Michael's Wings Review

Title:  Michael's Wings
Series:  The Original Sinners #6.3
Author:  Tiffany Reisz
Publisher:  Eighth Circle Press
Release Date:  Nov. 7, 2017
Order Info:  Amazon

My Rating:  4 Bleeding ♥'s

Many thanks to the author & Eighth Circle Press for an arc of this book.

Synopsis:

 Griffin has just popped the question—yes, that question—and Michael doesn’t have an answer. He flees town for New Orleans to see his confidante and sometime-Domme, Mistress Nora. Will a weekend of beignets and beatings help him untangle his knotted-up heart?

Thus begins Michael's Wings, the eponymous novella that kicks off the latest entry in Tiffany Reisz's LAMBDA Literary Award-winning* Original Sinners series.

This companion collection to fan-favorite The Angel also contains six previously-published stories starring Mistress Nora's favorite angel and Griffin—his master, his true love, and the sexy-as-hell bane of Michael's existence.

Review:

If you're a fan of the Original Sinners Series (like me), you're probably in love with Michael & Griffin already and eager to see them take things to the next level.  This collection of novellas is for you - an intimate peek into the hearts and lives of Michael & Griffin - six previously published stories and one new . . . Michael's Wings.  I would advise you to stop now if you haven't yet read the series and encourage you to run, not walk, to your nearest bookstore (or online bookstore) and grab these books.  Start at the beginning and read in order.  You're in for one hell of a ride!

In the novella Michael's Wings, Griffin has asked Michael the big question and left him with an order to think it over and give him an answer on Sunday.  Michael panics and runs to Mistress Nora, seeking solace, advice, and stress relief as only Nora can deliver . . . which she happily does.  What she can't or won't do is tell Michael what he should do.  As the story unfolds, the reasons for Michael's turmoil is revealed, giving readers an intimate look at what love in a "non-typical" relationship can mean and/or cost one or both parties.  Ultimately, each individual must decide what they want, need, and desire most - what they can live with . . . and without.  Michael has a lot to think about.

Readers will adore this poignant, intimate love story featuring Michael and Griffin - two men who love each other heart, body, and soul.  But is love ever enough?  Once again, Reisz has done an amazing job of delivering a heart-touching story rich in emotional turmoil, snarky humor, and kinky sex!  I was so touched by the strong emotions evoked from reading this book.  The writing, as always, is flawless and hypnotic - often making me laugh, cry, and yes, sometimes throw things!  The best news is - there are seven novellas in this book - seven opportunities to experience life with Michael & Griffin.  Fans of the series will not want to miss this one!  Another Must Read by the Master!

My Rating:  4 Intimate, Bleeding ♥'s . . . And that's the truth!

Cross My Heart . . . xxx

♥Sandra♥

Hello Again Review

Title:  Hello Again
Series:  The Evelyn Talbot Chronicles #2
Author:  Brenda Novak
Publisher:  Headline
Release Date:  Oct. 3, 2017

My Rating:  4.5 Chilling ♥'s!

Synopsis:

SHE CAN MAKE SENSE OF A COMPLEX CRIMINAL MIND.
Evelyn Talbot, a psychiatrist at a maximum-security prison in Alaska, studies some of the world's worst serial killers. But she’s about to meet her most elusive patient at Hanover House yet: Dr. Lyman Bishop, AKA the Zombie Maker given his fondness for performing ice-pick lobotomies on his victims. A brilliant cancer researcher, Bishop is either the most cunning psychopath Evelyn has ever encountered—or he is wrongly convicted.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A CRIMINAL CAN SEE INTO HER OWN?
When a new ice-pick fatality occurs, it seems Bishop really was wrongly convicted. Except...Evelyn has a personal connection to the victim and that suggests the killer may be someone from her own past: Jasper Moore, her high school boyfriend who tortured her and left her for dead when she was only sixteen. Jasper also murdered three of her friends—and was never caught. Is he trying to send a message with this copycat crime? The only thing Evelyn knows for sure is that if Jasper is on her trail, she might not be able to escape again . .  

Review:

Fantastic addition to the series! Riveting suspense, great character/relationship development, heart-racing twists & turns...A Must Read! Full review coming.

As I mentioned above, I think Hello Again is a great addition to The Evelyn Talbot Chronicles Series.  Novak has picked up the pace, raised the stakes even higher, and dove deeper into the minds of the criminally insane through Evelyn's research at Hanover House - a maximum-security prison in Alaska where some of the world's worst serial killers are imprisoned and studied.  As the story opens, Evelyn is preparing to meet with Dr. Lyman Bishop, aka the Zombie Maker, a brilliant cancer researcher so named because he performed ice-pick lobotomies on his victims.  After talking with him, she realizes he's one of the smartest, most conniving psychopaths she's ever interviewed . . . a deadly, master manipulator.  Evelyn may have met her match, but when another ice-pick murder occurs, the possibility the wrong man was convicted is pursued.  And yet, Evelyn has a gut-feeling that Jasper, her ex-boyfriend who tortured her and killed three of her friends, may be involved in the latest killing.  Is she right or just being paranoid?  Time is of the essence and lives are on the line.  

Hello Again is a riveting, psychological thriller.  The story flows smoother and the pace is faster than in Her Darkest Nightmare, I think.  I liked that Novak took some big steps forward with character relationship development and the overall story arc.  The flawed characters came across almost a little too real in some chilling scenes, causing me to look over my shoulder a time or two!  Like driving on a curvy, dark country road at night, this story unfolds with twists and turns that left me breathless, heart racing right through the end (which I won't discuss, but omg!).  I'm more intrigued by this series than ever.  An awesome addition to the series!  A Must Read!

My Rating:  4.5 Chilling ♥'s . . . And that's the truth!

Cross My Heart . . . xxx

Sandra

My Sister's Grave Review

Title:  My Sister's Grave
Series:  Tracy Crosswhite #1
Author:  Robert Dugoni
Publisher:  Thomas & Mercer
Release Date:  Nov. 1, 2014

My Rating:  4 Riveting ♥'s

Synopsis:

Tracy Crosswhite has spent twenty years questioning the facts surrounding her sister Sarah’s disappearance and the murder trial that followed. She doesn’t believe that Edmund House — a convicted rapist and the man condemned for Sarah’s murder — is the guilty party. Motivated by the opportunity to obtain real justice, Tracy became a homicide detective with the Seattle PD and dedicated her life to tracking down killers.

When Sarah’s remains are finally discovered near their hometown in the northern Cascade mountains of Washington State, Tracy is determined to get the answers she’s been seeking. As she searches for the real killer, she unearths dark, long-kept secrets that will forever change her relationship to her past — and open the door to deadly danger. 

Review:
My Sister's Grave is an intense psychological thriller that held me spellbound as I read late into the night seeking answers.  Det. Tracy Crosswhite has devoted the past twenty years of her life to solving the mystery of her sister Sarah's disappearance at age eighteen.  She isn't comforted by the imprisonment of the man convicted of murdering Sarah because she's always felt there was a cover-up. Things have never added up...there were too many discrepancies in the story being told and she couldn't understand why they weren't questioned.  When Sarah's remains are finally discovered, Tracy's suspicions are confirmed.  She's more sure than ever that the man who has sat in prison for the past twenty years was railroaded.  And now, Tracy intends to get answers.  Nothing will stop her until she learns the truth...except maybe the killer.

 I love it when a new-to-me author grabs my attention on page one and holds it until the end.  Thank you, Robert Dugoni!  My Sister's Grave is a riveting suspense story with twists and turns that kept me burning through the pages.  The author does a flawless job of switching back and forth between the present and past, allowing readers to experience the story and learn the truth as it's happening both now and twenty years ago.  The plot line is intricately woven with suspense and a sense of urgency that resounds like a bomb ticking, filled with the emotional turmoil of Tracy and other townspeople as this story unfolds.  I wasn't shocked by the "who" as I had come to suspect what happened (though not the "why"), but was still riveted to my seat reading through the final page. Buckle up for the ride! My Sister's Grave is a Page Burner - A Must Read!

 My Rating:  4 Riveting ♥'s . . . And that's the truth!

Cross My Heart . . . xxx

Sandra

IWSG: Tempted to Clone Yourself?

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.

Join me in thanking this month's awesome co-hosts:    Olga Godim, Chemist Ken, Jennifer Hawes, and Tamara Narayan!

Hugs & prayers to all the victims and families affected by this past week's tragic event.  The loss of lives and innocence is heart-breaking.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.  

IWSG Question:  Have you ever slipped any of your personal information into your characters, either by accident or on purpose? 

Personal information?  How personal?  Height?  Weight?  Ummm . . . No!  I can honestly say I haven't been tempted to "clone" myself in any of my characters.  However, it would be hard to keep any personal experiences that have influenced me from affecting or "coloring" my work in some way.  A couple of times, a character or plot line has caused one of my past personal experiences to suddenly surface, and after mulling it over I've taken that past memory and used it as motivation to write a specific scene.  Events from my early childhood may one day work their way into a story, but only if the time and situation are right.  As for my "personal info", I'll keep that to myself!  Lol.

On the other hand, I have found myself basing characters on other family members, friends, and acquaintances.  Unique faces, features, and mannerisms fuel my imagination.  No one's safe or off-limits!  Shhh . . . mum's the word!

How about you?  Have you ever cloned yourself in one of your characters?  Or just used bits and pieces?

Prince Of Fools (House of Terriots #3) Review

Title:  Prince Of Fools
Series:  House of Terriots #3
Author:  Nancy Gideon
Release Date:  Oct. 23, 2017
Buy Links:  Amazon  Kobo

My Rating:  5 Raw, Seductive ♥'s

First Thoughts:  A stunningly raw, heart-racing story that held me in a trance from cover to cover!  Prince Charming does exist . . . and his name is Rico! 


*Many thanks to Nancy Gideon for an opportunity to beta read this fantastic book!

Summary:
A dark prince to her Cinderella barmaid . . . Rico . . . Prince in the shapeshifter House of Terriot 

Reckless, hotheaded Rico Terriot seeks purpose and a sense of pride training the resentful guardians of New Orleans to defend a city besieged by a deadly outside force. Torn between his desire for his brother’s mate and the woman tied to the child of another, protecting their future happiness means denying his own on a dangerous path to redemption.

One night of stolen pleasure he didn’t remember and she couldn’t forget…

Amber . . . a single mother hiding a terrible past

Rico Terriot was the stuff of dreams . . . lately all of hers. But there’s no happily-ever-after for someone living in the shadows, protecting dangerous secrets that threaten her and her daughter. Dare she believe in a fairytale prince when he comes to her rescue, not knowing the price he’ll pay for making her troubles his own? From world’s so far apart, is love strong enough to hold them together . . . and keep them alive?

Review:

Utterly captivating, Prince Of Fools is intense, fast-paced, paranormal romance/suspense at its best - A stunningly raw, heart-racing story that held me in a trance from cover to cover!  The dark, deadly, damaged hero seeking redemption and strong, protective heroine living in the shadows came together in a sultry dance that escalated this book and couple to the position of my favorite of the H.o.T. series thus far.  I wasn't expecting to fall head-over-heels for the naughty Prince of Fools, but I found Rico simply irresistible . . . in more ways than one!   

Frederick (Rico) Terriot – aka the Prince of Fools - a prince who flaunts his crown and owns his cloak of privilege like a second skin.  Most only see the arrogant, flamboyant, sex-on-a-stick playboy, strutting his stuff with a deliciously dirty swagger in his step, liquid courage in his hand, and a rotation of women in his bed - unfortunately, not the one he desires most...his brother's mate.  Driven by the old green-eyed monster, Rico can't resist one last jab to ease his wounded pride. A few carelessly tossed hurtful words and a fight between brothers ensues . . . until the ever mysterious, protective barmaid Amber intervenes, capturing Rico's attention and changing the playing field when she takes him home with her.  Soon, for the first time in a long time, he feels needed as he steps up for the woman and child who has captured his attention, finding himself willing to do anything to protect them.  If only he can convince Amber that he's worthy of their trust . . . 

Amber James works as a barmaid at the shapeshifter bar Cheveux du Chien.  A beautiful, sensuous woman, she lives in the shadows and sleeps with one eye open lest past demons come calling during the night.  Ever diligent, Amber is a strong, courageous, protective lioness standing guard over her cub - her beautiful daughter, Evie.  As a woman concealing dark, deadly secrets, she understands that Cinderella's slipper doesn't come in her size, carriages turn into pumpkins at midnight, and real princes don't choose girls like her.  And still, she risks everything by stepping in to save one.  Question is...who will save her when her worst nightmare comes calling?  

Rico and Amber's hearts and worlds collide in Prince of Fools.  Time's running out for them and the people of New Orleans as deadly forces from the North threaten to invade the city.  Past enemies and territorial rivals must ban together or fall.  Rico Terriot will stand as the self-appointed trainer of NOLA's strange band of dock workers, seeking new purpose and self-worth while battling his way through a convoluted web of lies, secrets, and betrayals woven by traitors masked as allies looking to sink a knife into his back.  Even as he vows to stand for the city and his loved ones, all hell breaks loose.  And yet, Rico's toughest battle ever may turn out to be an affair of the heart.  

Prince of Fools is an intriguing, emotional, seductive story that ignites the pages with desire - of so many kinds.  Gideon masterfully intertwines both on-going and new plot lines, maneuvering twists and turns that had me gasping, crying, laughing, and sighing all the way through the last page, satisfied in the end yet craving more.  As always, she excels at pitting dark, deadly, wet-dream bad*ss heroes worthy of redemption against strong, courageous, sensuous, and often snarky heroines who give as good as they take, and this couple is no exception.  The sexual chemistry between Rico and Amber sizzles and sparks before erupting into flames, making me squirm in my seat while fanning myself as I burned through pages seeking more!  An impressive, star-studded support cast includes several By Moonlight favorites, adding to the mystic and suspense while enhancing the plot line as well as the overall series story arc. Fans of the series will cheer and swoon over the return of Max, Alain, and others and yet, new readers will enjoy it as a standalone as Gideon flawlessly fleshes the story out with needed background information.  Intense, seductive suspense – Prince Of Fools is another Page Burning, Must Read by an author that delivers every single time! 

My Rating:  5 Raw, Seductive ♥'s . . . And that's the truth!

Cross My Heart . . . xxx

Sandra