A Stranger On The Beach Review

Title:  A Stranger On The Beach
Author:  Michele Campbell
Publisher:  St. Martin's Press
Genre:  Suspense Thriller
Release Date:  July 23, 2019
Purchase Link:  Amazon

My Rating:  4 Obsessive Hearts

*With many thanks to the publisher for an arc of the book via Netgalley

From the bestselling author of It's Always the Husband comes a novel about a love triangle that begins on a fateful night... 

Synopsis:

There is a stranger outside Caroline's house.

Her spectacular new beach house, built for hosting expensive parties and vacationing with the family she thought she'd have. But her husband is lying to her and everything in her life is upside down, so when the stranger, Aidan, shows up as a bartender at the same party where Caroline and her husband have a very public fight, it doesn't seem like anything out of the ordinary.

As her marriage collapses around her and the lavish lifestyle she's built for herself starts to crumble, Caroline turns to Aidan for comfort...and revenge. After a brief and desperate fling that means nothing to Caroline and everything to him, Aidan's obsession with Caroline, her family, and her house grows more and more disturbing. And when Caroline's husband goes missing, her life descends into a nightmare that leaves her accused of her own husband's murder.

Review:

A Stranger On The Beach is a heart-racing, menacing tale of obsession, betrayal, and deceit.  Told through dual conflicting points of view, readers are charged with deciding who, if anyone, is telling the truth in this twisted he said/she said fatal attraction suspense story.  A story of what happens after forty-three year old Carolyn Stark makes a potentially fatal decision to indulge in a torrid one night stand with a twenty-seven year old stranger after learning her twenty year marriage and luxurious lifestyle are crashing down around her.  In a regrettable, split-second decision, she seeks revenge against her husband by sleeping with Aidan even though she's seen him stalking her beach house a few times.  A fiery night of passion quickly turns into her worse nightmare by dawn's early light.  In her point of view, Carolyn's ready to be rid of Aidan and move on as though the previous night never happened.  No one but Aidan knows about her infidelity, and he won't tell . . . will he?  She'll send him back where he came from and attempt to salvage her marriage.  In Aidan's point of view, he's found the woman of his dreams and the love of his life.  This is his chance for the life he's only dreamed of, and he has no intention of giving it up.  He vows to do anything to keep Carolyn.  Anything.  Two unreliable narrators - two opposing stories of every scene - who's the crazy one?

An intense, chilling, fast-paced thriller, A Stranger On The Beach kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.  I burned through the pages, reading the dual points of view while trying to figure out whose version of the truth was fact and whose was a convoluted, insane web of lies.  I knew there was a piece of the puzzle missing - something just out of my grasp - as I read and reread some scenes trying to catch one of them in a lie.  The author does a great job of setting a dark, treacherous tone throughout with the tension escalating until things take a deadly turn.  The whole ominous fatal attraction/stalker vibe plays out realistically through several twists and turns, leading readers to the shocking finale.  There did come a point before the reveal when the light came on for me, and my suspicions proved to be true.  And yet the author still managed to surprise me with a well executed turn of events on the final page.  A well-written, cunning psychological thriller, A Stranger On The Beach is A Must Read!

My Rating:  4 Obsessive Hearts ... And that's the truth!

Cross My Heart . . . xxx

Sandra

Raze Review

Title:  Raze
Series:  Riven #3
Author:  Roan Parrish
Genre:  M/M Romance
Publisher:  Loveswept
Release Date:  July 2, 2019
Purchase Link:Amazon

My Rating:  4 Intimate Hearts

*With many thanks to the publisher for an arc of this book via Netgalley

Synopsis:
Sometimes the walls we build to save ourselves have to come tumbling down.

For the last ten years, Huey has built his life around his sobriety. If that means he doesn't give a damn about finding love or companionship for himself, well, it's probably better that way. After all, the last thing he wants is to hurt anyone else. Until Felix Rainey walks into his bar, fresh-faced, unbearably sweet--and, for some reason Huey can't fathom, interested in him.

As the eldest of five kids, Felix Rainey spent his childhood cooking dinner, checking homework, and working after-school jobs. Now in his twenties, he's still scrambling to make ends meet and wondering what the hell he's doing with his life. When he meets Huey, he's intimidated . . . and enamored. Huey's strong and confident, he owns his own business--hell, he's friends with rock stars. What could he ever see in Felix?

As Huey and Felix get closer, the spark catches and soon they can't get enough of each other. But Huey's worked hard to avoid intimacy, and Felix threatens his carefully constructed defenses. Huey realizes he needs to change if he wants to truly put his past behind him--and build a future with Felix. 

Review:
Readers can always count on Roan Parrish to deliver authentic characters toting excessive baggage while battling personal demons - be it addiction, ghosts, and/or their own insecurities.  They're usually their own worse enemy, heavily laden with firm beliefs about their own fate in life along with the certainty they dare not deviate from their designated course.  Until something . . . or someone crashes into their world, sending it spinning out of control.  As in previous books in the Riven series, Raze relies heavily on a character-driven plotline that seduces readers with different points of view while encouraging them to become intimate with each character.

Huey is big, strong, and always in control with a rigidly structured daily routine that serves as a defense mechanism keeping him on the straight and narrow path of sobriety.  His size and demeanor make him appear intimidating, uncaring, and quite stoic as he continually shores up the carefully constructed walls around his heart.  And then, on karaoke night at his bar, a very young, timid, long-haired man steps up to the mic and rocks Huey's world sending sensuous vibes sparking between them like shooting stars.  While he's tempted, there are so many reasons Huey knows he can't open that door.

Felix is a sweet, innocent twenty-five year old guy who's an outstanding singer, but an even better caregiver - of everyone but himself.  An endearing aura of purity and innocence surrounds him, making him appear even younger than he is.  And yet, Felix summons the courage to step out of his box and awkardly ask Huey out . . . on a date.  I'm not sure who was more stunned - Huey or Felix.  As the story unfolds, these two very different men in two different phases of their life come together as the proverbial "odd couple" - one an older, gentle giant fearful of letting his guard down and allowing another to invade his personal space, and the other a youthful man full of hope and wonder, needing to find his place and purpose in life before fully committing to another.

As always, Parrish's writing flows with a lyrical and fluent ease that lures readers in.  With simple gestures like hand holding, hugs, and kisses, she paints a beautiful picture of two men falling helplessly in love - one reluctantly, one eagerly. While the sexual energy is off the chart with several spicy 5-Alarm scenes, I appreciate that Parrish dials it back a wee bit in Raze by trusting the character and relationship development to carry the story without the overabundance of fully loaded sex scenes.  Likewise with the high angst as it's definitely lower than in previous books.  I suspect some readers may find the plotline a little too low-key as there aren't any over-the-top explosive scenes in Raze, but rather a series of smaller yet no less intimate moments and "firsts" in these characters' lives which I greatly enjoyed.  I know series' readers will be as delighted as I was to find Theo & Caleb, along with Rhys & Matt, appearing in support roles in this book.  All in all, while Riven remains my favorite of the series, Raze is an emotional, heart-touching Must Read!

My Rating:  4 Intimate Hearts . . . And that's the truth!

Cross My Heart . . . xxx

Sandra

Professor With Benefits Review

Title:  Professor With Benefits
Series:  Beta Brothers #3
Author:  Hazel Kelly
Release Date:  May 30, 2019
Purchase Link:  Amazon

My Rating:  4 Steamy Hearts

*With many thanks to the author for a copy of this book!


A full-length, standalone college romance from Amazon bestselling author Hazel Kelly.

Synopsis:
Sadie’s no princess, and she doesn’t appreciate being treated like one. As far as she’s concerned, women who don’t wear ridiculous shoes don’t need to be swept off their feet, and the last thing the world needs right now is one more hopeless romantic maiming one more unsuspecting daisy.

But when a handsome, young professor takes an unprofessional interest in her mossy green eyes and muddy attitude, she can’t help but enjoy the sparkly feeling his attention stirs in her. And the more he lays on the charm, the more she fears she’s not as attached to her loneliness as she once thought.

Too bad he’s off limits. Then again, limits have never really interested Sadie.

But dreamy professors with penetrating blue eyes and sinfully sexy stubble? That’s a subject that’s about to make her senior year very interesting indeed… 

Review:

I love a book that surprises me by giving me more than I expected, and that's what Professor With Benefits did!  Yes, it's a well-written, steamy (as in fog up the windshield) teacher/student illicit relationship story, but it goes so much deeper by tackling some tough issues involving loss, grief, depression, and mental health . . . as well as dealing with the repercussions of forbidden romance.  I was quickly hooked on the story and read it mostly in one sitting.

Professor Kellan Montgomery is only two years out of college himself when he meets a very sexy, sassy college senior, Sadie Sawyer, at a frat party (his last hoorah before starting teaching duties).  Kellan is an intelligent, almost-too-good-to-be-true hunk who's sworn off meaningful relationships.  And while he may have rode in on a white horse, he knows he has to fight his sudden overwhelming desire to have and save the drunk woman dressed in gothic black with pain in her eyes - the one who's just thrown up on his shoes.  From the moment their eyes meet, he knows it spells trouble, and he's in danger of losing his heart and career. 

Sadie is on shaky ground in both her life and college career when she meets Kellan - not knowing who he is.  She's been warned . . . one more strike and she's out of school with only two semesters to go before graduation.  Her choice of all black in dress and make-up mirrors her damaged soul while masking her pain and the darkness growing within her - a warning sign to keep others a safe distance away.  She certainly isn't looking for Prince Charming, but there's something about Kellan that teases her senses while threatening to reignite a flame within her that was extinguished years ago.  On the first day of classes, both are shocked to discover that he's her professor and she's his student.  It would be a very bad idea for either of them to act on their sizzling chemistry and sensuous desire, and yet neither can find the strength to walk away.  It is, of course, a disaster waiting to happen.

The story that unfolds is told through dual points of view with lots of sexy banter and heart-eyes moments, giving readers an inside track to the want, need, chaos, and turmoil taking place in each character's head.  I appreciate that the plot line goes beyond what I have come to expect from a typical teacher/student story as it follows the developing relationship between these characters as well as their journey of self-discovery.  Through laughter, tears, love, and fiery burn-the-house-down sex scenes, readers will fall head over heels in love with Kellan & Sadie.  I like that the author digs deeper, unmasking the emotional turmoil and dark forces driving these characters - especially Sadie as she almost succumbs to the buried grief and depression that's feeding her suppressed anger.  Fans of the series will love seeing more of Carter and Nina in strong support roles although I can say this book can be read as a standalone with no problem.  Professor With Benefits is a Must Read - an illicit love story keeping it real even as the chemistry sizzles and true love blossoms!  

My Rating:  4 Steamy Hearts . . . And that's the truth!

Cross My Heart . . . xxx

Sandra

IWSG: A Smorgasbord of Genres . . .

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group is a website media business with affiliates to enhance our service to visitors. We are a home for writers in all stages; from unpublished to bestsellers. Our goal is to offer assistance and guidance. We want to help writers overcome their insecurities, and by offering encouragement we are creating a community of support. Visit IWSG to learn more about this great writing community!

  

IWSG posts the first Wednesday of every month. It's a great writer's resource that I'm sure you'll find well worth your time. Be sure to stop by and visit with other IWSG Members.

Join me in thanking June's awesome Co-Hosts:  Diane Burton,  Kim Lajevardi,  Sylvia Ney, Sarah Foster,  Jennifer Hawes, & Madeline Mora-Summonte

IWSG Question of the month:  Of all the genres you read and write, which is your favorite to write in and why?

Oh my!  I really don't like picking favorites.  I mean when it comes to picking favorite books/genres/authors, it's kind of like picking a favorite child, right?  It's almost impossible to choose just one!  I'm such an avid reader and fan of many genres of fiction and when it comes to picking a book to read, I'm all about variety, baby!  Serve up a smorgasbord of genres, and I'll dive in guided by my current mood.  Do I need a good laugh?  In the mood for a cozy mystery?  Looking for a big, bad vampire or shifter or prince to save me?  Need to escape in a fantasy world?  Or maybe the comfort of a feel-good happy ever after romance is just what the doctor ordered.  Variety is the spice of life, especially when it comes to books.  I'll be so bold as to say there are few genres that I haven't read and enjoyed.  Having said that, I'll admit to a certain partiality to the mystery, suspense, psychological thriller genre/s and can say that over time, they have become my most often go-to genre for both reading and writing.  I'll take a good suspense story any day of the week - with or without a side of romance or paranormal or set in the future or the past . . . any way you want to serve it up, I'll read it.

When it comes to writing, I haven't experimented with nearly as many genres.  I've dipped my toes in the romance and paranormal genres with what I consider mixed results.  I'm currently writing a romance suspense thriller which is where I believe my head, heart, and hopefully talent reside when it comes to writing.  Building the mystery and suspense, dropping enough clues to move readers forward without force feeding them too much information, being graphic without being too graphic, weaving romance and relationship development into the storyline - it all excites me and it feels like . . . home.  Yeah, I think I've found my writing home.  We'll see.

How about you?  Do you have a favorite genre you prefer to read and/or write in?