspective from a different leading character.

What book are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Magick & Mayhem (An Abracadabra Mystery #1) by Sharon Pape

About the Book

What’s in a murderer’s bag of tricks?

Twenty-something Kailyn Wilde has learned to embrace her unpredictable life as a descendant of small-town New Camel’s most magickal family. She just didn’t expect to inherit her mother and grandmother’s centuries-old shop, Abracadabra, so suddenly. The surprises keep coming when Kailyn goes to finalize the estate at the local attorney’s office—and stumbles over the body of her best friend Elise’s husband . . .

As a brash detective casts the blame on Elise, Kailyn summons her deepest powers to find answers and start an investigation of her own. What with running a business, perfecting ancient spells, and keeping up with an uninvited guest of fabled origins, Kailyn has her hands full. But with the help of her uncanny black cat Sashkatu and her muumuu-clad Aunt Tilly, she’s closing in on a killer—who will do anything to make sure she never tests her supernatural skills again!

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

Magick & Mayhem was such a fun read! The discovery of a body during the first chapter had the mystery element rolling from the very beginning and had me completely hooked. There were plenty of suspects and I never guessed the culprit. (I was sure it was someone else, lol.)

The story flowed nicely and I loved the writing style. There were many funny moments and lots of great characters. Kailyn was a likable narrator. My favorite characters, though, were Aunt Tilly and Merlin - yes that Merlin.

I had an awesome time reading this story and can't wait to start book two, That Olde White Magick. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves paranormal cozy mysteries.

4.5 Stars

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Magick & Mayhem (An Abracadabra Mystery #1) by Sharon Pape

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring a really fun paranormal cozy mystery - Magick & Mayhem (An Abracadabra Mystery #1) by Sharon Pape.

About the Book

What’s in a murderer’s bag of tricks?

Twenty-something Kailyn Wilde has learned to embrace her unpredictable life as a descendant of small-town New Camel’s most magickal family. She just didn’t expect to inherit her mother and grandmother’s centuries-old shop, Abracadabra, so suddenly. The surprises keep coming when Kailyn goes to finalize the estate at the local attorney’s office—and stumbles over the body of her best friend Elise’s husband . . .

As a brash detective casts the blame on Elise, Kailyn summons her deepest powers to find answers and start an investigation of her own. What with running a business, perfecting ancient spells, and keeping up with an uninvited guest of fabled origins, Kailyn has her hands full. But with the help of her uncanny black cat Sashkatu and her muumuu-clad Aunt Tilly, she’s closing in on a killer—who will do anything to make sure she never tests her supernatural skills again!

Book Beginning

"You need to summon a familiar of your own," my grandmother Bronwen said. Her voice was easy to recognize, despite the fact that it emanated from a small amorphous cloud of energy hovering above my computer.

Friday 56 (56% on my Kindle)

"We've had a bit of an accident."

What have you been reading lately?

The Reckless Warrior by Jennifer Youngblood – 99 Cent Sale & $25 Giveaway

The Reckless Warrior by Jennifer Youngblood

A deadly vendetta, a country music singer on the rise, and the hot-tempered Navy SEAL who could either wreck or save everything …

Corbin Spencer’s made his share of mistakes and would give anything to have a do-over. When he gets the opportunity to join an elite security task force of ex-Navy SEALs, he jumps at the chance. Too bad the woman he’s supposed to protect just gave him the brush-off, then sicked her knuckle-headed security detail on him.

Delaney Mitchell is on the verge of hitting it big in the country music industry. At the very time when she should be flying high and enjoying life, she finds herself fleeing from a ruthless man who’s out for revenge.

Just when she thinks things can’t get worse, she realizes that the jerk she met at the party—the one with the chiseled body, intense green eyes, and rebel-without-a-cause attitude is her new bodyguard.

In order to protect Delaney, Corbin finds himself taking her back to his hometown, teaching her how to ski, and, unexpectedly, dancing with her in his arms. Sparks fly as their mutual attraction kindles to something deeper and they question if they can put aside the heartaches of the past and learn to trust each other.

What will Corbin and Delaney find around the next bend? Retribution or redemption?

Author Jennifer Youngblood

Jennifer grew up in rural Alabama and loved living in a town where “everybody knows everybody.” Her love for writing began as a young teenager when she wrote stories for her high school English teacher to critique. While Jennifer enjoys writing in many genres, she has settled comfortably into the world of clean contemporary romance and is loving every minute of it!

Jennifer has B.A. in English and Social Sciences from Brigham Young University where she served as Miss BYU Hawaii in 1989. Before becoming an author, she worked as the owner and editor of a monthly newspaper named The Senior Times. In addition to her love for writing, Jennifer enjoys working in the home design industry. She and her husband owned an interior design gallery where she specialized in custom window treatments and floral arrangements.

As far as Jennifer is concerned, there are few of the world’s problems that can’t be solved with a warm brownie and vanilla bean ice cream. She loves romantic movies, roller blading, clogging, and jogging.

She now lives in the Rocky Mountains with her family and spends her time writing and doing all of the wonderful things that make up the life of a busy wife and mother.

Website /  Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

Giveaway Details

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway

Ends 5/2/18

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Can't Wait Wednesday: Flowers and Foul Play: A Magic Garden Mystery by Amanda Flower

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Flowers and Foul Play: A Magic Garden Mystery by Amanda Flower releasing May 8, 2018.

About the Book

Fiona Knox lost her fiancé and her flower shop—but when she flies to Scotland to inherit her godfather’s cottage and possibly magical walled garden, she may lose her life as well when she’s swept into a murder investigation.

Florist Fiona Knox’s life isn’t smelling so sweet these days. Her fiancé left her for their cake decorator. Then, her flower shop wilted after a chain florist opened next door. So when her godfather, Ian MacCallister, leaves her a cottage in Scotland, Fiona jumps on the next plane to Edinburgh. Ian, after all, is the one who taught her to love flowers. But when Ian’s elderly caretaker Hamish MacGregor shows her to the cottage upon her arrival, she finds the once resplendent grounds of Duncreigan in a dreadful shambles—with a dead body in the garden.

Minutes into her arrival, Fiona is already being questioned by the handsome Chief Inspector Neil Craig and getting her passport seized. But it’s Craig’s fixation on Uncle Ian’s loyal caretaker, Hamish, as a prime suspect, that really makes her worried. As Fiona strolls the town, she quickly realizes there are a whole bouquet of suspects much more likely to have killed Alastair Croft, the dead lawyer who seems to have had more enemies than friends.

Now it’s up to Fiona to clear Hamish’s name before it’s too late in Flowers and Foul Play, USA Today bestselling author Amanda Flower’s spellbinding first Magic Garden mystery.

Why I Need It
I love cozy mysteries that have a touch of magic. Flowers and Foul Play sounds like it'll be a great one.

What book are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Ellie and the Prince (Faraway Castle #1) by J.M. Stengl

About the Book

Enter the world of Faraway Castle and live the magic . . . and the romance!

Serving as Controller of Magical Creatures at the illustrious Faraway Castle resort, Ellie Calmer knows her place. She is a servant, and she has no business thinking about handsome Prince Omar, a regular visitor at the resort, much less talking to him!

But then a unicorn on the resort grounds attacks a party of riders, frightening the guests, and a band of young and adventurous nobles decide to hunt it down. Suddenly Ellie needs Omar's help. She knows something must be wrong to have driven the unicorn to such desperate extremes. Can she and Omar find the unicorn before it's too late? And will she somehow protect her heart against the irresistible attraction she feels for the kind and gentle prince?

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

I recently read the prequel novellas set in this world, LOVED them, and couldn't wait for the first full length story to release. Ellie and the Prince did not disappoint. It was so much fun!

Ellie and Omar are such likable characters and I really enjoyed getting both of their POVs. Having both sides really added a nice element to the story.

I loved the world that Stengl created. It's very much a fantasy setting, but adds a contemporary feel to it with the addition of many modern conveniences. And all the magical creatures are so great. I loved that there were so many different kinds! They're all so interesting.

While it's not necessary to read the prequels before starting Ellie and the Prince, I think I'd recommend it to better understand the backstories and magic system.

I highly recommend this story to lovers of fairytales. I'm excited for the next book, The Siren and the Scholar and I hope we get to see more of Ellie and Omar in forthcoming books.

Four Stars

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Ellie and the Prince by J.M. Stengl

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring Ellie and the Prince by J.M. Stengl. This is a really cute and fun fairytale retelling. One of the things I like about it is that even though it's obviously set in a fantasy world there's a bit of a contemporary twist to it with modern conveniences and such.

About the Book

Enter the world of Faraway Castle and live the magic . . . and the romance!

Serving as Controller of Magical Creatures at the illustrious Faraway Castle resort, Ellie Calmer knows her place. She is a servant, and she has no business thinking about handsome Prince Omar, a regular visitor at the resort, much less talking to him!

But then a unicorn on the resort grounds attacks a party of riders, frightening the guests, and a band of young and adventurous nobles decide to hunt it down. Suddenly Ellie needs Omar's help. She knows something must be wrong to have driven the unicorn to such desperate extremes. Can she and Omar find the unicorn before it's too late? And will she somehow protect her heart against the irresistible attraction she feels for the kind and gentle prince?

Book Beginning

Ellie had just entered the castle lobby when her wristband pager sent a tingle of magic up her arm. She checked it and hurried over to Faraway Castle Resort's front desk. "I'm here, Sten. What's going on?"

Friday 56 (56% on my Kindle)

"Would you like us to delay the hunting party?" Miria asked. "The dwarfs will help us, I know."

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

About the Book

Harry Potter's life is miserable. His parents are dead and he's stuck with his heartless relatives, who force him to live in a tiny closet under the stairs. But his fortune changes when he receives a letter that tells him the truth about himself: he's a wizard. A mysterious visitor rescues him from his relatives and takes him to his new home, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

After a lifetime of bottling up his magical powers, Harry finally feels like a normal kid. But even within the Wizarding community, he is special. He is the boy who lived: the only person to have ever survived a killing curse inflicted by the evil Lord Voldemort, who launched a brutal takeover of the Wizarding world, only to vanish after failing to kill Harry.

Though Harry's first year at Hogwarts is the best of his life, not everything is perfect. There is a dangerous secret object hidden within the castle walls, and Harry believes it's his responsibility to prevent it from falling into evil hands. But doing so will bring him into contact with forces more terrifying than he ever could have imagined.

Full of sympathetic characters, wildly imaginative situations, and countless exciting details, the first installment in the series assembles an unforgettable magical world and sets the stage for many high-stakes adventures to come.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

Yay! I finally read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone! Why haven't I read it before now? Or watched the movies? I have no idea. I literally have no explanation – none. I wish I would've read it sooner, though, because it was awesome! It was everything good that I've heard about it and so much more. It's one of those books that completely sucked me in and the real world faded away. I couldn't put it down. It was SO GOOD! I can't wait to start the second book!

Five Stars

Can't Wait Wednesday: Lone Witness (Atlanta Justice #2) by Rachel Dylan

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Lone Witness (Atlanta Justice #2) by Rachel Dylan releasing May 1, 2018.

About the Book

Prosecutor Sophie Dawson's first job in the White Collar division of the Fulton County D.A.'s office is to build a case against a local bank employee who may be cheating clients. But when circumstances beyond her control leave her as the only witness to a double homicide involving a vengeful gang, her world is turned upside down.

Former Atlanta police officer turned private security guard Cooper Knight is hired to ensure that Sophie is kept safe. But as threats escalate, they don't know who they can trust.

Sophie is determined not to back down, but her bank case gets more complicated by the day, and the gang will stop at nothing to keep her from testifying. Sophie wants to take a stand for what's right--but can Cooper, who is determined not to be distracted by their growing attraction, keep her safe so that she can finish her pursuit for justice?

Why I Need It

Deadly Proof, book one in this series, was the first time I'd read any kind of legal thriller and I really enjoyed it. I've been looking forward to Lone Witness ever since I finished Deadly Proof.

What book are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Space Drifters: The Emerald Enigma by Paul Regnier

About the Book

Space heroes or cosmic rejects?

Captain Glint Starcrost is not having the carefree, adventurous life the space academy brochures promised star pilots.

Broke, with an unreliable star freighter and a bounty on his head, Glint is desperate enough to try anything. Even set out on a quest to find a fabled good luck charm, the Emerald Enigma.

Now for a crew. A passive aggressive ship computer, a peaceable alien warrior, and time-traveling teen from the past aren’t what he had in mind. But they’ll have to do.

The Emerald Enigma won’t wait forever and neither will the bounty hunter tracking him.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

This is not a book I'd normally pick up. Space operas are just not my thing. But I decided to take a chance on this book and found that I absolutely loved it! I was completely absorbed in it from practically the first word. It's extremely fast-paced and humorous. There was never a good place to stop.

Glint wasn't the most likable protagonist, but the rest of his motley crew members made up for it, especially Blix. As the story progressed, though, Glint did begin to grow on me a bit. I'm really anxious to start reading book two and find out what happens to these interesting characters next!

Four Stars

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Space Drifters: The Emerald Enigma by Paul Regnier

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring Space Drifters: The Emerald Enigma by Paul Regnier. This is not a book I would normally pick up and read, but I saw it when it was on sale and decided to give it a chance. I'm so glad I did! It's so good, so funny! A great read!

About the Book

Space heroes or cosmic rejects?

Captain Glint Starcrost is not having the carefree, adventurous life the space academy brochures promised star pilots.

Broke, with an unreliable star freighter and a bounty on his head, Glint is desperate enough to try anything. Even set out on a quest to find a fabled good luck charm, the Emerald Enigma.

Now for a crew. A passive aggressive ship computer, a peaceable alien warrior, and time-traveling teen from the past aren’t what he had in mind. But they’ll have to do.

The Emerald Enigma won’t wait forever and neither will the bounty hunter tracking him.

Book Beginning

Waking up to a fleet of Zormian star pirates surrounding my ship was yet another reminder that my life was not going as planned.

Friday 56 (56% on my Kindle)

I moved to the far wall and peered through a seam in the door. Beyond was the expansive, glass domed hangar where my ship sat, ready to carry us to freedom.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Faraway Castle Novellas- Cinder Ellie & The Little Siren by J.M. Stengl

Cinder Ellie

Bestselling romance novelist J.M. Stengl steps into the realm of fairy tales with this sparkling new series of love, laughter, light, and—of course—magic.

Trained by an enchantress but obliged to work summers for her living, fifteen-year-old Ellie Calmer serves as a maid at a world-famous mountain resort. Her lowly rank keeps her always at a distance from the powerful, beautiful guests who spend their summers at Faraway Castle, yet Ellie dares to dream of one day exchanging even just a few words with shy Prince Omar of Khenifra.

But when rare magical creatures show up in Faraway Castle’s gardens, Ellie’s life is suddenly complicated. Cinder sprites are causing fires and potentially endangering the beautiful resort. The resort director has sent for an exterminator to deal with these so-called pests. Can Ellie find a way to use her humble magic to save the cinder sprites and Faraway Castle before disaster strikes?

CINDER ELLIE is a prequel novella to J.M. Stengl’s FARAWAY CASTLE series. Recommended for fans of Marissa Meyer, Melanie Dickerson, K.M. Shea, and Chanda Hahn.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

What a fun and cute novella! I'm a sucker for Cinderella retellings and this story puts a unique twist on the classic tale. The world where it takes place is so enchanting and I loved that it had more of a modern feel to it than medieval. There's so many interesting magical creatures! From Brownies to cinder sprites to pixies and so many more! I loved it! I'm really intrigued to learn even more about Ellie's magic. And the Lake Monster! I'm so curious about what the story is with it! I can't wait to read more about Faraway Castle!

Four Stars

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Little Siren

When independent-minded Kamoana encounters a human boy in danger, she knows she should have nothing to do with him. As a siren, she is forbidden even to speak to humans, let alone rescue one. But how can Kamoana simply watch the boy die and do nothing to save him?

Get This Book for Free by Signing Up for J.M. Stengl's newsletter.

My Thoughts

I started reading this immediately after I finished Cinder Ellie. I just can't get enough of this world. The Little Siren was just as good, maybe even a little better than Cinder Ellie. It was so much fun! I loved the characters. Kammy and Tor are so likable. Plus, I really like the fact that Tor isn't the 'typical' love interest. He's super endearing. I'm excited for the full length novel, The Siren and the Scholar. It can't come out soon enough!

Four Stars

Can't Wait Wednesday: Storm Front (Montana Rescue #5) by Susan May Warren

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring  Storm Front (Montana Rescue #5) by Susan May Warren releasing May 1, 2018.

About the Book
A tornado has destroyed a small Minnesota community and among the missing are not only a group of students but PEAK Rescue team leader Chet King. Ty Remington will stop at nothing to rescue his mentor, not even when the girl he loved--and lost--walks back into his life. But Brette needs his help more than he knows, despite her stubborn determination to push him away. And when he gets a second chance, loving her just might cost him more than he can imagine.

A blogger for Vortex Storm Chasers, Brette Arnold didn't expect her adventures to land her in the same place as Ty, the guy who she walked--no, ran--from over a year ago. She had her reasons--good ones. The kind that tell her that falling for him again would only lead to heartache. But Ty isn't the kind of man to give up--not on the missing students, or on her.

Life and love hang in the balance in Susan May Warren's breathless story of holding on to hope during a deadly summer of storms.

Why I Need It
I have been loving this series and now it's time for Ty's story. He's always kinda been in the background. We got to see a little more of him in book three, but I'm so ready to learn even more about him.

What book are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Storm Surge (Lantern Beach Mysteries #3) by Christy Barritt

About the Book

A storm is brewing hundreds of miles away, but its effects are devastating even from afar.

Laid-back and light: that's Cassidy Livingston's new motto. But when a makeshift boat with a bloody cloth inside washes ashore near her oceanfront home, her detective instincts shift into gear . . . again.

Seeking clues isn't the only thing on her mind-romance is heating up with next-door neighbor and former Navy SEAL Ty Chambers as well. Her heart wants the love and stability she's longed for her entire life. But her hidden identity only leads to a tidal wave of turbulence.

As more answers emerge about the boat, the danger around her rises, creating a treacherous swell that threatens to reveal her past. Can Cassidy mind her own business, or will the storm surge of violence and corruption that has washed ashore on Lantern Beach leave her life in wreckage?

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

Storm Surge is another great addition to the Lantern Beach Mystery series. I was catapulted into this story from the very beginning and had a hard time putting it down. It's extremely fast-paced. The suspense was so intense that there were times when I could hardly catch my breath.

Even though Cassidy is supposed to 'lay low', she just can't seem to fight her investigative instincts. She's 'supposed' to be laid back and carefree, but mysteries seem to find their way to her and she can't help but get involved. She can't help but try to aid those in need.

Ty was out of commission for much of this book, so he wasn't as involved with the action in the first half. Plus someone from his past shows up unexpectedly, making things a tad awkward. But there was some development with his and Cassidy's 'relationship'.

I highly recommend this series! Can't wait to see what's in store for these characters in the next installment!

4.5 Stars

Connect with author Christy Barritt by visiting her website, Facebook page, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.