Book Review: Frozen Past (A Jaxon Jennings' Detective Mystery Thriller Series, Book 1) by Richard C Hale

This fast paced thriller has a good bit of killing with intense tension.
Frozen Past (A Jaxon Jennings' Detective Mystery Thriller Series, Book 1)
by Richard C Hale

• File Size: 1523 KB
• Print Length: 328 pages
• Publisher: Three Thirty A.M. Publishing (March 5, 2012)
• ASIN: B007HETCU6

Genre: Suspense Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Jaxon Jennings. Cop. Homicide detective. Partner. He always had your back and rarely made mistakes.
Until the death of his son. Until the night he couldn’t save him. Until everything he held dear was taken away from him.
Now, a shell of a man, his reckless actions mark him as a burn-out. A Loner. A dangerous man whom many in the Fairfax County Police Department cannot trust. The criminals he pursues in the suburbs of Washington D. C. are nothing more than ways to bide his time until his next drink, next fix, next loss of control. His past haunts him no matter how hard he tries to hide from it.
So, when a boy’s body shows up floating under the ice of a quiet neighborhood pool, Jaxon finds himself immersed in a world where the ghosts of his past feel too close for comfort. A psychopath is using the innocent in ways that appear familiar.
Jaxon’s past is catching up with him. And the anger that seethes below the surface threatens to destroy not only his life, but the lives of a group of kids somehow connected with him. The answers are locked, frozen in the part of his past he refuses to confront. But people are counting on him. And he must do anything to save them.
Anything. Even if it costs him his life.

Review:
The story starts with a child disappearing; then another. The story continues to tell the sometimes gruesome tale of a broken cop and a serial killer who goes after children and teens. Jaxon is the cop who lost his own son to a killer years ago. When a boy’s body shows up floating in a pool Jaxon begins a chase with a criminal who seems to be always one step ahead.

Luke and Ellie have been best friends since third grade. Now they are in ninth grade and their relationship is warming up. Luke hear’s a strange voice as a group plays outside. Ellie’s dog disappears until Luke stumbles upon it during a snowball fight. The pair then get creepy facebook messages from a stranger. The kids pull a prank that turns into something horrible and soon the police are regular visitors.

Jaxon is intent on stopping the killer each death crushes his spirit more. As more dead bodies are found, including beheaded animals, the FBI is called in for some input. Soon Jaxon’s ex-wife, an FBI agent is working the case with him. Things might improve between them if Jaxon doesn’t fall into a greater depression over the death of more children.

Ellie and Luke need protection when it becomes clear the killer is targeting them. Can Jaxon and the authorities, or even Luke and his teen friends, stop the killer before he gets to Ellie?

The mystery and suspense is well done even though I found the murders disturbing. The young romance is an interesting and warm element to set off a bit of the gruesomeness. The story is fast paced with writing that is easy to read. However, I wouldn't recommend this for young readers. I do recommend it to readers who like a good thriller and aren’t squeamish about serial killing.

This title was from my Kindle library, free in July, 2012. It is the final book for my 2015 TBR Pile Challenge. It is still available as a free read.

Book Review: Fatal Judgment (Guardians of Justice Book #1): A Novel by Irene Hannon

I really liked this great suspense and romance.

Fatal Judgment (Guardians of Justice Book #1): A Novel

by Irene Hannon

• File Size: 1443 KB
• Print Length: 338 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0800734564
• Publisher: Revell (January 1, 2011)
• ASIN: B004DNWG2U

Genre: Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

U.S. Marshal Jake Taylor has seen plenty of action during his years in law enforcement. But he'd rather go back to Iraq than face his next assignment: protection detail for federal judge Liz Michaels. His feelings toward the coldhearted workaholic haven't warmed in the five years since she drove her husband--and Jake's best friend--to despair . . . and possible suicide.

As the danger mounts and Jake gets to know Liz better, he's forced to revise his opinion of her. And when it becomes clear that an unknown enemy may want her dead, the stakes are raised. Because now both her life--and his heart--are in danger.

Full of suspense and romance, Fatal Judgment launches a thrilling series featuring three siblings bound by blood and a passion for justice.

Review:
U.S. Marshall Jake Taylor has spent many years in law enforcement and is used to facing enemies to protect those he is assigned to. He is returning from assignment hoping to get some rest when he is called in to protect a federal judge. Not just any judge, but Liz Michaels, the widow of his best friend. Jake has some misconceptions that create an initial antagonism toward his charge. The longer he is around her the more he sees her actions seem to indicate that his views are wrong.

Liz lost her husband five years ago. Now her sister has been shot in the Judge’s home after seeking refuge from her sometimes violent husband. The spouse is always the first suspect but the investigation looks at others too. The authorities need Liz to back track through her files to locate someone who might be seeking revenge. When the killer slips through the protective detail to get to Liz, Jake realizes he has more to lose than just a charge.

This story has good romantic tension and suspense. I really liked Jake and Liz as the primary characters and Jake’s brother and sister add to the characters. The action is steady and I appreciated the faith based discussion between the characters. The romance develops with good chemical and emotional attraction that is fine without sexual scenes.

I have been eyeing this author and am glad I finally read one of her books. I will be glad to pick up more of her romantic suspense titles when given the opportunity. I recommend this book and author to those who enjoy strong characters and clean romance.

This is from my TBR shelf - 2012. It is the next to the last title for my 2015 TBR Pile Challenge.

Book Review: The Lord Is My Shepherd: The Psalm 23 Mysteries #1 by Debbie Viguie

This is a solidly entertaining mystery: good plot and warm characters (except for the killer, of course).
The Lord Is My Shepherd: The Psalm 23 Mysteries #1
by Debbie Viguie

File Size: 1027 KB
Print Length: 290 pages
Publisher: Abingdon Press; 1 edition (March 1, 2010)
Publication Date: March 1, 2010
ASIN: B00AKJXORW
Genre: Mystery
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Cindy’s church is getting ready to celebrate Easter, and Jeremiah’s Temple is preparing for Passover when Cindy literally stumbles over the body of an unknown man lying dead in the sanctuary. The church was locked, and a bloody cross necklace on the floor seems to be the only clue. The killer is likely a member of the congregation, but there are hints that similar deaths have happened in the past. Are Cindy and Jeremiah dealing with a serial killer? They have to unravel the clues before Easter Sunday arrives and more people die.
Cindy and Jeremiah come from two different worlds, even though they work right next door to each other. Cindy is a strong Christian who lives a normal but somewhat dull life, working as a church secretary. Jeremiah is a Reformed rabbi with a mysterious past full of danger and excitement. But one eventful Easter/Passover week, the two find themselves working together to solve a murder and stop a serial killer from striking again. Solving the mystery should put an end to their alliance, but the church secretary and the rabbi quickly find themselves enmeshed in another mystery. Soon the two form a friendly alliance and friendship, exploring personal history and faith and growing closer with each passing adventure. Despite their differences Cindy and Jeremiah find a lot of common ground.

Review:
Cindy is the secretary at her Presbyterian Church. They are preparing services for Easter when she opens the church one morning and tumbles upon a body in the sanctuary. A dark figure rushes in upon hearing her scream. Initially she is frightened but he introduces himself as the neighboring Rabbi, Jeremiah. Thus begins an unlikely friendship as Cindy continues to uncover bodies and Jeremiah continues to come to her rescue.

The murders are being posed to represent scenes from the Biblical week leading up to Easter. Cindy and Jeremiah are intent on helping the police find the killer as the gruesome scenes escalate. The detective, Mark, has to investigate to eliminate Cindy and Jeremiah as suspects, especially since they seem to show up at each crime scene.

This story jumps right into action with the first body appearing very early in the reading. It continues at a good pace with natural dialogue and actions of the characters. The author maintains a bit of mystery as to Jeremiah and his history throughout the story which adds an interest element. I enjoyed learning details I didn’t know about the Jewish celebration of the Passover Seder.

There was a touch of crossword puzzle questions which I always find fun and Ms. Viguie adds humor through the dialogue too. There were a few inspirational tidbits but nothing preachy. I really liked the positive message the Rabbi shared to help deal with the deaths of friends and loved ones.

Although the name was familiar, I didn't initially recognize that this is an author I read and reviewed before: Kiss of Night. This was an easy, fast paced mystery and I would enjoy reading more in the series (and more by Ms. Viguie). I recommend this to readers who like a good mystery with warm characters.

This is a title from my Kindle library, free in 2010. It is one of the titles for my 2015 TBR Pile Challenge.

Book Review: Sheltering Hearts (Virgin River Book 11) by Robyn Carr

This is a sweet little romance that showcases the needs of single mothers.

Sheltering Hearts (Virgin River Book 11)

by Robyn Carr

File Size: 246 KB

Print Length: 74 pages

Publisher: Harlequin Special Releases (April 30, 2010)

ASIN: B003JTHMO6

Genre: Romance Novella

My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr takes readers back to her beloved Virgin River country in this heartwarming tribute to Rhonda Clemons, founder of Zoë Institute and a winner of a Harlequin More Than Words award.
By discovering a seed of compassion and nurturing it to effect real change, the dedicated women selected as Harlequin More Than Words award recipients make our world a better place. To celebrate their accomplishments, bestselling authors have honored the winners by writing short stories inspired by their lives and work.
This special eBook is yours at no charge because Harlequin is committed to celebrating women’s efforts and supporting the causes that are meaningful to them. By sharing Rhonda Clemons's story, we hope to turn awareness into action and mobilize others to make a difference.
To find out more or to nominate a woman you know, please visit www.HarlequinMoreThanWords.com.

Review:
Dory Finn is a single mother who was able to escape her abusive and controlling husband with the help of the Zoe Institute, a women’s shelter. She was also fortunate to inherit a small home from her uncle on the outskirts of Fortuna, near Virgin River. Dory works hard as a grocery clerk to pay household bills and take care of her eight-year-old daughter and six-year-old son. Dory has little extra time since she spends her spare time and energy at the local women’s shelter group that she helped to establish in her community.

Dory has a new neighbor, handsome firefighter Clay, who is eager to be friendly. Dory doesn’t trust any man’s motives and pushes Clay away to the point of rudeness. Finally she realizes that her kids adore him and he has been nothing but nice and kind. She decides it is okay to be friends and allow things to develop from there.

Actually, I thought the beginning of the book was confusing although it was intended to introduce the real life person who was the founder of the Zoe Institute and the inspiration for this story. Although Dory may have helped establish the local support program she still has a ways to go to becoming healed of her own negative reactions. There is a sweet story as the relationship develops for Dory and Clay. Clay is a wonderful guy and steps right into a role with the children even though he has to learn to be patient with Dory.

Much of the energy of the book is spent promoting the need to help all single mothers, and lauding the program that helps especially those with no support structure. I liked the cameo appearances of a couple of characters that I recognized from the first Virgin River that I read earlier this year. The romance is sweet and the tone is typical small town, down-to-earth Robyn Carr. But clearly the whole plot is a platform for the chosen cause. Still, I enjoyed the quick read and give credit for the author’s effort to shed light on the difficulties faced by single mothers.

This is Book 9 for my TBR Pile Challenge (three more after this one). It is a free novella which has been on my Kindle shelf since 2010.

Book Review: Awaken His Eyes: The Awakened Book One by Jason Tesar

I found this story engaging but was disappointed with the ending.

Awaken His Eyes: The Awakened Book One
by Jason Tesar

File Size: 2321 KB
Print Length: 288 pages
Publisher: 4shadow, LLC; 2 edition (January 19, 2014)
ASIN: B0051BBHGE
Genre: Fantasy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Mankind's greatest hero will be awakened!
Book 1 of 9 in the bestselling Awakened series
The History: Thousands of years ago, a renegade faction of angels abandoned the spiritual realm and began their inhabitation of earth. Worshiped as gods for their wisdom and power, they corrupted our realm and altered the course of human civilization. Amidst the chaos of a dying world, a prophet foretold the awakening of a human who would bring an end to this evil. But the cataclysmic destruction of our planet forced a rebirth of humanity. The prophecy faded from the memory of our kind and went unfulfilled—until now!

The Awakened: The physical dimension is fractured. What remain are numerous worlds moving simultaneously through time, sharing a common history, connected by a guarded portal.

On a parallel Earth, in the city of Bastul, Colonel Adair Lorus disappears while investigating the death of an informant, triggering a series of events which will tear his family apart and set in motion the resolution of an ancient conflict. His son, Kael, sentenced to death after rising up against the cruel leadership of his new stepfather, is rescued from prison and trained in the arts of war by a mystical order of clerics. Excelling in every aspect of his training, Kael inwardly struggles to give himself fully to the methods of his new family, or the god they worship. Maeryn, bitter over the disappearance of her husband and supposed execution of her son, fears for her life at the hands of her newly-appointed spouse. Finding comfort and purpose in her unborn child, she determines to undermine his authority by reaching out to an underground social movement known as the Resistance. After being forced from his home, Kael’s former mentor, Saba, uncovers a clue to Adair’s disappearance. Sensing a connection to his own forgotten past, Saba begins an investigation that leads to the discovery of a secret military organization operating within the Orudan Empire.

In Book One of his Amazon bestselling debut series, Jason Tesar launches an epic saga that journeys from earth’s mythological past to its post-apocalyptic future, blending the genres of fantasy, science fiction, action adventure, and military thriller.

Review:
As I was marshaling my thoughts for this review I happened to read (or re-read) the blurb. Although the blurb gives a “history” for background, that same history is not clearly portrayed by the book. There are several characters to follow and I found each thread interesting. They all start at one family setting but I was curious how, if or when, they would come back together.

The local Governor of the city of Bastul, Colonel Adair Lorus, sets off to investigate the murder of a resourceful friend. He steps into a situation that he never expected and was unprepared for. As he tries to escape he disappears only to reappear at the very end of the book when he tumbles into an even stranger world.

Adair’s wife, Maeryn, and young son, Kael, are left at the fortress which is commandeered by an unknown, arrogant and cruel new governor. Kael is sentenced to death after he attacks the governor for beating a young slave boy. Before being killed Kael is spirited away to a dismal mass prison where he and others are rescued and taken to a monastery. There they are given training and education, preparing them to be warriors for the ‘one god’. Kael excels in his lessons through the years but he can’t commit his full loyalty as he senses deception.

Meanwhile Maeryn suffers through the loss of her husband and son. When she finds she is pregnant she is determined to protect the child. As the years pass she begins to secretly help the Resistance movement against the empirical and governor leaders.

Kael’s aged but wise tutor, Saba, is banished from the City. He tries to find the origin of the arrowhead that Adair left behind. After a number of years he is kidnapped and brought to a hidden compound. He meets an old friend, who is now his enemy. Apparently Saba has lost years of memory and his enemy is intent on digging out secrets of Saba’s old betrayal.

The story is written with simplicity so it read reasonably quickly. I enjoyed the interesting characters and the movement and activity in the story. Although it is engaging I was troubled that it doesn’t tie together so that I could understand what was happening and where the author was taking the story. This made for a disappointingly loose ending. It seems as though the reader has to read on in the series to find the connections. There is a time travel element that is just touched on at the end of this book. Although I enjoyed the story I am not so invested that I would soon get the next book. I would recommend the story to those who enjoy fantasy with the expectation of continuing in the series.

This is part of my 2015 TBR Pile Challenge; it was a free Kindle pick from 2011.

Audible Review: Citizens of London: The Americans Who Stood with Britain in Its Darkest, Finest Hour by Lynne Olson

This is an excellent portrayal of key Americans during WWII. History that we didn’t learn in school made ‘alive’.

Citizens of London: The Americans Who Stood with Britain in Its Darkest, Finest Hour
Written by: Lynne Olson
Narrated by: Arthur Morey

Length: 17 hrs and 28 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:02-22-10
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: History, WWII
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
In Citizens of London, Lynne Olson has written a work of World War II history even more relevant and revealing than her acclaimed Troublesome Young Men.
Here is the behind-the-scenes story of how the United States forged its wartime alliance with Britain, told from the perspective of three key American players in London: Edward R. Murrow, Averell Harriman, and John Gilbert Winant. Drawing from a variety of primary sources, Olson skillfully depicts the dramatic personal journeys of these men who, determined to save Britain from Hitler, helped convince a cautious Franklin Roosevelt and a reluctant American public to support the British at a critical time. The three---Murrow, the handsome, chain-smoking head of CBS News in Europe; Harriman, the hard-driving millionaire who ran FDR's Lend-Lease program in London; and Winant, the shy, idealistic U.S. ambassador to Britain---formed close ties with Winston Churchill and were drawn into Churchill's official and personal circles. So intense were their relationships with the Churchills that they all became romantically involved with members of the prime minister's family: Harriman and Murrow with Churchill's daughter-in-law, Pamela, and Winant with his favorite daughter, Sarah.
Others were honorary "citizens of London" as well, including the gregarious, fiercely ambitious Dwight D. Eisenhower, an obscure general who, as the first commander of American forces in Britain, was determined to do everything in his power to make the alliance a success, and Tommy Hitchcock, a world-famous polo player and World War I fighter pilot who helped save the Allies' bombing campaign against Germany. Citizens of London, however, is more than just the story of these Americans and the world leaders they aided and influenced.
©2010 Lynne Olson (P)2010 Tantor

Review:
This is history that I have never heard. Lynne Olson does a grand job of following a handful of Americans that made an impact in the events of World War II (WWII). Although the story focuses on the perspective of three primary players, there are other important characters discussed as well. The three primary men are John Gilbert Winant, a politician, Edward R. Morrow, a journalist, and Averell Harriman, a millionaire socialite. Each of these had a unique contribution, growth and experience that was fascinating to follow. All three developed close relationships with Winston Churchill and were influential in encouraging Franklin D. Roosevelt to commit to aiding Britain even though they were unable to get the United States to enter the war until the attack on Pearl Harbor in November, 1941.

Wianant was a likeable, shy, idealist Republican politician. He was a three term Governor of New Hampshire and the first head of the Social Security Board, a program evolving from the “Townsend Plan” which he strongly promoted. He became a friend of all Britains as the deeply personal and committed US Ambassador to Great Britain during the war years. Olson was able to portray his brooding passion and deep friendliness. She even conveyed the frustration and tragic waste of his death.

Morrow became the ‘voice of London’ as the American broadcaster for CBS. He was an on-the- scene correspondent who brought the blight of war torn London into the homes of Americans. Just as his reporting must have made the war more real to listeners, this audiobook made the war more real for me. The descriptions of the bombing on London and the evacuation and hardships of the citizens, left homeless, jobless and hungry, gave me a new appreciation for the fact that Americans have been privileged to live mostly free of the devastation of war on our own soil.

Averell Harriman was my least favorite of these characters as it first appeared that he was always seeking political influence through his social position and money. However he had provided a special intermediary role. He was appointed by FDR as a special envoy to Europe in the spring of 1941 and helped coordinate the Lend-Lease program which brought desperately needed supplies to Britain and allies. He became Ambassador to the Soviet Union in1943 trying to balance the interests of Europe allies as they fought the war on many fronts.

I think in school history we get a very condensed, shallow view of wars of the past… and then, of course, as years go by we forget even those things we learned. I choose this audiobook because it looked like it would present an interesting view and I was not disappointed. I knew of Churchill, FDR and Eisenhower of course. And I had heard of Murrow probably through my journalism schooling. The other participants were new to me. I was not pleased to learn about the affairs between the players and the Churchill women but it is an interesting part of the history I would not otherwise know. What I found truly wonderful was the in depth views of these men, and the women involved, as they faced the struggle of war.

I appreciated Ms. Olson’s attention to details including the feelings of hope, frustration, anger and despair, as they impacted on the participants and the citizens around them. I highly recommend this audiobook for those who have any interest in a detailed view of American lives as they shared in the London experience of WWII.

Audio Notes: Arthur Morey’s authoritative and smooth narration makes this an awesome listening experience. The audiobook is longish so I am thinking the book is longish which is all the more reason for me to listen rather than read. This is well worth the audible credit!

I had this in my Audible library since 2011 and it is part of my 2015 TBR Pile Challenge. It also qualifies for my Audio Challenged and my Full House Challenge.

Book Review: On the Run (The Elijah Project) by Bill Myers

This includes zany action that should fit great with 9-12 year old readers.
On the Run (The Elijah Project)
by Bill Myers (Author), James Riordan (Contributor)

File Size: 1157 KB
Print Length: 128 pages
Publisher: Zonderkidz (August 30, 2009)
Sold by: HarperCollins Publishing
ASIN: B002SKZBGI
Genre: Children, Christian Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 (based on audience age)

In book one, On the Run, Elijah’s supernatural gifts have drawn the attention of dark forces. Separated from their parents, Zach and Piper (with a lot of help from heaven) must protect their little brother.

Review:
Elijah is a six year old with gifted talents. His teenage brother, Zach, is pretty clueless but his 13 year old sister, Piper, is careful to watch over him. Their parents have had to move several times to protect the family, but especially to protect Elijah. Not only would the public be interested in his abilities but evil people want to use him … or stop him.

Piper has a small crush on one of Zach’s cute friends, Cody. Although she doesn’t think Cody would even know who she is, she learns that he is kinder than his looks would indicate. One of his good friends, Willard, is a young ‘mad scientist/inventor’.

An accident before school brings out Elijah’s talent and puts him in the eyes of the media. Mom and Dad immediately make arrangements to move but they must sneak out of the house to draw away bad guys before the kids come home. The bad guys, a witchy woman, a mindless brute and a skinny, ambitious and evil man, are stumbling but determined.

Zach, Piper and Elijah dodge the bad guys as they head out to find their parents. Cody and Willard show up with the help of some of Willard’s wacky inventions to help the fleeing trio. A mysterious stranger appears unexpectedly just in time to help with a few narrow escapes. During the flight, Zach, Piper and even Elijah, share some Biblical wisdom, learned from their faithful parents.

The story is zany with gruesome, but comical, villains and the fun of Willard’s inventions. I appreciated the clues but thought some of the actions were “duh” or “idiot” moments. However, this is written for an audience age of 9 to 12 and I do think that it would be engaging and fun for that reading level. Not so great for adults unless you really just want some silly antics to enjoy. Also, this book has an open ending as it is just the beginning book in a series that continues with more danger and adventures.

This is another TBR title in my free Kindle library since 2010. It is one of my TBR Pile Challenge books.

Book Review: Kiss of Midnight: A Midnight Breed Novel (The Midnight BreedSeries Book 1) by Lara Adrian

This has crisp writing, compelling characters and a good plot with intrigue and danger. There is just a bit too much sex for my tastes.
Kiss of Midnight: A Midnight Breed Novel (The Midnight Breed Series Book 1)
by Lara Adrian

File Size: 969 KB
Print Length: 434 pages
Publisher: Dell (May 1, 2007)
Sold by: Random House LLC
ASIN: B000QCQ8XK
Genre:Paranormal Romance, Vampires
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

He watches her from across the crowded dance club, a sensual black-haired stranger who stirs Gabrielle Maxwell's deepest fantasies. But nothing about this night--or this man--is what it seems. For when Gabrielle witnesses a murder outside the club, reality shifts into something dark and deadly. In that shattering instant she is thrust into a realm she never knew existed--a realm where vampires stalk the shadows and a blood war is set to ignite.
Lucan Thorne despises the violence carried out by his lawless brethren. A vampire himself, Lucan is a Breed warrior, sworn to protect his kind--and the unwitting humans existing alongside them--from the mounting threat of the Rogues. Lucan cannot risk binding himself to a mortal woman, but when Gabrielle is targeted by his enemies, he has no choice but to bring her into the dark underworld he commands.
Here, in the arms of the Breed's formidable leader, Gabrielle will confront an extraordinary destiny of danger, seduction, and the darkest pleasures of all. . . .

Review:
Gabrielle is a photographer who is drawn to the lonely, abandoned and shadowy images of buildings and other aspects of life. One night she reluctantly goes to a club with friends where she shares glances across the room with a dark, brooding man. As she leaves the club she witnesses a savage murder. She manages to get a few pictures on her cell phone as she flees the alley. The police only mock her when they find no evidence of the gruesome scene. But someone heard her and believed her and now she is a target of those dark forces.

Lucas Thorne is a man of darkness and violence himself. But unlike the Rogue killers of his kind he is a Breed Warrior – one of a few specially chosen vampires who are committed to protecting their race by keeping the evil element under control and hidden from public exposure. A few of his closest brethren have Breed mates, the specially marked human females who become bonded with their vampire mate and produce children. Lucas has never been interested in finding a mate as his duties as a warrior protector has been his driving force for hundreds of years.

Lucas saw Gabrielle escape from the Rogues he was hunting. He needs the images on her phone and he suspects the Rogues will come after her too. He is drawn to her sensual beauty and then is alarmed to discover secrets even she is unaware of. Now there are multiple reasons to protect her and bring her to his compound even though he is facing a Rogue uprising and her nearness causes him confusion that brings him near the edge of his own control.

Gabrielle and Lucas are both conflicted characters and I found their struggle and story compelling. They sense they shouldn’t be drawn to each other but the pull is irresistible. I loved the background story with danger, action, tension and the intrigue of betrayal. There are some different vampire aspects that added interest. However, I was a little wary of this title as I suspected it might be pretty graphic sexually. My suspicions were right as it is full of sexual scenes that were just a bit too many and too erotic for my tastes. The writing is crisp and fast moving and if it wasn't so edgy I might have continued with the series. Those paranormal romance readers who enjoy fast-paced tension and a steamy, sexual ride should enjoy this book and the series.

This is from my free Kindle Library as a free book downloaded in 2009. It is part of my 2015 TBR Pile Challenge list and "K" for the Alphabet Soup Challenge.

I owe a copy of this ebook or a $5.00 GC to LILLY based on my Giveaway back in December 2014. Sorry it took so long for me to get around to reading this one! I had to laugh at myself when I went back and found the giveaway post. I don't think I even got beyond posting that first group of 23 books although I plenty more to go! I may host a few more "help me pick" giveaways over the next three months as I prepare title for next year's TBR pile list.

Audible Book Review: Extremes: A Retrieval Artist Novel by Kristine Kathryn Rusch

I found this sci fi mystery completely gripping.

Extremes: A Retrieval Artist Novel
Written by: Kristine Kathryn Rusch
Narrated by: Jay Snyder

Length: 11 hrs and 37 mins
Series: Retrieval Artist, Book 2
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:05-20-08
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Sci Fi Mystery
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
His name: Miles Flint. His occupation: Retrieval Artist. His job: find the Disappeared - outlaws on the run, wanted for crimes against alien cultures. The catch: Flint isn't working on the side of the law anymore.
One simple mistake and a Disappeared could end up dead. But this time, the death of an ailing Retrieval Artist has caught Flint's attention. He suspects it was foul play, not a viral infection. Equally suspicious is a young woman's sudden demise during the Moon's prestigious Extreme Marathon. As Flint investigates, he finds an ominous connection. Both deaths lead back to a scientist - a scientist who is now one of the Disappeared.
Listen to more in the Retrieval Artist series.
©2003 White Mist Mountain, Inc.; (P)2008 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Miles Flint was a police detective who pursued criminals. Now he has retired to become a Retrieval Artist who finds “the Disappeared” - those who disappear because they are on the run, often, although not always, from unintentional crimes against alien cultures.

Miles is approached by a local law firm who wants to hire his services. He is initially uncomfortable about their motives especially when they track his usually secure systems. Miles becomes interested when he learns the case involves the death of another Retrieval Artist. Miles  investigation leads to a connection to a death that has just occurred during a local, prestigious marathon.

The young woman’s death during the Moon’s Extreme Marathon initially appears to be accidental. However, Noelle De Ricci, Flint’s former partner and the reluctant detective assigned to the case, soon uncovers clues that reveal the death as a murder. The event organizers want to keep the murder quiet but that is difficult when all of the staff and  race participates must be detained and questioned. The investigation has to cope with the unique elements and limitations of the moon’s environment as well as trying to uncover motive and opportunity.

I was totally enthralled by the mystery of this story. The author has a wonderful style of sharing the details in puzzle bits the reader (listener) gets to piece together. The threads of the story might at first seem unconnected but the author skillfully ties them together. The sci fi world of the moon city within a dome is well developed and adds intrigue to the details. There is a chase scene that is a bit "out there" but it added excitement and increased pacing in the later portions of the book.

This was the second book I read/listened to in this series and I will not wait so long to listen to another. I appreciate that the book has no sex and no foul language. I recommend this series to those who love detailed mysteries with the added interest of an alien environment.

Audio Notes: I enjoy Jay Snyder’s narration in this series. He is able to convey Flint’s equanimity towards his work and DeRicci’s dedication to the investigation. The narration enhances my enjoyment of this series.

I selected this from my own Audible Library (2012). It is part of my 2015 Audio Challenge and part of my TBR Pile Challenge.

The Official 2015 TBR Pile Challenge

The Official 2015 TBR Pile Challenge

hosted by Roof Beam Reader

Check all rules at Roof Beam Reader.com

Goal: Specify and read 12 books that must have been on your bookshelf or “To Be Read” list for AT LEAST one full year. (All published prior to 1/1/2014.)
The list must be finalized by 1/15/15. I think I am comfortable with the list below so I don't expect changes. My list shows the book, author and date added to my library.

1/10/15 I have updated my list to replace two print books with ebooks although I still hope to read the two print wins during the year. Also, I replaced one audio choice with an ebook. Chances are I'll get to the audios anyway. :-)   The alternates also changed to an older ebook and an older Audible title.
Four books are from authors I have read before (including one of the alternates); the other ten will be new to me.  All of the choices are books I have had since 2012 or earlier.
(The links go to my review of the book as I post them.)

1. Shopping for Time: How to Do It All and NOT Be Overwhelmed Carolyn Mahaney, Nicole Mahaney Whitacre, Kristin Chesemore, Janelle Bradshaw September 4,2009
2. Homespun Bride Jillian Hart May 4,2009
3. Kiss of Midnight: A Midnight Breed Novel (The Midnight Breed.. Lara Adrian May 4,2009
4. Citizens of London: The Americans Who Stood with Britain in Its Darkest, Finest Hour by Lynne Olson Audible Nov 2011
5. Awaken His Eyes: The Awakened Book One Jason Tesar May 2011
6. The New World (FREE short story) (Chaos Walking) Patrick Ness Nov 2010
7. On the Run (The Elijah Project) Bill Myers, James Riordan Nov 2010
8. The Lord Is My Shepherd: The Psalm 23 Mysteries #1 Debbie Viguie Oct 2010
Dead Reckoning Ronie Kendig Sept 2010
9. Sheltering Hearts (Virgin River) Robyn Carr Sept 2010
10. Fatal Judgment (Guardians of Justice Book #1): A Novel Irene Hannon April 2012
Spying in High Heels (High Heels Mysteries #1) Gemma Halliday Sept 2011

Alternates:
11. Frozen Past (A Jaxon Jennings' Detective Mystery Thriller Series, Book 1) Richard C Hale July 2012
12. Extremes: A Retrieval Artist Novel by Kristine Kathryn Rusch Audible Oct 12

Plus for sure I will read Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles Book 1) by Marissa Meyer - I wasn’t positive if I should count this book as it was on my Wish list since 2012 but not purchased until 2/2014. I'm such a fuddy-duddy stickler when it comes to rules that I decided not to include it in the “official” list but it is a definite read for me in early 2015.