Tag: thriller

Review: With Time to Kill by Frank Ferrari

~ likelystory18 ~ 2 Comments

Synopsis:

Everyone deserves a second chance, but how far would you go for one?

In the gritty streets of Edinburgh, Garry Plumb is about to find out. Living life on the periphery, never fitting in and always on his own, Garry’s world opens up when he meets Billy, the peculiar bus driver who has been watching him. Billy knows exactly how it feels to be ignored and his influence on Garry is immediate.

For the first time, Garry knows what it means to have his very own best friend. But this friendship is unlike any other, as Billy reveals how Garry can fix his entire life by changing his past.

But when the DCI John Waters, a relentless detective hunting a clever serial killer, enters Garry’s life, their friendship is put to the ultimate test.

Garry is willing to do anything for a second chance at life but, after meeting Billy, he has to ask would he kill for it?

This dark and captivating tale of self-discovery, murder and redemption will keep readers on the edge of their seats. With Time to Book One, a perfect blend of Scottish crime and sci-fi thriller, will leave you wanting more.

Favorite Lines:

“Good morning, fabulous Major Investigations Team of this fair city.”

“It was clear to anyone observing Waters and his team that the level of respect he commanded and, in turn, the support he provided was unparalleled.”

“The sky was clear and the air a little muggy, which was great for the flowers. Doing not nearly so well was the salmon pink shirt Billy wore, which threatened to show the world exactly what his nipples looked like as he made his way to the hospital.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Frank Ferrari’s With Time to Kill doesn’t so much open as detonate. Within the first few pages we meet Garry Plumb, an Edinburgh every-man whose crippling invisibility at the office hides a far darker secret: he is also “one of the most prolific serial killers no one has ever heard of”. Ferrari drops that bombshell with such off-hand confidence that you know you’re not putting this book down after that.

From there the book splits its focus between Garry’s quietly methodical murders and Detective Chief Inspector John Waters, a rum-voiced Highlander whose Major Investigations Team is scrambling to explain a sudden spike in corpses around the city. Waters’s squad-room banter—equal parts gallows humour and procedural grit—gives the thriller its pulse, and the moment they realise all the victims were “assigned female at birth” the anxiety kicks up a gear. Running parallel is the oily bus-driver Billy Blunt, whose cheerful note slips under Garry’s fingers at lunchtime and drags the story into a gloriously seedy pub called The Northern Lights.

What elevates the novel beyond a straight serial-killer chase is Ferrari’s time-travel conceit. Garry isn’t just killing; he’s pruning history with an organic device he calls a “Carrier,” hopping back to erase abusers and bullies before they ever bloom. The ethical whiplash is terrific fun: one minute you’re rooting for him as avenging angel, the next you’re recoiling as the body-count rises. Ferrari keeps that moral compass spinning but never lets the sci-fi mechanics bog the narrative; the rules are clear enough to follow yet just sketchy enough to stay unnerving.

Stylistically, the prose lands somewhere between Tartan Noir and Blake Crouch’s twisty thrillers. Ferrari writes working-class Edinburgh with an affectionate sneer—sticky pub carpets, passive-aggressive rain, and HR managers you’d cheerfully shove off North Bridge. The pacing sprints, brakes, then careens again, and while a couple of subplot threads feel set up for book two, the central cat-and-mouse delivers the promised gut-punch. A special shout-out to Waters, whose Occam’s-razor lecture is the most charming digression on medieval philosophy I’ve read in a police procedural

Summary:

Overall, With Time to Kill is a gleefully dark mash-up of police procedural, serial-killer horror, and high-concept time travel. If you like your thrillers smart, Scottish, and just a little bit unhinged, clear an evening—you’ll race through this and immediately want the sequel. Happy reading!

Check out With Time to Kill here!

 

Review: Half Made Up by James Dunlop

~ likelystory18 ~ 1 Comment

Synopsis:

How far would you go for a friend? Andrew MacKay, the sort of man who’s more likely to bet his last penny on a losing horse than lift a finger for anything resembling responsibility, is about to find out. An incurable gambler, chain-smoker, and binge drinker, Andy’s only real talent lies in outliving his own poor choices. But when his mate is shot dead and robbed of a classified secret, Andy finds himself bound to retrieve it, purely out of loyalty and an alarming lack of common sense.

Andy learns the stolen secret is a new nerve agent deadly enough to make any terrorist giddy with joy. Wanting nothing more than to ignore the whole thing, he finds himself drawn into a web of corporate espionage, government corruption, and terrorists with excellent taste in chemical warfare. He’ll have to rely on his wits to stay one step ahead of MI-5, who want him behind bars, if he hopes to recover the secret, and stop the zealots from killing thousands.

Time is running out. Andy’s got only one chance to make things right. Can he do it?

Favorite Lines:

“You’ve certainly put your Bowflex to good use.”

“…efficiency is a highly-developed form of laziness.”

“But I want to die doing something like this, something I hate. That way I won’t have to finish it.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

James Dunlop’s Half Made Up is a razor-sharp, whip-smart thriller that blends satire, spycraft, and introspective noir into one hell of a ride. The story follows Andy MacKay, a disgraced ex-military man turned reluctant operative, who careens through a vividly sketched London filled with rogue agents, cryptic clues, slippery allies, and more than a few fists to the face.

MacKay is the ideal narrator for this noir-meets-modern-espionage tale—cynical, self-deprecating, and barely held together by caffeine, whisky, and muscle memory. Dunlop’s voice is rich with wit and wry observation, and his protagonist’s internal monologue walks the line between hilarity and heartbreak with real finesse.

At its core, Half Made Up is about blurred lines—between truth and fiction, law and disorder, loyalty and survival. What begins as a rogue inquiry into a murder snowballs into a much deeper conspiracy involving nerve agents, shady intelligence units, extremist networks, and betrayals that cut to the bone. Yet amid the action and political maneuvering, there’s a striking emotional undercurrent, particularly in MacKay’s fractured relationships—with women, with his past, and with his own moral compass.

The writing is punchy and cinematic, with pacing that rarely relents. From pub ambushes and tube-station chases to backroom beatings and breathless getaways, every chapter ends with a hook sharp enough to pull you through the next. But Dunlop never skimps on texture—his similes are deliciously absurd, and his asides are often more telling than the action.

Summary:

Half Made Up is a blistering, witty, and emotionally resonant debut that proves James Dunlop has the chops to stand alongside authors like Mick Herron and Ian Fleming. If you like your thrillers with more punchlines than platitudes—and aren’t averse to your heroes being half-unhinged—this book deserves a place on your shelf. Beneath the biting humor and barroom brawls is a novel that asks serious questions about morality, manipulation, and memory in a world where everything might be… well, half made up. Happy reading!

Check out Half Made Up here!

 

Review: No Stars: Victor Wolff Book 1 by Henri Leag

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Synopsis:

Victor buried his conscience long ago—six feet deep beneath a smile he perfected under the training of Adolf Wren, the merciless head of a corporate empire that spans the galaxy. He was trained to be heartless. Ruthless behind a polished mask.
But redemption has a way of clawing its way back to the surface. When Victor is hired to rescue Marilyn Finch, the daughter of Wren’s bitter rival Norton Crow.
In this gripping interstellar thriller, Victor must confront the enemies closing in on every side, and bring Wren’s empire crumbling down on the secrets that make up its foundation. But how can he do that without giving in to the very monster he’s trying to escape?

Favorite Lines:

“Power, the most valuable resource in the universe.”

” The phrase ‘ignorance is bliss’ comes to mind. He wishes for ignorance now. But knowing. Knowing is a curse. Knowing has him in a terrible grip, and it won’t let him go until he does something about it. He knows he can’t go back. No matter what he tells himself, he can’t go back.”

“The contrast between the two rooms is like the contrast between light and shadow. There’s no dancing in the sitting room. No real smiles here. It’s all fake happy.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Henri Leag’s No Stars is a sleek, gripping noir thriller that pulls readers into a world where power is currency, trust is a weakness, and survival depends on making the right move before it’s too late. Set in the towering metropolis of Urbis—a city of wealth, corruption, and hidden dangers—the novel follows Victor Wolff, a man who knows how to play the game. As a high-level consultant, his job is to navigate the shadowy corridors of influence, ensuring those in power stay there. But when a new job forces him to choose between ambition and survival, Victor quickly realizes he’s in deeper than ever before.

Victor Wolff is the perfect noir anti-hero—calculating, composed, and always three steps ahead. He’s a man who understands that words can be sharper than knives, and in Urbis, that’s how you stay alive. But while he thrives in the game of deception, No Stars doesn’t just present him as an untouchable figure—it peels back the layers of his confidence, revealing cracks in his armor. His biggest strength isn’t his power; it’s his ability to read a room, manipulate a conversation, and know when to walk away.

Urbis itself is a character in the novel, dripping with wealth and excess at the top while the lower levels are filled with people trying to climb their way up. Leag paints a cinematic world of gold-trimmed tuxedos, penthouse meetings, and whispered threats over expensive whiskey. The novel’s setting is sleek, stylish, and brimming with an undercurrent of danger—like Blade Runner meets John Wick, where every handshake hides a dagger and every ally could be the next enemy.

The novel’s pacing is razor-sharp, each chapter tightening the noose as Victor realizes that the game he’s playing might not have a way out. There’s always another layer to the deception, another move on the board, and just when he thinks he has control, the rules change. The tension never lets up, keeping readers locked in as Victor fights to stay ahead of the storm. At its core, No Stars is about power—who has it, who wants it, and what it takes to hold onto it.

Summary:

Overall, for fans of noir thrillers, political intrigue, and high-stakes deception, No Stars delivers in every way. Henri Leag has crafted a fast-paced, intelligent thriller that is as stylish as it is intense. With a protagonist you can’t look away from and a world where every choice has consequences, this is a novel that lingers long after the final page. Happy reading!

Check out No Stars here!

 

Review: Impasse by Chelsea Frandsen

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Synopsis:

In the bustling city of Bangkok, Kai Saetangmasawat is struggling to keep his life together. Between flunking exams and dealing with a manipulative CEO at his internship, Kai’s world is a whirlwind of stress and unanswered questions. But when his estranged brother Jet returns after a decade, Kai is both angry and confused. Where has Jet been all these years? Why did he leave without a word? And, most importantly, why is he back now? Kai’s questions are met with cryptic answers, and Jet seems reluctant to share the full truth. There are things he’s hiding, things that tie into a dangerous web of corporate corruption, family secrets, and their parents’ mysterious deaths.

As Kai and Jet navigate the treacherous waters of family loyalty and corporate corruption, they must confront not only the demons of their past but also the moral complexities of the present. Can they trust each other, or has too much time and too many secrets passed for reconciliation? And what will it cost them to uncover the truth about their parents’ deaths?

Through tense confrontations, high-stakes negotiations, and personal revelations, the brothers are forced to rethink everything they thought they knew about each other, their family, and the world they inhabit. The stakes are higher than ever, and the more they uncover, the more they realize that their lives, and the future of their family, depend on the choices they make.

Favorite Lines:

“Kai’s secrets are like fine wine — they need time to breathe and the right connoisseur.”

“You think changing his name to ‘asshole’ will make the calls stop hurting?”

“Maybe my feelings like staying buried.”

My Opinion:

Impasse, the first book in the Ouroboros series, is a gripping and emotionally charged thriller that combines espionage, found family, and emotional trauma with humor, heart, and an international setting that pulses with energy.

The novel centers on Kai, a university student in Bangkok struggling with the weight of unresolved trauma and emotional abandonment—especially from his older brother Jet, who walked out of his life a decade ago. When Jet returns under the guise of an Interpol assignment targeting a corrupt global corporation (OmniVentures), the story quickly escalates into a high-stakes battle between corporate evil, deep-rooted family wounds, and a past neither brother can outrun.

Frandsen excels in character development. Kai is prickly, cynical, and guarded, yet achingly vulnerable. Jet, guilt-ridden and emotionally walled-off, is determined to reconnect with his younger brother and take down the man who ruined their lives. Their push-and-pull dynamic is raw and authentic, with plenty of sarcastic banter to balance the heavy emotional beats.

Supporting characters like Mali (Kai’s fiercely loyal sister), Kit (Jet’s sarcastic best friend), and Pepper and Luca (Kai’s unconventional support system at a local nightclub) bring life, diversity, and levity to the story. These characters don’t exist in the margins—they matter deeply and shape the plot as much as the central duo does.

What elevates Impasse is the seamless blend of personal stakes and global intrigue. Frandsen’s portrayal of Bangkok is vivid and immersive, from buzzing nightclubs and smoky alleyways to high-rise luxury and shadowy boardrooms. The novel leans into themes of betrayal, forgiveness, and identity, all while unfolding a tense, slow-burn mystery about corporate corruption and dangerous secrets.

Summary:

Overall, readers who appreciate emotionally intelligent thrillers with sharp dialogue, morally gray characters, and a deep sense of place will find Impasse hard to put down. It’s the kind of story where the action scenes hit hard—but the emotional punches hit harder. Happy reading!

Check out Impasse here!

 

Oddball in 3G by Marc Berlin

~ likelystory18 ~ 1 Comment

Synopsis:

Robert Krieger’s life is falling apart.

He’s been fired from his job, split up with his girlfriend, and has a controlling mother he feels obligated to call twice a week. As a result, he’s developed a distressing anxiety disorder.

Robert lends money to an acquaintance across the hall in his building, a small-time drug dealer named Skids. When Skids is brutally beaten by enforcers working for an inner-city drug gang, the Dragons, he gives Robert a “package” to hold for him until he either asks for it back or dies. Determined to find a new girlfriend, while jogging one morning Robert meets the beautiful and willowy Lindsey Marriott, whom he awkwardly begins to romance. Soon afterwards, he finds himself in a bloody one-man war with the Dragons, who believe Robert possesses money Skids owes them.

Robert is soon juggling an array of anxiety-heightening issues, which together conspire to wreak havoc on his fragile sanity.

Gritty and violent, ODDBALL IN 3G is a psychological thriller that’s also surprisingly funny.

Favorite Lines:

“I have rules, and the rules say this: you’re human, act accordingly.”

“Everything, I realize, is temporary – especially life itself.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Oddball in 3G by Marc Berlin is a quirky, offbeat novel that delivers a refreshing dose of humor and satire while weaving in moments of genuine heart and clever commentary.  From the very first page, it was clear I was in for a delightfully unpredictable ride.

The story primarily follows Robert Krieger who immediately reminded me of a mixture between Norman Bates and Dexter Morgan but with very sarcastic and dry sense of humor which lent to the almost conversational storytelling tone throughout this book that I found I really enjoyed.

What really impressed me was Berlin’s sharp wit and keen observational humor. His writing is snappy, with dialogue that feels natural yet packed with clever quips and subtle digs at life’s absurdities. The pacing is brisk, ensuring there’s never a dull moment, and just when you think you’ve figured out where the story is headed, it throws a curveball that keeps you on your toes.

Despite the humor, Oddball in 3G isn’t just a collection of comedic sketches—it has surprising depth. Beneath the layers of absurdity are themes of friendship, loneliness, and the odd connections people form in unexpected places. The characters’ antics might be exaggerated, but their emotions and struggles feel genuine, giving the novel a balance between laughter and poignancy.

I do want to call out that it is possible that some of the more surreal elements might not appeal to readers looking for a straightforward narrative. But for those who enjoy a story that embraces the bizarre with open arms, this book is an absolute treat.

Summary:

Overall, Oddball in 3G is perfect for fans of quirky comedies and character-driven stories that don’t take themselves too seriously but still manage to say something meaningful. If you’re looking for a fun, fast-paced read that keeps you entertained while offering a fresh perspective on life’s oddities, Marc Berlin’s latest is well worth picking up. Happy reading!

Check out Oddball in 3G here!

 

Review: Black Cliff Chronicles by Steve Sterling

~ likelystory18 ~ 2 Comments

Synopsis:

Three intertwined time travel rescue missions reveal how ordinary people rise to extraordinary acts of valor, driven by selflessness and a willingness to sacrifice for others.

The thriving university town of New Jerusalem nestles in the secluded hill country north of the Ozark National Forest in rural Arkansas. New Jerusalem is a wonderful place to put down roots as long as you don’t go into the experimental forest and find Black Cliff, a place of dark power.

Was it a simple misstep in 1989 when high school seniors Mary Sanders and Charlie Barrows became lost during a fall hike and stood facing Black Cliff? Or were other forces at play?

Before they can flee, Black Cliff entangles Mary in a web of time travel, strands that transport her back 300 years in history to a horrific civil war and a daring solo rescue mission.

Months later, Mary returns to New Jerusalem and to 1989, battered by her war experiences and heartsick over those she left behind. Once home, her struggles continue. Time travelers and friends gather to help Mary and Charlie. They have less than three days to rescue America from a plot to seize the presidency.

Favorite Lines:

“Loving Minnie, is like standing on a cliff in Cornwall as an Atlantic storm slams into the shore. The waves crashing below and the wind so powerful you must brace yourself to not be blown off your feet. I am sorry for all the Victorian allusions. It fits so perfectly. Loving Minnie is tempestuous and overwhelming. One can’t breathe.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Black Cliff Chronicles by Steve Sterling is an engrossing blend of time travel, historical intrigue, and character-driven storytelling that pulls you in from the very first page. 

At its core, this novel explores how the past and present intertwine in unexpected ways. The characters—ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances—discover that their journeys through time hold significant consequences for their own lives and the world around them. Mary and Charlie, in particular, anchor the story with their evolving friendship and creative partnership. Their interactions felt authentic, with moments of humor and heartfelt exchanges that made them instantly relatable.

The time travel element—especially the “spirit walks” that transport characters into historical moments—was both innovative and chilling. Sterling does an excellent job of immersing the reader in different eras, capturing not just the sights and sounds but the emotional weight of being there. One particular journey into fascist Italy left a lasting impression with its vivid and unsettling details.

What I appreciated most was how the book balanced thrilling action with deeper reflections on free will and the cost of knowledge. Just when I thought I had the plot figured out, Sterling threw in twists that kept me guessing until the very end. While some historical details occasionally slowed the pace, they also enriched the narrative, offering a fuller picture of the times explored.

Summary:

Overall, Black Cliff Chronicles is more than just a time travel adventure—it’s a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to confront the past and shape the future. Whether you’re a fan of speculative fiction, historical thrillers, or character-driven dramas, this book has something to offer. Happy reading!

Check out Black Cliff Chronicles here!

 

Review: The Devil You Know by David Brimer

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Synopsis:

From the author of Piedmont and In Case I Need You comes four new tales of terror you won’t soon forget.

“Chirping” – A small Florida town is besieged by an enemy from below.
“Get Your Kicks” – A man sets out to commit the perfect murder spree.
“That’s The Breaks” – A wrestler adjusting to a devastating injury finds help in unexpected and sinister ways.
“The Girl In The Drawn Bonnet” – A mistake during wartime follows a young German into an unforeseen alliance.

Inspired by the great novella collections of Stephen King, The Devil You Know is sure to keep you up at night.

Favorite Lines:

As I do with all short story or poetry collections, rather than picking my favorite lines, I pick my pieces. For this collection, I really enjoyed Chirping and The Girl in the Drawn Bonnet.

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Devil You Know is a gripping and thought-provoking psychological thriller that features 4 short stories inspired by Stephen King’s own novella collections. By blending elements of suspense, dark humor, and deeply introspective character exploration, Brimer has crafted a collection of stories that lingers long after the final page.

I found the writing in this collection to be sharp and immersive, pulling the reader into a world where trust is fragile and reality is often blurred. I found myself at the edge of my seat many times – Brimer does a great job at making you question what you thought you knew as reality in these stories. I also thought that Brimer did a wonderful job at pacing, steadily building tension while allowing moments of reflection that add depth to the characters and their motivations.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its ability to balance psychological depth with an engaging, fast-moving plot. The dialogue feels natural, laced with wit and unease, making the interactions between characters both compelling and unpredictable. The themes of identity, deception, and morality add complexity to the narrative, making it more than just a thriller—it’s an exploration of what it truly means to know oneself.

Summary:

Overall, this book is for readers who enjoy thrillers with a psychological twist, The Devil You Know is a must-read. Brimer’s storytelling is both entertaining and unsettling, making this novel a standout in the genre. Whether you’re drawn to intricate character studies or edge-of-your-seat suspense, this book. Happy reading!

Check out The Devil You Know here!

 

Review: The Others by T.C. Weber

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Synopsis:

When a corpse with webbed feet and other aquatic adaptations washes ashore during a hurricane, the county medical examiner calls in marine biologist Will Myers for assistance. The deceased’s mysterious sister, Andreia, claims the body and asks Will to help figure out how her brother died. Will and Andreia bond over shared tragedies and a yearning to heal a dying ocean as they seek to learn how her brother spent his final days.

Andreia brings Will to her undersea home, part of a hidden civilization inhabited by smugglers, hackers, treasure hunters, and traders—all members of a different species, driven to the edge of extinction by human diseases and climate change. As feelings between the two grow, the investigation into her brother’s death leads to a sinister plot by a fanatical cabal. Together, Will and Andreia must find a way to save both humanity and the ocean without imperiling the existence of her species.

Favorite Lines:

“Everyone responds to death differently”

“If it takes near-death from a giant shark for a Land-Dweller to want to kiss, it’s a wonder there are so many of you.”

“To friendship, to love, to the kinship of all, and to our collective home, our world.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

When Weber requested a review for this book he mentioned that it beared some similarities to a couple of other works including the Avatar movies, which I loved so I figured I had to read and review this book and I was very glad that I did although I would perhaps compare this more with the tv show, Tidelands and I will be interested to hear what other readers think!

The Others is an engaging undersea science fiction thriller that masterfully intertwines mystery, romance, and environmental themes. The narrative begins with marine biologist Will Myers being called to examine a peculiar corpse with aquatic adaptations that has washed ashore during a hurricane. This event introduces him to Andreia, the enigmatic sister of the deceased, who seeks his expertise to uncover the truth behind her brother’s death.

As Will and Andreia delve deeper into the investigation, Will is introduced to a hidden civilization beneath the ocean’s surface, inhabited by a distinct species facing extinction due to human-induced challenges like disease and climate change. Weber’s portrayal of this underwater world is vivid and imaginative, offering readers a fresh perspective on the possibilities that lie beneath the sea.

The relationship between Will and Andreia evolves naturally, adding depth to the narrative as they confront a fanatical cabal’s sinister plot that threatens both their worlds. Weber skillfully balances the development of their bond with the unfolding suspense, keeping readers invested in their journey.

I was really interested to learn that Weber’s background is as an ecologist which I thought really lends itself to this story; enriching it while providing authentic insights into marine biology and environmental issues. His attention to detail and ability to weave scientific concepts into the narrative enhance the story’s credibility and engagement.

Summary:

“The Others” is a compelling read that combines elements of mystery, romance, and science fiction, all set against the backdrop of pressing environmental concerns. Weber’s storytelling captivates the imagination, making this novel a must-read for fans of speculative fiction/science fiction and ecological thrillers alike.

Check out The Others here!

 

Monthly Features – November 2024

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The Callista Alignment by Steve Gay

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: ‘No one remembers the moment they were born, but I do… the second time at least’.

Abducted and thrust into a bewildering alien world, Kali has no idea that she’s the only Earth-born ‘natural’ in a population of enslaved humans scattered across the stars. She’ll push the limits of her captivity, turn her owner’s life upside down, and challenge everything he believes about her species. Then, when the public spotlight suddenly turns to her, she’ll drag him into a revolution.

The Callista Alignment is the first instalment in a new science fiction series, an epic saga of prejudice, redemption, and human courage in all its forms. Join a new kind of heroine for an extraordinary adventure in an alien civilisation.

If you enjoyed reading ‘Divergent’ or ‘Silo’ you’ll be captured by The Callista Alignment and swept into a world you’ll never forget.

Meet the cast:

The Professor:
Yan Feyrsten is worried that he’s made a big mistake. The human he’s just bought is upending his quiet academic life. Kali won’t settle, won’t eat, won’t comply. She can’t even grasp that here on Antaris, she’s nothing more than an animal.

The Naturalist:
Henik Varkesen understands why. He’s imagined meeting an Earth-born ‘natural’ his entire professional life. But he realises the trouble Kali could bring, that she’s either a wonderous scientific discovery or the most dangerous human on the planet.

The Bounty Hunter:
Torsta Jai knows an opportunity when she sees one. Reduced to hunting feral humans in the Derelict Zone, the disgraced police chief is looking for a way to restore her position. She realises Yan’s human could give her the political leverage she needs, and will stop at nothing to possess her.

The Human:
Kali is just trying to get by in a baffling alien world. She’ll start with Yan, use her gift with language to confound his expectations, force him to reassess everything he believes. But when she is stolen away from him and thrust into the public spotlight, she’ll discover the truth, that a restive human population has been waiting for a sign, waiting for their moment. They’ve been waiting for her.

Summary: Overall, if you are a fan of science fiction that touches on philosophical and political topics surrounding prejudice, humanity, and what it means to be human, then this book could be for you!

See the full review here: The Callista Alignment
Purchase here

 

Rescue Me Twice by Melody Carson

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Bound by duty, torn by love—a cowboy’s struggle to choose between obligation and destiny.

I’m Clay, billionaire heir to a vast ranch, bound by an ironclad contract that requires my marriage by the tender age of thirty.

Josie’s gold-digging claws dig deep as the wedding chaos consumes me. Seeking some peace, I retreat into the wilderness, only for a riding accident to knock me out of the saddle and steal my memories.

Badly injured, found by Caitlin, a skilled Search and Rescue beauty, and her canine companion, Arro, I slowly recovered in the tranquility of her cabin. Robbed of my memory, I found a solace and love I didn’t know was possible. A searing love blooms, unknowingly putting Caitlin’s life in jeopardy.

But as my memory returns, so does the horror of the looming forced wedding, tearing at the seams of our newfound passion.

When the wedding bells toll, I’m forced to choose between honor and my heart. But who knew Arro would come to my rescue again? In an instant, he changed the course of our lives, exposing staggering deceit and reminding me that true love is worth risking it all.

Summary: Overall, this is an opposites attract, small town contemporary romance that features billionaire cowboys, mystery, love, and adorable canine companions. If you are a fan of any of those things then this book could be for you.

See the full review here: Rescue Me Twice
Purchase here

 

Beyond the Lemon Tree Moon by Anthony Dean

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Twelve years have passed since the events detailed in Ascending the Hourglass.

Persius remains restless and hopes to learn much more about the phenomenon he calls jumping. Jack and Banner are now young men, and they assist him in his research.

Al’s family continues to grow, and Pete develops a new love interest.

The moon that orbits the planet Royal has been an idyllic home for many years, but will it remain that way? And if not, is there any possible method by which Prisoner Number One’s family might return to Earth?

Discover what waits for them all Beyond the Lemon Tree Moon.

Summary: Overall, this was another excellent addition to Dean’s The Voided Man series and I continue to be impressed with where Dean takes this series in each book; I am excited to see where he takes it next! This book (and series) is for anyone interested in quirky and humorous science fiction.

See the full review here: Beyond the Lemon Tree Moon
Purchase here

 

Hustling the Mob by Don Spillane

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: What is the difference between robbing a bank and robbing a Mafia bank?

Sara and Joshua are about to find out.

Joshua is a world class hacker and his partner, the alluring Sarah, is a master safe cracker who make their living pillaging other criminal’s bank accounts.

An attempted assassination puts them on the run. In return for help from a middle Eastern spy chief, they’re tasked with disrupting an arms deal being negotiated by a crooked banker in the Cayman Islands. This same banker launders money for his main client, a New Jersey mafia boss.

A huge pot of money proves too big a temptation and, in this international, absorbing crime thriller, Sarah and Joshua must outsmart a growing list of bad guys.

Summary: Overall, this was quite a suspenseful story full of complex characters, a thrilling plot, and dangerous situations. I would recommend this to anyone interested in fictional espionage stories that involve organized crime, suspenseful thrillers, and action. 

See the full review here: Hustling the Mob
Purchase here

 

Light Locked by A.K. Chandler

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Humanity is about to unravel, and Clea Hart holds the final thread.

A light-wielding warrior known as a Veilin, she’s stolen the cursed Deadlock Medallion—an artifact of legend that could spell doom for mankind’s last three cities. Escaping from enemies she once called friends, Clea knows she has to destroy it, and that means returning home.

The forest of Shambelin is the only thing standing in her way, but it’s rife with traps, tricks, and beasts. She can’t survive it alone. In desperation, she accepts the help of a mysterious man named Ryson.

The forest is his domain, and Clea and Ryson are as different as the sun and moon that shape its illusions. Together, they face the wilderness, the medallion’s influence, and the woes of their declining world. These challenges unite them, but when Ryson’s secrets come to light, Clea realizes that the horrors of the forest are nothing but a playground to his past.

Their connection is undeniable, her mission is critical, but trusting him could be the last mistake she ever makes.

Summary: Full of emotional depth, thought provoking philosophy, fast-paced action, and unexpected plot twists, this book has it all for anyone who is interested in fantasy. I found this to be a refreshing take on some familiar fantasy themes and I am beyond excited to see what Chandler comes up with next. 

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Review: Murder Under Redwood Moon by Sherri L. Dodd

~ likelystory18 ~ 1 Comment

Synopsis:

At the age of eight, Arista Kelly was frantically swept up by her parents and whisked off to an isolated town in the California redwoods. Two days later, her parents were gone.

Now at the age of twenty-three, she has settled quite nicely into an eclectic lifestyle, much like her great aunt, and guardian since childhood, Bethie. She enjoys the use of herbs and crystals to help her commune with the energy and nature around her and finds pleasure in the company of her beloved pet, Royal. Usually quite satisfied with her mundane life high in the Santa Cruz Mountains, life becomes unsettling when a new recurring vision of an ominous tattoo as well as increased activity from the ghostly presence within her own cottage invade her once-harmonious existence.

But life in this mountain sanctuary takes an even darker turn when the body of Arista’s former classmate is found in the nearby river. As other young women fall prey to a suspected serial killer, Arista realizes that the terror is coming to her.

Favorite Lines:

“Nothing. She knew once he was eating, there was no hope of getting him to come until finished.”

“The dawn would soon break, leaving her eyes to gaze at the heaven.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

This story follows Arista, a 23 year old white witch with a complicated family past. She is being mentored by her aunt  who also raised her when her parents had to leave her behind. When women who look like Arista start to go missing and are found dead, her and her aunt are forced to confront her past in order to protect themselves. 

This book is described as a “witch cozy paranormal murder mystery” and I would say that I generally have to agree with this description. Full of mystery and magick (yes, with a k), Dodd made sure that she did her research to include realistic aspects about herbs, spellwork, and rituals. This book felt similar to the Sweep Series by Cate Tiernan, which happens to be one of my favorite series, so it should come as no surprise that I actually enjoyed this book as well.

Dodd has crafted a realistic story that leans heavily into Wicca practices while weaving in mystery and suspense elements. I found that I enjoyed the small-town feel mixed with a touch of supernatural mysticism that Dodd provided us with. I thought that the character writing was well done, I especially loved Auntie, and overall appreciated the direction that Dodd took this book in. I also wanted to note that it is clear from the way that Dodd writes the interactions with Royal that she has a cat and is very familiar with their behavior. I often times found the scenes to be humorous and always found myself agreeing that it was exactly how a cat would behave. 

If I had to complain about one thing, I think it would be the pacing of this book. I appreciated the details in the beginning but sometimes it felt like it almost dragged and then towards the end, it felt like the exact opposite and we were missing much needed details and flipping from one scene to the next much too quickly. I felt that this book could have almost been two books on its own if more attention had been paid to certain plot points and scenes.  Despite the pacing challenges, I still found this to be an enjoyable read and am interested to see where the rest of the series goes next.

Summary:

Overall, if you love murder mysteries and/or paranormal mysteries that focus on Wicca and magick with some thriller elements, suspense, and the paranormal, then this book could be for you. Happy reading!

Check out Murder Under Redwood Moon here!