Showing posts with label car. Show all posts
Showing posts with label car. Show all posts

Thursday, July 7, 2022

Book Review - Elysium Tide by James R. Hannibal

 


Dr. Peter Chesterfield is one of the top neurosurgeons at the Royal London Hospital. He is a workaholic and his boss orders him that he takes the week off to attend a medical conference at a luxurious hotel on Maui. While in Maui, Peter pulls a woman out of the ocean who suffered a skull fracture. He was able to revive her in the ambulance, only for her to eventually die in his arms. Before she died, she whisper one clue to explained what happened to her.

Peter finds himself obsesses over his patient's death. He decides to investigate her murder and finds himself entangled in an ongoing investigation.  The lead detective, Lisa Kealoha, on the case is annoyed that Peter keeps sticking his nose in her investigation. As the two team up to solve the case, they realize that there are more destructive forces at work than they ever imagined.

If you are a fan of "Castle" or "Hawaii 5 O" (the remake), then you will love this book. The book is action packed and filled with twists. I thought the book was an interesting read but, I didn't really care for the characters. I found Lisa to be a dull character as she seem to be mean and bossy but, people seem to love her. I am yet to see what she does for them to make them like her. She is blunt and straightforward and doesn't really seem to engage in friendly behaviors towards them. I also found Peter to be annoying at times and  found his snipes about "lazy Americans" unwanted. However, my favorite characters are the supporting characters who were entertaining.

Thursday, June 23, 2022

Book Review - Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby

 

Beauregard “Bug” Montage is a devoted husband, a doting father, a patient son, a loving cousin, and a fledgling business owner, who is also the best getaway driver in town. Bug knows that he has no future in driving getaway cars and tries to focus on his business. 

Bug worked hard to build his business and focus on his family. However, he finds himself struggling to maintain his lifestyle and finds himself drawn to his dangerous past. Especially, when someone from his past shows up and offers him an opportunity to join the crew for a jewelry store heist.  Bug feels that he has no choice but to get involved if he wants to keep his family safe but, he finds that he likes being in the driver seat for dangerous situations more than he should.

I enjoyed this fast paced action packed novel even though it was a bit predictable at times. I thought the characters were well fleshed out and interesting. I didn't really care for the ending because it felt like a non-ending to me. Overall, it was an interesting read and I look forward to reading more books by the author.

Thursday, April 8, 2021

Book Review - The Secret Year by Jennifer R. Hubbard

 

 


Teenagers Colt and Julia has secretly spent the entire year together and no one ever knew, not even her boyfriend. They felt like they needed to keep their love a secret because they were from two different backgrounds. Julia's family was rich and was surrounded by opulence while Colt's family wasn't.

One weekend, Colt's life changes when he hears that Julia dies in a car accident. He is devastated but, he can't mourn in public because their relationship was kept a secret. Colt feels like he played a role in her demise.  When Colt receives Julia's journal, he relives their romance through her words. Will be able to move on?

I am not sure what the point of this book was. I felt like if you read the blurb of the book, you already knew the most potent parts of the books and the rest is just filler. There was barely any character development or backstory and the plot barely progressed. I didn't bond with any of the characters in the book and felt like this book was an epic waste of time.

Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Book Review - Voices in the Snow (Black Winter, #1) by Darcy Coates

 

 

Clare remembers being out in the cold and being surrounded by snow. She remembers seeing abandoned cars and toys scattered among the road. She recalls seeing dark shapes in the snow and being afraid. And then she doesn't remember anything afterwards.

Clare wakes up in a strange gothic home. She has no recollection on how she got there. The stranger tells her that she was in a car accident and he found her in the snow. Clare feels unsafe and wants to leave but, there is a vicious snowstorm trapping them in the house.

The stranger seems kind but, Clare doesn't know if she can trust him. He told her that they are alone but, she keeps seeing and hearing things. She feels that something is watching them in the woods.  She feels that she is being hunted and she is on edge. She fears that she might not be safe anywhere.

This novel is a departure from her normal horror house stories. Personally, I like her haunted houses stories more. This book is beginning of the series and it looks like you will need to read all the stories to get the full story. The book had creepy elements but, I felt like something was still missing. The characters didn't seem believable. I am not sure I would read the other books from this series.

Sunday, December 13, 2020

Book Review - Don't Look for Me by Wendy Walker

 


 Molly Clarke disappeared during a storm.  Her car was found abandoned and out of gas near the highway. They found a note at a nearby hotel saying she is "walking away". Her family is shattered that Molly has abandoned them.

When Molly ran out of gas, a man and a young girl offered her a ride to safety. However, when the door automatically locked behind her, Molly has a feeling she made a terrible mistake.

 A woman comes forward with a new lead on Molly's disappearance. Nicole, Molly's daughter returns to the small, desolate town where her mother was last seen. Everyone is eager to help and have bits of information to share. Except it seems that everyone has their own motivates and secrets that they are keeping. Will Molly be able to find her mother?

The the book was a quick and interesting read. I was able to predict who the kidnapper was but, the ending was unexpected. I am not really sure I was a fan of the ending. It felt a little unbelievable. However, I am still open to reading other books by the author.

**Disclosure -  This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**


Sunday, March 8, 2020

Book Review - Such a Perfect Wife by Kate White

Photo Credit - Amazon


Shannon Blaine sets off her a morning jog near her home in Lake George, NY, one sunny day during late September. Shannon runs the same rural road every day but, this day she never returns home.  Bailey Weggins is a true-crime writer and reporter. She receives an assignment from the website Crime Beat and heads north to report on the young mother's disappearance. While searching for leads, Bailey receives a call from the murderer that leads to a shocking discovery. As Bailey starts to dig deeper into the case, she realizes everyone has secrets but, how far will someone keep theirs?

I thought the novel was easy to read and kept me hooked until the ending. I wasn't a fan of the ending and thought it felt like rushed especially, with the suspense build-up. The middle of the novel had a bit of fluff and it picked up towards the end. This was my first book by the author and I look forward to reading more.


 **Disclosure -  This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Book Review - A Hundred Suns by Karin Tanabe



Photo Credit - Amazon
**May Contain Spoilers**


In the year 1933, Jessie Lesage is an American woman traveling to Vietnam to start a new life with her and her husband. She and her French husband Victor, who is an heir to the Michelin rubber fortune, is certain that their new life will be full of promise and fortune. While the rest of the world is facing an economic downturn, the Michelins believe Indochine can improve their financial standing.

The Michelin plantations near Saigon have been plagued by scandals but, Jessie believes the plantations are the key to the family's success. She convinces her husband to move to Vietnam to secure their future along with ensuring her secrets in America stay buried in the past.

Jessie has trouble settling in Vietnam but, when she crosses path with the exuberant Marcelle de Fabry, Jessie's life will never be the same. Marcelle descends on Jessie's world like a whirlwind and becomes a guide to Jessie. However, beneath Marcelle's glamorous exterior she is hiding a deep secret. She wants to put the colony back into the hands of the people including, the Michelin plantations.

I was expecting this novel to be so much more but, instead, I found it to be very boring. I couldn't bond for any of the characters. The author paints Victor and Jessie has the heroes and is saving the colony. However, the plantation prosecutes and tortures people who spread the word of Communism. Jessie only gave money to the sister of one of her servants only after much prodding and complaining that the sister shouldn't be in her home. The author tries to weave Jessie's past life as a sad story of poverty and being abandoned but, it feels like she uses that as an excuse for her behavior. Her motivation to move the family to Vietnam was from her need for self-preservation but, she ends up putting her family in the crosshairs of Marcelle. Overall, the novel was interesting in the beginning but, then went all downhill towards the middle of the novel.

 **Disclosure -  This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Book Review - The Babysitters Coven by Kate Williams

Photo Credit - Amazon



Esme Pearl is a seventeen-year-old who has a babysitters club with her best friend. She knows that it's lame to have a club with only two members but, it's her only option other than getting a real job.  However, Esme is going to need all the cash she can get when a series of unfortunate events leaves a path of destruction behind her.

Her new classmate, Cassandra Heaven is supermodel hot. However, she has a rebellious streak and dresses like she found her clothes in the trash. When Cassandra wants to join the babysitters club, Esme is surprised. 

The duo realizes that they have more in common with each other than they imagined. They are about to find out that being a babysitter has a different meaning than they thought. They will discover that they have superpowers that will enable them to save people from monsters. 

The novel started off as a fun read but, quickly went downhill. I found the plot to be very basic and predictable. I didn't find any of the characters likable and some were downright annoyingly extra. Overall, this felt like a gimmicky novel instead of a "serious" read.



 **Disclosure -  This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Thursday, August 8, 2019

Book Review - Single Dad to the Rescue by Cari Lynn Webb + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon


Brooke Ellis finds herself homeless after her home is destroyed by a wildfire. She finds temporary shelter at the home of a paramedic, Dan Sawyer and his diabetic son, Ben. With Brooke and her furry companions moving in, Dan finds his already chaotic life to be turned upside down. After dealing with a messy divorce with his ex; Dan is hesitant to open his heart again. Will Brooke and Dan be able to move forward from their past?

The novel was a cozy romantic read with likable characters and not so likable characters. I found Ben to be cute and loveable along with all of Dan's friends. The author weaves the perfect amount of drama to keep readers drawn to the story and not become overwhelmed. Overall, it was the perfect romantic beach read.

 **Disclosure - I received a free  copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**


On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Single Dad to the Rescue
(City by the Bay Stories #4)
By Cari Lynn Webb
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 368 Pages
August 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

He offered her help

And he found love

Her home destroyed by a wildfire, Brooke Ellis finds temporary shelter at the home of paramedic Dan Sawyer and his young son, Ben. With the addition of Brooke and her lively fur family, Dan finds his carefully planned routine delightfully turned upside down. And his carefully guarded heart daring to trust in love again. When his ex-wife suddenly reappears, will it be Brooke to the rescue?


Other Books in the Series


About the Author


Cari Lynn Webb lives in South Carolina with her husband, daughters and assorted four-legged family members. She's been blessed to see the power of true love in her grandparent's 70 year marriage and her parent's marriage of over 50 years. She knows love isn't always sweet and perfect, it can be challenging, complicated and risky. But she believes happily-ever-afters are worth fighting for. She loves to connect with readers. Visit her at her website.


Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway


1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card & The Return of the Blackwell Brothers five-book series (print books to US winner, ebooks to international winner)

Open internationally
Ends August 14, 2019


Sunday, August 4, 2019

Book Review - The Good Son by You-Jeong Jeong

Photo Credit - Amazon

Twenty-six-year-old Yu-jin wakes up to a strange smell and a phone call from his brother asking if everything is okay because he had a missed call from their mother. Yi-jin shortly discovers her murdered body in their apartment and he is covered with her blood. Yu-jin suffers from seizures his most of his life and has trouble with his memory. He recalls his mother calling his name but, he is unsure why she was calling his name. Yi-jin begins to uncover what happened that night and he learns the truth about himself and his family.

The novel was a suspenseful read but, a few parts were a bit slow. I was surprised at the ending but,  I wondered if there was more that could have been done with the story. Overall, it was an interesting take on the mind of a psychopath and I would read more books by the author.

 **Disclosure -  This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Book Review - Good Neighbors by Ryan David Jahn

Photo Credit - Amazon
In the early morning of March 13, 1964, a young woman is assaulted in the courtyard of her Queens apartment building. She cries for help and while her neighbors hear her pleas; no one calls the police. The story unfolds over the course of two hours, showing the woman's night along with the stories of her neighbors. Each of the stories intersects with each other weaving a larger story.

When I first picked up this novel, I thought it was going to be a revenge novel. However, I was pleasantly surprised when  I realized it wasn't. I found the story to be engaging and kept me on the edge of the seat. The novel was a bit grim but, overall a worthwhile read. I can't wait to read more by the author.


**Disclosure - This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

Book Review - Reunited with the Cowboy by Claire McEwen + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Maya Burton is finally returning home at her grandmother's behest. While tracking local wildlife, she runs into Caleb Dunne, the last person she wanted to see. She blames herself for surviving the car crashed that killed his sister. Given their troubled past, she has to convince Caleb that he needs her help to save his ranch. Will Maya be able to earn his trust and his heart without running away again?

I thought the novel was a nice cozy read. I love the Old Biddies and felt that they were the best part of the book. I like the themes of redemption and how Maya used a bad experience to become a better person. She used all the "bad energy" to do something with her life.


 **Disclosure - I received a free  copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**


On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Reunited with the Cowboy
(Heroes of Shelter Creek #1)
By Claire McEwen
Adult Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 368 Pages
July 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

She can save his ranch…

But can he forgive her?

Maya Burton knows she’s the last person rancher Caleb Dunne wants to see. After all, she survived the crash that killed his sister, and then left town. Now she has to convince the stubborn cowboy that she can help him save his ranch. But once she earns his trust—and his heart—will she be able to walk away?

GoodreadsAmazonB&NHarlequiniBooksKobo

About the Author


Claire McEwen writes stories about strong heroes and heroines who take big, emotional journeys to find their happily-ever-after. She lives by the ocean in Northern California with her family and a scruffy, mischievous terrier. When she’s not writing, Claire enjoys gardening, reading and discovering flea-market treasures. She loves to hear from readers! You can find her on most social media and at www.clairemcewen.com.


Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway


1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon eGift Card
Open internationally
Ends July 24, 2019

Monday, March 25, 2019

Book Review - Crimson Lake (Crimson Lake, #1) by Candice Fox


Photo Credit - Amazon

Ted Conkaffey was a prominent detective on the Sydney drug task force, a beloved husband and a soon to be a father. All it took was six minutes in the wrong place at the wrong time to ruin everything Ted holds dear to him.  Ted is accused but, not convicted of a brutal abduction of a young child. He is a free man but, he becomes public enemy number one when he is released. However, he staunchly maintains his innocence and goes up north to lie low.

Upon his arrival to Crimson Lake, Ted's lawyer introduces him to a private investigator Amanda Pharrell. Amanda is an eccentric convicted murderer. However, Ted has a hard time believing that Amanda is a cold-blooded killer. He agrees to help with her investigation of a missing author. While digging into the case, he secretly digs into Amanda's past.

I am torn after reading this book. After reading the positive reviews online and on the book cover, I was actually expecting a bit more from this book. I found Ted to be very "weak" of a character and relies on Amanda for support but, then he questions her innocence. Amanda's character seemed a bit weird that she is oddly outspoken but, refused to talk about her trial or defend herself. I felt if the story wasn't as slow, I would have enjoyed it better.


 **Disclosure - I received a free  copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Friday, July 27, 2018

Book Review - Like Never and Always by Ann Aguirre + Giveaway


Photo Credit - Amazon

Liv Burnham and Morgan Frost are best friends. Liv always thought she knew everything about Morgan. When a terrible accident happens, she realizes she never knew Morgan, at all.  Liv wakes up in a hospital but, everyone keeps calling her Morgan. When the bandages come off, Liv realizes she sees Morgan's face. As she continues to spend time as Morgan, she realizes that Morgan has a dark secret. Will Liv be able to help Morgan solve a long-buried murder? Why is Liv trapped in Morgan's body?


The novel was a delicious read filled with twists and intrigue. I like the idea of a soul fusing with another body. I thought the author did a good job portraying both Liz's and Morgan's personality and thoughts as two people in one body. Overall, a great beach read!

**Disclosure - I received a free unedited copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**




About the Book:
Title: LIKE NEVER AND ALWAYS
Author: Ann Aguirre
Pub. Date: July 17, 2018
Publisher: Tor Teen
Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook
Pages: 336
Find it: GoodreadsAmazonB&NiBooksTBD

On a hot summer night, a screech of brakes and shattering glass changes two lives forever.

Liv wakes in the hospital, confused when they call her Morgan. She assumes it’s a case of mistaken identity, yet when the bandages come off, it’s not her face in the mirror anymore. It’s her best friend Morgan’s.

Morgan always seemed to have the perfect life, yet Liv must navigate endlessly disturbing secrets of the criminal and murderous variety—and a romance that feels like a betrayal. Torn between the boy she loved as Liv and the boy she’s grown to love as Morgan, Liv still has to survive Morgan’s last request.



About Ann:
Ann Aguirre is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author with a degree in English Literature; before she began writing full time, she was a clown, a clerk, a voice actress, and a savior of stray kittens, not necessarily in that order. She grew up in a yellow house across from a cornfield, but now she lives in sunny Mexico with her husband, children, and various pets. She likes books, emo music, and action movies. She writes all kinds of genre fiction for adults and teens.



Giveaway Details:

1 winner will win a Kindle Oasis, US Only.
5 winners will win a finished copy of LIKE NEVER AND ALWAYS, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Tour Schedule:
Week Four:
7/23/2018- Under the Book CoverReview
7/24/2018- Confessions of a YA Reader- Review
7/25/2018- Moonlight RendezvousReview
7/26/2018- Simply Daniel RadcliffeReview
7/27/2018- Two points of interestReview