Cathy's World

A place to share my thoughts, recipe and book reviews and what is happening in my life

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

Echoes of Infamy by Shaina Steinberg

Bishop & Gallagher Mystery #3

~ Stepping back into this series was like entering a black and white movie from the era. It was also like returning home as I came across characters mention of Pickwick Book Store where the family used to go for family evening outings, Clifton’s Cafeteria where we sometimes ate, and Bullock’s Pasadena where I shopped and bought trousseau items with my mother ~

What I liked: * Evelyn Bishop: president of Bishop Aeronautics, married to Nick, spy during WWII, private investigator after the war, intelligent, feminist of sorts, wealthy, open minded, fair, honest, empathetic, wise, someone I would want as a friend * Nick Gallagher: private investigator, married to Evelyn, poor as a child, abusive parents, abandoned as a preteen, survived on the streets, grew up in Los Angeles, excellent investigator, finds out a bit more about his family in this book, wants a family in the future

* Carl Santos: member of the OSS team Evelyn and Nick belonged to, FBI agent unhappy in his job, good friend, intriguing, has secrets, would like to find his life partner * Aunt Taffy: Evelyn’s aunt, socialite, organized, interesting, quirky, there for Evelyn and those who need her

* People working at Bishop Aeronautics:  Julia: Evelyn’s excellent personal secretary, Willa: engineer soon entering a PhD program and Hank: head of the engineering department

* The Takemura family’s part that covered internment of some, suicide of one, and enlistment and service during the war of another

* The difficult historical information shared about the Japanese internment and its impact on the Japanese communities in the USA

* Rory Gallagher: Nick’s thirteen-year-old nephew, son of Nick’s sister Paula, bright, loves to read, seeking family, has secrets, has potential, hope to see more of him in the next book

* Thinking about my parents who married at the end of WWII and their life in Southern California

* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing

* That I felt a part of the story and cared about the outcome

* The way Evelyn and Nick dealt with issues that needed to be handled

* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like: * Thinking about the post WWII era with racism, bigotry, misogyny, homophobia, abuse of power, and government spying on the people

* The internment of Japanese and knowing that other “alien” nationalities were also interned

* Knowing that the darker parts of this book are all to real and that many of them still can be seen today.

* Having to wait for the next book

Did I like this book? Yes

Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

BLURB

In late-1940s Los Angeles, former spies Evelyn Bishop and Nick Gallagher dig into shady real estate dealings, murder, and the appalling aftereffects of WWII-era Japanese American internment in this intrigue-filled historical mystery for readers of Allison Montclair, Jacqueline Winspear, Ashley Weaver, and Susan Elia MacNeal. Now president of her father’s company, Bishop Aeronautics, Evelyn is presiding over a groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of her factory when she is approached by Billy Takemura, a Japanese American soldier who announces that she’s building on stolen land. Like Evelyn and Nick, Billy is a war hero. He served in the decorated 442nd Nisei company, while most of his family were forcibly interned at Manzanar. Their thriving family restaurant, and the land it occupied, were taken while they were in the camp. Determined to right this wrong—and concerned about her father’s possible involvement in profiteering—Evelyn enlists Nick in her investigation. What starts as a discovery of widespread fraud quickly graduates to murder. Suspects range from an unscrupulous business partner to a bitter widow to Billy’s hotheaded brother. It’s up to Evelyn and Nick to expose the truth. However, it’s not easy when Evelyn is fending off betrayal in her own company and Nick’s brutal childhood returns to haunt him. Nothing is as it seems as secrets threaten to destroy the life they have worked so hard to build . . .

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

The Bookseller by Tim Sullivan

DS George Cross Mystery #7

~ George Cross is becoming a person of interest to me – not as a criminal but instead as a character that follows clues to put criminals behind bars. In the process he has ruffled feathers at times while also endearing himself to others, including me ~

What I liked:

* That this book reminded me of trips to bookstores with my father, an avid collector of antique books and being reminded of what happened to some of his collections – and – of my brother who continued the tradition – and perhaps of myself who has a collection of cookbooks on my shelves * DS George Cross: brilliant, diligent, tenacious, very literal, doesn’t always grasp undercurrents jokes or sarcasm, intriguing, focused, excellent detective, has Autism Spectrum Condition, plays the organ, close to his father (Raymond) who raised him

* DS Josie Ottey: George’s work partner, widow, mother of two teenage daughters, relies on her mother for childcare and has had her move in with her, deals with mother-daughter tensions across three generations, patient, kind, and a good fit to work with George, recently promoted * DCI Ben Carson: in charge-supervisory position, more comfortable in the office than working crime scenes, new father, focused on his future, quick to charge suspects, not as savvy as he thinks * The police procedural aspects of the story * The twists and turns and George’s ability to see each clue that proves someone is not the culprit and his willingness to follow those clues relentlessly * Alice Mackenzie: police staffer in previous book, returned to study to become an officer, in a relationship with Dr. Michael Swift, strong, resilient, survivor, is assaulted and presses charges against her attacker in the previous book – trial takes place in this story * Dr. Michael Swift: bright, professional, meticulous, thoughtful, in a relationship with Alice, supportive, an admirer of George Cross, noticeable for his height

* The intricate plot, deliberate pacing, and excellent writing * Support characters:

  - Christine – George’s birthmother and ex-wife of Raymond – now back in their lives,

  - Stephen – Catholic priest, baker, supportive, lets George play the church organ on Thursdays

  - Various and sundry others that pop up throughout the series * The way all of the threads are tied together to reveal who murdered the bookseller and the many people that could have but didn’t do it * All of it except…

What I didn’t like: * What I was meant not to like * Thinking about the crimes that occurred and the damage done to more than one person in the story

* Realizing again that not everything is black and white even though George might think so at times

Did I like this book? Yes

Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Atlantic Grove – Atlantic Crime for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

BLURB

“One of the most iconic British fictional detectives of the 21st century.”—Daily Mail Read enough, and you’ll learn how to get away with murder A violent murder in a bookshop kicks off this propulsive new addition to the beloved DS George Cross mystery series When the body of a bookseller is discovered lying in a pool of blood in his Bristol bookshop, the police have one How did the man meet such a violent, murderous end in this peaceful place? Detective Sergeant George Cross has a knack for dismissing red He goes by the cold hard facts, and nothing else. But with a concerning development in his personal life, Cross is hopelessly distracted. He needs to rely on those around an entirely foreign concept. Bookselling may be a quiet profession, but it's full of passionate, ambitious characters who know the value of a rare book. Their extensive reading means they also know how to get away with murder. But is that enough to fool the tenacious DS George Cross?

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

His Own Brother by Charlie Gallagher

Abigail Morton Thriller #2

This was a book I looked forward to reading but couldn’t get into. It grabbed me early as Josh was beaten and left for dead. Brothers in gangster lifestyle have to trust one another and their trust was as broken as Josh after his beating.

As I do with books, I read the introduction, found myself having trouble concentrating so I read the end and found out where the middle would lead. I read a bit from the middle and learned about Josh and Alex and understood why they were a strong unit.

When their mother stepped in and made the decision she did it definitely impacted her family. Abigal’s part in this book is as the handler of Abigail although there were times it felt Abigail was handling things more than the police. Abigail’s motivation for turning her sons might have been worthy but in the end, it probably didn’t work out as she had hoped it would.  

The book is well written, deals with good and evil, trust, family, crime, murder, and more. The beginning were very dark. The dynamics within Abigail’s team seemed uncomfortable and a place where I would have trouble working. This book didn’t leave me feeling uplifted and hopeful and with all that is going on in my life right now, it might not have been a good fit for me to be reading. That said, I believe many will pick this book up and speed read as they enjoy every moment. I loved book five in the Maddie Ives series so am wondering if I will choose to read more in this series or not.

Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe for the ARC – This is my honest review.

2 Stars for me as I coludn’t get into it

4 Because it should be published

3 as an average of the above

BLURB

A man lies beaten to a pulp in a deserted car park in Maidstone, Kent. His own brother put him there. Josh Winters never saw it coming. He trusted his brother Alex. He always has. Detective Abigail Morton is embedded in a fractured source-handling unit on the Kent coast. She’s working a dangerous informant operation against the Winters’ criminal gang. Everyone says the brothers are untouchable. But something is shifting inside the organisation. A crack running through its foundations — and Abigail is close enough to feel it. Getting close enough to use it is another matter. But now she has a way in. Josh and Alex’s mother, Betsy, is willing to turn on her own sons . . .

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

Wild and Wanted by Amy Andrews

Redemption Valley Ranch #1

~ This story hit the spot making the day better by spending time with Clay and Stevie at Redemption Valley Ranch ~ I’m still smiling as I think about their lives after reading the last page ~

What I liked:

* Clay Calhoun: ex-rodeo star, suffered horrific last ride on the circuit, suffering professional loss, works on family ranch, skilled horseman, experienced, supportive, feels something for Stevie

* Stephanie “Stevie” Everhart: grammy winner, country music writer and singer, introverted, pleaser, made a vow when younger that she may be ready to give up, knew Clay was special at first sight

* The introduction and first time Clay and Stevie became aware of one another

* The mature honest communication between Stevie and Clay

* That I felt the two were perfect for and with one another

* Clay’s family who were supportive, caring, kind, hardworking, and enterprising people I would want as friends

* The way Clay supported Stevie as she navigated big issues toward the end of the story

* Cindy Everhart’s wakeup moment and how she stepped up for Stevie

* Knowing that there will be at least two more books to look forward to and wondering which of the characters from this book will star in them

* That Stevie reminded me a bit of myself when I was her age though I was NOT a singer or songwriter

* That I am smiling now as I think about tis story that made me feel and care and what a HEA ending

What I didn’t like: * Thinking about the loss of Yolanda, Stephanie’s sister, and the devastating hole her death created in the lives of her sister and parents

* Thinking about grief and the way people process it – sometimes in a positive way and sometimes in ways that are not

* Having to wait for the next book in the series.

Did I like this book? Yes

Would I like to read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC – This is my honest review

5 Stars

BLURB

A BRAND NEW wildly hot, opposites-attract cowboy romance from USA Today Bestseller Amy Andrews 💖🐎 Perfect for fans of Elsie Silver, Jessica Peterson, Lyla Sage and Roxanne Tully 💛 A gruff bronco-riding cowboy. A country star in over her head. One month on a Wyoming ranch...and sparks neither of them planned. 🌾💕 Tropes: ✨ Cowboy meets city girl ✨ Opposites attract ✨ Grumpy sunshine ✨ Teacher / student ✨ Fish out of water ✨ Spicy slow burn 🐴 Clay Calhoun used to be the hottest bad boy on the professional rodeo circuit but a career-ending injury has dragged him back to Wyoming and the family dude ranch he escaped a decade ago. The washed-up bronc rider doesn’t want to babysit tourists pretending to be cowboys while he’s licking his wounds and dodging regrets. Then a record label drops a city girl straight into his pasture. 🌸 Reluctantly famous country music sensation Stephanie “Stevie” Everhart needs authentic cowgirl cred to go with her shiny golden Grammy, so her label sends her and her helicopter mother to Wyoming for a month to get some mud on her boots. Unfortunately for Clay he’s given the job of teaching her how to ride a horse. Clay doesn’t do babysitting. Stevie doesn’t do bad boys. But beneath those big, reckless skies, good girl Stevie discovers a streak of wild she’s never dared unleash and Clay finds grit and warmth that slip past his defences. What starts as image control ignites into sparks neither planned. Who knew going a little wild meant you might just end up wanted – for keeps.

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

The Grave Song by Andrew James Greig

Detective Corstorphine #4

~ Twisted tale of families, secrets, love, and loss~Couldn’t put it down ~

What I liked: * DI Jim Corstorphine: strong leader, cares about and utilizes staff to their best potential, focused, puzzle solver, eager to start a family with his wife Shamila, persistent, dedicated, professional

* Jack Knight: military, 1st Battalion, Ranger Regiment, elite soldier, strong, silent, lethal, quiet, protective, intelligent, stoic, there for his sister and niece

* Mary Knight: Jack’s sister, single mother of nine-year-old Amelia, lives in France, left home ten years prior to the story

* That Jack and Mary reconnected and feeling hope that they will have more time together in the future

* Catching up with Corstorphine’s team and watching them work together, they are a cohesive supportive group

* The complexity of the case with its twists and turns, red herrings, and so many unknowns to suss out

* That three deaths/murders and a kidnapping were solved through diligent police following clues

* That all the threads of the story were followed and tied up tightly without any left dangling at the end of the book

* That I came to care about the characters, feel for and with them, and cared about the outcome

* Finding out what the treasure was that Janet told some about * Knowing that there will be another book in the series…hopefully soon  

What I didn’t like: * Who and what I was meant to dislike

* The warped thinking and motivation of the murderer

* The loss of innocent lives and the impact it had on those left behind

* Filip: greedy, unscrupulous, manipulative, crystal aura reading ne’er-do-well

Did I like this book? Yes

Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review

5 Stars

BLURB

The wicker coffin remained upended where it had been dropped headfirst in the open grave. But it was the pale arm reaching from beneath – fingers curled around the woven edge – that froze the mourners where they stood. In the rain-soaked Scottish Highlands, Detective Inspector James Corstorphine arrives at what should have been a simple funeral. Janet Knight wanted only to rest among the birdsong and wildflowers she loved. Instead, her burial becomes a crime scene when a young woman’s body is discovered in the grave. Questioning the fractured family – a volatile soldier son, estranged religious siblings, and a healer who promises passage to the next realm – Corstorphine uncovers a devastating connection. Janet’s daughter Mary vanished from these same woods over ten years ago, leaving behind a mother who never stopped searching. With forensics threatening to unearth every body in the woodland cemetery, Corstorphine must navigate family betrayals to discover why someone chose Janet’s grave to hide their victim. But in these silent woods where even birds have stopped singing, some secrets refuse to stay buried. The fourth gripping DI Corstorphine mystery from CWA New Blood Dagger Longlist author and McIlvanney Prize finalist Andrew James Greig. A haunting Scottish crime thriller perfect for fans of LJ Ross, Ian Rankin, and Val McDermid.

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

When I First Met You by Lori Foster

Family Ties #2

~ Wonderful way to spend the day ~ Loved Glory & Kam as people that were also perfect together ~

What I liked: * Glory McCallahan: orphaned young, raised by her wealthy aunt and uncle, strong, survivor, bright, empathetic, hard worker, wealthy, insecure, pleaser, giving, Callie’s cousin/close as a sister/BFF

* Kam Norwood: abused as a child, taken in by Addie, welder, works with children at risk, attractive, outgoing, caring, kind, has a plan, nothing like his parents,

* The way Kam stepped up to help Glory after the wedding, the way the first impressions Kam and Glory had of one another changed, and watching their relationship grow

* Addie: widowed too young, took in Kam and Tanner and raised them, wonderful cook, nurturing, accepting, caring, friendly, someone I’d want for a friend

* Catching up with Tanner and Callie on their wedding day

* Glenda: Glory’s neighbor, a bit of a snoop, a surprisingly wonderful person

* The way Callie’s mother/Aunt Liz to Glory began to change and how much she grew on me

* PB: a homeless dog that caused an accident but ended up in the a warm loving home

* The youth that Tanner and Kam were helping and wondering if we will see more of Nell & Liam, Kirby & his sister, or any others in the future

* The stepfather who was there for two at risk children

* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing

* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:

* Mike: obsessive, stalker, deranged, evil, murderous, creep that was a menace

* Thinking about abuse and the impact it has

* Having to say goodbye to Hoker, Kentucky and the wonderful people that live there

Did I like this book? Yes

Would I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins, and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

BLURB

From New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster comes an all new slow-burn romance about trust, healing, and finding love when you least expect it. When he stepped in to help out a city girl, no one expected a “pretend” rescue would lead to something real. When Glory McCallahan’s cousin moved to Hoker, Kentucky, she felt like she’d lost her best friend. Then, Callie fell in love. To help with wedding arrangements, Glory joins her, but after, the plan is to get back to her perfectly ordered life. Glory has always played it safe, keeping her polished smile in place and her heart on lockdown. No way is she going to let the rugged, too-handsome younger brother of her cousin’s new husband mess with her plans. No matter how infuriating, irreverent, and impossible to ignore Kam may be. Kam Norwood sees past Glory’s flawless surface, and when he notices she’s being accosted by a wedding guest, he gallantly steps in. What starts as a pretend rescue turns into a night of unexpected sparks. Kam’s not afraid of Glory’s sharp edges--or her secrets. So when the rejected guest turns out to be Glory’s angry ex and things escalate, Kam’s protective instincts kick in big-time. Turns out, the sizzling attraction may be the one thing that can keep them both safe. “Sweet, with just the right touch of steam...”--Fresh Fiction on Let Me Be the One Lori Foster’s Family Ties duet Book 1: Let Me Be the One Book 2: When I First Met You

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

Falling Into You by Jill Shalvis

Colburn Brothers #3

~ The Star Falls Legend states that if you see three falling stars arching together across the sky, your soul mate will enter your life? All three Colburn brothers saw the phenomenon while together one night, pooh-poohed that it could be true, and then did everything they could to pretend they had not seen the stars at all…and yet…two out of three brothers are pretty sure that their youngest brother will be joining them soon.  ~

What I liked: * Tucker Colburn: Firefighter, EMS, Colburn Restorations Estimator, youngest brother, strong, protective, steady, reads people easily, has a special relationship with Hazel

* Hazel Pierce: owner of Pierce Custom Woodwork, skilled carpenter, in town due to father’s health scare, left Star Falls over a decade ago with unfinished business

* That both Tucker and Hazel were there for one another when younger and that in spite of the years apart they still have a lot to unpack and in so doing may be the third to fall for the falling star legend

* That Hazel and Tucker both had difficult fathers and were there for one another in the past

* Hank Colburn: a once abusive tyrannical father whose health issue has rendered him dependent and a completely different person…one that is so different from who he once was

* Finding out how the couples from the first two books were doing

* Keira: The youngest Colburn, widowed mother of four-year-old twins, coming out of her grief at the loss of Auggie, and knowing that her future looks bright…was worried about her in the past

* The way Tucker and Hazel finally were able to open up to one another, communicate, clear up past issues, and finally end up together ~ They were perfect for and with one another.

What I didn’t like: * Thinking about the pain suffered by more than one character in the past – even though they all came out okay in the end

Favorite quote: “You can show up. You can fight for her. Fight like you’re the third monkey on the ramp to Noah’s Ark and it just started raining”

Did I like this book? Yes

Would I read more by this author? Definitely

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

BLURB

Some love stories don’t stay buried, no matter how far you run. Hazel Pierce has three goals for coming back to Star Falls: 1. Help her estranged dad. 2. Keep things strictly temporary. 3. Absolutely, under no circumstances, fall for Tucker Colburn again. That plan dies a dramatic, soggy death when a rogue wasp sting sends Hazel swerving off the road and into the river—only to be hauled out, half-drowned and furious, by the Star Falls Fire Department’s finest. Unfortunately, “finest” is ex–best friend, ex–one-night mistake, and the man she’s been avoiding for a decade. Tucker’s always had a way of getting into her head. And now between a family that thrives on gossip and a town that’s way too small for all this chemistry, Hazel’s running out of ways to avoid the truth. As sparks turn into late-night confessions and slow, toe-curling kisses, Hazel has to decide if she’s done running—from her past, from this town, and from the only man who’s ever made her feel like home. And Tucker has to prove that this time, he’s not just her safe place to crash—he’s her always.

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

The Worst Wedding Date by Pippa Grant

Three BFF’s and a Wedding #1

~ Rom-Com, opposites attract, enemies to lovers, and more ~ Not for me but some will love it ~

What I liked: * Theo: kind, generous, thoughtful, wise, fun-loving, trouble-magnet, understands and likes himself, attracted to Laney

* Laney: intelligent, parent-pleaser, wants to run family business, prim, proper, wants to break free but doesn’t know how, attracted to Theo

* The friendship between Laney, Emma, and Sabrina that was warm, strong, and vibrant

* The cats – all of them

* The island setting though the resort had a lot of issues

* That eventually one couple realized they were not meant for one another and another couple found out the opposite

What I didn’t like: * It felt like everything was over the top or trying too hard to be funny

* I had trouble believing that the characters were nearly thirty and not still in their teens

* I never understood what Emma saw in Chandler

* I felt that Theo was labeled and misunderstood most of his life – and I can’t figure out why

* The blackmail feeling of the secrets some knew about others

* That I just couldn’t get into the story, feel with the characters, or easily see them together

Did I enjoy this book? Not so much

Have I read and enjoyed other books by this author? Yes

Would I read more by this author? If the synopsis/blurb sounded interesting, maybe

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC – This is my honest review.

2-3 Stars

BLURB

He’s a tattooed shirtless bad boy. My best friend’s brother. And the jerk on the other side of my bed. I didn’t know bridesmaid was code for babysitter for the bride’s brother , but if that’s what my best friend needs of me for her dream wedding to go off without a hitch, that’s what I’ll do. Even if Theo Monroe has been a pain in my rear since third grade. Even if he should be responsible enough to not wreak havoc at his sister’s destination wedding. Even if it means we have to share a hotel room in Hawaii, which might be the final duty that breaks me. Not only does Theo know exactly how to push my buttons, but he never wears clothes, he’s hiding a litter of kittens in his room, and he keeps showing up with fresh-baked cookies that seemingly come from nowhere. Also? I have no idea what’s up with the tension between him and the groom. Or why he’s so proud of the world’s strangest wedding gift. Or why I suddenly want to know what makes him tick. The story behind his tattoos. How he can afford to rent a convertible in Hawaii. And if maybe all of that utter frustration and irritation I’ve felt for him for years is suppressed attraction that a good girl like me isn’t supposed to feel for the biggest bad boy of Snaggletooth Creek. But I do know one thing. When I find out his biggest secret and the answer to all of my questions, it will change everything . The Worst Wedding Date is a frolicking good time of a destination wedding enemies-to-lovers romcom, complete with a good girl bridesmaid, her best friend’s troublemaking but secretly big-hearted brother, and more than one hitch on the way to happily ever after. It stands alone, has no cheating, and comes complete with ooey gooey goodness.

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

The Wolf at the Door by Kate Wiley

Margaret Phalen FBI #2

~ Possible cold case murders on the Appalachian Trail has Margot and her team moving away from their usual cold case duties to find an active serial killer ~

What I liked: * That the book is able to standalone – I did not realize when I started reading that the lead character had a five-book series with her as a detective working in the SFPD before a spinoff series with her at the FBI was started. I had no trouble following the story.

* Margot Phalen: daughter of serial killer Ed Finch, skilled police detective, excellent interviewer of serial killers, traumatized by past events hinted at that were probably shared in previous books, in a committed relationship with Wex Fox

* Wes Fox: high school coach, left his job at the SFPD when Margot moved to the FBI, was accused of murder in a previous book and exonerated, understands and loves Margot

* The team that Margot works with

* The setting – have heard about the Appalachian Trail and admire those that have walked all of it

* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing

* The police procedural aspects of the story

* That there was more than one murder/er and story thread to follow with one lingering for the next book or possibly more than one book

* That Margot and her team were able to solve the mystery of who the serial killer was and bring justice for the families of the survivors

What I didn’t like: * Thinking about how differently those that hunt and kill humans must think from the way I do

* The loss of innocent lives and the suffering some of them went through

* That I had a strong suspicion who the murderer was the first time they showed up on the page – and I was right

* That I was curious about Margot and her past and knew that the only way I could find out this information would be to find and read the previous books.

Did I like this book? Yes – but think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read all of the previous books Margot starred in

Would I read more in this series/books by this author? Maybe, if the blurb sounded interesting

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

BLURB

When seven skeletons are unearthed along the Appalachian Trail, FBI Special Agent Margot Phalen thinks she already knows who put them there. Margot knows how predators hunt. As the daughter of one of America’s most notorious serial killers, she’s turned her dark past into a weapon, becoming the Bureau’s expert at getting inside the minds of monsters. Wyatt Holmes has been behind bars for a decade, convicted of hunting hikers like animals through the Tennessee wilderness. He claims wolves led him to his prey. Everyone thinks he’s insane and surely responsible for the newly discovered skeletons—until the bodies start telling a different story. The burial patterns are wrong. The timeline doesn’t fit. And as Margot ventures deeper into the wilderness where Holmes once stalked hikers, she discovers a horrifying truth: someone else is out there. This time, she isn’t the only one hunting—in fact, she’s become the target. A heart-pounding thriller that will leave you breathless. Perfect for fans of Lisa Gardner, Karin Slaughter and Gregg Olsen.

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

A Lyon for Luck by Chasity Bowlin

~ Lucky or unlucky ~ Fletcher and Daphne may have just run into Lady Luck others know as Bessie Dove-Lyon ~ This couple so deserved to find one another and I loved watching their journey ~

What I liked: * Bessie Dove-Lyon: owner of The Lyon’s Den, excellent matchmaker, business woman, widow, wealthy, knows and is known to many, a bit of an enigma, someone I would want in my corner

* Miss Daphne Acres: dysfunctional family life, atrocious parents, her mother died at her birth, father finds her a burden and only sees her for what she can bring to him in status or money, lost her reputation previous to the story, realizing she has nothing to lose and is coming into her own

* Fletcher Quill, Lord Aldwyn: second son of a second son that came into the title, orphan raised by his spendthrift uncle, poor, saddled with the estate’s debts, needs a wealthy wife, never thought he’d marry, someone I admired

* That the couple came in with realistic expectations, communicated honestly, and knew what they chose in and with one another was necessary to provide them both safe futures

* That there was physical attraction at first, a feeling of trust they felt with one another, and that their emotions and feelings were not engaged immediately but grew over the arc of the story

* The part the Black Widow – Bessie played

* The pragmatic way Daphne looked back on her betrothal to Lynley and acceptance/blessing of his marriage to Ellis and her ability to go to them for assistance (unread by me but refers to: Lady Luck and the Lyon by this author)

* The wild ride to wed

* That I could see Daphne and Fletcher happy together

* Being able to dislike Daphne’s father and the horrible Lord Pozenby he was willing to sell her to

What I didn’t like: * Reginald Acres: a man that should never have had children

* Lord Pozenby: despicable, disgusting, dirty, entitled person

* Thinking about Daphne’s half-brother and wondering if his sister would step up to help him out in the future

Did I like this book? Yes

Would I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Draqgonblade Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

BLURB

Miss Daphne Acres can be described in one word. Unlucky. Terribly unlucky. With parents whose devotion is lackluster at best, a failed engagement, an elopement scandal that was in fact an abduction scandal in disguise, her reputation is in tatters. She’s both an object of ridicule and a cautionary tale for other young ladies… and now her father is attempting to force her to wed an aging roué who is both odious and odorous. Unwilling to be a pawn in anyone’s games ever again, Daphne breaks every rule and seeks out the services of Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon… who changes her luck forever. Fletcher Quill, Lord Aldwyn, has gone from being poor to utterly impoverished. Poor was having no money. Impoverished is owing almost everyone money—because when one inherits a title, one also inherits its debts. But Mrs. Dove-Lyon proves to him that she’s earned her reputation as matchmaker supreme, because she introduces him to Miss Daphne Acres. Instantly, he is drawn to her. Like a moth to flame. In very little time, Fletcher realizes that while he needs her fortune, he simply wants Daphne… to a degree that stuns him. More dangerous still, he likes her and respects her. And all of those things together signify one thing… perhaps for the first time in his life, luck—along with a notorious matchmaker—has smiled on him. And love is not far behind. But first, they have to outrun her father and the reprobate he intends to barter her to. Because while Fletcher may have never had very much to call his own, when it comes to Daphne, he’s decided that possession is more than nine/tenths the law. It’s everything… and he will protect her at any cost. Tropes you'll Arranged MarriageFound FamilyRuined Reputation/Elopement/Forced proximity

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

Seduced by the Alien Mercenary by Robin O’Connor

Monster Mercenary Mates #10

~ Fear, hunger, fatigue, and pain are part and parcel of Irina’s life as a slave until one day Flack is captured and a possibilities open up for a better more free life if everything goes right ~

What I liked: * Irina: human, kidnapped from college on earth, scarred by another slave, sold to alien pirates, starved, overworked, trust issues, trying to survive, grows a lot through the book

* Flack: Sune alien, shape shifter with fox-like appearance, difficult childhood, strong, lethal,  procurer of goods, in trade, kidnapped by alien pirates, knows Irina is his mate

* Watching Irina learn to trust Flack, observing their “courtship”, and knowing they were perfect for and with one another

* That the two main characters were committed to survival and to one another

* That both Irina and Flack are searching for “home” and find it in one another and on the Varakartoom

* The way Flack had Irina send a message to the Varakartoom – his mercenary space ship and crew

* The gentleness, respect, and caring Flack showed to Irina

* The way the pirates were thwarted and wondering if the assassin sent by crime lord Jalima and wondering if she would show up in a book of her own

* That it was easy to dislike the pirates

* Thinking about what character will have his story told next

What I didn’t like: *Who and what I was meant not to like

* The Vidu spaceship and those that were on it

* The idea of slavery and the impact it had on more than one

Did I like this book? Yes

Would I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review

4-5 Stars

BLURB

Flack can steal anything, except his freedom, but he only needs one advantage to her. Irena I am nothing to the this merciless pirate crew but a scarred, unwanted human. Sent to clean cages, endure insults, and stay invisible. Until the day I meet him; Flack. He watches me like I’m something rare instead of ruined. His voice low and dangerous, his promises even more so. I know better than to trust a pirate… especially one who looks at me like he already owns me. I might not have a choice when the ship steers into danger even this ruthless crew can’t avoid. Flack Captured by the pirate crew I once ran with, I’m thrown into a locked cell and forced to bargain for my life. Steal the unstealable, and they’ll let me live. It’s a lie, and we all know it. The moment I scent her, I know. She’s my fated mate. Trapped on this ship just like I am, even if her cage has no bars. She’s skittish, like a wounded animal, but soon she’ll learn the I’ll burn this ship to the ground before I leave her behind. Because I’m a Sune in mating rut… …and I don’t leave what’s mine behind. This is a standalone novel and the tenth book in the Monster Mercenary Mates series. This sci-fi monster romance features a fox shapeshifter hero/former pirate, a scarred abducted human struggling to survive, and a steamy HEA. Alien MMCHe Falls First Touch-Her-and-Die Energy Morally Gray Hero Pirates and Smugglers Fox Shapeshifter Possessive Hero Military Sci-Fi Romance Utterly Devoted MMC Scarred FMC Enemies to Lovers Found Family Steamy Romance • No Cheating • HEAs

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

A Dangerous Vision by Christy Carlyle

Electra Poole Mystery 3

~ Solving murders isn’t easy though it can be rewarding and sometimes further romance…at least it seems to for Electra and Gideon ~

What I liked:

* Electra Poole: senses emotions, sees visions, sometimes hears words in the visions, refining her skills, curious, tenacious, generous, establishing her psychic business, mother was institutionalized by her father, loved & hated her murdered father, attracted to Gideon

* Gideon Pierce: Detective Inspector, pickpocket in childhood, taken into the home of Electra’s father and mentored by him, controlled, well dressed and spoken, bright, protective, attracted to Electra and has accepted her “ability”

* That Gideon and Electra know one another well and are able to build on the past to create a stronger relationship in the present * The paranormal element of the story and wanting to see how Electra’s abilities develop through the series * The police procedural aspects of the story, following the clues, and realizing that sometimes people that are murdered are not very nice * The plot, pacing, setting, and writing * That all of the threads were tied up at the end of the story and the murderer caught * Knowing that there will be another book to read in the future

What I didn’t like: * Who and what I was meant not to like

* Considering what I might be willing to do to avoid poverty, prison, or the workhouses and orphanages

* Thinking about what the penalty for murder was in this era, what part social status might play in the sentence handed down, and what the judgment would be for the murderer

Did I like this book? Yes Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to the Author, Oliver Heber, and Booksprout for the ARC – This is my honest review. 5 Stars

BLURB

When a murdered stranger carries her calling card, a lady psychic must clear her name—and protect the friend whose secrets may have gotten him killed. A man lies dead in the streets of London, and Electra Poole's calling card is found in his hand. Inspector Gideon Pierce, drawn back into her orbit despite every professional instinct, comes to her with questions she cannot answer. She has never met Percival Pennington. She has no idea why he carried her card. But Pierce's suspicion cuts deeper than the mystery itself, and Electra knows that her word alone will not be enough. The investigation leads to Lady Cordelia Redmayne—Electra's dearest friend, her housemate, and the wife of a powerful Member of Parliament. Cordelia's name cannot be tangled in scandal, not when her husband's career and her own standing hang in the balance. Electra will not allow it. She turns to the psychic gifts that have always set her apart, searching for answers in visions the police cannot see and truths the dead cannot speak. But what she uncovers is far more dangerous than a single murder. Hidden alliances stretch and tangle among those connected to Pennington. Buried secrets claw their way to the surface. And a disturbing vision reveals that danger may lurk for Gideon. Christy Carlyle delivers a richly atmospheric mystery where Gothic tension meets slow-burning chemistry, moral stakes meet psychic insight, and the past refuses to stay buried. Perfect for readers who crave Victorian mysteries with depth, danger, and romance woven through every shadowed corner. PERFECT FOR READERS WHO • Victorian mysteries with psychic sleuths • Fierce heroines protecting those they love • Atmospheric tension and high society scandal • Slow-burn chemistry with forbidden attraction • Secrets, shadows, and dangerous truths

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

How to Compromise a Duke by Mihwa Lee

~ Scandal, lies, desperation, and a possible curse wee two wary people agree to a marriage of convenience that isn’t always convenient ~

What I liked: * Violet: Baron’s daughter, oldest sister, responsible, frugal, protective, knowledgeable, willing to sacrifice for her family, intelligent, has low expectations for her future, forthright, has backbone

* Henry: Duke of Ravenshollow, nicknamed The Reaper, widowed three times, reserved, aloof, name-conscious, wants an heir, closed off, guarded, changed a lot through the story

* That both characters were believable, relatable, and people I grew to care about – their lives and stories were not easy but were rewarding in the end

* Being introduced to Violet’s four siblings, and mother and learning more about them – I would love to find out how they fare in the future

* Kit Harris: Violet’s father’s secretary who has been with the family seven years – a mysterious person I would like to know more about

* The botanical element of the story and remembering that many times herbalists were wiser and more successful healers than physicians

* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing that swept me up, made me feel part of the story, and care about the outcome

* The somewhat sinister and gothic feel though not a true gothic romance

* The satisfying conclusion with murder mysteries resolved, a happily ever after in the offing for Violet and Henry, and the potential romances to come for others in the book

* Reading a new-to-me-author that I would gladly read again

What I didn’t like: * Who and what I was meant to dislike

* Thinking about how difficult the lives of Violet and her family must have been – though probably not as difficult as some even less fortunate

* Snobbery and class elitism

* Thinking about the emotional pain Violet and Henry both experienced

Did I like this book? Yes

Would I read more by this author? Definitely

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

BLURB

She’ll turn a scandal into a happily ever after whether anyone approves or not. Lady Adeline Linton had weathered one family scandal—she refused to crumble beneath another. When London's most rakish young duke boasted of compromising her virtue in White's betting book, she shocked the ton by refusing to deny it. At eight-and-twenty, with her sister's elopement still haunting the family name, Adeline saw opportunity where others saw ruin. If the foolish boy wanted to drag her reputation through the mud for sport, she'd drag him to the altar in return. Let him choke on his lies while she finally claimed the family she desperately craved. Even when the formidable Duke of Ravenshollow arrived at her door—sent by the League of Dukes to make her see reason—she held her ground. The icy duke could intimidate all of London, but not a woman with nothing left to lose... except perhaps her heart. Henry Everstone, Duke of Ravenshollow, had buried one wife; he had no intention of taking another. Until Adeline Linton dared to look him in the eye and suggest he marry her himself if he wanted the rumors retracted. The audacious chit should have cowered before him like everyone else in the ton. Instead, she'd laid her desperate truth bare with a dignity that haunted him long after he'd left her drawing room. Henry had spent three years perfecting his reputation as London's most insufferable recluse, yet this spirited woman saw straight through his cold facade to something he'd thought long dead. When he offered for her—purely for an heir, nothing more—he expected a grateful, compliant bride. What he got was a woman whose passionate nature and stubborn principles threatened to thaw the ice around his heart, one scorching night at a time. Now he must protect the walls he's built, or risk everything for a woman who was never meant to be more than a convenience. Enemies to lovers Marriage of convenience Scandal/Ruined Reputation Baby/Heir Plot Duke hero

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

Beneath a Broken Sky by Joshua Moehling

Ben Packard #4

~ Hot muggy weather, skies filled with wildfire smoke, and a murderer on the loose had me following avidly to find out where this story would take me as I followed Ben while he solved the cases ~ Great addition to the series ~

What I liked:

* Ben Packard: seasoned detective, wise, team player, empathetic, good friend, tenacious, dedicated, persistent, strong, caring, has suffered loss, open minded

* Frank: Ben’s three-legged corgi rescue dog

* The people Ben works with, the way they support one another, their team spirit, and getting to know them better – Suresh (IT), Reynolds (newest detective), and Jill (on maternity leave and good friend of Ben’s)

* Ben’s knowledge of the people in Sandy Lake and his willingness to accept them as they are – his wise counsel to some, encouragement of others, and easy way of getting cooperation/information

* The police procedural aspects of the story

* Meeting Symphony, her relevance to Ben’s past, and the interactions she had with Ben

* Getting a glimpse into Ben’s personal life and finding out a bit more about his past, present, and perhaps future romantic interests – Curious about Kyle and Garrett

* The impact a devastating storm had on the community and how those who follow storms to do repairs played a part in this story

* Learning more about the two groups of men that were staying in town working on the damage to the town and the roles they played in the story – some I felt sorry for…others, not so much

* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing

* Knowing that there will be another book in the series

What I didn’t like: * Who and what I was meant not to like

* The way Sheriff Shepard treated others in his department

Did I like this book? Yes

Would I read more in this series? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

BLURB

From award-nominated and USA Today bestselling author Joshua Moehling comes a tense, atmospheric thriller about one detective's search for a mysterious killer in the chaos following a deadly storm… Detective Ben Packard has put down roots in the small town of Sandy Lake. A difficult thing to do; it's a hot, miserable summer, and a tornado has swept through causing irreparable damage. Trees are felled, homes destroyed, and people are desperate. Worse, the storm has also blown in a group of storm chasers with something to hide. Then a woman is killed in her home. The mother of a gay boy and unpopular among the locals for the hell she recently raised at school when the administration refused to punish a group of students who were bullying her son, there's almost too many suspects to count.  But to Packard, the case hits close to home. And when someone from his past shows up on his doorstep out of the blue, he realizes he'll have to confront the reality of navigating life as a gay man in a small town bent on tradition, no matter the cost. The heat suffocates. The violence simmers. Before the summer is out, someone else will die.

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

When He Loves by Cynthia Eden

Protector & Defender book 6

~ Intense, immersive, action-packed, second-chance romance that drew me in and wouldn’t let me go ~

What I liked: * Delaney Daniels: intelligent, tenacious, caring, creative, generous, soft-hearted, engaged to an evil man and wants out, broken hearted after Nash left her eight years before

* Nash Quinn: adopted by the Quinn family as a teen, goal of being a doctor thwarted, loved Laney, let her go to protect others, lethal, strong, protective, never stopped loving Laney

* The first chapter stealing of the bride – a bride that was willing and eager to get out of the wedding to an evil criminal killer that had deceived and planned to kill her

* Ryan Quinn: Nash’s brother, CIA, ex-Marine, outgoing, charming, rather Bond-like, protective, lethal, interesting, will star in book seven of the series

* Jezebel Jenkins: CIA operative, trainer, and higher-up; older, professional, focused, strong, strategic, protective of her colleagues

* That Laney and Nash always cared about one another even during their years apart

* That I cared about the characters and the outcome of the story

* Feeling that Nash and Laney were perfect for and with one another

* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing

* Finding out some of the backstories of the main characters

* Being able to thoroughly dislike the bad guys and wish Karma would land hard on them and/or that legal justice would be served

* That the book is able to stand alone without having read any of the previous books in the series

* Knowing that Ryan’s book is up next and the series is not over yet

* All of it except…

What I didn’t like:

* Delaney’s grandfather and his henchman Kurt – two very evil men that deserved worse than what befell them

* Having to say goodbye to the characters at the end of the story

Did I like this book? Yes

Would I read more by this author? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Hocus Pocus Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review

5 Stars

BLURB

He’s been in love with her since the day they met. Love at first sight? Sure, you can call it that. Love, obsession, whatever. All Nash Quinn knows is that from the instant he met Delaney Daniels, he fell for her. Hard. Completely. And now…she’s marrying someone else. A man who most people believe to be a prince charming, but Nash knows the guy is a real nightmare, and there is no way–no way–that he can let his Delaney go through with the marriage. Because as soon as she’s married, she’ll be dead. So he has to kidnap the bride. It’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it. Nash rides in on his motorcycle, and when the priest asks if anyone objects, Nash steals the bride. Only…Delaney comes far too willingly. She jumps on the back of his motorcycle, and they ride off into the night…even as the groom gives chase. She’s in trouble, and the man who once shattered her heart is the only one who can help her. Right before her wedding, Delaney found out just how dangerous and evil her groom-to-be truly was. Desperate and afraid, she’d sent a frantic text to her former best friend, Agnes, hoping for some miracle. She never expected her miracle to come in the form of Agnes’s brother Nash–gorgeous, big, powerful Nash. He storms the wedding and carries her out into the night. Yes, she’s heard the whispers about him. She even has secretly suspected that he might work for the government, but when she learns that big, bad Nash is actually a spy…A spy who just saved her from certain death…everything changes. The CIA wants to use her. Nash just wants to protect her. He has to hide Delaney. Has to whisk her away and stay close to her every moment. But emotions and needs that Nash has held in check for far too long are pushing past his control. This is finally his chance–his chance to have Delaney, and Nash is not going to let her slip through his fingers again. He’ll be the one to put a ring on her finger. And to set a trap for her ex. Another wedding? Sure, why not? When the CIA wants to nab her ex, Delaney is all-in on the plan. Even if that plan means traveling to Vegas, fake marrying the hot and brooding Nash, and risking everything to bring down a killer. She can do this…but, she may just lose her heart to Nash along the way. Her heart, and potentially, her life. Author’s Note: He’s stealing a bride, and he will not give her back. Nash has been in love with Delaney for years, and he is not going to let anyone hurt her. He’ll step from the shadows, he’ll protect her, and he’ll finally claim the woman who owns his soul. If anyone tries to get in his way, he’ll show them just how dangerous a real protector can truly be…

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

Double Shadow by Adam Ludington

Splinter Effect book 2

~ Fast-paced, action-packed, time travel thriller with history, romance, a time traveling serial killer, and a mystery or two to solve ~

What I liked: * The premise of the story – time travel has always been intriguing

* The research that must have been done by the author

* The furtherance of the relationship between Rabbit and Helen

* That many will enjoy this story and the series that is evolving

* Realizing that this was not the book I needed to read at this time as it brought up negative feelings due to what is currently happening in the part of the world I am living in

* That skimming the story told me that: the writing is well done, the characters well fleshed out, the plot well-constructed, the pacing brisk and compelling, and the hook at the end will leave readers that want to continue looking forward to finding out what Helen and Rabbit will get up to next as they perhaps run into this book’s serial killer again

What I didn’t like: * The serial killer that was so very evil – even knowing his backstory didn’t make me sympathetic to him

* That Rabbit can’t do anything while in the past that will impact or change the future

* Knowing this was not the book for me to be reading right now and wondering if I would enjoy it later or if it would still be a no-go for me

Did I enjoy this book? Not as much as I had hoped to

Would I read more in this series? Only if the time period and location of the next story was one that wasn’t so close to home

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3 Stars

BLURB

In this thrilling installment of the Splinter Effect series, time-traveling archaeologist Rabbit Ward returns to the past to help save his former adversary and track down a murderous thief in first century Jerusalem. ROME, 2019. Time-traveling, Smithsonian archaeologist Rabbit Ward is back in the present, but not for long. Helen, his former adversary and growing ally, is in trouble with the law after being framed for a murder she didn’t commit. Stuck in hiding and running out of other options, she turns to Rabbit for help. "Help" in this case involves a trip to first century Jerusalem to track down a mysterious man named Einar Eshek. But Rabbit won't have to do this mission alone; as soon as he arrives in 68 CE, he meets a younger version of Helen, one who has never met him before. Together, they work to track down Eshek, who turns out to be not only a time-traveling thief, but a murderous psychopath. As they pursue Eshek through time, Rabbit and Helen feel something even bigger pulling them together. Torn between the two versions of the woman he knows, and with the clock ticking down on Helen’s fate in 2019, Rabbit might have no choice but to betray her past self to secure Helen’s safety in the future. Tensions rise as Jerusalem prepares to go to war with Rome, and Rabbit races to capture Eshek, clear Helen’s name, and make it back to 2019 in one piece—a feat that’s proving to be easier said than done—before everything falls apart.

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

Summer With My Cowboy

~ Home is where your cowboy hangs his hat ~ Two heart warming love stories that see couples find their perfect match ~

COWBOY WANTED by Linda Lael Miller

Kendra felt broken when she left the Pacific Northwest to return to the small town Arizona community that she grew up in. Little did she know that the man she would meet there would provide so much more than she could have dreamed of. A bit formulaic and predictable but also a satisfying romance for Kendra and Gage once they realized they were meant to be together.

 (3 Stars)

ONE MORE SUMMER WITH YOU by Maisey Yates

What a wonderful story! I loved watching Jane and Spencer rekindle their three year summer camp romance after fifteen years apart. The fire that burned bright when they were together did not burn out, nope, the embers were just banked and waiting till the time was right for them to find one another and rekindle the fire that had been waiting to burst into flames again. I am growing to love this author.

(5 Stars)

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4 Stars (averaged)

BLURB

Publisher Description

Tough and tender, once a cowboy wins your heart, no one else will do—as two special women discover over the course of one sweet and sultry summer in this duo of romantic novellas from bestselling authors Linda Lael Miller and Maisey Yates... COWBOY WANTED by Linda Lael Miller A painful divorce has brought Kendra Spencer home from Seattle to sunny Copper Ridge, Arizona. Despite a comfortable settlement, Kendra needs to keep busy—and keep herself from stalking her ex on social media. So she starts waitressing at the local diner, finding comfort in the regulars and her thankfully ordinary days. . . . Until far from ordinary newcomer Gage Elder walks in. Not only is he a champion bronc rider, turns out he’s a widower—and maybe the one man understanding enough, kind enough—not to mention charming enough—to inspire Kendra to put the past behind her, and open her heart once more . . . ONE MORE SUMMER WITH YOU by Maisey Yates Between a fiancé with cold feet and a blocked promotion at the law firm where she works, it’s as good a time as any for Jane Cahill to help out at the Oregon camp where she spent her summers as a troubled teen. But the place brings up a mix of memories, mostly about Spencer Quinn, who has also returned to volunteer. Now a ranch owner, Spencer was Jane’s romance of three summers—plus one unforgettable night. In fact, neither has ever forgotten the other. And though fears about the future led Jane to break away, that future has arrived—and maybe this summer will be the one to last a lifetime .