One Kick Wonder (Romeo Family Romance Book 10) by Jennifer Youngblood {Review}

One Kick Wonder (Romeo Family Romance Book 10) by Jennifer Youngblood

Kindle Edition, 180 pages

Published January 20th 2021
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

Dream big. Live large. Love like there’s no tomorrow.

Life rarely goes according to plan. Sometimes the unexpected is even better than we could have ever imagined …

For as long as he can remember, Mason has wanted to pursue his dream of being a musician. He’s been chomping at the bit to jump into the industry for years, but his daddy has been holding him back, claiming that Mason still has some growing up to do. As far as Mason is concerned, he’s plenty grown, and just as talented and driven as his older brother Cash.

Mason knows that he has what it takes to soar. He only needs his shot.

Just when his life takes the turn he always wanted, love and life open up a new path of possibilities that could be even better than he imagined. If only Mason can summon the courage to embrace the unexpected.

 

   

 

My Review: 4 Stars

 

The one thing that I love about this series is how the characters are connected through the Romeo family name, yet each story is so unique and different. None of that "same plot, same place, just plug a different name in" to it. And most of this delicious story took place in Hawaii, which was the perfect place to imagine.

Mason is the kicker for a pro football team, but also has a few musical bones in his body, thanks to his family genes. This man goes after what he wants and I loved his tenacity--especially when it came to Selma, but he was a little overbearing at times, putting the pressure on her. As for Selma, her dual personas are charming and hesitant, but very loyal and...trapped. Their instantaneous connection was combustible and doomed, but I adored their time together and the risks they took. I loved exploring Oahu with them and adored her bodyguard, Moose. The movie references and one-liners were a lot of fun too.

True to Youngblood fashion, the story isn't complete without some engaging tension and peril, and it came at the ideal time and in the best way. The pacing and action was believable. Youngblood knows how to deliver a book that encompasses the whole package--romance, action, and swoon.

Content: mild violence; mild romance; mild religion

The Ultimate Agent by Derek Borne {Review}

The Ultimate Agent by Derek Borne
Virtuoso Press (May 13, 2017), 292 pages
Source: I received a copy from the author, which did not influence my opinion

  

WARNING: THIS MISSIVE CONTAINS CLASSIFIED INFORMATION

Your Mission:
Undertake an adventure of epic, global, and dire proportions.

Agent #524 - Devon Bertrand
Once a normal civilian, Agent Bertrand has been recruited by the Ultimate Agency—a secret organization of the world’s best spies. Now, after undergoing genetic upgrades, he has become a superhuman agent dedicated to fighting against all threats against the nation he now calls home.

Agent #146 - Brett Gallagher
A brilliant scientist, Dr. Gallagher invents and utilizes technologically advanced gadgets and weapons to fight against national security threats like a modern day superhero.

The Target – Maximus Romanov
Employed by a mysterious Russian terrorist group, Romanov is a superhuman operative wreaking havoc in the United States.

Mission Data – Confidential
Join Agent Devon Bertrand and Agent Brett Gallagher on a mission to stop Romanov from destroying the United States. As Bertrand and Gallagher work to discover why Maximus harbors a deep hatred toward America, they uncover a conspiracy brewing against the Ultimate Agency, and one man will make the ultimate sacrifice.

My Review: 3 Stars

I had my teenage son read this and he didn't make it past the first chapter because not only was it a little confusing, but all of the casinos and gambling totally turned him off. As for me, I enjoy superheroes and adventure movies and this book definitely has plenty of the heroes and action. But almost too much at times. I found my head spinning on more than one occasion. And the points-of-view changed often and into multiple characters' heads without warning, which gave me a little mental whiplash. 

The characters are your typically superheroes, but that's what made it fun, because it was entertaining to discover their talents and the ways they would use them. I love tales of good versus evil and enjoyed watching how that angle played out.

As with most of these types of stories, there are a few romantic tangles and although those aren't the main focus, they are my favorite part (of course), and this book had quite a few displays. I had a hard time feeling a connection with the characters in any romantic regard. The relationships didn't feel deep or genuine, but if you enjoy a superficial romance with much more detailed action, you'll probably enjoy this one.

Content: mild romance; moderate violence (superhero/action-type); mild language

Topaz Reign by Teresa Richards {Blog Tour Review + Giveaway}

Topaz Reign (Altered Stones #2) by Teresa Richards

ebook

Published September 29th 2017 by Evernight Teen

    

Fairy tales are simply tales, told and re-told, but changed over time.

It has been four months since Maggie learned the dark truth behind the tale of the Princess and the Pea and freed Princess Lindy from the cursed Emerald. Lindy is now back in the past where she belongs, queen of her tiny Scandinavian country, and Maggie is a fully reformed ex-stalker.

Except … she can’t stop doing internet searches on Lindy and her country.

One morning, Maggie wakes to find history turned on its head. Apparently, you can’t destroy a centuries-old curse without consequence. In order to prevent the changes in history from wiping out the present, Maggie resurrects her stalking gene and learns that fairy tales don’t stay dead for long.

Or at all.

Back in 1623, Lindy is juggling a threat to her family, a handsome new guard she’s not supposed to have feelings for, and a cursed Topaz with ties to the tale of Thumbelina. When past and present collide, Lindy and Maggie are brought together again, and another of Andersen’s tales turns from twisted fiction to chilling fact.

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My Review: 5 Stars

I fell deep, head-over-heels in love with Book 1 and was so excited to continue on right where that one left off. Be sure to read this series in order to get the full effect.

Maggie and her brother, Tanner, are very likable and adventurous characters. Although teenagers, they do care for one another and I love how they really have each other's backs throughout this book. This story goes back and forth between modern times and the past, just as the other one did, and I love that process because I felt that I really got the full story, even though history keeps re-writing itself because of the time travel. 

Lindy and Goran are my favorite characters from the past and when their interactions meld and merge, my favorite scenes unfold. The action is very intense and I felt like I was going off to battle the evils of the world, right along with them. Some mysteries and secrets are uncovered and I was taken by surprise by some of them.

Somehow, when I read the synopsis, I missed which fairy tale this story was connecting to and I was a little disappointed to think that it wasn't going to tie in to one. About halfway through, my doubt was resolved and I found that Thumbelina was the lucky choice. I love how the fairy tales that are recreated aren't the typical, over-done stories, but are ones that are lesser known, which really gives the book a fresh vibe.

The romance is sweet and stabs at the heart a little in this book, but it's the magic and adventure that overpower this tale. The story is left hanging a little and a little clue within the pages makes me think that one more book (at least) will be written and let me just say, I CAN'T WAIT! And I really hope that one little detail that's been bugging me will be answered.

Content: mild romance; mild+ violence.

*I received a copy, which didn't affect my opinion in any way.*

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Emerald Bound (Altered Stones #1) by Teresa Richards {Review}

Emerald Bound (Altered Stones #1) by Teresa Richards

Paperback, 312 pages

Published September 29th 2015 by Evernight Teen

                        

A princess, a pea, and a tower of mattresses. This is the sliver that survives of a story more nightmare than fairytale... Maggie Rhodes, high school junior and semi-reformed stalker, learns the tale's true roots after a spying attempt goes awry and her best friend Kate ends up as the victim of an ancient curse. At the center of the curse lies an enchanted emerald that has been residing quietly in a museum for the past fifty years. Admirers of the gem have no idea that it feeds on life. Or that it's found its next victim in Kate. Enter Lindy, a school acquaintance who knows more than she's letting on, and Garon, a handsome stranger claiming he knows how to help, and Maggie is left wondering who to trust and how to save her best friend before it's too late. If only Maggie knew her connection to the fairy tale was rooted far deeper than an endangered best friend.

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My Review: 4.5 Stars

I love a good fairy tale retelling and I have my favorites, but it's so refreshing to have a story that isn't normally told. I thought the author did a great job of taking The Princess and the Pea and tweaking it to fit a contemporary YA story, while also taking the story back to the roots. The book waffles between modern times and the past, where the reader discovers some of the history of the emerald and the curse. Danger, romance, and time travel abound in this fun adventure. 

A game of Truth or Dare gone awry is what sets the stage for the Maggie and her friends. Maggie is so brave and determined to help her friends, both new and old. I love what resulted from her stubborn nature and was completely swept away in this book.

I really enjoyed the secrets and mysteries. I was on the edge of my seat at  times, wondering how in the world things would resolve. I'm so glad that I had the next book on hand because it does end on a bit of a cliffhanger. So much creativity went into making this a fascinating tale!

Content: mild romance, mild-moderate violence.

*I received a copy, which didn't influence my opinion in any way.*

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Buy Links:

 

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/emerald-bound-teresa-richards/1122718368?ean=9781772335248

Walk of Infamy by Sheralyn Pratt {Review}

Walk of Infamy (Rhea Jensen #6) by Sheralyn Pratt



Rhea Jensen has a date with destiny. A powerful, multi-national group calling itself The Fours considers her a threat. She doesn’t know why The Fours think this, only that they will destroy her life and the lives of everyone she loves if she doesn’t do as she’s asked.

Rhea knows where to be, when to be there, and that the odds are not in her favor for a happy ending. That’s it. What she’s about to learn is that the past seven years of her life were not what they seemed, and there is a 99.9% chance she will not live to see another day. Her date with destiny is rigged to become a date with infamy.

The question Rhea must ask herself is: Is she going to die on her terms, or on The Fours terms?

Her life, and the end thereof, has just become a game for the rich and powerful to watch play out live, and they’ve played this game many time before with other people more skilled than Rhea. The rules are designed so that the House wins every time. Rhea knows she can’t win—not without a miracle. But if she’s not going to get what she wants, well then, neither are The Fours. The clock is running, though, so whatever Rhea’s going to do, she needs to do it quick. 

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My Review: 5 Stars

What. The. Heck?!?! Seriously...what just happened?! Okay...let me back up. I've read all but one book of this series (how did I miss that one?) and I've really enjoy each book, but this one is so full of non-stop action that I was pretty stressed out. Rhea is a pretty normal, very small, intelligent young woman and she's been targeted by The Fours, since they think she's a threat to them. How could this innocent, tiny package be a threat? This elusive group is bent on destroying her and it seems like there's no escape, no way to avoid a certain death. With lightning quick reflexes and instant judgment calls, Rhea tries to control what little she can, but there's not much wiggle room for control...or for beating this group.

Rhea is a brilliant character and I came to admire and like her more and more as the story progressd. The twists and turns literally made me feel like I was on a Tilt-a-Whirl--jerking me from one place to another and spinning faster and faster, but I just couldn't get enough. When the ride came to a screeching halt, I was left stunned--what an amazingly perfect ending! I was blown away by this author's cleverness.

For anyone who loves action, adventure, thriller type stories, this book is for you!

Content: talk of rape; moderate action violence; mild language; some vague innuendo; very brief and mild religious elements. 

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and views are completely my own and I received no compensation for them.*

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Buy Link:

Undercover Target by Frank Holdaway {Blog Tour Review with Giveaway}

Undercover Target by Frank Holdaway

Kindle Edition, 264 pages

Published August 1st 2016 by Covenant Communications 

When Matt Knight left his career as a spy to marry the woman of his dreams, he thought he was in for a life of domestic bliss. But after adopting a baby girl and her teenage brother from China, he finds that being a father comes with its own set of challenges—problems that his work as an antiterrorism agent did nothing to prepare him for. Or so he thought. When a Scout campout with his son takes a terrifying turn, Matt realizes his past and present have just collided, with devastating consequences. Deep in the rugged mountains of Utah, a band of mercenaries lies in wait. The target: Matt Knight. Their orders come from a dangerous enemy from the former agent’s past, one who is bent on destroying everything Matt holds dear. While struggling to protect his son and the other Scouts, Matt is horrified to learn the full extent of the plan: his wife and baby have been taken too. Now the agent-turned-family man must draw on his years of combat training in an explosive battle to save those he loves—or die trying.

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My Review: 5 Stars

I read the first book, Undercover Saint, and really enjoyed it, so I was excited to see what this author could come up with next. I didn't realize that this story is about some of the characters from Book 1;  it can stand alone, although it is handy to know the backstory. 

This story really hit home for me in some ways. Matt and his wife, Hope, have adopted a brother and sister from an orphanage in China and after a couple of years, they're still trying to adjust to their teenage son, Peng, and his wandering ways. A scout camp in the mountains turns out to be more than they bargained for and this danger brings this unlikely group of scouts and leaders together in unimaginable ways. My husband is a scoutmaster and has four boys in his group. They just returned from a trip to this same area a few weeks ago. After sitting on the edge of my seat through this whole book, I told him that he's not allowed to go camping there with the boys anymore. But wait...my husband doesn't have a past like Matt does. Matt is a former anti-terrorist agent and someone is out to get him. It felt so real...

There are a few angles that this story follows, as characters are in different places. Each side of the story is brilliantly well done. The tension, suspense, and teamwork brought surprising twists to the story. Things happened that completely took me by surprise and I wasn't expecting the culmination of events. I love a book that can take normal, everyday people and thrust them into situations that are realistic, yet not the kind that you really want to have happen. These characters are resourceful, yet ordinary, and have so much dimension to them. I wasn't expecting so much growth and so many bonds to develop. This is a great read for those who enjoy action suspense thrillers without all the gore. 

Content: some violence (there are deaths, shootings, kidnappings, peril, but nothing is graphic); mild innuendo and vague talk of sexual abuse/human trafficking. Clean.

*I received a copy through the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

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Buy Links

 

 

About the Author:

Frank Holdaway lives, works, writes, and hikes in the foothills of the Wasatch mountains. He is blessed with a beautiful wife, two wonderful children, and a slightly warped sense of humor. He enjoys reading, eating tacos, and, most of all, watching characters come to life.

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The Spider and The Sparrow by A.L. Sowards {Blog Tour Review and Giveaway}

The Spider and The Sparrow by A.L. Sowards
~A WWI Novel~

Kindle Edition, 291 pages

Published February 1st 2016 by Covenant Communications Inc. 

May 1915. After tragedy strikes during the Second Battle of Artois, Frenchman Julian Olivier will do anything to get out of the trenches. So when British Intelligence recruits him to spy behind enemy lines, he jumps at the opportunity. Just before he begins, however, he has a chance encounter with a young French woman who leaves his heart marked for the remainder of the war—even if he doesn’t know her name.

Warren Flynn is a Canadian airborne hero, and dogfights with the Germans are all in a day’s work. Second only to his love of flying is his fascination with Claire Donovan, the daughter of an American munitions manufacturer living in Paris. Warren flies Julian into Germany and soon receives orders to post the Allies’ newest operative—an attractive peasant woman named Evette—in Claire’s home.

As a dangerous ring of spies and saboteurs threatens to turn the war against the Allies, Julian discovers goodness in his enemies’ hearts. But even if he survives, will he ever be reunited with the woman whose memory he can’t erase? Will Warren survive the war, and will Evette unearth the infiltrator in her own territory before it’s too late?

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My Review: 5 Stars

I remember when I was young after my great-grandma passed away--we were cleaning out her house and came across a "hidden" panel in a wall, where we found my great-grandpa's WWI gas mask. I remember wondering about what he went through and what that mask had seen. I'm not sure where it ended up, but I do know that this story really brought that period of time alive for me.

I love a book that has a few different story lines that are woven together in a way that binds them in unexpected ways. It always takes me a few chapters to get a feel for who is who and then I'm off on an exciting adventure. In this book, we are introduced to Julian, a French soldier who is recruited to be a spy in Germany. We also see a French peasant woman, who is determined to escape an abusive half brother, and also serves as a spy. She lives with an American, Claire, who is living in Paris with her father. Claire is tied to Warren, a Canadian pilot, who is the man who dropped Julian off on his assignment. See how they're all connected?

Each chapter pulled me deeper into this story of intrigue, adventure, war, and love. I couldn't help losing myself in depths of the story and found myself rooting for these characters, along with feeling their heartbreak, pain, stress, nerves, and joy. I hope there will be more books in this era forthcoming from Ms. Sowards. I loved it!

Content: war violence, not overly graphic, but still moderate. Mild romance (kissing, vague mention of prostitutes). Clean!   

*I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

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Buy Links:

 

 

About the Author:

A.L. Sowards has always been fascinated by the 1940s, but she's grateful she didn't live back then. She doesn't think she could have written a novel on a typewriter, and no one would be able to read her handwriting if she wrote her books out longhand. She does, however, think they had the right idea when they rationed nylon and women went barelegged. Sowards grew up in Moses Lake, Washington. She graduated from BYU and ended up staying in Utah, where she enjoys spending time with her husband and children or with her laptop. She does not own a typewriter. She does own several pairs of nylons. Her books are known for heart-pounding action, memorable characters, careful historical research, clean romance, and family-friendly language. Several of her novels have been Whitney Award finalists in the historical fiction category. 

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Pimpernel by Sheralyn Pratt {Blog Tour Review and Giveaway}

Pimpernel by Sheralyn Pratt

They seek him here; they seek him there. For centuries, the elite of the world have sought the Pimpernel everywhere. Some want to kill him, others want to hire him, but Jack Cavanaugh knows that the love/hate relationship comes with the job title. At present, Jack is trying to dismantle an investment scheme centered in Las Vegas, but "trying" is the operative word. It's been a month since he put the face of the scheme behind bars, yet the scam is still going strong. As Jack tries to uncover who has stepped in as the new head, what miniscule evidence there is all seems to point him back to Claire Ramsey, an introverted PhD student studying at UNLV. If ever there as an unlikely head of a investment scheme, Claire's it. She has a genius IQ, but from all Jack has seen, Claire’s intelligence is as much a blessing as a curse when paired up with her acute OCD. Claire can barely make conversation with the cute guy down the hall, which makes it hard to believe she could be the charismatic salesperson who is getting international businessmen to invest $5—50 million a pop. So what is Jack missing? What is the real story behind Claire Ramsey? And once Jack learns it, will he be able to walk away? 

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My Review: 5 Stars

I know I've read The Scarlet Pimpernel before, but this one had such a unique, modern twist to it--I really wasn't sure where it was going and what would happen. I love book surprised and was very happy with this one! I loved the adventure and suspense.

Claire is very smart and is being used as a pawn in an investment scheme...or is she? It's up to Jack and his team to figure out what's going on and to stop her and whoever she's working with before it's too late. I was amazed at the ingenuity involved in creating this scenario. Not only is Claire smart, but props to Sheralyn Pratt! Petite Claire has some obsessive compulsive tendencies that are pretty severe and it was fascinating to me to see things from her POV. Jack is quite an interesting character! He had me on edge, guessing at both his motives and his actions throughout the entire story. He's very intriguing and "magical"--I loved his character.

I love a story that captures my attention on so many different angles. Things started out a little slowly at first and I honestly wasn't sure where things were going to go. As the story progressed and more events unfolded, I found myself engrossed and didn't want to put it down! There are some fabulous romantic moments that are clean, yet sizzling. Not only is this story entertaining, but the characters are too--there are so many different facets to so many different (and great) people. I'm really hoping this is made into a series. Please?

Content: mild violence; mild romance (kissing, innuendo). Clean!

*I received a copy through the tour host in exchange for an honest review*

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Excerpt

The high-pitched scream from the other side of her apartment door shattered Claire’s thoughts.

“Daniel?” That shriek had been way too high to come out of a man.

“Help!” Daniel’s voice cried out from the other side of the door.

Claire unlocked the door and pushed it open, finding Daniel cowering on the couch in sailor-themed boxer briefs. Classical music played from his bedroom, indicating Daniel had been sewing before he ended up on the couch. On the ground between them lay the lounge robe Daniel had made in his fashion design class along with his house slippers. They looked like they’d been flung at random.

“Move!” he shrieked at her, stabbing his finger at the ground like a mad man. “Take the high ground and leave the door open. Maybe it will go back to the gates of hell, where it belongs!”

Claire followed the direction of his manic gesturing, freezing when her eyes locked on something the size of her fist with eight hairy legs. “Daniel? Please tell me that is a toy.”

“That. Is. NOT. A. Toy!”

The spider chose that moment to make its move—which happened to be sprinting her way.

Claire shrieked as Daniel motioned for her to join him on the couch. “High ground!”

Was he insane? She would have to leap over the tarantula to get to him. Why in the world would she do that when she could just run away and go to a hotel for the night?

“Voldemort?” a man’s voice said from behind her a split second before Claire backed into a male body blocking her retreat. Not only did Claire scream, but her body was suddenly possessed by an Olympic hurdler as she scampered across the living room and flung herself into Daniel’s arms on the couch.

“You found her!” a flagpole of a man from the doorway said as Claire latched onto Daniel, hiding her face against his shoulder. If she didn’t see the spider, maybe it would cease to exist.

“Found it?” Daniel scoffed. “That thing tried to duel me for my sandwich before I batted him off my kitchen table.”

Claire shuttered, only vaguely realizing that the shoulder she was hiding her face in was bare. <i>I’ve never hugged a guy who was only wearing underwear before, </i>she thought a moment before Daniel pulled her keys out of her hand and flung them at the ground to join his slippers and robe.

“Don’t chase it this way!” Daniel yelled at the other guy.

“Come on, Voldemort,” the spider guy cooed. “Let’s get you back into your habitat—<i>Don’t run!</i>”

Wait, it was running? Claire didn’t want to see that, yet something compelled her to turn and look anyway.

People always said that horrible things seemed to happen in slow motion, but Claire could have sworn the giant arachnid was coming at her in fast-forward mode. In a heartbeat, she had climbed up to ride piggyback on Daniel while he responded by flapping his hands in panic as if he could fan the thing away with a light breeze.

Not only did the spider keep running, it was sprinting like an arachnid with a plan—heading straight for the couch. When Daniel backed away, Claire felt her back thump into the wall. Before he could move again, she pushed off his back to stand on the back of the couch, dropping her purse when it threatened her balance. On the way down, it ended up in Daniel’s hands and he wasted no time finding items inside and tossing them at the spider while its owner moved in to act like a human shield.

“No!” the tall guy cried as he tried to corral the beast. “Don’t throw things at her. You might hurt her.”

Just then, Claire’s favorite lip gloss bounced off the hairy spider, stunning it.

That lip gloss was dead to her—not just the tube, the actual brand. She’d never be able to look at it the same again.

 

Author Sheralyn Pratt
 

Some describe Sheralyn as a girl who's been around the block and worked at every shop. This isn't far from the truth. Writing is what she loves most, however. There's a magical power in stepping into new perspectives time and again, and seeing the world through different eyes. Few things increase empathy more than walking in another's shoes for 100,000 words or so. At least that seems to be the trend so far.

Some random things to know about Sheralyn:
* She's a wanderer (geographically)
* She can write a novel, but doesn't have the attention span for one page in a journal
* She vehemently disagrees with Stephen King's stance that authors should not watch TV
* She is pretty much incapable of sleeping before midnight

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Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 2/28/16 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Spotlight by Traci Hunter Abramson {Review and Giveaway}

Spotlight by Traci Hunter Abramson

Kindle Edition, 240 pages

Published October 1st 2015 by Covenant Communications 

Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

 

 

Description:

 

Navy SEAL Craig Simmons has pledged his life to serve and protect, so when this newest member of the Saint Squad observes a stunning young woman on the beach being shadowed by an armed man, he leaps into action. It doesn’t take long to realize his mistake, but it also puts him in a position to meet a very well-known actress, Sienna Blake. For Sienna, the timing couldn’t be more perfect—she’s preparing for a role as a CIA agent, and who better to help her prepare than a Navy SEAL? Craig and Sienna develop a lighthearted friendship, though both are aware of their growing attraction. Neither realizes, however, that a treacherous enemy is setting in motion a terrifying plan to destroy Sienna . . . A series of near-fatal accidents on set are too close for comfort, and Sienna has been lucky to escape with her life—so far. Despite the rising danger behind the scenes, the show must go on. When the Saint Squad is enlisted by the FBI to safeguard Sienna on the ill-fated film set, Craig is driven to protect the woman he is quickly growing to love. As the list of suspects and motives grows, Craig and the Saint Squad will do whatever it takes to track down the perpetrator—before things turn deadly.

 

My Review:

 

I have loved following the Saint Squad for years and have sat on the edge of my seat through their many adventures and perils. The Saint Squad is a group of Navy SEALs who are mostly LDS. They are driven and committed to their jobs, country, religion, and families. 

 

In Spotlight, we get to know the newest member of the Squad a whole lot better. Craig is still learning the ropes, but I was amazed at how well he did at his assignments and how alert and aware he is to what's going on around him. I always love seeing characters from the previous books make appearances and this one was no exception. I really like Craig. He's thorough, cautious, and very down-to-earth. He's tough, strong, and brave, yet he exudes kindness and compassion. In other words, he's not too hardened by life and is very capable, both in his personal and professional lives.

 

Sienna is a famous actress and is in need of an escort to a top-secret wedding that the Squad will be attending, in the form of additional security. Craig is the obvious choice and that assignment sends him down a path he never dreamed would be possible. For being a celebrity, Sienna is surprisingly refreshing. I'd like to think a lot of actresses are "normal" and not divas. She is someone I'd like to be friends with. She takes her work seriously and knows what her job entitles, including publicity, but she's a very private person and enjoys being herself.

 

The adventure in this book isn't as intense as in some of the other books in the series, but it's still enough to really engage the reader and made me very eager to know how it would all end up. There are twists that took me by surprise (yay!). I loved the way Craig and Sienna slowly got to know one another--it was a very slow and natural course. I liked seeing the ins and outs of filming a movie (even if fictional) and of course, Sienna's grandfather is one of my favorite characters. Although this group is religious, I found nothing to be preachy at all. This is a book to be enjoyed by anyone who likes a good, clean, action-packed romance.

 

Content: no language; very mild religious elements; mild romance (kissing); moments of peril and mild violence. Clean!

 

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About the Author:

 

Traci Hunter Abramson was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study-abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for several years, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas for suspense novels as well as the skills needed to survive her children's teenage years. She has gone on to write a number of bestselling suspense novels that have consistently been nominated as Whitney Award finalists. She considers shoes an optional accessory which became evident when she won her first two Whitney Awards in 2013 and 2014 for her novels Code Word and Deep Cover. She currently lives in Virginia with her family where she enjoys sports, travel, writing, and coaching high school swimming.

 

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Review: Working With the Enemy by Brandan C. Hadlock

Working With The Enemy by Brandan C. Hadlock
79 pages Published June 2015 by Beacon Enterprizes
My Rating: 4 Stars
Genre: Action, Thriller, Adventure
Source: I received a copy in exchange for an honest review

Description: John Case is an ordinary man: he attends church with his family; he mows the lawn; and he pays his taxes. He's also been out of work for months. Two foreign powers want the top-secret missile schematics that someone named Big J has clandestinely auctioned. Intelligence operatives have narrowed their search, and tonight, John and his family will be swept into a terrifying adventure of international espionage and extortion.

If you've been looking for a thrilling, clean, family adventure, this is it! 

My Review: John is just your average guy, working hard to try and make ends meet and to provide for his family. When he is mistaken for someone else, a big and dangerous adventure ensues.

I was amazed at how well this short story was done! There was plenty of action and the characters were developed enough that I was able to find them likeable and their relationships believable.

I found myself wondering how I would act if I were in John's place. He was level headed and calm, for the most part, which made me like him more, since I would be a mess in his shoes. The pace clipped along, but it was just right for the story. I am curious to see what will happen next.

Content: Nothing graphic--just good, clean, intense action.

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About the Author:

Brandan Hadlock was born in the Four-Corners area of the southwest, the son of two of the greatest parents one could have. He grew up in sunny Arizona. Thankfully, (as he remembers) he was in the mountains when the temperature in Phoenix hit 122 degrees Fahrenheit. His future wife lived briefly in a near-by city, but they weren't blessed to meet until years later when they were both living -- yes, in the mountains (of Utah).

His interest in writing may have been sparked by two second- or third- grade teachers who said he'd write the next Star Wars® (Thanks Ms. Livingston and Ms. Bea). In junior high he helped edit and publish the school's literary magazine and was an editor and writer for the school newspaper (if his memory is correct). In college, as part of a class project, he contributed to a freshman survival guide and a writing handbook.

He'd love to hear from his readers. You can contact him at bchadlock@bjamble.com