Review: If I Run (If I Run #1) by Terri Blackstock

If I Run (If I Run #1) by Terri Blackstock 

Published February 16th 2016 by Zondervan

Casey knows the truth.

But it won’t set her free.

Casey Cox’s DNA is all over the crime scene. There’s no use talking to police; they have failed her abysmally before. She has to flee before she’s arrested . . . or worse. The truth doesn’t matter anymore.

But what is the truth? That’s the question haunting Dylan Roberts, the war-weary veteran hired to find Casey. PTSD has marked him damaged goods, but bringing Casey back can redeem him. Though the crime scene seems to tell the whole story, details of the murder aren’t adding up. Casey Cox doesn’t fit the profile of a killer. But are Dylan’s skewed perceptions keeping him from being objective? If she isn’t guilty, why did she run?

Unraveling her past and the evidence that condemns her will take more time than he has, but as Dylan’s damaged soul intersects with hers, he is faced with two choices. The girl who occupies his every thought is a psychopathic killer . . . or a selfless hero. And the truth could be the most deadly weapon yet.

My Thoughts

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I downloaded the audio for If I Run, because thriller/mystery novels are not my typical go-to stories. However, I as in the mood for something different and in the end, I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with how engaged I became with the story. This novel was action-packed and captivating from the very first chapters! Terri Blackstock spared no expense when it came to delivering mind-blowing twists and suspenseful turns.

As Casey Cox flees from a crime scene that would surely incriminate her as the prime suspect, she knows she can’t go to the local authorities for help. Diving deeper into her past, her father’s suicide when she was twelve years old plays a vital role as Casey quickly goes from being a fugitive to possible target.

When Dylan Roberts takes on the case, he realizes that Brent’s murder has several layers that may uncover who truly is responsible. He soon finds himself racing against the clock to find Casey before those responsible for Brent’s death get to her.

Overall, If I Run is filled with constant action from beginning to end. It does conclude with a significant cliffhanger, but I do appreciate that Blackstock decided to completed one of the parallel storylines in this book. I will definitely keep my eye out for If I'm Found when it comes out in 2017.

4 Suns

Review: Caught Running by Madeleine Urban, Abigail Roux

Caught Running by Madeleine Urban, Abigail Roux
Published on December 1, 2007 by Dreamspinner Press

Ten years after graduation, Jake "the jock" Campbell and Brandon "the nerd" Bartlett are teaching at their old high school and still living in separate worlds. When Brandon is thrown into a coaching job on Jake's baseball team, they find themselves learning more about each other than they'd ever expected.

High school is all about image - even for the teachers. Brandon and Jake have to get past their preconceived notions to find the friendship needed to work together. And somewhere along the way, they discover that perceptions can always change for the better.

Crystal's Thoughts:
I love these two authors to pieces.  They have written one of my all time favorite series and I was really excited to pick up Caught Running.  I knew going in that this book would have two hilarious characters and that the romance would be steamy steamy.  They did not disappoint me one bit!

Caught Running involves my two favorite jobs for a character.  Being a teacher and being the coach.  I love love love stories that have teachers in them!  I confess I had a crush on my English teacher who just so happened to be the baseball coach of my high school so this book really grabbed me.  Jake and Brandon were wonderful teachers.  I really liked their methods and I loved when Brandon introduced a hilarious new game to his health students.  They were amazing teachers, but that wasn't their only amazing trait!

This story was steamy and fun.  Brandon and Jake went to the same high school, but they did not run in the same crowds.  After different paths lead them back to teaching at their old school they have to team up to coach this years baseball team.  From the get go these guys had chemistry.  They had witty banter and I laughed quite a bit.  I really couldn't expect anything less from these two amazing authors.  Even their steamy scenes were funny!  I have to say though their big moment took forever to get too!  I guess I am use to THE moment being on page 30 so having to wait was torture.  I just wanted them to get together!  They were so great for each other!

What I loved most though was that this was drama free for the most part.  I am finding that I can't read books with too much emotional drama at the moment so this was a huge relief for me.  This book was purely about Jake and Brandon trying to make it work after finding out that they both wanted to be together.  There are those "oh I hope he likes me as much as I like him" moments, but for the most part this book was just fun and an easy read.  I appreciated that the authors chose to let the characters just live in the moment and not be bogged down by too much.

Favorite scene was at the end with Troy.  I would absolutely love to read his story. He reminds me of Ty and I have a HUGE soft spot for Ty from the Cut & Run series.

This is a wonderful book that kept a huge smile on my face for days!

4 Suns

Review & Giveaway: Hang Tough by Lorelei James

Hang Tough (Blacktop Cowboys #8) by Lorelei James

Publication Date: November 1st 2016 by Berkley

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About the book: 

In the new Blacktop Cowboys® novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Wrapped and Strapped, one woman learns that when it comes to cowboys, looks can be deceiving...

When Tobin Hale stepped in to stop Garnet Evans’s son from railroading her out of her own home, he knew moving in with his favorite Mud Lily could be seen as strange. But nothing prepared him for the arrival of Garnet’s fiery, beautiful granddaughter, Jade—or her assumption that he’s up to no good...

While Tobin might be the hottest man Jade Evans has ever seen, his physical attributes won’t distract her from protecting her grandma from his sweet-talking ways. But the stubborn cowboy digs in his boot heels and refuses to leave. Stuck in close quarters together, Jade learns Tobin is the real deal—a hardworking, fiercely loyal man and she’s the one in danger of losing her heart.

And just when he was prepared to leave Muddy Gap behind, Tobin may have found the kind of woman worth sticking around for...

My Thoughts:

Tobin is at crossroads in his life. He's been working at the Split Rock Ranch as a ranch hand, and under utilizing his specialties in farm animal reproductive and genetic research. Also, he's watched as each of his friends found love, and settled down, while Tobin, unfortunately, remains alone. Leaving Muddy Gap for those reasons becomes an imperative.

He's all set to take a job in Cheyanne when his favorite Mud Lilly, Garnet, needs his assistance and protection. Seems like Garnet's stunts (Waving a gun around, and being locked up overnight for a drunken disorderly. Yes, she's a bit of an eccentric grandma!) have finally caught up with her, and Garnet's son is wondering if she's safe living on her own after hearing about her shenanigans. Garnet asks Tobin to move in and fend off any movers that might come and try and take her away to a nice, quite, boring nursing home. Tobin is happy to oblige because he couldn't bear for anyone to crush Garnet's free spirit.

Jade Evans loves her Grandma Garnet. She knows GG gets up to trouble here and there, but mostly harmless fun. However, the news that some young cowboy has taken up residence at GG's is worrisome. Jade heads over to Muddy Gap to make sure her Grandma isn't being taken advantage of by some enterprising freeloader. What she finds is an infuriating, but oh-so-hot cowboy challenging her at every turn.

Both Jade and Tobin are dissatisfied with the direction their lives have taken them, so each can relate, (after they stop the snarking and snipping at each other) and find they have so much in common. Their mutual attraction was immediate, delicious, and intense! Love-to-hate romances are a lot of fun especially when they don't go on for too long. Jade and Tobin's relationship was low on drama and hot has hell!

I loved Tobin's determined, bossy, possessive side, and oh lordy, a muscled cowboy gets me hot and bothered! Jade was normally a shy girl, but for some reason she had no problem sparring with Tobin, and pushing his buttons!

All around, Hang Tough was a sizzling romance with great quirky secondary characters, making for a story I thoroughly enjoyed!

4 Suns

Connect with Lorelei James:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Berkley has kindly provided a Paperback Copy of Hang Tough by Lorelei James to one of our readers. The giveaway is open to US & CA residents only.  Simply fill out the rafflecopter below for a chance to win. Good luck!

Review: Duke of Pleasure by Elizabeth Hoyt

Duke of Pleasure (Maiden Lane #11) by Elizabeth Hoyt

Publication Date: November 29th 2016 by Grand Central Publishing

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

About the book:

IN THE ARMS OF DANGER

Bold. Brave. Brutally handsome. Hugh Fitzroy, the Duke of Kyle, is the king's secret weapon. Sent to defeat the notorious Lords of Chaos, he is ambushed in a London alley—and rescued by an unlikely ally: a masked stranger with the unmistakable curves of a woman.

IN THE HEAT OF DESIRE

Cocky. Clever. Courageously independent. Alf has survived on the perilous streets of St. Giles by disguising her sex. By day she is a boy, dealing in information and secrets. By night she's the notorious Ghost of St. Giles, a masked vigilante. But as she saves Hugh from assassins, she finds herself succumbing to temptation.

ONE KISS WILL CHANGE THEIR LIVES FOREVER

When Hugh hires Alf to investigate the Lords of Chaos, her worlds collide. Once Hugh realizes that the boy and the Ghost are the same, will Alf find the courage to become the woman she needs to be—before the Lords of Chaos destroy them both?

My Thoughts:

Alf, in the face of a dismal childhood, was a spirited young woman with a zest for life.  Growing up on the streets of St. Giles could wreck anyone, but Alf has survived and kept herself safe by posing as a boy, earning her way as an informant by day and battling evil by night as the Ghost of St. Giles.  I loved her character!  Alf’s quick witted, irreverent, and a badass with swords!  Hugh Fitzroy, the Duke of Kyle, is the first man to capture her interest, and if she isn’t careful, her heart. 

The Duke of Kyle needs information to help him thwart the Lords of Chaos, a sinister society comprised of England’s upper crust. When his investigations lead to an attempt on his life he goes to Alf for information and finds she is quite quick and clever, and immediately decides to use her in his pursuit of these horrible men.  Little does he know that Alf is a woman.

Hugh’s been disappointed by love in the past. He had a quick, turbulent, passionate marriage that crashed and burned, and he’s scared, understandably, of another romantic disaster. But Alf is a completely different person than his late wife.  Alf’s definitely not a society woman, her talents are far less conventional:  sword fighting, information gathering and enemy evasion, right up Hugh’s alley.  They’re well matched in spite of coming from completely different backgrounds. 

I was surprised Duke of Pleasure ended being one of my favorite Maiden Lane installments since I was worried about the progression of romance with Alf disguised as a boy.  Thankfully, that wasn't much of an issue.  This installment was filled with action, adventure, danger, and romance, and I was glued to the pages!

4.5 Suns

Review & Giveaway: Dashing Through the Snow by Debbie Macomber

Dashing Through the Snow by Debbie Macomber
Published October 6th 2015 by Ballantine Books

Savor the magic of the season with Debbie Macomber’s newest Christmas novel, filled with warmth, humor, the promise of love, and a dash of unexpected adventure.

Ashley Davison, a graduate student in California, desperately wants to spend the holidays with her family in Seattle. Dashiell Sutherland, a former army intelligence officer, has a job interview in Seattle and must arrive by December 23. Though frantic to book a last-minute flight out of San Francisco, both are out of luck: Every flight is full, and there’s only one rental car available. Ashley and Dash reluctantly decide to share the car, but neither anticipates the wild ride ahead.

At first they drive in silence, but forced into close quarters Ashley and Dash can’t help but open up. Not only do they find they have a lot in common, but there’s even a spark of romance in the air. Their feelings catch them off guard—never before has either been so excited about a first meeting. But the two are in for more twists and turns along the way as they rescue a lost puppy, run into petty thieves, and even get caught up in a case of mistaken identity. Though Ashley and Dash may never reach Seattle in time for Christmas, the season is still full of surprises—and their greatest wishes may yet come true.

Praise for Dashing Through the Snow

“This Christmas romance from [Debbie] Macomber is both sweet and sincere.”—Library Journal

“Quirky heroine Ashley brings the laughs and is the driving force behind this hilarious read, while Dash brings a sense of groundedness with his stable military persona. There’s just the right amount of holiday cheer to remind you it’s Christmas. Ashley and Dash are a realistic example of how opposites attract. This road-trip romance is full of high jinks and the kooky characters Macomber does so well.”—RT Book Reviews 

My Thoughts

Dashing Through the Snow by Debbie Macomber is another light, enjoyable, holiday read to dive into this Christmas season. It’s quick, easy to breeze through, and filled with light adventure.

Ashley Davison is hoping to get from San Francisco to Seattle in time to surprise her mother for Christmas. When she arrives at the airport there are no flights available, and in her desperate situation she agrees to share a ride with Dashiell Sutherland who is also on his way up north for a job interview.

As they head off on their road trip, they encounter a series of humorous and interesting situations, which eventually has these two characters falling for each other. When they close in on their final destination, the authorities derail them, due to a case of mistaken identity.

Dashing Through the Snow was definitely an easy read. However, I have to say the main plot of mistaken identify felt a bit half-baked. Despite that small misconnect, the road trip, romance and cute puppy more than compensated for the weak plot.

Overall, I enjoyed Ashley and Dash’s adventure. Debbie Macomber definitely knows how to sprinkle the Christmas season with her own blend of holiday cheer!

3 Suns

If this sounds like a holiday story you would enjoy, we are giving away a Paperback Copy of Dashing Through the Snow by Debbie Macomber for one lucky Waves of Fiction follower. This giveaway is open to US residents only. Simply fill in the rafflecopter for a chance to win and share a comment on a holiday story you've enjoyed this season. Good luck. 

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Review: A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

Published July 15th 2014 by Atria Books

A grumpy yet loveable man finds his solitary world turned on its head when a boisterous young family moves in next door.

Meet Ove. He's a curmudgeon, the kind of man who points at people he dislikes as if they were burglars caught outside his bedroom window. He has staunch principles, strict routines, and a short fuse. People call him the bitter neighbor from hell, but must Ove be bitter just because he doesn't walk around with a smile plastered to his face all the time?

Behind the cranky exterior there is a story and a sadness. So when one November morning a chatty young couple with two chatty young daughters move in next door and accidentally flatten Ove's mailbox, it is the lead-in to a comical and heartwarming tale of unkempt cats, unexpected friendship, and the ancient art of backing up a U-Haul. All of which will change one cranky old man and a local residents' association to their very foundations. 

My Thoughts

I was seeing this novel pop up just about everywhere, so I just had to pick it up and see what type of adventure I was in for. Truly glad I decided to dive into A Man Called Ove because I definitely enjoyed the journey from beginning to end. The story was steady, engaging and easily kept my attention the entire time.

Ove is described as a grumpy old curmudgeon, and when I started the novel I was expecting he was a seventy or eighty year old man. However, unless I’m grossly mistaken, Ove was in his late fifties, so that gave me a slightly different impression of him that what I think the author intended. But, that didn’t stop me from seeing Ove as a stoic, rule-following, stick in the mud. Keep in mind, I describe him in such a manner with a light heart that enjoyed him immensely!

In this story, we learn how Ove is at a time in his life where he’s lost his job. Coupled with that, he’s still struggling with the death of his wife, and that compounds his desperate need to keep some sort of order in his life while at the same time trying to end it. To add to the chaos he feels, he now has to deal with a young family literally crashing into his neighborhood, which manages to toss the last pieces of normalcy out the door.

As the story progresses, we uncover Ove’s backstory, which includes a series of tragedies that can easily have the reader sobbing like a baby. His experiences definitely have a hand in molding Ove into the stoic, hard-edged man that believes in structure, order and fairness.

When Parvaneh and her family move into Ove’s community, his defenses are tested as this full-of-life mother/wife forces him to connect with people once again. I loved Parvaneh to pieces! Her loud, unassuming nature was exactly what Ove needed to feel purpose in his life once again.

Overall, Ove was a stand-up character that I enjoyed getting to know. His past was intriguing, and clearly showed how your experiences can mold you into the person you will later become.

Lovely novel that’s filled with a cast of unforgettable characters. If you’re looking for something heartfelt and emotional, A Man Called Ove will not disappoint.

4 Suns

Waves of Fiction: Follower Appreciation Giveaway #3

AND we're back with another Follower Appreciation Giveaway! This week, I have five books in this bundle for one lucky winner. Be sure to let us know what book you're excited to curl up with and read this winter.

Thanks for all your support these last few years!

Be sure to fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win, and let us know what book you're interested in reading. Because of the number of books we'll be shipping, this giveaway is open to US Residents only. 

This week we are giving away the following, some of which are ARC editions:

Magnolia by Kristi Cook (ARC edition)
A Corner of White by Jaclyn Moriarty (ARC edition)
On the Edge by Allison Van Diepen (ARC edition)
Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry (Paperback)
Mad About the Boy by Suzan Batthah (Paperback)

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