The F.I.G. Mysteries ~ Series Spotlight

Series Details:

Book Title:  The F.I.G. Mysteries by Barbara Casey
Category:  YA Fiction (Ages 13-17)
Genre:  Mystery, Fantasy
Publisher:  Gauthier Publications (Hungry Goat Press)
Release dates:   The Cadence of Gypsies (2011); The Wish Rider (2016); The Clock Flower (2018); The Nightjar's Promise (2020)
Content Rating:  PG. There are some themes that deal with the Jewish Holocaust and some frightening scenes appropriate for young adult and adult readers.

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Book Details:

Book Title: The Cadence of Gypsies (The F.I.G. Mysteries) by Barbara Casey
Category:  YA Fiction (Ages 13-17), 200 pages
Genre:  Mystery, Fantasy
Publisher:  Gauthier Publications (Hungry Goat Press)
Release date:   The Cadence of Gypsies (2011)
Content Rating:  PG. There are some themes that deal with the Jewish Holocaust and some frightening scenes appropriate for young adult and adult readers.

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Book Description:
Three high-spirited 17 year-olds, with intelligent quotients in the genius range, accompany their teacher and mentor, Carolina Lovel, to Frascati, Italy, a few weeks before they are to graduate from Wood Rose Orphanage and Academy for Young Women. Carolina's purpose in planning the trip is to remove her gifted, creative students from the Wood Rose campus located in Raleigh, North Carolina, so they can't cause any more problems ("expressions of creativity") for the headmaster, faculty, and other students – which they do with regularity. Carolina also wants to visit the Villa Mondragone where the Voynich Manuscript, the most mysterious document in the world was first discovered and search how it is related to a paper written in the same script she received on her 18th birthday when she was told that she was adopted – a search that will fill in all of the missing pieces of her past and help each of her students to discover something meaningful within themselves.

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Book Details:

Book Title: The Wish Rider (The F.I.G. Mysteries) by Barbara Casey
Category:  YA Fiction (Ages 13-17), 220 pages
Genre:  Mystery, Fantasy
Publisher:  Gauthier Publications (Hungry Goat Press)
Release date:   The Wish Rider (2016)
Content Rating:  PG. There are some themes that deal with the Jewish Holocaust and some frightening scenes appropriate for young adult and adult readers.

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Book Description:

Seventeen-year-old Dara Roux and her two best friends, Mackenzie Yarborough and Jennifer Torres, the three collectively referred to as the FIGs (Females of Intellectual Genius) because each has an intelligence quotient in the genius range, have just returned from Frascati, Italy. It was there that their much-loved teacher and mentor, Carolina Lovel discovered that her birth parents were gypsies and that she had a connection to the Voynich Manuscript, the most mysterious document in the world. Now, with graduation from Wood Rose Orphanage and Academy for Young Women behind them, Dara asks Mackenzie, Jennifer, and Carolina to help her locate her birth mother when she learns that she might be living in New York City. All the young women have to work with are five addresses, and when Mackenzie prepares a grid showing the location of all five addresses, four of the locations form a square with the fifth in the middle—which is also Grand Central Terminal. Relying on Dara’s gift for speaking and understanding foreign languages, the black and white images that stir musical cadences in Jennifer’s mind, and Mackenzie’s mathematical calculations that normally provide numerical solutions and answers to life’s most difficult questions but now keep showing the number “61”, the determined young women tirelessly go from one address to another in search of Dara’s mother. Their determination turns to desperation, however, and they ignore caution and the dissonant chords Jennifer frantically scribbles on her eight-stave musical paper as they pursue one final address—the one located in the middle of Mackenzie’s grid. Encountering a dark hidden society and sub culture more dangerous and terrifying than they could have imagined, it is there that Dara learns why she was abandoned as a seven-year-old in a candy store all those years ago.

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Book Details:

Book Title: The Clock Flower (The F.I.G. Mysteries) by Barbara Casey
Category:  YA Fiction (Ages 13-17), 180 pages
Genre:  Mystery, Fantasy
Publisher:  Gauthier Publications (Hungry Goat Press)
Release date:   The Clock Flower (2018)
Content Rating:  PG. There are some themes that deal with the Jewish Holocaust and some frightening scenes appropriate for young adult and adult readers.

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Book Description:

The three FIGs—Females of Intellectual Genius—as they are called, have graduated from Wood Rose Orphanage and Academy for Young Women after returning from New York City where Dara learned why her mother abandoned her all those years ago, and they are now attending universities where they can further their special talents. This means they will be separated from each other and from Carolina, their much-loved mentor and teacher who is “one of them,” for the first time in their young lives. They vow to try living apart for one semester, in the so-called real world that doesn’t include the orphanage; but if things don’t work out, they will come up with another plan—a plan where they can be together once again. Dara is invited through Yale University to take part in an exciting archeological project in China. Jennifer, once again visualizing black and white images and the unusual sounds of another cadence that seem to be connected to Mackenzie, is engrossed in creating her next symphony at Juilliard. Mackenzie, because of her genius at problem-solving, is personally chosen by a US Senator to get involved in a mysterious, secret research project involving immortality that is being conducted in a small village in China—not too far from where Dara is involved with the archeological site. Once there, however, she finds herself facing a terrifying death from the blood-dripping teeth of an ancient evil dragon. Her best friends, the FIGs and Carolina, rely on their own unique genius and special talents to save her as she discovers the truth of her birth parents.

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Book Details:

Book Title:  The Nightjar's Promise (Book 4 of The F.I.G. Mysteries) by Barbara Casey
Category:  YA Fiction (Ages 13-17),  130 pages
Genre:  Mystery, Fantasy
Publisher:  Gauthier Publications (Hungry Goat Press)
Release date:   April, 2020
Content Rating:  PG. There are some themes that deal with the Jewish Holocaust and some frightening scenes appropriate for young adult and adult readers.

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Book Description:

Jennifer Torres, one of the three FIGs (Females of Intellectual Genius) who is a genius in both music and art, is the last to leave the closed rehearsal for her upcoming performance over Thanksgiving break at Carnegie Hall when she hears something in the darkened Hall. Recognizing the tilt of the woman’s head and the slight limp of the man as they hurry out an exit door, she realizes it is her parents who were supposedly killed in a terrible car accident when she was 15 years old. Devastated and feeling betrayed, she sends a text to Carolina and the other two FIGs—THURGOOD. It is the code word they all agreed to use if ever one of them got into trouble or something happened that was too difficult to handle. They would all meet back at Carolina’s bungalow at Wood Rose Orphanage and Academy for Young Women to figure it out.

As soon as they receive the text, because of their genius, Dara starts thinking of words in ancient Hebrew, German, and Yiddish, while Mackenzie’s visions of unique math formulae keep bringing up the date October 11, 1943. That is the date during World War II when the Nazis—the Kunstschutz—looted the paintings of targeted wealthy Jewish families and hid them away under Hitler’s orders. And as Carolina waits for the FIGs to return to Wood Rose, she hears warnings from Lyuba, her gypsy mother, to watch for the nightjar, the ancient name for the whip-poor-will.

As they search for “The Nightjar’s Promise” and the truth surrounding it, Carolina and the FIGs come face to face with evil that threatens to destroy not only their genius, but their very lives.

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Coming Soon to Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, and Bookstores Everywhere! 

 

Meet the Author:

Originally from Carrollton, Illinois, author/agent/publisher Barbara Casey attended the University of North Carolina, N.C. State University, and N.C. Wesleyan College where she received a BA degree, summa cum laude, with a double major in English and history. In 1978 she left her position as Director of Public Relations and Vice President of Development at North Carolina Wesleyan College to write full time and develop her own manuscript evaluation and editorial service. In 1995 she established the Barbara Casey Agency and since that time has represented authors from the United States, Great Britain, Canada, and Japan. In 2014, she became a partner with Strategic Media Books, an independent nonfiction publisher of true crime, where she oversees acquisitions, day-to-day operations, and book production.

Ms. Casey has written over a dozen award-winning books of fiction and nonfiction for both young adults and adults. The awards include the National Association of University Women Literary Award, the Sir Walter Raleigh Literary Award, the Independent Publisher Book Award, the Dana Award for Outstanding Novel, the IP Best Book for Regional Fiction, among others. Two of her nonfiction books have been optioned for major films, one of which is under contract.

Her award-winning articles, short stories, and poetry for adults have appeared in both national and international publications including the North Carolina Christian Advocate Magazine, The New East Magazine, the Raleigh (N.C.) News and Observer, the Rocky Mount (N.C.) Sunday Telegram, Dog Fancy, ByLine, The Christian Record, Skirt! Magazine, and True Story. A thirty-minute television special which Ms. Casey wrote and coordinated was broadcast on WRAL, Channel 5, in Raleigh, North Carolina. She also received special recognition for her editorial work on the English translations of Albanian children’s stories. Her award-winning science fiction short stories for adults are featured in The Cosmic Unicorn and CrossTime science fiction anthologies. Ms. Casey's essays and other works appear in The Chrysalis Reader, the international literary journal of the Swedenborg Foundation, 221 One-Minute Monologues from Literature (Smith and Kraus Publishers), and A Cup of Comfort (Adams Media Corporation).

Ms. Casey is a former director of BookFest of the Palm Beaches, Florida, where she served as a guest author and panelist. She has served as a judge for the Pathfinder Literary Awards in Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Florida, and was the Florida Regional Advisor for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators from 1991 through 2003. In 2018 Ms. Casey received the prestigious Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award and Top Professional Award for her extensive experience and notable accomplishments in the field of publishing and other areas. She makes her home on the top of a mountain in northwest Georgia with her husband and three cats who adopted her, Homer, Reese, and Earl Gray - Reese’s best friend.

Connect with the author:  Website~ Goodreads ~ Facebook

Tour Schedule:

May 25 – KC Beanie Boos Collection – series spotlight
May 26 – Nighttime Reading Center – series spotlight / giveaway
May 26 - Sefina Hawke's Books – series spotlight
May 27 – T's Stuff – series spotlight / author interview / giveaway
May 27 - Book Corner News and Reviews – series spotlight / giveaway
May 28 – Locks, Hooks and Books – series spotlight / guest post / giveaway
May 28 - Library of Clean Reads – series spotlight / giveaway
May 29 – Jazzy Book Reviews – series spotlight / giveaway
May 29 - La libreria di Beppe – series spotlight / giveaway
June 1 – My Reading Journeys – series spotlight / giveaway
June 2 – Bookworm for Kids – series spotlight / author interview / giveaway
June 2 - @momfluenster – series spotlight / giveaway
June 2 - Stephanie Jane – series spotlight / giveaway
June 3 – Splashes of Joy – series spotlight / author interview / giveaway
June 4 – Celticlady's Reviews – series spotlight / giveaway
June 4 - Blooming with Books – series spotlight / giveaway
June 5 – Writer with Wanderlust – series spotlight / guest post / giveaway
June 5 - Books for Books – series spotlight

Enter the Giveaway:

Win 1 of 3 print or 1 of 3 ebooks of 

THE F.I.G. MYSTERY series,

or a $25 Amazon Gift Card

(open USA & Canada) 

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(ends 06/12/2020)

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Before I Called You Mine ~ Review

Before I Called You Mine
by Nicole Deese

Lauren Bailey wants to be a mother and for the last year-and-a-half, she has been waiting for the call that will make her dream of motherhood come true. Being a teacher to a classroom full of first-graders is satisfying but she wants to give more. At 31 years it seems that romance and finding the one has passed her by. She is now committed to remaining single for the foreseeable future - she's signed the paperwork saying that she'll be adopting as a single woman.

Joshua Avery isn't a teacher but he has the necessary background to allow him to fill in as a substitute when one of Brighton's first-grade teachers has a medical situation take her off the day-to-day roster. Joshua Avery couldn't be more different than Mrs. Walker and dinos are high on his list of teaching tools as his first day quickly proves. But he soon manages to make a spot for himself in the school becoming a favorite. And unfortunately, for Lauren, they seem to click, which won't work with her chance at adoption now so close.

Before I Called You Mine is an emotional read as Lauren works through the current situation that she finds herself in as she works through all the legalities of international adoption and the endless waiting. And there are most definitely moments of heartbreak and of joy that will most certainly touch the heart of most readers (not going to go into detail so as to not spoil anything) but very moving! Having friends who have gone through adoption this book is very realistic in the emotional ups-and-downs that they went through. I highly recommend this book - it is good for your free weekend hours or for a virtual book club meeting. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:
Lauren Bailey may be a romantic at heart, but after a decade of matchmaking schemes gone wrong, there's only one match she's committed to now--the one that will make her a mother. Lauren is a dedicated first-grade teacher in Idaho, and her love for children has led her to the path of international adoption. To satisfy her adoption agency's requirements, she gladly agreed to remain single for the foreseeable future; however, just as her long wait comes to an end, Lauren is blindsided by a complication she never saw coming: Joshua Avery.

Joshua may be a substitute teacher by day, but Lauren finds his passion for creating educational technology as fascinating as his antics in the classroom. Though she does her best to downplay the undeniable connection between them, his relentless pursuit of her heart puts her commitment to stay unattached to the test and causes her once-firm conviction to waver.

With an impossible decision looming, Lauren might very well find herself choosing between the two deepest desires of her heart . . . even if saying yes to one means letting go of the other.

Murder by Perfection ~ Review

Murder by Perfection

Thorny Rose Mystery #3
By Lauren Carr
Read by Mike Alger

For Murphy Thornton and Jessica Faraday marriage is not a easy with their schedules conflicting. But they are determined to take time out for them - but when Murphy is given an assignment on "date night" Jessica is less than thrilled. Who wants to take part in a couple's cooking class instead of having a romantic date at home? But a murder investigation is riding on what Murphy can uncover.

But Murphy goes missing and the gourmet cooking instructor is brutally murdered. With time ticking down Murphy's father Joshua and his twin brother JJ soon join Jessica and Tristan as they comb through clues. Is Murphy's disappearance related to the murder he was investigating? And even more troubling who could take down a Phantom?

This is one who-dun-it that will leave you wondering just who did what to whom. This is the first that I've read anything in which JJ was more than a mention and some of the scenes with him are quite entertaining. And one just can't help but be amused whenever Nigel is in a scene - the Thornton/Faraday "butler".

This is not a cozy mystery or a gentle read and is most definitely in the PG category for violence and suggestive scenes. But if your taste in books runs towards mystery, suspense, and murder you will devour this book! There are suspects aplenty and a few characters that one just can't help disliking. The narration is well presented by Mike Alger. There is no drag and it progresses at a good pace for the 8-1/2 hour reading, good for a long commute or just eye-resting listening enjoyment.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

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"The plot was original, fresh and fast-paced in spite of the "traditional elements" employed, which can normally be found in any other thriller of this genre. The USP of this story would be its unpredictability. When you think you have it all guessed up, the plot would change its course, keeping you hooked. There were a lot of suspense twists and turns that kept the momentum up. Needless to say, the writing was simply perfect. One thing that the writer needs to be lauded for is the humor she inculcated in the book. Minus those humorous parts, the book would have been one serious read." - Reviewer: Book and Ink

Join us for this tour from May 4 to June 5, 2020!

Murder by Perfection is a wonderful read and a perfect to escape from the challenges of a busy day. Danger, intrigue, humor, and love all take their turn in this tale which will keep you reading into the wee hours." Review by Marilyn R. Wilson, Olio by Marilyn

 Book Description:

Beware: Perfection has a dark side!

Frustrated with their busy schedules, Murphy Thornton and Jessica Faraday attempt to find togetherness by scheduling a weekly date night. The last thing Jessica Faraday expected for her date night was to take a a couple's gourmet cooking course at the Stepford Kitchen Studio, owned by Chef Natalie Stepford―the model of perfection in looks, home, and business.

When Natalie ends up dead and Murphy goes missing, the Thorny Rose detectives must peel back the layers of Natalie Stepford's life to discover that the pursuit of perfection can be deadly.

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Meet the Author:

Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, Chris Matheson Cold Case, and Thorny Rose Mysteries—over twenty-five titles across three fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr's seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor.

A popular speaker, Lauren is also the owner of Acorn Book Service, the umbrella under which falls iRead Book Tours. She lives with her husband and two spoiled rotten German Shepherds on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

Connect with the author: Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Instagram

Tour Schedule:
May 4 - Hall Ways Blog - series spotlight/giveaway
May 4 – She Just Loves Books – series spotlight/giveaway
May 4 - Elizabeth McKenna – Author – series spotlight/giveaway
May 4 - Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review of Kill and Run/giveaway
May 4 – Michelle L. Bloodworth - Goodreads – audiobook review of Kill and Run
May 5 - Michelle L. Bloodworth - Goodreads – audiobook review of A Fine Year for Murder
May 6 - Buried Under Books – audiobook review of Kill and Run/giveaway
May 6 - Michelle L. Bloodworth - Goodreads – audiobook review of Murder by Perfection
May 7 - A Mama's Corner of the World – series spotlight/guest post/giveaway
May 8 - Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review of A Fine Year for Murder/giveaway
May 11 - Locks, Hooks and Books – series spotlight/guest post/giveaway
May 11 - Jazzy Book Reviews – series spotlight/author interview/giveaway
May 11 - Merlot Et mots –book review of Kill and Run/giveaway
May 12 - Laura's Interests – series spotlight/giveaway
May 12 - Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review of Murder by Perfection/giveaway
May 13 - Mowgli with a book – series spotlight/author interview
May 13 - Bookish Quest – audiobook review of Kill and Run/giveaway
May 13 - Blooming with Books - audiobook review of Kill and Run/giveaway
May 13 - Lamon Reviews - series spotlight / guest post / giveaway
May 14 - Buried Under Books – audiobook review of A Fine Year for Murder/giveaway
May 15 - Sefina Hawke's Books – series spotlight
May 18 - Merlot Et mots –book review of A Fine Year for Murder/giveaway
May 19 - Rockin' Book Reviews – series spotlight/guest post/giveaway
May 19 - Rosepoint Publishing – audiobook review of Murder by Perfection/giveaway
May 20 - Stephanie Jane – book spotlight/giveaway
May 20 - Bookish Quest – audiobook review of A Fine Year for Murder/giveaway
May 20 - Blooming with Books - audiobook review of A Fine Year for Murder/giveaway
May 21 - Books for Books – audiobook review of Murder by Perfection
May 21 - La libreria di Beppe - series spotlight/giveaway
May 22 – fundinmental – series spotlight/author interview/giveaway
May 25 - Buried Under Books – audiobook review of Murder By Perfection/giveaway
May 25 - Merlot Et mots –book review of Murder by Perfection/giveaway
May 25 - T's Stuff – series spotlight/author interview/giveaway
May 26 - Dab of Darkness Audiobook Reviews – series spotlight/giveaway
May 27 - Bookish Quest – audiobook review of Murder by Perfection/giveaway
May  27 - Blooming with Books - audiobook review of Murder by Perfection/giveaway
May 27 - Books for Books – series spotlight
May 28 - Bookish Quest – series spotlight/author interview/ giveaway
May 29 - Mystery Suspense Reviews – series spotlight/guest post
Jun 1 - Merlot Et mots –book review of The Nutcracker Conspiracy/guest post/giveaway
Jun 1 - Thoughts in Progress – series spotlight/giveaway
Jun 2 - Svetlana's reads and views – series spotlight
Jun 2 - Kristin's Novel Café – series spotlight
Jun 3 - Buried Under Books – series spotlight/giveaway
Jun 3 - Blooming with Books - series spotlight/giveaway
Jun 4 - Rosepoint Publishing – series spotlight/giveaway
Jun 5 - The avid reader – series spotlight/giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

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Counterblow ~ Review

Counterblow
Javin Pierce Spy Thriller #7
By Ethan Jones

Javin Pierce is determined to see justice done. But what he calls justice some might call revenge. In his last op everything went wrong - they were betrayed and it resulted in the death of one of his team members. Javin won't forget what Mossad did to one of their own and he is going to make them pay for Yael's death.

But for his off-the-books-unsanctioned mission Javin will have to turn to those not with CIS. It helps to have if not friends at least acquaintances with assets but this is going to cost Javin. And if he doesn't survive it may cost him his standing with CIS, as in permanently out of the agency.

This book really needs to be read as part of the series and at the very least read after book 6 Deception as both are very closely tied together with their story-line. One without the other will be a serious lack of needed information for full enjoyment. And a word of warning never betray a former Corrector of the CIS you may not live to regret it.

This is yet another action-packed thriller from Ethan Jones which is refreshingly (like his other titles) free of profanity-laced language, graphic depictions of violence, and sexual situations. Highly recommended reading for fans of international intrigue who want a few hours of escape.

I received a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:

There’s no such thing as friendly fire…

Set-up and wounded, CIS spymaster Javin Pierce is determined to send a message to the Mossad agents who betrayed him and tried to destroy his team. They escaped justice, but CIS has moved on…

Javin hasn’t.

Short on official options, Javin partners with a Russian SVR agent to ensure Mossad pays. The deal might cost him his life, but he cannot rest until he has made his enemies pay. But can he fight a single-handed war with Mossad? And is revenge something worth losing everything?

Now more than ever, Javin has to complete this unsanctioned mission … all without leaving a trace.

Counterblow is the bombshell conclusion to Javin’s jaw-dropping, adrenaline-drenched mission that will keep you compulsively turning the pages for a satisfying finale…

The Heart of a Hero ~ Review

The Heart of a Hero
Global Search and Rescue #2
By Susan May Warren

Dr. Aria Sinclair and Jake Silver just want to put Alaska behind them and forget about the biggest mistake they almost made. There is only one problem their hearts don't agree, and what's worse when they were together, it was as if they could be themselves not hiding behind a facade.

Aria has thrown herself back into her work, not giving herself time to heal from the trauma of Denali, and she is burning both ends of her candle. As a pediatric surgeon, Aria needs to be at her best, and those around her know she needs a break. Aria's break is a 2-day conference in Key West with time off for a little R and R; unfortunately, it is the height of hurricane season, and Aria's luck is holding.

Jake knows that Aria is the one for him, but he doesn't know how to convince her of this. The last time he saw her ruined everything, and she left without a word. She brings calm to his turbulent thought, helping him deal with the pain and mistakes of the past. But she's made it perfectly clear that Alaska is in the past and she wants to leave it there.

But when a hurricane bears down on Florida, Jake can't wait around, doing nothing, not when he knows Aria needs him. But running towards danger is the very reason that Aria wants Jake in the past. He takes chances, and she doesn't want to be responsible for the death of someone else she cares for. But Jake needs to rescue Aria, it is the only way he can make up for the biggest mistake of his life - the day he lost his little sister, the day he broke his family.

Ham is back, as the head of Jones, Inc., has to be in the book and the storyline that began at the end of the first book in the Global Search and Rescue series is fleshed out as we meet his daughter Aggie and learn about his wife. Yup, a good bit of drama that takes him to Europe and reveals something of significance is at work - something that could have a bearing on the upcoming Presidential election.

Fans of Susan May Warren's previous series will enjoy little hints at crossovers with the current cast of characters. This series can be read without reading the last series first. I would, however, highly recommend reading the first book in this series as there are many references to what occurred previously. The action is sequential, so reading this series in order is essential to fully grasp what is happening in the current book. So before you crack open the cover of this book, you have to first read The Way of the Brave. (This is an absolute must, in my opinion, to fully enjoy The Heart of a Hero.

If you love dramatic situations with danger and challenges lurking around every corner, you'll love this newest romantic suspense from Susan May Warren. And the conclusion lets the reader know that they will be counting down the days to book 3.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:
Jake Silver may not be able to put the memories of his time as a sniper and Navy SEAL behind him, but at least he can put his skills to use as a part of the Jones Inc. rescue team. Saving the life of pediatric heart surgeon Dr. Aria Sinclair on Denali helped too. Now he can't get her out of his head, and when he hears she is in the path of a hurricane down in Key West, he can't help but jump on a plane to rescue her.

Aria has dedicated her life to helping children born with defective hearts. After all, she was one of those children. Now driven to succeed, she lives a lonely, stressful life. One she would have lost on Denali if it hadn't been for Jake. Jake is handsome and exciting, but he's also dangerous, and she's already lost one person she loves. She can't bear it again.

It's not until she finds herself trapped in the middle of a category 4 hurricane that she can admit she needs Jake desperately. With their very survival in the balance, can they hope for a second chance at life . . . and love?

Standoff ~ Review

Standoff
Natchez Trace Park Rangers #1
By Patricia Bradley

Brooke Danvers is about to follow in her father's footsteps and become a park ranger. Law enforcement is in her genes, as she likes to tell anyone who questions her decision. But just days before she is to be sworn in her father, John Danvers is dead. Brooke knows it is murder even if the evidence at the scene points to something else.

Luke Fereday knows that John Danvers died in the line of duty, but he got the message from John too late. He can't let Brooke learn the truth, or his cover will be blown. Brooke is determined to get to the truth, but doing so will put her in the killer's sights. Luke will do all he can to keep her safe and to not fall in love with her again.

The drug cartel has its finger in everything and knowing who can be trusted limits who can help Brooke as her investigation takes a dangerous turn. As the death toll along in Natchez goes up time is against Luke and Brooke in finding the killer or killers. 

Standoff is the first book in a new series which takes the reader to Natchez, Mississippi. Secrets abound in the sultry southern climate - secrets that could change everything if they are exposed. Secrets that someone is determined to keep hidden.

There are plenty of potential suspects and several of them at times seem more likely than others to be the murderer. But the truth is pretty well obscured leaving the reader wondering is it? But until the climax one is never sure just who is involved in the death of John Danver and the subsequent killings and attacks.

I like getting to know Brooke and Luke but I really like Luke's grandmother Daisy - she is one lady with a head for reason on her shoulder's who I would love getting to know better. And for those who love a dog with personality in their books you'll get to meet Toby a dachshund (having a herd of dachsies myself I totally loved having Toby in the book!). After reading the short excerpt of the the book I can't wait for what comes next!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:

The Natchez Trace National Parkway stretches 444 miles from Nashville to Natchez, the oldest town on the Mississippi River. It's the perfect road for a relaxed pleasure drive. Unfortunately for park ranger Luke Fereday, lately, it's being used to move drugs. Sent to Natchez to infiltrate the organization at the center of the drug ring, Luke arrives too late to a stakeout and discovers the body of his friend, park ranger John Danvers.

John's daughter Brooke is determined to investigate her father's murder, but things are more complicated than they first appear, and Brooke soon finds herself the target of a killer who will do anything to silence her.

Luke will have his hands full, keeping her safe. But who's going to keep him safe when he realizes he's falling--hard--for the daughter of the man he failed to save?

A Fine Year for Murder ~ Review with Giveaway

A Fine Year for Murder
A Thorny Rose Mystery #2
By Lauren Carr
Read by C.J. McAllister

Jessica Faraday is perfectly happy with her marriage except for her nightmares. Unfortunately for her husband Murphy Thornton, Jessica's nightmares cause her to lash out as if in a fight for her life.

During a visit with her father, Jessica and Murphy discover the root of Jessica's nightmares. She was a witness to a brutal murder fifteen years before. At ten-years-old Jessica somehow blocked all memory of what she observed and only in sleep did she have any recollection.

To get to the truth and save her marriage Jessica, Murphy, and Dallas Walker must travel to Pine Bridge and uncover what has been hidden for years. They just have to deal with Jessica's somewhat wacky family (not by blood though) first.

As they work through the few facts they have they find themselves facing danger. Will they survive their search for the truth or will they become another casualty to Pine Bridge?

A Fine Year for Murder is the second book in the Thorny Rose Mystery series and it is as intense as the first book Kill and Run. This is not a cozy mystery or a gentle read and is most definitely in the PG category for violence and suggestive scenes. But if your taste in books runs towards mystery, suspense, and murder you will devour this book! There are suspects aplenty and motives abound it is just a question of who most wanted the Browning's dead. The narration is well presented by C.J. McAllister. There is no drag and it progresses at a good pace for the 10+hour reading, good for a long commute or just eye-resting listening enjoyment.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Join us for this tour from May 4 to June 5, 2020!

"The plot was original, fresh and fast-paced in spite of the "traditional elements" employed, which can normally be found in any other thriller of this genre. The USP of this story would be its unpredictability. When you think you have it all guessed up, the plot would change its course, keeping you hooked. There were a lot of suspense twists and turns that kept the momentum up. Needless to say, the writing was simply perfect. One thing that the writer needs to be lauded for is the humor she inculcated in the book. Minus those humorous parts, the book would have been one serious read." - Reviewer: Book and Ink

"Mysteries, murder, danger, and memories that threaten their lives keep the action and suspense at a high level, and even when the answers are found, it left me wanting more." - Review by Sherry Fundin of Fundinmental

Book Description:

After ten months of marital bliss, Jessica Faraday and Murphy Thornton are still discovering and adjusting to their life together. Settled in their new home, everything appears to be perfect … except in the middle of the night when, in the darkest shadows of her subconscious, a deep secret from Jessica's past creeps to the surface to make her strike out at Murphy.

When investigative journalist Dallas Walker tells the couple about her latest case, known as the Pine Bridge Massacre, they realize Jessica may have witnessed the murder of a family while visiting family at the winery near-by, and suppressed the memory.

Determined to uncover the truth and find justice for the murder victims, Jessica and Murphy return to the scene of the crime with Dallas Walker, a spunky bull-headed Texan. Can this family reunion bring closure for a community touched by tragedy or will this prickly get-together bring an end to the Thorny Rose couple?

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Meet the Author:

Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, Chris Matheson Cold Case, and Thorny Rose Mysteries—over twenty-five titles across three fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr's seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor.

A popular speaker, Lauren is also the owner of Acorn Book Service, the umbrella under which falls iRead Book Tours. She lives with her husband and two spoiled rotten German Shepherds on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

Connect with the author: Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Instagram

Tour Schedule:

May 4 - Hall Ways Blog - series spotlight/giveaway
May 4 – She Just Loves Books – series spotlight/giveaway
May 4 - Elizabeth McKenna – Author – series spotlight/giveaway
May 4 - Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review of Kill and Run/giveaway
May 4 – Michelle L. Bloodworth - Goodreads – audiobook review of Kill and Run
May 5 - Michelle L. Bloodworth - Goodreads – audiobook review of A Fine Year for Murder
May 6 - Buried Under Books – audiobook review of Kill and Run/giveaway
May 6 - Michelle L. Bloodworth - Goodreads – audiobook review of Murder by Perfection
May 7 - A Mama's Corner of the World – series spotlight/guest post/giveaway
May 8 - Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review of A Fine Year for Murder/giveaway
May 11 - Locks, Hooks and Books – series spotlight/guest post/giveaway
May 11 - Jazzy Book Reviews – series spotlight/author interview/giveaway
May 11 - Merlot Et mots –book review of Kill and Run/giveaway
May 12 - Laura's Interests – series spotlight/giveaway
May 12 - Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review of Murder by Perfection/giveaway
May 13 - Mowgli with a book – series spotlight/author interview
May 13 - Bookish Quest – audiobook review of Kill and Run/giveaway
May 13 - Blooming with Books - audiobook review of Kill and Run/giveaway
May 13 - Lamon Reviews - series spotlight / guest post / giveaway
May 14 - Buried Under Books – audiobook review of A Fine Year for Murder/giveaway
May 15 - Sefina Hawke's Books – series spotlight
May 18 - Merlot Et mots –book review of A Fine Year for Murder/giveaway
May 19 - Rockin' Book Reviews – series spotlight/guest post/giveaway
May 19 - Rosepoint Publishing – audiobook review of Murder by Perfection/giveaway
May 20 - Stephanie Jane – book spotlight/giveaway
May 20 - Bookish Quest – audiobook review of A Fine Year for Murder/giveaway
May 20 - Blooming with Books - audiobook review of A Fine Year for Murder/giveaway
May 21 - Books for Books – audiobook review of Murder by Perfection
May 21 - La libreria di Beppe - series spotlight/giveaway
May 22 – fundinmental – series spotlight/author interview/giveaway
May 25 - Buried Under Books – audiobook review of Murder By Perfection/giveaway
May 25 - Merlot Et mots –book review of Murder by Perfection/giveaway
May 25 - T's Stuff – series spotlight/author interview/giveaway
May 26 - Dab of Darkness Audiobook Reviews – series spotlight/giveaway
May 27 - Bookish Quest – audiobook review of Murder by Perfection/giveaway
May  27 - Blooming with Books - audiobook review of Murder by Perfection/giveaway
May 27 - Books for Books – series spotlight
May 28 - Bookish Quest – series spotlight/author interview/ giveaway
May 29 - Mystery Suspense Reviews – series spotlight/guest post
Jun 1 - Merlot Et mots –book review of The Nutcracker Conspiracy/guest post/giveaway
Jun 1 - Thoughts in Progress – series spotlight/giveaway
Jun 2 - Svetlana's reads and views – series spotlight
Jun 2 - Kristin's Novel Café – series spotlight
Jun 3 - Buried Under Books – series spotlight/giveaway
Jun 3 - Blooming with Books - series spotlight/giveaway
Jun 4 - Rosepoint Publishing – series spotlight/giveaway
Jun 5 - The avid reader – series spotlight/giveaway

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