Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Can't Wait Wednesday: Storm Rising (Book of the Wars #1) by Ronie Kendig

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 Rising (Book of the Wars #1) by Ronie Kendig releasing July 2.

About the Book
Mentioned in the pages of the Septuagint but lost to history, the Book of the Wars has resurfaced, and its pages hold secrets--and dangers--never before seen on earth.

Tasked with capturing the ancient text, former Navy SEAL Leif Metcalfe is finally given command of his own team. But their best efforts are ruined when a notorious Bulgarian operative known as "Viorica" snatches the volume right out from under them.

Iskra "Viorica" Todorova is determined to use the book to secure the thing that matters most--freedom. But a series of strange storms erupts around the globe and the coming dangers foretold in the text threaten crops, lives--entire nations.
Though both are haunted by secrets of their past and neither trusts the other, Leif and Iskra must form an uneasy alliance to thwart impending disaster. However, the truth hidden in two-thousand-year-old words could unleash the storm of their own destruction.

Why I Need It
I'll read anything Ronie Kendig writes. Her books are awesome, so action-packed, intense, complex, and just downright good. This new series sounds amazing and I can't wait to start reading it!

What upcoming release are you excited about?

Release Day Review: Sweet on You (Bradford Sisters Romance #3) by Becky Wade

About the Book
Britt Bradford and Zander Ford have been the best of friends since they met thirteen years ago. Unbeknown to Britt, Zander has been in love with her for just as long.

Independent and adventurous Britt channels her talent into creating chocolates at her hometown shop. Zander is a bestselling author who's spent the past 18 months traveling the world. He's achieved a great deal but still lacks the only thing that ever truly mattered to him--Britt's heart.

When Zander's uncle dies of mysterious causes, he returns to Merryweather, Washington, to investigate, and Britt is immediately there to help. Although this throws them into close proximity, both understand that an attempt at romance could jeopardize their once-in-a-lifetime friendship. But while Britt is determined to resist any change in their relationship, Zander finds it increasingly difficult to keep his feelings hidden.

As they work together to uncover his uncle's tangled past, will the truth of what lies between them also, finally, come to light?


My Thoughts

Oh my goodness! This book was absolutely wonderful! Where do I even begin?

I've watched Zander's intense devotion to best friend Britt and her complete ignorance of his love for her since the very first book. I've been rooting for them, wanting to shake Britt and force her to see the wonderful man standing right in front of her. I've been so anxious for this book, y'all. I expected it to be great, but it far exceeded my already high expectations. It was everything I was hoping for and so much more.

There were some twists and turns that I was not expecting which I totally loved. The mystery element was superb and definitely kept me on my toes. And I was so happy that Grandma was back, just as feisty and opinionated as ever.

Sweet on You is one of the best contemporary romances I've read and my favorite “friends to lovers” one, for sure. I'd highly recommend this book to everyone. It's awesome! It can totally standalone, but I'd still recommend starting with the first one. This whole series has been excellent. And what a conclusion!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

Five Stars 

Saturday, April 27, 2019

Cover Reveal: The Rescue by Tanya Eavenson




About the Book

Upon the death of her mother, Rosalind Standford’s life shatters. She is forced into a betrothal to a cunning banker close to her father’s age. Cowboy Trent Easton, Rosalind’s childhood friend, returns to his roots in Boston society to find her engaged to another. Though she once rejected him, when Trent learns she’s in danger, he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe—even taking her to the altar in the black of night. But will his name and the remote wilds of his Texas ranch be enough to protect her? Or will freedom cost them their lives?


Giveaway

Enter the giveaway for a chance to win a $20 Amazon gift card!

​Enter at: http://bit.ly/TheRescueCover

Thursday, April 25, 2019

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Kitty Confidential (Pet Whisperer PI #1) by Molly Fitz

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 Kitty Confidential (Pet Whisperer PI #1) by Molly Fitz. It's a short, little cozy mystery that I recently finished. It was ridiculous at times, but still a lot of fun.

About the Book
I was just your normal twenty-something with seven associate degrees and no idea what I wanted to do with my life. That is, until I died… Well, almost.

As if a near-death experience at the hands of an old coffeemaker wasn’t embarrassing enough, I woke up to find I could talk to animals. Or rather one animal in particular.

His full name is Octavius Maxwell Ricardo Edmund Frederick Fulton, but since that’s way too long for anyone to remember, I’ve taken to calling him Octo-Cat. He talks so fast he can be difficult to understand, but seems to be telling me that his late owner didn’t die of natural causes like everyone believes.

Well, now it looks like I no longer have a choice, apparently my life calling is to serve as Blueberry Bay’s first ever pet whisperer P.I while maintaining my façade as a paralegal at the offices of Fulton, Thompson & Associates.

I just have one question: How did Dr. Doolittle make this gig look so easy?

Book Beginning
The first thing you should know about me is that I hate lawyers. The second is that I work for them.

Friday 56
I hoisted the bag further up my shoulder and strode forward with the confidence of someone who didn't have a talking cat secretly stashed in her bag.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: First Degree Murder (Lantern Beach P.D. #3) by Christy Barritt

About the Book
Threatening messages from an unknown source. Shallow graves with unidentified bodies. A friend facing impending peril.

Police Chief Cassidy Chambers longs for a break from the recent crimes plaguing Lantern Beach. She simply wants to enjoy her friends’ upcoming wedding, to prepare for the busy tourist season about to slam the island, and to gather all the dirt she can on the suspicious community that’s invaded the town.

But trouble explodes on the island, sending residents—including Cassidy—into a squall of uneasiness. Cassidy may have more than one enemy plotting her demise, and the collateral damage seems unthinkable.

As the temperature rises, so does the pressure to find answers. Someone is determined that Lantern Beach would be better off without their new police chief. And for Cassidy, one wrong move could mean certain death.

Available in Kindle Unlimited

My Thoughts

This series just keeps getting better and better. First Degree Murder is the third installment in the exciting Lantern Beach P.D. series and it's my favorite one yet!

So much is going on around town. So much is going wrong. Crime seems to be at an all time high. Three skeletons are found on the beach. Chief Cassidy Chambers is getting threatening text messages. The situation with Gilead's Cove and their leader Anthony Gilead is ramping up. The list could go on and on. One thing's for sure, life is never dull on Lantern Beach.

This book moved at an ever-increasing speed. I was clicking through the pages as fast as possible. I couldn't reach the thrilling conclusion quick enough. It was another excellent mystery from Christy Barritt. I can't wait for the next one!

Four Stars

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

Can't Wait Wednesday: Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather Webber

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 Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather Webber releasing July 16.

About the Book
Heather Webber's Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe is a captivating blend of magical realism, heartwarming romance, and small-town Southern charm.

Nestled in the mountain shadows of Alabama lies the little town of Wicklow. It is here that Anna Kate has returned to bury her beloved Granny Zee, owner of the Blackbird Café.

It was supposed to be a quick trip to close the café and settle her grandmother’s estate, but despite her best intentions to avoid forming ties or even getting to know her father’s side of the family, Anna Kate finds herself inexplicably drawn to the quirky Southern town her mother ran away from so many years ago, and the mysterious blackbird pie everybody can’t stop talking about.

As the truth about her past slowly becomes clear, Anna Kate will need to decide if this lone blackbird will finally be able to take her broken wings and fly.


Why I Need It
I'm a huge fan of this author's cozy mysteries and am excited to check out this new venture from her. I love small town, southern settings, so this should be really good.

What upcoming release are you excited about?

Monday, April 22, 2019

Review: Remember Me (Chapel Cove Romances Book 1) by Marion Ueckermann

About the Book
Welcome to Chapel Cove, Oregon, where life begins at forty.

What she most needed was right there in front of her all along.

At the age of thirteen, Clarise Aylward and her two best friends each pen a wish list of things they want to achieve. Deciding to bury a tin containing their life goals, the friends vow to unearth the metal box once they’ve all turned forty. But as the decades pass and each girl chases her dreams, the lists are forgotten.

Heath Brock has been in love with Clarise for over twenty-seven years and counting. As a young man, he’d plucked up the courage to ask her out on a Valentine’s date, but the couple succumbed to pent-up passions, sending Clarise dashing for the other side of the country.

Years after Clarise’s sudden departure, Heath serves as youth pastor. He’d held out hope of Clarise’s return, but buries his feelings for his childhood sweetheart when he learns she’s married.

Almost penniless, divorced, and with nowhere to go, Clarise returns home to Chapel Cove, her future uncertain. She’s approaching forty with her dreams in tatters. When old feelings resurface, Clarise wonders whether she’s ever really fallen out of love with Heath.

What’s the man of God to do when his old flame returns, seemingly to stay?

With Clarise back in town, Heath is determined not to repeat past mistakes, but if he has anything to say about it, never again will he lose the only woman he’s ever loved.


My Thoughts

This book, y'all! What a delightful romance that overflowed with a wonderful spiritual message! I loved it!

The whole cast of characters were so great, from the main ones to the ones in the background. They were so authentic, so real. They could be my neighbors, my friends. I felt like I really knew them. And Chapel Cove, the town they call home! What a lovely place. I'd love to live there myself, if only it were real.

If you're looking for a great, inspirational romance, Remember Me is the perfect book to pick up. I greatly enjoyed my time spent with these characters and am excited for the rest of this series.

4.5 Stars

Thursday, April 18, 2019

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: First Degree Murder (Lantern Beach P.D. #3) 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 First Degree Murder (Lantern Beach P.D. #3) by Christy Barritt. It's great being back in Lantern Beach again with a new mystery to solve. I've gotta say, this series just keeps getting better and better. And I love the short wait between books.

About the Book
Threatening messages from an unknown source. Shallow graves with unidentified bodies. A friend facing impending peril.

Police Chief Cassidy Chambers longs for a break from the recent crimes plaguing Lantern Beach. She simply wants to enjoy her friends’ upcoming wedding, to prepare for the busy tourist season about to slam the island, and to gather all the dirt she can on the suspicious community that’s invaded the town.

But trouble explodes on the island, sending residents—including Cassidy—into a squall of uneasiness. Cassidy may have more than one enemy plotting her demise, and the collateral damage seems unthinkable.

As the temperature rises, so does the pressure to find answers. Someone is determined that Lantern Beach would be better off without their new police chief. And for Cassidy, one wrong move could mean certain death.

Book Beginning
Moriah Roberts sat up in bed, her gaze skittering across the room. As the cheerful yellow walls came into view, her shoulders relaxed. There was no need to be alarmed. She was safe here.

Friday 56
"If you had nothing to do with those bodies, then why did you run?" Cassidy edged him back, so she could his face. "And why do you think I'm here about those bodies?"

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Finding Ever After: four fairytale-ish novellas

About the Book
Experience a touch of magic with these four fairytale-ish novellas that span over one hundred years. Linked by an illustrated book of fairytales, each novella is an enchanting combination of a beloved classic sprinkled with the author’s own brand of fairy dust.

Stairs and Stardust is set in 1913 Asheville, NC at the beautiful Biltmore Estate and includes a budding children’s book illustrator, an out-of-the box heir, and a teensy bit of Cinderella romance.

Entanglements has a Rapunzel twist and is set in 1920’s Boston between a reluctant heiress, a charming piano tuner, and a game of chess.

Twice Upon A Time is a Beauty-And-The-Beast inspired tale that brings a romance novelist back home to her family's pecan farm... and the ex-fiance she left behind.

Once Bitten is a nod to Snow White that includes a fake date with a handsome woodsman, seven geeks, and the world's best apple tarts.


My Thoughts

Finding Ever after was an enchanting collection of fairy tale inspired novellas written by four different authors with settings in the past and present.

Between Stairs and Stardust by Pepper Basham 4 Stars
This was another charming romance from Pepper Basham. The characters were great. The way James and Stella met was unforgettable. I think my favorite part of this novella was Stella telling the story of Cinderella to Alice. Alice's excitement over the tale was so much fun and brought back feelings of my own wonderment when I first heard the fairy tale. I loved “visiting” the Biltmore Estate. It was such an enchanting setting.

Entanglements by Rachel McMillan 4 Stars
This story was so wonderful and a lovely twist on Rapunzel. Esther and Nick were likeable and so perfect for each other. And I absolutely loved the “fairy godmothers”. They were such a joy! I'm not a chess player, but the way the game came into play at the end was brilliant. Loved it!

Twice Upon a Time by Ashley Clarke 3 Stars
Twice Upon a Time is a contemporary Beauty and the Beast retelling set on a pecan farm in Alabama. Although it didn't follow the original story too closely, the nods to the fairytale were clever and made me smile. I had a hard time liking either one of the main characters. Emma's attitude and Sawyer's deception really grated on my nerves. But I really enjoyed the southern setting and adored The Wistful Teacup, a library turned tea shop. It'd be a fun place to visit!

Once Bitten by Betsy St. Amant 4.5 Stars
Once Bitten was such a cute story and a nice take on Snow White. It was a breath of fresh air that put a big smile on my face. I love a good “fake boyfriend” story and this one was done really well. Maggie and Griff were so great and felt like real people. I liked that there wasn't an insta-love connection. It felt real, not forced. Just right. I can't forget to mention the seven dwarfs, or rather, the seven geeks. They were awesome and hilarious!

Four Stars

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

Can't Wait Wednesday: The String (Deadly Games #1) by Caleb Breakey

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 String (Deadly Games #1) by Caleb Breakey releasing July 16.

About the Book
Welcome to the string, a game of impossible decisions and deadly consequences. Let's go over the ground rules.

Rule #1: Participation is mandatory.
Rule #2: If anyone refuses to play, all threats will come to pass.
Game on.

Get ready for a deadly social experiment as a sociopath known as The Conductor delivers disturbing threats and twisted moral dilemmas to unsuspecting students and staff.

As a powerful instinct for self-preservation sweeps through the campus, one man has a grave decision to make. Will university cop Markus Haas play the game to protect those he loves? Or will he break the string and incite massive chaos--and even death?

In the great suspense tradition of Ted Dekker and Steven James, Caleb Breakey's explosive debut novel will have you turning pages into the night.


Why I Need It
I am so intrigued by this synopsis. It sounds like it'll be an intense and thrilling suspense. I can't wait!

What upcoming release are you excited about?

Monday, April 15, 2019

Review: In Too Deep (Dive Team Investigations #2) by Lynn H. Blackburn

About the Book
When the dive team is called in to recover a body from a submerged car, they aren't prepared to find an encrypted laptop--or an unsettling connection between investigator Adam Campbell and the dead accountant.

Adam turns to his friend Dr. Sabrina Fleming--a professor at the local university with unparalleled computer security and forensics skills--to recover the files from the laptop. But the deeper they dig, the deadlier the investigation becomes. When evidence uncovers a human trafficking ring and implicates members of Adam's own family, he and Sabrina will have to risk everything to solve the case.

The truth could set hundreds free--but someone is willing to do whatever it takes to silence anyone who threatens to reveal their secrets. Award-winning author Lynn H. Blackburn invites readers back to Carrington, North Carolina, where everything is not as it seems and sinister elements lurk behind the idyllic façade.




My Thoughts

I started reading this immediately after finishing Beneath the Surface, the first book in this series. I couldn't get enough of these characters and had to dive right into the next mystery.

This story focuses on investigator Adam Campbell and Dr. Sabrina Fleming. Sabrina was my favorite character from book one. She's 'refreshingly honest', saying pretty much whatever she's thinking, and is a genius with computers. She's not the best at reading emotions or social situations, but that's one of the most endearing things about her. She's awesome. And Adam! One word - swoonworthy! He comes from a super wealthy family, but he's down to earth. He's sweet, humble, good-natured. A true gentleman. I could go on and on, lol.

This book touches upon some heavy subjects, but I really appreciated that. It's absolutely horrifying that human trafficking and modern-day slavery are happening all around us, right now. I was glad that this book shined a light on these heinous crimes. It can't be talked about enough.

I greatly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to everyone who enjoys this genre. Even if you haven't read book one, this one stands alone just fine.

4.5 Stars

Thursday, April 11, 2019

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: In Too Deep (Dive Team Investigations #2) by Lynn H. Blackburn

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 sharing In Too Deep by Lynn H. Blackburn. It's the sequel to Beneath the Surface which I featured last week. I've really been enjoying this series. My only complaint is that book three doesn't come out until September.

About the Book
When the dive team is called in to recover a body from a submerged car, they aren't prepared to find an encrypted laptop--or an unsettling connection between investigator Adam Campbell and the dead accountant.

Adam turns to his friend Dr. Sabrina Fleming--a professor at the local university with unparalleled computer security and forensics skills--to recover the files from the laptop. But the deeper they dig, the deadlier the investigation becomes. When evidence uncovers a human trafficking ring and implicates members of Adam's own family, he and Sabrina will have to risk everything to solve the case.

The truth could set hundreds free--but someone is willing to do whatever it takes to silence anyone who threatens to reveal their secrets. Award-winning author Lynn H. Blackburn invites readers back to Carrington, North Carolina, where everything is not as it seems and sinister elements lurk behind the idyllic façade.
 

Book Beginning
The shrill ping of his cell phone earned white-collar crimes investigator Adam Campbell a vicious glare from his aunt Margaret. His cousins all dropped their gazes to their plates, several of them failing to suppress snickers, as Adam stood. He glanced around the table at the assembled family members before focusing on the matriarch of the family. "Excuse me, Grandmother. Everyone. I'm on call." 
Grandmother sniffed. "Very well."

Friday 56
Wednesday morning was not off to a fabulous start.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Beneath the Surface (Dive Team Investigations #1) by Lynn H. Blackburn

About the Book
After a harrowing experience with an obsessed patient, oncology nurse practitioner Leigh Weston needed a change. She thought she'd left her troubles behind when she moved home to Carrington, North Carolina, and took a job in the emergency department of the local hospital. But when someone tampers with her brakes, she fears the past has chased her into the present. She reaches out to her high school friend turned homicide investigator, Ryan Parker, for help.

Ryan finds satisfaction in his career, but his favorite way to use his skills is as a volunteer underwater investigator with the Carrington County Sheriff's Office dive team. When the body of a wealthy businessman is discovered in Lake Porter, the investigation uncovers a possible serial killer--one with a terrifying connection to Leigh Weston and deadly implications for them all.

Dive into the depths of fear with an exciting new voice in romantic suspense. Award-winning author Lynn H. Blackburn grabs readers by the throat and doesn't let go until the final heart-pounding page.


My Thoughts

What an exciting and intense thrill ride! I've read quite a few suspenseful books lately, and I've gotta say, Beneath the Surface is one of the most compelling, fast paced ones in recent memory. I had an insanely difficult time pulling myself away from it to tend to 'real life' things.

The whole cast of characters were great. Leigh was immensely likeable. She's so kind, is always looking out for others and helping them when she's able. She's been through a lot, but she's a fighter. Ryan's a born protector. He's just an all-around, genuinely good guy. I do have to say that it wasn't just Ryan and Leigh, the main characters, I became invested in. All of the supporting characters were authentic and 'real'. I'm eager to spend more time with everyone in subsequent books.

I really can't say enough good things about Beneath the Surface. It held my complete attention. I was constantly thinking about it, wondering what was gonna happen next, trying to figure out who the baddie was and what their motivation was. It was so good. I've found a new author to add to my must-buy list. I'm ready to dive into book two!

Five Stars

Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Can't Wait Wednesday: Midnight on the River Grey by Abigail Wilson

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 Midnight on the River Grey by Abigail Wilson releasing July 2.

About the Book
Abigail Wilson returns to Regency England with another tale of murder, mystery, and romance.

After her elder brother’s mysterious death, Rebecca Hunter vows to expose the man she believes responsible—Mr. Lewis Browning—known by the locals as the Midnight Devil and by Rebecca as her new guardian. He alone was on the bridge that fateful night and openly admits striking her brother with his horse, but he claims he remembers little else.

Summoned to his reclusive country estate to await her London season, Rebecca plans her own secret investigation. Yet, Lewis Browning is not as she once imagined, and his motivation is horribly unclear. Recurrent nightmares and Rebecca’s restless feelings are further complicated by the shadow of her mother’s prior descent into madness and whether she too will follow the same heartbreaking path.

Even as midnight rides, strange injuries, and further murders lead back to Lewis, Rebecca can’t ignore the subtle turn of her heart. Has she developed feelings for the man she swore to see hanged? And moreover, can she trust him with her uncertain future?

Why I Need It
I love reading mysteries set during the Regency era and this one sounds like a great one.

What upcoming release are you excited about?

Monday, April 8, 2019

Review: Knox (The Montana Marshalls #1) by Susan May Warren

About the Book
He's not looking for trouble...

Montana rancher Knox Marshall's danger years are behind him. A former bull-rider, he now runs the Marshall family ranch, raising champion bucking bulls for the National Professional Bullrider's Expo (NBR-X). Wealth and success are his, but life is stable, expected, and…ordinary.  But he wants more from life...

But trouble is looking for her...

Kelsey Jones just wants a safe life, a family, a home. Onstage, the beautiful rising star of the Yankee Belles becomes the person she longs to be - vivacious and confident - burying the brokenness she carries from a violent assault. Becoming NBR-X’s next country act is key to outrunning her past and achieving the success and security she craves.

When trouble finds them both...

Knox and Kelsey's paths collide when an explosion at an NBR-X event traps them in the rubble and leaves them reeling. Kelsey’s crippling nightmares return, but for Knox, an obsession to find the bomber is ignited.

What will it cost him to protect her? 

When Kelsey’s past threatens Knox’s family, he'll have to choose between saving the Marshall legacy or becoming the protector he's always longed to be.

The explosive first book in the Montana Marshall series!


My Thoughts

Have you ever loved a book so much that you just can't find the right words to accurately express that love? Knox is that kind of book for me. I've been staring at my computer screen, for I don't know how long, searching for a way to describe the sheer awesomeness, the beauty, of this story.

Susan May Warren always delivers a fast-paced, heartfelt read that's impossible to put down. Knox is that and so much more. It left me breathless, anxious, swooning, joyous, teary-eyed. My emotions were all over the place and I loved every second of it.

A lot of Ms. Warren's books have made their way onto my favorites shelf and I'm making a special place there for Knox. It's my favorite of hers yet, the best book I've read this year. What a breathtaking start to the series! I highly, highly recommend it!

Five Stars

Thursday, April 4, 2019

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Beneath the Surface (Dive Team Investigations #1) by Lynn H. Blackburn

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 stellar romantic suspense, Beneath the Surface by Lynn H. Blackburn.

About the Book
After a harrowing experience with an obsessed patient, oncology nurse practitioner Leigh Weston needed a change. She thought she'd left her troubles behind when she moved home to Carrington, North Carolina, and took a job in the emergency department of the local hospital. But when someone tampers with her brakes, she fears the past has chased her into the present. She reaches out to her high school friend turned homicide investigator, Ryan Parker, for help.

Ryan finds satisfaction in his career, but his favorite way to use his skills is as a volunteer underwater investigator with the Carrington County Sheriff's Office dive team. When the body of a wealthy businessman is discovered in Lake Porter, the investigation uncovers a possible serial killer--one with a terrifying connection to Leigh Weston and deadly implications for them all.

Dive into the depths of fear with an exciting new voice in romantic suspense. Award-winning author Lynn H. Blackburn grabs readers by the throat and doesn't let go until the final heart-pounding page.
 

Book Beginning
Homicide Investigator Ryan Parker flashed a thumbs-up to his dive buddy and fellow homicide investigator, Gabe Chavez.
Gabe responded in kind and they began a slow descent to the bottom of Lake Porter. He kept his breathing slow and steady. Unlike some people who experienced claustrophobia when diving, Ryan loved being surrounded by water. He paused to equalize the pressure in his ears and made sure Gabe did the same.

Friday 56
"What's going on?" she asked again. They all looked at one another, and something about their expressions sent a cold wave of terror crashing over her. "What don't I know?"

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Between Floors (The City Between #3) by W.R. Gingell

About the Book
I’m not supposed to push through the boundaries of reality without supervision. I’m definitely not meant to drag a cop Between with me.

But stuff happens, you know?

Hi. I’m Pet. Well, not Pet, exactly. I am a pet.

Nothing too hard; I just cook and clean for the Behindkind who took over my house. Easy. But now one of my owners has gone missing. He’s fae, so it shouldn’t worry me, but if there’s something out there that can kidnap fae, I don’t wanna meet it.

Good thing I’ve got another two owners and a spare cop up my sleeve…
 


My Thoughts

With the way the previous book ended, I was itching to get started on this next installment. It was so good, even better than book two and was, quite possibly, my favorite of the series. Nuggets of information were revealed and hinted about which will inevitably lead to more questions to ask and answers to be found. I don't want to say too much because it'd probably all be spoilers. I'll just end by saying, if you're a fan of urban fantasy and haven't started this series, you're missing out! I can't recommend it highly enough. Start with book one and you'll be hooked!

Five Stars

Tuesday, April 2, 2019

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Number of Love (Codebreakers #1) by Roseanna M. White

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 Number of Love (Codebreakers #1) by Roseanna M. White releasing June 4.

About the Book
Three years into the Great War, England’s greatest asset is their intelligence network—field agents risking their lives to gather information, and codebreakers able to crack every German telegram. Margot De Wilde thrives in the environment of the secretive Room 40, where she spends her days deciphering intercepted messages. But when her world is turned upside down by an unexpected loss, for the first time in her life numbers aren’t enough.

Drake Elton returns wounded from the field, followed by an enemy that just won’t give up. He’s smitten quickly by the too-intelligent Margot, but how to convince a girl who lives entirely in her mind that sometimes life’s answers lie in the heart?

Amidst biological warfare, encrypted letters, and a German spy who wants to destroy not just them, but others they love, Margot and Drake will have to work together to save them all from the very secrets that brought them together.

Why I Need It
Everything about this sounds amazing! The time period, the setting, the fact that it involves codebreaking. I can't wait! Plus, I've loved everything I've read by this author and am sure this will be another hit from her.

What upcoming release are you excited about?

Monday, April 1, 2019

Review: A Meddled Match (Resort to Romance) by Jill Kemerer

About the Book
Get ready for ten weeks of romance in the Bahamas with a new series brought to you by some of the best authors in the inspirational and sweet romance genres…
 
Ten delightful - and standalone - novellas linked by one matchmaking week. You’ll want to devour each one!

A MEDDLED MATCH

Gavin Sterling wants no part of Matchmaking Week, but his eccentric great aunts insist he fill in for a no-show or he won't have a chance at inheriting their island resort. Surprisingly, his match intrigues him. Mollie is blunt, sassy, and best of all, has no idea he’s the son of a billionaire.
 
Mollie Macomb needs a relaxing vacation without the dating drama. A relationship with Gavin would never work in the real world, anyhow. He’s a gorgeous businessman. She's a quirky failure. But even the unlikeliest couple can find love during Matchmaking Week…

RESORT TO ROMANCE SERIES

It’s Matchmaking Week at an all-inclusive resort on a private island in the Bahamas. Each guest has been expertly paired and is here to enjoy one full week with their match. While there’s no money-back guarantee on the paid trip, the participants are guaranteed to find love!


My Thoughts

I had a blast reading this sweet novella! It left a big smile on my face and really put me in a good mood. I couldn't get enough of it.

The characters were wonderful. Mollie's spunky and doesn't sugarcoat things. She sure keeps things lively. Gavin's serious and at first comes across as all business, but he's got a sweet and fun side to him that makes him irresistible. The masterminds behind Matchmaking Week, great aunts Ginny and Goldie, were a riot! They kept me laughing.

I've always enjoyed stories featuring a matchmaking twist and this one's so great. Having a matchmaking week on a private island is such a neat idea. And what a romantic setting. This was a wonderful start to what's sure to be an entertaining series.

Four Stars