Saturday, February 5, 2022

Giveaway: Box of Seven Vampire Academy/Bloodlines Books by Richelle Mead

 I'm getting ready to move in a couple of months so I'm trying to whittle down my mountain of books so I'll be running several giveaways. Make sure to check out my other giveaways on the right side bar, too!


All copies are Hardcover:

Last Sacrifice
Spirit Bound
Blood Promise
Bloodlines-Signed by author
The Golden Lily-Signed by author (to Rachel)
The Indigo Spell-Signed by author
The Fiery Heart

The giveaway is open to US Residents only. Fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win. Good luck!


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Friday, February 4, 2022

Review & Giveaway: Lightning in a Mirror by Jayne Ann Krentz

 

Lightning in a Mirror (Fogg Lake #3) by Jayne Ann Krentz
Publication Date: January 18th 2022 by Berkley
Pages: 320
Source: Publisher 
Rating: ★★★★
Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads

My Thoughts:
Olivia LeClair finds herself in the middle of the search for the mysterious Vortex lab when Harlan Rancourt shows up and insists, she’s the key to finding the location. She can’t imagine how she’d be helpful, but when Harlan claims to have a lead on the murder of her mother and that it’s all tied up in the search for Vortex, she agrees to help. Upon their first meeting it was obvious these two were a romance just waiting to happen.

Lightning in a Mirror is the third and final book in the Fogg Lake series, but I don’t think it’s completely necessary to read the previous books to enjoy it. To be honest, I forgot a lot of the details, but it still was a fun and entertaining read. Jayne Ann Krentz created an original, imaginative world. As a result of past covert government experiments/research the inhabitants of Fogg Lake ended up with paranormal powers and these powers have passed down through subsequent generations.

Olivia is a private investigator, mainly employed by The Foundation, an agency that sort of polices the paranormal world, using her psychic abilities to assist her. She grew up in Fogg Lake, a descendant of one of the Vortex lab workers, and so not only was she on Harlan’s radar, but also The Piper, a deranged murderer. Why does The Piper need her and why does Harlan want to find the Vortex lab so urgently? These are two of the mysteries at the heart of the story. It was a fun mixture of action, romance, and danger. I thought things wrapped up nicely, but also there’s a lot of threads that could be continued. 

4 Stars


Book Description:

The final installment in the chilling Fogg Lake trilogy by New York Times bestselling author Jayne Ann Krentz.

Olivia LeClair's experiment with speed dating is not going well. First there was the nasty encounter with the date from hell who tried to murder her and now the mysterious Harlan Rancourt—long believed dead—sits down at her table and tells her she's the only one who can help him locate the legendary Vortex lab.

This is not what Olivia had in mind when she signed up for the Four Event Success Guaranteed package offered by the dating agency. She doesn't have much choice, though, because her psychic investigation firm works for the mysterious Foundation and Victor Arganbright, the director, is adamant that she assist Harlan. There's just one problem—no one knows Harlan's real agenda. His father once ran the Foundation like a mob organization, and Harlan was destined to be his heir. There's a real possibility Harlan has returned to claim his inheritance.

For now, however, it's a case of the enemy of my enemy is my friend because others are after the secrets of the long-lost lab. Unfortunately for Olivia, the one thing friend and foe have in common is that everyone is convinced she is the key. Her unique psychic talent is required to defuse the ticking time bomb that is Vortex.

Neither trusts the other but Olivia and Harlan soon realize they must work together to survive and unlock the Bluestone Project's most dangerous secrets before more innocent people die.


Berkley has generously provided a Hardcover Copy of Lightning in a Mirror by Jayne Ann Krentz and I'm giving it away to one reader. The giveaway is open to US Residents only. Fill out the rafflecopter below for a chance to win. Good luck!





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Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Review: Last Seen Alive by Joanna Schaffhausen

 


Last Seen Alive (Ellery Hathaway #5) by Joanna Schaffhausen
Publication Date: January 25th 2022 by Minotaur Books
Pages: 320
Source: Publisher & Purchased Audiobook
Rating: ★★★★
Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:
I’ve been loving the Ellery Hathaway series. Book five, Last Seen Alive was an exciting installment (conclusion?) that I didn’t want to put down!

When the evil Francis Coben, Ellery’s now imprisoned captor, offers up the location of one of the murder victims never found only if Ellery comes to see him, she must facedown her tormentor.  It’s the situation I knew would come eventually and things did play out a bit predictably with Coben.  I was disappointed by TSTL moves by Ellery, and really, I wondered how she didn’t clue in on the identity of the person helping Coben!  Even with all that, the story was thrilling! I was on the edge of my seat, and I had to set everything aside so I could read through to the end!  I’m happy with how it all turned out.

There is a new mystery introduced and solved with each book, but with Ellery’s history and the progression of her relationship with Reed, (the FBI agent who originally rescued her from Coben), it’s a series best read in order.  

I went back and forth between an e-copy and audio version. Seth Podowitz did a wonderful job with both male and female voices.  I enjoyed Danielle Gensler's female voices, but wasn't thrilled with her performance of Coben's voice. Still, I'd recommend the audio version.  I listened at 1.5x normal speed.

4 Stars


Book Description:

The fifth book in Joanna Schaffhausen's heartpounding Ellery Hathaway mystery series.

Boston detective Ellery Hathaway met FBI agent Reed Markham when he pried open a serial killer’s closet to rescue her. Years on, their relationship remains defined by that moment and by Francis Coben’s horrific crimes. To free herself from Coben’s legacy, Ellery had to walk away from Reed, too. But Coben is not letting go so easily. He has an impossible proposition: Coben will finally give up the location of the remaining bodies, on one condition—Reed must bring him Ellery.

Now the families of the missing victims are crying out for justice that only Ellery can deliver. The media hungers for a sequel and Coben is their camera-ready star. He claims he is sorry and wants to make amends. But Ellery is the one living person who has seen the monster behind the mask and she doesn’t believe he can be redeemed. Not after everything he’s done. Not after what she’s been through. And certainly not after a fresh body turns up with Coben’s signature all over it.


Monday, January 31, 2022

Giveaway! The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

 The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood was a 5-star read for me. One of my favorites of 2021, but a have an extra copy so I'm giving one away to one lucky reader! Fill out the rafflecopter below for a chance to win!



 A Paperback Copy of The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood. The giveaway is open to US Residents only. Good luck!


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Sunday, January 30, 2022

Harlequin Investigator Blog Tour Review: An Operative's Last Stand by Juno Rushdan

 

An Operative's Last Stand by Juno Rushdan
Publication Date: January 25th 2022 by Harlequin Intrigue
Pages: 256
Source: Publisher
Rating: ★★★★

My Thoughts:
CIA agents Kelly Russell and Hunter Wright shared a steamy night after a long building attraction, but Kelly cut it off and Hunter had no choice but to keep things professional.

When Hunter’s team is sent to Afghanistan on a sanctioned mission things fell apart and it’s made to look like his team, Topaz, went rogue and intended to assassinate another target for money, making them traitors to the country. Kelly is interrogated and tortured to make sure she wasn’t part of the operation and once she’s exonerated, she’s promoted. Hurt and betrayed she’s on the warpath to catch Hunter and his team.

Hunter and his team were set up and there seems to be only one person who could’ve done it: Kelly the woman he fell hard for, only to be rebuffed for her career. Now he and his team are on the run, but they have evidence to prove their innocence.

This was an action-packed story with a lot of hurt on both sides at first and I could totally understand why Hunter and his team would be livid with Kelly. However, as the story went on and all that Kelly went through was revealed I could understand why she was so hellbent to catch them. I really felt for her and was disturbed what she went through. I was happy when they all finally got together to get to the truth.

Of course, both Hunter and Kelly’s feelings of betrayal were strong as they felt passionate for each other, even if Kelly wanted to shut things down thinking they couldn’t work together and carry on with a romantic relationship as well. All that goes out the window when their lives are on the line and it becomes clear that what matters most.

An Operative’s Last Stand was an exciting, fast-paced read full of heated emotions. The was a lot of anger between Kelly and Hunter, understandable when such strong feelings are in play.  I knew that would flip the minute they realized the truth. The passion they once had was never extinguished. These two were crazy for each other and I just wanted Topaz to be cleared so they all could go back to a normal life. This was the fourth book in the series, but I didn’t read the previous and it worked well as a standalone. I really enjoyed this one!

4 Stars




Excerpt:




Book Description:

AN OPERATIVE'S LAST STAND by Juno Rushdan (on-sale Jan.25, Harlequin Intrigue): A kill squad is closing in…now this team leader must risk everything for answers. Barely escaping CIA mercenaries, ex-agent Hunter Wright is after the person he thinks targeted his ops team, Topaz, for treason. Deputy director Kelly Russell is still the one woman he can't resist, but she believes Hunter went rogue. Now she's his only shot at getting the answers they need. Can they trust each other enough to save Topaz—and each other?

About JUNO RUSHDAN: Juno Rushdan draws from real-life inspiration as a former U.S. Air Force Intelligence Officer to craft sizzling romantic thrillers. However, you won’t find any classified leaks here. Her stories are pure fiction about kick-ass heroes and strong heroines fighting for their lives as well as their happily-ever-after.

About the author:

Juno Rushdan draws from real-life inspiration as a former U.S. Air Force Intelligence Officer to craft sizzling romantic thrillers. However, you won’t find any classified leaks here. Her stories are pure fiction about kick-ass heroes and strong heroines fighting for their lives as well as their happily-ever-after.

Although Juno is a native New Yorker, wanderlust has taken her across the globe. Fortunately, she is blessed with a husband who shares her passion for travel, movies, and fantastic food. She’s visited more than twenty different countries and has lived in England and Germany. Her favorite destination for relaxation is the Amalfi Coast, Italy for its stunning seascape, cliffside lemon groves, terraced vineyards, amazing pasta, and to-die-for vino.

When she’s not writing, Juno loves spending time with her family. Exercise is not her favorite thing to do, but she squeezes some in since chocolate and red wine aren’t calorie-free.

She currently resides in Virginia with her supportive hubby, two dynamic children, and spoiled rescue dogs. Check her out on Instagram, Facebook or follow her on Twitter or BookBub. She loves to connect with readers!




 



Sunday Post #152

 

The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated reviewer book blog, and is a post to recap my bookish and non-bookish things from the last week.

I didn't do a Sunday Post last week because I was tired. We had gone up to my daughter's on Wednesday after work and came home Sunday and it was a busy time. I hiked two days, we went to my grandson's football practice, went out to dinner and then had friends over for dinner. So, while I had fun it wore me out. 

This week I've been home. I worked, went to PT two nights after work, and then took my husband to a medical procedure early on Thursday, had my haircut and then last night we went out to dinner with my sister and her hubby. I plan on getting out for a run today and listening to an audiobook while I clean out my closet. We're gearing up to put our house for sale in a couple of months. Reading has been mostly by audio, but I've been loving my books!

Read:
Click on cover for Goodreads link:


Weather Girl-★★★★½
An Operative's Last Stand-★★★★
Hell Bent-★★★★★½
The Nowhere Man-★★★★


Received/Purchased/Library Lend:




Instagram:

I thought this was a fun book stack challenge #matchyourscarf 





How was your week?




Friday, January 28, 2022

Review: Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon

 

Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Publication Date: January 11th 2022 by Berkley & Penguin Audio
Pages: 352
Source: Publisher & Purchased Audiobook
Rating: ★★★★½
Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible | Kobo | Goodreads

My Thoughts:
Ari Abrams thought it was a dream come true when she was hired as a TV weatherwoman at KSEA to work alongside her idol, Torrance Hale, the famous Seattle weather broadcaster. Ari’s loved the weather even since she can remember but working with Torrance has been less than ideal. Instead of getting the mentoring she wanted, Torrance is too caught up bickering with her ex-husband, Seth Hale, one of the manager’s at KSEA.

However, at Christmas/holiday party, Ari witnesses a moment of longing between Torrance and Seth before it all goes to hell. When their fighting reaches a crescendo, Ari teams up with sportscaster, Russell Barringer to help get Torrance and Seth back together again hoping to eliminate the toxic work environment the Hale’s have created.

Soon Ari and Russell are meeting up, making plans, and getting closer.  Ari’s always found Russell attractive, but she’s surprised how easy it is to confide in him and just be herself. Struggling with depression it’s not something Ari’s had an easy time of in the past.

Ari was such sweet, spunky, and likable character!  Her struggles with depression felt real and honest. Being raised by a mother who didn’t want to acknowledge her own depression, at the detriment of her kids and relationships, made Ari hesitant to open up about her condition. But with Russell Ari didn’t feel like she always had to be the bright and shiny version of herself.

I adored Russell, too! He was a sweetheart, but he had his own issues, as most of us do. I loved that they helped each other overcome some of the self-doubts and insecurities that came with each their histories.

As a side point, I’m a little obsessed with the weather, and like Ari, I’m gleeful when it rains. I find the clouds and rain mesmerizing, so I loved all the weather talk, especially being set in Seattle where it rains a bunch. I guess that comes from living in Southern California where rain is a rarity! I’ve been told I wouldn’t feel the same way if I actually lived in the Pacific Northwest, but I’ll never believe it, lol!

Weather Girl was such a delightful story that filled me with joy! The romance was slow burn and with oodles of chemistry, but it also felt true to life. Neither Ari or Russell was portrayed as perfect, physically, or otherwise and it made their romance more relatable.

This is the second Rachel Lynn Solomon story I’ve read and loved! I look forward to whatever she comes up with next!

 4.5 Stars


Book Description:

A TV meteorologist and a sports reporter scheme to reunite their divorced bosses with unforecasted results in this charming romantic comedy from the author of The Ex Talk.

Ari Abrams has always been fascinated by the weather, and she loves almost everything about her job as a TV meteorologist. Her boss, legendary Seattle weatherwoman Torrance Hale, is too distracted by her tempestuous relationship with her ex-husband, the station’s news director, to give Ari the mentorship she wants. Ari, who runs on sunshine and optimism, is at her wits’ end. The only person who seems to understand how she feels is sweet but reserved sports reporter Russell Barringer.

In the aftermath of a disastrous holiday party, Ari and Russell decide to team up to solve their bosses’ relationship issues. Between secret gifts and double dates, they start nudging their bosses back together. But their well-meaning meddling backfires when the real chemistry builds between Ari and Russell.

Working closely with Russell means allowing him to get to know parts of herself that Ari keeps hidden from everyone. Will he be able to embrace her dark clouds as well as her clear skies?