tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16717128121121752302024-03-14T00:09:34.315-04:00Courtney's Reads"A story doesn't live until it is imagined in someone's mind." Brandon Sanderson from The Way of Kings
CourtneysReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494172992039236215noreply@blogger.comBlogger501125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671712812112175230.post-14579423884663699262019-07-15T07:00:00.000-04:002019-07-15T07:00:12.320-04:00Changeling (The Oddmire 1) by William Ritter | Blog Tour | Review<b>About Changeling</b><br />
Magic is fading from the Wild Wood. To renew it, goblins must perform an ancient ritual involving the rarest of their kind—a newborn changeling. But when the fateful night arrives to trade<br />
a human baby for a goblin one, the goblin Kull is briefly distracted from his task of laying the changeling in a human infant’s crib. By the time he turns back, the changeling has already perfectly mimicked the human child. Not knowing which to return to the goblin horde, he leaves both babies behind.<br />
Tinn and Cole are raised as human twins, neither knowing what secrets may be buried deep inside one of them. When a mysterious message arrives calling the brothers to be heroes and protectors of magic, the boys must leave behind their sleepy town of Endsborough and risk their lives in the Wild Wood to discover who they truly are.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Review</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1542213355i/40591950._SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1542213355i/40591950._SY475_.jpg" width="211" /></a><br />
Title: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40591950-changeling" target="_blank">Changeling</a> (The Oddmire #1)<br />
Author: William Ritter<br />
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy<br />
Length: ~272 pages<br />
Release: July 2019<br />
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When I was contacted about being part of the blog tour for this title, I was immediately intrigued. Twins where one child is human and the other is a goblin changeling? Sounds fascinating! Also, I had read and enjoyed the Jackaby series, so I was curious to see what Ritter's next book would be like. </div>
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I was not disappointed.<br />
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This story has a magical forest, a witch, shapeshifters, goblins, and plenty of other magical elements. At it's core, it's a story about family and self worth and love all wrapped into an adventure.<br />
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The characters, Cole and Tenn in particular, were extremely likable. It was fun to read about their adventures and the silly things they would do and trouble they would cause. We also get to see each of them grapple with the fact that one of them (and they don't know which) is not human. The exploration of this aspect of the story is well done and turns out quite beautifully. Ritter has a way with words and his descriptions of these adventures is often beautiful.<br />
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The main thing that was a bit odd to me was the time period. I never could quite figure out when it was supposed to be set. At times it seemed almost modern and then it seemed older and it left me a little confused.<br />
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The ending has me very curious for the rest of the series. I don't know if it will continue to focus on the duo of Cole and Tenn or if we will be getting a deeper look at some of the other characters, but I'm excited to see what else there is to be explored in this magical world Ritter has introduced.<br />
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<b>About the Author</b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ttjhTlzRDV0/XSowb56XKyI/AAAAAAAAvHg/HJpCciQEAEIgVBbnvUwj694cFZdncyzlgCLcBGAs/s1600/Ritter%252C_Will_HR%2B%2528c%2529%2BKatrina%2BSantoro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ttjhTlzRDV0/XSowb56XKyI/AAAAAAAAvHg/HJpCciQEAEIgVBbnvUwj694cFZdncyzlgCLcBGAs/s320/Ritter%252C_Will_HR%2B%2528c%2529%2BKatrina%2BSantoro.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<b>William Ritter</b> is an Oregon author and educator. He is the proud father of the two bravest boys in the Wild Wood, and husband to the indomitable Queen of the Deep Dark.The Oddmire is Ritter’s first series for middle-grade readers. He is also the author of the New York Times bestselling, award-winning Jackaby series for young adult readers. Visit him online at rwillritter.wordpress.com and find him on Twitter: @Willothewords.<br />
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CourtneysReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494172992039236215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671712812112175230.post-79096475334577589822019-07-01T11:39:00.001-04:002019-07-01T11:39:24.715-04:00The Anne Books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I was a teen, I watched the Anne of Green Gables series staring Megan Follows and Jonathan Crombie and fell in love with the story. I then read the first five books in the eight book series and enjoyed all of them. For some reason, I stopped at that point and moved onto other stories.<br />
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Now, more than a decade later, I've decided to revisit this series and continue to its conclusion. I've been listening to the audiobooks and am currently listening to book four, <i>Anne of Windy Poplars</i>.<br />
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I am in love with this series. The writing is excellent, the characters are refreshing, and everything is vivid. I love how Montgomery is able to have time pass quickly and smoothly, without anything seeming rushed. They may lose a little steam in the later half of the series, but I appreciate that the stories follow Anne into adulthood, into her life as a wife and mother, and doesn't just end with her a happy teacher or engaged and in love. More of her life is explored and I think that can be a good thing to have sometimes, because it shows depth to the world and characters and also shows that the end of the story isn't when you've found love or earned a degree or finished a quest. That is only a step on the journey, not the end.<br />
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Have you ever revisited an old favorite or gone back to a series you didn't finish? What was it like for you?<br />
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<br />CourtneysReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494172992039236215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671712812112175230.post-44241437712638141552019-06-06T08:40:00.000-04:002019-06-06T08:40:00.560-04:00falling in love with booksOne of the things I love most about being a reader is reading a book and falling in love with it. This can happen quickly or unfold with each page I turn, the characters and story sinking into me until they feel like old friends.<br />
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My reading has slowed down a lot in the last year. My focus has shifted more toward writing and work, but that doesn't mean I'm not reading. I always have at least one book going, usually two or three. Or four or five. It really just depends.<br />
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When I started reading <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36254449-song-of-the-abyss" target="_blank">Song of the Abyss</a></i>, I didn't think I was going to enjoy it. The first few chapters didn't quite grab my attention as much as I would like and I contemplated adding it to my DNF list. But I decided to give it a little longer and I'm glad that I did. After finishing, I immediately picked up the companion novel, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30339493-isle-of-blood-and-stone" target="_blank">Isle of Blood and Stone</a></i>.<br />
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These companion novels have a rich world, interesting and well developed characters, and beautifully woven in elements of magic. I've been somewhat burned out on YA, particularly YA fantasy, for the last couple of years, but this one reminded me of all the things I have loved about the category in the past.<br />
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<i>Song of the Abyss </i>releases August 27, 2019, which gives you plenty of time to read <i>Isle of Blood</i> before it's release. With less than 1,000 ratings on goodreads, this is a highly underappreciated and underloved book. If you like YA fantasy, give this one a try. I don't think you'll regret it.<br />
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CourtneysReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494172992039236215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671712812112175230.post-54952463578260245002019-05-14T07:00:00.000-04:002019-05-14T07:00:12.187-04:00The Night Window~Dean Koontz | Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Title: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41444159-the-night-window?ac=1&from_search=true" target="_blank">The Night Window</a> (Jane Hawk #5)<br />
Author: Dean Koontz<br />
Genre: Suspense/Thriller<br />
Length: 432 Pages<br />
Release: May 2019<br />
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<i>A copy of this novel was received through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review</i>.</div>
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<b>Review</b></div>
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Dean Koontz has been one of my favorite authors since I first read one of his books in 2011. I always trust him to wrap up a story well, but I will admit, I was a bit worried about this conclusion. </div>
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Through the first four books, Jane had faced one perilous adventure after another. When they said that the Arcadian thread of the series was going to be wrapped up in book five, I wondered how he would make this work. I shouldn't have worried. This was fantastic. </div>
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This is my favorite book of the series, wrapping things together so well that the end left me satisfied and happy. It wasn't a happy ending for everyone, but it made sense and there was hope for many. A beautiful conclusion to a beautiful series. It was disturbing at times, but mainly in how real it seemed. A decade or two ago this may have seemed farfetched, but now it almost seems inevitable. I hope that when, not if, people try to take over my mind, I fight like Jane did. </div>
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If you have read the previous books in this series, then I think you are in for a treat with this one. If you have not--well then, now is as good a time as any to get started. </div>
CourtneysReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494172992039236215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671712812112175230.post-46091441283558990632019-05-06T07:00:00.000-04:002019-05-06T07:00:05.810-04:00Code of Valor~Lynette Eason | Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Title: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40392248-code-of-valor?ac=1&from_search=true" target="_blank">Code of Valor </a>(Blue Justice #3)<br />
Author: Lynette Eason<br />
Genre: Romantic Suspense<br />
Length: 336 Pages<br />
Release: January 2019<br />
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<i>A copy of this novel was received through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review</i>. </div>
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<b>Review</b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #111111; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Code of Valor </i>by Lynette
Eason is filled with a great supporting cast of characters, with the adorably
lovable St. John clan. Many of Brady’s siblings have fairly prevalent roles,
including Derek, Link, Ruthie and Izzy. And at the other end of the spectrum,
Eason has created a plethora of delightfully evil characters. One word of
caution, she has filled this book with a large amount of sub-characters, all
important to the story, so pay close attention to who’s who. Eason always does
a great job of creating a plot filled with twists and turns. She always reveals
just enough to keep the story moving, while withholding just enough to keep the
reader in the dark. She’s also excellent at developing very real and relatable
characters — Emily is a girl that so many women will relate to, one who
struggles with weight and body issues, as well as a major mistake in her past.
Brady has to overcome trust issues, both in himself and in others, as he must
learn when people genuinely need help and when they genuinely are willing to
get help.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But as always, Eason doesn’t only offer a great,
intense, heart-pounding thriller, she also writes a story that offers so many
amazing lessons. “Code of Valor” also reminds us that life can be fickle, while
throwing us curve balls; the difficulty of overcoming shame and trauma; the
effects of betrayal; and the importance of loving ourselves.</span></span></span><br />
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<b></b>CourtneysReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494172992039236215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671712812112175230.post-66231867925519557502019-05-01T07:00:00.000-04:002019-05-01T07:00:03.936-04:00Lethal Target~Janice Cantore | Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Title: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38942585-lethal-target?ac=1&from_search=true" target="_blank">Lethal Target</a> (Line of Duty #2)<br />
Author: Janice Cantore<br />
Genre: Romantic Suspense<br />
Length: 386 Pages<br />
Release: October 2018<br />
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<i>A copy of this novel was received through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #111111; line-height: 107%;">Lethal Target by Janice
Cantore was an amazing book!! With vivid descriptions, genuine characters,
plenty of action and suspense, and a touch of romance, Lethal Target held my
interest until the very end.</span><span style="color: #111111; line-height: 107%;"><br />
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<span style="color: #111111; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There is a lot going on in Lethal Target with
multiple twists, turns, and surprises in store. Of course there is at least one
more book in this series so I will have to be content to wait along with other
readers to find out how everything works out. If you have not read any of this
author’s books and are a fan of suspense novels featuring law enforcement, be
sure to give Lethal Target a chance.</span></span></span><br />
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<b></b>CourtneysReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494172992039236215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671712812112175230.post-10552173266056376072019-04-29T07:00:00.000-04:002019-04-29T07:00:14.082-04:00Mind Games~Nancy Mehl | Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Title: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38484891-mind-games?ac=1&from_search=true" target="_blank">Mind Games</a> (Kaely Quinn Profiler #1)<br />
Author: Nancy Mehl<br />
Genre: Romantic Suspense<br />
Length: 336 Pages<br />
Release: December 2018<br />
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<i>A copy of this novel was received through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This book by Nancy Mehl is very<span style="background: white; color: #111111; line-height: 107%;">
'mind-blowing'. So many twists and turns! I am really looking forward to
reading the rest of the series.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #111111; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background: white;">Kaely Quinn is a very complex and interesting
character. Her quirks and her job make her so unique. I'm not sure I've read a
book with a character that was even similar to Kaely. Noah Hunter was also
interesting, but I feel like Mehl only scratched the surface of his character in
this book, and I hope she'll delve deeper in the upcoming books.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #111111;"><br /></span><span style="color: #111111; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background: white;">The story and plot were also very unique and
grabbed my interest from the beginning. The premise of Kaely's job and her
methods were fascinating as well. While a little light on action, there was
definitely loads of suspense, and, as I mentioned, a ton of completely
unexpected twists and turns! I thought I had the villain pegged, but was
shocked when his identity was revealed.While overall the story was wrapped up
by the end of the book and left you feeling satisfied, there are still a lot of
threads to be continued in later books.</span></span></span><br />
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<b></b>CourtneysReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494172992039236215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671712812112175230.post-80842499655390346882019-04-24T07:00:00.000-04:002019-04-24T07:00:13.338-04:00Wait for Me~Susan May Warren | Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Title: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38495379-wait-for-me?ac=1&from_search=true" target="_blank">Wait for Me</a> (Montana Rescue #6)<br />
Author: Susan May Warren<br />
Genre: Romantic Suspense<br />
Length: 336 Pages<br />
Release: November 2018<br />
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<i>A copy of this novel was received through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.</i></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #111111; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What an incredible
conclusion to this epic series! As always, Susan May Warren packs in action,
suspense, harrowing brushes with death and disaster, and quite a few twists and
turns in the story to make you stay up way past your bedtime reading....and
thinking, just one more page....</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #111111; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background: white;">And the raw emotional intensity of the main
characters is completely heart-wrenching and real. If you've read the previous
books in the series, you've been impatiently waiting for Pete and Jess to have
their story. Even if you haven't read any of the previous books, this
particular book can be read as a standalone because there are many flashbacks
that make up the bulk of Pete and Jess' story.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #111111;"><br /></span><span style="color: #111111; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background: white;">Pete is a changed man and gone are his wild
ways. He's still heroic, protective to a fault, and passionate but he's
completely undone and broken and wounded by Jess who has returned to her
glamorous lifestyle in NYC. Jess doesn't know who she is or what she wants and
feels trapped. Felipe, Jess' previous fiancé, actually plays a bigger role in
the story than I thought he would and became quite likable even though he's
competing against Pete for Jess. And then there are Ned and Shae. Ned is the
younger version of Pete and so incredibly heroic. Shae has finally returned
home to Mercy Falls, Montana not just to attend Ben and Kacey's wedding
reception but also to find closure in her run from the man who killed her
previous boyfriend. Each of these characters must learn to fight their fears to
conquer them but also learn to ask for help from their friends, and family in
conquering these fears. What a satisfying finale to an adrenaline-packed series
full of rescue, grace, hope, love and joy.</span></span></span><br />
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<b></b>CourtneysReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494172992039236215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671712812112175230.post-27160246711763863822019-04-22T07:00:00.000-04:002019-04-22T07:00:11.234-04:00In too Deep~Lynn H Blackburn | Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Title: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38495393-in-too-deep?ac=1&from_search=true" target="_blank">In too Deep</a> (Dive Team Investigations #2)<br />
Author: Lynn H Blackburn<br />
Genre: Romantic Suspense<br />
Length: 352 Pages<br />
Release: November 2018<br />
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<i>I received a copy of this novel through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.</i></div>
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<b>Review</b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #111111; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have been eagerly waiting for this book ever
since I finished the first book in the series, "Beneath the Surface".
Author Lynn Blackburn has found a unique place in this genre, hitting the exact
right blend of suspense, dialogue, believable characters, and romance.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #111111; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #111111; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background: white;">Atypical wealthy person turned-police
officer-and-crusader-for-justice Adam Campbell loves his career. He has also
made peace with the place he holds in his uber wealthy family. In love with the
brilliant Dr. Sabrina Fleming since they met two years ago, he has yet to truly
share his heart. When they are reconnected to solve this mystery, Adam knows
that he cannot go on working with her unless he is straightforward about how he
feels.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #111111;"><br /></span><span style="color: #111111; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background: white;">Dr. Sabrina Fleming is so crazy smart that she
sometimes misses social cues - and occasionally, doesn't even recognize her own
feelings. To her surprise, Adam is not only interested, but seems quite
serious. However, she is sure that she is not a good fit for him or his family.
Combined with the fact that her life seems to be repeatedly in danger, Sabrina
puts all her energy into solving the mystery. But is the mystery she is trying
to solve the right one?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #111111;"><br /></span><span style="color: #111111; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background: white;">The supporting cast is interesting, and there
are multiple surprises throughout the story.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #111111; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background: white;">This book can be read as a standalone, but your
experience will be much richer if you read number one first. I recommend these
books and this author!</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #111111; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
CourtneysReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494172992039236215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671712812112175230.post-63243655791537398272019-02-05T07:00:00.000-05:002019-02-05T07:00:10.601-05:00Mark of the Raven~Morgan L Busse | Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1518631095l/38485496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="307" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1518631095l/38485496.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
Title: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38485496-mark-of-the-raven?ac=1&from_search=true" target="_blank">Mark of the Raven</a> (The Ravenwood Saga #1)<br />
Author: Morgan L Busse<br />
Genre: Fantasy<br />
Length: 352 Pages<br />
Release: November 2018<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A copy of this novel was received through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review</i>. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Review</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><i>Mark of the Raven</i> by Morgan Busse
captures the essence of light and darkness within an ingenious package of
daunting expectations and ingenious characterizations. . . . . .taking its
readers on a journey that leads straight to their souls. "There were no
choices, her future was dark and bleak."</span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background: white;">As heir apparent to the House of Ravenwood,
Selene has just been gifted; she's now a dream walker, and according to her mother,
a surprisingly powerful one. Curious about an ability that the other six
regions of her kingdom thought was destroyed, she listens as Grand Lady Ragna
describes the seriousness of honing her skills, for she is to be the savior of
her people by . . . controlling the dreams of others to the point
of death? It cannot, it must not, be true.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background: white;">Grand Lord Damien from the House of Waters is
convinced that the Seven Houses must unite their gifts in order to avoid an
aggressive attack from the nearby Dominia Empire. When called to the House of
Ravenwood for a strategy summit, he hopes to build an alliance that will bring
peace, the kind of unity that his deceased father longed to establish.
Fascinated by the dark beauty that resides in Rook Castle, he cannot help but
wonder what kind of strength lies beneath Selene's cold veneer. . . if he
only knew, he is about to find out.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background: white;">"A leader can serve her people by sacrifice
and love."</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></span>CourtneysReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494172992039236215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671712812112175230.post-3854754458221666622019-01-31T07:00:00.000-05:002019-01-31T07:00:11.758-05:00Burden of Proof~DiAnn Mills | Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1526585907l/38942593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1526585907l/38942593.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
Title: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38942593-burden-of-proof?ac=1&from_search=true" target="_blank">Burden of Proof</a> (FBI: Rapid Response #1)<br />
Author: DiAnn Mills<br />
Genre: Romantic Suspense<br />
Length: 416 Pages<br />
Release: October 2019<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A copy of this novel was received through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Review</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Burden of Proof by DiAnn
Mills was an exciting roller coaster
read from the very beginning. Just my type of story! I loved all of the danger,
suspense and twisted corners that the story took. I really liked both Jason and
April. Both of them were strong and likable characters. I got a bit frustrated
with April’s partner in the FBI and his “need to know only” behavior. Keeping
your partner in the dark can lead to unnecessary danger! And that danger
visited quite frequently! It kept me on the edge of my seat and my fingers
quickly turning the pages! The little bit of romance between April and Jason
wasn’t over-the-top or unbelievable and I found myself hoping that all would
work out for them. A great book to add to your romantic/suspense shelf, I
highly recommend!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />CourtneysReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494172992039236215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671712812112175230.post-64520836347477918942019-01-29T07:00:00.000-05:002019-01-29T07:00:12.441-05:00Hidden Peril~Irene Hannon | Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1522059735l/38502437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="307" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1522059735l/38502437.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
Title: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38502437-hidden-peril?ac=1&from_search=true" target="_blank">Hidden Peril</a> (Code of Honor #2)<br />
Author: Irene Hannon<br />
Genre: Romantic Suspense<br />
Length: 416 Pages<br />
Release: October 2018<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A copy of this novel was received through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Review</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Hidden Peril keeps true to Hannon’s great
writing and will keep the reader turning the page.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
It’s been twenty years since Kristin Dane took a vow with her friends to do
what she could to make the world a better place and she is now making that
happen with her fair-trade shop. She has products from around the world and is
able to bring attention to these areas and their needs by the products she
sales. When people connected to her shop start dying, Kristin gets involved in
the case. She begins working with Detective Luke Carter. He has just started
working with the St. Louis PD and is pulled deep into the case hoping to find
answers. Kristin and Luke work with the FBI in a case that spans the globe and
is more complicated than any of them first believed. Together they work to stop
this killer before more people die. Hidden Peril is the second book in the Code
of Honor series and I loved the way this story played out. The way the story
spanned the globe and brought about history and awareness to events not
commonly talked about made it all the more interesting. Some authors have a way
with making certain characters especially evil and Irene Hannon is one of those
authors, I felt the evil and let it roll with the story in the direction it was
meant to go. Nothing seemed forced and the characters meshed well together.
Kristin is the type of character that is easily relatable, and you want to pull
for and see her succeed. </span><br />
<br />
<b></b>CourtneysReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494172992039236215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671712812112175230.post-74572142098534187832019-01-24T07:00:00.000-05:002019-01-24T07:00:07.471-05:00A Secret to Die For~Lisa Harris | Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1522104173l/38495401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="308" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1522104173l/38495401.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
Title: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38495401-a-secret-to-die-for?ac=1&from_search=true" target="_blank">A Secret to Die For</a><br />
Author: Lisa Harris<br />
Genre: Romantic Suspense<br />
Length: 327 Pages<br />
Release: September 2018<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A copy of this novel was received through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Review</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Another fast-paced thrilling
journey from Lisa Harris! The action and suspense start from page one and don’t
stop until the very end of the book. Whew! The numerous twists and turns in the
plot definitely had me guessing constantly who the bad guy may be...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br />
</span></div>
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background: white;">The book is well-written with an intriguing plot
and premise, the style of writing is fluid and easy to read, the suspense is
intense, and the characters are delightful.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background: white;">Grace and Nate were friends back in college who
have lost touch for the last decade or so. Both have emotional and
psychological trauma from their pasts and have struggles trying to overcome
fear, guilt, and hopelessness. Grace is a deeply feeling, vulnerable yet
resourceful and brave psychologist who gets sucked into Nate’s world when one
of her clients becomes a murder victim. Nate is a homicide detective, freshly
released for return to duty after a bombing that killed his partner and
colleagues. Nate is thorough, meticulous, protective, loyal, and tender-hearted
yet tries to wall up his heart. When the two reconnect because of a homicide
case, they become involved in trying to stop a nefarious scheme much bigger
than they had thought but also in laying down their past fears and anxieties.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background: white;">If you love romantic suspense, this book is for
you. You won’t be able to put it down!</span></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />CourtneysReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494172992039236215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671712812112175230.post-46605626761081994802019-01-22T07:00:00.000-05:002019-01-22T07:00:19.040-05:00The Cost of Betrayal | Review <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1526390175l/38502342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="309" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1526390175l/38502342.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
Title: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38502342-the-cost-of-betrayal?ac=1&from_search=true" target="_blank">The Cost of Betrayal</a><br />
Author: Dee Henderson, Dani Pettrey, Lynette Eason<br />
Genre: Romantic Suspense<br />
Length: 378 Pages<br />
Release: September 2018<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A copy of this novel was received through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Review</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 304.8pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Unbelievable!
Three truly talented authors write three novellas that are filled with suspense,
thrills, faith, action and more. Each accomplished author has written many
novels individually that are truly magnificent to read, so if you’re not
familiar with them look up their novels and dive right in! The three novellas
aren’t tied together, and they are unique and mesmerizing!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 304.8pt;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br />
</span></div>
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background: white;">Dee Henderson’s story is titled, “Betrayed”, and
I enjoyed the plot of a couple, one who works for the FBI while the other is a
retired police officer who are at an auction. The couple, Paul and Ann, aren’t
seeking anything in particular just enjoying being together without a crisis on
their plate. Of course, that is until Ann chooses a box of miscellaneous items
to hopefully set up her next painting scene. What it does though has set them
on a path of discovery of a murder and the woman who supposedly was the
culprit.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background: white;">Dani Pettrey offers readers “Deadly Isle” where
two cousins are on an island swimming towards a buoy. Tennyson and her cousin
Julia have raced toward this mark for as long as “Teni” can remember. When Teni
arrives, Julia is nowhere to be found. However, a storm is on the horizon and
there is blood on the buoy, a lot of it but no one is around. Now, there’s a
good teaser for this gripping murder mystery along with so much more to the
story that readers will get to discover.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background: white;">Lynette Eason brings to the audience a tale
entitled, “Code of Ethics”. Like Dee and Dani, Lynette is a master of suspense
and telling gripping tales. A surgeon saves the life of a detective who was
shot while on duty. Ruthie goes in to check her patient only to find an
intruder there trying to put something in the IV. The patient, who is a
detective, is trying to leave the hospital because he knows his life is in
danger. Isaac had reported a fellow officer when he caught him stealing from
the evidence room. While it was the right thing to do, there are those who
don’t agree with Isaac, and others who want to kill him.! All three stories are
standalones and very well written. They entertain but they also bring a sense
of adventure and will keep you captivated until the very end! Read, enjoy and
tell others you know about this fantastic collection of three novellas!</span></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<b></b>CourtneysReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494172992039236215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671712812112175230.post-24501122272622429692018-09-18T07:00:00.000-04:002018-09-18T07:00:00.470-04:00Dead Drift~Dani Pettrey | Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1509337456l/36347470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="307" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1509337456l/36347470.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
Title: Dead Drift (Chesapeake Valor #4)<br />
Author: Dani Pettrey<br />
Genre: Romantic Suspense<br />
Length: 301 Pages<br />
Release: July 2018<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A copy of this novel was received through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Review</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #111111; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is the last book in the
Chesapeake Valor series and is the long-awaited story of Kate Maxwell and Luke
Gallagher. Where has Luke been and what has he been doing for years? . . .I am
not going to say and spoil it. But, oh, what a story he has to tell and the
unbelievable dangerous situation he brings right to the door of the Valor-Team
(as I call them), setting things into motion that escalate to a race against
time.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #111111; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">I like that there is a duel story-line in this
one as well. As much as I wanted to read Luke and Kate’s story, I hoped to read
about the case Griffin and Finley are pursuing in this story. That case is one
that is very special to Griffin and I wanted him to find a credible lead and a
closure of sorts. I am glad it was included in this book. Not saying more as I
don’t want to give anything away. What they uncover certainly was a surprise to
them as well.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #111111; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">Dead Drift is a fast-paced, gripping story with
mystery and dangerous situations. A plot and story-line with twists and turns,
unexpected surprises along the way, unraveling twisting threads of secrets,
lies and betrayal while on the brink of a biological disaster. . .whew! I will
miss the characters in the Chesapeake Valor series. Well done Dani Pettrey!</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b></b>CourtneysReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494172992039236215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671712812112175230.post-36370758252221931252018-09-11T07:00:00.001-04:002018-09-11T07:00:00.360-04:00The Forbidden Door~Dean Koontz | Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1520101589l/38919694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1520101589l/38919694.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
Title: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40933882-the-forbidden-door" target="_blank">The Forbidden Door</a> (Jane Hawk #4)<br />
Author: Dean Koontz<br />
Genre: Suspense/Thriller<br />
Length: 434 Pages<br />
Release: September 2018<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I received a copy of this novel through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Review</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In an effort to avoid spoilers for this and the previous three installments in the series, this review is going to be short and sweet. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This latest installment in the Jane Hawk series picks up where the previous book <i>The Crooked Staircase</i> left off. Jane is, once again, under a time crunch to get somewhere fast. Some old favorites show up and others become favorites. Koontz knows how to write compelling characters and they shine in this series. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A majority of this novel is told from the perspective of the bad guys, giving us insight into their mental state and the lengths they are willing to go to bring Jane down. At first this seemed odd and could be off putting to some readers, but it worked and was needed for this portion of the story. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This series can be frightening because it often seems like it could be real. And while there are many many good people in the world, there are also many horrible people. It's not too far fetched to believe that something like this could happen. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you haven't started this series and are at all inclined to do so, I highly recommend it. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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CourtneysReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494172992039236215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671712812112175230.post-55916865909103025382018-09-04T07:00:00.000-04:002018-09-04T07:00:06.216-04:00Thirst of Steel~Ronie Kendig | Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1507858443l/36403315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="308" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1507858443l/36403315.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
Title: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36403315-thirst-of-steel?ac=1&from_search=true" target="_blank">Thirst of Steel</a> (The Fox Files #3)<br />
Author: Ronie Kendig<br />
Genre: Romantic Suspense<br />
Length: 459 Pages<br />
Release: July 2018<br />
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<i>A copy of this novel was received through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.</i></div>
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<b>Review</b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #111111; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ronie Kendig has done it
again! With <i>Thirst of Steel</i>, Kendig provides her readers with yet another
engrossing story filled to the brim with heart-pounding action, and peppered
with intrigue, romance, humor, and adventure.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">In this final installment of the Tox Files,
Ronie Kendig brings her thrilling series to a close with Tox, Ram, and the team
fighting one last battle.This time, the stakes are higher than ever, as Tox
faces mystery, heartache, and betrayal as he infiltrates the enemy’s inner
circle. But appearances are deceiving, and one mistake—or failure to distinguish
friend from foe—could cost him everything.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">The relentless pace of action and intrigue make
<i>Thirst of Steel</i> a compelling page-turner, and Kendig truly kept me guessing
right up to the very end! And as befitting the finale of an incredible series
with well-drawn and believable characters, this novel packs plenty of emotional
punch, and the surprising ending left me hopeful and heartbroken all at once.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">I have to say I’m sad to be seeing the last of
Tox, Haven, and Wraith Team, but boy what a ride it’s been! I can’t wait to see
what’s next from this author!</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b></b>CourtneysReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494172992039236215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671712812112175230.post-10389169767484351632018-08-28T07:00:00.000-04:002018-08-28T07:00:06.497-04:00Called to Protect~Lynette Eason | Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1526231831l/36555292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="259" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1526231831l/36555292.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
Title: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36555292-called-to-protect?ac=1&from_search=true" target="_blank">Called to Protect</a> (Blue Justice #2)<br />
Author: Lynette Eason<br />
Genre: Romantic Suspense<br />
Length: 320 Pages<br />
Release: July 2018<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A copy of this novel was received through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.</i></div>
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<b>Review</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #111111; line-height: 107%;">Called to Protect focuses on
Chloe St. John, a K-9 cop, and Blake McCallum, a US Marshall. Both are
personally invested in solving a human trafficking case since they have loved
ones that are missing. Since Chloe and Blake grew up together they seem to work
very well together as a team, but I especially enjoyed the scenes with Hank,
Chloe's K-9 partner. I'm a dog lover, and I enjoyed reading about Chloe and
Hank's work and their special bond.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As I was reading, I was excited, frustrated, and
eager to see how everything turned out! I really wanted to see the criminals
brought to justice! This story felt extremely relevant to our current society
as human trafficking is a huge problem not just in foreign countries but in the
United States as well. I appreciate Lynette Eason shedding light on such a
complex issue. I can’t wait for the next book!</span></span></span><br />
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<b></b>CourtneysReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494172992039236215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671712812112175230.post-31887471323995844422018-07-19T07:00:00.000-04:002018-07-19T07:00:09.361-04:00My Thoughts for Your ThursdayI've decided that Thursday will be the day that I post some form of a discussion each week. Tuesdays are typically the day that new books release, so I will save that for reviews. I will no longer be sharing all of my reviews here since I do a majority of my reviewing on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16623592.C_P_Cabaniss" target="_blank">goodreads</a> now. I will continue posting reviews for books that I receive for review here on my blog (as well as a review on goodreads) and others that I feel like sharing. But I want this blog to be more about discussions than reviews. <div>
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<b>Buddy Reading</b></div>
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Today I want to discuss buddy reading. If you don't know what buddy reading is, it's basically when you and another person decide to read a book together and discuss it as you go. There are many ways of doing buddy reads and a lot of groups on goodreads have a bunch of these going on at a time. </div>
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Sometimes the buddy reads within a group can get little big, which can kind of defeat the purpose of a buddy read for me. Everyone will kind of read at their own pace in these reads and then comment as they go. The discussions can be a lot of fun, but I find myself being drawn to these reads less and less these days. </div>
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My favorite kind of buddy read is with one or two individuals where we decide a set number of pages or chapters to read within a given amount of time and then come back to discuss that section before moving on. These reads tend to be a little deeper in discussion since everyone is at the same point and you don't have to worry as much about accidentally spoiling someone. </div>
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Do you buddy read? If so, what type of buddy reading do you prefer?</div>
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CourtneysReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494172992039236215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671712812112175230.post-58221875695805789602018-07-06T07:00:00.000-04:002018-07-06T07:00:14.274-04:00Blind Betrayal~Nancy Mehl | Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1498797329l/35086267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="259" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1498797329l/35086267.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
Title: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35086267-blind-betrayal?ac=1&from_search=true" target="_blank">Blind Betrayal</a> (Defenders of Justice #3)<br />
Author: Nancy Mehl<br />
Genre: Romantic Suspense<br />
Length: 320 Pages<br />
Release: April 2018<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A copy of this novel was received through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.</i></div>
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<b>Review</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #111111; line-height: 107%;">Blind Betrayal by Nancy Mehl
is a very suspense-filled book, third in her Defenders of Justice series. Nancy
Mehl grabs her reader’s attention from the first page, not giving them a
reprieve, until the final page. Blind Betrayal by Nancy Mehl is a very good
intense book, filled with loads of suspense, danger, and surprising plot
twists. This third installment in Nancy Mehl’s series was very good in my
opinion. I really enjoyed Nancy Mehl’s characters, as she wove relatable traits
into each character as well as building a deep and mysterious personal history
for each character.</span><span style="color: #111111; line-height: 107%;"><br />
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<span style="background: white;">The plot in Nancy Mehl’s book follows a strong,
independent, fierce woman, Casey Sloane, a US Marshal in St. Louis, as she and
her partner undertake the assignment of getting a witness safely from St. Louis
to Washington D. C. Needless to say, the task sounds much easier than it
actually is and Casey, her partner, and other members of the U.S. Marshals have
to deal with a bombing, attempted murder, wounded and dead colleagues, powerful
cartels and terrorist groups, undercover agents, and so many more intriguing
and layered plots that make the book so good. Casey and her partner take their
assignment seriously, and as they encounter many obstacles, they must risk
their lives to transport this reporter to Washington D.C. to give evidence at a
hearing.</span><br />
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<span style="background: white;">Overall, I enjoyed Nancy Mehl’s writing in this
book, as she not only intrigued and entertained with this story, but also gave
a reminder of how we ought to forgive. This was a page-turner and I would
highly recommend it. I hope you have a chance to enjoy this exceptional story!</span></span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<b></b>CourtneysReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494172992039236215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671712812112175230.post-25483920352225901652018-07-02T07:00:00.000-04:002018-07-02T07:00:13.262-04:00Lone Witness~Rachel Dylan | Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1507668970l/36347657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="307" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1507668970l/36347657.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
Title: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36347657-lone-witness?ac=1&from_search=true" target="_blank">Lone Witness</a> (Atlanta Justice #2)<br />
Author: Rachel Dylan<br />
Genre: Romantic Suspense<br />
Length: 320 Pages<br />
Release: May 2018<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A copy of this novel was received through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.</i></div>
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<b>Review</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #111111; line-height: 107%;">Lone Witness by Rachel Dylan, is book 2 in the
Atlanta Justice Series. This legal thriller is full of multiple plot lines to
keep the reader engaged and guessing about which danger is going to be faced
next. Sophie Dawson has been promoted to a senior assistant district attorney
in the White Collar Crimes Unit of Fulton County. She is busy working on her
first case in her new division, a local bank employee is accused of cheating
customers, and she is determined to get justice for those people who lost their
savings. Working late, she decides that she has to stop to get some snacks for
her drive home, so she stops at a familiar convenience store. She is a witness
to a double homicide and she is the only person that can make a positive ID on
the person who committed the crime.</span><span style="color: #111111; line-height: 107%;"><br />
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<span style="background: white;">Sophie is now in great danger because she is the
lone witness that can identify the killer. Sophie’s father is concerned about
her safety and hires a bodyguard, Cooper Knight, a co-owner for a private
security firm and someone who Sophie has met in the past. At first Cooper keeps
a very low profile, but as the danger rises for Sophie, he must make his
presence known and some hard decisions need to be made about how to handle her
day-to-day activities and even where she is going to have to live for an
extended period of time in order to stay safe and sound.</span><br />
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<span style="background: white;">As new threats on Sophie’s life come to light,
it is no longer clear who is involved and the security firm has to consider if
her role as a witness, or her job as a senior assistant DA is the ultimate
danger. The character development for the main characters, as well as the
secondary characters is fascinating. The reader gets an in-depth view into the
different roles in the legal world and what it takes to play the politics and
the dangers of decisions on how a case is going to play out. Lone Witness is a
legal thriller that will keep you reading, and constantly re-thinking who is
behind the various plot lines and who can be trusted. A great read!</span></span></span></div>
CourtneysReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494172992039236215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671712812112175230.post-22639141874943811012018-06-11T07:00:00.000-04:002018-06-11T07:00:19.114-04:00May 2018 Reading and Life Recap<b>Favorite Read of May (<i>excluding rereads</i>)</b><br />
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1441847612l/7027735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="303" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1441847612l/7027735.jpg" width="204" /></a></div>
<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7027735-dark-life" target="_blank">Dark Life</a></i><b style="font-style: italic;"> </b>by Kat Falls was a random pick for me. I was participating in a reading challenge that needed a book that was set under water and found the audiobook on my library Overdrive account so decided to give it a listen. And I ended up really enjoying it.<br />
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It's a post-apocalyptic story that involves the colonization of the ocean, which in itself is a really interesting concept. It was also well written, attention grabbing, and had a cast of fun characters. I'm definitely planning to pick up the sequel in the not too distant future.<br />
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<b>Bucket List Item </b><br />
Maybe that is a bit of an extreme discription for this, but I have been wanting to go to a Drive-In movie for a long time. And I finally did in May. The first weekend in May I saw Avengers: Infinity War at a drive-in and it was really fun. I wish that I lived even closer to one than I do so I could go regularly. It has great prices, the staff is fun, and it's a laid back venue. I will definitely be going back again. I shared a picture on instagram that incorporates some bookish fun into the movie experience: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bic505zHj2o/?taken-by=courtneysreads" target="_blank">Books & Movies</a><br />
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<b>Being Bold</b><br />
For the past nine or so months I have worked full time doing something that I was not really enjoying. Yes, it was a job, but I want something that will give me more satisfaction than just getting a pay check. In May I decided to take a risk and give some of my other plans a try. I'm at the point in my life where it's kind of a now or never type of thing. It's scary, I'm not always great at it, and I don't know how it will pan out yet, but I'm taking a shot at following some of my dreams and I'm excited to do so.<br />
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<b>Writing</b><br />
I have been working on a fantasy novel for several months now and finally decided to push myself. I moved up my first draft goal from January 2019 to September 2018. If I don't quite meet this goal that's fine, but I think that I can make it work. If I don't push myself to grow then I will never be able to develop as a writer and share all of my work with the world. Fingers crossed that I have big news in regards to this project next year. That's the goal at this point.<br />
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These are just a few of the highlights of my month. I'm trying to motivate myself to reach farther and try harder. Some days I feel like an utter failure and others I'm on top of the world. I'm hoping that means I can fall somewhere in the middle most of the time and keep a steady pace that moves me forward.<br />
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I would love to hear about some of your weekly/monthly/yearly highlights. Let me know what things are making you happy or challenging you to be the best you you can be.CourtneysReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494172992039236215noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671712812112175230.post-79584365392739783722018-05-30T07:00:00.000-04:002018-05-30T07:00:10.633-04:00Kathryn Bywaters | InterviewKathryn Bywaters is the author of <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34733043-the-past-is-rising?ac=1&from_search=true" target="_blank">The Past is Rising</a></i>, which you can buy now. The sequel will be hitting shelves later this year, so now is the perfect time to give book one a try. You can read the first chapter on <a href="https://www.kathrynbywaters.com/book/" target="_blank">Kathryn's blog</a>.<br />
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Before we get into the interview, here is a little more about the book:<br />
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<i>The Past Is Rising </i>is a compelling fantasy epic that revolves around the uprising of dark forces bent on wresting a kingdom from its rightful rulers. Several warriors will discover that their true destinies are to salvage their kingdom and defeat the rising evil.</div>
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At fourteen, Erik dreams of past glories. He was not alive when the False Kings marched against their nephew and laid siege to the city of Meraview. Now, perched on the outer wall, Erik imagines the two great armies battling on the plains outside the city. His excitement mounts as he spies a horse and rider racing to reach Meraview.</div>
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This lone messenger is Eve, cousin to the High King—and she brings troubling news. The False Kings, once again, are gaining power. When Eve leaves to spy on the False Kings, Erik and his friend Hobble follow her. Along the way, they will learn about lost regal bloodlines, battle against ancient magical forces, and make new allies in the fight against evil.</div>
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Sinister forces closely watch Erik and his new companions. Are these young people ready to face the return of the False Kings? Or will they simply be anonymous casualties in the coming war?</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Interview</span></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">When did you first know you wanted to write a book?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One night when I was 10 years old, trying to sleep but being kept awake by a storm, I started to compose a poem in my head. When I finally had it right I jumped out of bed because I had to share it with my father. I loved the way it felt, making something that was mine. After that I wrote other poems and short stories. Then I started writing my first book, the prequel to The Past Is Rising, at age 12; I finished it at 17. My family had moved to Saint Petersburg, Russia and I think being exposed to a very foreign environment helped push my imagination to dream of new worlds.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Are you a plotter or a pantser? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m a pantser for sure! I have no idea where the story is going until my fingers are typing the words. However, in life I would have to say I’m a little of both. I love lists and planning but would also never let a spur of the moment opportunity go to waste. I believe the Yiddish have it right with their adage, “Man plans, and God laughs.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Have any of your characters been inspired by people that you know?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Aspects of some of the characters most definitely have been inspired by people I know. For example, the fiery strength of my sister can be seen in Ann. Situations and places in my life have also inspired moments throughout the book.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Do you have any favorite books you would recommend to other readers?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lord of the Rings</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, I think, will always be my favorite. Umberto Eco’s </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Baudolino</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Charlotte Brontë’s </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jane Eyre</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and William Shakespeare’s </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Midsummer Night's Dream</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> are all masterpieces. If you are looking for a fun, easy read: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hunger Games</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Harry Potter</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and lately I’ve really been liking Sarah Maas.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">What is one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If it is what you truly love doing, do it. It’s hard work and very time consuming but so are most things worth doing in life. So, do what you love and it will all seem worth it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what kind? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m more of a go to the park and lie on the grass or turn off the lights and light candles type of writer. As I write it’s like a movie starts playing in my head and sometimes I can’t write fast enough to keep up. Even if I had music on, once I started writing I don’t think I’d even hear it.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">What inspired you to write fantasy? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lord of the Rings and visiting palaces in Russia and castles in the South of France. The idea of kings and queens became real to me. I started imagining what it would be like if that was how the world was still governed. In the South of France there are legends of the Knights Templar and each castle has its own story. I think hearing about the tales of the Knights Templar and the Albigensian Crusade illuminated the good versus evil dichotomy – the struggle is real!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">What type of research is involved in your writing?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At this point none, just imagination and inspiration but I do have some ideas for historical fiction that I would like to write. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">If your book was being adapted for the screen, who would you want to play the leading role(s)?</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Oh that’s a hard one! I’m not really an actor buff and don’t follow what’s going on in Hollywoord but I’ll give this a try…</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Keira Knightley - Eve</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Kristin Kreuk – Sarah</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Emma Watson– Ann</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Christopher Hemsworth – Aeron</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jesse Williams – Reddoc</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A young Josh Hutcherson - Erik</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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CourtneysReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494172992039236215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671712812112175230.post-18071037909695311882018-05-23T07:00:00.000-04:002018-05-23T07:00:02.033-04:00Kill Shot~Susan Sleeman | Review <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1502003311l/31933366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="312" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1502003311l/31933366.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
Title: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31933366-kill-shot?ac=1&from_search=true" target="_blank">Kill Shot</a> (White Knights #2)<br />
Author: Susan Sleeman<br />
Genre: Romantic Suspense<br />
Length: 336 Pages<br />
Release: February 2018<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A copy of this novel was received through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Review</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">When you begin a Susan Sleeman book, get ready
for a thrilling ride! She hits the ground running with pulse-pounding
excitement and continues throughout the book without giving you a chance to get
off this powerful roller coaster ride of suspense. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">Sleeman has created a great cast of characters
for this book, her second in the White Knights series. These men and women are
FBI agents who have all served in the military, and now they work to bring down
criminals of the worst sort. The author keeps the reader invested in her
characters from the first page, even the secondary ones.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">There are two main characters, Olivia and Rick.
Dr. Olivia Dobbs is a Christian therapist who counsels mainly ex or current
military who suffer from PTSD. When her last patient is murdered nearly right
in front of her eyes, the FBI team, White Knights, are called in. There is
something indeed very ominous about this case or the regular police would have
handled it. A serious threat to national security is in play here and the
agents are in a race against time to track down the culprits before there are
unimaginable consequences. Agent Rick Cannon, fighting demons of his own, is
assigned to guard Dr. Dobbs because she is in the line of fire as well. He
doesn't trust her and believes she is involved in this case.</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<b></b>CourtneysReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494172992039236215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671712812112175230.post-19139295313848201882018-05-21T07:00:00.000-04:002018-05-21T07:00:03.077-04:00Storm Front~Susan May Warren | Review <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1508274944l/36430725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="308" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1508274944l/36430725.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
Title: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36430725-storm-front?ac=1&from_search=true" target="_blank">Storm Front</a> (Montana Rescue #5)<br />
Author: Susan May Warren<br />
Genre: Romantic Suspense<br />
Length: 336 Pages<br />
Release: May 2018<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A copy of this novel was received through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Review</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Susan May Warren continues the story of
Montana’s PEAK Rescue team members in “Storm Front,” which focuses on former
chopper pilot Ty Remington and journalist Brette Arnold.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">Ty is still struggling to find his role in life.
He feels like he’s just the muscle and go-getter for PEAK, feeling deeply
inadequate and inefficient. And he still struggles with the fact that the woman
he fell madly in love with, Brette, has walked out of his life without one
single look back.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">But what he doesn’t realize is that Brette, who
is currently working with a storm chasing group as a photographer and blogger,
has had struggles of her own — devastating struggles that she feels she must
face on her own.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">When the two are brought together after a
devastating tornado in Minnesota, can they put aside their fears and doubts to
help friends — new and old — find missing loved ones? And can they come
together in truth and honesty to build a relationship?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">“Storm Front” is an action-packed,
heart-thumping novel that quite simply is difficult to put down. With
devastatingly powerful storms, missing people and search parties, it also
includes toe-curling romance.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Once again Susan May Warren develops incredibly
real and relatable characters — filled with doubts, fears, insecurities, hopes
and lack of hope, and just about every other imaginable flaw. It deals with
overcoming great loss, and she also does a brilliant job of not only providing
an incredible story, but also teaching amazing lessons.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">The main theme, as the title hints at, deals with
weathering the storms of life, and how each of us chooses to weather those
storms. She reminds us to “accept the storm and ride it out without a whimper”.
“Storm Front” reminds us that we must look past the storm and find the
sunshine, or the hope, in each situation. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">And through Brette’s personal battles, this
novel also hits on the topic of beauty, both inner and outer, and the
difficulty in finding the beauty in ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">This is the fifth book in a series, but could be
read as a standalone, although I would highly recommend reading the rest of the
books. However, I do feel Warren offers enough background if this is your first
experience with the Montana Rescue series.</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<b></b>CourtneysReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494172992039236215noreply@blogger.com0