Tiaras & Texans By Laina Turner Narrated By Lee Ann Howlett

Tiaras & Texans

A Presley Thurman Mystery

By Laina Turner

Narrated By: Lee Ann Howlett

Presley wins a bet against her boyfriend allowing her to finally work for his security company. Though she starts the assignment especially excited knowing she will be good at this job she ends up annoyed when she finds out that the job in question is to protect beauty queens at a Texas pageant. Soon after beginning the job she and Cooper, her boyfriend and now boss, find that this will be more than just protecting the girls against childish pranks now they will have to find out who murdered one of the girls before it happens again.

I absolutely loved Lee Ann Howlett’s narration of this book. First off her characters where each distinct from the low timber of cooper to the high pitched whine of some of the beauty pageant contestants making the story come to life. What really made this an excellent performance though weren’t just the different voices of her characters but also the accents. I am a native Texan and so many times I come across audio books or even on television where an actor or narrator will butcher the accent but Lee Ann Howlett was spot on, I didn’t even cringe once. The story itself is a great cozy mystery, which is a subgenre of crime fiction where the sex and violence are downplayed or even portrayed humorously. (Thanks Wikipedia!)  Laina Turner did a wonderful job with the mystery aspect of the book not once did I suspect who had done it until the very end which is great! You can tell this is not the first book in the series but the fun of a cozy mystery is you don’t really have to start at the beginning this book is no exception Laina Turner makes sure you can keep up with the story from the very beginning. If you are a fan of cozy mysteries or even a beginner I definitely recommend this book, and be sure to check out the great audio book the narration makes it so much better.

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City of Dark Magic By Magnus Flyte

City of Dark Magic

City Of Dark Magic Book One

By Magnus Flyte

Strange things are happening in Prague, beginning with a party where all the guests in attendance begin to jump to their deaths. Shortly after this Sarah Weston receives the opportunity of a lifetime to travel to Prague Castle and begin cataloguing Beethoven’s manuscripts. As a musicologist who specializes in the life of Ludwig van Beethoven how could she turn down such an invitation? Soon after she arrives however she learns that her mentor had committed “suicide” but his is the first in many unusual deaths that begin to occur.

I am a fan of Beethoven’s music so it’s no surprise I wanted to read a book in which present day seems to intertwine with the story of Beethoven himself. I had no idea how amazing this book would actually turn out Magnus Flyte has taken multiple pasts and managed to bring them into the present in an unusual way yet it all blends together so wonderfully and precisely. I must warn you that this is truly an adult book with drugs and sex mixed into the storyline it may not be suitable for everyone, for me however the free spirited Sarah is the perfect character to tell this story. The theory behind the book is absolutely intriguing strange deaths, a drug that can let you see into the past, and all tying in with Ludwig van Beethoven what more could you ask for? 

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Devil’s Bargain By Rachel Caine Review

Devil’s Bargain

Red Letter Days Book One

By Rachel Caine

All Jazz wants to do is drown her sorrows, her partner is in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, she has been shunned by most of the cops in the city, and she has just enough money left to get really drunk. While she is minding her own business a man comes up to her in his brand new leather outfit making him stick out like a sore thumb in the biker bar, but what is truly weird is the man knows her name and has an envelope for her. She has never been to this particular bar before and only just decided right before arriving.

I have to say it, I loved Jazz, she is a smart mouth who can back it up but there is so much more to her than just that she is kind and caring even if she pulls her gun first and asks questions later. I wasn’t sure what the story would be about as the synopsis I had read was fairly vague but it turned out to be a unique and fun read. I know Rachel Caine has also written the Morganville Vampire series, even though I have only read two of those I have to say that Rachel Caine is a truly surprising author. She has come up with two of the most original series that I have ever come across but not only that none of her books that I have read even come close to anyone else’s.  This book in particular you have great characters an amazing storyline all surrounding the good versus evil premise. This is certainly a must read and I look forward to what Rachel Caine has in store next. 

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Princess Elizabeth’s Spy By Susan Elia MacNeal Review

Princess Elizabeth’s Spy

Maggie Hope Mystery Book Two

By Susan Elia MacNeal

In the midst of World War II, Maggie Hope is training to become a spy for MI-5. Her first assignment is to pose as a tutor to Princess Elizabeth in case the Germans decide to come after her since she is the heir to the throne. What she thinks will be a waste of her talents soon turns out to be more than she had bargained for.

 

Maggie Hope is not a hardened spy but a spy in training and through Maggie’s eyes the author brings to life World War II in a unique way as this novice inspector will do anything she can to do her part in the War. Even though Maggie Hope is the main character in this novel the author also brings to life an array of side characters each one bringing a new and interesting perspective on the War. From the young princess’ to the Nazis each character adds new dimension to the story itself making this a truly diversified read. If all of this is not enough for you, there is still an amazing mystery full of plot twists and intrigue. Then just for good measure the author throws in one heck of a twist at the end to guarantee you will come back for more.

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Just a Wish Away by Barbara Freethy Review

Just a Wish Away

Wish Series Book Two

By Barbara Freethy

Every summer for twelve years Alexa’s Parents would take her to Safe Harbor, WA. On the last summer she was able to visit her friendship with Braden had started to turn into something else. Now fifteen years later Alexa’s aunt has been attacked in her antiques shop and Alexa returns to Safe Harbor to help her aunt with her store while she recuperates. At the same time recently divorced, and recently discharged from the military, Braden is asked by his longtime friend to investigate the burglary gone wrong.

This was such a great romance novel; Barbara Freethy certainly knows how to bring to life not only an absolutely palpable romance but an intense mystery. I loved the characters Alexa is a strong independent woman and Braden is a damaged warrior and as the two investigate not only the burglary but also a mysterious incident that took place on their last night together fifteen years ago the romance that slowly blooms, or should I say comes back into focus, is absolutely beautiful. However if you are expecting lots of highly intimate situations you will be greatly disappointed, but I think this just adds to the charm of the novel.

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Robert Ludlum’s The Janus Reprisal By Jamie Freveletti Review

Robert Ludlum’s The Janus Reprisal

Covert-One Book Nine

By Jamie Freveletti

Jon Smith is attending a conference in The Hague when he is caught in the middle of a terrorist attack. The Hague is not the only place under attack bombs are going off at a train station, the airport and the International Criminal Court, where Pakistani warlord Oman Datter is being held. Amidst the chaos Datter escapes to exact his revenge on the United States. Colonel Smith however is determined to stop Datter before it is too late.

This book jumps right into the action from page one and continues until the very end keeping you gripping the edge of your chair in anticipation for what will happen next. I have only read The Bourne Identity previously so I can’t actually compare what Jamie Freveletti has written to the original series. However I think Jamie Freveletti did a wonderful job, each of the characters is interesting and so vivid in the narration of this story that even if they are not the main character they are still captivating within the storyline. Then when you add in the mystery, suspense, and action you have a story that will certainly keep you entertained. With all this the author still manages to find time for a beautiful romantic sideline making this story more intense in the delivery. This book is worth the read and I may even go back and find more of the Code-One Series.

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If I Were You by Lisa Renee Jones

If I Were You

Inside Out Trilogy Book One

By Lisa Renee Jones

Sara McMillan’s roommate has recently bought a storage unit full of a woman’s journals. Sara begins reading and is soon shocked and enthralled by what is held within the pages, the writer of the journals led an exciting and highly erotic life. When Sara comes to the sinister and terrifying final entry, she is determined to seek out Rebecca to at least make sure she is safe. Sara finds herself immersing herself into Rebacca’s life, working at her former job and socializing with the same people, even two sexy men who both want Sara in every way possible.

Man this novel jumps right into it, with the opening pages we are drawn into the journal ourselves with each steamy and intense action that is played through the words the author of the journal had written. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book but I am glad I was sent a copy for review this is a fantastic book, with highly erotic scenes interspersed with a highly suspenseful plotline this is by far one of the best romance novels I have read. I cannot wait to find out what happens next since Lisa Renee Jones left off this book with one of the most heart pounding cliff hangers, making me love and hate her all at the same time.

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Vengeance of the Wolf By Solitaire Parke Review

Vengeance of the Wolf

By Solitaire Parke

Politicians are being murdered one by one in mysterious ways that cannot be natural, for instance the man whose heart has stopped that could have been explained as a heart attack except for the fact every bone in his body has been broken. Detective John Yardley, an FBI agent, and Frank Williams are determined to put a stop to these murders at any cost, but when the killer enters into a man’s dreams how will they ever find out who is responsible?

This is truly an original paranormal mystery, I had thought it would be scarier than it actually was but it leaned more towards the mystery side rather than the horror genre. All in all Solitaire Parke does a wonderful job bringing her scenes to life, drawing you into the nightmares of men and a bringing each instance to the forefront so vividly you will cringe. I just wish there had been more action, sometimes it can read rather slow but for the most part it is truly fascinating. With such a story line the novel is absolutely riveting; my favorite scene is when several vehicles run a woman over go around the block to do it again with the drivers having no control over themselves. I would give this one a try it may not be everyone’s cup of tea but it is so unique it is worth the read.

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Falling Immortality by Robert Downs Review

Falling Immortality:

Casey Holden, Private Investigator

By Robert Downs

Former cop Casey Holden now works as a PI in Virginia Beach where he makes his own hours and takes on only the cases he wants. When a gorgeous chain smoking woman walks through his door and requests that he solve a two year old murder Casey begins to dig. What he uncovers is buried under one lie after another; will he be able to solve a case that the police department wasn’t able to?

Casey Holden is a “Man’s Man” fast car and even faster women make up the extent of his personal life. With sarcasm and wit he manages to unravel a mystery that is sure to surprise the reader. I had a lot of fun reading this one, I am a girly girl but Casey Holden is one of those characters you can’t help but like. Add in the case that Holden is working on and the author has created a truly fun book full of scandalous behavior and not just by his clients. I truly hope that Robert Downs has more in store for Holden and his escapades. I hate comparing authors but the main character reminds me of the Iron Druid series. Maybe that is just part of the “MANfiction” the author warned me about but either way I Love It! 

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Dark Dates by Tracey Sinclair Review

Dark Dates

Cassandra Bick Chronicles Book One

By Tracey Sinclair

In modern day London a vampire has to keep up with the times, and this is exactly what Cassandra Bick caters to with her dating service for vampires. Though he own dating life has been nothing but heart ache being a Sensitive, yes with a capitol S, she has found a talent for introducing people who will soon hit it off and this ability comes in handy when matching a vampire with their willing donor. But as her business grows she soon comes to the attention of people who don’t appreciate what she has to offer.

This is truly a unique idea for a novel; I mean a dating service for vampires? I loved the main character as she is snarky and bad ass reminding me of Anita Blake before she got all “promiscuous.” The author does a wonderful job in creating several lovable characters such as the Wiccan that Cassandra employs who soon turns into one of her biggest allies. With hunky men and juicy love scenes this is a fun paranormal romance novel. And, if a vampire dating service isn’t enough to lure you into reading this book Tracey Sinclair also provides several twists and surprises that are definitely worth checking out.

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A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness Review

A Discovery of Witches 

All Souls Trilogy Book One

By Deborah Harkness

Diana has spent her entire life denying herself anything to do with witchcraft, though she is descended from a long line of witches. When she was a child her parents were killed and she knew that it was because their deaths had, had something to do with magic. Now Diana is a historian focusing on alchemical texts, when she pulls stumbles upon an enchanted book within Oxford’s Bodleian Library she is soon pulled into more magic than she had ever imagined.  With the help of vampire geneticist, Mathew Clairmont, Diana must survive witches who want her to recall the manuscript at any cost and she will soon realize that she is not quite as inept in witchcraft as she had previously thought.

First and foremost this is a romance novel; I say this because the synopsis you read on the book or even on goodreads make it seem as it will be more of a novel like a Game of Thrones with only slight romance, and this is not the case. I don’t have a problem with romance it was just not what I had expected when I started reading it. Most of the novel is rather slow; it’s more of a building of the story and the characters than having a story of its own but when you get towards the end the author truly sucks you into the story. It is a well written novel and the world that Deborah Harkness has created in which there are four types of beings, Vampires Witches, Demons, and Humans, is truly fascinating. Demons are eccentric and focus more on the arts as Vampires focus more on science in their lives, now I know the Vampire aspect is not quite original but to take that theory and use it with demons is truly interesting. All in all this is an amazing start to a trilogy and worth it if you don’t mind the slow start.

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Murder Most Frothy by Cleo Coyle Review

Murder Most Frothy

Coffeehouse Mystery Series Book Two

By Cleo Coyle

Clare Cosi lives for coffee, ever since she was a child, so it is no surprise that she is a highly successful New York barista. Her millionaire friend David has asked her down to the Hamptons for the summer to train his staff at his new restaurant with all expenses paid for her and her daughter it is an offer she cannot refuse, but during a Fourth of July party she is catering she stumbles upon the dead body of one of her employees she takes it upon herself to find out who killed this man and if their attempts weren’t actually meant for someone else.

This was a great cozy, the first book I have read from the Coffeehouse Mystery Series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This book is witty and humorous fulfilling much of what I expect when I read a cozy mystery. The Author did a wonderful job in describing the coffee that even for someone like me, who doesn’t particularly like it; I wanted to taste the delectable creations that Cleo Coyle describes. The coffee isn’t the only thing that the author was able to create brilliantly; her scenes were able to draw you in so that you were able to fully take in what was happening, also the relationships that the author has created make you curious as to what has taken place in the past and what will become of the menagerie of characters. The mystery itself, though not intense since it is a cozy, will keep you guessing until the very last minute and the author does a remarkable job of tying up any “loose ends” that some mystery authors tend to overlook.

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Love Lies and Liqour by M.C. Beaton

Love, Lies and Liquor

Agatha Raisin Mystery Series Book Seventeen

By M.C. Beaton

Agatha Raisin decides to go on a holiday with her ex-husband but when he takes her to his favorite childhood retreat and finds the town has become dilapidated and crude they soon decide to venture elsewhere. Until a woman is found strangled on the beach by Agatha’s scarf and Agatha becomes determined to find out who killed this woman.

I have recently fallen in love with Cozy Mysteries, a subgenre of crime fiction where sex and violence are presented in a more light hearted way, and this one has proven that when you supply witty context a bit of humor and an intriguing murder mystery it makes for a fantastic read. This is my first Agatha Raisin novel and it managed to pull me in and make me eager to find out more of her story. Agatha runs a successful detective agency and has a few interesting characters that are her employees and then you add in her strange love life you have a wonderful cast of characters that come to life through the pages of this book.

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Toys by James Patterson

Toys

By James Patterson

Hays is an Elite genetically altered to be perfection personified with super strength and speed, but when Hays finds out he is not actually an elite but was born as a human his entire world is tossed upside down and thrown into a battle as the Elites he once loved and was an integral part of want to exterminate all humans. Together with his adoptive sister he had not known existed, the two work together to aid the human resistance and bring an end to the war between the two factions and along the way their relationship becomes more than either of the two expected.

James Patterson is a fantastic author and this book is no exception he brings science fiction and mystery combining the two into a face paced and unbelievable action and adventure novel. I am not big on the romance he created in this book I know they are not actually related and that they had never met before, but calling each other brother and sister playfully then lusting after her the next minute is a bit weird to me, not to mention he has a wife and kids even though his wife wants him dead after she finds out he is a human. Maybe I am a bit biased since I have read some of Patterson’s romances and I know for a fact he can do much better. That withstanding it is a fun book and a great read.

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Sandman Slim by Richard Kadrey

Sandman Slim

Sandman Slim Book One

By Richard Kadrey

What happens when your supposed friends sent you to Hell, and kills the woman you love? Well for James Stark he survives, returning to earth after eleven years of being a gladiator fighting many different kinds of monsters and fallen angels, and now he is set on revenge. Stark will hunt down each of the people responsible, but he soon realizes there is a lot to learn in this new world as well as a lot more to his little group of friends than just sending him to hell.

This was an amazing novel, Stark is snarky and so hostile, but after eleven years in hell I think I would be too. The story itself is intriguing the author blends snippets of the past into the current day story so you’re able to appreciate the magnitude of loss that Stark faces when Alice is murdered. The world Richard Kadrey creates for Stark is purely original, if you are a hard core Christian and cannot appreciate that this is a fictitious novel you may want to skip it, Stark is neither for Heaven, Hell, or any other creatures that lie waiting in the dark he is purely for himself and the revenge that motivates him. This is definitely a fun read, though I don’t know how the author will ever be able to top this one but I look forward to seeing him try.

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Before the Daisies Grow by Micki Street Review

Before the Daisies Grow

Capers of the Glamour Grans Book One

By Micki Street

Three women in their sixties decide it is time to go on Holiday, after much debate and consideration taking into account the message from Dotty’s deceased husband through the make shift Ouija Board, they all decide to travel to Zanzibar. But when Dotty meets a handsome stranger in a bar who tells her all about the fun she can have in Brazzina the plan soon changes and they are off to this West African Island for some fun in the sun. What they don’t realize is that the island is not quite what it was made out to be and they are soon pulled into the middle of an investigation and subsequent drug bust.

With one mishap after another Micki Street comes up with one hilarious novel revolving around three women who are eccentric and fascinating to follow along as you keep wondering how in the world they find so much trouble. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this novel, I am by far a “Glamour Gran” so I was worried I wouldn’t be able to relate with the characters but as soon as they boarded the small plane I couldn’t help laughing as I myself had clutched to my husband’s hand for dear life in a similar situation, thinking the plain would surely crash just because I was on it. This isn’t the only part I could relate to but it was the funniest though I did catch myself laughing out loud at many of the antics these women find themselves in. It was all very well written and the comedy was flawless.

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A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin Review

A Game of Thrones

A Song of Ice and Fire Book One

By George R. R. Martin

Winter is coming, this is the ominous saying of the Starks of Winterfell when the winter does come back it will bring with it creatures of old tales. Though Winter is on its way this is not the only problem the House of Stark faces when The Hand of the King dies the king himself requests that Eddard Stark become the new Hand and help him rule his kingdom throwing Eddard Stark and his family into a game full of lies, espionage, and murder. Across the sea the former prince barters his own sister for an army of warriors in hopes of gaining his rightful place, but the cruel prince underestimates the people his sister has become a part of.

There is no way to truly encompass this novel in a short synopsis, not only because it is eight hundred pages long but because the author seems to encompass almost every genre imaginable. I imagine if some authors try this they will find a jumbled mess in their hands but George R. R. Martin managed to bring together a novel that is truly epic and seamless in its telling. Not only does the author write a beautiful story between his characters making you fall in love with each one he also manages to make you hate the villains so much so that you almost wish they would soon get what they deserve. To me this is the mark of a brilliant novel, many authors can make you fall in love with characters but very few can make you hate them. 

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Exceeding Expectations By Lisa April Smith Review

Exceeding Expectations

By Lisa April Smith

There are only two things that mean anything to Jack Morgan, his daughters, and in order to protect them he must fake his own suicide. His youngest daughter Charlotte is twenty three and after years of having her every whim tended to  by her father when he dies and leaves her penniless she has no idea what she is going to do. With her older sister in a “clinic” due to having a mental breakdown after the news of her father’s suicide Charlotte knows she must do something to make money, after a suggestion from a friendly lawyer she tries her hand at modeling soon she finds the independence she craves all the while she investigates why her father had to take his own life uncovering disturbing things along the way.

Lisa April Smith does a wonderful job not only with capturing the nineteen sixties vividly yet subtly but also in enveloping not one but two beautiful romances with glimpses back to pre- World War Two encompassing the love Charlotte’s mother and father found in each other.   Even though there is a splendid romance between Charlotte and Raul this story was more about Charlotte and the pain she must overcome after losing her father and then finding a way to support herself and become independent all while searching for answers it is so well written, you find yourself easily lost in the story. I don’t usually compare authors to one another but I must say, Look out Danielle Steel it seems you have some competition for writing intriguing dramatic novels.

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Casino Shuffle by J. Fields Jr. Review

Casino Shuffle

By J. Fields Jr.

Native Sun Casino is the host to some rather interesting characters, all high profile and full of drama. Antonio Cruz is the resident baby sitter or Head Butler make sure that each of the guests is fully satisfied and taken care of, he takes pride in his job and he is the best at what he does making sure not a single flower is out of place. When a famous actress and her rapper boyfriend come to stay for the weekend Antonio must use his eye for detail to catch the “Kamikaze Cam” before he manages to snap any pictures of the two.

This is unlike any book I have ever read it is witty and fun most books like this are outrageous and far-fetched but I think this book is so enjoyable because you can see these odd things happening. Though there is some action and a little romance it is more about the crazy things that happen at the hotel and the man who comes behind each of the guests to fix things for them. The only thing I can think to compare it to is the old black and white movies where people are chasing each other in and out of doorways and you can’t help but laugh. If you are in the mood for a light and quirky read you may want to give this a try.

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Quinn Checks In by L.H. Thomson Review

Quinn Checks In

By L.H. Thomson

Liam Quinn is a former boxer, and a former art forger. After her spent time in prison he begins a new life as an insurance investigator, little by little earning the money to pay his debt to society equal to a quarter of a million dollars. His most recent case is an art theft taking him back into the world he once left behind to recover the stolen piece and save his firm a hefty sum and in return receive one for his self. Along the way he comes into contact with a mob boss, a beautiful woman, and a sociopathic teenager.

L.H. Thomson did a great job with this novel. Quinn is not your ordinary Private Eye but his study of art has given him an unusual eye for details which only goes to improve his investigative process add in the fact that he was once a boxer you have the makings for a kick butt artist and an interesting investigator. If you are a fan of mysteries I would give this one a try, you may think you know who has committed the crime but in the end you know nothing.

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