Book Review: "The Surgeon" By Leslie Wolfe

 

Shocking! Dynamic! Powerful!

Leslie Wolfe brings it all together with this 'in your face' style that produces a 'home-run' in the thriller arena!

When Dr. Anne Wiley steps on board as the cardio surgeon we learn that she's recently lost a patient. She's devastated or is she? Was it personal? Did she call 'death' early? Did she do everything in her power as a surgeon to save life?

Well, lets just say this -Karma- is knocking on the doorstep after losing her FOSTER sister -Melanie.
There's a reason why to capitalize the word, "Foster" because in this case it means all the difference to both families as they share the incomprehensible burden and pain of loss.

Dr. Anne Wiley now has to prove her decision was the right decision by the ruling body that oversees the hospitals actions. Will she be found competent and will she be granted another day?

Paula Fuselier is now on this case because she's possessing a valuable asset- Anne's spouse- whom she's having an affair with while he's an attorney.. mind you.

Surely, he'll has his wife's back and go to boot for her, right Derreck? Or, will this 7 month long affair seal that deal of loyalty till the end in love and war?

Ahh, the tension builds as readers are led on this maze of emotions from hostility, to anger, to deep seeded revenge and so much more.

The ending was powerful and it makes one wonder just how devoted should one couple be when the other is unfaithful?

As this plays out we've also had to face the truth of another situation and twister that plays out involving a young boy at 11yo named Simon Degnan who was shot to prevent testimony? Testimony that could incriminate and put a man named Vicente Espinoza behind bars.

Now, all of this comes to fruition because who wants to run for Mayor with all of this coming to a boil? Right-Derreck?

Well, it seems to be time to face the truth and process the past before it catches up to the present in this heart pounding gem!

Thank you to Leslie Wolfe, Bookouture, and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "This Time Tomorrow" By Emma Straub

 I have to tend to agree with several of the reviewers that mentioned that we have to start holding authors accountable for the endings that go nowhere with zero changes.

While nobody needs constant rotational plots that are highly evolved we would like some sort of closure on the characters, their plots, and their actions.

For me the fact a 40 yo women is trying to travel back in time to 16yo to see if she can stop her dad's end stage illness is nothing short of trying to stop the hands of time.

We cannot play God nor expect something to change when we have no control and we certainly can't partake in drugs, parties, or living life beyond our control and think that'll ease the pain.

Alcohol, drugs, partying to the hilt only escalates said problems it's never a solution to them and it's unfortunate that this is even an option.

My fatther is 80 yo and just passed 17 days earlier from end stage cancer that ravaged his body. While I've never seen eye to eye because we're both from that same apple tree I'd give anything to have one more day. To think I'd want to contemplate reliving my life at 16 yo when he was healthy would be insanity because I wanted mature enough to realize the value of life.

It's taken years of pain, angst, and living a life of torrment to achieve the success I now possess and the wisdom that comes from aging, growing old, and learning as you go.

Time travel and sci-fi isn't the easiest topic to conquer and for some authors it's out of the league of possibilities.

Book Review: "Elvis and Me" By Priscilla Presley

Sex, drugs, rock n roll!

He may have been known for his voice and his gyration but he's also known for being a ladies man!
The numerous affairs from Nancy Sinatra to Connie Stevens to Ann Margaret had kept 'Cilly' on guard for most of their relationship.

Sadly, Cilly was groomed from the young age of 14 to be everything "The King" could want and need and to be their ready and waiting for his every becon call.

There were several women that came and went before, during, and after the divorce. Yet, they all had similarly noted he was self destructive, he was drug dependent, he was a mess.

How these women were able to convince themselves to be less than they deserved is unfounded in this day and age of MeTooMovements however, this was a different time and different rules.

I enjoyed reading this poignant and heartfelt work by Priscilla Presley but I wonder why she she wanted to be tied down, have child, and marry a man who seem so self absorbed and egotistical.

Elvis was so young when he had a heart attack that many believe was do in large part to his rampant drug use and failing health and wellness. It's even sadder to now know that his only daughter Lisa also passed at such a young age both in their 40-50's respectively.

The Elvis Presley era was ripe with much controversy especially with religion, politics, racial tensions, and more.

This book was well written and described in detail some of what was occurring behind the scenes leading up to the divorce and subsequent passing.

Book Review: A Stranger's Game By Colleen Coble

Bring it aboard-Colleen Coble- is back!

A Stranger's Game has a ton of action but some of it may be unbelievably far fetched for many readers and that can pose a big problem.

This book for me had so much fluff weighing it down that I was spinning wheels as a speed reader to move forward. It cleared up midway and took off with ease but also with less credibility & more friction.
If you enjoy heavy hitting topics- suicide, death, chemical warfare, destructive measures utilizing bombs, Federal Reserve issues, political motives, control/power/trust issues, kidnappings, thrillers, and Navy adventures, rescuing sea lions with an heiress and hotel owner aboard for added measure than you came to the right place.

There's numerous characters involved with numerous plots that would take way too long to delve into here but suffice to say it's constantly evolving and expanding exponentially.

I read reviews in which many would've like more romance, more Christian aspects, and even more likeable and believable characters. For me, I'm into suspense, mystery, intrigue, thriller works so it fit fine once the author moved in that direction.

It did seem at times that there's too many subplots trying to go off in different directions and they came and went so quick that it was hard to imagine the reasoning for the treehouse incident, the hidden agenda with Tori's immediate family, and the Navy/Fed Reserve/Sea Lion/Hotel Industry issues.

However, the point was more to showcase how people pass judgement upon meeting. Many assumedTori was the danger zone yet, there's more to her/Joe's story. Tori lied but in this case wsa it justified? Is lying to find the truth warranted?

The fact the author mentions this in the questions at the end makes one realize the direction Colleen Coble wanted to take this story and the insight she possessed at the time of the writing.

I enjoyed this book even if everything didn't add up as other reviewers mentioned, even if certain subject matter wasnt't fully defined, even if the characters weren't totally developed to the extent other readers felt necessary.

When I read something I often forget about the little inconsistencies and fall in love with the storyline. For me it was solid and enough to garnish 4 stars with a little more editing from the start but otherwise perfection!

In the end the author wanted to get people talking about following one's dream not a parent's dream but one's personal dream. To help a friend in need like Lisbeth. To fall in love and share the love with others.
This was accomplished and it was a joy to experience.

Book Review: "Nine Liars" By Maureen Johnson

 

Yet again those who receive ARC's will be fumbling over themselves to toss the five stars yet those w/o ARC's are offering up 2-3 stars.

Folks, I've read over 1,300 books in '21. I was top 20 reviewer before leaving to seek employment full time with a paid position. I had over 13 NetGalley approvals and was in such high demand that I was reading books anywhere and everywhere free of charge while in extreme poverty, bankrupt, homeless, and LT unemployed. Authors and publishers would email me, send me ARC's digitally, and plop me aboard their google spreadsheets for blog tours daily. I had on average 9-10 blog tours every week. The fact of the matter continues to be honesty, transparency, and trust. I base ratings on the writing, the books performance, the way it makes me feel as a reader/reviewer/freelance writer.

I've since acquired a paid position after my dad passed 16 days ago, while I was held up in ER with pneumonia, sent home and learned my nasal swab tested positive for Covid.

So, let me explain this book in a nutshell. It's about this group of 9 that ends up going on this study abroad deal.

David and Stevie had this thing for one another. But eventually it seemed that several individuals where doing there thing, drinking, smoking, and having fun in London.

I really didn't take many notes because there's not much to write. It's one of those stories where everyone is lying to save their own arse.

Peter in the end seems to be the biggest liar of them all and so I'll leave it there!
What I can say is that ending with David left me pondering...

But, for those who enjoy a YA from time to time and have read the 4 in this series of Truly Devious than the 5th is probably a must for you.

To sum it all up: Less fluff more action!

Off we go to the next adventure. Ty to our local free libraries that provided this hardcover.

Book Review: "Find Me" By Alafair Burke

 

Knowing the work that Alafair Burke is capable of producing leads me to a lower rating on this one entitled, "Find Me."

The fact that we have a young lady named Hope Miller is just the start of this amnesia story from a car accident some 15 years ago.

Now, we find hope on the verge of being charged criminally, aliases galore, and being on the run heading to the Hamptons.

What could cause so much excitement?

Well, glad you asked...

It seems there's several murders. One involving Richard Mullaney and another involving Alex Lopez.
There's several characters that make a one hit wonder appearance and leave from detectives, to family members, to police.

Then we have Lindsay the attorney assisting Hope, Lindsay, Tara or whatever.

This entire premise revolves around sexual abuse and traumatic events from the past including to a young girl at a summer camp who was raped with the brother vowing revenge.

Hope originally was connected to one of the murders as the former babysitter but was fired and the other murder based on what she was told from Alex. However, could she have killed someone?
Or, was it a lie to save face?

What we do know is that Alex was killed via a single gunshot wound to the skull and a man named Richard Thompson might be the next go to guy to check out as there's a lot of inner workings here with plenty of twist that try to take us off track.

Stand tall, stand firm, and know that someone may be lying in the end but who and why?

Book Review: "All Of This" By Rebecca Woolf

 

There's two sides to every story so let's not forget that important part of this storyline.

First and foremost, I'm sorry for your loss might be a side step but important nevertheless to share.
Secondly, read Roxane Gray's review which pops up first as it sums up with fewer words what I'm about to say and probably more eloquently.

This polarized memoir is quite unique in the fact it goes from death, to inner awareness/self reflection, dating outside the norm, back to death, and ends with a dream about a tell all scrapbook.

In the beginning I was understanding and accepting of everything noted because as the black sheep of a narcisstic family for 49 years, my dad passing on the 10th of this month, and the fact he passed from end stage cancer that probably originated from pancreas, while having spent considerable time discussing hospice care and more with Sloane Kettering and here in PA with our local Veterans hospital led me to a place of all too sadly familiarity.

In fact, much of what you described with the swollen belly in the end, the chemo treatments, and the rest was exactly what my family just experienced and the issue with tissue/organ donation, the cremation, and more. It was almost too close for comfort and made me pause to catch my breath. The fact the eyes couldn't even be donated do to the cancer ravaging havoc brought the pain to the front and center.

However, when the conversation moved to inner awareness, self loathing, self actualization and proceeded to dating women and then sleeping with other men while discussing fake orgasms and the like I lost most of the previous feelings and thought ---why?

Was it necessary or revelant to add this foresight into a book meant to be about the loss of one's spouse and the feelings that precipitated?

Then we evolved to more of a Thelma and Louise -fight till the end-woman united front which again made me question where this book was headed.

Finally, ending on the reality check of a scrapbook dream bringing the memories from the marriage to the forefront only to have them tossed away as but only in a dream scenario left me perplexed as to the author's motives as it fell flat in the end.

It to me seemed more of a confusion on whether to love, like, hate, or completely remove the emotions rather than process those feelings and that marriage in a more healthy way.

I wonder if perhaps therapy, or a life coach might've helped in this case or if the marriage was based upon irreconcilable differences and cut the ties for the loss....

It was definetely an eye opening experience that passed judgement but I'm wondering how others would be open to this type of personal reflection.

Book Review: "Wrong Place Wrong Time" By Gillian McAllister

 

Wrong Place Wrong Time and for those who didn't get an ARC and aren't subjected to give an automatic 5 star because of the ARC offering this will be filed under wrong book!

Look, I'm not much into sci-fi nor time travel and this book was for me closer to a 4 or 5 initially but then the Back to the Future came clawing it's way out with the Groundhog Day appeal and I was like ok, but that ending? Like was it all for show? Nothing happened and the son was never in trouble.

So, really I get the whole Russian Doll thing with the multiple layers and had there had been a stronger ending this would've been a 4 or 5 banger but I can't for the life of me understand the point of the epilogue and I read a hardcover not audio.

The fact that Todd her son stabbed a man and then she gets clues from the past for each day the mother revisits was a central factor.

However, Todd's mother's family was involved in some shady deals with real estate and trying to make ends meet for the family and so organized crime is what we end up with collecting.

Several twists were also exhibited during this novel that really added shock value especially around the immediate families involvement in these alleged crimes but it all fell short in the end for me with that epilogue.

So, sorry but I didn't receive an ARC and if I did I would still be honest and tell readers the truth.
Till we meet again, The Secret Book Sleuth!

Book Review: "Such A Beautiful Family" By T.R. Ragan

From zero to hero in ten seconds flat....

T.R. Ragan is at it again this time with her newest piece, "Such a Beautiful Family" a thriller that is a fantastic stand alone.

For those who reviewed saying this is 'predictable' I'd beg to differ as I had no idea what was coming at me but suffice to say I knew I should duck or get the hell out of the way.
To clear the air it begins with Nora Harmon, married to David, with daughter Hannah and son Trevor dating age and possibly pregnant.

There's a new job offer from Jane whose engaged to Richard (dentist) and so she takes up on the offer for better salary and more time for kids.

This book started off in the past with regrets from a horrific accident that killed members of one particular family the parents and their child.

Sadly, that woman vowed for revenge but we don't know who she is until later in the story as the pieces begin to tie together.

It's the eye for an eye theory brought to life with everyone having no clue and seemingly oblivious to their surroundings as this woman tries to entice them with gifts and monetary goods, even services to get her way.

Jane is the type of gal that would do anything to get ahead or the very least get even! She takes up on such displays even at work in which she attempts to be coniving in her ways with fellow co-workers and get one up to win their respect and earn their approval via furthering her own job agendas.

Jane was truly enamored by just how wonderful and beautiful Nora's family was and she wanted into that world in everyway possible. So much so she was willing to put it all on the line to steal the thunder.

Things heated up terribly in the middle and by the time that ending rolled around things were going up in flames everywhere, people were driving off cliffs, others were fearing for their lives, while others were jumping into murky water for safety without safety gear.

It's one heck of a read that I hope you'll enjoy much like I myself did and hope you too will read it with an open mind and not think too much into things from the onset.

I'm always amazed at those who claim they knew the end result because for me I lose myself into the story, the plot, the characters so much so that I live in that moment and don't jump ahead to conclusions too much in my mind especially as a speed reader.

Therefore, my advise to those reading is to live in the moment and enjoy it all! It's a pure gem!

Book Review: Truth and Repair By Judith L. Herman, MD

 Truth and Repair has arrived and it's ready to bring truth, empathy, and justice to surivors of abuse particulary sexual abuse and trauma.

Look, as a victim of abuse from domestic violence I can attest to a few of my grandest moments and not in any particular order.

Upon the 1st violation of a protection order the police actually asked if I'd like to press charges for him telephoning me to discuss nonsense when it's a direct violation of the no-contact rule via the order. Of course, I wanted him arrested not just for me but for all those victims/survivors who came before me that couldn't bring him to his knees.

Secondly, upon his filing of an illegal court order I was told it was illegal to file said order after he attempted to regain his home from an active PFA order which stated we had rights to said home as his wife and three children upon his filing of special relief order in which he paid the mortgage.

He then went to halt the child support order for 15k arrearages when the judge ordered repayment of this 21k for mortgage payments on a home that he inherited from his mother while married to me but for which I didn't want and for which I was tossed from upon having utilities turned off and could've lost my kids had I stayed in unsafe conditions.

I was then asked upon entering the court hallway why I didn't sit next to my spouse as we were there for custody arrangements. He was afforded extra time to appear for court and the court delayed the proceedings to afford him said time to appear.

I'd hate to say what'd happen if I didn't show on time, or if I didn't fill out the proper paperwork such as the income/expense reports as required by law that he'd not bothered.

In fact, upon being reprimanded to attend alcohol/drug treatment and anger management he noted, "I should be teaching not taking said courses."

Folks, this is the 21st century and women still have no rights in courts. Family courts are a nightmare and are meant as the author stated for white men to hash out their differences not for victims to get an apology, or feel heard, or even have their stories told.

When women go to court we were our hearts on our sleeves. We've often viewed as 'crazy, delusional, psychotic' before we enter the building based on our written words or verbal statements.
In my case, if you speak fast (PA born and raised) or loud (dad had hearing aid) you're automatically placed in a category of an angered 'Karen' persona.

If you are well educated you'll be downgraded quickly by these egotistical white males who seek nothing more than power and control over you.

It's taken me nearly since 2010 separation and 2013 divorce to finally repair some of the financial ruins caused by my 11 year marriage.

This was a central focus in what victims want and was discussed in great detail involving retribution, acknowledgement of said crime, those who harmed to know the damage they caused, the financial ruins, etc.

What I can tell you from experience having filed Chapter 7, was left bankrupt, homeless, LT unemployed, and in extreme poverty for the past 12 yrs. being left to survive with 3 kids (eldest son born med disabled with vater syndrome and then upon 18 yo having disability end yet disabled for life) is that men rule this world. My first payment was 100 dollars after living a year and half without income. Luckily my kids were able to be fed at local libraries and YMCA's but I wasn't able to get the same. As a women shelters locally didn't take kids. Housing and EBT (Food stamps) was on a 2 yr wait list. Every assistance available had taken years to obtain and by then you're already at your lowest of low and had to literally fight for survival.
Your health takes a huge hit as the stress wears you down and the inability to crawl out of poverty even with a dual masters and 20 yrs volunteering experience as a Points of Light recipient means nothing to the normal layman.

People who you assisted in their own times of need, those whom you volunteered to help, would be the very same that walked away upon your plight of homelessness.

Friends and family couldn't possibly understand why life was such a struggle and I tell you this from the heart it took 12 year for me to finally get employed as nobody would assist. I would send cold calls, emails, and attend every job fair in town sometimes applying to the same places and yet, nobody wants to be involved.

The laws in every regard are made for them to excell not for women to hold the same rights granted to them.
When religion approaches the conversation I literally want to duck and hide. As a former minister of hospitality I was listed to volunteer. I was in essence on the roster. Yet, the older white males refused to allow a woman to volunteer and in the midst of Sunday morn mass ripped the collection basket from my hands. Upon feeling further victimized as noted in this book I became upset and mentioned to the vicar how as a victim of violence this is traumatizing to me that this happens much less in a church. I was told these men need time to come around to this new line of thinking.
I kid you not!
Revictimization, blame, shame, and the guilt associated as if you're not held to be believable nor credible, in a court of law in which you're not the victim the state is ...is absurd.

Upon entering a court room my ex-spouse allowed the door to slam behind him w/o holding it open. I recall saying that's his normal and I'm used to that behavior and mistreatment. His attorney noted, You deserved the abuse. I'll never forget her words to this day.

It's a permanent scar. A wound. A constant reminder that we live in a world that has different rules based on the age, gender, race, or economical factors and yes, even location of the person. There's no guilt before innocence there's a hidden feeling of all women are liars that's apparent and felt. That we have to overtly prove our worth, our value, and our truths. Yes, even with documentation, court documents, police records, and pictures of abuse you'll still not credible. Even with proof of transferred funds it's not enough.

It's sadly never enough and I pray one day we get to the point where at face value we are believed for the truths we share. It's in sharing that we are healed and can allow others to come forward.

My facebook page, The Lost Self Life After Narcissism was created to help others heal, recover, and move forward in acknowledgement of their trauma and in face of their self love and acceptance.

You cannot expect it from the outside as it'll never be offered but what you can do is know your value, your worth, and your inherent goodness.

I can only hope this book helps enlighten others to the revictimization that's so apparent. To the domestic violence victims who can't get housing with active PFA's and or children. To those who stood hoping someone would simply acknowledge, accept, and understand their pain.

I hear you. I see you. I love you! Please reach out always! You are never alone and it's not your fault.  

Thank you for this ARC and I pray it falls in the right hands to help others heal and shed light on the importance of what can be done to assist all victims and survivors of abuse. 

Book Review: "Total Empire" By AJ Tata

First and foremost I must note my sincere condolences to the author Anthony J. Tata upon learning in the closing remarks of the recent loss of his father in '21 during the pandemic having passed on the day of his parent's 66th wedding anniversary.

This was Anthony Tata's first book written since his passing and he truly did his parents, family, friends, all those in the writing industy, and all of those who love his work as fans, readers, reviewers proud!

This wasn't too far fetched a concept today as to imagine that China is passing us in every regard but with special importance to hypersonic missiles and directed energy leading to what may one day be a global war.

My father having passed this past February 10,2023 warned me of the impending doom having served on USS Shangri-La 61-66 during Cold War and he too just had celebrated nearly 60 years of marriage. Upon his passing the doctors said, "he fought and defied the laws of nature." I'd like to think that he's watching down and wondering what on Earth are we doing to ourselves. We have fallen behind based on budgetary cuts and lack of importance being provided to the right military efforts and it's showing.

It rings true today that there's many covert operations going on especially from within and yet, those who served our country must maintain their duty and privilege while taking the fall and often being blamed when money is at the root of such evil.

As it's noted,"why bother with terrorists when nations and corporations are creating alternate world order?"
We must wonder can China pull it off? Can they build enough nuclear hypersonic missiles using a terminal guidance system to improve accuracy in guiding nukes upon direct targets.

As many of you know I'm a huge fan of militaristic thrillers especially being the Mitch Rapp Ambassador twice but this to me blows all of that out of the water.

This book was special in more ways than one and advanced the mission of women's power using a female president of the USA as well as a female in captivity (Zoey) so I can't complain as a feminist with both sides being portrayed.

AJ Tata has truly written such a splendid piece that I devoted it as my weekend starter read. I'm so glad I did give it the special attention it deserved. The way in which he wrote captivated every sense I possessed while reading. The plot thickened, the read was easy language not militaristic jargon, the flow and pace was perfect. There's not a ton of characters to keep straight and every character was vivid, lively, and ready for action.

I'll be honest with the readers, I haven't read a book yet in which I wrote so many notes as I did this one and that's a good thing because I was invested in reading it fully. Many of the books I've read since coming back after the pandemic have been sub par work and not many kept nor maintained my interest. I couldn't flip the pages fast enough and my only complaint is in having it end.

To start, "Total Empire" began with Sly Morgan being killed and his black daughter Zoey being missing (captive). It wasn't random that her dad recorded a meeting between the inner workings of the Chinese/American/French diplomats on global government.

Readers are then engulfed in this fury of fire involving, "The Executioner" and a guy named Sanson.
Sadly, we uncover just how brutal these men are as we learn that Sly was decapitated by sword.
However, the motto is and will always be," Better to die a warrior than grow old."

Zoey went missing in Africa. Could she be a bait or a mole? What's this Eye of Africa all about?
She was well known for helping women escape but how did she become entangled in this ever growing and increasingly dangerous plot?

Chinese fishing boats have been located off the coast of Africa and many wonder is they're spying and using military operations?

This Eye of Africa seems to be a central focus in the Sahara desert location. Plenty of tunnels and vast land aka dig sites that can be utilized if fallen in the wrong hands. We must note this theory around the Atlantis with stashed opportunities becoming abundant.

Could this be the start of the 'dog that didn't bark theory'?

I love how this book involved much of the world's scariest concerns today from drones, nukes, to chemical warfare, and insider trading schemes in which we're in essence fighting internally for power and control by those seeking to sell to the highest bidder while men and women are on the front lines fighting to keep us free. The revalence to the current state of American and oversees affairs was not lost.

The Western World is ripe with conflict and Tata did a great job showcasing this concern & how easy it would be to drop a nuke like they dropped the planes in 911 and kill millions.

The Cold war has become more digitalized and mondernized with China and the Western World and we must wake the hell up. My pop often said the Chinese own us and that's becoming so true in all global matters today.

What I can say as a black sheep of my own family is that the world needs black sheep. Every family needs one with countries involving North Korea, France, Russia, China, and the USA today.
Rail systems, energy grids, global viruses and nukes are on the minds of many and this wonderfully written novel explains that in great detail.

Could China really hold the world hostage with a nuclear weapon attack? Are we prepared to enter battle? Are our capabilities up to date? Do we have the central intelligence to enter that arena?
This entire thing centers upon power and control and world dominance. The Dakhla Accords was mentioned with Chinese Glints being utilized. These Glints have the capatibility to destroy their targets and must be disabled.

The virus may have been the first wave. The 2nd phase is these hypersonic missiles for world domination.
The examples provided being Dulles Airport and NYC are just frightening to read about and I pray they never become our nightmare reality.

Could ground laser be utilized to stop such missiles?

"Could a small percentage of the population continue to protect the American ideal when it was under assault from within?" We often wonder as we wait for the indictments to take hold and those responsible to pay for the crimes they have clearly committed in front of the American people.

This book was so jammed pack with excitement that I literally was out of breath reading it as it felt like you're running for your life from the reality we know and see today.

The fact that a MOAB (Mother of All Bombs) might have to be used is indeed a feeling of doom.
Now, we learn that the sitting female President (Campbell) may be forced to sign off in that 2nd phase...YIKES!

The end game is the same- get USA to become subservient to China.

It's a scary proposition but much needed discussion that we all must have as we face the virus, the train derailments, the chemicals leaking into our air/water/ground supplies, the forced shut down of our energy grids, the enemies from within, the terrorists waiting to capture and kill, and so much more....

Thank you to AJ Tata, Macmillan USA, St. Martin's Press, and Goodreads for this exclusive ARC.

Book Review: "Don't Let Her Stay" By Nicola Sanders

When you hear these words, "Don't Let Her Stay" it will send chills upon you!

It all begins innocently enough as we are led through this he said/she said scenario.
Little by little the tension builds, the plot thickens, the characters become more engaged, and the thrillers just keep on coming smacking you literally in the face.

If you think you have this one pegged you'll be scratching your head and saying, "Wait, I thought"...and then going back for more.

Joanne is honestly believing she's the luckiest woman to have married Richard especially with her newborn Evie and a gorgeous house.

That's until Chloe (Richard's 21 yo daughter) shows up and flips the script on its head-no pun intended!
Who knew that a seemlessly harmless fall down the stairs could result in so many accusations about the past wife Diane.

How did she die? Did she take her life? Was she suffering from alcoholism> or does Chloe know the truth? Keep in mind Chloe was just a young lady at 11 yo when her mother passed.
Could we becoming the key holders to this pandora's box ?

As things play out we're led to believe that someone's crazy/psychotic but is that the case or is someone hiding something far worse?

What about the past is Richard not acknowledging?

Could it be true that there's something he's not telling us and it involves not one but two deaths?
Or, is Chloe the gal that rubs you raw in the beginning going to become our hero?

Well, be prepared because this is just getting started and you won't believe the ending! YIKES!

This does have some discussion about crib deaths aka cot deaths, suicide, cancer, and drugs for those that are squeamish.

Thank you to Nicola Sanders, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "Not That Kind Of Ever After" By Luci Adams

 

An aspiring writer turned dating pro upon several one nighters decides to blog about it all to the world.

Folks, this is one of those books I cringe to read about because it portrays women as weak and needy. It also shows that some women will sleep their way to get to that point of self awareness when really all they needed to do was to love themselves and let the rest fall into place.

The main character was chaotic, self absorbed, and seemed out of control at times as she navigated her life through the horrors of her parents possible divorce.

The ideal 'perfect partner' or the 'knight in shining armor' never became to fruition in that sense but her bestie did find an engagement and marriage.

Ellie and Mark seemed to have figured it out but poor Bella would she be able to find someone who in this sense completes her?

What's to become of Ellie's twin brother Marty and will Bella stop writing under pen name B. Enchating about dating apps and embrace who she's becoming?

Ahhh, love and romance but in this case much of the romance didn't happen till nearly 80% completion.

Thank you to Luci Adams, Macmillan Audio, Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "Good Girl Fail" By Roni Loren

 

In all fairness this isn't my normal genre. I was under the assumption based on Netgalley that this was romance and that's my bad as I should've looked on Goodreads to learn it's actually erotica, MMF, Menage, LGBT, BDSM and as a divorced mom of three teens I only know of 1 of these terminologies.

I'm not the audience you'd want and because of this I'd only managed to get to 20% before having to hurry and shut it off so my eldest didn't hear it playing in the home w/o headphones. LOL.

Perhaps with the right audience this would get a higher rating but for this old fashioned strict Catholic gal who led life through the straight and narrow it's not for me.

Thank you for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "Triple Cross" By James Patterson

Here we are yet again?

Sit down and stay awhile...

Look if you received this book via ARC, giveaway, author/publisher provided you can save your review and just put a five star and save the rest for those who care about the writing of author's especially for those who must pay to read the material being published or those who go to great lengths to simply get a book from their local libraries often waiting months to finally get their hands on one.

It's getting ad nauseaum and yes, I'm speaking from experience having read over 1,300 books in 21 and having been provided numerous ARC's -in fact I still honestly have many left on Kindle that haven't been read having taken off a year for r&r.

Now, I'll be honest it does a great disservice for reviewers and bloggers to continue to pop out the 5 star gushing ways when you know the book wasn't that great. So please if you get an ARC be honest.

In the end, this wasn't anything that I've come to expect from JP and for those who wonder I've read almost everyone of his books with some that I enjoyed immensely and others that weren't so hot.

This is mediocre at best and I hope having written this 30th book in the Alex Cross series that he pauses for a second from the money mill and gives his mind a rest.

When you throw in everything but the kitchen sink hoping something will entice the reader -it does the exact opposite.

As a speed reader I couldn't skim this fast enough because I wasn't invested in anything that was being thrown out.

The fact that there's a serial killer on the loose and no clues is alarming. There's sub plots that go nowhere but lead readers on wild goose chases.

The one goose chase involves Bree's boss-Elena-seeking investigation by Bree into Frances - a woman responsible for leading these young impressionable people to sign up for modeling careers promising lucrative jobs only to have them become sex slaves.

If this isn't enough madness we find a common connector with Paladin. Paladin is a data mining system used by law enforcement and private companies but for which is a connecting piece among the murders.

Then we run off with Maestro- M- Mysterious Agency which leaves readers hanging and scratching their heads wondering where it leads us...is this for the next work? Stay tuned I suppose but for me I'm thinking on tossing in the towel. It's been going downhill for some time and this throw it out and make money and who cares about the customers or fans is depressing if not downright obnoxious.