** Book Review - Into the Veins (Hunting Grounds Book 2) by Nichole Severn

   

A sheriff haunted by the past.
A private investigator who is anything but what he seems.
A secret that will poison their case…and their future.

King County Sheriff Blair Sanders has seen evil. But her childhood is nothing compared to discovering the remains of a social media influencer on an isolated hiking trail. To unmask a venomous killer, she must use every resource, including the assistance of an enthusiastic PI that represents everything she despises about investigation for profit.

Colson Rutherford is only after one thing: the next adventure. Searching for a missing influencer was supposed to fund his next experience. Not open his heart to the intense sheriff who presents a puzzle more exciting than the case.

As the body count rises, Blair can’t deny his insight into the investigation or that she might’ve underestimated him and his effect on her all along. But the lie that defines Colson’s life threatens to end her career—and let a killer go free. 

AMAZON LINK 

5 STARS 

This story had dual points of view from the main characters which I always enjoy.  Colson was charming and used to using that charm often to get his way.  I wasn't sure I was going to like him at all.  Then again Blair's opinion of P.I.'s is that they are lower than pond scum.  And she has the experience with them to back that up.  I liked that later both Blair and Colson had their own individual epiphanies about the loneliness of their life. There was a time or two when I felt like a bit too much time was spent on how (and why) they both pushed people out of their lives, not letting anyone really get to close. They definitely came to loggerheads for some time though. 

Things progressed well as the foundations were being set in the earlier part of the story. Although there was a dramatic start to it.  However at about 40ish% on my kindle things began to explode in the story. Then the pursuit of the killer gets more intense, vivid, cruel and often brutal in its well detailed encounters.  The killer played a clever, cruel "game" of hide n seek even with those investigating.  The "fight" scenes were outrageous good.   In a bad way for anyone unlucky enough to encounter the killer.

Surprise after dangerous surprise is just around the corner time after time.  Just about the time it felt like there just wasn't any more surprises, there is one more waiting in the Epilogue.  Wow.

 

  " I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book,  and this is my honest opinion about it.

Book Review- Advance :A Paranormal Mystery by Delta James

   

A Best Seller Paranormal Mystery
She needs a hero. He only wants her.

As fiction crashes into reality, the lines blur when the hero from the pages of Sage Matthews’ bestselling steamy romance novel, Roark Samuels, emerges to save her from the brink of death.

Unbelievably, Sage and Roark come face-to-face with the opportunity to explore their deepest desires by creating their own sinful imaginings but also giving themselves a chance to write their own happily ever after.

Can the Hero truly save his Creator, or will this turn into a tragedy instead of the happy ending for their own best seller?

Publisher note
* This story was previously published as a standalone title, Best Seller. Advance has been expanded and is now the first book in A Paranormal Mystery series.
* Advance is a friends to lovers paranormal, supernatural story with steamy heat in and out of the bedroom for mature readers only.  AMAZON LINK

 

I really like to read stories that have book people come to life; in their author's lives.  I did enjoy the first half of the book and the actual story that was in play.  However, as I got into more of the second part, it became more difficult for me to enjoy.  The steamy scenes got a bit too much for my taste.  The author gets points for some things being well written just not what I was hoping in some of it. 

Although I liked Sage, I really didn't like how much of a bully her publisher Gail was.  She was so controlling that I couldn't believe how Sage put up with it. 

I found that there were quite a few questions that didn't really get answered.  Like what happened to the person who was trying to kill Sage .  It was mentioned that it would be taken care of but how?  There was no explanation offered as to why characters from her book were coming to life.  That left me with more questions about that. 

So I guess this book is a half & half for me.  Half I REALLY liked and half that I didn't like as well. 

 

 

 

NCIS - Ziva & Vance Tragedy - SONG- Not Alone by Patty Griffin

** Book Review- Target: The Girl (Emily Calby Book 3) by Dorian Box

 

 General Fiction (Adult), Mystery & Thriller, New Adult

 Target: The Girl is book 3 in the award-winning Emily Calby Series, joining The Hiding Girl and The Girl in Cell 49B.

Each title in the series works as a standalone.

Emily Calby’s destiny as a justice seeker was cast at age twelve when two men invaded her rural Georgia home and murdered her family. The only survivor, she ran away and went missing. Ex-gang member Lucas Jackson took her in off the streets and became her family. He taught her a lot, including how to survive—and kill. Arrested for murder at sixteen, Emily discovered a different path to justice in a prison library. The Law.

Now she’s twenty and excited to start law school in sunny Florida. One problem. She’s being stalked. Or is she? Deeply traumatized by her past, she lives in a state of hypervigilance where the ordinary seems ominous. A moved houseplant. An anonymous welcome note. A broken starfish. They’re nothing ... but still.

Determined to be the warrior and survivor Lucas taught her to be, she suffers in secret while struggling to navigate the rites and rigors of law school, where trouble follows her every move. From a budding romance that’s not what it seems to a legendary professor in need of help—and Justice. AMAZON LINK

4 STARS

My goodness what did I just read? Don't get me wrong I liked it but it sure was something different.  It was also emotional, had a lot of depth.

I haven't read any other books in this series but it wasn't hard to begin fresh with this one.  I ended up really liking quirky, flawed, often dangerous Emily. She just wanted to be normal and she just wasn't.   I thought that her hyper-vigilance was SO well portrayed.  Although the story does show  what Lucas said that she just seemed to have trouble follow her.  It kept things hopping. I never knew what was going to happen next. As I was reading there was a phrase that I thought was genius.  Emily would have a "rage tiger" rise up.

Lucas, what a great part he played in this story.  The tough affection that he had for Emily and his ability to help her get out of trouble was something else.  It often was NOT legal although Lucas was trying to get her on that side.

Dale Olson who was another student sure was a jerk who tried to cause problems. 

There was a lot going on in the book only partly because of Emily just couldn't "mind her own business" as she was often told.  If someone needed help or there was an injustice, she just needed to help.  She cared.  Of course, there is trouble coming for her too.

There was probably more about the law than I would have liked but it was a necessary part of the story.

The story comes to several surprising ends but some justice is served.  

One last thing:  The author's note about Elder Financial Exploration was both personal and enlightening.  I'm glad that it was added.

 

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

**Book Review- Say You'll Stay by Susan Mallery

   

 Welcome to Wishing Tree, where the magic of Christmas in July will bring you home in this heartwarming story by #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery.

Some heartbreaks hit harder than others. For Shaye Harper, the last one was so bad she swore off men for good. Wishing Tree, Washington, was supposed to be a pit stop on the road to a fresh start, but Shaye is swiftly drawn in by the quirky small town’s celebrations—and a handsome stranger she can’t resist.

After deployments around the world, army vet Lawson Easley knows there’s no place better than his hometown. And he’s determined to stay right here, forever. Too bad the first woman who feels like “the one” is just passing through. The more time he spends with Shaye, the more he knows that she’s the piece his heart’s been missing.

Swept up by the joyful summer festivities and Lawson’s obvious affection, Shaye starts to feel she belongs. Here, with him. She never meant to end up in Wishing Tree. Then again, she never meant to fall in love… AMAZON LINK

3.5 STARS

 This is a sweet story that's a good read for Christmas and really for any other time too.  

The only negative I felt was for the conversation about God.  It didn't line up with what I believe but it was thankfully short and not mentioned again. 

I will say that the story also made me hungry quite a few times.  Why?  Because of all the mentions of good food.  

H.E.A. was very welcome with a following Epilogue.  

While I liked this story I can't say that I fell in love with it.

I read this book through the LIBBY (Library) Program.

***Book Review- Immortal's Honor Immortal's Honor (Dark Protectors Book 14) by Rebecca Zanetti

    

Romance, Sci Fi & Fantasy

First comes danger . . .
When Vampire-Demon Sam Kyllwood discovers he's the keeper of some mysterious circle, he laughs it off. When he finds out that his younger brother is supposed to fight to the death in said circle, he snaps right to furious. And that's before he starts uncontrollably making things explode —it turns out it's never too late to develop deadly new immortal abilities. But even those explosions are nothing compared to what happens when he tries to handle a very suspicious, brilliant and beyond sexy human female whose piercing eyes ignite a heat that rages deliciously outside even his unbreakable control…

Then comes desire . . .
Honor McDovall is one of the best interrogators Homeland Security has ever had. But no matter how well she appears to fit in, her mystical gifts are slowly driving her mad. She doesn't understand them, she doesn't want them, but for now, she'll use them to detect and defeat danger until she completely loses her mind. Unfortunately, her job brings her face to face with the deadliest man she's ever met—and she senses Sam is even more gifted than she is. Yet once they kiss, she realizes he's also more dangerous than the enemies suddenly coming from every direction. Good thing they both like to play with fire . . .AMAZON LINK

5 STARS

 

I don't know how it's possible but this story just might be the wildest that I have read in this series !!

Sam and Honor are flaming great main characters.  And Honor definitely keeps the reader as well as Sam on their toes.  

The action was so well written and always unpredictable.  There are other intriguing people in the story that not only include family but also the Bear motorcycle club.  And the bad guys?  Still colorfully creepy.  

I think that even if you've never read any other books in the series it had enough background to be able to enjoy it.

The quick look into "Garrett's Destiny" was interesting and appreciated.  

   I received  an advanced reader copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

CURRENTLY READING : IMMORTAL'S HONOR /BANNER

  

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