Sticks & Stones Book Review

Synopsis:

Six months after nearly losing their lives to a serial killer in New York City, FBI Special Agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett are suffering through something almost as frightening: the monotony of desk duty. When they're ordered to take a vacation for the good of everyone's sanity, Ty bites the bullet and takes Zane home with him to West Virginia, hoping the peace and quiet of the mountains will give them the chance to explore the explosive attraction they've so far been unable to reconcile with their professional partnership. Ty and Zane, along with Ty's father and brother, head up into the Appalachian mountains for a nice, relaxing hike deep into the woods... where no one will hear them scream. They find themselves facing danger from all directions: unpredictable weather, the unrelenting mountains, wild animals, fellow hikers with nothing to lose, and the most terrifying challenge of all. Each other.

My Review:

While I enjoyed Cut & Run, I wasn't sucked in to the point of no return.  I read it, enjoyed it, and moved on to other books I needed to read.  I knew I would return to the series someday but was in no hurry.  Several books later, I picked up Sticks and Stones with the thought of finishing this series for a Goodreads group challenge.  Early in the book, I found Ty & Zane being ordered on another "mental health" break (vacation) from duty.  Jeez...are all FBI agents nut cases?!  These guys are seriously messed up in the head.  I settled in to read, hoping to discover what had snagged my friends into this series - hook, line, & sinker.  Somewhere around a half book or so later, I was flipping pages & snarling at anyone who dared to interrupt my reading.  Finally, it dawned on me what was holding me enthralled...Ty & Zane - two men struggling to come to terms with emotions they have no idea what to do with, while fighting to survive on a mountainside with Mother Nature throwing everything in her arsenal at them.  You can read the synopsis and get the drift of the many elements & dangers these guys battle while on a hiking trip in the Appalachian Mountains with Ty's dad & brother.  I'll just try to relay some of the emotions I was feeling by the end of the book & the reasons why I am now "caught" - just as hooked as my friends are.

Ty & Zane are both struggling to hold on to their sanity from past catastrophes of one kind or the other.  In Sticks & Stones, I was more atoned to what they were thinking - each in his own head, and thus, both characters evoked a deeper, emotional response from me.  I loved getting in each character's mind and being privy to their thoughts about one another...both of them wondering what the other one is thinking - how each is feeling about their relationship and where it might be going.  I felt their insecurities and learned their vulnerabilities as they each battle their own demons.  Their pain, both emotional & physical, is very much alive and both devastating and heartbreaking.  They face death and fight for life and each other on that mountain.  The author did an amazing job portraying the emotional turmoil that is churning inside both men threatening to tear them apart.

I lamented the bumbling job Ty & Zane did as veteran detectives in Cut & Run and slashed my rating by 1 heart because of it.  This book does not suffer the same malady.  Once they start up that mountain, the suspense and action are non-stop.  The interaction between all the characters is fascinating, revealing family dynamics & issues as the mountain and all her secrets threaten to prevent them from ever going home again.  I found my heart pounding as I raced through the latter half of this book.  Please, I prayed, give me and Ty & Zane a happy ending.

I didn't expect to become caught up in this series but I am.  I will be finishing the rest of the books and, like everyone else, anxiously waiting for more, I'm sure.  I will just say to doubters - commit to reading the first two books.  If you're not a fan by the end of Sticks & Stones, then drop it.  I can't imagine any fan of Romance/Suspense not loving it.  In my opinion, it just about has it all.  I have argued with myself to rate this book 4 hearts...but then I think about how I flipped pages into the night to find out what was going to happen, allowing neither dirty house nor hungry husband to interfere with my infatuation with this story.  I just can't justify not giving it the other heart so...here goes.  Sticks & Stones is a must read!  

Rating - 5 Gorgeous ♥♥♥♥♥'s...And that's the truth!

Cross My Heart...xxx
Sandra

Quotes:

"Next time you're struggling, you tell me," Ty said quietly.  "Don't care what it's about.  That way I don't have to guess what you need from me."

Zane's lips pressed together hard, and he swallowed with difficulty, not wanting to pull away from Ty even an inch.  "I don't want you to think I can't back you up," he said, their lips brushing as he spoke.

"When I think that, you'll know it," Ty promised, and he leaned away from him just enough to be able to look him in the eye.  "It's twice now you've saved my life," he reminded in a gruff voice.  "Time you stopped thinking of yourself as the weaker half."
♥        ♥        ♥        ♥        ♥        ♥        ♥        ♥

"There aren't many things left that truly scare me, Ty," Zane said softly.  "But that's one of them."

"What is?" Ty asked without looking back at him.  There was a hint of dread in his voice as he stared devotedly at the ground.

Zane looked at him longingly, the words on the tip of his tongue:  Not being in time. Losing you.  But just the sound of Ty's voice carried a warning; they were too close to a line neither of them wanted to cross.

"Hell freezing over because you actually said thank you," he tried instead.
♥        ♥        ♥        ♥        ♥        ♥        ♥        ♥

Leaning close to Ty's ear, Zane whispered, "Don't make me come after you.  You get swept off, I'm eating your share of the pie."
♥        ♥        ♥        ♥        ♥        ♥        ♥        ♥

Deuce put his chin in his hand and watched them silently.  He couldn't read Zane, but he thought the man's projected emotions were fairly straightforward.  When they were visible at all.  Right now, Zane was focused on Ty, and that anger appeared to be totally gone, replaced by something milder.  Warmer.

But Ty?  Deuce snorted.  Not in love, his ass.  Ty could fool Zane, maybe.  He could even fool himself for a while longer.  But Ty couldn't fool Deuce, not anymore.
 

Written In Red Review

Synopsis:

No one creates realms like New York Times bestselling author Anne Bishop. Now in a thrilling new fantasy series, enter a world inhabited by the Others, unearthly entities—vampires and shape-shifters among them—who rule the Earth and whose prey are humans.

As a cassandra sangue, or blood prophet, Meg Corbyn can see the future when her skin is cut—a gift that feels more like a curse. Meg’s Controller keeps her enslaved so he can have full access to her visions. But when she escapes, the only safe place Meg can hide is at the Lakeside Courtyard—a business district operated by the Others.

Shape-shifter Simon Wolfgard is reluctant to hire the stranger who inquires about the Human Liaison job. First, he senses she’s keeping a secret, and second, she doesn’t smell like human prey. Yet a stronger instinct propels him to give Meg the job. And when he learns the truth about Meg and that she’s wanted by the government, he’ll have to decide if she’s worth the fight between humans and the Others that will surely follow.


My Review:

Fantasy is not my genre of choice...not my "go to" genre when I'm looking for my next great read.  I've read a few good fantasies and am always open to book recommendations but I don't generally seek it out.  When Written in Red won the poll for March Monthly Read in one of my Goodreads groups, I thought, "Okay...I'll give it a fair shake & see what happens."  What happened was I freakin' loved it!  I was captivated and mesmerized by this book & cast of characters.  It's just that good!

I really like the fact that Anne Bishop doesn't take up 1/3 of the book building the fantasy world.  After a brief prologue, you get the drift of the world through the characters eyes as you read.  And what a cast of characters!  Humans vs. The Others which includes a wide range of shifters (wolves, grizzlies, crows, hawks, cougars), vampires, & Elementals - beautifully written characters so real that I could not only feel their emotions...I could see them jump off the page as the visuals in this book are outstanding.  It's not just the author's description of these creatures...it's the way she brings them to life.  You can "see", "feel", & "hear" them throughout the story - hell, you can even "smell" them.  They live and breathe on the pages and literally leap out at you!  My heart raced through much of this book while I also chuckled outloud at some of the humorous banter, especially between Meg & Simon.  It is hard to talk about individual characters without giving away spoilers.  Meg is a human running for her life.  Simon is a wolf shifter who grants her immunity to live hidden among the Others, where human law does not apply.  Not everyone welcomes her there as her presence puts the whole community in danger of attack.  The cast of supporting characters is unbelievable and yet you will be convinced that every one of them could & does exist!

The synopsis doesn't begin to describe the depth and feeling of Written In Red.  There is an ominous feel all the way through, danger to the MC but you're not immediately sure of the source.  You know she is running from her Controller but who is it?  Was she safer with him than with the Others...these Creatures who prize humans as meat?!  What are the unseen dangers?  What do her prophesy visions mean?  Has she seen her own death?  The suspense in this book is high all the way through...it actually reminds me of an old horror movie where the ominous music gets louder and louder as the danger increases.  By halfway through Written In Red, my heart was thumping as I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out what was going to happen.  This author does an excellent job of building anticipation all the way through to the block-buster ending that belongs on the big screen!

Although a little slow in the beginning, I was soon swept into the fantasy world of Written In Red.  If there is such a thing as Fantasy Suspense...then this is it.  And you know how I love my suspense!  I am surprised but happy to say that I loved this book and can't wait to read Murder of Crows, the second book in The Others series, as Anne Bishop left just enough unanswered questions to set it up.  This is a must read for lovers of the Fantasy genre...& also for fans of paranormal and suspense.  It is going on my Favorites & Addictive Reads shelves!  It takes a special book to earn 5 hearts from me but I can't give this one anything less.  A Must Read!

Rating:  5 Gorgeous  ♥♥♥♥♥'s...And that's the truth!

Cross My Heart...xxx

Sandra

Quotes:

"Did you open the front door?" Simon asked, fishing in a drawer for the office keys.  Finding them on the counter next to the phone, he picked them up and took a step toward the Private door.

"No, I didn't open the door.  There was a Wolf in the way!"

He stopped and studied her.  Gave the air a little sniff.  "You're acting strange.  Is it that time of the month?"

She shrieked.  His human ears flattened in a way human ears shouldn't, and he backed away from her.
♥       ♥       ♥       ♥       ♥       ♥       ♥       ♥   

"What happens if he bites a delivery man?"

"That'll depend on whether he's hungry."

She wanted to say, Ha Ha.  Very funny.  But she was pretty sure he wasn't joking.
♥       ♥       ♥       ♥       ♥       ♥       ♥       ♥

Humans often said payback was a bitch.  Well, Winter was looking for payback.

Having survived the results when Winter was in full temper, he almost felt sorry for the humans.  Almost.
♥       ♥       ♥       ♥       ♥       ♥       ♥       ♥

"Is there some kind of rule for when Sam should be a boy and when he's a Wolf?" Meg asked.

"A Wolf lifts his leg and yellows up snow.  A boy has to use the toilet, Simon replied.

"And that will work?"

"Only if he needs to pee."   

The Power of the Blank Page

What is the Insecure Writers Support Group?

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!  Wow...I like the sound of that!  

I've thought about this for awhile and have decided to take the plunge and join in!
IWSG posts are the first Wednesday of each month.  You will find my first post below.

The Power of the Blank Page

I'm a brand spanking, shiny new member of the Insecure Writer's Support Group and happy to be so!  As such, I'm writing my very first article for posting.  I'm excited, anxious, and a little nervous about taking this step, putting myself out there.  But that's what writers do - right?  Yes, of course!  And so, a little while ago, I sat at my desk, sharpened several pencils, and got out my composition book to start my rough draft.  (Yes, I still like to start off with pen & paper!)  Suddenly, I found myself face-to-face with the dreaded "Blank Page"!  

And 30 minutes later, I'm still staring at a blank page...only now, my respiration has increased, heart is racing, palms are sweaty, I'm feeling very inadequate, and my mind is still as blank as this piece of paper.  What is wrong with me?  Where are all those awesome ideas that wake me up in the middle of the night or dance through my head when I'm driving singing, "Pick me, Pick me"?  Why have they deserted me?  

Realization dawns...Oh no!  It's the mystical Power of the Blank Page...power that creeps in when you least expect it, stealing all your ideas, playing a conniving game of hide 'n seek - a game where you're always "it", desperately seeking answers to the age old question:  "What can I write about?"  This blank page is powerful enough to hold my ideas, thoughts, hopes, and dreams hostage - powerful enough to leave me battling thoughts of inadequacy while questioning both my abilities and intelligence and wondering why in the world I am sitting here...NO!  I take a deep breath and  glance back up to the name of the group I just joined - Insecure Writer's Support Group...S-U-P-P-O-R-T Group!   Safe Haven!  There's power in numbers!  I am not alone.  I have support now - other writers who have faced down the Blank Page and won the battle.  I can do this!

Looking down at this Blank Page again, I adjust both my attitude and posture, sitting up a little straighter and once again, I pick up my pencil and approach it with a little more authority.  What power does this blank page really hold over me?  A flicker of light illuminates the dark, blank recesses of my mind...Oh, it's daring to flame up - bursting to life.  Then comes the Ah Ha moment!  The light bulb is finally ON!  Yes, the blank page is intimidating and scary.  But more importantly, it is a blank slate, a new beginning, a chance to start over...an opportunity for those with enough courage to swallow their fear and dare put pen to paper.  A Challenge!  Yes!  I can do this!  I have come to the conclusion that the Power of the Blank Page is held in my hands - it's up to me to control it and turn my inner power loose.  I have to pick up this pen and write!  With a little help from my friends and support group,  I can do that! 

I'll catch you again the first Wednesday of next month!  The Power of the Blank Page will still be there next time I sit down to write but I believe I will be a little less intimidated.  

Thanks for joining me.  Please visit some of the other writers in our group by stopping by here...IWSG List

Cross My Heart...xxx
Sandra 

Carter Reed Book Review

Synopsis:

Emma decided to skip the gym and went home early. It was the last easy decision she made because she found her roommate being raped by the boyfriend. She had two choices. Call the cops and be killed by his family’s mafia connections or kill him first and hope to survive. There was no choice to her. She killed the bastard first and went to the one person who could protect her. Carter Reed. He’s a weapon for the rivaling mafia family, but he’s also Emma’s secret. Not only was he best friends with her brother, but she’s the reason he became that weapon in the first place.

My Review:
Carter Reed is lethal - both the book and the man.  He is a gorgeous, badass, cold, dangerous killer.  He is also protective, possessive, tender & sweet with the best heart & soul I've seen in a hero in a long time.  He is loyal to friends and those he loves and protects them with his life.  I loved Carter Reed and will remember him and this book a long time.  Carter had an abusive childhood, often taking refuge at Emma & her brother's house.  Emma's brother has died but Carter has not forgotten Emma and has been "watching" her most of her life.  Once she asks him for help, Carter goes about making sure she will be safe.  Somewhere along the way, he realizes that he needs her as much as she needs him.

Emma is in trouble.  As the book opens, she walks in on the brutal rape of her friend & roommate by a Mafia goldenboy.  She does what any true, loyal friend would do - she shoots him dead.  I know some people found Emma to be a little whiny but I didn't.  I saw her as strong, loyal, caring, & protective of those she cared for.  She was a little naive but I don't see that as a flaw.  I liked that Emma had a backbone and stood up for herself and her friends.  I also loved that while she made some questionable decisions, she did them in protection of those she cared about - including putting herself in danger in a misguided attempt to protect Carter a couple of times.  

Emma realizes the Mafia will kill her & her friends if they find out what she did, so she goes to the only person with the power to help her - Carter Reed.  He agrees to help her only if she stays with him...and so a precarious relationship begins.  Carter is both hot & cold and can turn it on or off in the bat of an eye.  It both fascinates & confuses Emma.  She is never sure of his feelings for her but she realizes that she is falling for him.  Unbeknownst to her, Carter needs her as much as he needs air to breathe.  They have a long, dangerous road ahead of them.

Carter Reed had some good secondary characters.  Noah is a friend of Carter's, and I'd love to read his story.  Amanda's story would also be great.  This book has some surprises and twists & turns in it.  I found my heart racing as I read it.  The romance & sex was well written and not over the top.  I loved it.  A Must Read!

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

Cross My Heart...xxx

Sandra  

Serendipity Book Review

Synopsis:

It’s a dog eat dog world for Ava Martinez. On the surface her life seems charmed – beauty, brains, a successful veterinary practice – but Ava harbors a secret. And one rash act on a foggy night threatens to destroy it all. The niece of one of the most ruthless crime lords in the country, Ava has lived her life as an unwilling pawn in her uncle’s illegal game. When Ava accidentally stumbles upon an unknown man lying unconscious in the trunk of a car – a man destined for death at the hands of her uncle’s men – she risks her life to get him to safety and to thwart her uncle’s nefarious scheme. Little does she know that lifting the lid of that trunk will be like opening Pandora’s box. When Assistant District Attorney Jordan Wellington – the man she rescued – brings his dog to the door of her veterinary clinic, she does her best to thwart his amorous intentions, but fate has a different idea. When a walk in the park, a friend’s blind date, seemingly everything throws them together, the normally strong-willed Ava finds herself irrevocably drawn into a seductive and deadly game. Because if Jordan ever regains his memory of that night, both of their lives could be in danger.


My Review:

I wasn't sure what I would discover when I opened the cover of Serendipity.  Certainly, I expected some romance and suspense.  What I discovered was a delightful story of a man and woman who meet in the worse of circumstances - he doesn't even remember what happened or meeting her, when they meet again later.  I found this book to be incredibly romantic and witty as the dashing Asst. District Attorney, Jordan Wellington, meets (for the second time) and pursues Ava Martinez, a Veterinarian and niece to a Crime Lord.  Jordan doesn't remember Ava rescuing him from the trunk of a car where her uncle's goons had left him until they could finish him off.  He falls hard for Ava as she fights to resist the very handsome ADA.  But fate has other plans. 

Ava is a strong, feisty heroine with a lot of spunk who is making it on her own.  She has loved and lost in the past as a result of her less than desirable family ties.  She shored up her heart after that relationship disaster and vowed never to trust or love another man...never to risk her heart or endanger another person by exposing them to retaliation for her secrets.   But that was before she dragged Jordan out of that car trunk and looked into his eyes. 

Jordan is everything a hero should be...gorgeously alpha male with a beautiful smile and heart.  He doesn't remember Ava rescuing him because of the hit on his head.  When he rescues a dog in the park and takes him to the vet, he meets Ava.  I loved Jordan's persistence in pursuing Ava, in spite of her constant brush offs, and his sense of humor.  The banter between these two is both funny and romantic.  The dynamics of their family backgrounds is a major difference standing between them - perfect loving family vs. broken mob related family.  Jordan is determined to pursue the relationship & Ava doesn't believe she can have a happy ever after.  She is carrying secrets & knows that if Jordan remembers what happened that night, both their lives will be in danger.

There are some great secondary characters in Serendipity also.  I loved sassy, eccentric, funny Lou Ellen.  She is Ava's friend and landlord and simply outrageous.  Lou Ellen backs down from no one and more than once, she takes on the goons sent to watch Ava and sends them packing.  Great secondary character!

The suspense in the book does take a backseat to the romance.  I felt it was well-written but would have enjoyed a little more of the suspense side.  Ava fears retaliation from her Uncle against her, and those she loves, throughout the book.  There is also a murder mystery to solve.  I felt that side was wrapped up a bit too quickly at the end and would have enjoyed a more in depth resolution.  But it doesn't distract from this being a solid 4 heart read for me.  Romance/Suspense/Humor - A perfect trio!  I look forward to continuing the series.

Ratings:  4 Beautiful ♥♥♥♥'s...And that's the truth!

Cross My Heart...xxx

Sandra  
 

Happy Valentine's Day!

 

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone! I hope you spend it with the ones you love! Thank you for visiting my blog and supporting me as I venture into the world of writing and reviewing books! Visit our Goodreads Group, Nancy Gideon By Moonlight, to enter to win a $20 gift ecard. For an extra special treat, check out Nancy's special Valentine to group members!  You will find it at this link:   A Special Valentine from Nancy
 

Cut & Run Book Review

Synopsis:

A series of murders in New York City has stymied the police and FBI alike, and they suspect the culprit is a single killer sending an indecipherable message. But when the two federal agents assigned to the investigation are taken out, the FBI takes a more personal interest in the case.

Special Agent Ty Grady is pulled out of undercover work after his case blows up in his face. He's cocky, abrasive, and indisputably the best at what he does. But when he's paired with Special Agent Zane Garrett, it's hate at first sight. Garrett is the perfect image of an agent: serious, sober, and focused, which makes their partnership a classic cliche: total opposites, good cop-bad cop, the odd couple. They both know immediately that their partnership will pose more of an obstacle than the lack of evidence left by the murderer.

Practically before their special assignment starts, the murderer strikes again this time at them. Now on the run, trying to track down a man who has focused on killing his pursuers, Grady and Garrett will have to figure out how to work together before they become two more notches in the murderer's knife.


My Review:

I had heard so much about this series & the relationship between the characters - FBI Agents Tyler Grady & Zane Garrett.  Romance/Suspense is one of my favorite genres so I was excited to start Cut & Run.  I was quickly drawn into the book and loved the introduction of both characters and the immediate clashing of personalities.  They are indeed quite the Odd Couple - polar opposites right down to their clothes and personalities - but they must find a way to work together to stop a serial killer who may be one of their own.  

The developing relationship between Ty & Zane takes front & center in Cut & Run.  Both men are drowning in emotional baggage and are quickly off to a love/hate relationship.  The banter and slapping at one another is well written and obviously covering a sexual attraction that both men are afraid to act upon until their emotions finally explode, and they cross a line.  Their relationship is filled with angst as both are in denial of the deep emotional bond that is developing between them.  I loved both characters and would have a hard time choosing one over the other.  

The suspense side of the story is not as strong as the character development and apparently is not meant to actually be the focus of Cut & Run.  I knew who the killer was early on and quite frankly, couldn't understand how two veteran agents could have been so careless and clueless - both of them are injured at different points because of their failure to make the case the priority.  While I understood the destructive turmoil they were in emotionally, I feel like the book portrays them as being inept as agents.  That is the only reason for the 1 star/heart deduction for me.

Cut & Run is a good, emotional read.  The character development & relationship building is outstanding.  I was drawn into the banter & anguish, and shared the mixed feelings both characters were experiencing.  The authors did a great job making these characters the focus of this book.  I look forward to reading the next one to see where the relationship goes and what happens along the  journey Ty & Zane have undertaken.  A must read!

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

Cross My Heart...xxx

Sandra