Tag Archives: suspense

June 14, 2016 · 5:00 am

Deadly Reboot by CJ Matthew (Book Review) (CONTEST INCLUDED!!)

In honor of FLAG DAY, June 14, and all the veterans who served under OLD GLORY, CJ Matthew and I are offering a star spangled contest featuring Deadly Reboot, Paladin Group book 1. 
 
But before we dive into the rules to enter, first we’d like to introduce one of the prizes — Deadly Reboot. 
 
 

 

Still risking their lives…The Paladin Group. Ginger Odom has sworn to become self-reliant… Until she is arrested in a small town and framed for the murder of a police officer. Seems everyone in the community wants her behind bars, regardless of the truth, so her aunt enlists the help of the Paladin Group. A team of wounded former military men and woman, now civilian lawyers and investigators, they rescue people in serious trouble. Hale Peters is determined to ignore his knee injury… The former Air Force Pararescueman, wounded during a rocket attack on Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, accepts his first reboot for Paladin. His mission—keep Ginger safe until he can prove her innocence—becomes a bigger challenge than expected when he and Ginger clash over who’s in charge. The Devil Dogs just want to help… The group of older veterans steps up to assist, but when Ginger’s life is threatened by the real killer, Hale and Ginger need to work together if they hope to stay alive.

 
 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)
 
Despite the lack of “Who done it” in this mystery novel, I actually really enjoyed it. Why? Because of the cast…… plain and simple. 


CJ didn’t have a group of young, buff, 6-pack sporting, Dwayne Johnson look-alike, guys handling the case of “Who really shot Officer Ivey?” 
 
Nope, she had military veterans, men/women injured in battle working the case. Heck, the youngest man from the Devil Dog crew was 64. Heck, they even had a beagle (Grunt) getting into the thick of things. 

 
Favorite Devil Dog –> Hale, lead investigator. He walked with a cane and used it as a weapon, too. Oh yes, he’s still pretty badass!! 
 
Seriously, you couldn’t find a more diverse cast of characters. 
 
With that said, there is something I would change about Deadly Reboot(small gripe). I wasn’t a fan of the county and town’s name being so closely related. Erinville and Erin County. I thought a bit more imagination could’ve been used here, but really as Shakespeare once said, “What’s in a name?”
 
Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤
 
ORDER YOUR KINDLE OR PRINT COPY TODAY!! 



 

 

Now that we’ve gotten the review out of the way, I wanna know WHO IS READY TO WIN?
 
Ladies and Gents, CJ is offering ONE LUCKY WINNER a spectacular
prize package. 
 
In it, the winner will receive the following items: One Paladin Group coffee mug, a SIGNED PAPERBACK copy of Deadly Reboot, a DR book mark, a fancy DR key chain. In addition to these wonderful prizes, CJ will also be tossing in a few Flag Day extras in celebration of the national holiday.
 

 

And guess what? This amazing contest is open to anyone; no matter
where you call home!! 
 
To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment below answering one of these questions.


A.) What I love about my country?
  B.) Tell us about the special veteran in your life?
C.) What branch of service (and country) do you serve or did serve?
 
You’ll have until Wednesday (midnight, central time) to enter. THURSDAY morning, I will post the winner’s name and attempt to message you. Please
follow the comment thread or check back on THURSDAY to see if you are the lucky recipient of this amazing prize package. 
 
 
Good
luck!!!
 



CJ Matthew is the author of paranormal romance suspense series Dolphin Shore Shifters. Her debut novel, Blood Tide, features a pod of dolphins posing as humans that work through their oceanic conservation corporation Save Blue Water, based in Santa Barbara, California, to protect the oceans at any cost.
CJ grew up in an Air Force family that travelled all over the U.S. and around the world. She spent her high school and university years living in California, which inspired her love of marine life and the Pacific Ocean.

A member of Georgia Romance Writers (GRW) Romance Writers of America, CJ lives and writes near a lake in the woods northeast of Atlanta. When she isn’t writing or reading romances, CJ likes to travel and to spend time with her two grown children, a brilliant grandson and a feisty cat named Max.

Website Link
Twitter
Facebook
Amazon author page
Goodreads author page

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May 28, 2016 · 5:00 am

A Legacy of Love and Murder by Brenda Whiteside (Book Review)

 
 

In Austria to meet her great-grandfather and explore his castle estate filled with priceless art, August Myer arrives to find he’s died suspiciously. As one of the heirs, her life is in danger, turning this fairytale Alpine adventure into a nightmare of veiled threats, unexplained accidents, and murder.

Inspector Tobias Wolf splits his time between his profession and fighting the spread of neo-Nazism. But when the beautiful, intriguing American crosses his path during a murder investigation, ensuring her safety challenges his priorities…and his heart.

When August learns the handsome inspector is concealing a personal involvement and the death of her great-grandfather is somehow connected, she takes the investigation into her own hands. The outcome could be the death of both of them.

 

 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 

(Per the author’s request, I am posting a WARNING my review does contain the villain’s name. Proceed with caution!)

 
Eike used her body to get what she wanted, hurt and orchestrated the deaths or attempted to kill off anyone who got in her way. In medical terms, she would be classified as a narcissist or a psychopath. However, I think anybody who reads this book would proudly label her a total BIOTCH or as my momma would say, a gold-digging hussy!! 
 
Brenda, congrats on creating a character even my momma would proclaim needed a good ass whopping. 


Oh and Wolf, he sure knows how to rescue a woman….. in style – as in a silver Porsche. 


What a ride, Wolf. Oh, and you ain’t so bad yourself either. 
 
 

Heart Rating System:
 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest)
Score: ❤❤❤❤

Kindle / Print (Amazon) 
 
Kobo

The Wild Rose Press

 
 

 

Convinced she was born to be an artist, Brenda never took her love of writing seriously. And then one day, sometime after college, after marrying a man doing a stint in the army, and after the birth of her son, she found more satisfaction filling a blank page with words than an empty canvas with color.
 

Brenda and her husband are gypsies at heart having lived in six states and two countries. Currently, they split their time between the prairie in Northern Arizona and the RV life near Roosevelt Lake. At home or in the RV, she spends most of her time writing stories of discovery and love entangled with suspense.

 
Visit Brenda at www.brendawhiteside.com.
Or on FaceBook: www.facebook.com/BrendaWhitesideAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/brendawhitesid2
 
She blogs on the 9th and 24th of every month at http://rosesofprose.blogspot.com
 
She blogs about prairie life on her personal blog http://brendawhiteside.blogspot.com/

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May 26, 2016 · 5:00 am

Journey of an American Soldier by John Hazen (Book Review)

  

In 1920, the chance to travel to India on a business trip is a great boon for a smart and talented young man. Until he wakes up in a Calcutta jail, framed for murder. Benjamin Albert is a brilliant rising star at his firm, a war hero and a loving husband and father. But when his own government turns its back on him and leaves him to rot in prison 8,000 miles from home, his wife Catherine must take matters into her own hands and battle a ruthless and unscrupulous corporation abetted by a corrupt colonial government. Timeless issues like racism, anti-Semitism, nationalism and women’s rights are exposed during Catherine’s race to save Benjamin.

 

 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
First thing I liked about Journey of an American Son was the multiple strong roles (male and female) created by John . Hirsch (Harry) traveled to America with his family for the opportunity of a better life. Starting over is hard but starting over in a foreign land, that’s takes guts and determination. Traits also found in his wife (Molly), son (Ben), Catherine (Ben’s wife), and Sergeant Jones. 
 
As a matter of fact, this whole tale kept showcasing their strengths in some form or fashion. The four mentioned above had their share of joys and their share of losses. John wrote a book that didn’t just touch of the bright moments of a person(s) life. So if you are looking for a upbeat story, then I’d pass on this. However, if you want to “live” through their struggles right alongside them, then I suggest going for the ride. It sure as hell is a bumpy one, but one I think you’ll like. 
 
John is, if nothing else, a very detailed writer. Case in point, the trench scene. The action practically exploded off the pages. 
 
One last thing I’d like to remark about: I’m a fast reader but Ben’s capacity to fly through the pages was astonishing. 550 pages in 45 min and can retain all the info/recite it verbatim…. Seriously, that is quite a feat. 
 
 
Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤
 
PURCHASE LINKS:  Paperback / Kindle
 
 
 
Don’t let the gray hair fool you; writing keeps me forever young! Author of four acclaimed suspense novels and working on more!
 
Connect with John via his website or on Twitter.

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May 20, 2016 · 5:00 am

The Art of Love and Murder by Brenda Whiteside (Book Review)

April 22, 2014 
 

Lacy Dahl never questioned her past until the deaths of her adoptive parents and her husband. A husband who wasn’t what he seemed. Her research uncovers secrets about the mother she never knew; secrets that dispute the identity of her father and threaten her life.

Sheriff Chance Meadowlark is still haunted by the murder of his wife and the revenge he unleashed in the name of justice. When he meets Lacy he is determined not to become involved, but their pasts may make that impossible. As they move closer to the truth, saving Lacy may be his only salvation.

Lacy begins to think the present is more important than her past…until Chance’s connection to her mother and a murder spin her deeper into danger and further from love. Will the truth destroy Lacy and Chance or will it be the answer that frees them?

 
 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
I’ve grown accustomed to stories having one, maybe two whackadoodles but Brenda had the crazies popping up every which way we (me and the characters) looked. Three nutcases make for some stimulating reading material which is the point of any great author. A writer does want a reader to remember them, buy more books. 

I can safely say I don’t think I will ever forget Clark, Kitty, or Professor Sheffield. 

One thing did surprise me regarding The Art of Love and Murder.

With so many people causing trouble for Lacy, it’s a wonder she found time for lovin’ but I guess you can’t very well have a damsel in distress without a savior. 

Speaking of her savior, Chance might’ve not come riding to her rescue on a horse but he owns a Harley and that’s way better in my book. 

HEA

Heart Rating System:
 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest)  
Score: ❤❤❤

Paperback  / Kindle 
 
 

Convinced she was born to be an artist, Brenda never took her love of writing seriously. And then one day, sometime after college, after marrying a man doing a stint in the army, and after the birth of her son, she found more satisfaction filling a blank page with words than an empty canvas with color.

 
Brenda and her husband are gypsies at heart having lived in six states and two countries. Currently, they split their time between the prairie in Northern Arizona and the RV life near Roosevelt Lake. At home or in the RV, she spends most of her time writing stories of discovery and love entangled with suspense.

Visit Brenda at www.brendawhiteside.com.

Or on FaceBook: www.facebook.com/BrendaWhitesideAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/brendawhitesid2

She blogs on the 9th and 24th of every month at http://rosesofprose.blogspot.com

She blogs about prairie life on her personal blog http://brendawhiteside.blogspot.com/

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May 12, 2016 · 5:00 am

Fleeing Beauty by Mark Love (Book Review)

 

Jamie Richmond used to live a nice, quiet life. But last fall she witnessed the shooting of a police officer and figured out who did it. Then this winter saw her best friend targeted by a stalker and kidnapped. Yep, Jamie solved that one and came to the rescue. Now it’s summertime and the living is supposed to be easy. All she wants to do is write her novels and spend free time with Malone, the guy who has been by her side since all this craziness began. But that’s not likely to happen.

 
Jamie’s father was a very successful sculptor who tragically died more than twenty years ago when she was just a child. What she remembers about him is little more than bits and pieces. A storeroom filled with crates of his work is discovered in an old converted factory. This potential fortune in artwork has been waiting all these years. 

Jamie recruits Malone and a few close friends to help her unpack the crates and bring her father’s gifts out to the light of day. News of this discovery leads to a robbery. Now Jamie is determined to figure out who is behind the crime.
 
 

 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
Unlike Devious, I didn’t completely solve the mystery of who stole the sculpture,”Spring Dance”. I was only 1/2 correct due to a couple of surprise guests. Even the characters in the story were like — Who the %*#! are these guys? 
 
Talk about throwing us a curveball! 
 
I will say, before the story ends, Mark will explain almost everything. Jamie still needs to solve the puzzle box left to her by her deceased father, and we still don’t know Malone’s first name. 
 
I will say this, after their near death experience, he started to tell her and she stopped him. 
 
I could NOT believe it. Mark, you are such tease. 😉
 
This is one of those times I wish these weren’t fictional characters. If they weren’t, I would ask Malone to whisper it to me…. Nice and slow… *winks* 
 
Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤1/2
 
Kindle Purchase Link
Print Purchase Link
 
 
 
 

I am a Michigan native, who up until recently lived in the Metro Detroit area, where crime and corruption always seem to be at the top of everyone’s news. So there’s always the chance to find something that can trigger a story idea and enough interesting characters to jump start your imagination.
 
While I have worked in many industries and career paths over the years, one of my passions has always been writing. I was even able to parlay that passion for a while, working as a freelance reporter for a couple of newspapers in the Detroit area. Writing features and hard news helped me hone my talents. But while newspaper work was interesting and paid a few bills, it was a far cry from the fiction writing that I enjoy the most.
 
I’ve always been drawn to mysteries and thrillers, the kind of stories that have a fast pace, that keep you moving and keep you guessing as to what’s going to take place next. Mix those in with some elements of crime, perhaps a glimpse of the seedier side and you’ve got me. So it’s always been one of my goals to write stories like that.
 
While taking a creative writing course in college, the instructor suggested I might have more success getting short stories published first. So I focused on short stories. And he was right. I was able to publish a number of these in small press magazines. Seeing my name and stories in print was definitely a kick. I realized my short stories looked like episodes from “The Twilight Zone” or “Tales from the Crypt”, with a mix of humor and an unexpected twist at the end. Recently I packaged three of those together and published them on Amazon under the title “Three to Get Ready.”
 
A few years ago I discovered a new online publisher looking for novels. I submitted one, a mystery/romance story for consideration. They jumped at it. Then I submitted “Fade Away” a thriller with a little sci/fi twist. They wanted that one too. Two more years and two more books were published. But sadly, they folded their operations. Fortunately, all the rights reverted to me. So I decided to put two of my novels, “Fade Away” and “Desperate Measures” on Amazon’s Kindle Prime and see how things go.
 
I also have a series that could be considered Mystery/Romance that have been released by Secret Cravings. “Devious” and “Vanishing Act” were published in 2013 as part of the Jamie Richmond Mysteries. The third book “Fleeing Beauty” was released in October 2014.
 
I am pleased to add that “WHY 319?” was published by Black Rose Writing in September 2014. This is a police procedural mystery, where a serial killer is leaving their victims in room 319 of different motels around suburban Detroit. The killer leaves the message ‘Why 319?” written in the victim’s lipstick on the bathroom mirror.
 
Blog Link
Goodreads Link
Facebook Link
Amazon Author Page Link

 

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