Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Chasing the Shadows (Sentinels of the Galaxy #2) by Maria V. Snyder

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 new book from one of my favorite authors - Chasing the Shadows (Sentinels of the Galaxy #2) by Maria V. Snyder.

About the Book

Year 2522. Lyra Daniels is dead.

Okay, so I only died for sixty-six seconds. But when I came back to life, I got a brand new name and a snazzy new uniform. Go me! Seriously, though, it's very important that Lyra Daniels stays dead, at least as far as the murdering looters, know.

While dying is the scariest thing that's happened to me, it morphed my worming skills. I can manipulate the Q-net like never before. But the looters have blocked us from communicating with the rest of the galaxy and now they believe we've gone silent, like Planet Xinji (where silent really means dead).

A Protector Class spaceship is coming to our rescue, but we still have to survive almost two years until they arrive - if they arrive at all. Until then, we have to figure out how to stop an unstoppable alien threat. And it's only a matter of time before the looters learn I'm not dead and returns to finish what they started.

There's no way I'm going to let the looters win. Instead I'll do whatever it takes to save the people I love. But even I'm running out of ideas...

Book Beginning

"You're dead," Elese says as she presses her forearm against my neck, cutting off my air.

Friday 56

I give Beau major credit for standing up to my mother. She glares at him and he stares right on back.

Hosted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer

Did you go shopping on Thanksgiving Night, Black Friday, or on Cyber Monday? If so, did you buy any books?

I never go shopping on Thanksgiving night. I haven't gone Black Friday shopping at a "physical store" in years. It's too crazy and not worth the added stress. I will check out online sales, especially Cyber Monday, though.

What have you been reading lately?

Can't Wait Wednesday: Collateral Damage by Lynette Eason

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 Collateral Damage by Lynette Eason releasing January 7, 2020.

About the Book

Honorably discharged from the Army after an explosion nearly killed her, former military psychiatrist Brooke Adams has set up shop to help others--but her days of helping military personnel are over. She's got her own battles to fight from her time overseas, and she's not equipped to take on more. Former Army Special Ops Sergeant First Class Asher James could handle anything that war sent his way--terrorists, bombs, bullets. The only thing that scares him now is sleep. As the shadows close in, the nightmares begin.

Finally convinced that he needs help, Asher makes an appointment with a counselor, and Brooke is pressed by her boss to take him on. When he arrives at her office she isn't there--but a dead body is. Brooke is devastated when she walks in, and Asher is a conveniently strong shoulder to cry on. But she can't take him on as a client after sharing such an intimate and unprofessional moment, can she? And he's not sure he can handle sharing his deepest fears with such a beautiful woman.

When it becomes clear that Brooke was the real target of the attack--and that her secrets go even deeper than his own--Asher vows to protect her no matter what.

Why I Need It

I'm a big Lynette Eason fan and am so excited for a new series from her. I recently read a little sneak peek for this one and can't stop thinking about it. I need the full-length book now!

What upcoming release are you excited about?

Review: Joke and Dagger (The Worst Detective Ever #8) by Christy Barritt

About the Book

Someone has flipped the script, and chaos abounds.

Joey Darling thought she’d take a quick acting gig between filming her hit TV show, Relentless, and prepping for an upcoming movie. The peaceful island of Lantern Beach seemed like a perfect getaway, especially when her fiancé joins her on location.

But from day one on the set, things go awry. Someone alters the script, adding a mysterious death to the movie. At first, the changes seem like a joke. But when real life imitates the script, Joey realizes there’s more to the story.

Joey has no choice but to search for answers—with the help of her fiancé, Detective Jackson Sullivan, of course. Each day, more danger comes Joey’s way, and it’s clear the killer is becoming more unraveled. Joey fears there’s a traitor on the set . . . but can she figure out the killer before the final cut?

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

I was so excited to dive into Joke and Dagger. The Worst Detective Ever series is my favorite from Christy Barritt. It was so great checking back in with these characters and seeing what they were up to now.

This installment finds Joey on Lantern Beach filming an indie movie between her other projects. With strange last-minute script changes, mishaps on set, random pirates, and a real dead body showing up, it's just another typical day in the life of Joey Darling. With the help of her fiance, Joey goes on the hunt to solve this mystery.

There were some cameos from a few of the characters from Barritt's Lantern Beach series which was so much fun! Loved it! The mystery was good and left me guessing until the reveal. All in all, another great addition to a wonderful series. Can't wait for the next one!

Four Stars

Review: Christmas at Whitefriars by Elizabeth Camden

About the Book

Mary Beckwith lives in a magnificent English castle during the twilight years of the gilded age. With the help of an American millionaire, she has succeeded in renovating her beloved Whitefriars castle into a splendid estate just in time for Christmas.

From across the ocean, millionaire Everett Wooten has spent a fortune propping up Whitefriars to add modern conveniences and rebuild crumbling old walls. Even though he’s never met Mary, they have enjoyed a lively business correspondence over the nine years they have been working toward a renovation. Now he has finally come to see Mary and the castle in person, but nothing is as he was led to believe.

Mary and Everett try to find a way forward, but red-blooded American entrepreneurship doesn’t always mingle with blue-blooded English tradition. Can a Manhattan business tycoon and an English lady come to an accord, or will their joint venture in Whitefriars result in heartbreak for them both?

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

Christmas at Whitefriars was an absolutely wonderful novella that's sure to delight fans of historical romance. With the shorter length, I was afraid I wouldn't like this one as much as Camden's previous books. But I had nothing to worry about. For a novella, there was a lot packed into it. It was a full and complete story that didn't feel too short at all.

This is a companion novella to Camden's Empire State series. Mary is the sister of Colin Beckwith from A Dangerous Legacy. I loved revisiting beloved characters. It stands alone perfectly fine, though, so no need to worry if you haven't read that series. But I'm sure you'll be clamoring to get your hands on them after finishing this one.

I liked Mary right off the bat and the more I got to know her, the more I admired her. Her anxiety and panic attacks were super relatable for me. I thought she handled things with such grace though. Now Everett, on the other hand, was a bit of a conundrum. Described by others as an oddball, stick-in-the-mud, and all about business, I was not expecting to like him as much as I did upon introduction. But my goodness, I did! He's so serious and gruff at times, but there's an endearing quality about him that's hard to resist. And when more was revealed about him, I understood him a lot better and could even relate to him.

Christmas at Whitefriars is right up there with my other favorite Camden titles. I loved it so much. As soon as I finished it, I wanted to read it all over again. It was just that good. I can't recommend it highly enough.

Five Stars

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Christmas at Whitefriars by Elizabeth Camden

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 Christmas at Whitefriars by Elizabeth Camden. I know it's probably still a little too early for Christmas stories but when a favorite author releases a new book, I can't resist diving into it as soon as possible.

About the Book

Mary Beckwith lives in a magnificent English castle during the twilight years of the gilded age. With the help of an American millionaire, she has succeeded in renovating her beloved Whitefriars castle into a splendid estate just in time for Christmas.

From across the ocean, millionaire Everett Wooten has spent a fortune propping up Whitefriars to add modern conveniences and rebuild crumbling old walls. Even though he’s never met Mary, they have enjoyed a lively business correspondence over the nine years they have been working toward a renovation. Now he has finally come to see Mary and the castle in person, but nothing is as he was led to believe.

Mary and Everett try to find a way forward, but red-blooded American entrepreneurship doesn’t always mingle with blue-blooded English tradition. Can a Manhattan business tycoon and an English lady come to an accord, or will their joint venture in Whitefriars result in heartbreak for them both?

Book Beginning

"Are you sure you want me to do this?" Nick asked as he prepared to fuse the pipe joints. "As soon as I solder this pipe in, there's no turning back. The tower will get hot water, and your washroom gets nothing. We can't heat both."

Friday 56

This was going to be a disaster.

Hosted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer

Excluding the Bible, name one book that makes you feel thankful and happy.

Hmmm... that's a tough one. There's so many different ways to answer this question. Do I pick a favorite book that I go back to time and time again? (Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder) Do I pick a historical book where I learned something and am so thankful to the real-life heroes of that time? (Pretty much any Sarah Sundin/WWII-era novel.) Do I pick one of the first books I remember that sparked my love of reading? (The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, The Story of the Tower of Babel: An Alice in Bibleland Storybook) Maybe I'll just pick 'em all. :D

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Heart of a Royal (Daughters of Peverell #1) by Hannah Currie

About the Book
Brought to the palace as a newborn, the royal life bestowed upon Mackenna Sparrow was never meant to last forever. With Princess Alina engaged to be married, Mackenna's presence as companion is no longer required and, like it or not, she must return to the birthright which should have been hers - that of a commoner. But not everyone at the palace wants her gone. When the truths she’s based her life on start crumbling as fast as her future, will she find the courage to trust, both herself and the prince she’s fallen in love with? 

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

This book was an absolute delight to read. It was cute and sweet and everything I needed at the time. An uplifting story that left a smile on my face.

Kenna and Ben were super endearing right from the start. Ben's an honorable guy. Such a gentleman. I couldn't help but fall for him. Kenna experiences quite a few big changes during the course of the book and I thought she handled them with grace and, though she might deny it, bravery.

Royalty books are always so much fun and this one was really good. I thought the ending wrapped up a little too quickly but, all in all, I enjoyed it a lot and am very much looking forward to more from this author.

Four Stars

Can't Wait Wednesday: On Wings of Devotion (Codebreakers #2) 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 On Wings of Devotion (Codebreakers #2) by Roseanna M. White releasing January 7, 2020.

About the Book

All of England thinks Phillip Camden a monster--a man who deliberately caused the deaths of his squadron. But as nurse Arabelle Denler watches the so-dubbed "Black Heart" every day, she sees something far different: a hurting man desperate for mercy. And when their paths twist together and he declares himself her new protector, she realizes she has her own role to play in his healing.

Phillip Camden would have preferred to die that day with his squadron rather than be recruited to the Admiralty's codebreaking division. The threats he receives daily are no great surprise and, in his opinion, well deserved. What comes as a shock is the reborn desire to truly live that Arabelle inspires in him.

But when an old acquaintance shows up and seems set on using him in a plot that has the codebreakers of Room 40 in a frenzy, new affections are put to the test.

Why I Need It

I loved the first book and have been so excited for the sequel. I've always been interested in codebreaking, so this is right up my alley.

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Cover Reveal: Illusionary by Desiree Williams

I'm so excited to share the updated cover for Illusionary by Desiree Williams. This book sounds AMAZING and the cover is absolutely gorgeous!

About the Book
Dorothy got sucked into a tornado.

Alice fell down a hole.

Wendy flew to Neverland.

Kamryn? She tripped down the stairs.

Now, Kamryn Kensington finds herself in a strange new world. Within minutes of her arrival, she dodges an archer’s arrow and avoids getting sliced up by a cosplay reject holding a dagger to her throat. And that’s before the storyteller’s breath brings stories to life.

Home is the mission—to return to her family and pursue her life’s dream of art and travel. Yet the longer she’s in the Land of Ur, the harder it is not to feel for the people she meets. Even her artistic side can’t help but breathe in the beautiful wonder and magic of this new world. So when the Oracle hands her a different quest, she takes it on the condition he sends her home afterward.

No one thought to warn her of a jealous queen and her dragon minions. Or that, by helping her, the cute storyteller would go crazy. Or that her heart would rip in two when she left. Those would’ve been great facts to know ahead of time.

Considering that nothing in Ur is what it seems, the mission proves to be more than she ever imagined. But more than her own future will be in jeopardy if Kamryn doesn’t succeed.

Ebook available at:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/34OTdz0

Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/2XeMI6d

Kobo: https://bit.ly/32CK8aX

iBooks: https://apple.co/2K92oCj

Add it to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2KchWpg

About the Author

Desiree Williams is a dreamer by day and chocoholic by night. She lives in the beautiful state of Kentucky with her husband and daughter, where she juggles life as a wannabe supermom. Desiree is a lover of food and avoider of dirty dishes. She delights in making people laugh and strives to bring hope and love with her wherever she goes.

You can find out more about Desiree and her books at www.desireewilliamsbooks.com

Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Goodreads / Newsletter

Review: Brink of Danger (Fog Lake Mysteries #3) by Christy Barritt

About the Book
Ansley Wilder has always lived life on the wild side, using thrills to numb the pain from her past and escape her mistakes. But a near-death experience two years ago changed everything. When another incident nearly claims her life, she turns her thrill-seeking ways into a fight for survival.

Ryan Philips left Fog Lake to chase adventure far from home. Now he’s returned as the new fire chief in town, but the slower paced life he seeks is nowhere to be found. Not only is a wildfire blazing out of control, but a malicious killer known as “The Woodsman” is enacting crimes that appear accidental. Plus, there seems to be a strange connection with these incidents and his best friend’s little sister, Ansley Wilder.

As a killer watches their every move and the forest fire threatens to destroy their scenic town, both Ryan and Ansley hover on the brink of danger. One wrong move could send them tumbling over the edge . . . permanently.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

Brink of Danger is book three in the Fog Lake Mysteries and my favorite one yet.

My anxiety was high pretty much from the first word. There were times when I could hardly catch my breath. But thank goodness there were some lighter moments here and there where I could take a breather. My favorite of those moments were Ansley and Ryan's teasing banter and sarcastic remarks. They were fun to get to know.

The Woodsman was such a creepy villain. We got to see things from their perspective a few times and wow! Chilling, to say the least. I had my suspicions about who the Woodsman was, though I kept talking myself out of it because there were plenty of other viable suspects. So I guess you could say that I had it figured out, but then I didn't have it figured out, lol.

With a gripping opening chapter and ever increasing suspense, Brink of Danger is an unputdownable must read for fans of romantic suspense.

Four Stars

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Heart of a Royal (Daughters of Peverell #1) by Hannah Currie

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 Heart of a Royal (Daughters of Peverell #1) by Hannah Currie. It's a really cute fairytale-ish YA romance.

About the Book

Brought to the palace as a newborn, the royal life bestowed upon Mackenna Sparrow was never meant to last forever. With Princess Alina engaged to be married, Mackenna's presence as companion is no longer required and, like it or not, she must return to the birthright which should have been hers - that of a commoner. But not everyone at the palace wants her gone. When the truths she’s based her life on start crumbling as fast as her future, will she find the courage to trust, both herself and the prince she’s fallen in love with?

Book Beginning

If mortification could kill, I'd be six feet under. And Nurse Kristiann over in the corner would probably still be trying to hide her laughter at the funeral.

Friday 56

A tree branch flew past us, followed quickly by a fence paling. I closed my eyes, not wanting to see what came next. The last time I'd come across this field, it had been covered with purple wildflowers. Today, they were all gone. Every single one of them. The wind had taken them prisoner the same way it was threatening to take us.

Hosted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer

Do you think that overall work morale would be improved by having a "book lunch", sponsored by the company, at least once a month, or perhaps once a week? (Participation would be voluntary.)

That could be a neat idea and would definitely boost my morale.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: A Distance Too Grand by Regina Scott

About the Book

Meg Pero has been assisting her photographer father since she was big enough to carry his equipment, so when he dies she is determined to take over his profession--starting with fulfilling the contract he signed to serve on an Army survey of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in 1871. What she doesn't realize is that the leader of the expedition is none other than the man she once refused to marry.

Captain Ben Coleridge would like nothing more than to leave without the woman who broke his heart, but he refuses to wait even one more day to get started. This survey is a screen for another, more personal mission, one he cannot share with any member of his team.

As dangers arise from all sides, including within the survey party, Meg and Ben must work together to stay alive, fulfill their duties, and, just maybe, rekindle a love that neither had completely left behind.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

A Distance Too Grand was an absolutely delightful historical romance. I was pretty sure I was gonna like it, but I've gotta say, I enjoyed it even more than I thought I would. It kept me fully invested all the way through. The characters were wonderful and the setting really came to life. I've never been to the Grand Canyon, but after reading this book I feel like I have.

Meg's got some serious spunk. She's very independent, outspoken, and takes great pride in her job as a photographer, always making it her first priority. She's set to be the photographer on a survey of the Grand Canyon. Well, actually, her father was supposed to do it, but with his recent passing, she plans to take his place. But roadblocks abound when she reaches the base and they refuse to employ a woman for the job. Plus the man in charge of the survey, Ben Coleridge, is the man who's heart she broke years ago. But with a tight deadline, no time to find a replacement, and against his better judgment, Ben has no choice but to take her. She vows to do her very best to prove it's not a mistake. Danger and mystery follow the team, though, making the trek even more perilous.

I can't even express just how much I loved this book. The premise was really interesting and not something I've read about before. I loved learning about all the photography and cartography elements. That was so cool. I had no idea what all went into a survey like that back in the day. I highly recommend this book to fans of historical romance. I can't wait for book two!

Five Stars

Can't Wait Wednesday: End Game (Capital Intrigue #1) 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 End Game (Capital Intrigue #1) by Rachel Dylan releasing January 7, 2020.

About the Book

When elite members of the military are murdered on the streets of Washington, DC, FBI Special Agent Bailey Ryan and NCIS Special Agent Marco Agostini must work together to bring the perpetrator to justice. Unfortunately, all evidence points to a Navy SEAL sniper whom Bailey refuses to believe is guilty.

When Bailey and Marco start to connect the dots between the victims, including a link to a powerful defense contractor, they wonder if there's a deeper cover-up at play. Then Bailey is targeted, and it becomes clear that someone is willing to kill to keep their dark secrets.

With the stakes getting higher by the moment in a twisted conspiracy, there's a rush against the clock to determine whom they can really trust. As allies turn to enemies, the biggest secret yet to be uncovered could be the end of all of them.

Why I Need It

If you know me, you know how much I enjoy a good romantic suspense, but when you add in conspiracies and cover-ups, I can't resist! I've loved everything I've read by Rachel Dylan so I was excited when I saw this new series from her. I can't wait!

What upcoming release are you excited about?

Review: Wayside School Is Falling Down by Louis Sachar

About the Book

Bestselling and Newbery Medal-winning author Louis Sachar knows how to make readers laugh. And there are laughs galore in perennial favorite Wayside School Is Falling Down, now available for the first time in ebook format!

Yum! Miss Mush is dishing out her famous Mushroom Surprise in the Wayside School cafeteria. Ron says it tastes like hot dogs and grape jelly. Clean your plate and you’ll turn green in time for class picture day. Wear your craziest outfit and you’ll fit right in between Maurecia in her striped bikini and Clavin, who’s wearing his birthday tattoo. Say cheese!

More than nine millions readers have laughed at the wacky stories of Wayside School. So what are you waiting for? Come visit Wayside School!

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

This was a fun and nostalgic trip back to my childhood. I have so many great memories of reading the Wayside School books. They're weird and wacky; just the type of stories I love. Now that I'm thinking about it, maybe my love of these weird kind of books stems from Wayside School.

I went into to this reread thinking that it had been so long since the last time I'd read it (20+ years! EEK!) that I wouldn't remember much at all. Was I wrong or what! It all came back to me. It had me laughing so hard and left a permanent smile on my face. I felt like I had been reunited with a long lost friend. I loved every second of it!

Four Stars

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: A Distance Too Grand by Regina Scott

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 sweet historical romance that I recently finished, A Distance Too Grand by Regina Scott.

About the Book

Meg Pero has been assisting her photographer father since she was big enough to carry his equipment, so when he dies she is determined to take over his profession--starting with fulfilling the contract he signed to serve on an Army survey of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in 1871. What she doesn't realize is that the leader of the expedition is none other than the man she once refused to marry.

Captain Ben Coleridge would like nothing more than to leave without the woman who broke his heart, but he refuses to wait even one more day to get started. This survey is a screen for another, more personal mission, one he cannot share with any member of his team.

As dangers arise from all sides, including within the survey party, Meg and Ben must work together to stay alive, fulfill their duties, and, just maybe, rekindle a love that neither had completely left behind.

Book Beginning

"You can't be the photographer."

Friday 56

The ride to the next camp seemed endless. Meg tried not to think about the cougar, but any movement among the trees caused her muscles to stiffen.

Can you stop reading before the end of a chapter?

I can, but I don't like to. Interruptions happen, but if at all possible, I'll do my best to make it to the next chapter. Or if there's breaks in the chapter, those will usually make okay stopping places too. 

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Whose Waves These Are by Amanda Dykes

About the Book

In the wake of WWII, a grieving fisherman submits a poem to a local newspaper: a rallying cry for hope, purpose . . . and rocks. Send me a rock for the person you lost, and I will build something life-giving. When the poem spreads farther than he ever intended, Robert Bliss's humble words change the tide of a nation. Boxes of rocks inundate the tiny, coastal Maine town, and he sets his calloused hands to work, but the building halts when tragedy strikes.

Decades later, Annie Bliss is summoned back to Ansel-by-the-Sea when she learns her Great-Uncle Robert, the man who became her refuge during the hardest summer of her youth, is now the one in need of help. What she didn't anticipate was finding a wall of heavy boxes hiding in his home. Long-ago memories of stone ruins on a nearby island trigger her curiosity, igniting a fire in her anthropologist soul to uncover answers.

She joins forces with the handsome and mysterious harbor postman, and all her hopes of mending the decades-old chasm in her family seem to point back to the ruins. But with Robert failing fast, her search for answers battles against time, a foe as relentless as the ever-crashing waves upon the sea.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

I've found that when I'm trying to write a review for my favorite books that words are hard to come by. I can never find a way to truly express my feelings because they all seem so inadequate. And that's where I'm at now, after finishing Whose Waves These Are. I'm staring at my computer screen trying to put into words the soul-wrenching beauty that was this novel.

The writing style is so lyrical and had me completely enchanted from the very first page. It's an emotional read. I can't even begin to tell you how many times I cried or almost did. But, my goodness, it's a novel brimming full of hope, too. It's a story that will stay with me for a long time to come. If I could give it more than five stars, I certainly would. I highly recommend it to everyone and I can't wait to read what Amanda Dykes comes up with next.

Five Stars

Can't Wait Wednesday: Ruby Jane (The Montana Marshalls #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 Ruby Jane (The Montana Marshalls #5) by Susan May Warren releasing November 26.

About the Book

She loved...and lost.

Ruby Jane never thought she'd meet the man of her dreams while running from the police in Russia. That he'd steal her heart on a train to Siberia. But loving a former CIA officer comes with a price...a life of danger. A life of high stakes.

A life where he simply disappears...

He has no memory of the man he was.

Mack Jones has no memory of his past...just the dark sense that he is hiding. And, he wants to stay that way. Mack likes the life he's built in a small tourist town, tucked away beyond the mountains, and has no desire to dig around in the gray areas of his memory.

When his place of business catches fire and Mack rescues the owner, he makes the news, which of course alerts the past he's hoping to outrun.

The only person who can help him is a mysterious woman he doesn't remember.

But a woman he desperately needs.

The surprising, thrilling conclusion to the Montana Marshall series.

Why I Need It

I've been loving the Montana Marshall series. It's been so nice having the books release close to each other. It's awful waiting a year or more for the sequel, so I've been really grateful for the quick release schedule. Ruby Jane is the final book in the series and while I'm sad to see it end, I HAVE to know how everything works out. I'm so ready!

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Protecting Tanner Hollow: Four Romantic Suspense Novellas by Lynette Eason

About the Book
Four nail-biting novellas in one!

Lethal Homecoming
Nolan Tanner never got over Kallie Ainsworth's sudden, unexplained departure. Now when he comes to her rescue after an attempt on her life, all the old feelings come rushing back.

Lethal Conspiracy
When professional fundraiser Lillian Maloney sees her father's campaign manager commit murder, she goes on the run from the men he hires to kill her. A close call brings firefighter Jason Tanner to the rescue, but the killer is closing in . . .

Lethal Secrets
Someone wants Honor McBride dead. When Eli Murphy helps her change a flat tire and discovers the danger Honor is in, he longs to help--but Eli has secrets of his own that could get them all killed.

Lethal Agenda
When Detective Derek St. John rescues a woman he's met only once before--and has never been able to forget--he finds himself falling for her. But he'll have to keep Claire Montgomery alive if they're to have a future together.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

What a great collection! These fast paced, action packed suspense novellas will leave you breathless and glued to the pages. They each had the perfect combination of romance and suspense, and each one left me guessing until the reveal. The first three stories were previously published, but the fourth one is brand new and features Derek St. John from Eason's Blue Justice series. While I enjoyed each one of these novellas a great deal, I do have to say that Derek's was my favorite. I was so happy that he finally got his time in the spotlight.

Lethal Homecoming
This was short, but it packed a big punch. There was a lot of family drama and secrets. A very compelling read.

Lethal Conspiracy

I love a good conspiracy, so with the title Lethal Conspiracy, I was sure to like this story. And I did! There's so much excitement and so many twists and turns. My only complaint is that the relationship seemed to move a little fast, but it is a novella so I guess I shouldn't be too surprised.

Lethal Secrets
This started off a little slower paced than the others, but by the end it really picked up. The kids were adorable and I loved Lady the dog. This ended up being my second favorite of the collection.

Lethal Agenda
This was Derek St. John's story and, gosh, was it good! What can I say about it other than the fact that it was as close to perfect as a novella can get? It's my favorite of the collection, by far. It didn't feel too short, although I wouldn't have minded if it had just kept on going. I loved getting to visit the whole St. John clan again. What a great way to end the series!

All in all, Protecting Tanner Hollow was a can't-put-down thrill ride that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys romantic suspense.

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

Four Stars

Review: Starstruck by Carla Laureano

About the Book

Novelist Christine Lind has achieved her lifelong dream—a string of best-selling books and a cable-TV adaptation about to go into production. But on her way to London FanFest for the cast reveal, disaster strikes: their leading man is injured in a motorcycle accident… and his replacement is the one person she hoped she’d never seen again.

Nick Cleary has clawed his way to recognition as a Hollywood actor, but it’s long past time he get the chance to show he’s more than a pretty face and a chiseled set of abs. His big break comes in the form of a juicy lead role in a new steampunk fantasy series. There’s just one catch—casting has to be approved by the author… a woman he once devastated through his own youthful stupidity.

Christine is the last person to be starstruck by the handsome heartthrob, but as the clock ticks down to the cast announcement and Nick races to show that he’s really changed, she begins to wonder if there’s more to her ex than his Hollywood persona. Except now the consequences of being wrong no longer apply only to her career… but also to her carefully guarded heart.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

What an absolutely wonderful contemporary romance! I pretty much loved everything about it. It was short, but it worked. I didn't feel shortchanged or that the story was lacking.

Second chance romances are some of my favorites. The obstacles that Christine and Nick have to overcome are big, and might seem insurmountable at times, but they do still have strong feelings for each other. And their chemistry is still off the charts. It's just a matter of whether or not they want to do the hard work to breakthrough all the lingering hurt to see what's still there between them.

I'm a big fan of steampunk, so I really enjoyed the fact that Christine was a novelist in that genre. We got a little sneak peek into one of the books and I'd be thrilled to actually see those be a real thing. They sounded so cool.

This was my first time reading anything by this author and I enjoyed every second of it. I'll definitely be checking out her other books. I'd highly recommend Starstruck to anyone looking for a quick and fun read.

Five Stars