Review: Warrior (Heroes of Renegade Book 2) by Lisa Phillips

SYNOPSIS

★ Some rescues require more than medical training. Some battles are worth the risk. ★

The last person Dr. Kira Yassan expects to walk back into her life is the soldier whose life she saved in a war zone three years ago.

She came to Renegade, Colorado to disappear—to work her ER shifts and forget the classified missions that nearly destroyed her soul. But when US Marshals drag her into a witness protection case, every carefully built wall comes crashing down.

Private investigator Luca Saxon thought the mysterious doctor who patched him up in Syria was just a beautiful memory. Now she's standing in front of him, and the chemistry that burned between them in that refugee camp hasn't dimmed. But someone wants their witness dead, and keeping Kira safe might cost him everything.

When cartel enforcers storm the hospital and prison riots explode across town, there's nowhere left to run.

Their witness is Francisco Abalos—former cartel kingpin with secrets that could topple governments. The shadow syndicate controlling Renegade wants him silenced. And Kira's medical expertise makes her the perfect target.

From midnight shootouts to explosive prison breaks, Luca and Kira race against time to expose a conspiracy that reaches into the highest levels of their small town. But as buried secrets surface and old enemies emerge, they must decide: Can love survive when trust becomes a weapon?

Amazon / Sunrise Publishing / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Action-packed right from the start, I could hardly put down this intense second installment of the Heroes of Renegade series. It starts off in Syria and then moves forward five years to the present day in Renegade, Colorado.

Saxon was an easy guy to like. He’s amiable, hardworking, and just an all-around good guy. It took a little longer for me to figure Kira out, but once I got to know her a little better and heard about her past, I ended up really liking her too.

I’m really looking forward to the next book! And highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys faith-filled romantic suspense. While this could technically be read as a standalone, I’d still recommend starting with Renegade first. There’s an overarching story thread that will run through the series. Plus, it’s fun to catch up with characters from the previous book!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FOUR STARS

Review: The Bookshop of 99 Doors by Jaime Jo Wright

SYNOPSIS

The manor's rumored one-hundredth door may conceal secrets hidden as deep as the estate's bookshelves extend high . . . but the haunted past has a way of ensnaring curious souls.

In 1888, Minnie Tipton finds herself beset by the dark superstitions that envelop the Pennsylvania mansion her father bought. Convinced the vengeful spirit of a Civil War captain haunts the house and worried by her father's rapidly worsening illness, Minnie delves into the home's fraught past in an effort to bring him peace. Yet the lingering impact of the war and the gruesome tale of murder she uncovers only foster more fear and threaten to unravel Minnie's own sanity.

In the present day, Triss Bellamy eagerly steps into the role of bookshop manager in the mansion-turned-museum boasting ninety-nine doors. But Triss's dream job turns into a nightmare when havoc breaks loose with the arrival of her brother's team of self-proclaimed paranormal investigators. Their determination to find a rumored one-hundredth door--a dangerous portal to the madness long said to plague the mansion--results in calamity, leaving Triss no choice but to hunt down the truth or watch her brother slip forever beyond her reach.

An atmospheric dual-time Gothic suspense masterfully penned by acclaimed author Jaime Jo Wright with themes of a Civil War-era ghost, a possible hidden door, and unexplained mysteries at a historic mansion's bookshop with a troubled past.

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Baker Book House / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

The Bookshop of 99 Doors is a new favorite! Jaime Jo Wright’s books are always some of my most anticipated reads. And, I’ve gotta say, this new release exceeded all of my very high expectations. I loved it so much!

Following Minnie Tipton in 1888 and Triss Bellamy in the present day, I was instantly intrigued by this suspenseful dual timeline. In books like this, I’m usually drawn to one timeline over the other, but I was equally invested in both. I couldn’t read it fast enough!

While this wasn’t too scary, there were a few times when I got goosebumps and chills down my spine. But I appreciated the explanations of what was really going on. And I loved the faith threads woven throughout both timelines. It was powerful and inspiring, especially given the subject matter.

Jaime Jo Wright is a master of Gothic fiction, and I can’t wait to read whatever she writes next. I highly, highly recommend this story!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: The Bookshop of 99 Doors by Jaime Jo Wright

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. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 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. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over for the time being.

This week I'm featuring The Bookshop of 99 Doors by Jaime Jo Wright. It's a Gothic dual timeline story that I'm loving so much! 

SYNOPSIS

The manor's rumored one-hundredth door may conceal secrets hidden as deep as the estate's bookshelves extend high . . . but the haunted past has a way of ensnaring curious souls.

In 1888, Minnie Tipton finds herself beset by the dark superstitions that envelop the Pennsylvania mansion her father bought. Convinced the vengeful spirit of a Civil War captain haunts the house and worried by her father's rapidly worsening illness, Minnie delves into the home's fraught past in an effort to bring him peace. Yet the lingering impact of the war and the gruesome tale of murder she uncovers only foster more fear and threaten to unravel Minnie's own sanity.

In the present day, Triss Bellamy eagerly steps into the role of bookshop manager in the mansion-turned-museum boasting ninety-nine doors. But Triss's dream job turns into a nightmare when havoc breaks loose with the arrival of her brother's team of self-proclaimed paranormal investigators. Their determination to find a rumored one-hundredth door--a dangerous portal to the madness long said to plague the mansion--results in calamity, leaving Triss no choice but to hunt down the truth or watch her brother slip forever beyond her reach.

An atmospheric dual-time Gothic suspense masterfully penned by acclaimed author Jaime Jo Wright with themes of a Civil War-era ghost, a possible hidden door, and unexplained mysteries at a historic mansion's bookshop with a troubled past.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

If fear took human form, it would be a ghostly creature.

Friday 56

Minnie took her tea with her breakfast. She sat at the dining table and dared not look at Mrs. Pickston when the housekeeper exited the room. A moment later, Nessa returned with a plate of eggs and bacon.

What have you been reading lately?

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Inklings Detective Agency by John R. Kelly

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 Inklings Detective Agency by John R. Kelly releasing May 5.

SYNOPSIS

J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Agatha Christie, and other literary legends join forces to unravel a deadly conspiracy in this gripping mystery that sweeps from the halls of Oxford to the streets of London and the shores of Loch Ness.

In the streets of 1936 Oxford, dark forces are at play and members of a secret society keep turning up dead. After being called upon to help solve these murders, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and their fellow literary enthusiasts known around town as the Inklings trade their pens for magnifying glasses to catch this evasive killer. With time running out, they get a helping hand from mystery writers Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers to help unravel a sinister web of secrets. Can they crack the case before the murderer strikes again?

Packed with historical intrigue, mystery, and a cast of literary giants, this novel is a masterful blend of high-stakes drama. Dive into a world where the creators of fantasy and mystery confront a real-life menace in a race against time.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Savaged (The Lost Sovereign Book 4) by Anna Hawke

SYNOPSIS

Fated to be his mate. Coerced to murder him.

Lark spent her life unwanted—until her tyrant father decides to make her an unwilling assassin. Bound by his magic and sent into enemy territory, she expects death. Instead, she finds herself at the mercy of the man she’s been ordered to kill. The powerful leader proves she’s safe with him, but he’ll never truly be safe with her.

Roman leads the rebellion against the ruler destroying their society. When the tyrant’s daughter appears at his border, turning her away could cost him critical intelligence. The secretive woman intrigues him, but keeping her could cost him everything. Her presence is a liability to his people—and a temptation he can’t ignore.

Even if Lark can break the compulsion that binds her, the true battle is yet to come. Will their desire deepen into a love that survives their traumatic past—or dooms their future?

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I was so excited to dive into this book! I’ve loved the previous installments in the series, and I loved this one just as much. I feel like I become more invested in this storyworld and the characters with each new book.

I really liked Roman and Lark. He’s leading a rebellion against Julian, Lark’s father. And it just so happens that her father has sent her to kill Roman. Talk about twisty! I was so curious to see how that would play out!

I really felt for Lark and the way her father treated her and for what he was coercing her to do. But I loved seeing her blossom away from his influence.

This book was full of suspense and mounting danger. I was completely engrossed and didn’t want to set it down. There were many times when I wondered how everything was going to work out in the end. Things seemed pretty dire in spots! If you’re a fan of urban fantasy, don’t hesitate to start this series. It’s fantastic! I can’t wait for the next book!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Savaged (The Lost Sovereign Book 4) by Anna Hawke

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. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 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. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over for the time being.

This week I'm featuring Savaged (The Lost Sovereign Book 4) by Anna Hawke. I'm just a little past halfway into this ARC and am loving it! 

SYNOPSIS

Fated to be his mate. Coerced to murder him.

Lark spent her life unwanted—until her tyrant father decides to make her an unwilling assassin. Bound by his magic and sent into enemy territory, she expects death. Instead, she finds herself at the mercy of the man she’s been ordered to kill. The powerful leader proves she’s safe with him, but he’ll never truly be safe with her.

Roman leads the rebellion against the ruler destroying their society. When the tyrant’s daughter appears at his border, turning her away could cost him critical intelligence. The secretive woman intrigues him, but keeping her could cost him everything. Her presence is a liability to his people—and a temptation he can’t ignore.

Even if Lark can break the compulsion that binds her, the true battle is yet to come. Will their desire deepen into a love that survives their traumatic past—or dooms their future?

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

The quaint coffee shop was filled with guests and laughter, nearly every table full.

Friday 56

Being wholly at the mercy of another had happened so quickly.

What have you been reading lately?

Can't Wait Wednesday: Perplexity (The Sceptre & the Stylus Book 2) by Chawna Schroeder

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 Perplexity (The Sceptre & the Stylus Book 2) by Chawna Schroeder releasing April 7.

SYNOPSIS

Assemble the clues, dismantle the danger.

Yosarai Patican never wanted to finish her schooling in the Indeli capital, but after several months, she is finally finding her footing . . . until her world is shattered by the unthinkable. Facing loss after loss, she struggles to adjust to a new position and new responsibilities, including the repayment of a massive debt. A debt more easily managed if she can qualify for the elite politico sphere on the upcoming placement exam. Some, however, would do anything to prevent Yosarai from earning one of the coveted positions.

Meanwhile, in the northern realm of Egdon, Crown Prince Xander faces an increasingly hostile Parliament. Not only are they questioning the necessity of the monarchy, but they are also demanding an accounting of some mysterious expenditures by the former king. Unless Xander can unearth a reasonable explanation, his coronation may be more than postponed. It may be cancelled—permanently.

As old rivalries escalate and hidden threats emerge, both Xander and Yosi must choose their paths wisely, before evil eliminates everyone in its way.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?