Book Review: Vigilante Assassin (Jake Wolfe Book 2) by Mark Nolan

This is a high action and I love Cody, the former war dog.
Vigilante Assassin: An Action Thriller
(Jake Wolfe Book 2)
by Mark Nolan

File Size: 2775 KB
Print Length: 362 pages
Publication Date: October 27, 2017
ASIN: B075665WN5
Genre: Action, Mystery, Thriller
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Every marriage has a secret, and this one is deadly. Lauren Stephens wakes up to find her husband, Gene, has vanished during the night. His phone is dead. Desperate, she hires Jake Wolfe and his war dog, Cody. They search the house and discover something so disturbing that Jake won’t allow Lauren near it. “No, if you see this, there is no unseeing it.”
Lauren thought she had it all: a loving partner, two great kids, a successful business, and a beautiful home in the San Francisco hills. But all of that is about to come crashing down, due to a missing husband, a hidden past, and a frightening secret that will shock a trusting wife to the core. Gene has enemies, and now they want something from Lauren.
Jake Wolfe is a flawed man who has a habit of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. He wants to leave his secret, violent past behind him, but when Lauren and her children are threatened, his protective instinct takes command. Jake soon finds himself involved in a dangerous conspiracy, targeted for death, and engaged in battle with a powerful, unseen group who will stop at nothing to get what they want.
Jake’s going to have to think fast and fight hard to protect Cody, Lauren and her kids.

Review:
Jake is contemplating peace and quiet as he relaxes on his friend’s boat with his new girlfriend, Sarah. He wakes early and his retired war dog, Cody, warns him of danger in the water. The sun hasn’t even risen as Jake faces the first attack of the day.

As soon as Jake docks, the head of an executive security company appears to ask for his help to protect Lauren Stephens, a wealthy woman whose husband has just gone missing. Soon Jake locates a body in a secret room and discovers dangerous, scandalous secrets. Jake dodges weaponized drones as he begins to hunt for a motive and a killer.

Jake can’t even get to breakfast before he is stopped by a cop who resents Jake. Jake ends up with a head lump and wakes up in jail facing a sexual predator. Jake calls in a government agency to help him get out of jail quickly. The government people will be glad for this extra leverage to get Jake to sign on to their special project(s).

The excitement continues with multiple kidnappings, another beating and Jake facing death threats by a powerful, mysterious enemy. In addition to finding Mr. Stephens’ killer, Jake and his long-time detective friend, Terrell, are tracking drug and arms dealers. While rushing from one danger to another Jake is intent on protecting Lauren and her kids, as well as protecting Sarah and Cody. Jake is even willing to risk teaming up with the mob in order to get quick, on the street help.

Wow! This is packed with high octane action! It reminded me of the TV show 24 with all the things that go in such a short time. Jake and Cody are at the center of all the action and Cody shines with his brilliant nose work. Cody’s skills and complex character are almost on level with Jake’s. The story reads very quickly as the mysteries and danger twists and turns.

This is the second in the series and I do recommend reading the first book, Dead Lawyer’s Don’t Lie. That book introduces the primary characters and explains their backgrounds. I am very glad that I have book three to read soon. I recommend this series to readers who enjoy fast paced action with an extra smart dog as a great partner.

Source: Author review request December 2018. This qualifies for 2019TBR and Author goals.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway May 10, 2019

Happy Friday! Happy Mother's Day for Sunday!
I hope to pull together a new group of books soon, as well as getting GCs sent out in the next two weeks. Thanks for being patient. :-)

TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK

US Entrants: Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.

INTERNATIONAL: Leave a comment indicating "Gift Card" (see further comments near the end of the post.)

CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up too late to do the winner post! I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.

Thank you to all who entered the May 3, 2019 Pick. There were two automatic wins this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. No title was blocked.
BN100 gets Fire and Ice
CAROLL gets Rhapsody in Time

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from May 3, 2019 Pick:
ELIZABETH gets a Day of the Dead.
and
MARYP gets a GC

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

Lots of us mothers would love anything bookish!
Image found at 101 Printables.

New Book Group #85 March 22, 2019
A variety from my shelves

PAIRS:
Roxanne Becknel: When Lightning Strikes and The Knight of Rosecliffe
Stella Cameron: Target and Now You See Him

SINGLES:
Golden Goddess by Stephanie James
Summer Skies by Judith Christenberry
The Gamble by LaVerle Spencer
Two Brothers by Linda Lael Miller
Windfall (two stories) by JoAnn Ross
Daddy's Little Cowgirl (two stories) by Judith Bowen and Kimberly Raye
Almost Forever by Linda Howard
Bold Conquest by Virginia Henley
Fire and Ice by Anne Stuart
The Forever Year, Cold Pursuit, Lover's Lane and Temporary Sanity (Reader's Condensed)
Forbidden Pleasures (hardback) by Bertrice Small
ToxiCity by Libby Fischer Hillmann

New Book Group #84 December 15, 2018
Here are some Christmas titles to pick from.

One PAIR:
Susan Wiggs: Snowfall and Fireside
SINGLES:
A Family for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving by Janet Evanovich
On this Holy Night
A Rancher for Christmas
Christmas Haven
Christmas Brides Anthology
Holiday in Death
Christmas Homecoming
Together by Christmas Anthology
The Christmas Date
The Christmas Promise (hardback)
A Blue and Grey Christmas (hardback)
The Snow Angel (CD Audiobook)
King Harold's Snow Job


New Book Group #83 November 30, 2018

(Starting bottom left and continuing up then down)
PAIRS:
Kat Martin: Bold Angel and Devil's Prize
Elizabeth Lowell: Death Is Forever and Running Scared
SINGLE
It Takes a Hero by Elizabeth Boyle
Two Alone by Sandra Brown
'Tween a Devil and his hard Place by Sam Cheever
Seductive Secrets by Lynne Connolly
Seven Up by Janet Evanovich - Audio Cassettes
A Good Walk Spoiled by John Feinstein Audio Cassettes
Highland Guardian by Melissa Mayhue
Hot Pursuit by Christinea Skye
Sisters & Secrets Anthology
Three Reader's Digest Condensed Books - each hardback:

Cold Harbour and The Courtship of Peggy McCoy
The Things We Do for Love, Three Weeks With My Brother, The Murder Artist and Night Train to Lisbon
Follow the Stars Home, Hunting Badger, The Quiet Game and Second Wind

New Book Group #82 November 9, 2018

Pairs:
Stella Cameron: French Quarter and Key West
Jude Deveraux: Mulberry Tree and Wild Orchids
SINGLES:
Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews
Unmasked Anthology - Jennifer Blake, Janet Dailey and Elizabeth Gage
Plum Lovin' by Janet Evanovich
Killing Time by Linda Howard
The Finer Things by Brenda Joyce
Wicked Promise by Kat Martin
Countess of Scandal by Laurel McKee
The Leopard's Woman by Linda Lael Miller and White Wolf by Lindsay McKenna
Eagle and the Dove by Victoria Morrow
To Love Again by Bertrice Small
The Wedding Night by Barbara Dawson Smith
Primal Obsession by Susan Vaughn

New Book Group #81 August 17, 2018

There are three audios at the top:
Kisscut is Cassettes
SINGLES

Best Laid Plans
Darkness Tell Us
Cooking More Deadly


New Book Group #80 August 17, 2018

Note: The Final Judgment and
The Book of Fate are Audio Cassettes
PAIRS
Fern Michaels and James Patterson
SINGLES:
Summer’s Moon
The Green Trap
End Game
Night School
The Red Tent
The Final Judgment Audio Cassettes
Secrets of Paris
Linda Goodnight
Irish Charmers, the Mighty Quinns
Firebird
No Getting Over a Cowboy
The Book of Fate Audio Cassettes


New Book Group #79 July 13, 2018
I found this box of books buried under some other boxes.

The Vanishing Act of Esme Lenox by Maggie O’Farrell
P.S. by Helen Schulman
Her Sexiest Surprise by Dawn Atkins (personally autographed)
The Maverick Preacher by Victoria Bylin (personally autographed)
The Broken Window by Jeffery Deaver
The Doctor’s Forever Family by Marie Ferrarella
Dakota Child by Linda Ford
Branded by the Sheriff by Delores Fossen
The Italian’s Inexperienced Mistress
Calling the Shots by Ellen Hartman
Promises, Promises by Amber Miller
This Time for Keeps by Jenna Mills
Rhapsody in Time by Judith O’Brien
A Daughter’s Legacy by Virginia Smith
Another Man’s Baby by Kay Stockham
The Cowboy’s Christmas Miracle by RaeAnne Thayne


New Book Group #78 April 27, 2018

PAIRS
Johanna Lindsey Pair
Judith Krentz Pair
SINGLES
Midnight Rainbow
Blackberry Bush
Breaking Point
A Tangled Affair
To Wicked to Love
Betrayed
My Dark Prince
Roses are Red Audio Cassettes
Brothers of Gwynedd
Fatal Defect
Bones of the Sea and Other Stories
By a Spider's Thread



New Book Group #77 February 16, 2018- All gone

New Book Group #76 November 3, 2017
13 books remain of the original 37:

I finally Have them Listed!
Boots & Booties by Kristine Rolofson
Saucer the Conquest by Stephen Coonts
Echo Burning by Lee Child
The Scorpion Seducer by Bonnie Vanak
Hell On Earth by David L. Porter
Tempted All Night by Liz Carlyle
Day of the Dead by J.A. Jance
White Night by Jim Butcher
Five Gold Rings Anthology Constance O’Banyon and three others
Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
The Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton
Depraved Heart by Patricia Cornwell
Crisscross by Harmon Henkin
Wizard’s Daughter by Catherine Coulter
Pearl Beyond Price by Claire Delacroix
Maelstrom by Anne McCaffrey
The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks
The Wicked Wyckerly by Patricia Rice
Inhuman Condition by Clive Barker
Night Whispers by Judith McNaught
101 Commonsense Rules for the Office by John R. Brinkerhoff

This shelf of 35 books are what is left from Groups #1 (11/27/09) through Group #75 September 29, 2017

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 14 titles.)
Rehabilitation
Secret Blessing
Named of the Dragon
Daring
Aunt Erma's Cope Book
JoAnn Ross: Confessions
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
The New Birth Order Book by Dr. Kevin Leman
A Kiss Before Dawn by Kimberly Logan
The Fireman’s Fair by Josephine Humphreys (Hardcover)
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen
Rainbow Mars by Larry Niven
There Was A Little Girl by Ed McBain (Audio Cassettes)
Love's Brazen Fire by Betina Krahn 

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 21 titles.)
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell
*Four books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I found.
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley -- NOTE This book has dog bite damage; it is missing half back cover and the edges of pages in the back third of the book... it does not effect the text but I will understand if no one wants this one
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways.

I started Friday Pick on November 27, 2009 and in almost EIGHT years I have posted 82 groups of 16 plus an additional 21 totaling 1,333 books to find new homes! (as of November 9, 2018).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,245+ books have found new homes through this feature! YAY. [A year or so ago I posted I had reached 2000 books given away. As I calculated the numbers 11/2/17 I realized that had to be an error. I realized I went from 1098 to 2001 instead of 1101. Guess I was tired; sorry for the error.] I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed. I periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want!

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $7.00 and $10.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

Audible Book Review: The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell

This is a fun, fantasy adventure for kids and adults.

The Wizards of Once
By: Cressida Cowell
Narrated by: David Tennant

Length: 5 hrs and 56 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-03-17
Language: English
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Genre: Children, Fantasy, Middle Grade (ages 8-10)
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
In the first book of a new series by the internationally best-selling author of How to Train Your Dragon, the warring worlds of Wizards and Warriors collide in a thrilling and enchanting adventure.
Once there were Wizards, who were Magic, and Warriors, who were not. But Xar, son of the King of Wizards, can't cast a single spell. And Wish, daughter of the Warrior Queen, has a banned magical object of her own. When they collide in the wildwood, on the trail of a deadly witch, it's the start of a grand adventure that just might change the fabric of their worlds.
With Cressida Cowell's trademark wit and the same stunning combination of action, adventure, humor, and heart that made How to Train Your Dragon a beloved best-selling franchise, The Wizards of Once will transport and enchant listeners.
©2017 Cressida Cowell (P)2017 Hachette Audio

Review:
Xar, son of a Wizard, shows no magical ability although he is of an age to have come into those skills. Across the woods and the wall is Wish, the clumsy daughter of the Warrior Queen who has banned magical objects. Wish has suddenly obtained a magical spoon and, more alarmingly, she has acquired a magical sword which indicates it was formerly used to kill witches.

Xar wants to find a way to impress his father. He takes some of his friends into the wildwood to hunt for witches. Xar’s many companions include a slow, sweet giant, Crusher, a wise raven, Caliburn, and squeaky sprite, Squeezjoos. Most of his friends have tried to talk Xar out of this adventure because witches are supposed to be dead and they are in danger of coming across Warriors.

Wish likes to visit the woods to get away from the disappointed frowns and remarks of her mother. She takes along her grumbling and frustrated guard and a new ‘friend’, a talking spoon. She also has spirited away from the fort a special magical, therefore forbidden, sword.

Wish and Xar stumble on each other in the wildwood. Wish gets captured by Xar who steals the sword. Xar causes Wish to remain overnight at the Wizard camp but later Xar follows Wish back to the Warrior Fort. Their confrontation results in a reluctant friendship where they have to work together learning dark secrets of the Warrior Queen and facing dangers as they escape the Queen’s dungeons.

I was pulled in right away by the likeable fantasy characters. The story is told by a character who remains unidentified, challenging the reader to guess who it is. The writing style creates fun characters and an engaging story. This is an lively adventure that should delight children but can be enjoyed by adults too. There is disobedience which isn’t good and gets the kids into trouble. But there is also a fine underlying message about accepting your own talents or lack thereof and learning to work around them… especially with the help of friends. I enjoyed watching How to Train Your Dragon and I recommend this to readers who liked those stories and like fun adventure. Although I was delighted by the audiobook, I encourage parents to “look inside” and see the very cute illustrations.

Audio Notes: David Tennant does a wonderful job with the narration. He provides good voices for the different characters and imbues them with fun and feeling. The audio contributed to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 12/2/2018 Audible Daily Deal $1.95. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Book Review: April's Desires (Larry Macklin Mysteries Book 6) by A. E. Howe

This was a pleasant surprise (and might lead to more monthly titles).
April's Desires (Larry Macklin Mysteries Book 6)
by A. E. Howe

File Size: 4755 KB
Print Length: 229 pages
Publication Date: March 15, 2017
ASIN: B06XP98Y4Y
Genre: Detective Mystery, Traditional Mystery
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

The peace of spring is shattered for criminal investigator Larry Macklin when his best friend, Pete Henley, is accused of brutally killing his daughter’s ex-boyfriend. Larry knows that Pete is innocent, but the evidence is heavily weighted against him.
Before Larry can even begin to clear Pete’s name, he is pulled off of the case to investigate a another murder where the prime suspect is the local chief of police. As Larry investigates the latest death, it soon becomes clear that the murders may be related, part of a string of killings stretching back almost two decades.
In order to solve the case, Larry will have to risk everything he holds dear—his ethics, his friendships, his loyalty to the sheriff’s department… and his life.

Review:
Larry is a small town criminal investigator working in the Sheriff’s office which is led by his father. Larry, and the Sheriff’s office, are struggling to maintain impartiality as they investigate the murder of a young man who was almost attacked by Larry’s best friend, Pete, the day before. Larry is certain Pete is innocent, but circumstances imply trouble and now there is evidence that is likely planted but very damaging. What to do?

Just as the investigation to the young man’s death is gearing up, Larry is pulled to investigate the murder of a crabby old lady who is neighbor to the local chief of police, a man who is antagonistically challenging Larry’s father for Sheriff. There are some similarities in the crimes and Larry’s gut is hinting there is a connection.

The cases become even more complicated when the boy’s mother hires a former Texas Ranger to investigate for the family. The former Ranger seems to be hiding secrets and he ends up dead when Larry is about to meet with him for information.

The cases are putting Larry’s life, career and ethics on the line. Can he get the murders solved before his missteps are exposed or worse, before another officer winds up dead?

This reads very easily from the outset. I really liked the primary characters who are developed with real to life issues, emotions and challenges. The mysteries are well developed with twists and turns. I also enjoyed the fact that the story is set in North Florida not too far from where I live. The county is fictional but it is near cities I am familiar with.

Although this read fine stepping in at book six in the series, it made me interested in the earlier books. There are monthly titles so I may read more. I recommend this to readers who enjoy a fast paced, well written who-done-it mystery.

Source: Free Kindle March 2018. This fits 2019TBR, ebook and monthly title goals.

MBS April 2019 Reading List Wrap Up

MBS 2019 Reading List - APRIL

Code for the list is:
A = Audible; ABJ = Audiobook Jukebox; ABB = Audiobook Boom
e = eBook; eA = eBook from Author; eT = eBook from Tour
NG = NetGalley
P = Print; PT = Print from Tour
LBC = Ladies Book Club
TBR = From the TBR shelves prior to 2019
Favorites for April:
4.5 Ransomed Dreams
4.5 Spec Ops: Expeditionary Force Book 2

1. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: Trouble on the Books by Essie Land; Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mystery; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0
2. ATBR- Audio Book Review: Apex by Mercedes Lackey; Fantasy, Magic; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall, Story 4.25 and Narration 4.25.
3. NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: Heart of the Storm by Debbie Peterson; Romantic Suspense, Time Travel; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0
4. ATBR- #Audible Book Review: Oath of Swords by David Weber; Epic Fantasy, Fantasy; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall, Story 4.25 and Narration 4.25.
5. ebTBR- Book Review: Ransomed Dreams (Side Roads Book 1) by Sally John; Christian Fiction, Women's Fiction; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0
6. A2019- Audible Book Review: The Spies That Bind: A Gallagher Girls Prequel by Ally Carter; Teens, Ages 11-13; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0 and Narration 4.0.
7. A2019- Audible Book Review: SpecOps, Expeditionary Force, Book 2 by Craig Alanson; Sci Fi, Space Opera; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5 and Narration 4.5.
8. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: The Book of Ruin by W.G. Hladky; Military, Post-Apocalyptic, Sci Fi; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0
9. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: SkyLine: The Dragon Commander - A Military Science Fiction Romance Adventure; Cyberpunk, Dragon, Fantasy, Military Sci Fi; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0
10. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Dead Girl Running by Christina Dodd; Psychological Thriller, Romantic Suspense; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
11. NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: The White City by Grace Hitchcock; Christian Fiction, Historical Romance, Historical Mystery; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.
12. A2019- Audible Book Review: The House with a Clock in Its Walls by John Bellairs; Children, Fantasy, Magic, Middle Grade; My Rating: 3.75 Overall; Story 3.5 and Narration 4.0.
13. ebTBR- Book Review: April's Desires (Larry Macklin Mysteries Book 6) by A. E. Howe; Detective Mystery, Traditional Mystery; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

Total read = 13; TBR = 6; New Authors = 10
Audio/Audible = 6 (2 TBRs)
eBook = 2 (2 TBRs)
NetGalley = 5 (2 TBRs)
Print = 0 Review books (other than NG)- 0

Goal Progress:
• ebTBRs: 2 + 2 + 3 +2
• Author titles: 1 + 0 + 3+0
• New to me Series: 5 + 5 + 8+10
• Continuing for me Series: 3 + 1 + 2+2
• Title with Month in it: 1 + 1 +1+1
• Winter title: 1;
• Alphabet letters covered: 12 Jan + 3 Feb + 5 March + 2 April