Review: Silenced by Allison Brennan

Silenced

By: Allison Brennan

Series: Lucy Kincaid Series

Genre: Crime Mystery

Length: 405 pages

Synopsis From Goodreads:

A Washington Sex Scandal

It has been seven years since Lucy was attacked -- and almost killed -- by an online predator. Today, she is well on her way toward a new life. While waiting to begin her training at the FBI Academy, Lucy's is tireless in her fight against cyber sex crime. Her current mission: to find out who killed a high-priced call girl linked to a powerful Congressman. 

A Cold-Blooded Killer

A number of known prostitutes -- with scores of high profile clients -- are turning up dead all over D.C. Is this the work of a depraved killer? Or the result of an inside job? Lucy's investigation will take her into an underground network of prostitutes, the chambers of the country's most powerful players, and her own dark past to confront an unknown enemy who's always one step ahead of her. With the help of her P.I. boyfriend Sean Rogan, Lucy must find and protect the only witness who can identify the killer and end the conspiracy, but can the witness be trusted? Lucy will risk everything to expose the truth and ensure justice is served, even if that means putting herself in the line of fire...

My Review:

Rating:

Silenced is your typical FBI mystery, a crime has been committed and only one person can solve the case. And in this case it is Lucy Kincaid, the soon-to-be FBI recruit with a tragic past. While this book was just your typical murder mystery it was still a great book. It held my interest from the very first page. Sometimes we just need a good murder mystery to break up the norm of fantasy and romance novels. 

Lucy Kincaid finds herself at it again only weeks before she enters the FBI academy at Quantico. A young politician's mistress has been murdered only weeks after the affair was made public and Lucy is on the case along side Noah Armstrong and Sean Rogan. 

Lucy, a skilled analyst with a troubled past has a way of reading a criminal as if they are standing right in front of her telling her every detail themselves. Due to her traumatic past she has a connection to these murderers that very few do. As the story unfolds we find that there is so much more to the story and so many secrets are being uncovered regarding how Lucy actual got into Quantico and the many conspiracies that connects the mistresses death with a runaway prostitute hell bent on saving her sister. 

This book is quite the page-turner and the further you get the more you want to know. Allison Brennan is a phenomenal author and truly has a way of weaving together a believe story. So many points-of-view and so many side stories that are weaved together perfectly to make the story easy to follow. 

I would definitely recommend this series, they are fun reads when you just need a quick read that will hold your interest from start to finish. This past year has been stressful and extremely busy that I did not have much time for reading and when I did I just could not get into the book. It is nice to start this year of right, with a book that captured my attention and has kept me out of my reading slump. 

Published by: K

Review: The Darkest Star by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The Darkest Star

By:

Jennifer L. Armentrout

Series:  The Origin Series

Genre: Young Adult Romance, Fantasy

Length: 368 ages

Synopsis From Goodreads: 

When seventeen-year-old Evie Dasher is caught up in a raid at a notorious club known as one of the few places where humans and the surviving Luxen can mingle freely, she meets Luc, an unnaturally beautiful guy she initially assumes is a Luxen...but he is in fact something much more powerful. Her growing attraction for Luc will lead her deeper and deeper into a world she'd only heard about, a world where everything she thought she knew will be turned on its head...

#1 New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout returns to the universe of the Lux in this brand new series, featuring beloved characters both new and old.

My Review:

Rating:

“There's nothing we can do other than live with the promise of tomorrow while knowing it may not come.” 

Jennifer L. Armentrout has out done herself yet again!! I was so disappointed when the Lux series came to an end and now we get to travel back to that world through her new Origin series. :)

The Luxen series is what got me hooked on reading again after a long hall of disappointing books that never really held my interest. Now with the Origins series it is pulling me out of 

yet another reading slump I have found myself in. 

I'm so glad we get to experience the Luxen world once again, with cameos from some of our favorite Lux characters. One of those characters being Luc!! I was so excited to hear he was getting his own series, the misunderstood Origin from the Lux series!!

“That was what I wanted at some point in my life, for someone to look at me like I looked at tacos.” 

The Darkest Star follows Evie, a young girl just trying to get her life back to normal after the Luxen invasion and the death of her father. She has friends, her mom and a very normal high school life however ever since she met Luc her world has been turned upside down. 

Two classmates have turned up dead and Evie is beginning to question everything about her life. Who is she really? Why does she feel drawn to Luc, the presumed bad boy? 

This book has you on the edge of your seat from the very first page. Wondering what is going to happen next? Is Evie really who she thinks she is? And how does Luc know so much about her? 

I loved every second of this book and truly cannot wait to get my hands on the second book. Jennifer L. Armentrout is a phenomenal author and never disappoints. Every one of her books is a page-turner, keeping you wanting more. 

Just to hold me over until book two I have a feeling I will be rereading the Lux series. 

Published by: K

Review: My Heart and Other Blackholes by Jasmine Warga

My Heart 

and 

Other Blackholes

By: Jasmine Warga

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Length: 302 pages

Synopsis From Goodreads:

Sixteen-year-old physics nerd Aysel is obsessed with plotting her own death. With a mother who can barely look at her without wincing, classmates who whisper behind her back, and a father whose violent crime rocked her small town, Aysel is ready to turn her potential energy into nothingness.

There’s only one problem: she’s not sure she has the courage to do it alone. But once she discovers a website with a section called Suicide Partners, Aysel’s convinced she’s found her solution: a teen boy with the username FrozenRobot (aka Roman) who’s haunted by a family tragedy is looking for a partner. 

Even though Aysel and Roman have nothing in common, they slowly start to fill in each other’s broken lives. But as their suicide pact becomes more concrete, Aysel begins to question whether she really wants to go through with it. Ultimately, she must choose between wanting to die or trying to convince Roman to live so they can discover the potential of their energy together. Except that Roman may not be so easy to convince.

My Review:

Rating:

“Maybe we all have darkness inside of us and some of us are better at dealing with it than others.”

So I purchased this book a few months after it was released, I was so excited to read it because so many bloggers gave this book such high praise. However, like many of my books it ended up on my to read pile and was slowly forgotten. Lately I have been in a bit of a reading slump and while perusing my to read pile trying to find something that sounded as though it would hold my attention I found My Heart and Other Blackholes. And I am so glad that I did because this book has helped some with this two month reading slump I have been suffering from.

This book follows Aysel, a lonely and depressed young girl trolling suicide websites and plotting her own death. After her father's breakdown she has suffered; afraid she is going to end up crazy and angry like her father. She has distanced herself from everyone, family and friends. Until one day she finds the answer to her prayers, a site where she can form a suicide pact with another depressed soul. 

Roman, the boy Aysel meets and forms this new pact with suffers from his own darkness. Running from the death of someone dear to him and looking for a way to erase the pain. However, as their relationship grows Aysel has second thoughts on her life. She finds that not everyone sees her as the daughter of a crazy man. That there are people in the world willing to except and love her just the way she is.

And she makes it her mission to safe the live of one boy who has stolen her heart. 

This book was quite the page-turner from the very beginning. Wondering will Aysel and Roman go through with their pact? Will they be able to save one another? This book truly shows the impact depression and isolation can have on people. I'm glad I was able to find this book hidden in my to read pile. This book is definitely worth reading. And Jasmine Warga is a phenomenal author, I can't wait to see what else she writes. 

Published by: K

Book Tour & Review: Comes A Specter by Keta Diablo

Comes A Specter

By: Keta Diablo

Series: Ghostland Series

Genre: Short Story

Length: 87 pages

Book Blurb:

Six months ago, Anya Fleming's ten- year-old son, Willie-boy, found his father hanging

in the barn. Traumatized over his father's suicide, the boy hasn't spoken a word since.

Now, Willie-boy has come down with a grave, unknown illness and there's only one man

who can save him, Sutter Sky, a learned Blackfoot shaman known as Yellow Smoke—a

shaman who was once deeply in love with Anya.

But Fate had other plans for Anya and Sutter—she was forced to marry Lewis Fleming,

a cruel man who berated her night and day, and brokenhearted Sutter immersed

himself in the mystical customs and beliefs of his People and became a shaman

.

As if Anya didn't have enough to deal with after her husband's death and her son's

illness, an evil, sinister ghost is terrorizing their ranch. Anya is convinced the spirit is

Lewis, who apparently isn't done making her life miserable.

When she turns to Yellow Smoke for help, will he put side his bitterness and save Willie-

boy? And can the renowned shaman dispel the powerful ghost from their lives and send

him back to Hades?

Available on:

Amazon

My Review:

Rating:

***I was offered by the author an opportunity to read and review her short story in exchange for my honest review.***

I am glad I had the opportunity to read and review this short story. While I don't read many short stories; only because I have a hard time getting into them, I feel as though the story's can seem so fast-paced. Now while I had a bit of a hard time getting into the story, Keta Diablo does a remarkable job setting the scene. She makes you feel as though you are part of the story. 

Even though the story was short, I can honestly say I enjoyed it I had only wished it was longer because I feel as though there could have been so much more to the story. 

The character development was good; Anya, Sutter and Willie-boy had well-developed personalities. I think there could have been a bit more development to make you feel more of an attachment to the characters themselves, but over all their development was good.  

If you have the opportunity to read Keta's short story you should definitely take the time to read it. It is a quick read. 

Published by: K

Book Tour & Review: The Leading Edge of Now by Marci Lyn Curtis

The Leading Edge of Now

By: Marci Lyn Curtis

Genre: Contemporary Young Adult

Length: 336 pages

Synopsis From Goodreads:

Just when Grace is beginning to get used to being an orphan, her estranged uncle suddenly comes forward to claim her. That might have been okay if he'd spoken to her even once since her father died. Or if moving in with Uncle Rusty didn't mean returning to New Harbor.

Grace once spent the best summers of her life in New Harbor. Now the place just reminds her of all she's lost: her best friend, her boyfriend and any memory of the night that changed her forever.

People say the truth will set you free, but Grace isn't sure about that. Once she starts looking for it, the truth about that night is hard to find --- and what happens when her healing hurts the people she cares about the most?

About the Author:

Marci Lyn Curtis is the author of young adult dramedies The One Thing and The Leading Edge of Now. She lives near Tampa, Florida with her husband. You can find out more about Marci on her website (marcilyncurtis.com), on Twitter (@Marci_Curtis), on Instagram (@marcilyncurtis), or on Facebook (marcilyncurtis).

Book Trailer!!

Our Review:

Rating:

We met Marci a few years back at Ya'llFest. We were lucky enough to be part of her first Book Tour for her first book The One Thing, a book we both absolutely loved. And here we are again lucky enough to participate in the release of her second book The Leading Edge of Now!! It took us longer to read then expected with the millions of things going on around here lately, but we are so grateful to have had the opportunity to read and review this book.

The Leading Edge of Now follows young Grace as she comes home to her Uncle Rusty's after the death of her father, however it is a sad reunion because this home carries with it some dark memories. In order to deal with what happened to her all those years ago, she has developed some not so legal habits and to top it all off her ex-bestfriend Janna and her brother Owen have moved into the house next door. 

Grace blames Owen for that horrible night and is determined to push him away at first, but when the truth begins to surface she needs not only Janna back in her life but Owen to help her cope with what happen to her all those years ago. 

Marci is a phenomenal author, she weaves together a perfect story enveloped in humor and sadness. The humor will have you laughing out loud, we truly enjoy her writing style!! Her writing has you hooked from the very first page, unwilling to put the book down. 

Another A+ for this book is that it was set in our hometown; Tampa, FL. 

BEACH, SAND AND SUN!! 

She captures the Florida elements perfectly, making you feel as though you are walking the quite streets of New Harbor right along side Grace. Not only does she develop a great setting but her characters are so well developed that you can't help but fall in love with them. Like Faith and her bubbly personality or Eleanor who made us think of our Grandmother at times, even these minor characters had a place in the story and had their shining moment in Grace's new life at New Harbor. 

We can't wait to see what Marci has in store for her next book, we have no doubt that it will be just as amazing as her last two. She is a phenomenal author and if you have not yet read one of her books you should definitely pick one up today because they are the best!!

Published by: K&C

Review: Survival of the Fritters by Ginger Bolton

Survival of the Fritters

By: Ginger Bolton

Series: Deputy Donut Mystery

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Length: 303 pages

Synopsis From Goodreads:

Emily Westhill runs the best donut shop in Fallingbrook, Wisconsin, alongside her retired police chief father-in-law and her tabby Deputy Donut. But after murder claims a favorite customer, Emily can’t rely on a sidekick to solve the crime—or stay alive.

If Emily has learned anything from her past as a 911 operator, it’s to stay calm during stressful situations. But that’s a tall order when one of her regulars, Georgia Treetor, goes missing. Georgia never skips morning cappuccinos with her knitting circle. Her pals fear the worst—especially Lois, a close friend who recently moved to town. As evening creeps in, Emily and the ladies search for Georgia at home. And they find her—murdered among a scattering of stale donuts . . .

Disturbingly, Georgia’s demise coincides with the five-year anniversary of her son’s murder, a case Emily’s late detective husband failed to solve before his own sudden death. With Lois hiding secrets and an innocent man’s life at stake, Emily’s forced to revisit painful memories on her quest for answers. Though someone’s alibi is full of holes, only a sprinkling of clues have been left behind. And if Emily can’t trace them back to a killer in time, her donut shop will end up permanently closed for business . . .

My Review:

Rating:

***I received this copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.***

When I read the synopsis for this book it sounded like it could be a cute, funny mystery novel. The title had this adorable appeal, that had you expecting this suspenseful mystery with a twist of humor. However, I was slightly disappointed once I started reading it, the dialogue was awkward and I had a hard time staying engrossed in the story. 

This novel follows the owner of Deputy Donut, a police themed donut/coffee shop, as she tries to solve the murder of one of her customers; a Mrs. Georgia Treetor. She investigates the crime with the help of her new neighbor and Georgia's old friend Lois, as well as her cat and coffee shop mascot, Dep. 

This story had so much potential and while it started out interesting the further on I read the more I lost interest. There were many moments in which I felt the story wasn't progressing and aside from Emily, we never really got to know any of the other characters. And even Emily's character wasn't quite developed. The dialogue seemed to be lacking in personality as well. There were many conversations between Emily and her friends or family that seemed awkward. Unfortunately, those awkward conversations really took away from the story.

Now while the dialogue and character development were lacking at times, Ginger Bolton did a remarkable job describing the scenery. You could really picture the Deputy Donut shop, Emily's home and the conjuncture in which Emily and Lois's home were connected. Those descriptions really helped bring the story to life. 

I am glad I got the opportunity to read and review this book, the cover was absolutely adorable and is what honestly drew me in. I can't saw that I would read any more of the series as it just did not hold my interest, unfortunately. 

Published by: K

Review: See Me by Nicholas Sparks

See Me

By: Nicholas Sparks

Genre: Romance

Length: 486 pages

Synopsis From Goodreads:

See me just as I see you . . .

Colin Hancock is giving his second chance his best shot. With a history of violence and bad decisions behind him and the threat of prison dogging his every step, he's determined to walk a straight line. To Colin, that means applying himself single-mindedly toward his teaching degree and avoiding everything that proved destructive in his earlier life. Reminding himself daily of his hard-earned lessons, the last thing he is looking for is a serious relationship.

Maria Sanchez, the hardworking daughter of Mexican immigrants, is the picture of conventional success. With a degree from Duke Law School and a job at a prestigious firm in Wilmington, she is a dark-haired beauty with a seemingly flawless professional track record. And yet Maria has a traumatic history of her own, one that compelled her to return to her hometown and left her questioning so much of what she once believed.

A chance encounter on a rain-swept road will alter the course of both Colin and Maria's lives, challenging deeply held assumptions about each other and ultimately, themselves. As love unexpectedly takes hold between them, they dare to envision what a future together could possibly look like . . . until menacing reminders of events in Maria's past begin to surface.

Rich in emotion and fueled with suspense, SEE ME reminds us that love is sometimes forged in the crises that threaten to shatter us . . . and that those who see us for who we truly are may not always be the ones easiest to recognize.

My Review:

Rating:

First I must apologize from being absent for so long; this year has been busier than expected with my best friends wedding, family reunion and my cousin moving in for her last year of school, I haven't had much time for reading. And being as I haven't had much time for reading I have found myself in bit of a slump. Every book I had picked up just was not holding my interest, that is until I started reading See Me by Nicholas Sparks. 

Nicholas Sparks' books have always been able to pull me out of my reading slumps, I don't know what it is exactly I just know that once I start reading I have a difficult time putting the book down. See Me was no different, I didn't want to put it down. 

See Me follows the newly developing relationship of Maria Sanchez and Colin Hancock, two unlikely people who develop a love for one another through trying times. 

Sparks has this amazing way of writing that just captures your heart and has you hooked to the lives of these characters. You find yourself engrossed in this epic love story that many crave. 

I love the way Nicholas Sparks captures this beautiful relationship while also adding a pinch of mystery. He intertwined the two genres perfectly without it being cheesy. At every turn he had you wondering who the real culprit was and what they really wanted from Maria. He worked his magic and wrote a beautifully captivating love story. And the thing I love most about his books is that these stories seem so real, he truly puts his heart and soul into every word and every detail. 

So I must say a big thank you to Nicholas Sparks for helping me escape my reading slump!! I can't wait to read more of your books. 

If you haven't already read this book I would definitely take the time to sit and enjoy this story, Nicholas Sparks has done a remarkable job yet again!! 

Published by: K