The Apprentice Review

Title:  The Apprentice
Series:  Rizzoli & Isles #2
Author:  Tess Gerritsen

My Rating:  4.5 Heart-Racing ♥'s







Synopsis:
The bestselling author of The Surgeon returns—and so does that chilling novel’s diabolical villain. Though held behind bars, Warren Hoyt still haunts a helpless city, seeming to bequeath his evil legacy to a student all-too-diligent . . . and all-too-deadly.

THE APPRENTICE It is a boiling hot Boston summer. Adding to the city’s woes is a series of shocking crimes, in which wealthy men are made to watch while their wives are brutalized. A sadistic demand that ends in abduction and death.

The pattern suggests one man: serial killer Warren Hoyt, recently removed from the city’s streets. Police can only assume an acolyte is at large, a maniac basing his attacks on the twisted medical techniques of the madman he so admires. At least that’s what Detective Jane Rizzoli thinks. Forced again to confront the killer who scarred her—literally and figuratively—she is determined to finally end Hoyt’s awful influence . . . even if it means receiving more resistance from her all-male homicide squad.

But Rizzoli isn’t counting on the U.S. government’s sudden interest. Or on meeting Special Agent Gabriel Dean, who knows more than he will tell. Most of all, she isn’t counting on becoming a target herself, once Hoyt is suddenly free, joining his mysterious blood brother in a vicious vendetta. . . .

Review:

Intense doesn't begin to describe The Apprentice. This is on-the-edge of your seat, heart-racing, scared-to-turn-the-lights off suspense! It's been a year since Jane put away the Surgeon. Physically, she's healed, but mentally & emotionally - she's got a long ways to go. And now she's called to the scene of a horrific murder in another district . . . one that mimics those perpetrated by the Surgeon. Jane's nightmares come rushing back as she is forced to face her demons once again. I'm happy to say that I not only liked Jane better in this one, but I also understood her better. Jane comes with a trunk full of damaged baggage, coming off as a little petty & whiny in book 1. But in The Apprentice, we see a more focused Jane - stronger, tougher, less concerned with how male co-workers see her and more willing to work with the team. A strong supporting cast adds even more intrigue to this book. Readers meet mysterious FBI Agent Gabriel Dean who proves to be a complication and medical examiner Maura Isles who I find very intriguing.

Chilling, horrifying, nonstop action kept me glued to the pages of The Apprentice. Add to that the fact that some scenes are told from the point of view of Warren Hoyt aka The Surgeon . . . and you have a Must Read! Brilliantly written - a Page Burner! 

My Rating:  5 Heart-Racing ♥'s . . . And that's the truth!

Cross My Heart . . . xxx

♥Sandra♥

Prince of Honor (House of Terriot, Book 1) Review

Title:  Prince of Honor
Series:  House of Terriot, Book 1
Author:  Nancy Gideon
Release Date:  October 24, 2016
Buy Link:  Amazon

My Rating:  5 Dark, Damaged, Deadly, Dirty, Delicious ♥'s

My Thoughts:  The H.O.T. princes are all as HOT as this book cover indicates . . . I'm talking Holy Moly, Take-It-Off, Panty-Dropping HOT!

*Many thanks to the author for the opportunity to Beta Read this book.
Synopsis:
Could the bargain they made to save their lives become their reality?

Turow . . .

Strong, silent man of integrity content to serve his new king as a prince in the turbulent shape-shifter House of Terriot. A tracker and relentless hunter, he’s used to running trails alone until charged with returning a traitor to their mountain top home to face the unforgiving judgment of their clan. Isolated with the bad girl he’s loved forever, the choice between duty and desire has never been more difficult . . . or deadly.

Sylvia . . .

Manipulative schemer or victim caught between a mother’s ambition and a rogue prince’s lust for power? Trust is almost as foreign as the idea of love, but to save herself from certain death, she must risk both on the good man who deserves them . . . from someone worthy. Trapped by the only one who believes in her goodness, she must betray him and run for her life . . . or stay and destroy him with a long hidden truth.

Deadly, Damaged, and Delicious!
House of Terriot
Brothers too H.o.T. to Handle! 

Review:
Prince of Honor is the first of four books in the House of Terriot series - a spin-off of Gideon's By Moonlight series. Each book features one of four H.O.T. shape-shifter princes - alike in their allegiance to their king, family, & throne and yet, different in personalities, personal battles, and the persona they present to the public. Four deadly princes with a chip on their shoulders, a battle to win, a throne to protect.  Four delicious princes who love fiercely, party hardy, and break hearts.

Prince of Honor is a story about love, loss, redemption, and . . . honor.  It features Turow Terriot, the strong, honorable protector, often hidden in the shadows of his more flamboyant brothers - a prince who has pledged to serve his king at any cost - even if it means transporting the woman he has secretly loved for years back to face certain death before his clan. The choice between duty & passion is a difficult one when you're traveling with a desirable, cunning, yet deadly siren whose song resonates in your heart and soul - one who fills your mind with want and need, driving you wild with her scent - one who crawls over your skin and flows through your blood - one who has you howling Mate!  Row must choose - his honor & duty to his king and family or the woman who holds his heart in her hand. If he makes the wrong choice, he will pay the ultimate price - his life and the downfall of the throne. Will Sylvia prove worthy of Turow's trust, love, and . . . his mark?  Can he trust her to keep her side of a deal that will save & benefit them both?  Or will she destroy him - again?

Sylvia Terriot is a survivor - a strong, beautiful, cunning woman who has always done what she needed to do in order to survive - including bed-hopping her way through the House of Terriot princes. Sylvia knows what "they" think and say about her - that she's a cold-hearted b*tch incapable & unworthy of trust & love. If you hear it often enough, it must be true . . . and so, like an award winning actress, Sylvia hides her feelings and plays the part.  Now, she's being transported back to face the king and pay for her sins. But Sylvia refuses to meekly accept death and, drawing upon her arsenal of tricks, turns the table on Row. When the opportunity presents itself, will she deny her feelings and walk away leaving him for dead? Or accept his deal knowing she can never again walk away?

Prince of Honor is an intriguing, sexy, sometimes dark read. A tightly woven plot will have you burning through the pages as this story of love, lust, trust, betrayal, and forgiveness plays out. The intense, sizzlin' chemistry between Turow & Sylvia is lethal & flammable - sparks igniting the pages as both fight to maintain control of the situation - and their own heart. I loved watching both of these characters go toe-to-toe, owning their mistakes, and claiming their happiness.  Fans of By Moonlight will love this spin-off! If you've missed reading the By Moonlight series, I highly recommend it and yet, you can easily pick up Prince of Honor and transition right into the series. The House of Terriot princes are H.O.T. and yes, the initials spell HOT which is exactly what you'll be after watching these bad*ss, badboy princes get down & dirty on the dance floor & in the bedroom.  Another Page Burner by Nancy Gideon!  A Must Read!

My Rating:  5 Dark, Damaged, Deadly, Dirty, Delicious ♥'s . . . And that's the truth!

Cross My Heart . . . xxx

♥Sandra♥

Wolfsong Review

Title:  Wolfsong
Series: Yes - waiting for book #2
Author:  T.J. Klune
Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press
Release Date:  June 20, 2016
Buy Links:  Amazon DSP 
My Rating:  5+++ Howling Sing-Me-Home ♥'s

My Thoughts:  One of my Top Five Books of 2016.  Absolutely breathtaking! 



Synopsis:
Ox was twelve when his daddy taught him a very valuable lesson. He said that Ox wasn’t worth anything and people would never understand him. Then he left.

Ox was sixteen when he met the boy on the road, the boy who talked and talked and talked. Ox found out later the boy hadn’t spoken in almost two years before that day, and that the boy belonged to a family who had moved into the house at the end of the lane.

Ox was seventeen when he found out the boy’s secret, and it painted the world around him in colors of red and orange and violet, of Alpha and Beta and Omega.

Ox was twenty-three when murder came to town and tore a hole in his head and heart. The boy chased after the monster with revenge in his bloodred eyes, leaving Ox behind to pick up the pieces.

It’s been three years since that fateful day—and the boy is back. Except now he’s a man, and Ox can no longer ignore the song that howls between them.

Review:
Once in a blue moon, I come across a book that pushes all the right buttons.  It crosses genres and refuses to be defined, labeled, or contained in a small box.  It defies definition and howls in a strong voice.  It's beautifully written and sings to my heart & soul.  Wolfsong is a Once in a Blue Moon Top 5 of the Year book for me.  I heard your message loud & clear T.J. Klune.  You sang me home with your epic love story.  Yes, I said, "Epic Love Story" for without a shadow of doubt, this is one of the most beautiful, mind-sweeping, purest love stories I've ever read.  Mere words are inadequate to relay the explosion of emotions and feelings that this book evoked in me.

I'm not going to touch on details of the story as I hope each reader can go on this journey with an open mind & blank slate.  I didn't read any reviews before starting Wolfsong, and I'm so thankful I didn't.  I knew that it was highly rated, that friends loved it, and that it was written by an author that writes a lot of "funny" books, though this was reported to be "serious". I heard rumblings it was about "wolves" and that it was m/m romance.  Quite a combo for sure!  

And so I opened the cover and started reading.  In a matter of pages, I was totally, irrevocably enthralled with these characters.  A young Ox - big, strong, different, lacking self-worth as his father told him he was "dumb as an ox" before disappearing from Ox's life.  A young ten-year-old Joe - a tornado of arms & legs and non-stop chatter when he introduces Ox to his family - one of the cutest, funniest, most endearing characters I've ever met.  Evil touched him in the past, leaving him damaged, and yet his essence explodes with purity & innocence in a way that will make you smile while ensnaring your heart.  An awesome support cast lends depth, drama, laughter, and magic to this story as they blend their strong, individual voices into one unique familial unit defined not by blood, but by love.

Wolfsong is an epic love story that speaks of unbreakable bonds that grow stronger with each passing year.  It's the story of family and all that encompasses - whether bound by blood or heart.  It's the story of ultimate sacrifice, triumph over evil, and acceptance of fate. It's a story about believing, trusting, and daring to dream. It's the story of a love so strong, so pure, so magical that it stands the test of time.  Wolfsong will stand the test of time as it resides on my All Time Favorites Shelf.  All I can say is Read This Book!  It's a Page Burner! 

My Rating:  5+++++++ Howling, Sing-Me-Home ♥'s

A Stone Kissed Sea Cover Reveal!

Gorgeous book cover + Intriguing Synopsis = Another Must Read from Elizabeth Hunter!

Synopsis:

An immortal wanderer. A brilliant scientist. A centuries-old menace written in blood.   Lucien Thrax, son of the earth and child of the ancients, is a healer of immense power. But years of work on a deadly vampire virus have not led to a cure, nor have they softened the wall he built around his heart. When he’s forced to work with Doctor Makeda Abel, Lucien is convinced he’s reached his limit of patience with humanity.   Makeda Abel may be human, but she’s far from impressed with the brooding vampire healer, even if his mind draws her reluctant admiration. She’s learned how to survive in the immortal world, and it’s not by being afraid. Working together may lead them to answers, but it also pushes Lucien and Makeda’s attraction to the boiling point.   When nightmares become reality, Makeda will have to trust Lucien with her life. Finding answers has never been more vital. Finding love has never been more deadly. To heal the Elemental World, Lucien and Makeda must follow ancient paths and ask for help from the most inhuman of immortals. Because even with a cure in hand, the battle has only begun.  

Pre-Order Links:

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A Stone Kissed Sea on:  Goodreads

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About Elizabeth

ELIZABETH HUNTER is a contemporary fantasy, paranormal romance, and paranormal mystery author. She is a graduate of the University of Houston Honors College and a former English teacher. She once substitute taught a kindergarten class, but decided that middle school was far less frightening. She's the author of the Elemental Mysteries, the Irin Chronicles, and the Cambio Springs Mysteries.  

IWSG: Is It Done Yet??

The Insecure Writer's Support Group is a community of writers who share ideas and encourage other writers. It's a great place to express doubts and concerns as well as offer and receive tribulations and guidance from other writers. IWSG posts the first Wednesday of every month. I think you'll find it to be a great writer's resource that's well worth your time. Be sure to stop by and visit with some of the other IWSG writers/bloggers at IWSG Members.


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When do you know your story is ready?

Is it done yet?  How do you know?  Whether you're writing a report, an article, short story, or novel, there comes a point when you realize "it's done".  For me, it's a feeling I get like finally finding and placing that last piece in a puzzle.  It clicks, and I realize my job of creating is done - for the moment.  Everything is suddenly right in my story's world (or in my article, etc.) although right doesn't mean perfect.  It means I accomplished most of what I started out to do and have meandered my way through all the roadblocks and detours I encountered along the way.  My adrenaline high from riding out the crest of conflict begins to ebb, my breathing slows, and I think YES!  This is the page I've been looking for - The End!

How do you know when your story is ready?

Deadly Silence Release Week ~ Review, Top Five, Giveaway!

Title: DEADLY SILENCE

Author: Rebecca Zanetti

Series: Blood Brothers, #1

On Sale: October 4, 2016

Publisher: Forever

Trade Paperback: $14.99 USD

eBook: $5.99 USD

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My Review of Deadly Silence

The first book in a breathtaking new romantic suspense series that will appeal to fans of New York Times bestsellers Maya Banks, Lisa Gardner, and Lisa Jackson.

Under siege. That's how Ryker Jones feels. The Lost Bastards Investigative Agency he opened up with his blood brothers has lost a client in a brutal way. The past he can't outrun is resurfacing, threatening to drag him down in the undertow. And the beautiful woman he's been trying to keep at arm's length is in danger...and he'll destroy anything and anyone to keep her safe.

Paralegal Zara Remington is in over her head. She's making risky moves at work by day and indulging in an affair with a darkly dangerous PI by night. There's a lot Ryker isn't telling her and the more she uncovers, the less she wants to know. But when all hell breaks loose, Ryker may be the only one to save her. If his past doesn't catch up to them first...

Full of twists and turns you won't see coming, DEADLY SILENCE is New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti at her suspenseful best.

**THE PRINT EDITION CONTAINS EXTRA BONUS SCENES NOT AVAILABLE ANYWHERE ELSE!**

BUY THE BOOK HERE

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Also available at Target!

THE SERIES

DEADLY SILENCE, #1

LETHAL LIES, #2

Series Page on Goodreads

We ask Rebecca Zanetti to talk about her Top Five Actors to cast as Main Characters.  Check out her answers:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rebecca Zanetti is the author of over twenty-five romantic suspense, dark paranormal, and contemporary romances, and her books have appeared multiple times on the New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon bestseller lists. She has received a Publisher's Weekly Starred Review for Wicked Edge, Romantic Times Reviewer Choice Nominations for Forgotten Sins and Sweet Revenge, and RT Top Picks for several of her novels.  She lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her own alpha hero, two kids, a couple of dogs, a crazy cat...and a huge extended family.  She believes strongly in luck, karma, and working her butt off...and she thinks one of the best things about being an author, unlike the lawyer she used to be, is that she can let the crazy out.

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