“Mind Me, Milady” by Anne Rothman and Kenneth Hicks

“Mind Me, Milady” is the first book of the Eve Petersen Mysteries by Anne Rothman and Kenneth Hicks. There is a criminal terrorizing women in New York City and he calls himself The Gentleman. Eve Petersen has been receiving personal attention from him via telephone calls. He calls to taunt her, or let her know where to find his latest victim. Eve is in the middle of tying up loose ends of her mother's law office's unfinished business after she died of cancer. Eve has some decisions to make about where her life is going, a controlling ex to deal with, a possible new love, an outrageous psychic, and the hunt is on to catch the Gentleman. People close to her fall victim to the Gentleman, one after another, and he has his sights set on one of Eve's newest clients. Not to mention he has promised Eve a date in the near future. 

Anne Rothman and Kenneth Hicks make this story a believable one. The villain could be someone from the headlines of a newspaper, a serial rapist who calls himself The Gentleman. The descriptions from the mind of the criminal are chilling. There are so many twists to the story that I was guessing about the identity of the rapist right up until the end of the book. The diverse spectrum of characters and the details of the setting made the book interesting. The historical parts woven into the tale make it even more interesting.  I liked Eve Petersen as a strong lead female character, as both a lawyer and a sleuth. Maria was also a favorite character. She was written very well into the female police officer role. “Mind Me, Milady” was an enjoyable mystery and I would read other books in the series.

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“Dancing on the Wings of the Wind” by Donna Kutzner

“Dancing on the Wings of the Wind” by Donna Kutzner is a self exploratory journey to find unhealed places within and turn yourself over to love. Only when rooted and grounded in love can you dance on the wings of the wind. It is a spiritual path using scriptures, anecdotes, and sets of journal questions to help you pinpoint the fears and burdens that you need to release. It also speaks about God's unconditional love and how you can learn to trust in Him because He doesn't love who you think you should be; He loves you exactly as you are. It helps in recognizing behaviors and thoughts that harm yourself and others that are not rooted in love, and gives suggestions and examples of how to turn them around. It discusses the difference between forgiveness and trust and how it is most beneficial to you if you forgive the ones who have done you harm.

Donna Kutzner made many good points in “Dancing on the Wings of the Wind.”  I agreed with much of the thought processes. It was a gentle invitation into the arms of God. I have always been a spiritual person, but did not grow up in a religious household. I have never felt it necessary to meet at an assigned place at a predetermined time every week in order to speak to God. While reading, I was engaged by the thought of meeting God wherever I chose, to have a conversation and listen with my heart. I highlighted many sections I felt were inspirational to read again in the future. The sections about fear and forgiveness struck home with me. After reading the book and doing the exercises I found that some of the fearful behaviors apply to me. I was glad to gain that insight. I enjoyed this book.

“HOMECOMING, a Wisconsin Reunion Romance” by Janet Wellington

In “HOMECOMING, a Wisconsin Reunion Romance” by Janet Wellington, Cory had her heart broken in divorce. Her husband used her to get where he wanted to be in his career and then left her for someone younger and richer. Cory moved back to Faythe, Wisconsin and took a job caring for Tillie and her nine cats. She learned that Tillie was Jake's great aunt – Jake who broke her heart in high school. Jake ran as far and as fast as he could from Faythe when he was eighteen, leaving Cory behind. When Tillie passed away, she left instructions for Jake and Cory to fix up the house, sell it, and then split the profits. Tillie was a bit of a matchmaker, having connected over fifty couples, who then married. Jake and Cory planned to honor their obligations to Tillie and go their separate ways, but there were surprises in store for them. 

I loved the beautiful cover of “HOMECOMING, a Wisconsin Reunion Romance” because I am drawn to houses of that era. Cory's and Jake's pain from the past was depicted well enough so I could understand why they were fearful of letting down their defenses and getting involved in a relationship. The sexual tension was consistent and I could feel their connection. I liked them both enough to keep hoping they'd get their happily-ever-after. Some interesting and painful circumstances lead to their understanding and admitting how they really felt about each other. I especially liked the touching scenes between Jake and his father later on in the book centered on forgiveness. I also enjoyed how Tillie was a character and played a role in the plot even though she had died. Janet Wellington penned a sweet romantic tale.

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"Tweet Revenge: A Dawn Johnson Mystery" (Dawn Johnson Mystersies Book 1) by Rickard B DeMille

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and I recommend it.

"Tweet Revenge" by Rickard B Demille is a suspenseful mystery with a woman sleuth. FBI agent Dawn Johnson has her first real case after recovering from near fatal gun shot wounds. She received them when she interrupted a robbery in progress during a celebratory beer run only hours after graduating from the academy. She studied medicine and law, but has changed the focus of her career. She wants, no, she needs to be an agent so she can secretly investigate the disappearance of her father. Her boss doesn't seem to want her around and consistently recommends she go back to Quantico where her skills can be best put to use. Dawn holds her own in this race to catch a serial killer who uses twitter to announce his activities and taunt the police. She has to stand strong amongst the lead detective Guzman, a Texas sheriff, Bubba Scates who's personality doesn't exactly shine, and her own boss who wants to find any reason at all to pull her off the case. Justice is handing out retribution for some horrible crimes that the offenders walked away from, and is able to stay one step ahead of the police... and Dawn has to wonder why that is. She is a smart, strong, and capable woman, but can she puzzle this one out before it's too late?

I enjoyed this story very much because the characters are well developed and believable (I especially liked Bubba Scates - a complex man), the plot moved smoothly, and because it was just a darn interesting mystery. The balance between police investigation and action made it an easy read. The chapters from Justice's point of view were chilling.The ending meshed, and it was well planned out to leave room for sequels that I am sure will be as captivating as this book was.

In all fair disclosure, I did mention to the author another round of editing could be used. 

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Found, Near Water by Katherine Hayton

“Found, Near Water” by Katherine Hayton is a powerful and raw story about six women and how they lost their children. While the author weaves an interesting tale of tragic circumstances and how they irrevocably change the characters' lives, it pulls you in and leaves you gasping at the sheer horror of some of the events. Christine, a former psychiatrist, leads us through most of the story lending support to a divorced couple who have lost their daughter. That is a complex plot, where things aren't always what they seem and sure to keep the reader on their toes. There are intermittent parts that explain each woman's life and their loss. Christine's marriage is falling apart, her husband is an alcoholic, her support group isn't much support anymore, and a known pedophile that killed one woman's daughter has been released from prison. Christine finds it hard to care about any of it, trudging through every day of her own life trying to forgive herself for what she could or could not have done to save her own daughter. I enjoyed the story. However, there were too many details and events in the plot left unexplained, open ended, or seemed to come clear out of the blue that left me feeling like all the dots weren't connected, and for that reason, I hope it was planned that way and there is going to be a sequel. 

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"Sense of Adventure" by Claire Davon

In “Sense of Adventure” by Claire Davon, Gina is conservative and unlikely to take any risks. She is focused on her career, and a new client falls into her lap- an important client, an extreme sports enthusiast named Hunter. Gina and Hunter try to fight their attraction, because he wants to be involved with an idealist as much as she wants to be involved with a dare devil. It is also a fact that Hunter doesn't do relationships. The chemistry between them is too much, and they give it a go, but some secrets from the past and sticky situations trip them up after Hunter decides having a relationship may not be that bad after all.

I liked the relationship between Gina's teenage brother and Hunter. I didn't like Gina's mother, but she played an important role in the story. She had been burned by Gina's father too many times and she was trying to protect Gina from the same thing in her strange, shrewish way. I found it hard to like the relationship between Hunter and Gina because of the constant talk about the differences in their lifestyles and Gina's insecurities about it. Gina seemed more like a high school student than a grown woman. It grated after a while. There were a few sweet scenes, but too many were over the top for me, too mushy. Claire Davon's interesting angle and unique story line including the extreme sports venue kept me reading til the end. “Sense of Adventure” was a quick and light read.

I was given a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

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“Rondo” by Tell Cotten

“Rondo” by Tell Cotten continues the Landon saga. Ike Nash's hired hands have been riding in and wreaking havoc on Empty-lake's businesses, doing damage and taking goods without paying. Three business owners from the town approach Rondo and ask him to become sheriff. Rondo knows they are asking because of his reputation with a gun. He thinks he'd prefer working the cows on the Tomlin ranch and feels his friend, Ross would be better for the job because he's well educated and knowledgeable about the law. Rondo decides to take the job as sheriff because it includes a small house. He wants to marry Mr. Tomlin's daughter, Rachel and feels he will have something to offer with the badge. He also gets to choose anyone he wants as his deputy, so he picks Ross. 

This Western tale is interesting and entertaining. Even though it is the fourth book in the series, it stands well on its own and I would like to read the initial books to find out the whole story. Tell Cotten brings several attention grabbing, unique characters and combines them with the genuine 'old west' feel that lends credibility to “Rondo”.  I enjoyed Rondo's calm demeanor in the face of any dangerous situation. His friendship with Ross is stronger than any competitive feelings or rivalries they may have. They work well together in wrapping up Ike Nash's dirty business, even though a lovely lady named Lucy comes in on a carriage sparking a disagreement between them, and a stranger rides into town who wants to kill Rondo. Rondo is the type of guy people feel loyal to and have his back, even though he was previously an outlaw. His character has depth. I enjoyed this book.

Originally reviewed for Readers' Favorite



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VAN LAVEN CHRONICLES: THRONE OF NOVOXOS by Tyler Chase

DESCRIPTION AS ON GOODREADS:

Sometimes the enemy within is worse than the enemy without…

Lord Comron Van Laven is the brave but deeply troubled heir to throne. Lady Vaush Bastionli, is the spirited daughter of his mortal enemy, the one woman he should never love. But when a cruel twist of fate forces them to rely on each other for their very survival, old hatreds are supplanted by something far too powerful for them to resist.

But a startling revelation about Vaush’s true origins threatens to destroy Comron’s kingdom. Meanwhile, his own deeply disturbing family history may prove to be his undoing. Possessed by his fiery passion for Vaush, yet compelled to protect his realm, Comron embarks on a thrilling, inter-planetary odyssey that plunges the couple into the midst of epic battles and raging political power struggles.

Those seeking to kill or control Vaush relentlessly hunt the two as they race to Novoxos where Comron can help Vaush fulfill her destiny and save the Empire from a horrible, apocalyptic fate. If only Comron’s internal chaos doesn't destroy them first…

MY REVIEW:

"Sometimes the enemy within is worse than the enemy without..." This quote sums up Lord Comron Van Laven's problem in this cool new futuristic spin on a tale of star crossed lovers. It is a terrible thing when your enemy can get inside your head. Crausin, who is Comron's "father," wants to keep his allegiance and by any means necessary make sure he is not abandoned by his son. In a sick and twisted mind game with horrific consequences if Comron doesn't follow along, he keeps him under his thumb... until Comron and Vaush find themselves in mortal danger. Comron and Vaush should hate each other, but instead, their love blossoms and grows stronger than anything thrown at them. In this story, they battle against all odds, terrorist type attacks, life threatening weather, and some very nasty beasts to boot, to stay alive and stay together. Comron continues to hold true to his oath with Crausin while trying to come up with a way to balance his duty to his kingdom and keep his promises to Vaush. The story is a non-stop ball of energy and action, with romance and eternal love sprinkled in for extra enjoyment. Mix in Spira, who wants to marry Comron and share the bed of his father, and the forces pushing Comron to go through with the deed and the plot has quite a lot going for it. I enjoyed the story very much and would read the next novels in the series to find out what happens after the thrilling journey to Novoxos.

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"Rogue's Son" by Darcy Flynn

Rogue's Son by Darcy Flynn is a clean romance. Kit Kendall, owner of Sage Brush - the once-thriving West Texas bed and breakfast ranch now struggles daily to keep her business afloat. Since McCabe Lodge reopened next door as a multi-million-dollar resort, she suffers one cancellation after another. Just when she thought things couldn't get any worse, Kit’s former neighbor - that she was in love with as a teenager - returns as the new owner of that resort. Sam Dawson has returned to Sugar Creek after six years with a secret. Under circumstances set by his father’s will, Sam doesn't have much time to convince Kit to sell him her ranch or reveal the truth about her father that will break her heart. 

Darcy Flynn did a smashing job with this romantic must read. Kit Kendall was such a vivid and real character it was impossible not to connect with her emotionally. Her tomboy ways were endearing. Her family pride and stubborn streak made me respect her. Sam Dawson was the definition of a cowboy. He added just the right amount of hunky spice to the story, and I have to add he was a gentleman to boot. I found him just dreamy. The plot was developed and delivered in a clear, concise manner. I enjoyed the way it played out. Even though I could guess how some characters were a little bit evil, there were still some surprises as to the depths of dirty they would stoop. Oh, those characters you can love to hate. I love them. I was very taken with Rogue's Son and look forward to reading more by this author. 

This book was originally reviewed for Readers' Favorite

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"Tarnished Heroes" by David Kessler

DESCRIPTION AS ON AMAZON:


Neil Douglas, a young policeman, rushes to the aid of a woman who has been stabbed on London's Hampstead Heath. Seeing a man standing over the body, he lashes out with his baton, striking the man in the head. There is just one problem: the man didn't attack the woman; he was coming to her aid. Neil has just put an innocent man in a life-threatening coma - a man who was actually trying to HELP!

And the killer is still on the loose.

Supended from duty and tormented by guilt, Neil is determined to trackdown the escaped killer. All the while he is taunted over the airwaves by a pretty but ruthless American phone-in show presenter.

But who was the dead woman? Who is trying to hide every trace of her past? And does her case have anything to do with another murder case five years ago in which the "innocent man" whom Neil struck was the prime suspect? Neil is determined to find the answers to these questions - even if it costs him his life.




MY REVIEW:

I was drawn in by the description of "Tarnished Heroes." I thought Neil made an interesting main character, dealing with his own demons and trying to redeem himself for his mistake. I liked the fact that the identity of the killer wasn't uncovered too quickly.The premise of the plot intrigued and captivated me. I loved the idea that the policeman struck the man who was trying to rescue the victim from a vicious attacker and the real assailant got away. Let's get to the hunt, let's find the guy who really did it, but it settled into a less than thrilling lull, seemed to take forever to get moving, and there was a problem with formatting or proofreading that made it an even slower read. I had to keep setting it down. I would have rated the book higher if it was more action oriented and less talk. I couldn't get into the radio talk show part. I did think the end picked up and was much more exciting.

I was given a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

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"The Herb Gardener" by Maris Morton

Still hurting after a painful divorce, Joanna leaves the city, moving with her six-year-old daughter Mia to a country town. She’s looking for a better, happier life, and when she meets farmer Chris Youngman, she discovers the possibility of a future as a farmer’s wife.

Joanna is at first dismayed by the unexpected isolation of the farm, but Chris’s affection helps her to adjust. Then the unexplained death of a young farm worker brings complications she could never have imagined, and Joanna has to fight for her happiness, her family, and even her own life

In "The Herb Gardener" by Maris Morton, after a painful divorce, Joanna is leaving the city with her daughter, Mia to spend some time cooking at a farm for her new love interest. It seems a sort of trial run to see how things go, and if they do well, perhaps she will become a farmer's wife and start a new life. The reader is introduced to new characters beginning as soon as she arrives at the farm. As she is struggling to adjust to the setting, a murder is discovered and the road to uncovering the perpetrator's identity reveals the truth about many of the people living in Joanna's new world.

"The Herb Gardener" became an interesting mystery and look into a different place. Maris Morton's descriptions were vivid and detailed. The story branched out into enough directions to be puzzling. The characters were diverse, and engaging. Mickey, who worked for Chris doing some renovations, was such a unique individual. My female favorite was Allie, from the neighboring farm. Her bold and intense characteristics stand out in my memory above most others. Joanna's handling of her attempts to become friends rivaled the efforts to discover who the murderer was as most entertaining. Another of the best parts of the book was learning about how things work on a farm in Australia. As the story wound down, and mysteries were solved, the ultimate in justice served or maybe karma gave a final added enjoyable twist that left me smiling.

Originally reviewed for Readers' Favorite Book Review and Awards 

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