The Trespassers by Stephanie Black

 

Rayna Kirkpatrick has lived her entire life with a secret: she possesses dangerous paranormal abilities. But she’s carefully kept her powers hidden from the world―or so she thinks. When new struggles in her life prompt her to seek information about her abilities, her internet search sends up red flags. Without her knowledge, she is placed under surveillance by a government team who monitors people with unique gifts like hers, individuals known as Trespassers. There are only two options for those manifesting such supernatural abilities: submit to regulation and scientific study or be eliminated.

Damon Hale is an invaluable asset to the government. As a Trespasser himself, he is perfectly positioned to determine how to handle others like him. When a series of unexplained deaths is connected to Rayna, Damon is assigned to go undercover to her California hometown to determine whether she’s the killer they suspect she is. As he gets to know this kind and charming woman, he’s determined not to allow his growing attraction to her to shake his objectivity. But the deaths surrounding her are no coincidence, and as his suspicions about her guilt begin to fade, he realizes he and Rayna must work together to discover the truth or risk becoming the next victims.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book *

First, I have to say that I think the cover on this book is super cool.  I love how it represents this book so perfectly.  Yeah, very cool cover.

The story is pretty cool too.  All mystery and a bit of suspense.  The plot thickens with every turn of the page while I suspect everyone at some point or another.  There is a big cast of characters but I never felt overwhelmed or lost in keeping track of them all.  That's a huge credit to the author.

Rayna has a crazy supernatural, paranormal type of ability.  I can't even imagine how that would be but it was fun to be immersed in a world that was nothing like my own for a bit.  It all felt so real, so plausible.  It was good stuff.

I'm hoping this has set us up for a whole new series by this author.  Rayna's story definitely isn't over so it better continue on!  Also, as a note, there is no romance in this book.  Just in case that is a make or break for you. 😉

Release day is September 5th!  You can pre-order now.

Content:  peril, mild violence, death.  Mention of miscarriages, divorce, abuse.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Memory Lane by Becky Wade

 

After surviving a trauma several years back, Remy Reed relocated to a cottage on one of Maine’s most remote islands. She’s arranged her life just the way she wants it, spending her time working on her wood sculptures and soaking in the beauty of nature. It’s quiet and solitary—until the day she spots something bobbing in the ocean.

Her binoculars reveal the “something” to be a man, and he’s struggling to keep his head above water. She races out to save him and brings him into her home. He’s injured, which doesn’t detract from his handsomeness nor make him any easier to bear. He acts like a duke who’s misplaced his dukedom . . . expensive tastes, lazy charm, bossy ideas.

Remy would love nothing more than to return him to his people, but he has no recollection of his life prior to the moment she rescued him. Though she’s not interested in relationships other than the safe ones she’s already established, she begins to realize that he’s coming to depend on her.

Who is he? What happened that landed him in the Atlantic Ocean? And why is she drawn to him more and more as time goes by?

There’s no way to discover those answers except to walk beside him down memory lane.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

First, I have to say that I am a fan of this author.  I've been reading her books for so long.  She's an auto read for me and I rarely read the blurbs for the books before agreeing to review.  That's why this book caught me a bit off guard.  It is totally different than what I've read before and not what I was expecting at all.  That isn't a bad thing!  

This book was more mystery.  Remy finds a man in the ocean that has been through things, clearly.  He's battered and can't remember anything.  There is the whole mystery around what happened and as he tries to recover and remember, the plot thickens.  I really liked *Jonah*.  He was quite determined and ever so patient with Remy, who has a shell harder than a turtle. The things he did to help and support Remy were so sweet.  He was always thinking of her.   I'm not exactly sure how *Jonah* became so enamored with her because man, was she hard to get to know and like for me, as a reader.  So prickly, that one.  Yes, she has some good reasons due to her own trauma, but still.

I would say this story was a bit heavier due to some of the trauma the characters experienced.  This wasn't a light read.  It was a little gritty and stayed pretty heavy all the way through but the ending was really good.  Everything came together in a great climactic showdown and it was completely engaging.  I loved that part!  The epilogue helped lighten things and gave me some happily ever after vibes.

I'm looking forward to the next book about Joel, who is *Jonah's* brother.  FBI and going under cover.  It should be so good!

Content:  peril, mild violence.  Kissing.  Some trigger warnings for rape and infidelity.  Some Christian elements.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Come, Gentle Night (Natalie Marsh #5) by Stephanie Black

 

After her entanglement in several homicide investigations, psychologist Natalie Marsh is determined to avoid further trouble. But when her intern needs help monitoring and calming family drama for the duration of a party, Natalie steps up. After all, acting as a peacemaker at a fundraising gala seems relatively risk-free in comparison to her past escapades—what could happen at a dance? When an argument between feuding guests becomes assault, Natalie realizes the situation is more complicated than she anticipated, with one man at the center of it all: Rowan Montrose.

Four years ago, Rowan’s brother was convicted of murdering his wife. But Rowan believes there’s more to the story, suspecting that the real murderer is walking free. His romantic interest in the younger sister of a police detective renders him more determined than ever to clear the family name. Familiar with Natalie’s reputation, he seeks out her assistance. Natalie tries to decline—she’s no private detective—but as frightening incidents unfold, it’s clear she’s in the middle of this whether she wants to be or not, and breaking through the layers of deception that hide the truth may have lethal consequences.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book *

I've been reading these Natalie Marsh mystery books since the very beginning and I'm always so excited to get a new one.  Natalie is a character with smarts and a gift for patience but she is also a trouble magnet.  And when I say trouble, I mean death and destruction kind of trouble.  It's frightening.  Just ask her husband.  Poor guy.  He is always put through the ringer.  I don't know how they both don't have PTSD.

This mystery was so well crafted.  I love suspecting everyone and finding the truth right along with the characters.  This one had me so invested from beginning to end.  The danger had a growing momentum that had me reading so fast, I had to purposely slow myself down.  I was in such a hurry to find out the "who done it" that I was missing the good stuff.  I'm impatient like that.  

The ending was awesome.  I loved how everything came together.  I'm a fan of this author and her mysteries.  So, so good.

This book releases on Nov. 2nd!  It is part of a series and I think you will be happier if you read it in order because Natalie will feel like a friend and you will know her history.  But, I think you could read it as a stand alone.

Content:  violence, death, peril.  Kissing.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own. 

Bound In Shallows (Natalie Marsh #4) by Stephanie Black

 

 

It’s the week before her wedding, and Natalie Marsh doesn’t have a moment to spare. But when a potential donor requests a meeting regarding Natalie’s mental health clinic, the soon-to-be-bride makes time for the conversation—especially since that donor is tied to a tragedy in the life of Natalie’s fiancé, Gideon: eight years ago, Gideon’s roommate Travis died of a drug overdose.

Now Travis’s mother wants to honor his memory by helping others avoid the same fate. It is a noble request that soon turns into a nightmare. As wedding celebrations ensue, old friends renew
acquaintances. But what begins as a party of wedding guests becomes a cast of suspects when the discovery of a bloodstained knife puts them all under the spotlight. Things are taking a deadly turn, leading Natalie and Gideon to a horrifying realization: all those years ago, Travis didn’t overdose—he was murdered. And his killer is willing to take deadly action to silence anyone who suspects the truth.

  * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book *

Oh my.  I think Gideon and Natalie will need a lifetime of counseling after all the things that have happened not only in this book but the previous three.  How can two people go through so much?!

I love when I'm thinking about a book even when I'm not reading it.  This was one of those kind of books.   Every secondary character was a suspect in my mind at some point or another and it was a long list.  You know that a murder mystery is going well if you suspect everyone!  

Natalie and Gideon's relationship has been growing since the first book and in this book, it's wedding time.  I would really recommend reading this series in order.  You will have all the backstory understanding you need if you do.  While the books are more plot heavy, there are many characters who are in all (or most) of the books.  You will want to know them.  And if you are starting from the beginning, get ready for a crazy ride!!

The build up in this book was great.  I loved the tension and the multiple perspectives.  It was an excellent diversion.

Content:  Peril, violence, death.   

 - I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Her Billionaire's Murder Mystery (Billionaire Bachelor Mountain Cove Book Book 14) by Stephanie Fowers

The mystery holds the clues to their hearts.
Aaron Mills has buried his aching heart for years under a charming façade. Success and money can never replace what he lost so many years ago.

Charlize Dean has her hands full keeping her mother from getting banned from Bingo night in their small town of Eureka Springs. When she gets roped into playing a flapper for a weeklong ‘20s Murder Mystery at the hotel where she works, the last thing on her mind is getting mixed up with the charity event’s gorgeous sponsor—no matter how blue Aaron’s eyes are.

Aaron can hardly believe he’s falling for his leading lady, and worse, he can’t prove to Charlize he’s not a “player.” When the mystery of the game turns a little too real, can they forget their growing attraction to solve a forgotten crime or is love in the script too?

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Have you ever attended a murder mystery party?  I've only been to one and it was just a one night dinner party.  It was fun but I think that was more about the people I was with than the actual murder mystery.  This book is entirely based on a week long murder mystery party in a fancy 20's era hotel with rich, fancy people.  I felt like aside from the prologue which was emotional and personal, this book was very plot based as expected given the premise.  There are a lot of characters in play so it was harder to connect emotionally.

I liked Charlize and Aaron.  Aaron is generally misunderstood and that makes it harder for Charlize to trust him.  He is smitten at first glance of Charlize but she keeps him at bay for a few minutes.  Haha.  Both Charlize and Aaron reach a point where they have a hard telling what is real and what is fake.  They have suspicions, Charlize more than Aaron, I think.

This party has a "real" turn of events and I could feel the growing tension between characters.  The ending was exciting and probably my favorite part.  I liked this book, but I didn't love it.  It's not my favorite by this author but it was different and if you love murder mysteries, you should really pick this book up.

Content:  mild peril, mild violence, kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

To Die To Sleep by Stephanie Black + Win This Book!

After surviving a difficult year, Natalie Marsh is heading for Ellsberg Keep, an exclusive mountain resort that promises to provide the tranquility she desperately needs. She’s eager to relax and to reconnect with her estranged cousin Lily, who works as the Keep’s nurse—a reunion that begins abruptly when an accident on the winding mountain roads lands Natalie in the infirmary in the care of her cousin. They have little time to bond over childhood memories, however. Everything is thrown into chaos when the owner of the Keep is rushed to the medical wing, wildly delusional and raving about a murder plot.

Despite Lily’s care, the owner dies. Is his death simply an accident, or are his frenzied suspicions true? Determined to help Lily cope with the loss of her patient—and the accusations that she’s to blame for his death—Natalie searches for answers and is swept into a mystery that grows more puzzling as frightening hallucinations torment the dead man’s son. When a staff member who asks too many questions disappears, it is clear that this idyllic resort harbors someone with deadly intent—and Natalie may not survive to uncover the truth.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book *

Stephanie Black is an author whose books I have been reading for a long time.  I know exactly what I'm going to get when I pick up one of her books and I love that.  

This book is labeled suspense and there was some of that but to me it felt more like a mystery.  The characters are trying to piece together what is happening around the Keep because things are definitely not as they should be.  I kept trying to guess who the "bad guy" was but it was always changing.  The author was great at casting suspicion on all the people at some point or another.  There were a lot of characters in this book but I never felt confused or overwhelmed by who was who, which is another tribute to the author.

I enjoyed the building nature of the story and the climactic ending where everything starts coming together.  I tend to start reading faster when things get climactic and I really had to purposely slow myself down several time toward the end.  So good!!

This book is definitely more plot driven than emotionally driven.  There isn't much romance to speak.  It was interesting and engaging though, from beginning to end.  I really enjoyed it!

Content:  death, mild violence, peril

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

About the author:  

I’ve enjoyed making up stories since I was a child, when my sisters and I would play long Barbie games full of intrigue and danger, or write and direct plays for ourselves and our younger siblings. I took a creative writing class in high school, but my stories stunk, since I hadn’t yet figured out that a story needs a plot. An encouraging comment from the teacher got me rolling in the right direction (thank you, Mrs. Owen!) and my final story for that class eventually developed--after many years, much studying of fictional technique, and countless hours of writing and rewriting--into my first published novel: The Believer, a dystopian thriller, was published in 2005 by Covenant Communications.

Four of my contemporary mysteries are Whitney Award winners for Best Mystery/Suspense, and my second dystopian novel was a Whitney Award Finalist for Best Speculative Novel. My novella “An Eye for an Eye” was part of the RONE Award-winning anthology Timeless Romance: Autumn Suspense collection.

My husband Brian and I have five children, two children-in-law (with one more on deck), and a rather majestic cat. I love spending time with my family, enjoy homemade pizza and anything chocolate, and have recently developed a fondness for LEGO projects. I play the violin in a community symphony (but never practice enough), and always have unmatched socks, post-laundry. At the center of everything that matters most is my love for the gospel of Jesus Christ.

 

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Cash Valley by Ryan K. Nelson

When FBI Agent Alex Travis receives an anonymous phone call on a September morning in 1954 with a tip concerning the now cold case of the Cache County Bank robbery, it has his undivided attention. The tip leads Travis to the top of the secluded Green canyon in Logan, Utah, where a young man named Jack Pepper proceeds to tell a story spanning the two years from the time of the robbery, when he and his girlfriend, Kate Austin, stumbled upon the crime of the century for the Cache valley. Travis must decide if he is dealing with the suspects or the victims of one of the largest bank robberies in U.S. history.

To get the answers, it will take one more trip up the canyon, to the entrance of the Spring Hollow mine, where the daylight ends and the cold dark begins.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * 

The way this mystery unfolded was not quite like any mystery I've read before.  It was, for the most part, interesting but sometimes I felt like the story was dragging a bit.  The pacing is slow up until the end and yet, I was curious the whole way through.  How would things end?  What was going to happen?  

This book is plot driven for sure.  I don't know that I had a lot of emotional or personal connections to the characters, but I liked them well enough.  I was definitely interested in the story which is mostly told in a series of flashbacks and verbal memories from one character to another which is what made it so different, I guess.  It's not heart pounding or dynamic but there is definitely something there that kept me reading to the end.  It felt like a story that might be told around a campfire late at night.

I think I would describe this book as a gentle mystery with a western feel to it.  If you love mysteries, you should give this book a look.  It's also on Kindle Unlimited!

Content:  some violence, death, kissing, peril

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

 

Sleepless Beauty (Someone Else's Fairytale #6) by E.M. Tippetts

Chloe could have had the perfect childbirth…

If only the baby hadn't come two weeks early

If only Jason wasn't working overtime to save his new television series

If only the television crew wouldn't antagonize the archaeologists working next to the set

If only the archaeologists hadn't found that dead body

If only the main suspect wasn't the beloved boyfriend of sweet Lizzie Warner, a girl who deserves to have it all…

Chloe’s first week of motherhood isn't going at all how she hoped, so she is determined to solve the murder, no matter what it takes. Perhaps then the second week can be magical.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

This is a series I've been reading since the very beginning and one I would highly recommend reading in order.  If I would have started with this book, I would have been completely underwhelmed.  The characters development happen over the course of the series and the secondary characters all have a major part in different books so yeah, read them in order or you won't be very happy.

Because I have read all the books in this series, it was good to be back with Jason and Chloe again, starting a new chapter of their lives.  I really wish there would have been more interactions between Jason and Chloe, more personal and intimate conversations.  I felt like everything was very surface and I was lacking those emotional connections.  Having said that though, I did still enjoy this story.  Chloe is a smart gal and it's fun to watch her work her magic in solving crimes.  I like where this next book is headed and how the characters are coming together in new ways.  The ending left me wanting more for sure!

Content:  A murder and murder scene is discussed in detail which was a bit gruesome.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Here is something very happy!  You can pick up the first four books in this series right now through July 5th for just $.99!  How awesome is that?!  Four full length books for just a dollar.  

Amazon

 

The Viscount of Maisons-Laffitte by Jennie Goutet

Single moms are not supposed to fall for rich French aristocrats!
There's just no way he will ever choose her.

Is there such a thing as Prince Charming? Chastity didn't take a teaching job in France to find hers, but a woman can dream, n'est-ce pas? If the father of one of her students--the Viscount Charles Jean Anne Monorie de Brase--is the best local example of princes, Charming or Otherwise, Chastity is ready to put aside any thought of falling in love again.

She's had enough of his arrogance and would prefer him to keep his distance, yet it seems there is no avoiding each other. With the ongoing pressure of a repentant ex-boyfriend, a nefarious drug dealer, and an art heist that spans the decades, Chastity and the viscount are thrown together by circumstances she would soon rather forget.

As the intimacy between Charles and Chastity deepens, they must decide if their love is enough to bridge the gap between their disparate worlds, and if happily ever after can exist outside of fairy tales.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

I had a hard time settling in with this book.  There were a lot of characters and the perspective and voice was always changing, sometimes without me knowing who exactly it was.  I think this was supposed to add an air of mystery but to me it was distracting.  I got used to the writing style as I went on but it sure wasn't my favorite.  Because there were so many characters and the voice was constantly switching, I think I had a harder time connecting emotionally.

The setting in France was fun.  I enjoyed the brief glances at French life (the market, the cafe) and wish there had been more of those.

The overall storyline was good.  There was a building mystery with plenty of characters with nefarious plans.  They all sort of converge in the end along with the romance.  It makes a compelling ending!

Overall, this wasn't my favorite book but it had some good moments.  3/5 stars.

Content:  Drug use and drug dealing, mild violence but nothing graphic, clean romance

- I received a copy of this book for free.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Beauty and the Clockwork Beast by Nancy Campbell Allen

Jane Eyre meets Beauty and the Beast.

When Lucy Pickett arrives at Blackwell Manor to tend to her ailing cousin, Kate, she finds more than she bargained for. A restless ghost roams the hallways, werewolves have been reported in the area, and vampires lurk across the Scottish border. Lord Miles himself is clearly hiding a secret. He is brash and inhospitable, and does not take kindly to visitors—even one as smart and attractive as Miss Pickett. He is unsettled by the mysterious deaths of his new wife, Clara, and his sister, Marie. Working together, Miles and Lucy attempt to restore peace to Blackwell Manor. But can Lucy solve the mystery of Miles? Can she love the man—beast and all?

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

I have been anxiously waiting to read this book.  It's been sitting on my shelf for awhile now, staring at me, begging to be read.  :)  I was so happy to finally settle in and get to read it.  I've been so curious about it.  This book is a combination of so many genres- steampunk, paranormal, mystery, romance.  It really does have a Jane Eyre slash Beauty and the Beast feel to it.  There is something dark and edgy about it while also being romantic and sweet.  It's so hard to explain but I can honestly say I've never read anything quite like it!

This book is thick!  Good and long.  All the details are meaty and full of depth.  I think I would have loved this book simply as a paranormal romance but the steampunk aspect brought in a whole new dimension.  It was worked in seamlessly and made the whole story feel like something new and exciting.  What a clever idea!

I enjoyed this book from beginning to end.  The pacing was good- especially in the second half of the book where things really pick up.  I was compelled to continue reading and reluctant to put it down.  What a fun adventure this book is!  I hope I get more books like this- there are a few other characters in this book that definitely need their stories told.

Content:  Some mild gore/violence.  Clean!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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