Review: After She's Gone by Lisa Jackson

In this explosive new thriller, #1 New York Times bestselling author Lisa Jackson delves into the deep bond between two sisters and their shared dream that becomes a harrowing nightmare of madness, hatred and jealousy…

Cassie Kramer and her younger sister, Allie, learned the hazards of fame long ago. Together, they’d survived the horror of a crazed fan who nearly killed their mother, former Hollywood actress Jenna Hughes. Still, Cassie moved to L.A., urging Allie to follow. As a team, they’d take the town by storm.  But Allie, finally free of small-town Oregon, and just that little bit more beautiful, also proved to be more talented—and driven. Where Cassie got bit parts, Allie rose to stardom. But now her body double has been shot on the set of her latest movie—and Allie is missing.

Police discover that the last call to Allie’s phone came from Cassie, though she has no recollection of making it. Instead of looking like a concerned relative, Cassie is starting to look like a suspect—the jealous sister who finally grew sick of playing a supporting role. As the tabloids go into a frenzy, Cassie ends up on a Portland psych ward. Is she just imagining the sinister figure who comes to her bedside, whispering about Allie—a visitor of whom there is no record? Is someone trying to help—or drive her mad?

Convinced she’s the only one who can find Allie, Cassie checks herself out of the hospital. But a sudden slew of macabre murders— each victim masked with a likeness of a member of Cassie’s family—makes Cassie fear for her safety and her sanity. The only way to end the nightmare is to find out what really happened to Allie. And with each discovery, Cassie realizes that no one can be trusted to keep her safe—least of all herself…

Kindle Edition, 416 pages

Expected Publication July 26, 2016 by Kensington 

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Kristine's Thoughts:

** I received an advanced readers copy from Kensington via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**

This book just wasn't for me. I struggled and struggled to get through it and ended up giving up at the 50% mark. It was just a little too slow for my liking and it couldn't seem to catch my interest. There was too much inner dialogue and not enough action or movement on the pages to make me want to know more. I hate to give up on a book but I just couldn't do it. This was not the first book by this author for me and I did enjoy some of her other work so I won't let this stop me from reading some of her other work.

 

About the Author

Lisa Jackson is the number-one New York Times bestselling author of more than 85 novels, including Afraid to Die, Tell Me, You Don’t Want to Know, Running Scared, Without Mercy, Malice, and Shiver.  She is also the co-author of the Colony Series, co-written with her sister, Nancy Bush. There are over 20 million copies of Lisa Jackson’s books in print in twenty languages. 

Before she became a nationally bestselling author, Lisa Jackson was a mother struggling to keep food on the table by writing novels, hoping against hope that someone would pay her for them. Today, neck deep in murder, her books appear on The New York Times, the USA Today, and the Publishers Weekly national bestseller lists.

With over thirty bestsellers to her name, Lisa Jackson is a master of taking readers to the edge of sanity – and back – in novels that buzz with dangerous secrets and deadly passions.  She continues to be fascinated by the minds and motives of both her killers and their pursuers—the personal, the professional and downright twisted.  As she builds the puzzle of relationships, actions, clues, lies and personal histories that haunt her protagonists, she must also confront the fear and terror faced by her victims, and the harsh and enduring truth that, in the real world, terror and madness touch far too many lives and families.   

Connect with Lisa

Website/Twitter/Facebook/Goodreads 

Review: The Last Road Home by Danny Johnson

From Pushcart Prize nominee Danny Johnson comes a powerful, lyrical debut novel that explores race relations, first love, and coming-of-age in North Carolina in the 1950s and '60s.

At eight years old, Raeford "Junebug" Hurley has known more than his share of hard lessons. After the sudden death of his parents, he goes to live with his grandparents on a farm surrounded by tobacco fields and lonesome woods. There he meets Fancy Stroud and her twin brother, Lightning, the children of black sharecroppers on a neighboring farm. As years pass, the friendship between Junebug and bright, compassionate Fancy takes on a deeper intensity. Junebug, aware of all the ways in which he and Fancy are more alike than different, habitually bucks against the casual bigotry that surrounds them--dangerous in a community ruled by the Klan.

On the brink of adulthood, Junebug is drawn into a moneymaking scheme that goes awry--and leaves him with a dark secret he must keep from those he loves. And as Fancy, tired of saying yes'um and living scared, tries to find her place in the world, Junebug embarks on a journey that will take him through loss and war toward a hard-won understanding.

At once tender and unflinching, The Last Road Home delves deep into the gritty, violent realities of the South's turbulent past, yet evokes the universal hunger for belonging.

Paperback, 304 pages

Expected publication: July 26th 2016 by Kensington

Terri's Thoughts

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  The expected publication date is July 26th, 2016.

I tend to shy away from coming of age stories as a lot of them tend to be slow moving and dull.  Something convinced me to give this one a chance and I am sure glad I did.  I was drawn in from the beginning and I am still thinking about it hours after I have read the last sentence.

As someone who writes a lot of reviews, I am almost hesitant to try to capture my thoughts on this story.  What if I can't do it justice?  I know I don't have the right words to do so.  This story deals with issues prevalent in the 50's & 60's with racial relations and an unpopular war.  I can't help but notice that after all this time these are still issues within our society.  It is sad but I am here to talk about this book.

Those seeking happy go lucky should look elsewhere as these pages are filled with conflict, tragedy and hard lessons.  The things that Junebug has to deal with in his young life is overwhelming.  The loss of his parents, the loss of other loved ones and the fact that he loves someone that is not accepted within his society.  I was glued to the pages to find out what would happen next.

You also have the characters that easily earn your hatred.  From Lightning, to Mr Wilson, to the cast of characters that don the white sheet over their bodies.  It is easy to see how Junebug did not necessarily know how to make the best choices.  Then there are the ones you are rooting for such as Fancy and Junebug.  You can't help but wish the world was a different place so that they could conquer it together.

I found that this story split nicely into to separate parts.  The story before the war and then the rest.  This kept the pace interesting.  The enjoyed the war aspect and all the heart wrenching and disgusting details.  For me it added another layer of believability.  It really was a volatile time.

I wish that I could discuss the ending however I do not want to include any spoilers in my review.  I could dedicate a whole paragraph/page to my thoughts on it.  All I will say is that I feel it was an appropriate and consistent ending for the story.

A great read!

About the Author

Twitter

Sale Blitz: Welcome Home, Cowboy by Annie Rains

It takes a cowboy to rescue the town’s newest resident from heartache.

WELCOME HOME, COWBOY

A Hero's Welcome Book Two

Annie Rains

Released April 26th, 2016

Loveswept

With its thriving military base, Seaside, North Carolina, is teeming with heroes of all stripes. But, as the Hero’s Welcome series from Annie Rains continues, it takes a cowboy to rescue the town’s newest resident from heartache.

After a bad breakup leaves Julie Chandler completely devastated, she comes to Seaside seeking a fresh start. A talented, compassionate yoga teacher, she has developed a program to help alleviate the effects of PTSD, but getting a bunch of bullheaded Marines into downward facing dog might be impossible. So Julie’s shocked when one of her first students dives in headfirst—and almost tempts her to take down her walls with his easy smile and electrifying touch.

Ever since Texas cowboy turned Marine pilot Lawson Phillips lost a crew member in a helicopter accident, he hasn’t been able to fly. When a psychologist orders him to attend, of all things, a yoga class, Lawson’s outraged—until he finds out Julie is the instructor. She’s beautiful, graceful, and completely guarded when it comes to his advances, but he’s determined to find out what makes her tick. Because underneath Julie’s hard shell is a woman Lawson knows he could fall for—and he’s not ready for the ride to end.

“Come ride with me anytime,” he said, helping her dismount from the horse when they were back at the barn. He didn’t place his hands on her ass this time, which was both regrettable and a relief. Instead, he steadied her waist with his hands. She turned to face him after he helped her to the ground, and was surprised to find how close they were standing. Close enough that the brim of his hat on her head nearly touched his chin.

“This belongs to you.” She took off the hat and went up on her tiptoes to put it back where it belonged. Their eyes locked as the movement brought them even closer together. Her heart bucked again, like a wild horse ready to bolt.

Returning to flat feet, she started to step away. Needed to step away. Too bad Bon-Bon was still behind her, blocking her escape.

“Julie?” he said, making her feet pause and her heart stutter. She liked the sound of her name on his lips. Low, deep.

“Yes?” she asked breathlessly.

He reached out his hand to tame a strand of her hair brushing against her cheek. “You have what I call hat-hair.” He took his time smoothing the hair around her ear, awakening every  nerve in her body. Then he slowly dipped, keeping his blue-as-the-ocean eyes on hers, and kissed her.

She melted into him instead of stepping away. The side of his cheek on hers was warm and inviting, intoxicating. His tongue tapped softly against hers, just once, as he swept his hand behind her neck, pulling her gently toward him.

A soft moan escaped her throat, betraying her. She parted her lips for him, inviting him in, begging him to stay, which he did for just a moment longer. Then he broke it off, keeping it sweet. The kiss had threatened to be more, though. It had threatened to take her inside that barn, lay her down on a blanket of hay, and be a whole hell of a lot more.

“See you later, Lawson,” she said, forcing herself to step away from him, away from the horse and the barn. She turned toward her car and didn’t look back. Otherwise, her hormones were going to win and drag this cowboy into the barn and slam the stall doors behind them.

“See you later, Julie,” he called after her.

ONLY .99 CENTS

Amazon | B & N | iTunes | Kobo

Annie Rains is a contemporary romance author who writes small town love stories set in fictional towns on the coast of North Carolina. Raised in one of America's largest military communities, Annie often features heroes who fight for their countries, while also fighting for a place to call home and a good woman to love. When Annie isn't writing, she's spending time with her husband and 3 children, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors. Represented by Sarah Younger at Nancy Yost Literary Agency (NYLA).

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

Don't Miss any of the Hero's Welcome Series
WELCOME TO FOREVER (Available Now)
WELCOMING THE BAD BOY (Releasing 8/2)

Release Blast & Giveaway: Winter's Touch by Jamie Begley

Enter to Win a Signed Copy of 

First Four Votes: The Last Riders Boxed Set

WINTER'S TOUCH

The Last Riders #8

Jamie Begley

Releasing July 19th, 2016

Young Ink Press

As president of The Last Riders, Viper’s only fear was losing his wife. After all, he had almost lost her once before.

As wife to the president, Winter lived in fear every day: fear that a club enemy would take Viper from her, fear that one of the club women would tempt him to stray, fear that she wasn’t enough of a woman for him. One thing Winter didn’t fear was risking everything to carry her husband’s child, even her health, yet Viper refused to take the chance.

Losing hope, Winter makes one last ditch effort, determined to make Viper realize that some things were worth fighting for besides the club.

“Want to tell me why you threw a winning hand?”
 
Winter stubbornly firmed her jaw. “I was tired of playing.” She pressed her hands flat on the wall beside her head, trying to gain leverage to push herself away from Viper’s hard body. However, Viper kissed the flesh behind her ear as she felt his hand slide up her leg, bunching her dress to her waist.
 
“You’re never too tired to play,” Viper contradicted. “You didn’t look tired.” He took her earlobe into his mouth, nibbling on it until she used her butt to try to push him away. She only found herself pressed flatter against the wall.
 
“Maybe I was tired of watching Sasha look at you like it was you she was fucking,” she snarled over her shoulder.
 
He gave a low chuckle. “Does it matter, as long as it’s not me fucking her?”
 
“Yes, dammit! It does! How would you feel if Train was staring…? Never mind. I know how you would feel. You’d think it’s hot.”
 
“It is hot when I fuck you.”   
 

BUY NOW

AMAZON | B&N | ITUNES | KOBO

Jamie Begley grew up in a very small, and a very rural town in Kentucky. Growing up poor was hard but she would go back if she could just to get that feeling of going to the corner and popping open a soda.

For now her days are spent writing, writing, and writing.

She would like all her fans to know one thing, “All my books are written for one purpose- the enjoyment others find in them, and the expectations of my fans that inspire me to give it my best.” 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Release Blast & Giveaway: For Her Protection by Amber Bardan

You shouldn’t mix business with pleasure.

FOR HER PROTECTION

An Alpha Romance

Amber Bardan

Released July 15th, 2016

You shouldn't mix business with pleasure.

Yet pleasure seems to be the one and only thing on Charlize's mind the moment Connor steamrolls into her life. Desperate to save her family company, prove she's more than a pretty face and worthy of being CEO, pleasure is a distraction she can't afford.

She doesn't want a bodyguard, especially not one whose caveman heroics kick her libido into hyperdrive. Surrounded by enemies, she's not sure if Connor is a man she can trust.

Connor knows better than to get personal with clients. Yet there couldn't be anything more personal about his feelings for Charlize. He'll win her trust, preferably one orgasm at a time.

With Connor in her office, her home, driving her to sweet, merciless distraction, there's only so long Charlize can resist his sexy, dominant brand of protection.

WARNING: This is an Amber Bardan Alpha Romance, featuring one dirty-talking hero obsessed with his heroine, and a Happily Ever After. No cliffhangers.

She came right at him.
Connor leaned back in his seat. Shit. You’d think five-years in the job, he’d have more discretion.
But what red-blooded man wouldn’t stare at her?
She weaved between tables, hips swaying, full-fucking-irresistible cleavage peeking out from her blouse.
He kept his eyes on his glass, even if his peripheral was having a feast.
“Hi.” Her voice was as lush as the rest of her.
He’d fucked up. She’d noticed him watching and now there’d be a confrontation. If he was compromised, then he’d be forced to take matters to the next level.
He looked up.
Mother-fucker.
Jet-black hair flowed over her shoulders. He’d seen her tug that hair from its ponytail and fluff it. Cheeky, attention-seeking minx. It hadn’t been so bad from over there. He hadn’t been able to smell her as he did now. He hadn’t known she used vanilla scented shampoo then. His fists curled. But her hair wasn’t the problem, even if he kept imagining it curled around his fist. The problem was her wide, almond-shaped eyes the color of butter warming in a pan, melting his brain.
“What?”
She flinched, smile slipping, then reached to her front. He tried to stay still, damned hard work, because she reached between those magnificent tits and pulled out a bill. “I’ll give you ten dollars if you kiss me right now?”
He glanced at the money in her hand. Un-freaking-believable. “Do I look like a gigolo to you, woman?”
“No, I imagine the scowl would be terrible for business.” She laughed, the husky sound of it had his muscles clenching. “But I saw you looking at me, and I really need you to kiss me, so if the money’s offensive, would you just do it for free?”
Kiss her for free?
It’d cost if he kissed her—no way out of that, but he’d be the one paying.
She held his gaze, then sighed and squeezed the bill back into her top. “Never mind, I must have misunderstood.”
Her big eyes went soft and sad.
Fuck, did she do that on purpose? Did anyone ever actually say no to her?
He scooted back his chair. Well, if was a kiss she wanted, he’d damned well show her how it’s done.
Her lips parted as he rose, and her head tipped back. She gulped. He was used to that. Little women like her realizing they’d bitten off more than they could chew. She probably hadn’t noticed when he’d been seated that he’d have over a foot on her.
Maybe he’d have gone slow, moved in gently, if she hadn’t demanded that last part—right now.
The cheek.
He took a step. She swallowed again. This time he let himself take in the sight of her curves—he let his gaze trail all over her.
He reached for her shoulder, but the next thing he knew he’d buried his hand in that hair he’d been fantasizing about since he clamped eyes on her.

 

BUY NOW

Amazon

After spending years imagining fictional adventures, Amber Bardan finally found a way to turn daydreaming into a productive habit. She now spends her time in a coffee-fueled adrenaline haze, writing romance with a thriller edge.

She lives with her husband and children in semi-rural Australia, where if she peers outside at the right moment she might just see a kangaroo bounce by.

Amber is an award winning writer, Amazon Bestselling Author, and member of Romance Writers of Australia, Melbourne Romance Writers Guild, and Writers Victoria.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: You'll Miss Me When I'm Gone by Kevin O'Brien

No Forgiveness

Andrea Boyle moved to Seattle to give her seventeen-year-old nephew, Spencer, a fresh start after the death of his parents. Andrea has found her own new beginning with Luke, a successful playwright and father of a teenage son, Damon. The boys appear to have little in common, but in truth they share a private torment…

No Remorse

When a tragedy befalls Damon, it's just the beginning of a nightmare that unfolds. But the worst is yet to come once a dark secret from Spencer's past is exposed. And when Luke is brutally attacked, both of their futures are at stake.

No Second Chance

Now it's up to Andrea to prove Spencer's innocence to the police--and to herself. Because for reasons she has revealed to no one, even Andrea can't help questioning the truth--and fearing that she may be next to pay the ultimate price…

Kindle Edition, 544 pages

Expected publication: July 26th 2016 by Pinnacle 

Genre: Psychological Thriller

Kristine's Thoughts:

** I received an advanced readers copy from Kensington via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank You!**

I don't even know where to begin with this book. Lets just say that there were numerous layers, more twists and turns than a roller coaster and an ever growing body count!

Andrea and her teenage nephew moved to Seattle looking for a fresh start after the unthinkable happened when Spencer was only eleven years old. They changed Spencer's last name and kept his past a secret from everyone including her boyfriend Luke. Strange things began happening at their home and Luke had the two of them move in with him and his son Damon, who shared his time between living with him and his mother. When Damon recorded his own murder/suicide on a pod cast and outed all of the students and teachers that bullied him strange things started happening. The people he named started turning up dead. Not only did it seem that someone was murdering these people for his benefit but whoever was behind it seemed determined to frame Spencer in the process.

As I stated above, there were many layers in this book. Spencer's past alone was enough to fill the pages of a book. Then there was the bullying of Damon which was more than enough to fill another book. At first I wasn't sure if it was going to work. I feared that it might be too busy and complicated for the story to be enjoyable. As I made my way through the pages I realised that it wasn't the case. It wasn't complicated but it was complex and I was quickly sucked in. Who was behind the string of murders? Why were they framing Spencer? I wanted answers and that is a strong indication that I am really enjoying a book.

There were multiple sub plots within the plot as well as multiple different points of view. I am a fan of multiple points of view and I thought that it worked particularly well in this book. It created a high level of suspense and added to the "creepy" factor. In fact, I could visualise what this book would look like on a big screen. It would be the type of movie that would have me ducking my head under the blanket every few minutes.

I pride myself in being able to figure out the Who? What? When? Where? Why? and How? before the end and I do have to admit that I had it partially figured out very early on. I say partially because the entire thing was so complex and there was an aspect of it that took me till close to the end to figure out. I applaud the author for this and keeping me guessing longer than I usually like to.

I really enjoyed this book and although it was the first book by this author for me, you can be sure that it won't be the last.

Connect with Kevin 

Website/Goodreads

Review: No Breaking My Heart (Barefoot William #5) by Kate Angell

Professional baseball player Halo Todd doesn't like failure, but he can never turn down a challenge. Especially when there's a pretty woman involved. How else would he end up dressed as a rooster, helping a complete stranger compete on a wacky game show? Even when they're eliminated after the first round, Halo isn't about to lose the girl…

Alyn is stunned when gorgeous, generous Halo whisks her off for a dream vacation to the beach--she's been let down by friends and even family so many times, she's lost count. Later, he offers to lend a hand getting her vintage shop up and running. But his constant--and ridiculous--purchases are the last thing she needs. How can she convince the stubborn man that she doesn't need his help--not when all she wants is his heart…

ebook, 288 pages

Expected publication: July 26th 2016 by Kensington

Terri's Thoughts

I received an advanced copy of this book by the publisher Kensington in exchange for an honest review.  The expected publication date is July 26th, 2016.

As you can tell by the title, this appears to be the 5th installment of the Barefoot Williams series.  I have not read any of the previous stories and it was not required for the enjoyment of this story.  My only thought is how did I not discover this series until now?!  It is pure fun.

The highlight of the story for me was the town in which the story takes place (Barefoot William).  What a fun town.  With the boardwalks along the ocean and the eclectic stores and festival like atmosphere I found myself wishing I was there.  This town, much like the story, was a great vacation from real life.

The story of how Alyn and Halo met was also unique.  Perfect strangers competing on a game show as a couple.  You know right from the onset that there is more in store for these two and as the synopsis suggest, there is. What was refreshing was how slow the two took their relationship and how both of them prioritized their relationship with Alyn's brother.

There is also a great cast of supporting characters, some of which I am sure were featured in some of the earlier stories in the series.  I must go back and read what transpired with these characters.  I also liked that there was a secondary story with a second romance playing out throughout this book
 
Last but not least was Quigley.  If you are a dog lover, you will love his story.  The poor pooch had so much to overcome and the way Alyn and Halo doted on him was priceless.  I can definitely identify as my dog is the center of my world.

I enjoyed this story a lot.  It was fun, light and a complete joy to read.  I simply must now see what the rest of the series holds.

About the Author

(from her website)

I live in Beautiful Naples on the Gulf of Mexico, Florida. I love the sunshine, as well as the seasonal summer thunderstorms. I'm a morning person. I enjoy brunch. I'm an animal lover and avid reader. I laugh a lot. My birthday's in March, I'm an Aries. My favorite color is purple. My lucky number is 25. My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. My office has lots of plants: bamboo, Elephant Ear, and TickleMe. I buy a fresh bouquet of flowers each week. I enjoy going to the movies. Try to read a book each week. Love museums. Can make popcorn a meal. Love Starbucks. I eat Rice Krispies for the 'snap, crackle, pop'. I spend hours at book stores. Like Saturday morning cartoons. Watch General Hospital. Favorite evening TV shows include: Castle, Supernatural, Big Bang Theory. Reality TV: Dancing With the Stars, Big Brother, Survivor. I've been fortunate to have the same editor throughout my career: the very innovative and savvy Alicia Condon. Authors I read outside romance: Carl Hiaasen, Stuart Woods (Stone Barrington series), and Richard Castle.

MY PHILOSOPHY: Out of chaos comes calmness. Appreciate the peace!

Website