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:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and giveaways!

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.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours

Sunday Post August 26, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 27, 2018

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date (at Wordpress).

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.

My week was fairly standard: work 9-6; come home, eat, work on the computer, then crash around 10pm or so.
Our weather is starting to cool off in the morning. It is very pleasant to sit on our balcony sharing coffee with hubby and watching the chickens. We are now getting 2-3 eggs each day. :-)

I enjoyed my listening and ereading was good but a little slower. I finished two audio titles and am making good progress in two ebooks. I posted four reviews and all of my usual memes.

I visited 26 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Nerdy Reader Girl, an "avid reader, writer, and blogger."
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post August 19, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 20, 2018.

• A2018- Audio Book Review: Audio Book Review: Christmas at the Inn by Andrea Twombly; Contemporary Romance, Holiday; my rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Because of Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn; Historical Romance; my rating 4.5 of 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 24, 2018. Open Worldwide. Ending 8/30/2018.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: One Man's Opus by Boyd Craven III; Preparedness, Romance; my rating 4.0 of 5.0.

• 2018eBook- Book Review: Must Love Babies by Lynnette Austin; Contemporary Romance, Small Town; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #351 Comment Giveaway August 25, 2018. Open Worldwide. Ending 9/11/2018.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement August 19, 2018.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Because of Miss Bridgerton
The Bridgerton Series
By: Julia Quinn
Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
Series: The Rokesbys, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 25 mins
I was looking for something light and this sure fit the bill. I always find humor and romance with Julia Quinn characters.
My 4.5 review is linked above. 
Source: 2017 May Audible Credit.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

One Man's Opus
A Survival and Preparedness Story
By: Boyd Craven III
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce
Series: One Man's Opus, Book 1
Length: 6 hrs and 14 mins
I enjoyed this solid story. My review is linked above.
Source: 2017 May Audible Credit.
Publisher's Summary
Man's best friend.
Rick is like many Americans. He's concerned with what he sees on the news, and how the country seems to be ready to tear itself apart. His biggest concern has been civil unrest. Already an avid camper, he sets out to secure his future, and career, by finding his own Eden.
Tina is a small-business owner and knows what she wants in life. She and her furry companion find themselves at gunpoint when Rick walks back into her world and forever changes the dynamic between them.
One dog, who's been the savior, protector, and companion...Opus. The owner of two humans that mostly understand him. Mostly.
When the police walk into an ambush, a series of events forces the couple to bug out. The problem with having to leave for a small town, at a remote location, is it really isn't a secret. Small towns bring their own problems with crime, and power plays. Everybody knows everybody, and the gossip mill runs as fast as lightning.
Will the trio be as prepared as they need to be?
©2017 Boyd Craven III (P)2017 Boyd Craven III

Currently Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (Partners in Crime)

The Former Assassin
by Nikki Stern
I am at 70% in this interesting thriller. 
(I realized I had to get this read for my review date.)
Source: Partners in Crime; Tour Review and Giveaway 8/29.
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.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG2018)

Silent Threat (Mission Recovery Book 1)
by Dana Marton
35% in I like the characters and story so far. I was sorry to put it on hold but I'll get back to it early this week.
Source: NetGalley 2018.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Spider's Bite
Elemental Assassin, Book 1
By: Jennifer Estep
Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang
Length: 11 hrs and 59 mins
I'm a good third into this urban fantasy; 
having mixed feelings.
Source: Audible 2012 Sale purchase. 
Publisher's Summary
They call me the Spider. I'm the most feared assassin in the South -- when I'm not busy at the Pork Pit cooking up the best barbecue in Ashland. As a Stone elemental, I can hear everything from the whispers of the gravel beneath my feet to the vibrations of the soaring Appalachian Mountains above me. My Ice magic also comes in handy for making the occasional knife. But I don't use my powers on the job unless I absolutely have to. Call it professional pride.
Now that a ruthless Air elemental has double-crossed me and killed my handler, I'm out for revenge. And I'll exterminate anyone who gets in my way -- good or bad. I may look hot, but I'm still one of the bad guys. Which is why I'm in trouble, since irresistibly rugged Detective Donovan Caine has agreed to help me. The last thing this coldhearted killer needs when I'm battling a magic more powerful than my own is a sexy distraction... especially when Donovan wants me dead just as much as the enemy.
©2010 Jennifer Estep (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

4. eBook/Kindle (NG2018)

Tale of the Spectacular Spectacles: Theodore and the Enchanted Bookstore (book one)
by K. Kibbee
I'll try to squeeze this cute looking book in for August reading.
Source: NetGalley 2018.
Living life as a bumbling breadbox with fur, was hardship enough for Theodore the Corgi, but when the young dog finds himself cold and alone in a frightening animal shelter, it’s clear that his struggles have only just begun.
Labeled “unadoptable,” by shelter staff, Theodore mires in the gloom until a kind-eyed stranger with a pocket full of handcrafted jerky and a quirky smile, rescues him with the intent of making Theodore the newest addition to his curious Bookstore. Though overwhelmed at first, Theodore soon finds both his new friend and the odd bookstore are welcoming hosts, despite the Corgi’s run of clumsy mishaps. And while Theodore’s formerly dull and lonely life fades to memory, a new, adventurous one blooms before him—for hidden amongst the dusty stacks of books and things at the Enchanted Bookstore, waits a peculiar little man with a set of the most magical, Spectacular Spectacles imaginable.

August 25, 2018 - I am still enjoying the prayer app which gives me five prayer groups each morning! I continue on track with my morning reading the One Year Bible plan on my smartphone. You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.

I completed 2 books and posted 3 reviews (plus one previously linked to Goodreads). 
That leaves me one review to post. I actually thought I had completed it but it was all in my mind! :-)
I'm doing pretty good adding current reviews to Goodreads, Amazon and Audible. I have some older ones to catch up on.
My NetGalley shelf is now at 11. I still have two author titles in queue and one more review titles. Still many through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.

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 picked up one review book this week.
I resisted the Audible Daily Deals and am eyeing sale titles.
I did pick up one Kindle title.
I only picked up a handful of free kindle titles this week. (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

Received from Author Marketing Experts.
A Nanny For Christmas: A Harper's Corner Series Novella
by Christina George
I'm starting to be drawn to Christmas titles. This sounds like a fast, cute read.

Won

NONE

Purchased

I am eyeing the Audible $5.95 sale but haven't made any purchases yet.
I did pick up the kindle version of Pandemic (The Extinction Files Book 1) by A.G. Riddle for $2.49.
This will allow me to pick up the Audible for $1.99, which is still less than the $5.95 sale price. :-).

Free

I added 23 free titles to my Kindle library this week - I downloaded while listening one afternoon. 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 August 26, 2018

We had a good Sunday School message on the book of Esther, which I will share another day. Then we had worship and praise before our Youth Pastor gave a great sermon titled “You Were Made to Shine”.

Our youth pastor, (JB), opened saying that he felt anointed for the message; he could even smell the anointing. It turned out he had a bottle of anointing oil in his pocket which had broken!

JB noted that he had learned to love all types of church services. But the services mean nothing if we are not fulfilling our purposes. If we don't step out to teach the lost, then the service is hollow.

There are currently about 7.6 billion people in the world. 2 billion plus claim to be Christian. That leaves 5 billion plus who need Jesus. They are lost and without hope.

We have to do more than go through the motions of church. There is work to be done for the kingdom of God. A life to be lived by each of us. Do we live the truth? What has He created us to be? He created each of us to be a light in the darkness.

We are to live differently than the world. You were made to shine. Matthew 5:14-16.

Unfortunately, too many Christians have become better at blending into the culture instead of standing out. When the church goes silent, the church goes dark.
JB recently turned on TV and the MTV awards show was just starting. Within two minutes they disrespected country and God and JB was offended so he turned it off.

Do not accept the lawless culture. Instead, remember the song “Though none go with me, still I will follow.” Jesus never lets you down like this world does.

Be careful of multiple identities. Too many Christians hide their light under a basket. Oftentimes it is due to selfishness and pride. Too often we are uncomfortable to reach out to lost people. We have to believe that no one needs to know my name, but they need to know who Jesus is and the gift of salvation he offers.

Romans 12:2 says not to conform to the world, but to be transformed. Reaching the low bar of the world is too easy. Instead, we should be trendsetters for Christ.

Matthew 5:14-16 states three key points: Our identity, our purpose, our reason.
We are a light…to shine God’s message of hope…so all men may praise Him!
Shine your light for all to see.
If we are going to make a difference, they (the world) need to see a difference.
We are going to have to be different.

Actions needed to back up our words. Own your identity! Your true identity will reveal your purpose.

Don't put a basket over your light.
Darkness only exists because there is an absence of light. 5 billion people need us to shine.

I thought I might use the I'll Follow song but I decided on this fitting song video instead:

Verses for today:
Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

JB exhorts us to pray: "Lord, help me to live the life You've called me to."

Sharing Beyond Books #351 Comment Giveaway August 25, 2018

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Eleven of us read whenever we can, throughout the day. Three read at night or evenings and two before bed. One reads during daytime with day light.


The Winner from SBB #350 comments is: #1 NATALIJA 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 #351

(One Question.)

Faith Hope and Cherrytea asks: What is your top/favourite/go to reading genre???

(We had this question in 2013 and I will compare our replies now to the ones then.) My current favorite/go to reading is Post-Apocalyptic/Dystopian followed closely by military sci fi, and third, historical romance.

Image found at Composition's Wiki.

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.
Ashfa and Faith Hope CherryTea get 1/2 book credit or $2.50 each for questions used in the month of August.

Your turn to share. Faith Hope and Cherrytea asks: What is your top/favourite/go to reading genre???

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 September 8, 2018 at 5 PM central.

Book Review: Must Love Babies by Lynnette Austin

This is a fun, charming romance with a baby and vintage cars.
Must Love Babies
by Lynnette Austin

File Size: 1764 KB
Print Length: 416 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (June 5, 2018)
ASIN: B079JVCHTX
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Small Town
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

This baby's not the only one in need of a cuddle...
Brant Wylder is a bachelor and loving it! He's in Misty Bottoms, Georgia, property-hunting for his vintage car repair shop when he gets the call. His sister's been in an accident, and Brant has to drop everything and take care of his five-month-old nephew. That's the end of the bachelor lifestyle.
Bridal boutique owner Molly Stiles is all business all the time, until she sees that Brant's in trouble. In this Southern town, nobody ever has to go it alone. And besides, how can she resist that beautiful baby in the arms of a beautiful man...?

Review:
Brant has his bachelor eye on Molly Stiles although he knows he shouldn’t move on his interest since she doesn’t seem an easy, limited time date. Still, he can enjoy looking. When his sister is hospitalized after a car accident, Brant is called in to take care of his five-month-old nephew. This ends his loose bachelor days and he is glad to find Molly is willing to help him out. She might not have a lot of experience with infants, but she does love babies.

Molly has trauma from her young years and men who leave. She has a To-Do schedule that keeps her career in focus and finding a boyfriend out a few years. She might have been able to resist Brant when she thought he was single, trouble and leaving town to boot. Now he is not only planning to move his business to Misty Bottoms, but it is clear he can use help and support with the infant he is caring for. Surely she can help him and keep to her To-Do time line… if only he wasn’t pushing to change the schedule.

These are both charming characters. Brant is quick to step up to help his family and he is consistently a gentleman with Molly (despite his mental thoughts). Molly has made a successful start of her own business but has emotional baggage to work through. The interaction with the baby is natural and fun (think first time diaper changes, feeding and bathing). Brant’s brothers and their vintage car business, as well as a surprise celebrity wedding, add to the story.

I enjoyed the easy flow of the dialogue and the struggles both characters go through to overcome their internal resistance to commitment. Although the story is fairly predictable, it is nicely handled and there are a few surprises as Molly faces her background disappointment. I recommend this to readers who enjoy strong romance where the guy has to convince the girl to take a chance on love.

Source: Author Marketing Experts. This will qualify for a 2018 review for my 2018 Alphabet Challenge.