Audible Book Review: Villains Rule (The Shadow Master Book 1) by M. K. Gibson

This is a fun listen (with warnings for language).

Villains Rule
The Shadow Master, Book 1
By: M. K. Gibson
Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer

Series: The Shadow Master, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 50 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 04-19-17
Language: English
Publisher: Amber Cove Publishing
Genre: Fantasy, Humor, Sci Fi
My Rating: Overall 4.5 of 5.0; Story 4.25; Narration 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Hi, how are you?
Yes, I am talking to you, the reader of this book's description. It's rude not to answer a person when they ask you a question. Okay, I get it, fourth-wall breaking is overdone. Get over it. This book, Villains Rule, is a fantasy action-comedy which you have to hear. Not because it redefines the genre, far from it. But rather for what it contains. A villain's tale.
How often do you get to listen to a story where the villain is the protagonist? No, not an anti-hero, or a brooding monster, nor a hero thinly disguised as a villain. And not evil. If you want evil, take that nonsense to therapy. No, I mean a villain's villain. The ones who use their power because they can, while morality is only a philosopher's complex.
This is the story of Jackson Blackwell, the Shadow Master and the top villain adviser. Sadly, even the top villain occasionally gets double-crossed. Trapped in one of the fantasy realms, Jackson has to use his skill and wits to exploit the rules, points out the genre flaws, undermine godly authority, and win the day.
Because that is what villains should do, shouldn't they? Listen to this book, have a few laughs, and find out.
©2017 Michael Gibson (P)2017 Michael Gibson

Review:
Jackson Blackwell, aka Shadow Jack, is also known as the Shadow Master. Jack used to operate as a thief and general brigand. He left field work behind and now runs a business advising villains, while claiming the top villain spot. Jack is advising one of his clients, a warlord and ruler, how to resolve a potential revolution. The man is being difficult and convinces Jack to go back to his realm to assist in a transition.

Jack takes along his trusted bodyguard, a small escort of guards, his self-absorbed nephew who needs to be trained for some type of career and his secret power source. Not too far along in the realm there is betrayal and double cross. Jack becomes a prisoner and has to figure a way out of prison and then a way back to his own realm. It helps that Jack is a God in this geek realm but he is hampered by loss of his power source. Still, Jack knows all the rules of villainy and has a trusted assistant back in his world who will help as she can.

Sometimes villains have to do whatever it takes to prevail. That might even include getting help! Jack gathers a crew of allies to help him in his dilemma. He is able to observe their uniqueness in a crowd and is able to take each unique skill, and unique story and disclose that they have a common goal.

Jack tells the story from his view, occasionally sliding into monologues to the audience. Being a top villain, he is a brilliant strategist but doesn’t always see all of the machinations of those around him; especially those he thought he could trust. Jack comments on the cliched characters and usual tropes and rules, most of which he knows how to twist. His thoughts are often sarcastic and, of course, (sadly) often vulgar. The plot and characters make for a very fun adventure -- but who do you root for when everyone is a villain?

Audio Notes: Jeffrey Kafer does a great job with the narration. He nails the irreverent tone and delivers the various characters with spot on voice and energy. The narration added life to an already strong work. This is my fourth or fifth story narrated by Mr. Kafer and I am impressed by his skill and versatility in capturing the characters. I am glad I listened to this on audio.

My hesitation on getting more in the series is due to not wanting to listen to more foul language. That’s just my choice.

Source: Audible Credit Purchase November 2018. This qualifies for Audiobook and Alphabet Challenges.

Book Review: Christmas at Draycott Abbey (Draycott Abbey Romance) by Christina Skye

I enjoyed this suspenseful Christmas story where past and present mix.

Christmas at Draycott Abbey (Draycott Abbey Romance)
by Christina Skye

File Size: 355 KB
Print Length: 62 pages
Publication Date: July 17, 2015
ASIN: B011YGWNEE
Genre: Ghost, Paranormal, Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

As Christmas draws near and darkness veils the haunted English abbey, a tale of loss and love betrayed begins.
As cold closes in, old hatreds spring to life, bringing danger to a vulnerable woman betrayed by those she trusts most. Wounded and lost, Clair Haywood will seek haven within the abbey's ancient granite walls. But her enemies are closer than she knows.
Only one man can save her. And he has been dead for 200 years.

Review:
Clair went undercover with the government to England to seek out the powerful man who used and killed her sister. She gets caught by the enemy but manages to escape. She is wounded and injured in her blind race to seek safety. She stumbles upon an old English abbey where she is taken in by a mysterious man. She doesn’t know who she can trust and tries to get away again but danger lurks at the door.

Ian Sinclair is man who keeps to himself. He has a dangerous past and is careful to avoid risk and to be cautious of strangers. He appreciates the solitude of Draycott Abbey which has been lent to him by his friend, the current Viscount. Ian and his big dog, Churchill, spot a shadow in the woods. They rescue a young woman but he is aware of men following her and is immediately on alert.

Clair and Ian struggle to understand the strange attraction between them while they try to avoid the men seeking her. There is another presence at the abbey who has reason to want to help them. He has been waiting for 200 years to right a wrong that cost his friends their chance at love for a lifetime.

This was a quick, exciting read that I really enjoyed. I liked the smooth, direct writing. I haven't read this author in years but I think I won’t wait so long to read another Skye paranormal romance adventure. It looks like I have 10 in my Kindle library, including the first of this series. This book read fine as a standalone. I recommend it to readers who enjoy romantic suspense with paranormal elements.

Source: 2012 Free Kindle. This is a 2018TBR and Alphabet Challenge "C" title.

#NetGalley Book Review: Kill Shot by Susan Sleeman

This Christian romantic suspense was right on target for me.
Kill Shot: A Novel (White Knights Book 2)
by Susan Sleeman

File Size: 639 KB
Print Length: 401 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1455596493
Publisher: FaithWords (February 6, 2018)
ASIN: B071JLNVKD
Genre: Christian, Mystery, Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Suspense and romance combine in Susan Sleeman's thrilling new novel about an FBI agent who must team up with a beautiful therapist to stop a killer with a deadly new weapon.
Some fears haunt you forever....
As the ballistics and weapon's expert for the FBI's special task force nicknamed the White Knights, Rick Cannon has known the Department of Defense was developing self-steering bullets. Rick feared these smart bullets--which have one hundred percent accuracy that can turn even a novice into a lethal sniper--would eventually end up in the hands of the wrong people. But since the ammunition was still in the development stage, he figured they had plenty of time before that happened. He was wrong. Dead wrong.
Until they become reality.
When a homeless vet is killed with a smart bullet, it's clear that the ammunition has been stolen, and the Knights are called in to find the thief and stop the killings. But they aren't the only ones desperate to find the killer. Therapist Olivia Dobbs is well known for her success in counseling military veterans with PTSD. When she discovers one of her clients moments after he is murdered, she becomes both the FBI's prime witness, and suspect.
Despite the mutual attraction that immediately sparks between them, Rick can't--no he won't--let Olivia interfere with his investigation. But when the sniper trains his rifle on her, Rick must recall all the skills he learned as a Marine sniper to make sure the next bullet fired isn't a kill shot that takes Olivia out.

Review:
Olivia is a Christian therapist who has counseled a number of vets suffering from PTSD. She is trying to help a particular patient who is acting paranoid, thinking someone is going to kill him. The man takes off in anger and she decides to try to catch up. When she finds him, he has just been killed and she narrowly escapes the killer. The next thing Olivia knows she is being interviewed by the FBI even thought she doesn't understand why they are on the case. Soon it is apparent that she is not just a person of interest but may be a suspect.

Rick is the lead of the FBI team brought in on a rush to investigate the murder. They are there not because of the victim but because of the use of stolen self-steering bullets. They cannot reveal the secret nature of their mission to anyone as the team implements their special skills to uncover the theft and plot that is bigger than the murder.

Rick doesn’t trust anyone. He hasn’t even let his teammates get too close to his personal frustrations and vulnerabilities. Rick is with Olivia when a sniper tries to kill her. Now he is determined to keep her close so he can better keep her safe while he discovers if her caring nature is real of if she has a nefarious connection with the criminals.

The chemistry between Rick and Olivia is nicely done. It is clear they try to keep things professional, but the attraction keeps pulling them closer together. Rick’s team of forensic experts contributes strong interest and personalities. Olivia’s family adds distraction - some pleasant and some very stressful.

There is a full story with danger and suspense and the romance is a nice add in. I especially enjoyed the Christian foundations shared by Olivia and the way her patience wore down Rick’s resistance. I have some other titles by Ms. Sleeman and I need to get to read them as I enjoy her style. I'd like to read the other books in this series too. I recommend this to readers who like romantic suspense.

Source: 2018 NetGalley. This qualifies for NetGalley and Alphabet Challenges.

#NetGalley Book Review: Unwritten by Tara Gilboy

This is a creative, engaging story.

Unwritten
by Tara Gilboy

File Size: 2297 KB
Print Length: 162 pages
Publisher: North Star Editions (October 16, 2018)
ASIN: B07GZXH9PQ
Genre: Children's Books, Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Twelve-year-old Gracie Freeman is living a normal life, but she is haunted by the fact that she is actually a character from a story, an unpublished fairy tale she's never read. When she was a baby, her parents learned that she was supposed to die in the story, and with the help of a magic book, took her out of the story, and into the outside world, where she could be safe.
But Gracie longs to know what the story says about her. Despite her mother's warnings, Gracie seeks out the story's author, setting in motion a chain of events that draw herself, her mother, and other former storybook characters back into the forgotten tale.
Inside the story, Gracie struggles to navigate the blurred boundary between who she really is and the surprising things the author wrote about her. As the story moves toward its deadly climax, Gracie realizes she'll have to face a dark truth and figure out her own fairy-tale ending.

Review:
Gracie tries to live her normal life with her loving mother, but she is troubled. Her mother has told her that they are characters from a story until her parents rescued her with the help of a magic book. Gracie wants to know the full story but her mother refuses to tell her. Gracie knows the name of the author and sneaks out to meet her at a book event. Gracie meets the author and challenges her to tell her about story. The author tries to appease Gracie but things go strangely amiss and the characters are drawn back into the book. Once in the book, the characters have to try to remember who they are in the real world. Gracie especially struggles to determine if she can change her character and the story as written.

This is a creative modern day fairy-tale. The characters are well developed, and I enjoyed the comradeship between Gracie and her geeky scientist friend, Walter. There is a wicked queen who controls the magic but she doesn’t control all of the characters. The story is appropriate for middle age girls but a nice, quick read for adults too. I recommend this engaging tale to those who love ‘book’ stories and fairy tales.

Source: NetGalley 2018. This qualifies for NetGalley and Alphabet Challenges.

Book Review: The Evidence (The Mars Hill Classified Series) by Austin W. Boyd

I enjoyed the Christian elements of this story but I think the author lost his point in all the plot lines.

The Evidence (The Mars Hill Classified Series)
by Mr. Austin W Boyd

Series: The Mars Hill Classified Series (Book 1)
Paperback: 448 pages
Publisher: Living Ink Books (July 13, 2012)
ISBN-13: 978-0899578286
Genre: Christian, Fantasy, Sci Fi
My Rating: 3.5 of 5.0

Product Description
As commander John Wells watches from the International Space Station, terrorists cripple Washington. While the world suspects Iranian jihadists, unexplained images from Mars offer a staggering alternative. Caught in a web of politics, John heeds his country's call to head to the Red Planet. Was he born for this moment in history? 448 pages, softcover from Living Ink.

Review:
Commander John Wells has felt a Godly call on his life since he was a young boy. He took all the right steps to prepare himself to follow what he believes is God’s directed destiny. John has been a successful naval officer with a bold record that gets the right attention and gets him selected as an astronaut.

John has had an amazing time on the space station, but just as he is looking forward to getting home to his wife and children, his rotation is extended when another crewman needs emergency care. As John waits to get home, a terrorist attack cripples Washington DC. The evidence points to an attack by Iranian jihadists. Meanwhile mysterious images stun the world as evidence of alien life on Mars. One of the bomb investigators doesn’t trust all the clear clues of the attack. Instead he is inclined to agree with John’s alternate theory that something much bigger is going on.

John has to struggle with leaving his wife and children when he is offered the opportunity to fly to Mars to search out the truth of the pictures. Amy has her own life struggles that extend beyond being in the position of a single parent during the long months that John is away. It is not an easy decision and together they must seek God’s will.

The story covers quite a bit – maybe too much. There are multiple characters and multiple events. The primary story centers around John but there are chapters following a mysterious team who has set bombs for an undisclosed purpose. There is another full set of scientists and sci fi fans who are focused on the revelations of man-sized alien spiders on Mars. I enjoyed the Christian elements which are shared in real life situations. Although it isn't clear from this book if the aliens on Mars are real or a hoax, this does raise the question of whether alien life would challenge Christian faith. Unfortunately, it was difficult to determine the real point the author wants to make. This leaves the reader with a choice: continue the series in hopes of making more sense or move on to something that isn't quite so convoluted.

The title “Evidence” naturally catches my legal interest. It can be derived from several threads of the book and leads into the next book in the series which is titled "Proof". A couple of us are tempted to continue to try to figure out what is going on but the majority of the ladies are moving on to other reads. If and when I read book two I may have a better recommendation.

Source: Print books picked up prior to 2017. eBook picked up on sale 2017. This was read for Ladies Book Club. It qualifies for 2018TBR and Alphabet Challenge.

Book Review: To Thine Be the Glory by Angela D. Martin

Although this is interesting as a memoir, it needs a solid editing.
To Thine Be the Glory
by Angela D. Martin

File Size: 141 KB
Print Length: 50 pages
Publisher: AuthorHouse UK (April 17, 2018)
ASIN: B07D5T5G25
Genre: Christian, Memoir, Religion
My Rating: 3.5 of 5.0

This is a book that outlines the testimony of the authors life and how she officially came to faith and realized that there was a call of God on her life.

Review:
This is an interesting sharing of the author’s introduction to God during her childhood and her mature choice as an adult to recognize the call of God in her life and to seek a closer relationship with Him. I give the author kudos for sharing her personal journey through life's struggles and mistakes.

I would love to give this a higher rating as the content is meaningful to me. However, although the situations are interesting, the telling is terribly disjointed. English may be a secondary language for the author but, more importantly, the work is in desperate need of editing. The events do not appear sequentially which adds to the incohesive and awkward nature of the reading. I did read from a proof version, but I wouldn’t expect even a proof to have the extent of editing errors. I think with solid, proper editing this would make an appropriate memoir of a faith journey.

Source: Review Request from PublishingPush. This qualifies for 2018 Alphabet Challenge.

#NetGalley Book Review: The Rancher's Gift by Dennis Worden and Jeff Dunn

This is a well written story presenting solid life lessons.

The Rancher's Gift: A Modern Day Parable

of Living a Life on Purpose

by Dennis Worden (Author), Jeff Dunn (Author)

File Size: 4668 KB
Print Length: 95 pages
Publisher: BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC (May 15, 2018)
ASIN: B079WDL1H2
Genre: Christian, Inspirational, Religion
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

We are not promised more than today.
Thus we need to live our legacy now, with focus and integrity.
Ryan Westcott is ready to step into the family business, armed with a fresh MBA degree from a prestigious business school. Yet his father has other ideas. He feels Ryan needs more education—but not the kind one gets from a school. Ryan is sent to his uncle’s Montana ranch to learn, in short, how to be a man.
While Ryan helps his uncle build a barn, he learns life lessons about health, work, finances, education, selfessness, humility, and most important of all, love.
Ryan meets the richest man in the county, only to find riches are not always counted in dollars and cents. And then there is Kayla, the pretty country lass who awakens deep feelings in Ryan he never knew he had, and challenges him to live a life of true purpose. Along the trail, Ryan meets one more person, one who will upend all else and change his life forever.
There is more to life than just what we see in our limited view. Come travel the “Big Sky” country with Ryan, and find the purposeful life that awaits you.
Bonus: Also included is The Rancher’s Guide to Living Life on Purpose to help you reflect and discover your purpose in living.

Review:
Ryan is a young businessman ready to step in to help his father’s finance business. Although Ryan is eager and has graduated with an MBA, his father senses that something is missing. His father recognizes that he has spent so much time building his business that he hasn’t spent enough time with his son. He sends Ryan to his uncle’s Montana ranch where he can get hands on lessons in life.

Ryan is surprised and not quite ready to get up with the break of dawn. But as Ryan helps his uncle build a barn and help in the community he learns how to become a compassionate nephew, friend, community member and even potential husband. The basis of the lessons about health, work, finances, education, selfessness, humility, and love are built on Biblical foundations. And Ryan is challenged to accept the most precious gift of all.

I enjoyed the wonderful wisdom for living “a good life” with purpose which is shared in this novella. It is an easy read and shows that life isn’t all roses and smooth paths. There are questions and decisions to be made. It is important to have the right foundation and look to the right resources for advise to help make the right decisions. I recommend this to anyone who seeks to learn how to live a full life that is rich in more than money.

Source: NetGalley 2018. This qualifies for 2018 NetGalley and Alphabet Challenges.

Audiobook Review: The Quest for Cosmic Justice by Thomas Sowell

I found this to be a well laid out, thought provoking treatise.
The Quest for Cosmic Justice
Written By: Thomas Sowell
Narrated By: Robertson Dean

Date: September 2017
Duration: 5 hours 52 minutes
Publisher: Blackstone Audiobooks
Genre: Jurisprudence, Non-Fiction, Social Studies
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Summary:
This book is about the great moral issues underlying many of the headline-making political controversies of our times. It is not a comforting book but a book about disturbing and dangerous trends.
The Quest for Cosmic Justice shows how confused conceptions of justice end up promoting injustice, how confused conceptions of equality end up promoting inequality, and how the tyranny of social visions prevents many people from confronting the actual consequences of their own beliefs and policies. Those consequences include the steady and dangerous erosion of fundamental principles of freedom-amounting to a quiet repeal of the American revolution.
The Quest for Cosmic Justice is the summation of a lifetime of study and thought about where we as a society are headed-and why we need to change course before we do irretrievable damage.

Review:
I really enjoyed listening to this treatise but found it hard to review. I took two and a half pages of notes while listening! My first review draft was 910 words and this is still long. This work was copywritten in 1999 but its discussion is timely in today’s distraught and divisive political atmosphere.

Some of the well stated points include: Social justice is not the same as true justice. Justice at all costs is not justice; it always costs someone.

Sowell discusses Traditional Justice v Cosmic Justice. Cosmic Justice often approaches issues with a theoretical stereotype rather than addressing flesh and blood reality. The cosmic arguments focus on emotion rather than objective, factual circumstances. Sowell shares many examples supporting his premise that the Cosmic Justice vision is self-serving as it is unwilling to look at the evidence of application. Cosmic Justice favors the abstract which is at odds with practicality in the everyday.

Sowell projects that there is a quiet repeal of the American Revolution which was based upon ideas of landmark freedom and a democratic society. The three branches of government were intended to balance each other. Now, as the legislative branch fails to agree and take action, they leave the door open to executive orders and legislation made through Supreme Court decisions. American freedoms were set forth with a stated Rule of Law that was tempered with controls and exemptions. The issues of Cosmic Justice versus Traditional Justice are a seesawing balance of public rights versus private rights. Traditional Justice permits individual rights while Cosmic Justice dictates through controlling requirements. Cosmic Justice is irreconcilable with personal freedom which is based on the Rule of Law.

Cosmic Justice seeks to further government powers while Traditional Justice seeks to maintain individual rights. Expansion of Federal powers erode individual freedoms. Sowell notes that state rights have continually been eroded in 20th century, not by legislation, but by judges. Traditional Justice applies laws. Cosmic Justice allows judges to input their view of right and wrong (the Rule of Men) rather than enforcing the Rule of Law. Burdens of proof on plaintiffs are now shifting to defendants encouraging a prima facie case without support. (This was in evidence in the recent hearings to approve Justice Kavanaugh and is also an underlying basis in the division of those seeking liberal justices rather than conservative justices.)

Impartiality of law is being disregarded in the face of Cosmic Justice which results in a political non sequetor, to wit: ‘Things are not right and government should make them right’. Increasing government control (especially Federal) is in conflict with freedoms and rights of the common man who wants to live peaceably in their (hopefully compatible) local communities. Cosmic Justice is pursuing Globalism instead of American rights.

As I listened to this it gave me better insight on the current extreme divide in our social and political views. I do widh that people would agree to civilly disagree. I pray Americans could recognize the privilege we have to live under such a unique system of government and I hope we don’t lose it. I recommend this to anyone interested in the topic. Although I enjoyed the audio, I think a print copy would work for a better resource.

Audio Notes: The narration by Robertson Dean was very well handled. The tone is direct and respectful. He managed to keep my interest in what could be at times a difficult work to follow and digest. I am glad I had the audio although, as noted above, a print copy would be worthwhile too.

Source: Audiobooks July 2018 credit purchase. This qualifies for Audiobook and Alphabet Challenges.

Audible Book Review: The Lilac Bouquet by Carolyn Brown

This is a lovely, engaging story!

The Lilac Bouquet
By: Carolyn Brown
Narrated by: Brittany Pressley


Length: 8 hrs and 31 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 03-28-17
Language: English
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Small Town
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall, Story and Audio.

Publisher's Summary
Come hell or high water, Emmy Jo Massey will have a wedding. After three generations of Massey women with children out of wedlock, she wants the whole town of Hickory, Texas, to witness the legitimacy of her union with Logan Grady. But dream weddings aren't cheap. So she accepts a highly lucrative stint as a home health assistant to retired realtor, and town recluse, Seth Thomas - a decision her great-grandmother Tandy is dead-set against.
Seth isn't happy about it, either. The eighty-two-year-old doesn't want a "babysitter" - much less a Massey - something he makes clear when Emmy arrives at his house, an empty mansion built for the woman who broke his heart. But as Emmy stays and the two eventually open up to each other, she learns the reason behind a feud between Seth, Tandy, and Logan's grandfather Jesse Grady that goes back six decades. She also uncovers a secret that forever changes how she sees her past and her future...
©2017 Carolyn Brown (P)2017 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Review:
Emmy Jo Massey is a young woman who comes from a family of unwed mothers. Emmy is determined on getting married to her fiance, Logan Grady, so the whole town will know about it. The problem is that their great-grandparents are part of a long time feud, which includes the town recluse, Seth Thomas. These three won't be in the same room together, much less speak to each other. Emmy takes a job as a home health provider to Seth over the objection of Her great-grandmother, Tandy. Seth isn't thrilled with having a Massey in his home either. Emmy is intent on earning the money to help cover her wedding costs and now she is intent on unraveling the secret of the animosity of the people she wants to share her joy with.

Emmy is a lovely character and her determination and sunshine break down the walls of the frozen, bitter hearts around her. The secrets of the past are slowly revealed and evoke emotions of anger and sadness at the wasted years. There were choices that were made and some terrible treatment, even, or especially, by some so-claimed Christians. There are Biblical themes gently shared through the story. The story was an easy read/listen with engaging twists that kept it interesting. It addresses more family, people issues than just a romance. I hope to read more by Carolyn Brown.

Audio Notes: I was very comfortable with the narration by Brittany Pressley. I can't speak to the accuracy of the accents but I enjoyed the voices for the characters. THe narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: Audible January 2018 Daily Deal $2.95. This qualifies for my Audiobook Challenge and a 2018 title for Alphabet Challenge.

Tour Review: Operation Earth by Maria Hammarblad

I liked the premise of the book but, sadly, the story didn’t grab me.

Operation Earth
by Maria Hammarblad

File Size: 1845 KB
Print Length: 179 pages
Publication Date: August 29, 2018
ASIN: B07GZ1ZHH7
Genre: Alien Invasion, Romance, Sci Fi
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Tagline: They’re here. Are you ready?

Seven billion people on Earth go about their daily lives, and no one is prepared when a global EMP slows the world to a crawl. Within days alien soldiers line the streets, and life will never be the same. In the midst of chaos, Rachael Hill struggles to adapt to the new order, doing her best to keep herself and her cat alive.
On a ship far above the planet surface, Peter just got his new Earth name, and can’t even remember his identity from the last world he visited. It’s another day on the job, one more planet on a never-ending list. That is, until Rachael bumps into him, dropping exotic objects all around his feet. His culture taught him females should be obeyed and protected, but he never had an urge to leave himself at a woman’s mercy until now.

Review:
Rachel Hill is a young woman whose quiet lifestyle is abruptly changed when aliens initiate an EMP strike on earth. Many humans fear the alien beings who are taking over and patrolling their neighborhoods. Rachel bumps into one at the local grocery store and becomes enamored. Rachel’s neighbors invite her to join a secret rebellion group, but she isn’t interested, especially after her new alien friend, Peter, steps in to save her from a threatening situation.

Peter has been given a new name and new memories. He is a commander of a local patrol when he meets Rachel. They bump into each other a couple of times and soon he is escorting her home and enjoying earth dinners and games. He is willing to learn more about the earthlings, up close and personal.

Peter and others are sent to meet with leaders in France to calm the rebels there. Internal attacks result in Peter stepping up to protect one of the female leaders. The alien society is led by females so it is natural for Peter to seek to help and protect.

The aliens want to control the recolonization without harming the people or the environment. As hostilities intensify, the aliens seek a way to calm the situation before things escalate to more dangerous control options.

I liked the premise of the book but, sadly, found the characters and story fell flat. Rachel is too naïve and wimpy for my tastes, except for her courage in making friends with Peter. Of course, she was easily drawn to the tall, blonde, blue-eyed and buff alien. Peter’s character was a little more interesting, but I felt that there was mystery to his background which was never disclosed.

Not being engaged by the characters made this hard for me to really get into the story. The ship and alien society have some interesting elements, but again, it didn’t seem fully developed. There are a few exciting action scenes, but I found most of the plot line unimpressive. This is primarily a romance with an alien who is very similar to earth men. It is an easy read but I wasn't excited by it. I would suggest that a romance audience would be more appropriate than readers who like the more usual action and imagination of sci fi.

Source: Review book from Bewitching Book Tours: This fits as a 2018 book for my Alphabet Challenge.

Excerpt:

The neighbor’s house mocked her. Were they still watching her, or had they given up? Had they noticed Peter was no longer around, and if so, what did they make of it?
Rachael probably kept her eyes as much on them as they did on her, and in less dire circumstances the situation would have been comical.
Bonbon wanted to go outside, and she followed the cat into bright morning sunshine.
It’s a fine day. I wish I had coffee. This would be a good day for having morning coffee on the porch.
She glanced over toward Melissa’s house. They had a window open. Interesting. Before she knew what she was doing, she pulled her hairclip off and tossed it into their yard.
“Oops, I must have dropped it there that one day I went over to see them. I’d better go get it.”
Setting foot on the other side of the hedge seemed dangerous, but she had Peter’s gun tucked in a pocket, and the hairclip glittered in the grass, close to the open window.
How did she become so bold?
Walk casually. How the hell does one walk casually? Do I whistle? No, make as little sound as possible...
She strolled, doing her best to look normal. Just an ordinary woman going over to pick up something ordinary she dropped on an ordinary day.
Seconds later, she crouched under the window. At first, she couldn’t hear anything, then Melissa’s voice drifted out.
“I don’t think this is a good idea.”
“Of course it is. We need to show them what we’re made of.”
That was clearly Ryan. She didn’t know his voice all that well, but the feisty attitude gave him away.
A third voice followed. It must be Martin of the tobacco-stained teeth and bad breath.
“It doesn’t matter what you think, Hon. The missile is ready and will be launched.”
Missile? What the hell are these people up to? Do they know I’m out here? Did they leave the window open to see if I’d overhear and tattle, or do they feel safe now when Peter isn’t around?
Either way, overthinking wouldn’t do her any good. She strained her ears and heard Melissa speak again.
“I didn’t think missiles could go into space.”
“It’s complicated. I’m worried about the guidance system, we’ve scraped together bits and pieces, but nothing is as good as it should be,” Martin answered.
Another long silence followed, and Rachael dried her palms on her clothes, immediately scolding herself for doing so. Her mom would have had a field day with that behavior. Maybe they were coming out, and she should hurry to leave.
“You know, the guy next door, he doesn’t seem so bad.”
Something heavy fell to the floor and Rachael imagined Ryan’s chair toppling over. His voice was anything but patient.
“Don’t be such a goose. Rachael’s just as bad as them and should burn with them. If she chooses to stand with them, she will. With any luck, that guy is on the ship when we bomb it and we can talk her back to the right side. If not, well, we’ll just have to kill him anyway, won’t we?”

About the Author:

Maria Hammarblad is an author and bass player whose fascination with books started early. Before she could read or write, she made her mother staple papers together to resemble books. She drew suns in them and claimed they were "The Sun Book." They were all about the sun.

The four-year-old also claimed her existence on Earth was a mistake, the result of a horrible mix-up, and that her real family would come to bring her home to her own planet at any time. This didn't happen, but her fascination with books and other worlds stayed with her.

Besides novels, she also writes award-winning screenplays, enjoys photography, and works with animal rescue organizations.

Website: http://www.hammarblad.com

Blog: http://www.scifiromance.info

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariahammarblad/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mariahammarblad

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4114780.Maria_Hammarblad

Book Review: A Nanny For Christmas: A Harper's Corner Series Novella by Christina George

This a nice, light, easy read.

A Nanny For Christmas: A Harper's Corner Series Novella
by Christina George

File Size: 1134 KB
Print Length: 143 pages
Publication Date: August 20, 2018
ASIN: B07FB6WNDQ
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Holidays, Small Town
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Willa O’Rourke knows the true story, the story that doesn’t sell magazines.
In less than 8 hours Willa went from being a behind-the-scenes nanny for one of the hottest A-list celebrity couples, to having her picture splashed all over every magazine in the country.
Caught in the arms of her sexy employer, Johnny Blaze.
No one cares that Johnny hit on her, and she repeatedly told him no.
The world thinks Willa O’Rourke is more interesting as the slutty, home-wrecking, opportunistic nanny. She even has a hashtag trending on Twitter. #dirtynanny
Humiliated and desperate to get away from the harsh eyes of Hollywood, she decides to take a short break from her suddenly not so glamorous life and head home for the holidays.
But a quiet Christmas to recoup before heading back to LA wasn’t in the cards.
She immediately runs into Jack, her seriously hot, fireman ex-boyfriend.
Despite Willa’s attempts to keep a low profile, she and Jack are thrown together for a Christmas charity project -- making her wonder if she’s meant for a simpler life in Harper’s Corner after all.

Review:
Willa left behind her high school and college boyfriend to follow her dream of becoming an actress. She ended up working as a nanny for a celebrity couple, having to fend off advances by her sexy boss. After being caught in a picture that looks bad, she has returned home in disgrace with the scandal of the #dirtynanny.

Willa can barely hold her head up but fortunately her brother and friends are willing to welcome her home. She doesn’t expect any warm welcome from her ex-boyfriend, Jack, a handsome firefighter.

Jack was devastated when Willa left although he loved her enough to let her go pursue her dream. He’s never really gotten over her but he doesn’t plan to get hurt again. Still, the attraction between them picks up immediately and he’ll have to decide if its worth sharing passion on a short basis even if she might leave again.

The characters are likeable and the chemistry is strong. I liked the Christmas elements that had Willa and Jack helping to put together Christmas decorations and activities, including a presentation of The Christmas Carol, for an orphanage. The other town characters are fun and add to the story. The second chance isn’t a slam dunk but is fraught with tension which is engaging. 

I enjoyed another book (The Publicist) by Ms. George which was a bit more intense. This is an easy read that sets the stage for a nice series. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy second chance romance and Christmas settings.

Source: Author Marketing Experts for review. This adds to my 2018 Alphabet Challenge.

Book Review and Giveaway: Mother of Pearl by Kellie Coates Gilbert

This well written story is startling and heart wrenching.

Mother of Pearl
by Kellie Coates Gilbert

File Size: 2533 KB
Print Length: 306 pages
Publisher: Amnos Media Group; 2 edition (February 20, 2017)
ASIN: B06VYJ118F
Genre: Christian, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

How Far Would You Go for your Child?
Barrie Graeber has two great kids, a loving husband, and a respected job as the high school counselor in her close-knit community. Without warning, everything unravels when her teenage daughter, Pearl, is betrayed and lashes out.
Nothing prepares this mother for the helplessness that follows when her attempts to steer her daughter back on course fail, and Pearl shuts her out . . . or when Barrie discovers the unthinkable about her nemesis, the football coach.
Emotionally riveting and profoundly moving, Mother of Pearl brings us into the heart of a mother bound by an incredible burden, who ultimately finds she must recognize her own vulnerability and learn to trust in something much bigger..

Review:
Barrie Graeber has a strong loving family: husband, 16-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son. She is respected and enjoys her work as a high school counselor. Barrie has the usual mother concerns about her daughter, but Pearl is well grounded, popular and a good student working toward a scholarship to college. Then Pearl loses her boyfriend and best friend in a terrible act of betrayal. Rather than seeking help from her mother Pearl has shut herself off although she does have one new friend who tries to help her.

Tragedy strikes the family causing emotional devastation. And as if the first injury isn’t enough Barrie learns another shocking secret. Barrie becomes obsessed with this, driving a wedge in the family.

This story was more than I expected. It wasn’t always an emotionally easy read, but riveting is an appropriate description. It is well written in first person voice of Barrie. There are friends who step forward to help and others who step away. An attorney who helps is a bold, colorful character. There are Christian and faith elements woven naturally into the story. I kept hoping Barrie would find her strength in faith.

This is our Ladies Book Club for August.
Source: I had print copies for others but was able to snag the Kindle version on sale in 2017. This qualifies for my 2018TBR and Alphabet Challenge.

GIVEAWAY

Paperback Book (US and Canada Only)

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* This contest is open to US and Canada only for the paperback book.
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Winners are asked to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Book Review and Tour Giveaway: The Former Assassin by Nikki Stern

This is a page turner with twists to the end!

The Former Assassin
by Nikki Stern

File Size: 846 KB
Print Length: 311 pages
Publisher: Ruthenia Press (January 3, 2018)
Language: English
ASIN: B0786RCS9C
Genre: Suspense Thriller
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Susan Foster wants to retire. Her boss wants her dead.
After decades as Victor Kemp’s off-the books killer, Suzanne finally quits. Not until five years later does Kemp discover how thoroughly she’s deceived him. Determined to punish her, he tracks her to Wales to watch her die. Instead, he walks into a trap.
Believing themselves safe at last, Suzanne and her family relocate to London, where she hopes to find the peace that has eluded her for so long. Her son is engaged to a nobleman’s daughter; her husband has a good job with British Intelligence. Yet she still struggles with restless dreams and the premonition that her nemesis has survived.
He has: Kemp, though severely injured, is rebuilding his empire and plotting revenge. He’s prepared to risk everything to end the former assassin. He may not be the only one.
Suzanne has no choice: to protect those she loves, she will be forced to kill again. Assassins, it seems, can never retire.

Review:
Suzanne took a rash act of revenge over a friend in college. That one mistake put her under the thumb of a vicious, controlling business tycoon. Victor Kemp hired Susan as a security chief but more importantly as his off the books assassin. When Susan unexpectedly falls in love it is a threat to Kemp’s control. Rather than allow her to leave his employ and have a family, Kemp will eliminate them.

Susan continues for decades in reluctant and intimidated service to Kemp. Finally, she walks out choosing to go into hiding to thwart Kemp’s rule that no one retires from his organization.

Kemp is obsessed with continuing his control over Susan, even if it means killing her.
Five years after she walked out Kemp finds Susan and attempts to kill her. Instead he and his cohorts, including his eldest son, are eliminated by a surprise trap. But Suzanne can’t shake the feeling that she and her family are still in danger. Her son is about to marry a nobleman’s daughter and she wants to insure they can marry and live safely.

She is right to listen to her gut. Kemp has survived and built a new empire as he plans his ultimate revenge against Susan. Fortunately, Suzanne is no longer rash, nor alone. She now has family members who are skilled and prepared to back her up…knowing they can’t stop her from doing what she feels she must to protect her family.

Susan/Suzanne is a complicated character. She has great confidence and poise in some things but is vulnerable in her aloneness and self-doubts. Ms. Stern builds the suspense wonderfully. Just as the reader thinks a situation is resolved, a twist moves the characters to the next level. The last third of the book had me turning pages to discover what happens. And there are twists all the way to the end.

Well done! I recommend this to readers who like a well plotted suspense with strong characters.

Source: Partners in Crime. It qualifies as part of my 2018 Alphabet Challenge.

"An explosive page-turner which owes its momentum to it two well-drawn opponents and a conflict that goes beyond good-vs.-evil.” ~IndieReader, Four Star review
"Later turns in the smashing final act come at a searing pace." ~ Kirkus Reviews
"Keeps readers guessing the outcome right up to its conclusion." ~D. Donovan Midwest Book Review

Book Details:

Genre: Suspense Thriller
Published by: Ruthenia Press
Publication Date: January 8, 2018
Number of Pages: 304
ISBN: 9780999548721

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible | Goodreads

Read an excerpt:

Today is not a good day to die.

No day is, not really. We humans are hard-wired to survive. By most standards, though, this morning is exceptional. The weather is balmy, even for May. The fierce winds that often pound the Welsh coastline have remained offshore. Purple heather blankets the emerald cliffs that encircle Bristol Bay. Small breakers gently lap the shoreline and wash the sand clean of debris. The water sparkles in the sunlight. Shades of azure and aquamarine yield to cyan and lapis further out. In the distance, the sea meets a cerulean sky just where the earth curves. No slate clouds gather at the horizon. All is calm.

Nothing suggested that today I would find myself on a bench in one of the most breathtaking spots in the world with a gun to my head, held by a predator who speaks just two words: “Don’t move.”

***
Excerpt from The Former Assassin by Nikki Stern. Copyright © 2018 by Nikki Stern. Reproduced with permission from Nikki Stern. All rights reserved.

Author Bio:

Nikki is the author of two works of non-fiction: HOPE IN SMALL DOSES, a 2015 Eric Hoffer finalist for books that provoke, inspire and redirect thought, and BECAUSE I SAY SO: MORAL AUTHORITY'S DANGEROUS APPEAL, as well as dozens of short stories. She is co-author on the Cafe Noir interactive murder mystery series, published by Samuel French. Nikki's suspense novel, THE FORMER ASSASSIN has garnered strong reviews, including a four-star rating from Indie Reader. She's working on a mystery/sci-fi series starring an unorthodox crime fighter named Samantha Tate. When she's not writing about strong complex women, Nikki is working with several non-profits, taking Pilates classes, and attending to the needs of her dog, Molly.

Catch Up With Nikki Stern On:
Website, Goodreads, Twitter, & Facebook!

Tour Participants:

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ENTER GIVEAWAY:

This is a rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for Nikki Stern. There will be 2 winners of one (1) Amazon.com Gift Card. The giveaway begins on August 1, 2018 and runs through September 1, 2018. Void where prohibited.

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