Book Review: Wild Justice by M.L. Buchman

I love the strong characters, and mix of action and romance that Mr. Buchman presents.

Wild Justice
by M.L. Buchman

File Size: 1402 KB
Print Length: 313 pages
Publisher: Buchman Bookworks, Inc. (October 17, 2017)
ASIN: B074319W2Y
Genre: Military, Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

DELTA FORCE
The best counter-terrorism force on the planet.
SERGEANT DUANE JENKINS
• Elite Delta operator—explosives just make him grin •
AGENT SOFIA FORTEZA
• Top Intel Analyst for The Activity—thinks data is sexy•
The team must face their toughest mission yet: take down a massive human-trafficking ring and a corrupt Venezuelan spy agency—without leaving a trace.
Sofia and Duane.
In common: black sheep of extremely wealthy families, renegades against the status quo.
Differences: tactician vs. explosives expert, thinker vs. pure warrior.
Together: fight to keep their team alive, and their love.

Review:
This story opens with an intense sniper reconnaissance scene where Sofia and Duane meet in a sniper blind. She is a complete surprise to him, while she is expecting a team. Their acerbic banter is engaging from the get go. Sofia is an aloof, intel analyst who wanted to be on site when the special ops team arrives. She is impressed with Duane’s precision in preparation and execution of the take down.

Duane quickly observes that Sofia is smart, skilled and capable in addition to being stunning. His growing interest in her sort of blind sides him and the situation only gets worse as she remains with the team as they zip from one mission to another…to another. Then Sofia invites Duane home where they face another tense situation.

There is plenty of intense action in at least three settings that are well plotted and fast moving. I found the detailed description of Caracus very interesting. There is a good balance with the strong romance element. Duane and Sofia are passionate characters accustomed to their independence as revealed in their difficult family backgrounds. They move cautiously in spite of the obvious draw that escalates into an intense relationship without being overtly graphic. Their conflicted feelings begin to create difficulties in the team dynamics and have to be dealt with.

The author presents technical details on guns, boats and helicopters. This will either be interesting to the reader or can be skimmed after recognizing that it fits the characters. There is some profanity which for me is not necessary but can also be skimmed.

I am always confident that I will find an engaging story with strong romance in Mr. Buchman’s works. The story includes a battle against the terrors and evils of human trafficking. In an afterword the author encourages donations to the causes fighting those evils which is certainly commendable. I recommend this book and this author’s work to romance readers who like military elements and strong male and female characters.

I am pleased to have received this from the author for an honest review.

Sunday Post October 15, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 16, 2017

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.
Thank you to Sheila for the years that she handled this meme.
Thank you to Kathryn for taking up the baton.

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 continue to try to complete work projects every day. I was out half a day this week for a luncheon in Bay County and to view office space for our branch office. That of course meant I missed an afternoon to work. :-( Fortunately I am feeling better.

My reading/listening time was good. I finished three books: two ebooks and one audio. I am far along in the next ebook too. I posted only two reviews, plus my usual memes.

I visited 30 blogs during the week including some brand new to me.
Shout out this week is for Delighted Reader which is a new to me full book blog I came upon recently.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post October 8, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 9, 2017.

• eNG: Book Review: Twelve Slays of Christmas by Jacqueline Frost ; Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mystery, Woman Sleuth; my rating 4.25.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway October 13, 2017. Open Worldwide. Ending 10/19/2017.

• A-TBR- Audible Review: Blood in the Water: Destroyermen Series, Book 11, by Taylor Anderson; Alternate History, Sci Fi; my rating 4.5.

• Sharing Beyond Books #324 Comment Giveaway October 14, 2017. Open Worldwide. Ending 10/21/2017.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement October 15, 2017.

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Crown of Souls
by Ronie Kendig
I did enjoy this complex, Christian military suspense.
Received this through NetGalley (it released in September).
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (Ladies Book Club - LBC)

A Matter of Character,
Sisters of Bethlehem Springs Series #3
by Robin Lee Hatcher
This is a very sweet read. I'll post a review and giveaway later this week.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible/MP3 (Narrator)

Breakthrough: The Great Martian War, Book 2
By: Scott Washburn
Narrator: Ray Greenley
Duration: 10 hrs and 27 mins
This is entertaining.
I received this Audiobook from the narrator.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (Author)

Wild Justice
by M.L. Buchman
I m 70% in this and love the characters.
I plan to complete this in time for the release date of 10/17.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/MP3 (Author)

The Case of the Cursed Dodo
By: Jake G. Panda
Narrator: Michael McConnohie, J.W. Terry, Dave Mallow, Molly Brandenburg, Antoinette Attell, Ian Whitcomb, Barbara Watkins, Bobb Lynes
Duration: 2 hrs and 34 mins
This came in just in time for my post tonight.
And I was looking for a lighter audio to listen too.
I received this from the author, Jake!
Publisher's Summary
Listen up. If you're looking for trouble, you've found it. His name's Jake G. Panda and he's a wildlife investigator. This hard-boiled bear works at a flophouse for endangered critters called the Last Resort. He's the hotel snoop. The resident fuzz. It's his job to keep these unusual guests safe and outta harm's way.
This hilarious first installment of The Endangered Files is a wild and woolly mystery involving a missing guest, a green bird, and a bunch of double-crossing critters all hot on the trail of The Cursed Dodo. It's designed to introduce young listeners to the subject of endangered species in a fun and informative way.
So join this tough talking panda detective and a cast of endangered creatures on a globe-trotting audio adventure that will appeal to young and old alike.
©2014 Jake G. Panda (P)2017 Jake G. Panda

3. eBook/Kindle (iRead Tour)

The Fabergé Entanglement
by Lesley Meryn and Elle Brookes
This sounds like a good action/adventure/romance. I received this title through iRead Book Tours; my tour date 10/25.
Sabinne ‘Saber’ Darrieux’s father, the billionaire CEO of Frontenac Global Security has been kidnapped. His ransom is not cash in a numbered offshore account, or a briefcase of Bearer Bonds but something utterly unique, incredibly valuable, and until recently, hidden away from the world.
The kidnapper seems to know Saber very well, and knows that the next day, through her work as an elite translator she will be in the same location as the Object. She must steal the Object and deliver it to the kidnapper to ransom her father.
Adrian Steele, a British Intelligence agent has just come off of two harrowing missions. Upon returning to London for a well-earned rest, he learns that his friend and fellow agent, has been murdered in Moscow, but not before he made use of a unique Object as a mobile ‘drop site’ for the valuable intelligence he was carrying.
The drop site is traveling from Moscow to England. Steele insists on completing the mission to honor the death of his friend, Gerry Cornell.
At an ultra-chic quasi-diplomatic gathering in a mansion in Windsor, England, Saber and Steele meet and find themselves faced with a powerful, undeniable attraction. But at the moment, this compelling attraction is very inconvenient.
In reality they are at the mansion to check out the security arrangements — for their own reasons — to steal the Object, a Fabergé egg worth thirty million dollars. But who will get to the egg first?
Fabergé eggs are very famous for their unique surprises. Saber and Steele are about to be very surprised, indeed.
And when Saber clashes with Steele; more than sparks will explode!

4. Audible/MP3 (TBR)

Purity in Death: In Death, Book 15
Written by: J. D. Robb
Narrated by: Susan Ericksen
Length: 12 hrs and 44 mins
I realized I hadn't read any of this series yet this year so thought I would get at least one in.
Publisher's Summary
Louie Cogburn had spent three days holed up in his apartment, staring at his computer screen. His pounding headache was unbearable - like spikes drilling into his brain. And it was getting worse. Finally, when someone knocked at his door, Louie picked up a baseball bat, opened the door, and started swinging...
The first cop on the scene fired his stunner twice and Louie died instantly. Detective Eve Dallas has taken over the investigation, but there's nothing to explain the man's sudden rage or death. The only clue is a bizarre message left on his computer screen: Absolute Purity Achieved.
And when a second man dies under nearly identical circumstances, Dallas starts racking her brain for answers and for courage to face the impossible... that this might be a computer virus able to spread from machine to man....
©2013 J. D. Robb (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

October 15, 2017 - I am back reading on track in the One Year Bible, and caught up to one day behind for the September reading. I have been reading along with my husband and others from our church. I hope to take more time this year, staying on the day and listening to the companion commentary online.

I completed three books and posted two reviews. That keeps me up to date.
I need to link current reviews to Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.
I am still at 12 NetGalley titles. Now one author titles in my queue, with a few requests I am considering.

We're working on two fiction books soon to add to eTreasure's NetGalley page.

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) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and (yours truly).
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
I received one ebook for review thatI forgot to list two weeks ago and an audio review that I just got.
I selected one Audible Daily Deal and bought one $.99 Kindle.
As usual, I picked up more free kindle titles as usual. (Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.)

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I received a book a week of so ago I forgot to list.
I received this title through iRead Book Tours; my tour date 10/25.

The Fabergé Entanglement
by Lesley Meryn and Elle Brookes
This sounds like a good action/adventure/romance.
"Fabergé eggs are very famous for their unique surprises. Saber and Steele are about to be very surprised, indeed.
And when Saber clashes with Steele; more than sparks will explode!"

The Case of the Cursed Dodo
By: Jake G. Panda
Narrator: Michael McConnohie, J.W. Terry, Dave Mallow, Molly Brandenburg, Antoinette Attell, Ian Whitcomb, Barbara Watkins, Bobb Lynes
I saw this last week at Carol's Notebook
and I selected it for Books That Caught Our Eye.
So I am pleased to get this.

Won

NONE

Purchased

I resisted the Audible Daily Deals until today:
10/15 DD $1.95
The Year of the Hare
By: Arto Paasilinna
Narrator: Simon Vance
Duration: 4 hrs and 36 mins

Three Christmas Wishes

by Sheila Roberts

I saw this at Bookfan and decided to snag it at $.99

Free

Here are some of the Free Kindle titles I picked up. (All of these may still be free):

Love Unlimited: Anthology
by Lizbeth Durano (Author), Bryana Beecham (Author), Samantha Bryant (Author), & 8 more 
 

Rescuing Rayne (Delta Force Heroes Book 1)
by Susan Stoker

 
The Girl With The Gun (Sydney Rye Book 8)
by Emily Kimelman

The Amish Orphan's Christmas (Amish Romance)
by Hannah Schrock

In The Service Of The Queen (The Gunsmith Book 1)
by C.K. Crigger 
 

The Broken Trail (Sweet River Redemption Book 1)
by Christa MacDonald

and a few more:
Stars in the Grass by Ann Marie Stewart
Valley of the Shadow (Dakota Moons Book 1) by Stephanie Grace Whitson
False Cast: a small town murder mystery (Frank Bennett Adirondack Mountain Mystery Series Book 5) by S.W. Hubbard
Pasta, Pinot & Murder: A Food & Wine Cozy Mystery (Willa Friday Food & Wine Mystery Book 1) by Jamie Lee Scott

I added 59 free Kindle titles to my library this week. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement October 15, 2017

We had a good Sunday School lesson with our substitute leader. We celebrated communion and the Pastor delivered his final Sermon on Tension. (After church we had a lovely congregational picnic.)

Accept the tension. Where there is tension, there is power. Tension brings us to a decision point.

If you have ever been to a Sleep Number store, you know that you test the bed. As you adjust the controls, there is a point where the body relaxes. It finds a comfort zone. There is a different point of comfort to suit different people. We each tend to find our own spot of comfort, rest, and safety.

But tension can bring opportunity. For the Christ follower, the comfort zone is the most dangerous place to be.

Soldiers who fought for freedom know part of natural tension. People at home remember the fight for freedom with celebrations and apple pie. But if we truly begin to forget the cost of freedom, God can kick us out of our comfort zones.

The Holy Spirit is the comforter, because we need comfort when we experience tension. Jesus sent the disciples out as lambs among wolves and told them to take nothing with them. Luke 10: 1-4. Would we go with nothing if He sent us? Jesus mission does not provide a comfort zone.

1 King 19:19-21 tells how Elijah went and found Elisha to train under him. Elisha killed his oxen and burned his plow, his former work implements, to destroy any backup plan as he stepped forward into God’s plan.

Positive tension is created when we become a Christ follower. As followers we are to do more than coming to church each Sunday.

Point: Power is not in the comfort zone. The power is in the tension created when we step out of the comfort zone.

Jesus adjures us to take up our cross daily and follow Him. Luke 9:23. It is a daily thing. When was the last time you took up cross?

Matthew 14 tells the story about Jesus walking on water and surprising the disciples in the boat. Peter was the only one who said, “call me out”. Stepping out of the boat most of us would immediately sink, but Peter stepped out and only began to sink after a few steps. There comes a time to get out of the boat instead of letting the work boat become a cruise ship.

Do you just talk about God or do you step out? The cross is no place of comfort.
Take up your cross, today and the next, and the next. God has power for you.
Lean into the tension; create the opportunity. Take the gospel out each day.

This song video fit with today's message.

Verses for Today:

Matthew 16:24-26 (NIV)
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. 26 What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?

Lord, help me to step out of the comfort zone and carry the cross for You each day.

Sharing Beyond Books #324 Comment Giveaway October 14, 2017

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Nine of us have not aspired to write. Three claimed they had too many to name. Those who identified authors they would like to write as well as named: Diana Gabledon, Nora Roberts/JD Robb (named twice), Maya Angelou, Nalini Singh, Brenda Joyce, and Judith McNaught. Mystica named the book Pride and Prejudice.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #323 comments is: #9 MIKI who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated (**Finally!) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love and Christmas titles - all linked near the end of the post.

**NOTE: I did post an Updated ARC and Other books for Giveaways. I have to go back and list the titles -- someday.
Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #324

(One Question.)

PoetryinLeaves asks: What is your favorite type of book swag??

Over time I have received tons of bookmarks but that isn't my favorite. I have also received T Shirts, mugs, pens, and much more. I really like the metal bookmarks or cute jewelry book charms.

Image found at Pinterest.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify.

Your turn to share. PoetryinLeaves asks: What is your favorite type of book swag??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Updated ARC and Other books, including the "Love" and Christmas titles all in one post.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday October 21, 2017 at 5 PM central.

Audible Review: Blood in the Water: Destroyermen Series, Book 11, by Taylor Anderson

I really enjoy this Alternate History Series with its strong character, lots of action and adventure.
Blood in the Water: Destroyermen Series
Book 11
Written by: Taylor Anderson
Narrated by: William Dufris

Length: 17 hrs and 15 mins
Series: Destroyermen, Book 11
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:06-07-16
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: Alternate History, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Ever since the USS Walker came from another world war to defy the terrifying Grik and diabolical Dominion, Matt Reddy and his crew have given their all to protect the oppressed Lemurians. But with the Walker in desperate need of repairs just as the Grik's first general is poised to strike, Reddy is desperate.
With more enemies than ever before arrayed against them, the crew of the Walker needs new allies. That means combing the lethal wilds of Madagascar to find the Lemurians' fabled ancestors as well as the enigmatic dwellers east of the Pass of Fire. But what Reddy's crew unearths may be more than they can handle - discoveries so shattering that they could tilt the balance of the war in either direction.
But Reddy's greatest adversary is from his past: a madman named Kurokawa whose single-minded mission of revenge will shake the Alliance to its core and raise the stakes to the most personal and terrifying levels Reddy has ever faced.
©2016 Taylor Anderson (P)2016 Tantor

Review:
This is book 11 of this engaging alternate history series. The story follows the adventures, and continued battles, of WWII destroyer, the USS Walker, and its enemy, the Japanese battlecruiser Amagi. Both ships were pulled by a storm into a different Pacific Ocean. In this alternate Earth, the continents are populated by giant lemur-like beings known as Lemurians, and their brutal, cannibalistic enemy, the lizard (or dinosaur)-like Grik.

The Americans, led by Captain Reddy, have trained the peaceful Lemurians so they can defend themselves against the Grik. The Lemurians are now busy building new ships, planes and weapons for the upcoming battles.

During the battles and explorations of their new surroundings, they have discovered that various ships from other countries and years of our history have been pulled into this alternate world. There are British, Spanish, German, French and more.

At this point Captain Reddy and the Alliance are spread out on numerous fronts. There is a group pursuing the wicked Dominions, while other groups are out seeking aid from ancient Lemurian tribes. Some ships are moving into position for the next battle and one ship has been sent out to explore beyond the explored lands. A new player has entered the local field, a coalition known as the League of Tripoli. The Alliance members don’t know if the League are friend or foe, but their actions in this episode will set them at odds with Captain Reddy.

The previously barbaric and drone-like armies of the Grik have begun to change and learn with the help of the Japanese and from the battles they have been engaged in. This is creating dangers for the Alliance but also creating interesting tension within the Grik forces. Meanwhile, the mad Japanese commander, Kurokawa, has a ship to replace the Amagi, and he is making his own plans for revenge.

The story follows at least seven threads of characters. There are battle scenes but also there are scenes of preparation, exploration and confrontation. I was glued to my earplugs to learn what would happen with each team. I enjoy the character interactions and am finding the growth of the Griks, especially General Halick, interesting. Once again I am impressed with Mr. Anderson’s wonderful imagination. I am glad I already have book 12 in my Audible library. I highly recommend the series, and the audios, to readers who enjoy alternate history and battle stories with well-developed characters.

Audio Notes: William Dufris does his usual great job of narration. He manages all the numerous character voices, accents and nuances, so the story becomes alive. I love listening to this series on audio.

Check out the artwork, plane models, maps and ship silhouettes at the author's new Website. (The website was down when I checked but hopefully will be back soon.)

Also check out my prior reviews:

Into the Storm -- guess I didn't write a review.

Crusade 4.5 

Maelstrom 4.5

Distant Thunders  4.75

Rising Tides 5.0

Firestorm 4.25

Iron Gray Sea  4.25

Storm Surge 4.5

Deadly Shores  4.75
Straits of Hell: Destroyermen, Book 10 5.0

If you like the reviews, please follow this link to Audible and click the yes button on the “was this review helpful”.

I had this title in my own Audible library (credit purchase in 2016). It qualifies for Audio Challenge and Mount TBR Challenge.