"Patriot" (Alex Hawke #9) - Ted Bell

Hello fellow bibliophiles! Since I sucked at reading in February, I'm continuing the month's theme, Unfinished Series, part way into March. I have a few books carrying over from February, as well as, a few ARC's but then I will be able to get to my never-ending stack of books I have bought or received in giveaways but haven't been able to read yet for March's theme! I am a huge fan of the Alex Hawke series by Ted Bell. Today's review is the most current book in the series, Patriot. Each book continues the story of Lord Alexander Hawke, so it's a good idea to start at the beginning with Warrior, the first book in the series!

On a beautiful day off the coast of Maine, an esteemed former CIA director and expert sailor is found dead on his sailboat, his head bashed in after what seems like a horrific accident.  Half a world away in Paris, another senior CIA officer dies of a heart attack while making love in a posh hotel room. When counterspy Alex Hawke hears the news, and other recent CIA deaths under suspicious are discovered, he suspects these are more than coincidences. Hawke believes the deaths can be tied to one source: Spider Payne, a rogue intelligence officer whose exploits got him fired by the CIA. Now the former star agent seems to have evolved into a serial killer -- and it looks like MI6 officer Alex Hawke is directly in his line of fire. 

But Spider isn't the only ex-intelligence operative with a grudge. Texan colonel Beau Beauregard founded an international mercenary fighting force that gave him both worldwide prestige and sizeable fortune. Now he's lost it all as the worldwide press, and soon clients like the U.S., Russia, and China, blame him for amassing an army of hired renegade killers rather than soldiers. Beau sets his sights on enemy spies who've betrayed him. And he won't stop until they've all be eliminated. 

In an increasingly corrupt and dangerous Russia, Vladimir Putin is determined to forge his country into a formidable superpower once more. His dream is to redraw the map of Europe to his liking, and he'll stop at nothing to realize his global fantasies -- including shooting down a Russian Aeroflot airliner full of men, women, and children. Meanwhile, Putin's Kremlin scientists are developing a radical new weapon that could forever alter modern warfare. NATO knows Putin will not hesitate to use it. But they feel powerless while they've locked in a tense standoff as Russian Army forces are arrayed on Eastern Europe's borders. Only one man can bring the world back from this apocalyptic brink: Alex Hawke. Can he evade stalking assassins while finding a way to neutralize Russia's threat? In the murky world of counterterrorism and high-stakes intrigue, the odds against him -- and any hope of success -- have never been higher. 

Another round of applause for Ted Bell. If you're looking for a great thriller series, with each book keeping you hanging on until the end, then this series is for you! Alex Hawke is a great character. There is a multitude of levels to his character that continues to build throughout each book. I can't get enough of him. This book was no different. The story goes back and forth between Hawke, Beauregard, and other characters, a common consistency with these books. I like the alternating points-of-view. One thing that was sometimes difficult to follow in this book was the amount of locations throughout the book. While this is a common trend for Bell in the series, I felt this book had more than usual. I enjoyed the expansion of Hawke's relationship with Putin in this book. It's something that has been present in the past few books but not as prevalent as it was in this one. It was an interesting perspective into the Kremlin and interworkings of the old KGB. Bell is an amazing writer. He continues to impress me with each book from his character dynamics to the use of vocabulary he writes and the way he sets up every scene and relationship. I just wish he could write them faster!!

As always, feel free to share any thoughts, comments, or suggestions. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading fools :)

"How to Fall" - Jane Casey

Hello fellow bibliophiles! Today's review is a great Young Adult mystery I just happened to come across when perusing the library shelves. I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it!  Even better, its a series!

Sixteen-year-old Jess Tennant has never met any of her relatives, until her mom suddenly drags her out of London to spend the summer in the tiny English town where her family's from. Her mom's decision is surprising, but even more surprising is the town's reaction to Jess. Everywhere she goes, people look at her like they've seen a ghost. In a way, they have—she looks just like her cousin Freya, who died shortly before Jess came to town.

Jess immediately feels a strange connection to Freya, whom she never got to meet alive. But the more Jess learns about the secrets Freya was keeping while she was alive, the more suspicious Freya's death starts to look. One thing is for sure: this will be anything but the safe, boring summer in the country Jess was expecting.

Beloved author Jane Casey breaks new ground with How to Fall, a thrilling and insightfully written mystery.

I think for me, the biggest surprise was how well wrote the mystery of the book is for being a YA book. It wasn't cheesy or typical in any way and I honestly didn't know what the final result was going to be until I was actually reading it. Usually, I have a good idea how YA mysteries will end before I get there, so this was a nice surprise to be kept guessing. There's a lot of normal teenage drama typical of this demographic but it wasn't overpowering and fits the book since it is directed towards teens. Jess is a strong, very determined, hardworking main character. I am intrigued to learn more about the smaller characters like Will, Jess's mom, Petra, and Hugo. Maybe those questions will be answered in the other books. The plot line itself does not continue, though. Don't worry, no cliffhangers! But Casey does continue with Jess Tennant into 2 (so far) more books titled Bet Your Life and Hide and Seek. Both have been added to my TBR list! There is some romance in the book, but nothing too over-the-top. I'm looking forward to seeing how that progresses! Overall, pleasantly surprising YA mystery book that would be great for teenaged girls! As always, feel free to share any comments, suggestions, or recommendations!

Happy reading fools :) 

"The Winter Girl" - Matt Marinovich

Hello fellow bibliophiles! First things first, shoutout to Netgalley for today's ARC. Thank you! If you're looking for a great site to read and review books as well as connect with authors, make sure to check out Netgalley! The Winter Girl by Matt Marinovich instantly caught my eye the moment I started reading the book description. "A scathing and exhilarating thriller that begins with a husband’s obsession with the seemingly vacant house next door." Another suspenseful thriller that is highly popular these days. 

"It’s wintertime in the Hamptons, where Scott and his wife, Elise, have come to be with her terminally ill father, Victor, to await the inevitable. As weeks turn to months, their daily routine—Elise at the hospital with her father, Scott pretending to work and drinking Victor’s booze—only highlights their growing resentment and dissatisfaction with the usual litany of unhappy marriages: work, love, passion, each other. But then Scott notices something simple, even innocuous. Every night at precisely eleven, the lights in the neighbor’s bedroom turn off. It’s clearly a timer…but in the dead of winter with no one else around, there’s something about that light he can’t let go of. So one day while Elise is at the hospital, he breaks in. And he feels a jolt of excitement he hasn’t felt in a long time. Soon, it’s not hard to enlist his wife as a partner in crime and see if they can’t restart the passion.

Their one simple transgression quickly sends husband and wife down a deliriously wicked spiral of bad decisions, infidelities, escalating violence, and absolutely shocking revelations.
Matt Marinovich makes a strong statement with this novel. The Winter Girl is the psychological thriller done to absolute perfection." 

Sounds intriguing right? I was highly disappointed. It did not live up to my expectations. The book starts off well. The two main characters are well layered. Both going through a lot personally with their jobs and family which is in turn highly affecting their marriage. Coupled with the stress of Elise's dying father and moving to the Hamptons in the winter, you have a recipe for disaster. But the book takes a weird turn. Things get strange real quick. And the stranger things get, the less the characters seem to be worried or concerned by the different events. This I found extremely odd. Without giving anything away, I'll just say I'd be freaking out. Plain and simple. I never understood how Scott was okay with everything that he learned about Elise and Victor. The writing itself wasn't terrible but it wasn't great. I didn't feel like everything flowed throughout the book. Certain sections jumped around quickly and could have gone into more detail. I think there was definitely room for more throughout the entire book, especially concerning Elise's past. This would have vamped up the book and may help the reader have a better view towards the book as a whole. 

As always, feel free to share any thoughts, comments, or suggestions!

Happy reading fools :) 

"Hanover House" - Brenda Novak

Hello fellow bibliophiles! Today has been a fantastic day to stay inside and cozy up on the couch with a blanket and cup of coffee. I have been able to get caught up on some much-needed reading :) Thanks Netgalley for the opportunity to read this prequel! Hanover House is a digital prequel for the upcoming Hanover House Chronicles by Brenda Novak, with its first book, Whiteout, coming out this September.

"Welcome to Hanover House….

Psychiatrist Evelyn Talbot has dedicated her life to solving the mysteries of the psychopathic mind. Why do psychopaths act as they do? How do they come to be? Why don’t they feel any remorse for the suffering they cause? And are there better ways of spotting and stopping them?


After having been kidnapped, tortured and left for dead when she was just a teenager—by her high school boyfriend—she’s determined to understand how someone she trusted so much could turn on her. So she’s established a revolutionary new medical health center in the remote town of Hilltop, Alaska, where she studies the worst of the worst.

But not everyone in Hilltop is excited to have Hanover House and its many serial killers in the area. Alaskan State Trooper, Sergeant Amarok, is one of them. And yet he can’t help feeling bad about what Evelyn has been through. He’s even attracted to her. Which is partly why he worries.

He knows what could happen if only one little thing goes wrong…"

This book was great. I am beyond excited for the series. A group of psychopaths secluded in a remote Alaskan town to be studied by a small group of psychiartrists, one having a crazy background dealing personally with a psychopath who was never caught. Mystery, suspense, sexy cop, and crazies. Hellll-O! This prequel was a great way to set up the series. A lot of information is given into Talbot's story both currently and from her past and sets up a couple different story leads that are going to be vital to the first book. While the first book in the series will be able to be read without reading this prequel, I think it definitely would be beneficial to read this first. Having a clear idea where Talbot is coming from and how things started with Hanover House, Amarok, and the psychopaths will make more sense when reading Whiteout. Granted I haven't read that yet since it's not released until September, so I could be wrong. But I feel I will have a better understanding by having read this first. I. Can't. Wait. Check out this prequel. It's a real quick, short read!

As always, feel free to share any thoughts, comments, or suggestions!

Happy reading fools :)

"A Beautiful Blue Death" - Charles Finch

Hello fellow bibliophiles! Today's book comes to you thanks to Netgalley! If you haven't checked out their site, do so. It's a great opportunity to get your hands on books before they are released and help review them for authors and publishers. Thanks Netgalley! I received this book a couple months ago and kept pushing it aside. So finally, I was able to sit down and finish it for you last night. I'll start by saying this, I only gave it 2 stars on Goodreads. It was a struggle to finish. The book seemed to have great potential based on its description!

On any given day in London, all Charles Lenox, Victorian gentleman and armchair explorer, wants to do is relax in his private study with a cup of tea, a roaring fire and a good book. But when his lifelong friend Lady Jane asks for his help, Lenox cannot resist another chance to unravel a mystery, even if it means trudging through the snow to her townhouse next door.

One of Jane's former servants, Prudence Smith, is dead -- an apparent suicide. But Lenox suspects something far more sinister: murder, by a rare and deadly poison. The house where the girl worked is full of suspects, and though Prudence dabbled with the hearts of more than a few men, Lenox is baffled by an elusive lack of motive in the girl's death.

When another body turns up during the London season's most fashionable ball, Lenox must untangle a web of loyalties and animosities. Was it jealousy that killed Prudence? Or was it something else entirely, something that Lenox alone can uncover before the killer strikes again -- disturbingly close to home?

This book had a Sherlock meets Clue vibe to it. You have Charles Lennox, amateur sleuth, aka Sherlock, and his band of merry men set about solving the mysterious death of Prudence Smith, a servant. The members of the house were all conveniently in the drawing-room together. Classic Clue case of whodunit. No one seems to remember anything. You have wax drops on the floor but a brand new candle. A bottle of poison on the desk but a different kind than that that killed the girl. Open windows, crates of gold, and mysterious characters all around. But following along with all of this was a sheer struggle. A  lot of information that was not relevant to the case was thrown in and went on for pages and pages, often causing me to get lost in the storyline of what was actually part of the murder case. A lot of historical facts were thrown in about random items and studies as well as random snippets where Finch would suddenly jump years ahead for no apparent reason and then backtrack to the scene at hand. Finch's writing is full of beautiful vocabulary, don't get me wrong, but he tries to be too clever. Following the end rationale for who committed the crime and why was excruciating! I was only intrigued to see out the end for a short period of time, never very suspenseful or had me sitting on the edge of my seat. Overall, there was just too much "other" filling up the pages. 

Thanks again to Netgalley for the opportunity to read the book. Unfortunately, not every book can knock you off your rocker. Alas, until next time literary world. I refuse to lose even an ounce of hope in your endless stories. As always, feel free to share any comments, suggestions or recommendations!

Happy reading fools :) 

"Conspiracy In Death" - J.D. Robb

Hello fellow bibliophiles! If you have read any of my past reviews, you may have noticed the In Death series pop up a few times. Fair warning, you will continue to see more since there are currently 41 books in the series and currently I just finished number 8. I promise to continue keeping all spoilers out! If, for some reason, there is information in the review that may be a spoiler for those who have not read the series, I promise to forewarn you ahead of time!!! Make sure to not skip ahead when reading my reviews!

"Streetwise cop Eve Dallas and her trusty sidekick Peabody face a methodical killer in this latest addition to the In Death series by J.D. Robb, better known as the bestselling author Nora Roberts. In the late 21st century, on the streets of New York City, a street sleeper is found murdered, his diseased heart removed with surgical precision. His death would typically drop to the bottom of a list of senseless and inexplicable killings, but Lieutenant Dallas, who "would stand for the dead and the living," is not about to let that happen. When her research uncovers similar crimes in several cities that were dropped under mysterious circumstances, Dallas knows she's facing a killer cruel enough to prey on the weakest in society and powerful enough to conspire an extensive coverup. To complicate matters further, Dallas faces an equally troubling threat to her career when she's linked to the death of a fellow cop. Now she must fight to restore her good name as well as track down the killer. 

In Conspiracy in Death, Roberts creates a futuristic world of evil that Eve Dallas negotiates through tough talk and brute force. While Robb crafts the crimes with great care, she assumes a familiarity with the characters that new readers will lack. But fans of the In Death series and newcomers alike will enjoy the thrill of the chase as Eve Dallas sets out to get her man."

As I have stated before, these books are generally something that would be out of my wheel-house. I'm not usually into the "futuristic" genre, but something about this series is different. The characters are engaging, witty, and highly intelligent. The books are full of suspense and mystery, and usually, I am left guessing until the end. While I am still highly intrigued into this series, there were parts of Conspiracy In Death that lost me. There are many characters who hold positions in varies medical fields throughout the book. Some hold minor roles but others are key players yet they all come in and out throughout the entire book. It sometimes got to be confusing on who was who. As before, I love the relationship between Eve Dallas and Roarke. It's real yet unrealistic; it's witty yet full of seriousness, and it's full of back-and-forth romance. So far, I haven't lost interest and I hope I never do. Until then, I will keep reading the series! As always, feel free to share your thoughts, comments, or recommendations!

Happy reading fools :) 

"See Me" - Nicholas Sparks

Hello fellow bibliophiles! HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope everyone had a great holiday and is ready to kickstart reading all those wonderful new books you received for Christmas. I myself have already finished mine :) So for the first review for the year, I give you See Me by Nicholas Sparks, the newest book from my favorite author. First off, let me just say how difficult it was to hold off reading this book from when it first came out this fall. I was swamped with other things and predicted I would mostly get it as a gift, so I withheld. And then I devoured it in two days. Check out my past review of my favorite book by Sparks, The Rescue, and what brought me to his books HERE.

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.

As a series of threatening incidents wreaks chaos in Maria's life, Maria and Colin will be tested in increasingly terrifying ways. Will demons from their past destroy the tenuous relationship they've begun to build, or will their love protect them, even in the darkest hour?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.  

Another great book from Sparks yet different than most of his! What I liked best about the book was the thriller aspect that is so widely popular right now. I was kept on my toes throughout the story, trying to figure out what was going to happen next. The book did take me a little longer than normal to get into it, about 40ish pages, but then I was hooked. It's packed full of mystery, suspense, romance, and internal struggles of right and wrong. I really liked the main character Colin. You can pull back his layers like that of an onion. That being said, I think there was even more that was left out! The way the plot twists and turns and interconnects is very well done. Not surprising coming from a seasoned author like Sparks.

Side note: I, unfortunately, was able to figure out the ending with about 100 pages still remaining. Sparks throws out  ONE line and if you paid attention earlier in the book, you will most likely catch it as well. Right after reading that line, I needless to say expressed my frustrations vocally :) Many may not catch it, but I'm sorry if you do. I feel your pain. No worries though, there is still plenty of suspense left in the remainder of the book to hold your attention. Make sure to check it out! Overall, another great book from Nicholas Sparks. As always, feel free to share you comments, recommendations, or thoughts on the book!

Happy reading fools :)

P.S. Don't forget to sign up for the Clean Slate Read-a-Thon to get rid of those 2015 books that you were unable to finish! There is still time to sign up. Let's get those books off your TBR list and start the year off without being backlogged and fretting over those books! Check out my plans for the Read-a-Thon HERE. I will be updating my progress throughout that week!

Click here to sign up!

"Dead to the Last Drop" - Cleo Coyle

Hello fellow bibliophiles! Today's review comes to you from the latest in the Coffeehouse mysteries by one of my favorite cozy mystery writers, Cleo Coyle! I couldn't wait to get my hands on Dead to the Last Drop and devour the latest from master roaster Clare Cosi. And devour it I did! Make sure to check out my other reviews on her books in the series as well as her Haunted Bookshop mystery under her other pseudonym, Alice Kimberly! Cleo is a fantastic cozy writer! I anxiously await the arrival of her books!

After the White House asks coffeehouse manager and master roaster Clare Cosi to consult on the coffee service for a Rose Garden Wedding, she discovers a historic pot was used as a CIA “dead drop” decades before. Now long-simmering secrets boil over, scalding Clare and the people around her…
 
Clare’s visit to the nation’s capital is off to a graceful start. Her octogenarian employer is bunking with her in a charming Georgetown mansion, and she's invited to work with a respected curator on the Smithsonian's culinary salute to coffee in America.
 
Unfortunately, Clare’s new Village Blend DC is struggling to earn a profit—until its second-floor jazz club attracts a high-profile fan, the college-age daughter of the U.S. President. Clare’s stock rises as the First Lady befriends her, but she soon learns a stark lesson: Washington can be murder.
 
First a stylish State Department employee suspiciously collapses in her coffeehouse. Then the President’s daughter goes missing. Is she a runaway bride or is something more sinister in play? After another deadly twist, Clare is on the run with her NYPD detective boyfriend. Branded an enemy of the state, she must piece together clues and uncover the truth before her life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness come to a bitter end.

Oh, Clare Cosi, how I love thee! While this book is similar in terms of the same characters loyal readers have come to love and the charades they endure, it takes on a different personality from the other books. With the opening of a new Village Blend location in D.C., Cosi has not only the problems associated with running a new restaurant/coffee shop/jazz club but also with her normal antics of always being in the wrong place at the wrong time. When an unlikely pianist starts playing at open mic night, Clare has no idea to what extent and issues will follow. Add to the mix a terrible head chef caught in contract, D.C. politics, and the sketchy boss of the one and only NYPD Detective Michael Ryan Francis Quinn, things are bound to go haywire. And, of course, Clare and the Village Blend are caught up in the mix! Dead to the Last Drop is full of mystery, suspense, and witty banter. Cleo Coyle writes such fun and relatable characters that keep readers coming back for more! I love the back and forth banter and love between not only Clare and Mike, but the relationship that all of the characters have with each other. The Village Blend sounds like an amazing family to be a part of. Recipes, coffee tips, and presidential coffee history are a nice bonus section at the end of the book. I learn more every time I read her books from coffee tips to new recipes. Cleo. you are at fault for coffee related items constantly plaguing my Christmas and birthday lists :) 

The worst part about these books is waiting for the next one to come out! Readers, check out this series. They are the perfect cozy mystery books! To find out more about Cleo Coyle, her series, and tons of delicious recipes and coffee tips CLICK HERE! As always, feel free to share your thoughts, comments, or suggestions. I'd love to hear what you think!

Happy reading fools :) 

Blog Tour: "Shadows of Angels" - L.G. Rollins

Hello fellow bibliophiles! Welcome to my stop on the Shadows of Angels blog tour presented by author L.G. Rollins and Cedar Fort Publishing & Media. Huge shout out to both for the advanced copy and opportunity to review! Shadows of Angels is the first book in a the upcoming Zaad Stone triolgy by debut author L.G. Rollins. Check out my review, excerpt, and synopsis below!

After the forest dwellers destroy her home and kill her father, Aerbrin sets off on a journey to find the truth about her people, her kingdom, and the mysterious Zaad stone that contains a power she never imagined. Magic and mystery join forces in this intriguing fantasy world. Full of shifting alliances and twists you won't see coming, it's a can't-miss read.

This is a great start to the trilogy. The characters, settings, and plot line are all very imaginative and creative. While I did struggle with the first few chapters of the book, in terms of figuring out all of the characters (especially their names!) and what everything in the story was (creatures, places, settings), once I got past that part, I couldn't put the book down. The book flips back and forth between the different characters and their roles in the story. They are all connected yet have their own paths to go down to reach the end goal. I liked the back and forth; I liked reading the different perspectives. There are great messages within each character and their role. I saw similarities from other books that I enjoyed growing up. Narnia, Wizard of Oz, as well as strong and courageous female lead characters. It's fantasy. It's suspense. It's imaginative. Would be a great book for readers 14 and up. Great debut series! I'm going to be anxiously awaiting the next book in the series to see where things go from here!

Excerpt:
"Stay calm, her father’s words echoed in her head. When you find yourself in danger, above all, stay calm. Aerbrin took a deep, steady breath and leaned down, reaching for her bow. one of the Forest Dwellers charged. It collided with her and knocked her to the floor. Raising a knotted fist, he bashed her head. Sparks exploded across her vision. She tried to raise an arm, tried to call out. Her body wouldn’t respond. The Forest Dwellers grunted again. The creature above her raised its fist again. She looked up. This was the end, she knew. When these monsters attacked, they killed everything. Animals, plants, and particularly humans. No one survived. Closing her eyes, Aerbrin forced her body to relax. This time, there was no pain."

About the Author:
L. G. Rollins grew up in a far off land fighting dragons, stealing talismans, and traveling with dwarfs and elves. She is especially skilled at bribing giants with sweets. Currently, her husband and four kids live in Utah so that is where she spends most of her time. She may, or may not, have a Zaad Stone. To learn more about L. G. Rollins and her books visit LGRollins.com.

As always, feel free to share any comments, suggestions, or recommendations. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Click HERE to buy the book on Amazon!

Happy reading fools :)

"The Martian" - Andy Weir

Hello fellow bibliophiles! Can you blieve it's already one week into November?! Where has this year gone?? Today's review is for The Martian by Andy Weird which is now a hit movie. Simply put, its a great book. Attention grabbing, suspenseful, and highly captivating.

"Six days ago, astronaut Mark Watney became one of the first people to walk on Mars. Now, he's sure he'll be the first person to die there. After a dust storm nearly kills him and forces his crew to evacuate while thinking him dead, Marks finds himself stranded and completely alone with no way to even signal Earth that he's alive -- and event if he could get word out, his supplies would be gone long before a rescue could arrive. Chances are, though, he won't have time to starve to death. The damaged machinery, unforgiving environment or plain-old "human error" are much more likely to kill him first. But Mark isn't ready to give up yet. Drawing on his ingenuity, his engineering skills -- and a relentless, dogged refusal to quit -- he steadfastly confronts one seemingly insurmountable obstacle after the next. Will his resourcefulness be enough to overcome the impossible odds against him?"

I really liked this book. It was great. But explaining to you why I liked it and giving specifics has proved not to come as easily as it normally does for books that I like this well. Maybe it was the characters. Maybe the genre, or the writing stlye. Maybe it's all of the above.  The main character, Mark Watney, is great. Andy Weir did a fantastic job writing this character. He's smart, innovative, witty, and sarcastic. Watney's relentless drive to stay alive gives the reader an emense sense of hope. You have to root for him! I loved his journal entries and continually found myself laughing at his random comments and sarcasm. I cannot imagine what I would write in a journal if I was left all alone somewhere. It's probably better actually if I don't try to imagine :)

Be forewarned, there are alot of numbers and science/chemisttry jargon throughout, especially in the beginning. While understanding his math and knowing how long each necessary component will last him (food, water, air, etc.) is important, these sections can be skimmed over easily. I couldn't put the book down. Thrilling and suspenseful from the start to the end. It's easy to see why they made it into a movie. I have yet to see it but have heard great things. As always, feel free to share any comments, recommendations, and suggestions about the book or movie! I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading fools :)

"And Then There Were None" - Agatha Christie

Hello fellow bibliophiles! Happy Throwback Thursday! A couple years ago I received And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie from a friend. What's the way to my heart? Books, books, and more books. And obviously wine and pizza. What can I say? I'm a classy gal. I'm sure I would be hard pressed to find a reader who hasn't at least picked up one of Agatha Christie's novels but if you are one of those few, start here. You can thank me later. 

"First there were ten - a curious assortment of strangers summoned as weekend guests to a private island off the coast of Devon. Their host, an eccentric millionaire unknown to all of them, is nowhere to be found. All that the guests have in common is a wicked past they're unwilling to reveal -- and a secret that will seal their fate. For each has been marked for murder. One by one will fall prey. Before the weekend is out, there will be none. And only the dead are above suspicion."

I devoured this book. And that is putting it lightly. While I have read others by Christie, this one consumed me. I couldn't put it down! Christie is fantastic when it comes to writing characters and the mysteries she places them inside of. Throughout the book, I felt I was always close to figuring out the "case", but then a new piece of information would come and I would be completely off base. Throw in a catchy little nursery rhyme and you have a thriller worthy of childhood nightmares. I have now read this book a couple different times and each time, I continue to find hidden pieces I missed the first time around, constantly enthralled until the end yet again. FYI this book is not a Hercule Perot book and can be read as a stand alone. I highly recommend this book as well as Christie's other books. She is a great writer and I have yet to find a book of hers that I could put down! As always, feel free to share any comments, suggestions, or recommendations!

Happy reading fools :)

"Smoke" - Catherine McKenzie

Hello fellow bibliophiles! First off, THANKS Netgalley for the opportunity to read an e-ARC of Smoke by Catherine McKenzie! I was intrigued from start to finish with this book! The characters, the mystery, the dynamics of relationships and marriage. I loved it.

"From the internationally bestselling author Catherine McKenzie comes an evocative tale of two women navigating the secrets and lies at the heart of a wildfire threatening their town. 

After a decade-long career combating wildfires, Elizabeth has traded in for a quieter life with her husband. Now she works as the local arson investigator in a beautiful, quaint town in the Rockies. But that tranquil life vanishes when she and her husband agree to divorce, and when a fire started in nearby Cooper Basin begins to spread rapidly. For Elizabeth, containing a raging wildfire is easier than accepting that her marriage has failed. 

For Elizabeth's ex-friend Mindy, who feels disconnected from her husband and teenage children, the fire represents a chance to find a new purpose: helping a man who lost his home to the blaze. But her faith is shattered by a shocking accusation.

As the encroaching inferno threatens the town's residents, Elizabeth and Mindy must discover what will be lost in the fire, and what will be saved."

As I've said before in previous reviews, I really enjoy books that flip back and forth between character perspectives. Smoke flips between Elizabeth and Mindy with ease. That being said, I did sometimes have trouble following some sections. There were times when the story would flip from one character to another without a clear transition. I did like how Elizabeth and Mindy were interconnected with each other. I wish McKenzie would have stated their relationship and background a little earlier in the book instead of trailing pieces throughout. I also felt there was more to say into the background and issues with Elizabeth and her husband Ben. There was definitely more to say about Elizabeth's relationship with fellow firefighter, Andy, as well. Something was left unsaid about the two of them but then again, maybe McKenzie wanted us to feel that way. Leaves a sense of mystery that keeps the reader hanging on.

Overall, I did like the book. Seeing the "fire" from two different perspectives and how it affected them each differently, had a good dynamic to it. The characters had good development from start to finish. The book begins with the start of the fire and ends with the end of the fire, a time span of only a week. Even with the short period of time, I never felt the book was rushed. That's a lot of plot line to squeeze into 370 pages yet McKenzie made it seem easy with her writing. Great cover. Like I said, I was intrigued from start to finish. It was just published on October 20 so head out and grab your copy (links below on where!). Once again, THANKS Netgalley! As always, feel free to share any comments, suggestions, or recommendations. I'd love to hear your feedback!

Happy reading fools :)

Check out Catherine McKenzie and her other books HERE!
Smoke can be purchased at Amazon and Barnes & Noble!

"Child 44" - Tom Rob Smith

Hello fellow bibliophiles! Since I won't be writing the review for the book I am finishing tonight until after midnight, I thought I'd give you a throwback review for today! Complete with a bonus at the end of my thoughts on the movie! Today's throwback is Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith. For those of you who know me, I have a love for all things pertaining to Russia. Russian books, books set in Russia, its history, current news, hockey, etc. (Looking for a challenge? Try reading In The First Circle by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. It took me 2.5 years). I fell in love with this book many moons ago and have always felt it has been underrated in the reading community. Don't worry Smith, I constantly recommend this book to others! 


"Stalin's Soviet Union is an official paradise, where citizens live free from crime and fear only one thing: the all-powerful state. Defending this system is idealistic security officer Leo Demidov, a war hero who believes in the iron fist of the law, but when a murderer starts to kill at will and Leo dares to investigate, the State's obedient servant finds himself demoted and exiled. Now, with only his wife at his side, Leo must fight to uncover shocking truths about a killer -- and a country where "crime" doesn't exist."

That description does not do the story justice at all. Smith does a great job of placing the reading into the communist state of the Soviet Union by demonstrating the fears and consequences that came about every day for people living within its walls. The struggle Leo faces not only with the State and his superiors but within himself is an amazing dynamic. How do you persevere and fight for justice when around every corner you could be facing death? I loved the suspense and fight for the truth. I highly recommend reading it. I would include it in my top 15 of all time favorites. When I recently reread the book not too long ago, I discovered there are actually 2 more books preceding this one that I had no idea about. No worries, I have added them to my TBR list! As always, feel free to share any comments, suggestions, or recommendations.

Happy reading fools :)

MOVIE REVIEW BONUS: Recently Child 44 was made into a movie starring Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman, and Noomi Rapace. While I was definitely looking forward to watching the movie, it did not do well at the box office and made me question if I was willing to take the risk. I was afraid the movie might ruin the book for me. Alas, I went ahead and watched it anyway! The writers did well with sticking to the story line from the book and while I did like the movie and felt it was better than what others had said, it still lacked the luster and allure I felt while reading the book. It's still worth watching in my opinion!

"The Scam" - Janet Evanovich & Lee Goldberg

Hello bibliophiles! What a perfect Saturday for reading it has been. Gorgeous fall day, coffee, and my couch. Doesn't get much better than this! I have the newest installment from the Fox and O'hara series by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg, The Scam, for you today. Shout out to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this! THANKS! In this book, Nick and Kate are at it again with their band of misfits to bring down the biggest and the baddest.

"Evan Trace is running a money-laundering operation through his casino in Macau. Some of his best customers are mobsters, dictators, and global terrorists. Nick and Kate will have to go deep undercover as high-stakes gamblers, wagering millions of dollars--and their lives--in an attempt to topple Trace's empire.

Its a scam that will take Fox and O'hara from the Las Vegas strip, to the sun-soaked beaches of Oahu's North Shore, and into the dark back alleys of Macau. Their only back-up -- a self-absorbed actor, a Somali pirate, and Kate's father, an ex-soldier who believes a rocket launcher is the best way to solve every problem. What could possibly go wrong?"

This book is exactly what you would expect from Janet Evanovich. Mystery, crime, humor, and a tension filled romance. It's a quick and easy read, jam-packed with action around every corner. I love the dynamic between Kate and Nick. It's your classic "will they or won't they" and I often find myself laughing out loud at their conversations. The writing and story lines are very similar to Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series. I have not read anything by Lee Goldberg to give you a comparison for his writing and input into the story. It was a fun book and is a decent series. I'll keep coming back for more! Make sure to check out my reviews of the first three books in the series, book one HERE and books two and three HERE! As always, feel free to share any comments, suggestions, or recommendations. I'd love to here what you think!

Happy reading fools :)

To find out more about Janet Evanovich, click here!
To find out more about Lee Goldberg, click here!
To find out how you can get early releases from Netgalley, click here!

"In Death" series by J.D. Robb

Hello fellow bibliophiles! One thing I love when it comes to books is series. Once I start, no matter how good or bad, I feel I have to continue and see the series through to the end. Read my reviews on the Vampire Diaries and you will understand what I mean. The hard part with series as a blogger is keeping the reviews and posts new and fresh. Hard to do if you are continuing to write about the same characters and story if no one else has read the first book! I'm guessing that is why when I started the In Death series by J.D. Robb (otherwise known as the infamous Nora Roberts) back in August, the books escaped me when posting new reviews. And on top of that, there are a lot of books in this series. When I say "a lot," I mean there are 41 books currently. Talk about intimidating! That being said, I have recently finished the seventh book, Holiday In Death. So far, these books are great. Mystery, suspense, science fiction, and of course the romance that we all know, love, and expect from Nora Roberts.


The books are centered around two main characters, Eve Dallas, a NY police lieutenant, and Roake, who's the mega-rich handsome type that toes the line between what is right and his illegal roots. Both are plagued with dark pasts they continually try to forget and overcome throughout their daily lives. A murder in the first book, Naked In Death, brings Dallas in as lead lieutenant and Roake as one of her main suspects.

And the rest is history. The dynamic between the two is what readers have come to expect from any Nora Roberts book. They're love-hate, tension filled relationship continually evolves and keeps the reader coming back for more. Normally, I'm not a huge fan of science fiction, but I love that aspect to this series. Robb does a fantastic job making all of her ideas feel natural and normal. When reading it's easy to imagine flying cars, voice over commands to control everything, and robots as part of everyday life. That being said, don't feel overwhelmed or turned off if you think you don't like sci-fi. There is still a lot to the story that is no different than how life is now.

I do have one concern though for the series as a whole. I'm not sure how the series can continue without starting to feel repetitive. I'm hopeful but not optimistic. Reminds of the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich. Seven books in and I haven't had this feeling yet but I think I will be taking a short break and read something new for a while. That is the nice thing about the series. It is easy to pick up and pause as each book begins and ends, no cliff hangers. All in all it is a good, cozy mystery series. I have enjoyed it thus far and think you might too! Check Robb and all the books at her website, www.jdrobb.com. As always, feel free to share any comments, suggestions, and recommendations!

Happy reading fools :)

"The Chase" & "The Job" - Janet Evanovich & Lee Goldberg

Hello fellow bibliophiles! Par for the course I am behind again writing reviews for you. Whoops! Here's a couple to get started with and more to come! Recently I posted a review about the Fox & O'Hara series by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg (post located here!). The Chase and The Job are the next two books in the series. If you're in the mood for a light, fun, ridiculous evolving mystery then these are the books for you.

Let me just give it to you straight. They're not the greatest books ever wrote nor are they wrote all that well but I did enjoy them. The dynamic between Fox and O'Hara is irritating, annoying, and at times unrealistic. That said, I did find myself laughing out loud and enjoying every minute. Readers of my past reviews will know I have issues when it comes to series. Once I start, no matter how good or bad, I cannot stop until I have finished the series. I'm already on the wait list for the next book that comes out in September! Anyways, back to the books. Here's a quick synopsis:

The Chase (Fox & O'Hara  #2): In this book, Fox and O'Hara set out to bring down Carter Grove, former White House Chief of Staff who now runs and operates an elite band of private security known as BlackRhino. According to Fox's acquaintances, Carter is in possession of a rare rooster that is suppose to be on display at the Smithsonian. What they don't realize is the one on display is a fake. Fox and O'Hara set out to acquire the real rooster, bring down Carter, and swap it with the fake before the Chinese curators who have been sent to collect it realize the difference. Full of crazy stunts and scams, as well as visit from the ever enjoyable Willy, Boyd, and their merry band of pirates!

The Job (Fox & O'Hara #3):  Fox and O'Hara pick up right where they left off, hunting down brutal drug lord, Violante. The problem is, Violante had his appearance surgically altered and no one knows what he looks like or his current identity. But Fox, as always, has a few tricks up his sleeve. It seems the drug lord has a weakness for gourmet chocolate and buried treasure. With Fox and O'Hara backed by Willie, Tom, Boyd, Jake O'Hara and his fellow retirees, the laughs are non-stop. With an elaborate scam in place, O'Hara gets put into a sticky situation. What will Jake and Fox do to pull out all the stops and make sure she is handed back in one piece? Grab the book and start reading :) No worries, the rocket launcher makes it's appearance once again!

Like I said earlier, they're not the greatest books ever wrote but worth the read if you are a fan of Evanovich. The books and writing are very similar to her other series! Stay tuned. I will have more for you tonight and throughout the week! As always, feel free to share any recommendations, comments, or suggestions.

Happy reading fools :)

"The Heist" - Janet Evanovich

Hello fellow bibliophiles! I'm sure everyone has heard of the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich and like all readers of that series, I'm sure you have the same dilemma as I. They are great, fun, quick reads but they get old and tiresome by about book 11. Yet we have continued to read them and cannot wait to get our hands on the newest piece in the series which is now into the twenties. Not being able to stop a series, no matter how good or bad, I guess you could call one of my quirks. I have to finish what I started. So back to the book at hand. While I was excited to get my hands on another Evanovich book, I worry this could happen again in this new series. But it has not deterred me from starting it anyways!

The Heist by Janet Evanovich is another predictable, yet entertaining, start to a series that I was unable to put down. Kate O'Hara is an ex-Navy SEAL now FBI agent hunting down criminal mastermind and con, Nicholas Fox. Fox continues to slip through O'Hara's hands yet taunting her all the same. For Fox, it's a game. A game he loves to play. But O'Hara is set on catching him at all cost. Once caught though, everything she has worked for seems to no longer matter. When O'Hara and Fox are forced to work together to go after an even bigger con, all her limits will be tested. From Berlin to Indonesia and California, O'Hara will have to trust in Fox and his band of merry thieves to follow through on his word to help catch investment banker con who has run off with $500 million in innocent people's money. But will Fox fulfill his role or will be run off? Can O'Hara trust his word or will her heart get in the way? Grab your copy and get to reading!

I liked the book. While I was able to figure out what was going to happen pretty earlier on, like most Evanovich books, but I enjoyed it all the same. Evanovich brings to light typical characters that are constantly in a back and forth with each other, making me laugh and yet keeping me yearning for more.  I will continue reading the series and already have the next one sitting in my "To Read Pile." As always feel free to share and comments, suggestions, and recommendations!

Happy reading fools :)

"Disclaimer" - Renee Knight

Hello fellow bibliophiles! Last review for the weekend coming your way! I just finished a crazy psychological suspense thriller, Disclaimer by Renee Knight. This book definitely kept me guessing, throwing loops the minute you think you have it all figured out.

The story bounces around between a few different characters focusing on two different sides or rather families. The first is Catherine Ravenscroft. A working class, married woman with a grown son who comes across a book on her nightstand where she quickly realizes she is the main character of that book. The other side is the "writer" of that said book, Stephen Brigstocke. Stephen is a depressed, retired, older man who has recently lost his wife to cancer and now is on his own. The story that Stephen has made into a book holds a dark secret about Catherine that she thought was long and buried. Boy was she wrong! Stephen uses the book, as well as a few other props, to bring pain and suffering down on Catherine and her family in order to bring himself clarity and peace. Stephen sees it as revenge for the act she has committed. But what are the real facts? And what is Stephen missing that only Catherine knows?

The story starts off a little slow and at first I was not sure if it was going to be any good. But it quickly picks up and leaves the reader yearning for more. The moment I thought I had everything figured out, a new piece was thrown into the mix and I was left guessing all over again. It is a great suspense book if you enjoy those types of novels. I only gave it a 3 out of 5 stars on Goodreads for the simple fact that it does start off a little slow and I wasn't completely happy with the way it ended. But that's just my opinion :) Feel free to share any thoughts, comments, or suggestions!

Happy reading fools :)