Review copy was received from Library, NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Library, NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I started reading the eARC, way back in January before it was released, and got about 24% into it and just couldn't catch interest. Now I had a chance to try it on audio from the library and it went much better. I don't know if it was mood timing or what, but I really enjoyed it this time. The pacing had some slow parts and some high action parts.
Cassie works in a bookshop, lives with her best friend Izzy. I really liked Cassie, felt for what she went through. She really cared about people including Izzy. I did not like Izzy. She caused some of the problems and generally made things worse rather than better with bad decisions.
The story revolves around the magic books, the people who collect and hunt them, and use them to manipulate others. Some of these people are ruthless. Cassie and Izzy are lucky to run into Drummond Fox who has had books in his library for generations and has a book which lets him protect his library.
There are basically some brutal showdowns over books. Several people die including many of Drummond's friends before they realize the dangers. Cassie figures out how to handle the really destructive hunters and with the help of Drummond and some others, stages a final showdown.
The Book of Doors was a great personal journey for Cassie. She learned a lot, but also suffered a lot. I enjoyed how she loved books and the stories, and all the different places she could travel. It was interesting and amazing what the books could do. Cassie was clever with figuring out their uses.
Narration: I have heard this narrator once previously. Her performance gave distinct enough voices to differentiate the characters. I was comfortable listening and able to stay in the story, appreciating the emotional tones. I listened at my usual 1.5x speed....more
I enjoyed this quite romance of a witch and oldest sister who has had some hard breaks. She is a plant whisperer, and a jewelry maker. She finally is I enjoyed this quite romance of a witch and oldest sister who has had some hard breaks. She is a plant whisperer, and a jewelry maker. She finally is spending time with her high school crush.
I liked this characters and their gifts. There were a few aspects which were unrealistic but it was interesting. I enjoy this world with magic. I'm on to the second book now, which is about the sister I dislike throughout most of this book...more
The title Breaking Point is appropriate. The government officials' actions are infuThis review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
4.5 hearts
The title Breaking Point is appropriate. The government officials' actions are infuriating and frankly, criminal. Joe, in his state position, with a new director, of course ends up right in the middle of things. His daughter is good friends with the fugitive's daughter, Hannah. In fact, Hannah, is staying at his house.
I was pleased to see Reed as sheriff but of course the old sheriff can't butt out. The EPA people are ridiculous. The governor isn't totally a bad guy; at least he is positive about Joe. His new boss is all about the wildlife protection and is shocked by the law enforcement aspects.
Joe ends up in an unprepared trek around the mountains with the EPA folks who have no experience in the wilderness. I was proud of Joe for collecting evidence, working with Mary Beth to find the truths in the situation. He helped everyone he could to save lives and diffuse the situations. There are some things left open at the end so I am, ready to read Stone Cold as soon as I can.
COYER Buddy read with Berls who rated it ()...more
Avery starts as being kind of ridiculous with her boss/boyfriend and weird design career in NYC. She goes to her aunt's cottage and starts renovating.Avery starts as being kind of ridiculous with her boss/boyfriend and weird design career in NYC. She goes to her aunt's cottage and starts renovating. She easily finds a reasonable handy renovator Derek, and new friends in the small town.
I was seriously worried for her life with some of the events happening. Her aunt dying suddenly, the professor going missing and then broken things in her house. I'd be all over the lock changing at the start.
I love renovation projects and I'm excited to see how this series continue with house flipping and renovations with Avery and Derek teaming up....more
The main character is likeable enough with good family and friends. But sometimes she is TSTL. That's not a quirk I enjoy. Her cat, Sawdust, has chaptThe main character is likeable enough with good family and friends. But sometimes she is TSTL. That's not a quirk I enjoy. Her cat, Sawdust, has chapters in the book from his point of view and they are fun, perfect in tone.
In the book, Whitney lives in a cottage behind her parent's home to save money while she builds up a nest egg to get a home. She works for a company doing property management and also works in the family woodworking/construction business with her cousins.
In this story, she buys her first house to restore and flip from a property management client. The client turns out to have misrepresented the condition of the home. A dead body turns up at the property. So Whitney has to help solve the murder... I wonder if she and the detective are going to become involved? I don't need romance in mysteries but they were funny together....more
Each book in the series seems to get better. We continue to learn more about the world and theThis review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Each book in the series seems to get better. We continue to learn more about the world and the different Breeds. Particularly, the Chitah and Vampires were further developed in Impulse It did feel like Nero got all the offense here, and Silver's team was barely managing defense. There are a few other things I would love to say but they would be too spoilery but we can talk about them in the chat.
I liked that Silver is protective of others like Adam and Justus and even Logan. I hate that sometimes she goes off on her own and it gets her into trouble. Because there are definitely very bad guys out there gunning for her. It was great she finally has some of her own assignments.
Finally, we get answers from Silver's mother about some things. The way Silver suggested asking her was great. It was a hard thing for Silver to learn the truth, but she knew it in her gut already.
Her whole relationship with Logan changes after there back and forth, the Gathering, and her injuries. I have to wonder if there will be any consequences for Tarek after his lies and interference.
I hope we are going to see more offensive work from our team on tackling Nero and his bad guys. At least some of them were caught but not before they did a lot of damage.
COYER Buddy read with Berls (4) and Brandee (4-4.5)...more
I love the books by Allison Brennan. I decided to start at the beginning and read all the earThis review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
I love the books by Allison Brennan. I decided to start at the beginning and read all the early books leading up to the Lucy Kincaid series. So I look for the Kincaids and connections to them. This FBI trilogy, I was happy to go back to audiobooks.
It's back to Sacramento CA for a new couple. We've met Duke Rogan who is a brother of Cane Rogan. He's appeared in a few books, along with his younger brother Sean Rogan. Other people we know (and love) who show up include Dean Hooper, Hans Vigo, Megan (Elliott) Kindcaid, and a few more.
The FBI case is one tracking a series of arsons at biotech firms. The Agent in charge is Nora English who has deep knowledge having grown up as the child of activists / domestic terrorists. The state arson investigator is her younger sister, Quinn. The latest fire also includes a dead body, and ducks stolen which have a deadly virus. Duke shows up because their firm designed the security system for the business.
Duke and Nora have a history, and have been attracted to each other for a few years. But Nora hasn't made room in her life for anyone but her sister. Now they will be working this case together. I enjoyed Nora's past which informed her deep understanding of environmental activists. As the bodies pile up, Duke insists on protecting Nora as backup as well jointly working the investigation.
The romance here is a small part of the story, as the case takes the focus with its engaging action and developments. I really liked these characters and the slower pace of their romance than some of the other books in the trilogy. I am sure we will see them in future books, at least I hope so.
Narration: The primary narrator is female. Each book has a couple, and there tend to be more male characters so it's interesting. The main and recurring characters have distinct voices and the regional accents seem authentic. I listened at my usual 1.5x speed.
I love the books by Allison Brennan. I decided to start at the beginning and read all the earThis review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
I love the books by Allison Brennan. I decided to start at the beginning and read all the early books leading up to the Lucy Kincaid series. So I look for the Kincaids and connections to them. This FBI trilogy, I was happy to go back to audiobooks.
The couple here is an ICE agent, Sonia Knight and FBI assistant director, Dean Hooper. Sonia was trafficked as a girl, and grew up to chase down human traffickers in law enforcement herself. Dean Hooper is the brother of Will Hooper, who is Cara Kincaid's (police) partner.
Sonia and Dean are both trying to take down the same bad guy but have different strategies. But they want to take him down so they agree to work together even if they find it hard to trust someone in a different agency. It gets more complicated as people are murdered. Hans Vigo joins this team. Sonia's brother, Riley is a cop who guards a trafficking victim and he works with John Black. So I always enjoy the connected characters.
Sonia's original mentor/partner, Charlie is working as a driver for the bad guy. He left ICE in disgrace and she isn't really happy to see him. But getting information is more important than her feelings, so she talks to him. He's very transactional though and only helps her if she will do things he wants.
The human trafficking is vile. The work they do to find and stop them is exciting and a bit tense. The traffickers are ruthless. It takes smart people to put together the information to have any chance in saving the young people, mostly girls, and lock up the criminals. Fatal Secrets was an exciting read.
Narration: The primary narrator is female. Each book has a couple, and there tend to be more male characters so it's interesting. The main and recurring characters have distinct voices and the regional accents seem authentic. I listened at my usual 1.5x speed.
I love the books by Allison Brennan. I decided to start at the beginning and read all the earThis review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
I love the books by Allison Brennan. I decided to start at the beginning and read all the early books leading up to the Lucy Kincaid series. So I look for the Kincaids and connections to them. This FBI trilogy, I was happy to go back to audiobooks. Sudden Death has Jack Kincaid as one of the romantic couple along with Megan Elliott, an FBI agent. The family is mentioned as Jack comes back to town. Vigo is the one who trained Megan so he has joined the case.
A serial killer is tracking down military men from a team. Megan gets an early one in her home area and then follows it around the country. She ends up working with Jack as one of his men was a victim.
To me the romance was really a background thread here. It was too fast to me. They are both strong, independent players and the support and comfort they gave each other was good to see.
I love the police procedural and investigative parts and there was some action. I enjoyed seeing the Kincaids and some other law enforcement like Vigo, and John Black in Sacramento. There were some real twists here with an exciting conclusion to the case.
Narration: The primary narrator is female. Each book has a couple, and there tend to be more male characters so it's interesting. The main and recurring characters have distinct voices and the regional accents seem authentic. I listened at my usual 1.5x speed.
I have always enjoyed this author. While I haven't read the entire saga of his parents, I was interested to see Daniel Pitt in his law career. Of courI have always enjoyed this author. While I haven't read the entire saga of his parents, I was interested to see Daniel Pitt in his law career. Of course, he would have to investigate and find the truth which would have a profound impact on the case.
I loved the intricacies of the legal aspects and then the scientific and people characteristics which lead to the truth. Daniel has a respect and compassion for others, no doubt learned from his parents but he is young and is learning to work with the laws....more
I enjoyed Twist much more than the first book. I knew the world and characters a bit more. I sThis review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
I enjoyed Twist much more than the first book. I knew the world and characters a bit more. I still feel the lack of knowledge about the world. In urban fantasy though, it takes time to build the world and character over the series.
Silver has gone about her new situation much differently than I would. I would be trying to learn everything I could. We see the world through her and she seems more interested in social times, friends and fighting. But her Ghuardian and the mage traditions have limited her as a female. I do like her spirit and how she selflessly fights for others.
I don't know what to make of Logan yet. And I don't understand much about chitahs yet. Or vampires, werewolves or mages in this world. The mage council and Halo don't seem very united in their efforts. They also seem to have gotten lax perhaps over time. The attacks they do, even with enforcers, don't seem very organized and competent.
Silver is building a group of friends and allies. She is uniting various groups. Her questioning is forcing her Ghuardian and others to rethink their long held beliefs. That's all a good thing.
COYER Buddy read with Berls (4) and Brandee(4)...more
This series continues to be fantastic! I really like Robin and her support for the truth. I'm not sure yet how I feel about her personal relationship This series continues to be fantastic! I really like Robin and her support for the truth. I'm not sure yet how I feel about her personal relationship stuff....more
The stories are personal lives of rangers and people who work in the park. There is very little about the park itself. We do see the couple from the fThe stories are personal lives of rangers and people who work in the park. There is very little about the park itself. We do see the couple from the first book as the two women - Brooke and Emma are friends. Again the religious aspect was very muted and I am critical of pushy religion, so if I thought it was fine it probably isn't overly forceful.
Emma and Sam are both park rangers. Emma in the historical / interpretive field and Sam in law enforcement. They get a second chance after a breakup 10 years ago.
This story about park rangers and drugs in the park was interesting and fairly action packed. There is a romance layer with sort of a love triangle. BThis story about park rangers and drugs in the park was interesting and fairly action packed. There is a romance layer with sort of a love triangle. But it's very low key. I mostly paid attention to the crimes and investigations, which were well handled.
(While this is labeled a Christian romance it wasn't in your face, so I could enjoy it) I almost passed because of the labeling.
It looks like the next book is another ranger. So probably each book features a different couple, but each has a park ranger. There is only a bit of park info and events in this first book.
I'm a fan of the narrator and was able to get the audio version at Hoopla....more
Force of Nature was as suspenseful as I could imagine. The secret government team is after NaThis review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Force of Nature was as suspenseful as I could imagine. The secret government team is after Nate. The leader, who trained Nate, and others is projecting all his misdeeds onto Nate so the team will go to take him down.
The team starts killing everyone who knew Nate in Saddlestring area after forcing them to tell anything they knew. Joe has a new trainee game warden who seems more attached to his cell phone than his job. Joe quickly finds the people who are disappearing are dead and probably related to Nate. Eventually, he sends his family away but he won't desert Nate.
It's impossible to say much without spoiling this life and death thriller. Joe strands another pickup! Both Joe and Nate always seem to need to face extremely difficult moral decisions. Law enforcement and government often seem not to protect ordinary citizens.
COYER Buddy read with Berls who rated it (5)...more
I thought maybe with Joe getting back to Saddlestring and doing the regular game warden work, This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
I thought maybe with Joe getting back to Saddlestring and doing the regular game warden work, he might catch a break. But that wouldn't be a very interesting book. I am glad to see his family is together, other than April, and Sheridan off to college. April is spiteful and mean. Her life hasn't been easy, and she is a teen, but she doesn't seem grateful for anything.
Cold Wind is about the murder of Earl Alden out at his wind farm. Something is fishy with the sheriff sending people out before Joe called it in when he finds the body. Missy is disgusting as usual.
Nate is hiding out and more people are out to get him. I feel badly he is in such a position, although partially his choices have put him there. The corruption and politics are also responsible though.
Joe investigates the murder for Missy even though it is not his purview. He learns a lot about more corrupt people and schemes. The main witness is Bud Longbrake and I'm sad at his downward spiral since his divorce from Missy.
There are plenty of shocking events which happen. It's hard not to spoil the books this far into the series. It ends with a tease of people after Nate at the end.
I love the books by Allison Brennan. I decided to start at the beginning and read all the earThis review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
I love the books by Allison Brennan. I decided to start at the beginning and read all the early books leading up to the Lucy Kincaid series. So I look for the Kincaids and connections to them. Some books, like this trilogy, I had to read in ebook format because audio is not available.
I enjoyed Playing Dead more than I expected. The last of the prison break escapees, Tom O'Brien, is still out there. The FBI team is still looking and we know Mitch and Hans from the previous book. Mitch is watching his daughter, Claire to see if he contacts her. Tom saved Mitch's life and helped catch the other escapees. Tom was a cop until he was convicted of murdering his wife.
Claire has always believed her father killed her mother. She ends up with another cop, Bill whose son Dave, also ends up a cop. Bill keep in touch with her dad, but Tom doesn't want him to bring Claire to the prison. Claire hears from a law student who believes he has evidence her dad is innocent but she doesn't take him too seriously.
Claire and Mitch start falling for each other. Mitch misleads her about his job which is stupid, but they really are good together. Tom comes to see Claire about the law student and she starts to wonder about some things she didn't realize during the case when she was 14. Claire starts investigating and the law student turns up dead.
Mitch and his partner are on the law student murder also. Claire refuses to stop investigating but more people with connections and information are dying. The investigation is exciting, fast-paced and dangerous. I thought the killer was someone different than it was. It was a very fun read. ...more
Finally, Joe is free of Pope and Portenson, and getting back his Saddlestring district as gamThis review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Finally, Joe is free of Pope and Portenson, and getting back his Saddlestring district as game warden. He decides to finish up his work in the wilderness running down a report of elk poaching. He finds the poachers, brothers living off the land and he barely escapes with his life. Others aren't so lucky. A strange woman patches him up and then he escapes after being shot again.
Joe has no plans to go back and other law enforcement don't believe him. But a couple who lost their daughter up there ask him to go look for her. Joe believes she is the woman and with Nate's help he heads up again. It's the most frightening thing he has ever faced. He is not a hunter or great marksman.
But they aren't the only ones trying to find the brothers, a mercenary team is there also. It's an ironic look at the law versus justice. It poses a moral dilemma for Nate, and the brothers. Joe sticks to doing his job but is it worth his life?
Nowhere to Run is another thrilling story with plenty of issues of conscience and developing family dynamics, as well as the bureaucracy and politics of the government.
Narration: David Chandler is a favorite narrator. He is totally the voice for the Cork O'Connor series by William Kent Krueger. I wasn't sure I could listen to these because the voice is so much the other series to me. Now I am comfortable with him for these characters in this world. I seem to be able to enjoy him in multiple series without getting him stuck in my head as just one character. I was able to listen comfortably at my usual 1.5x speed.
Joe is not like my urban fantasy series stars; he does not build a group of misfit aThis review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
4.5 hearts
Joe is not like my urban fantasy series stars; he does not build a group of misfit allies. He just has Nate who has law enforcement after him. After 6 years, someone is texting his daughter claiming to be April. He and MaryBeth are skeptical but the texter sure does know a lot. Deciding they believe or need to find out the truth, Joe asks the governor for a leave of absence to go find her. He takes Sheridan since her phone is the contact.
He also tries to get the FBI to track the phone. Nate is also around for backup. Pretty quickly the texts make it clear she is in the company of two killers. Now the FBI is interested but Joe is afraid they will go in shooting like the last time April was in danger and she will be caught in the crossfire.
Below Zero is shocking and emotionally heartbreaking. Joe's girls want April to be okay, and back with them. They all hardly believe she is still alive. And if she is, why hasn't she contacted them before? The brutal deaths keep piling up. The FBI is hot on the trail now.
I know these characters and care about them. There are definitely all shades of gray and even black here. The greed and politics are clear and horrifying. A fast paced and exciting read I really enjoyed.
Narration: David Chandler is a favorite narrator. He is totally the voice for the Cork O'Connor series by William Kent Krueger. I wasn't sure I could listen to these because the voice is so much the other series to me. Now I am comfortable with him for these characters in this world. I seem to be able to enjoy him in multiple series without getting him stuck in my head as just one character. I was able to listen comfortably at my usual 1.5x speed.
COYER Buddy read with Berls who rated it 4 COYER May RAT...more
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