Showing posts with label Romantic Suspense. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Romantic Suspense. Show all posts

Sunday 6 August 2023

Book Review: Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick

 Black Ice

by

Becca Fitzpatrick

Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication date: 7th October 2014
Genre: Young Adult / Thriller 
Pages: 392
Source: Own 
 

Review: Black Ice

Black Ice has been sitting on my bookshelf since January 2015 and I was so pleased that a prompt from the  Dymocks Reading Challenge had me pulling it from the shelf.
 
Black Ice is a genre mash-up of young adult, suspense and romance. Heavy on the suspense and light on the romance but it's definitely a huge part of the plot with the romance simmering under the surface.
 
I was pulled straight into the story with a gripping prologue. The story then jumps forward one year with teenage friends Britt and Korbie heading to a cabin in Grand Teton National Park for their school break when they encounter a severe snow storm and have to abandon their car. Making their way to a secluded cabin inhabited by two men. The girls think they are finally safe but soon find out the men are on the run from the law.
 
This is an edge-of-your-seat thriller filled with heart-pumping suspense. I found myself picking the book up every spare moment I had. I did guess the twists early in the book however that didn't spoil my pleasure because I was holding my breath waiting for the characters to find out what I had already suspected.

It comes with a little bit of teenage angst, but not overdone. Black Ice is a gripping, survival in the snowy wilderness, story that will have you eagerly turning the pages.

5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author (from Goodreads)

Becca Fitzpatrick grew up reading Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden with a flashlight under the covers. She graduated college with a degree in health, which she promptly abandoned for storytelling. When not writing, she's most likely prowling sale racks for reject shoes, running, or watching crime dramas on TV. She is the author of the bestselling HUSH, HUSH Saga.
 
 

Thursday 22 September 2022

Book Review: Buried Deception by Amanda McKinney

Buried Deception
by
Amanda McKinney
 
Publisher: Montlake
 
Publication date: 20th September 2022
 
Series: On the Edge #1
 
Genre: Romantic Suspense
 
Pages: 344
 
Format read: eBook
 
Source: Courtesy of Smith Publicity
 
My review of Buried Deception
 
I found the content matter of this story quite disturbing. Cue, graphic sexual assault scenes.
 
Narrated through the first person dual narrative of Mia, a psychologist, and Easton, owner of LYNX a tactical response company that trains soldiers in combat tracking and search & rescue.
 
Easton and his team are called in when a teenage girl goes missing on the infamous Black Cat Trail, a trail where women have previously been attacked by a person labelled as the Black Cat Stalker. He crosses paths with Mia Frost when she is called in to help police with criminal profiling.
 
There is a lot to unpack in this story. I was intrigued with the process of criminal profiling and also the search and rescue headed by Easton was interesting and seemed to be well researched.
What I couldn't come to grips with was the graphic sexual assault scenes and Easton's creepy stalking of Mia. (That's not love, that's just disturbing).
 
McKinney's themes of mental illness, PTSD and disassociate amnesia were interesting and well delivered.  
I loved that I couldn't figure out who the Black Cat Stalker was. I changed my suspect three times during the book but never guessing right.
 
I didn't get into the story until abut the 60% mark but I feel it was wrapped up well with a satisfying ending.
 
My rating 3 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐

 
About the author
 
Photo credit: Goodreads
Amanda McKinney is the author of more than twenty romantic-suspense, mystery, and action-and-adventure novels. Her books have received over fifteen literary awards and nominations. She lives in Arkansas with her handsome husband, two beautiful boys, and three obnoxious dogs and enjoys hiking, daydreaming, and very dirty martinis ( on occasion, all three at the same time).

 
 
 
 
 
 

Sunday 18 September 2022

Book Review: Gone to Ground by Bronwyn Hall

Gone to Ground
by
Bronwyn Hall 

Hunted. Alone. Afraid....

 
Imprint: HQ FictionAU
 
Publication date: 3rd August 2022
 
Genre: Thriller / Suspense
 
Pages: 288  
 
RRP: $29.99AUD 
 
Format read: Paperback
 
Source: Courtesy of the publisher
 
My review of Gone to Ground
 
Set amidst the political unrest of The Democratic Republic of Congo Gone to Ground is an adrenaline fuelled race through the jungle.
 
Australian doctor Rachel Forester has been sent to a remote jungle post on the whim of a scorned ex-boyfriend. As a dedicated surgeon she is happy to be saving lives. When the post is evacuated she puts her patients' lives ahead of hers and stays behind to evacuate on foot with three UN soldiers.
 
Bronwyn Hall brings the jungle to life; the heat, insects, spiders and snakes all had me holding my breath. Throw in some close encounters with rebel militias and there was always this ominous 'what will happen next' feeling keeping me glued to the book.
 
Rachel was tough but believable as a civilian trekking through the jungle and I loved the addition of the romance element, it was a nice aside to the danger.
With themes of forced child labour, violence towards women, rebel militia activity and political unrest the narrative has a foreboding sense of unease that simmers throughout the novel. 
 
The story moves along at a steady pace with the plot keeping me totally intrigued and turning the pages. Gone to Ground is a book I truly didn't want to put down.
 
Bravo, Bronwyn Hall, on this remarkable debut!
 
My rating 5 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  
About the author
 
Photo credit: Harper Collins
Bronwyn Hall didn't intend on being a writer. Her career has been spent working in health and community services, spanning aged care, disability and mental health. She has a bachelor's degree in English Literature (and Psychology - for the day job) and she comes from a family of passionate readers. Born and bred in Australia, Bronwyn has a love for new cultures and environments, having lived for several years in both Papua New Guinea and Brazil. She is deeply intrigued by the extraordinary breadth of qualities that make up the complex creatures called humans - not least, their quiet conquering of adversity. Bronwyn lives and writes on Wurundjeri land in Melbourne, Australia.
 

Thursday 12 May 2022

Book Review & Giveaway: A Stone's Throw Away by Karly Lane

 A Stone's Throw Away
by
Karly Lane


Poignant, heart-warming and suspenseful....

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 3rd May 2022
 
Genre: Rural Crime 
 
Pages: 368
 
RRP: $29.99AUD
 
Format read: Paperback
 
Source: Courtesy of the publisher
 
My review
 
Investigative Journalist Pip Davenport moves to her uncle's quiet, country property to overcome a case of writers block. She is writing a book on her last assignment which ended in a prominent politician going to prison.
 
When a cold-case in the area is reopened Pip can't help but be pulled into the mystery. The town is tight-lipped and Pip feels there is more to this case than first appears.
 
The introduction of two potential love interests for Pip adds a touch of romance to this tension filled crime novel. I must admit to having a sneaky look forward to see who Pip would connect with. 
Pip is a strong, determined character. She is suffering a severe case of PTSD but when her journalistic instincts kick in she is fearless and doesn't balk at ruffling a few feathers.
 
Karly Lane has delivered a wonderfully immersive novel with visually pleasing descriptions, a highly engaging plot, gripping suspense and compelling twists.
 
A Stone's Throw Away is a story of courage, resilience and a passion for the truth. 
 
My rating  5 / 5   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 
 
 
Click the cover image to read my reviews of Karly's book. 

   
GIVEAWAY:
 

Thanks to the generosity of Allen & Unwin I have one paperback copy to giveaway to one lucky reader. (Australian addresses only)
Entry is via the form below. Entries close at Midnight on Friday 21st may 2022.
 
This giveaway is now closed and the winner was announced HERE

Thursday 13 May 2021

Book Review: Rattlesnake Road by Amanda McKinney

 Rattlesnake Road
by
Amanda McKinney
 
A Small Town Mystery Romance
 
Everyone hits rock bottom, only the brave escape.
 
Publisher:  HH Tisevich
Publication date: 4th May 2021
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Pages: 419
Kindle price : $7.69AUD 
Format read: eBook
Source: Netgalley
 
About the book
 
Welcome to 1314 Rattlesnake Road.

A quaint two-bedroom log cabin nestled deep in the woods of the small, southern town of Berry Springs—the perfect hideaway to escape your past.

Tucked inside thick, mahogany walls lay mysterious letters, forgotten and untouched for decades. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame breathtaking views of jagged cliffs, deep valleys, and endless lies. Mature oak trees, tall enough to touch the clouds, carry the whispers of the haunted, of stories untold

Inside sits Grey Dalton, emotionally battered and bruised, her only wish to pick up the broken pieces of her life. But outside, await two men, one a tattooed cowboy, the other a dashing businessman.

One will steal her heart, the other, her soul.  
 
My review
 
A story of having to hit rock bottom before you can climb your way back.
 
Grey's life has spiraled out of control. After suffering a miscarriage and getting fired after a drunken outburst at work Grey starts to re-evaluate her life and her first step is to leave her cheating husband and her luxury life behind. She buys a rundown log cabin nestled deep in the woods in the small southern town of Berry Springs.
 
Rattlesnake Road is my first read by Amanda McKinney and I love her biting prose. Grey Dalton's character is fantastic; sarcastic and funny, I was drawn into her life and wanted her to succeed, anxious over her set backs
 
With two love interests introduced, one promising her the life she had left behind but the one she was used to and attracted to whilst the other offered her a new beginning where she would have to come to terms with her inner turmoil.  
 
Amanda McKinney has not only written a great angsty romance the story is filled with topical issues such as; domestic abuse, self harm, alcoholism and mental illness. It did at times become quite dark and disturbing.
Through a ghost with unfinished business Grey becomes inadvertently involved in a 30 year old murder mystery.
 
Rattlesnake Road had me glued to the pages, there was plenty of fun banter between the characters, a bit of harmless snark that kept me laughing, a great twist that had my heart racing and one swoon worthy male that melted my heart.
 
If you love new beginnings Rattlesnake Road is worth a read. 
 
4 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐
 
About the author
 
Photo credit Goodreads
Amanda McKinney is the #1 bestselling and multi-award-winning author of more than fifteen small-town romantic suspense and mystery novels. She wrote her debut novel, LETHAL LEGACY in 2017, after walking away from her career to become a writer and stay-at-home mom. Her books include the bestselling series, STEELE SHADOWS SECURITY, the multi-award-winning BERRY SPRINGS series, BLACK ROSE MYSTERIES, and many more to come.

Set in small, Southern towns, Amanda’s books are page-turning murder mysteries peppered with steamy romance. She lives in Arkansas with her handsome husband, two beautiful boys, and three obnoxious dogs.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Sunday 29 March 2020

Book Review: Midwife in the Jungle by Fiona McArthur

Midwife in the Jungle
by
Fiona McArthur

Publisher: Self published
Publication date: 31st March 2020
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Pages: 189
RRP: $5.99AUD (Kindle)
Format read: eBook
Source: Courtesy of the author

Jacinta McLeod met Dr Jonah Armstrong delirious with malaria and, even then, she needed to fight off the urge to know more about this fascinating patient. When the chance came to follow him to the wilds of Papua New Guinea, and into a dangerous medical mission up the Sepik River, she took it, despite Jonah’s absolute ‘no’!

Jonah had already lost his baby sister in the unsafe world of PNG. Now headstrong Jacinta had arrived and he had to keep her safe.


Midwife in the Jungle is no anguished filled romance. Fiona McArthur’s female lead, Jacinta, is headstrong and feisty. She knows what she wants!

Jacinta first meets Jonah as a patient. He has been admitted to hospital with a bad case of malaria. There is an instant connection between the two but also a degree of irritation. They seem to fire each other up.

Both characters had tragic pasts and have devoted themselves to medicine. These tragedies caused them to shy away from commitment but also drew them together in their shared heartache. Jonah, also a doctor, works in New Guinea and was quick to tell Jacinta that it was no place for a woman. However Jacinta had her curiosity piqued and now New Guinea was exactly the place she needed to be.

Midwife in the Jungle has plenty of bumps in the road for Jacinta and Jonah and they have some major hurdles placed in their way with more than one life or death situation on their hands.

Fiona McArthur deftly includes details of a difficult childbirth and the skill of the attending doctor, lack of medical facilities in the jungle and the superstitions of the natives.

The story moves along quickly and there is never a dull moment. Even though this is a novella it doesn’t skimp on character development or a full storyline.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 

My rating  5/5

Photo credit: Goodreads
 
Fiona McArthur has worked as a midwife for thirty years. She is the clinical midwifery educator inner rural maternity unit and teaches emergency obstetric strategies while working with midwives and doctors from remote and isolated areas.

Fiona has written more than thirty romances, which have sold over two million copies in twelve languages. She has been a midwifery expert for Mother and Baby magazine and is the author of Aussie Midwives. She has also written the novels Red Sand Sunrise, The Homestead Girls and Heart of the Sky. She lives on a farm in northern New South Wales.



This review is part of the Book Lover Book Review Aussie Author Challenge 
and the Australian Women Writers challenge
 
 

Wednesday 14 March 2018

Book Review: Diamond Rings are Deadly Things by Rachelle J. Christensen

Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things (Wedding Planner Mysteries Book 1) 

Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things by Rachelle J. Christensen

Publisher: Peachwood Press

Publication Date: July 2015
Pages: 341
Format read: eBook
Source: Sweet Spot Read & Review Club (facebook group)




                                                      Blurb:

 Adrielle Pyper knows how to plan a wedding, and she's especially good at pleasing bridezillas. But when her biggest client and best friend is murdered just three days before the wedding, Adri's world falls apart. She moves to the resort town of Sun Valley, Idaho, and starts from scratch. Thanks to Adri's impeccable taste and unique style, she lands two celebrity clients, and her business seems headed for success—until someone vandalizes the specialty wedding dresses she imported from overseas. Adri must race to uncover the secret hidden within the yards of satin and lace before she becomes the next victim.
With a delightful blend of mystery, toe-curling kisses, humor, and spine-tingling thrills, Diamond Rings are Deadly Things will keep you turning pages long into the night.

Diamond Rings are Deadly Things is the first in the Wedding Planner Mysteries series by Rachelle J Christensen.

                                              My thoughts:

Adrielle Pyper has moved to Sun Valley Idaho to pursue her lifelong dream of running her own business as a wedding planner. She had worked for a large and successful wedding planning company in San Francisco but after a life-altering incident she decides to start afresh closer to home.

The story is narrated by Adrielle and we get a close up look at her thoughts and life. Adrielle is feisty and self confident and doesn’t mind saying exactly what she thinks. She is a perfectionist and puts her heart and soul into the weddings she plans; there is no time for boyfriends or romance. Her business partner, Lorea, is a dressmaker. She sells the wedding dresses whilst Adrielle plans the weddings. Lorea is fun, chirpy and a romantic at heart. She is always trying to get Adrielle to loosen up, have some fun and maybe give love a chance.

Between planning the weddings of soap star Sylvia and Lorea’s good friend Natalie who is marrying the rich and famous Brock Grafton, who just so happens to be Sylvia’s ex, Arielle also gets herself mixed up in a diamond smuggling operation.
Everyone is a suspect, from the old, friendly jeweller Walter Mayfield to Colton, the delivery guy, and the hot new lawyer in town, Luke.

As we follow Adrielle on her hectic wedding planning schedule, trying to squeeze a few dates in with Dallas, the local real estate agent, and solve a stalker problem. The story makes for quite a few laughs, a little bit of romance and edge of your seat suspense. I loved the insight into just how much work a wedding planner does.

I absolutely loved the craft and wedding decoration descriptions at the start of each chapter. Adrielle and her Mum have their own crafty blog which features in the story and which I’m happy to say is a real blog (Yes, I googled it!). www.mashedpotatoesandcrafts.com

Diamond Rings are Deadly Things is a real page turner, a clean cozy crime/ mystery. Adrielle is a fun protagonist and the ending will have you holding your breath!!!
The perfect start to a new ‘must read’ series for me.

Content: no coarse language, no sex, minimal violence, a clean read.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

                                                     
                                              About the author:




Rachelle J. Christensen is a mother of five who writes mystery/suspense and solves the mystery of the missing shoe on a daily basis. She graduated cum laude from Utah State University with a degree in psychology and a music minor. She enjoys singing and songwriting, playing the piano, running, motivational speaking, and of course reading.

Rachelle is the award-winning author of twenty books, including The Soldier’s Bride (a Kindle Scout Selection & Whitney Award Finalist), Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things, Veils and Vengeance, Proposals and Poison, Hawaiian Masquerade, and Christmas Kisses: An Echo Ridge Anthology. Her novella, “Silver Cascade Secrets,” was included in the Rone Award–winning Timeless Romance Anthology, Fall Collection.
Join Rachelle’s VIP mailing list to learn more about upcoming books & get your free book at www.rachellechristensen.com 






Friday 26 January 2018

Book Review: White Roses in Winter by Barbara Meyers

White Roses in Winter 

White Roses in Winter by Barbara Meyers


Publisher: Self published

Publication Date: 1st November 2017
Pages: 372
Format: Kindle
Source: eBook from author


                                                 Blurb

 The princess. The pauper. And a shotgun…
The only thing Jason is focused on is getting through his last year of college. But the instant attraction between him and Kerrie leads to one unforgettable night together.
When Kerrie’s wealthy, overly-protective father learns she is pregnant, he arranges a temporary marriage to teach her a lesson about choices and consequences. Jason reluctantly agrees to keep his participation in the plan a secret, because it’s the only way he can safeguard his future and his family.
Kerrie is blinded by her romantic fantasy and doesn’t suspect she’s been set up. Meanwhile, Jason guards his heart and vows that when Kerrie leaves with their baby, he won’t beg her to stay.
Just when it seems a future together is possible, lies, betrayal and deceit threaten to separate Kerrie and Jason forever. Faced with losing each other and their baby, will their fragile bond be strong enough?

                                          

                                            My thoughts

White Roses in Winter is a modern take on a shotgun wedding crossed with a rich girl meets poor boy trope.
It’s insta love when Kerrie first meets Jason at a party hosted by her friend Tiffany. After a romantic night on the beach she can’t stop thinking about him. However Jason learns that Kerrie is the daughter of the rich and powerful Kenneth Huddleston and realises he will never be good enough for her so doesn’t pursue the relationship. A guy from the wrong side of the tracks that doesn’t have a dime! When Kerrie finds out she is pregnant and her dominating father demands they get married Jason knows it will all be over once the child is born in wedlock but he was never someone to shirk his duty.

This is a love story with a difference. The couple had only known each other for a day with no further communication until they were forced to get married. Kerrie has been over protected by her parents and has no idea of the real world. She thinks that the marriage will be fun. The two of them together bringing up their child. Jason has done life tough, money is tight and he studies during the day and works during the night. He knows this is going to be hard but he will do his duty until the inevitable happens and Kerrie leaves him.

There is lots of anguish in this book as Kerrie and Jason fail to communicate and each worries continually as to the others intentions.
Jason has past demons that also need to be addressed and Kerrie’s over protective parents throw kidnapping and claims of abuse into the mix. Bring in Kerrie’s drug taking, party girl best friend Tiffany, who thinks Jason should have been hers and there is never a dull moment in this romantic suspense.

The only things that reduced my star rating was that it was told in too many POVs , sometimes changing mid page, also I’m not a big fan of internal monologue and this was used often throughout the book.

White Roses in Winter is a coming of age romance full of strong characters and complex relationships. The characters are engaging and well developed.

I would like to thank the author for my copy to read and review.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
 
                                   About the author

 
 Barista by day, romance novelist by night: When not writing fiction, Dr Suess-like poetry (for adults) or song lyrics, Barbara Meyers disguises herself behind a green apron and works part-time for a world-wide coffee company.
Her novels are a mix of comedy, suspense and spice and often feature a displaced child.
Barbara is still married to her first husband and has two fantastic children. Originally from Southwest Missouri, (she blames her roots in the Show Me state for her somewhat skeptical nature) she currently resides in Central Florida.