Review: Vortex by Anne Wheeler

About the Book

Bloodthirsty immortals weren't part of his orders.

When Coralie Frazer arrives at Nimbus Station aboard the National Space Research Council starship Triumph, it’s not as the engineer she expected to be. Light-years and several wormhole jumps from Earth, she’s now the prisoner of her former crew, and they want nothing from her but the blood that keeps them alive. When she’s granted a sliver of unexpected freedom, she jumps at the chance to escape—but fleeing seems impossible when Earth might as well be in another universe.

Commander Josiah O’Donnell has his own problems, and taking reluctant command of the newest United States Orbital Guard cutter Bayonet is the least of them. Fresh off medical leave and tasked with locating Triumph and rescuing her crew, he knows the wormholes he’s meant to traverse are hazardous—but what’s on the other side might be more perilous than he ever imagined.

Desperate to save her fellow captive blood sources, Coralie doesn’t intend to fail. Haunted by the memories of his disastrous last assignment, Josiah won’t allow more death. There’s just one problem: success for either means condemning a thousand others.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was my first time reading anything by Anne Wheeler and now I want to read everything she's written! This was so good! One of the best I've read this year. I've been in the mood for a good sci-fi book for a while now, and while I've read a few lately that I've enjoyed, they didn't quite hit the mark. But this one? It was exactly what I was looking for and so much more!​

The first chapter was incredibly intriguing, and things just kept getting more interesting from there. The characters were complex and the world-building was fantastic. Sometimes I get confused with all the science in these kinds of books, but not here. Everything was easy to understand but didn't feel dumbed down. There were twists I never saw coming and a sense of danger that never quite went away.

This book followed me into my dreams. It was constantly on my mind. I'm still thinking about it and I imagine I will for a long time. If you're a fan of science fiction, don't hesitate. Run and grab yourself a copy of this book right now. You won't be disappointed.

FIVE STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: All's Fair in Love and Christmas by Sarah Monzon

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 All's Fair in Love and Christmas by Sarah Monzon releasing September 5.

About the Book (From Goodreads)

Every December two things are guaranteed for graphic designer Mackenzie Graham--Christmas celebrations and the annual promotion at her workplace. Those two things are by no means mutually exclusive. In fact, the better an employee is at harnessing the Christmas spirit, the more likely they'll win the new job. With her social anxiety, Mackenzie never thought she'd be a contender in her company's holiday competition, so how exactly has she found herself dueling her workplace crush with wrapping paper tubes and using tinsel as her weapon of choice for a much-needed raise?

Jeremy Fletcher's life is meticulously planned out, including how to win this year's promotion at work. Not only will the new position fulfill some of his career goals, but the raise will help him as a single guardian to his twin niece and nephew. Jeremy has barely noticed Mackenzie Graham around the office, but now that she's his rival, he can't stop thinking about her. Her quirkiness intrigues him, and he's afraid that if he can't get his head on straight, the job isn't the only thing he'll end up losing to Mackenzie.

'Tis the season for romance, faith, and humor--all wrapped up in this enchanting holiday rom-com from award-winning author Sarah Monzon.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting? 

Review: Cold Pursuit (Ryland & St. Clair #1) by Nancy Mehl

About the Book (From Goodreads)

Ex-FBI profiler River Ryland still suffers from PTSD after a case that went horribly wrong. Needing a fresh start, she moves to St. Louis to be near her ailing mother and opens a private investigation firm with her friend and former FBI partner, Tony St. Clair. They're soon approached by a grieving mother who wants them to find out what happened to her teenaged son who disappeared four years ago. River knows there's almost no hope the boy is still alive, but his mother needs closure, and River and Tony need a case, no matter how cold it might be.

But as they follow the boy's trail, which gets more complicated at every turn, they find themselves in the path of a murderer determined to punish anyone who gets in his way. With a killer on the loose set on finishing the job he started, will River be pulled back into her tormented past or finally face the demons that haunt her?

With her trademark blend of page-turning thrills and intricate plots, Nancy Mehl delivers a spine-tingling thriller that will keep readers up all night.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was a fast-paced book that I had a hard time putting down. The first sentence grabbed my attention, and I was immediately hooked. There was a ton of suspense and intrigue that kept ramping up, and there were multiple times where my anxiety rose so high that I could hardly catch my breath.

 

I quickly came to care for both River and Tony. I liked the fact that they were both former Behavior Analysts. That job fascinates me, so it was really interesting to see them use the skills from their previous job in their new roles as private investigators. And while River annoyed me a time or two in the beginning, I was still fully in her corner and rooting her on, hoping she'd get past her issues and see the glorious light of God.

 

The bad guy was very unnerving. He made the hair on the back of my neck stand up several times. I had literal shivers running down my back a couple of times too. Chilling! 

 

There were multiple mysteries, and a lot was going on, but I never found it to be confusing or too much. While the main mystery was solved, there's another one that, I'm guessing, will continue throughout the whole series, which I'm very eager for. The next book can't come out soon enough!

 

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

FOUR STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Cold Pursuit (Ryland & St. Clair #1) by Nancy Mehl

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. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday.

This week I'm featuring Cold Pursuit (Ryland & St. Clair #1) by Nancy Mehl. It releases this coming Tuesday, July 11. I'm almost done reading the ARC and it's so good! So suspenseful!

About the Book (From Goodreads)

Ex-FBI profiler River Ryland still suffers from PTSD after a case that went horribly wrong. Needing a fresh start, she moves to St. Louis to be near her ailing mother and opens a private investigation firm with her friend and former FBI partner, Tony St. Clair. They're soon approached by a grieving mother who wants them to find out what happened to her teenaged son who disappeared four years ago. River knows there's almost no hope the boy is still alive, but his mother needs closure, and River and Tony need a case, no matter how cold it might be.

But as they follow the boy's trail, which gets more complicated at every turn, they find themselves in the path of a murderer determined to punish anyone who gets in his way. With a killer on the loose set on finishing the job he started, will River be pulled back into her tormented past or finally face the demons that haunt her?

With her trademark blend of page-turning thrills and intricate plots, Nancy Mehl delivers a spine-tingling thriller that will keep readers up all night.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

River Ryland was convinced that madness exists only a breath away from genius. The man who stood in front of her and Tony had proven this to be true. He'd kept his identity hidden from the FBI's best. Now River and Tony's lives were about to end, and there was no one to save them.

Friday 56

"Andromeda, I'm going to ask you a question," River said, "and I need you to answer me truthfully. But you have my word this isn't anything that will get you into trouble, do you understand?"

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Wags, Woofs, and Wonders: A Fellowship of Fantasy Anthology

About the Book

Every dog has its day.

Is there anything as faithful or loyal as a dog? Always ready to lend a paw, cuddle up next to you, or chase away foes (because their noses know!).

This feel-good collection features eight magical stories of whimsical, true-hearted, and rascally hounds. From a blind dog with surprising gifts to a watery pup with a winsome secret to a fiery hound, ready to test his new dog-sitter to his limits. Danger may lurk, but don’t worry! Every story is guaranteed a heartwarming, happy ending.

This sixth anthology from the Fellowship of Fantasy showcases incredible authors dedicated to telling doggone good fantasy fiction that will make you laugh, sigh, and cuddle your own furry friend.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was an imaginative, heartwarming, and highly entertaining collection. Some of the stories were funny, some serious, others action-packed. All were lovely. They made me feel all the emotions and had me shedding a tear or two along the way.

Dragon Dog by A.J. Bakke
A dog raised by a dragon is sent out into the world to make its own way and makes a surprising friend along the way.

The Legacy of the Houndguard by Amber Gabriel
This story gives a snippet of what a day is like in the life of a Houndguard and his son protecting a ranch.

Goggles and Tails by E.J. Kitchens
A steampunk tale where a boy with autumn eyes (eyes that could get him killed) gets help from a Sky Keeper and his faerie-touched dog.

Grim Guardian by Sarah Pennington
Opal Seymour and her son investigate the appearance of a strange hound in a graveyard.

Second Sight by Laura L. Zimmerman
There’s something extra special about a grieving boy’s special-needs rescue dog.

The Potion Maker & The Nuisance by Brianna Tibbetts
A playful seal pup keeps interrupting the potion maker's work.

Triple Threat by Hailey Huntington
A broke college student takes a job dog-sitting Cerberus.

The Witch of Stone Gnome Mountain by Selina R. Gonzalez
To save his wife, a man and his dog visit the witch of Stone Gnome Mountain... A witch who prefers to be paid in dogs…

This anthology is a must-read for dog lovers. I enjoyed every single story, which isn't always the case in collections like this. I can't recommend it highly enough.

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

FIVE STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Sky of Seven Colors by Rachelle Nelson

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 Sky of Seven Colors by Rachelle Nelson releasing August 8.

About the Book

In a strange part of the forest, the divide between worlds grows thin.

After the accident, Meg would do anything to wake her best friend from his deadly coma. At least, that’s what she whispered into the woodland shadows. She never imagined her wish would trap her in a gray other-earth, void of any color.

Meg's vibrant humanity is a priceless artifact in the gray kingdom, coveted by the royal court. All she wants to do is find a way back home. Until she discovers the other-earth contains healing powers that can save her friend. But only if Meg becomes what the gray people need—a human bride for Kalmus, the powerful king of the capital city.

With her heart torn between earths, Meg’s choices may cost more than she knows.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Half Truth (Squeaky Clean In Between Mysteries #2) by Christy Barritt

About the Book

*This book officially falls between It Came Upon a Midnight Crime and Organized Grime. It can also be read as a standalone.*

Big trouble can come in small packages . . .

Gabby St. Claire grabs the chance to check an item off her bucket list: attending an auction of unclaimed storage units and hitting a jackpot with her winning bid. But her expectations plummet faster than her bank account on Tax Day when she gets a glimpse of what she’s won.

Convinced she’s wasted her money on a risky venture, Gabby soon realizes that there’s nothing ordinary about her winning items. In fact, the contents of the storage unit appear to be evidence from a crime—a deadly one.

With a suspicious man following her and new clues discovered at every turn, Gabby must figure out what happened. But someone is out to stop Gabby. Will the killer strike again and keep the truth buried? Or can Gabby uncover the truth—the whole truth—before another death occurs?

Amazon / Goodreads

Available in Kindle Unlimited at time of posting

MY THOUGHTS

This was another fun and quick mystery from Christy Barrett. Even though it's an In Between mystery connected to her Squeaky Clean series, it stands alone just fine. I haven't read the books this one falls between yet, but I wasn't lost at all.

 

Storage Wars has been on TV a lot in our house recently, so it was fun seeing Gabby buy a storage unit at an auction and discover what was inside it. It was a big shock to find out that some of the items might've been connected to a crime! What follows is an exciting, hilarious, and suspenseful mystery that I couldn't put down. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next one! I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fast-paced and humorous mystery.

FOUR STARS