Okay, this was really sweet! I found myself annoyed with both main characters several times at their sometimes childishness, but overall the story wasOkay, this was really sweet! I found myself annoyed with both main characters several times at their sometimes childishness, but overall the story was really sweet and fairly well done! I love the doctor\medical aspect of course, and the feels hit just right. ...more
Pretty decent and had lots of action! I'm mad about who the villain turned out to be though, lol!Pretty decent and had lots of action! I'm mad about who the villain turned out to be though, lol!...more
Patricia Bradley is one of those authors that is a bit hit-or-miss for me, but I greatly enjoyed her Memphis Cold Case series, so I decided to give hePatricia Bradley is one of those authors that is a bit hit-or-miss for me, but I greatly enjoyed her Memphis Cold Case series, so I decided to give her newest release a shot. And I'm glad I did! Standoff is one wild ride from chapter one.
Brooke Danvers is a very convincing lead character, and I enjoyed following her story. I did find it hard to relate to her at times--whether this was because her character wasn't fleshed out well enough or because we're so dissimilar, I'm not sure. I did find myself empathizing with her, especially as she dealt with the grief over losing her dad. Luke Fereday, Brooke's counterpart, was a great character, and for some reason I found myself liking him as a main character more than I did Brooke. The details of his job were fascinating and I could feel his struggle as he tried to balance his job and his life\relationships.
As I said, from chapter one, the story doesn't stop! With dramatic suspense and a plethora of action scenes, I couldn't put this one down until I finished it. Bradley is a veteran writer, and that shows in Standoff. I love her laid-back, yet still engaging writing style. I enjoyed Brooke and Luke's romance, although at times I wanted to slap both characters upside their heads. Honestly, the ex-boyfriend-wh0-never-stopped-loving-her trope can bug me most times, but I didn't mind it much in Standoff. It just worked.
Overall, Standoff is in engaging and suspenseful read that you won't be able to put down! If you love romantic suspense, this one definitely needs to be on your to-read list!
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions. ...more
Yes! This is definitely my favorite Susan May Warren book yet. Some of her books can be hit or miss for me, but I really enjoyed this one aside from aYes! This is definitely my favorite Susan May Warren book yet. Some of her books can be hit or miss for me, but I really enjoyed this one aside from a few things. First off: that cover is so unique and interesting! I'm all about unique cover design, and this one definitely is unique! I'm so glad I have a paperback copy to enjoy it to its fullest.
Right away, our main characters, Orion and Jenny, and their stories grabbed my attention. Orion and Jenny are both very broken characters, which makes them so realistic and relatable. The story is very suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I love a good survival story, and this one fit the bill perfectly! A couple issues I had: I feel like Warren's writing style can tend to be a bit over dramatic at times. Small things end up sounding very dramatic, when in reality, they're not. That is something that can annoy me, and it took a bit for me to get past that. But then, that's probably just me. The other thing I wasn't a huge fan of was the romance. At times it can get too physical\sensual for me. But again, that's just a personal issue.
Overall, if you are looking for a good suspenseful survival story, look no further! This one is going to be one I read more than once, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series! (Sidenote: that cliffhanger with Ham's story was brutal! I need the rest of his story ASAP.)
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions. ...more
I haven't read any of Sarah Sundin's books before now, but The Land Beneath Us has convinced me that I need to! I absolutely loved this one cover to cI haven't read any of Sarah Sundin's books before now, but The Land Beneath Us has convinced me that I need to! I absolutely loved this one cover to cover!
Marriage of convenience stories are always hit or miss for me and I'm hesitant to read them as they can sometimes get too sexualized for me. But I'm so glad I gave this one a try because it was perfect in every way! Leah and Clay were such great characters and the motivation for their marriage of convenience worked really well. Clay is such a gentleman, I can't help but respect him. And Leah's innocence and gentle spirit is inspiring. I found the storyline with Clay's dream really interesting and love how Sundin wrapped it up. This is the third and last book in the series, and I haven't read the first two, but I never felt lost reading this one. Everything is explained sufficiently that this could almost be a standalone. (I would still recommend reading the series in order though, but if you don't, you'll still be fine.)
Sundin's writing style is just beautiful and fits the historic time period perfectly, down to the dialogue and all. She also does a great job describing the settings and I felt like I was right there with the characters.
All in all, I absolutely loved this historical novel with beautiful themes! I highly recommend this if you love historical fiction, particularly set around WWII.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions. ...more
*coughs* I'm not even sure how to review this . . . I felt no connection whatsoever with the characters, and both the suspense and the romance were ve*coughs* I'm not even sure how to review this . . . I felt no connection whatsoever with the characters, and both the suspense and the romance were very rushed and unrealistic. There were also several procedural inaccuracies in the way the police and fire departments handled things. I'm honestly a bit surprised Jordan wasn't fired for some of the decisions he made in handling the case.
All in all, this book wasn't my cup of tea for several reasons, but that's just my opinion. Check it and decide for yourself. :)...more
Not quite Barritt's trademark suspense. And I guessed the villain from the beginning.Not quite Barritt's trademark suspense. And I guessed the villain from the beginning....more
I was so excited to dive into Ford's story! I love these characters and the family dynamic makes the series all the more intriguing to me. Wa3.5 stars
I was so excited to dive into Ford's story! I love these characters and the family dynamic makes the series all the more intriguing to me. Warren never disappoints on the suspense front; this book is jam-packed with crazy intense action that leaves you on the edge of your seat. From page one, I did not want to put this down! The romance was a bit heated for my tastes, and I found myself skimming several scenes. For that reason, I docked a star and a half.
Overall though, I enjoyed this addition to the Montana Marshalls series!
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead Tours for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions. ...more
Wow . . . I don't know what I was expecting out of this novel, but it far exceeded any expectations I may have had. Very quickly I was drawn into the Wow . . . I don't know what I was expecting out of this novel, but it far exceeded any expectations I may have had. Very quickly I was drawn into the story, and despite being a somewhat slow-paced book with nothing much major happening plot-wise . . . I still didn't want to put it down! I can't help but attribute that to Deese's engaging writing style and gripping characters. I'm not a huge fan of first person POV, but it did work well for this story. There was humor mixed in with the more serious themes and kept the story moving.
Lauren is an incredibly realistic and relatable character. She's flawed and struggles just as much as the rest of us. I enjoyed getting to know her and follow the ups and downs of her story. Joshua is a very sweet character as well and he was a great counterpart to Lauren. I loved how he pursued her but was still so very respectful and supported her in her dreams. Can I get a Joshua pretty please???
The theme of adoption was unique and very moving. Adoption is something that is very close to my heart, so it was fascinating to learn more about it. I loved that Deese showed the realisticality of adoption in Lauren's storyline. It isn't easy or painless. But it is worth it.
Overall, this was simply a beautiful novel and fully deserving of all 5 stars! I highly recommend this is you love moving contemporary fiction or if adoption is a subject you're interested in! Well done, Ms. Deese!...more
Terri Blackstock has been writing Christian fiction and suspense novels for a number of years and has had over 30 titles published. Smoke Screen is heTerri Blackstock has been writing Christian fiction and suspense novels for a number of years and has had over 30 titles published. Smoke Screen is her most recent release and my first Blackstock book. And it won't be my last!
Blackstock writes like the veteran she is. Her writing style is polished, yet simple and engaging. I found myself very easily drawn into the story within a page or two. The plot and pacing are flawless; while not especially action-packed, there's never a moment that drags. The complexity of the multiple storylines kept me on my toes without ever becoming confusing. Throughout the course of the book, the author tackles some very difficult topics such as divorce, a custody battle, alcoholism, murder, and more. And she does so with much grace, grit, and honesty.
Smokejumper Nate Beckett returns to his small Colorado hometown after an injury sidelines him from his job. Years ago, his father was convicted--perhaps falsely--of murder, and upon his release from prison and Nate's return to town, rumors about the family run rife. Nate just wants to heal physically, and maybe find some restoration in his family. Brenna Hertzog is fighting a vicious custody battle against her ex-husband--and his influential father--and finds herself turning to alcohol to cope. The reunion between these characters couldn't have come at a worse time in their lives, but they are able to find healing as their relationship blossoms once more. The faith themes Blackstock weaves throughout the story were very beautiful and well done, and I loved seeing how the characters pointed each other back to God in the end. The romance between the characters was void of the extreme physical attraction that I find so tiresome in most romances, which was a breath of fresh air!
In summary, I think Terri Blackstock may have a new bestseller in Smoke Screen! Due to the aforementioned themes, I would recommend this book to older teens and adults. If you love a good contemporary fiction\suspense, you're not going to want to miss this one.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Tari Faris has been writing fiction for over twelve years, but You Belong With Me, releasing September 3 with Revell Books, marks her publishing debutTari Faris has been writing fiction for over twelve years, but You Belong With Me, releasing September 3 with Revell Books, marks her publishing debut. And I have to say, all in all, it's a pretty solid debut!
You Belong With Me is book one in the Restoring Heritage series, and is a contemporary romance set in the small fictional town of Heritage, Michigan. Honestly, as a native Michigander, that is the main reason I chose to read this book. Small town on the shores of Lake Michigan? I'm in! From the details Faris uses to describe the town and area, you can tell the author has spent a fair amount of time in the Great Lakes state, and I loved the authentic portrayal of my home state.
Amidst the small-town backdrop, Faris writes relatable characters who are far from perfect. I loved the small-town vibes the whole book portrayed with its relatively large cast of characters. Hannah and Luke were well-rounded main characters, and I greatly enjoyed the inclusion of a secondary couple, Janie and Thomas's story, although that makes this book a bit different than your standard romance.
Speaking of romance, that's where this book loses a star for me. The physical attraction and love triangles between the characters got to be a bit much for my tastes, and I found myself rolling my eyes and skimming in some areas.
However, one thing I really love about Faris's writing is that she always includes strong Christian themes in her stories. Often, that subject gets lost in the romance of most books in this genre, even though they may be touted as Christian romance. But in Faris's stories, no matter what the struggles are, the characters always point each other back to God in the end.
All in all, Faris's incredibly relatable and readable writing style was very enjoyable and I loved delving deep into these characters' stories. It is clear this author has spent years honing her craft before jumping into the publishing world, for which I give her kudos. This book is well-rounded and polished to a shine! Overall, if you love a sweet contemporary romance with strong themes, definitely check this one out!
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions. ...more
Having heard wonderful things about Wilson's debut novel, I, of course, leaped at the chance to nab a copy of Midnight on the River Grey. And I'm so gHaving heard wonderful things about Wilson's debut novel, I, of course, leaped at the chance to nab a copy of Midnight on the River Grey. And I'm so glad I did! From page one, this book drew me right into the story and I did not want to put it down.
Wilson has a beautiful writing style that fits the time period so perfectly and drew me right into the story. Everything down to the characters' dialogue is so perfectly accurate, although there were a few instances of dialogue that I felt were too modern. The plot was intriguing and kept me on my toes, guessing as to how the story would end. Although I did surmise the ending ahead of time, that didn't take away from the enjoyment of the story for me.
I loved each of the characters as well, but I have to say, they felt rather flat to me. I feel like more depth could have been added and made the story that much better. While they were good characters, and I enjoyed their story, they could have been better characters with a little more fleshing out.
All in all, I very much enjoyed this intriguing Regency novel and look forward to reading more by this talented author! If this is only her second book and it's already this good, I look forward to reading even more excellent works! I highly recommend checking this book out! You won't regret it.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts and opinions. ...more
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