Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Ruthless: Faces of Evil Book 6 by Debra Webb

Another great installment in this romantic suspense series!

Ruthless
by Debra Webb
The Faces of Evil Series: Book 6

• Series: Faces of Evil
• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Forever (August 27, 2013)
• ISBN-10: 1455527602
• ISBN-13: 978-1455527601

Genre: Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: August 27, 2013
"Gritty, edge-of-your-seat, white-knuckle thriller . . . Move over Jack Reacher-Jess Harris is comin' to town."
He has a ruthless past . . .
Three photos of three unknown women. Sent to Deputy Chief Jess Harris by the Player, one of the world's most sadistic killers. The Player is taunting her, and Jess is more than ready to take on his challenge. Only one thing could distract her from the Player's deadly game: the appearance of a clue to long-unsolved cases. For years Birmingham's children were vanishing-one per year, always on a full moon-until the disappearances stopped and the Man in the Moon case went cold. No leads on the children were ever found-until now.
Jess has no choice but to pursue the case. Someone is reaching out to her, sending her mementos of the missing children, and the citizens of Birmingham deserve justice. But after years of silence, has the Man in the Moon really resurfaced? Or is he just another pawn in the Player's game?

Review:
Tough Chief Deputy, Jess Harris, is still being taunted by her old nemesis, the serial killer Spears.  Now he has sent her pictures of three women challenging her to find and save them. Although the case is being handled by the FBI and Chief Black in her office, it still causes concern to Jess and her boss and lover, Captain Dan Burnett.

Matters are more complicated when another killer from the past begins to send packages to Jess. This killer was known as the Man in the Moon who had spent many years snatching and killing one young child each harvest moon.  He had stopped ten or so years before but now he is sending the packages of the children to Jess. She realizes that something has triggered the killer and she is determined to solve the mystery before it becomes more than unearthing prior victims.

As if work problems were not enough of a challenge, Jess has the stress of wondering if she might be pregnant. Although she is still fiercely independent, she is beginning to appreciate Dan’s concern for her well being and his need to try to protect her from two maniacal killers as well as the possible threat from another cop who is still missing.

I really enjoyed the plot and intensity of this story and I appreciate that there is no offensive language.  There is a bit of conflict and romance for Jess’s coworkers, Harper and Lori, that adds extra elements. There are a few romantic scenes for Jess and Dan but primarily this book focuses on the murder and suspense elements which kept me turning pages to discover the secrets!

This is Book 6 of the series which I started at Book 3. It could be read as a stand alone but I recommend getting the earlier books so you can enjoy the character interactions better. I will be anxious to keep reading this excellent romantic suspense series. 

I received this ARC for review for Forever/Hachette.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC Copy:

ENTRY FORM HERE

Don't forget to fill in the form for entry! 

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.  

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open to those with US or Canadian address.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on September 13, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on September 14, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Audio Book Review: Paradox Resolution: A Spider Webb Novel, by K.A. Bedford

Jump on this book for a mad time trip!
Paradox Resolution: A Spider Webb Novel
Author: K.A. Bedford

Narrator: Cameron McDonald
Audio Book Length:  9 Hrs 55 Min

Genre: Time Travel, Action, Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Audio Book Description:
Aloysius “Spider” Webb fixes time machines for a living. He hates his job; he hates his life, and hates time travel even more. He simply wants to get on with his life. He’s a hard working -Australian bloke — a good man in a bad -situation who is willing to do almost anything to regain his self-respect and the affection of his nearly -ex-wife, Molly; a mad sculptress on her way to international fame and fortune.

Spider’s life and his world are changing. -After quitting the Western Australian Police Service, Spider studied to become a time -machine repair -mechanic, eking out a sparse -living fixing broken down machines. But the -repair business isn’t what it used to be. Once, time machines were as big as cars; but now they’re smaller and compact, portable, and cost too much to get fixed so it’s easier for people to simply buy a new one. Times are tough and there is no end in sight.

Meanwhile, Spider’s new boss at the Time -Machines Repaired While-U-Wait franchise needs help: his -secretly built, totally -illegal, -radically overclocked, hotrod time -machine has been stolen, and Spider is the right man to get it back before it falls into the wrong hands, or worse inadvertently destroys the entire universe.

Spider’s journey begins with a simple favor to help his almost ex-wife, Molly, and moves to the icy wastes of the far, far future.

Surprise and shock are the only -constants in -Spider’s life; why should this job be any -different?

Review:
Spider, a sharp Australian, is a former police-officer who was pushed out of his job after blowing the whistle on a corrupt department. Now he earns a living fixing time machines, which he hates, while he tries to regain a more respectable life and his soon to be ex-wife, Molly.  Spider is really a nice guy who believes in doing the right thing–even though that has gotten him into his current dilemma.

Spider thinks maybe he can win back his wife’s affections if he continues to help her as an available handyman.  Spider is alarmed that Molly is going out of town but he won’t refuse when she asks him to house-sit her sick gold fish. The next morning he is startled to find a dead head– ah, make that a dead talking head!– in his refrigerator at work. Then his boss calls him in to seek his help in finding his young son who has disappeared with a  illegal, totally souped-up, hotrod time machine.  All of a sudden Spider is caught up in a time travel mystery that could lead to end time destruction.

Spider hates time travel and the reason becomes understandable as time travel experiences seem to bring on nothing but trouble and perhaps even the downfall of civilization.  First the trips made by his boss and then Spider’s own trips show a certain circular, inescapable, inevitability.  Is it possible for him to save Molly from becoming an alien monster? And what trouble is he bringing on his cop-friend, Iris, who insists on jumping on board the time machine heading to a far distant future? Can they make changes to save earth before the aliens devour what is left?

This was a mad trip of twisted, future power-mongers and danger wrapped with irony and humor.  This moves along at a good pace and kept me engaged.  I really enjoyed trying to figure out where it was going and what would happen next even as Spider himself ponders his mundane life and the turns that it takes with the different time jumps.

This is apparently a sequel novel although it worked fine as a stand alone. This makes me curious to go back and read the first book.

Audio Notes:  Cameron McDonald does a grand job with the Australian accents, slang and irrepressible spirit. The narration made this a completely enjoyable reading/listening experience.

I received this download to provide an honest review for Post Hypnotic Press through Audiobook Jukebox.

Mailbox Monday September 2, 2013

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs.  This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) but is now hosted at Mailbox Monday and through various blog hosts.
For SEPTEMBER: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Yolanda of Notorious Spinks Talks Books.  [Starting next month, Bob of Beauty in Ruins will be the new back-up host for Mailbox Monday.]

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

This post covers August 19 - 24 as I didn't get a chance to link up last Monday. 
I received one audio book for review and two Audible books from my subscription.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I received one audio book through Audiobook Jukebox  for review:

Nevermore: A Novel of Love, Loss, & Edgar Allan Poe

• UNABRIDGED
• by David Niall Wilson
• Narrated by Gigi Shane

Won

None.

Purchased

My Audible Subscription did an automatic purchase from My Next Listen list of choices:

The Emerald Atlas: Books of Beginning

• UNABRIDGED
• by John Stephens
• Narrated by Jim Dale
• • Series: Books of Beginning, Book 1
  • Series: The Books of Beginning, Book 1

and

Off Armageddon Reef: Safehold Series, 

Book 1

• 
  
• UNABRIDGED
• by David Weber
• Narrated by Oliver Wyman
• • Series: Safehold, Book 1

Free

I downloaded a couple of free Kindle Titles this week
linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle Review.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading September 2, 2013

This meme starts at Book Journey!

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I had a relaxing week on a cruise to the Bahamas. Reading was good with four books completed.  I even got three reviews posted, one with ARC Giveaway.  I also posted the weekly Friday Pick Giveaway, Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.

I had no visiting last week so I'll have to try to make up for it this week.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday What are You Reading? August 26, 2013.

• Audible Book Review: Death of a Dyer by Eleanor Kuhns, Historical Mystery; my rating 4.0.

• Book Review: The Companions, The Sundering, Book I by R.A. Salvatore, Fantasy; my rating 4.5. 

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 30, 2013. Open Worldwide. Ends 9/5.

• Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Guilty as Sin by Jami Alden, Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.25. 

• Sharing Beyond Books #115 Comment Giveaway 8/31/13. Open Worldwide. Ends 9/6.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement September 1, 2013.
  

Finished Reading:

1. Audible

Paradox Resolution
Author: K.A. Bedford
Narrator: Cameron McDonald
This has started and is going to be a great puzzle of time travel and mystery.
Reviewing for Post Hypnotic Press 
through Audiobook Jukebox.
Click on Title for full Book Description.

2. Print

Ruthless
by Debra Webb
The Faces of Evil Series: Book 6
This is an awesome installment to the series!
Reviewing for Forever/Hachette. 
I will post review with ARC Giveaway this week.
Book Description
Publication Date: August 27, 2013
"Gritty, edge-of-your-seat, white-knuckle thriller . . . Move over Jack Reacher-Jess Harris is comin' to town."
He has a ruthless past . . .
Three photos of three unknown women. Sent to Deputy Chief Jess Harris by the Player, one of the world's most sadistic killers. The Player is taunting her, and Jess is more than ready to take on his challenge. Only one thing could distract her from the Player's deadly game: the appearance of a clue to long-unsolved cases. For years Birmingham's children were vanishing-one per year, always on a full moon-until the disappearances stopped and the Man in the Moon case went cold. No leads on the children were ever found-until now.
Jess has no choice but to pursue the case. Someone is reaching out to her, sending her mementos of the missing children, and the citizens of Birmingham deserve justice. But after years of silence, has the Man in the Moon really resurfaced? Or is he just another pawn in the Player's game?

3. Audible

Distant Thunders: Destroyermen, Book 4
UNABRIDGED
by Taylor Anderson
Narrated by William Dufris
I loved this and am anxious to move to Book 5!
This was from my own Audible Library.
Publisher's Summary
After the battle in which the men of the destroyer Walker and their Lemurian allies repelled the savage Grik, Lieutenant Commander Matthew Reddy is shocked by the arrival of a strange ship captained by one Commaner Jenks of the New Britain Imperial Navy - an island-nation populated by the descendants of British East Indiamen swept through the rift centuries before
With the Walker undergoing repairs, Reddy already has a great deal on his hands. For the Grik will return, and Reddy will need all hands on deck to fight them off when they next attack. But Jenks's uncertain loyalties make Reddy question whether he can trust the man. As tension between the Allies and the Imperials mount, Reddy will come to realize that his suspicions are not misplaced - and that a greater danger than the Grik is closer than he ever suspected.

4. eBook/Kindle

The Godborn, The Sundering, Book II
by Paul S. Kemp
This is the second in the series 
but has started like a fresh book.
I am anxious to see how it  picks up from the first book.
I received this from  NetGalley.
Click on Title for full Book Description.

Line Edits/Releases:
Working on print releases this week.

Enter the bi-monthly drawings at eTreasures Publishing Facebook page.
This week's giveaway link:  Shelly the Hermit Crab by Stacey Leigh Malloy, illustrated by Katie Cassidy
Genre(s): Children's - Age 2-9; Print Pages: 34.

Currently reading:

1. Audible

Monster Hunter International
UNABRIDGED
by Larry Correia
Narrated by Oliver Wyman
Series: Monster Hunter, Book 1
I had this one on my MP3 so I am several hours into this action  and monster packed story.
Publisher's Summary
Five days after Owen Zastava Pitt pushed his insufferable boss out of a 14th story window, he woke up in the hospital with a scarred face, an unbelievable memory, and a job offer.
It turns out that monsters are real. All the things from myth, legend, and B-movies are out there, waiting in the shadows. Officially secret, some of them are evil, and some are just hungry. On the other side are the people who kill monsters for a living. Monster Hunter International is the premier eradication company in the business. And now Owen is their newest recruit.
It's actually a pretty sweet gig, except for one little problem. An ancient entity known as the Cursed One has returned to settle a centuries-old vendetta. Should the Cursed One succeed, it means the end of the world, and MHI is the only thing standing in his way.
With the clock ticking towards Armageddon, Owen finds himself trapped between legions of undead minions, belligerent federal agents, a cryptic ghost who has taken up residence inside his head, and the cursed family of the woman he loves. Business is good.... Welcome to Monster Hunter International.
©2009 Larry Correia (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

2. eBook/Kindle

Double Click
by Lisa Becker
I have started this fun sequel to Click that I reviewed a few weeks ago.
Book Description
Publication Date: March 26, 2013
Fans of the romantic hit Click: An Online Love Story will enjoy another voyeuristic dive into the lives of Renee, Shelley, Ashley, Mark and Ethan, as Double Click picks up with their lives six months later. Are Renee and Ethan soul mates? Does Mark ever go on a date? Has Shelley run out of sexual conquests in Los Angeles? Will Ashley's judgmental nature sabotage her budding relationship? Through a marriage proposal, wedding, new baby and unexpected love twist, Double Click answers these questions and more. Readers will continue to cheer, laugh, cry and cringe following the email exploits of Renee and friends.

3. eBook/Kindle

Scattered Petals (Texas Dreams Book #2): A Novel

by Amanda Cabot

My Ladies Book Club is reading this Book 2 in the series for meeting September 7.

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2010

Longing for adventure, Priscilla Morton leaves Boston and heads for Texas, never dreaming that the adventure she seeks will leave her badly injured and her parents dead. Priscilla is determined to rebuild her life and make a home for herself in the beautiful Hill Country. But the bandits who took her parents' lives also destroyed her hope for the future.

Ranch foreman Zachary Webster knows what the future holds for him, and it's not a woman like Priscilla. She deserves a cultured East Coast gentleman, not a cowboy who's haunted by memories of his mistakes. The best thing he can do is leave her alone.

When necessity draws them together, Priscilla and Zach begin to forge a life that, like the scattered petals of her childhood, is filled with promise. But then the past intrudes, threatening their very existence.

4. Audio/MP3

Nevermore: A Novel of Love, Loss & Edgar Allan Poe
by David Nail Wilson
Narrated by Gigi Shane
Reviewing for the Author through Audiobook Jukebox.
Publisher's Summary
On the banks of Lake Drummond, on the edge of the Great Dismal Swamp, there is a tree in the shape of a woman.
One dark, moonlit night, two artists met at the Lake Drummond Hotel, built directly on the borderline of North Carolina and Virginia. One was a young woman with the ability to see spirits trapped in trees and stone, anchored to the earth beyond their years. Her gift was to draw them, and then to set them free. The other was a dark man, haunted by dreams and visions that brought him stories of sadness and pain, trapped in a life between the powers he sensed all around him and a mundane existence attended by failure. They were Eleanore MacReady, Lenore, to her friends, and a young poet named Edgar Allan Poe, who traveled with a crow that was his secret, and almost constant companion, a bird named Grimm for the talented brothers of fairy-tale fame.
Their meeting drew them together in vision, and legend, and pitted their strange powers and quick minds against the depths of the Dismal Swamp itself, ancient legends, and time.
Once, upon a shoreline dreary, there was a tree. This is her story.
©2013 David N. Wilson (P)2013 David N. Wilson

I am really lagging but still listening to The Listener's Bible NIV read by Max McLean. [Reading and listening on MP3.] I have been remiss and not keeping up with daily reading with my DH.

Line Edits: Still working. Several more releases being prepared for the next few weeks. I am doing some new print formatting this week.

I did pretty good in August with one print book and author book to carry over into September.   

August

Sourcebooks
    (none scheduled unless I pick up at NetGalley)

Hachette - Forever
    A House Divided by Kimberly Lawson Roby

NetGalley:
   Done

AudioBook Jukebox
     Nevermore: A Novel of Love, Loss & Edgar Allan Poe by David Nail Wilson (listening)

Author Books received at March EPICon
     Convict Dad by P. Ryan Hembree

Author Review titles:
     Double Click by Lisa Becker (reading)

From TBR Collection - Distant Thunder - review to be written.
Won Book - TBD
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords: TBD

Sunday Words of Encouragement September 1, 2013

We enjoyed our quick week of cruise but we are happy to be home. We met several lovely couples this week. As often happens we found ourselves seated next to other Christians with whom we shared encouraging words.  There were also those at surrounding tables who looked unhappy and we tried to share some of our joy with them by praying and by being cheerful and having a good time encouraging the crew staff.

I get so busy at work that it is nice to slow down. It is even better to know that anytime, anywhere we can find restoration if we look in the right direction--giving thanks and praise to God who will restore us.

This song is perfect for today:

Times of Refreshing

A Verse for Today:
Acts 3:19
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,

I give thanks, Lord, for your grace and peace. I am glad to be refreshed as I head back to work this week!