Always Watching ~ Review

Always Watching

Elite Guardians #1
by Lynette Eason

When the Elite Guardian Agency suffers a setback in their latest job Olivia Edwards takes a more active roll protecting Wade Savage.  Someone has taken a personal interest in the local psychiatrist / call-in radio host.  A very personal interest that has started to take a darker more sinister turn.

But the question is why has this stalker taken it to the next level. And who is the next target on the list in the campaign to make Wade pay for his mistake.  Each incident reveals a more disturbed mind.

Nothing has ever distracted Olivia while she is on the job, but this time something is different.  This time more than a life is on the line with this job.  This time her heart could be on the line as well.

Someone knows Wade's routines, his likes and dislikes, and about his daughter Amy.  Who has been watching him, studying him enough to pull all this off?  If the Elite Guardians Agency can discover this they just may save a life.

One important lesson that one of the character states they need to learn is "Sometime you have to let go to hang on."  One needs to give up control sometimes to do the right thing, the smart thing.  The question is whether we will recognize when to give relinquish control.

If you like suspense that keeps you guessing, offering new layers and twists that cast doubts on most everyone you need to read Always Watching.  

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Revell in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

Intensity. Skill. Tenacity. 

The bodyguards of Elite Guardians Agency have it all.

When it becomes clear that popular psychiatrist and radio personality Wade Savage has a stalker, his father secretly hires Elite Guardians to protect his son. But when Wade's bodyguard is attacked and nearly killed, agency owner Olivia Edwards must step in and fill the gap. 

Olivia's skills are about to be tested to the limit as Wade's stalker moves from leaving innocent gifts at his door to threatening those closest to him--including Olivia. But in her mind, even more dangerous than the threats to her life is the hold her handsome client has on her heart.

"Lynette has written another fast-paced book. It's a race against death."--DiAnn Mills, author of Deadlock

Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice, the Deadly Reunions, and the Hidden Identity series. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She lives in South Carolina. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.

The Heir War ~ Review

The Heir War

The Kinsman Chronicles Part 1.2

By Jill Williamson

Often the second or midway point of a story flounders and seems to drag.  One is on the edge of something but not quite yet there.  

Well, The Heir War does not suffer from this issue.  We had hints of what was to come in Darkness Reigns but in this second part we are taken further into the story.  The Five Realms are teetering on the verge of war, chaos, and utter destruction if the old prophecies are to be believed.  They are after all just old prophecies, but the troubles that are slowly spreading throughout the lands could be the fulfillment of what they have decided to ignore or abandon.

The House of Hadar is under the rule of Echad-Rosar Hadar king of Armania.  Strife rules the court of Armania as the remaining sons are locked in an undeclared war to secure the title of heir.  Eldest son Wilek seems most likely to be named heir until he is sent on a mission for his father - a mission from which he might not return as Farway was in a state of unexplained destruction.  Second son Janek has a cruel streak that would make him a ruler similar in nature to his father.  Third in line is Trevn, a teenager who has a great love for his older brother Wilek.  Trevn also has determined to be a rebel going against what was expected and actually caring for the people around him.

But there is a growing movement to bring in foreign beliefs - beliefs that could further divide the Realms or heal the division that tore them apart so many years ago.  Betrayals, deceptions, and divisions who does one trust when everyone seems to be working against you?  Discovering these truths may be the only thing that can save the Realm.  But someone is determined to do anything to keep the truth hidden in their quest for control, anything even murder.

Currently I have three characters whom I really like Trevn, Zeroah (Wilek's intended bride), and Mielle (Zeroah's honor maiden).  And then I have an interest in the two young men who are Trevn's companions/aids Sir Cadoc Wyser and Hinckdan Fuluk - will thes two stand with Trevn or will they fall to the corruption the court?

I'm eagerly anticipating further chronicle editions and further clues as to the fates of all involved in this series.

I was provided an uncorrected advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:
With Prince Wilek searching Armania for a murderer, his brother Prince Trevn is pulled deeper into the politics of who will be Heir as King Echad’s health declines. In his studies with a local priest, Trevn encounters a book that speaks not of the gods he knows, but of one true God. If this book is accurate, have all their sacrifices been in vain?

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Priority Target ~ Review

Priority Target
The Carrie Chronicles #1
By Ethan Jones

Ethan Jones has done it again. A fast paced spy thriller starring a member of CIS (Canada's equivalent to the CIA). But this time the focus is on Carrie O'Connor. Having worked in the past with Justin Hall we now get to know Carrie better as she takes on a mission to stop a known terrorist. But nothing ever works out just as planned and complications add to an already delicate situation.

But Carrie's complications can be summed up with three little letters C.I.A. Using the skills one has come to expect from her over the years Carrie does what she does best. This is the first book in the Carrie Chronicles with the second due for release shortly so you won't have a long wait wondering what comes next.

Get to know Carrie O'Connor as she deals with her day-to-day life both professionally and personally. This another engaging and entertaining story from Ethan Jones. If you haven't read his work in the past give it a start with Priority Target. Then you can check-out Justin Hall - Carrie's sometime partner in stopping international criminal terrorism.

I was provided an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:
Embark on a dangerous adventure with Carrie O'Connor, one of the best operatives of the Canadian Intelligence Service, in PRIORITY TARGET, the first novel in Carrie Chronicles series.

After hunting a terrorist mastermind in Mogadishu--the capital of war-ravaged Somalia--Carrie is assigned a new mission: confirm the elimination of a priority target hit during a drone attack. While trying to balance her work and her rocky relationship with her fiance, she partners with Josh Barrett, the best CIA field agent in Somalia, for their joint task.

In Somalia, they discover evidence leading to a troubling revelation about the errant drone strike. Carrie finds herself a target in what appears to be a massive cover-up. Determined to find out who wants her dead, she begins to cut through a complex web of lies and deceit, even if it means going to war with the CIA.

In the vein of bestselling authors like Brad Thor, David Baldacci, and Vince Flynn, PRIORITY TARGET is an action-packed adventure and a powerful page-turner that will keep you reading through the night.

The second novel book in Carrie Chronicles series, CODENAME: MAKAROV, will be released on April 12, 2016.

Merchant of Alyss ~ Review

Merchant of Alyss

Legends of the Realm #2
by Thomas Locke

Hyam, now known as the Hero of Emporis, has been without his powers since defeating the Crimson Mage.  But danger has reawakened and an ancient foe long hidden has been revealed when an unexpected shipment arrives in Falmouth Port.

Milantian scrolls carrying the secrets of this ancient race have been discovered.  The power offered in these few scrolls is nothing compared to the potential that is offered in the rest of the collection.  But is traveling into the barren desolation of the Yellow Realm worth the risk?  

Hyam believes it is.  And even more troubling are the dreams that come to Hyam in the early dawn hours.  Dreams filled with destruction and beasts of legend.  Dreams that call to him, that lead him to an uncertain future.  But to grasp the future before him Hyam must first accept that what he has left behind is necessary for the survival of all.

But as with all great quests there is a cost involved and this one could cost them everything they hold dear.  Ancient bonds will be revisited.  And new bonds - treaties will be forged.

Fans of fantasy will enjoy the journey that is being embarked upon.  Though written in his own unique voice there are under currents that will bring remembrances of J.R.R. Tolkien, George MacDonald, and C.S. Lewis and their worlds of wonders both delightful and hideous.  Teens and adults alike will be drawn into this world. What will be sacrificed to save what is?  

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Revell Books in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

Beneath the hills of a primeval city, a vanquished enemy is gathering power. 

As this new threat arises, can Hyam summon his true heritage and overcome the forces of evil?

When Hyam reluctantly returned to the Long Hall, he never imagined how his life would change. Latent powers were honed, chance encounters brought new wisdom, and even love found a way into his heart. With his wife, Joelle, he now makes a home in Falmouth Port.

Hyam is slowly recovering from his battles when a mysterious shipment of Milantian scrolls arrives. Soon he is haunted by dreams of mythic beasts and coming conflicts. When Joelle falls under a sorcerer's spell, he must venture through the desolate lands to save her--and his community.

One particular scroll seems to hold the promise of new powers, but it also carries a hidden warning about an unfathomable threat. As Hyam sets out on another journey, he is keenly aware that he must rely on all his abilities--and his forbidden past--to succeed. His quest could bring deliverance . . . or devastation.

Thomas Locke is a pseudonym for Davis Bunn, the award-winning novelist with total worldwide sales of seven million copies. With a lifelong passion for speculative stories, he is also the author of Emissary andTrial Run. A screenplay adaptation of Emissary is currently under development as a feature film with a British production company.

Davis's work has been published in twenty languages, and critical acclaim includes four Christy Awards for excellence in fiction. He divides his time between Oxford and Florida. Learn more at www.tlocke.com.

Protecting Her Daughter ~ Review

Protecting Her Daughter
Wrangler's Corner #3
By Lynette Eason

Zoe Collier is hiding from the people who are threatening her daughter.  The remote small town of Wrangler's Corner seemed like the perfect hiding place to keep Sophia safe, at least it had until the kidnappers came after them again.

Now Zoe has to rely on Aaron Starke and the small police force of Wrangler's Corner to help keep them safe.  But what could be the motivation behind these attacks?  Until they can figure this out Zoe and Sophia will never be safe not will those offering them protection.

Will running again be their best course of action?  Or will this make them more vulnerable?

As Zoe and Aaron try to discover who is after them they begin to discover who each other is.  Could they have something more than friendship if they survive?

Fans of Lynette Eason's Inspirational Suspense will enjoy this book as it pulls the reader onto the action from the opening scenes, Attempted kidnappings, shooters, and a pregnant cow make for an entertaining and exciting reading experience.

We're told to keep our enemies close which is easier said than done especially when you don't know who your enemy is.  And some enemies are closer than we realize...

I was provided a copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:
ANYTHING FOR HER CHILD 

After someone attempts to abduct her daughter, single mom Zoe Collier flees to a remote ranch for safety. But when the would-be kidnappers follow them to Wrangler's Corner, Zoe must figure out why somebody wants Sophia. Local vet Aaron Starke is determined to help Zoe investigate—and to keep his intriguing new neighbors safe. Zoe's used to relying on her own wits to survive. But quick-witted, caring Aaron is just the type of man she needs in her corner. And he might be her partner for keeps…if they can find the truth without losing their lives. 

Wrangler's Corner: Family comes first

Excerpt teaser taken from the front the book

“I don’t think I could shoot someone, Aaron.”

“If it comes down to his life or yours or his and Sophia’s, I think you could.”

Tears filled her eyes, and she glanced up at him, not caring if he saw the wetness. “Yes, I could for Sophia.” She sniffed, and a tear traced down her cheek. He lifted a hand and thumbed it away but left his palm cupping her cheek. She drew in a sharp breath.

“Clay will figure out what’s going on. The man in the hospital will wake up eventually, and Clay will get him to talk.”

Zoe closed her eyes against the lovely sensation of his touch. She had no business feeling an attraction for him. Not when she was fighting for hers and Sophia’s lives. She opened her eyes and met his. “Aaron, I appreciate everything you and your family and friends have done for Sophia and me, but I think it’s time for us to run again.”

“How is that going to help?”

She sighed. “Well, for one, it’ll give the authorities time to try to figure things out. But I can’t run without help.”

He frowned. “What do you mean?”

“I want you to help us disappear.

The Peacock Throne ~ Review

The Peacock Throne
By Lisa Karon Richardson

Lydia Garrett has just lost the most important person in her life - her cousin, her guardian, and Anthony Douglas, Earl of Danbury his father. Both men murdered the same night and distantly linked by their shared past in the Royal Navy.  But why would anyone murder these two men in such a marked way?
Agreeing to join forces and bring a murderer to justice Lydia and Anthony quickly come to the attention of Marcus Wiltshire.  But Marcus is more than he seems to be and he soon reveals his true self to both Lydia and Anthony as their quest for justice coincides with his to prevent Napoleon Bonaparte's newest endeavor for power.

A journal provides the trio with clues as to a possible motive to these murders and a destination to start their search.  An ocean voyage and a race against a faceless, murderous enemy take them into the exotic unknown.

A mysterious ancient throne of India is the highly sought prize that someone is willing to do anything to claim.  And they are willing to take more lives to do so.  Who will pay the price?

This is historical fiction in its most delightful form.  Adventure that will take you into a new world. A hint of romance.  And friendships that make all the difference.  Lydia, Anthony, and Marcus are characters whom one can truly enjoy getting to know even when they can be a touch overbearing (not Lydia).  These are characters whom I would love to visit again.

Get ready to swept away to Regency England and British ruled India.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Lion Fiction in exchange for my honest review.

About the book:

A mysterious throne holds the key to two murders; 

an epic adventure steeped in treachery and romance

When Miss Lydia Garrett's guardian is murdered, and the authorities refuse to investigate the odd circumstances, she vows to catch the culprit. The same night the Earl of Danbury is murdered in his bed. Against all odds it appears that the murders are related—and Anthony Douglas, the new Lord Danbury, is bent on revenge.

The clues point to the former earl’s first naval command. In 1758 the earl spirited away and hid the magnificent Peacock Throne at the behest of the Indian royal family. To draw out the murderer, Anthony and Lydia agree that they must locate the throne.

They are not the only ones interested in the Peacock Throne, however. Marcus Wiltshire, a British intelligence, has received hints that Bonaparte intends to return the throne to India and leverage its mystical significance to foment rebellion and cut England off from her most important trading partner.

When the amateur sleuths join forces with the professional agent, the quest for the throne leads them around the globe on an adventure steeped in danger, treachery, and romance.