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Blog Tour/Feature Post and Book Review: The Failsafe Query by Michael Jenkins

The Failsafe Query (Sean Richardson #1) by Michael Jenkins

#TheFailsafeQuery @FailsafeQuery @damppebbles #damppebblesblogtours

Hi, everyone!

Today is my turn on this new blog tour and I am sharing my Feature Post and Book Review for THE FAILSAFE QUERY (A Sean Richardson Thriller Book #1) by Michael Jenkins. This is the first book in an exciting, action packed spy trilogy.

Below you will find a book blurb, my book review, an about the author section and the author’s social media links. Enjoy!

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Book Blurb:

‘Some secrets were meant to be buried forever. Until now.’

Sean Richardson, a disgraced former intelligence agent, is tasked to lead a team to search for a British intelligence officer on the cusp of exposing thousands of secrets to the media. It includes a long lost list of Russian moles embedded since the Cold War, one of whom remains a public favourite in the British parliamentary system.

The action moves with absorbing pace and intrigue across Central Asia and Europe as the puzzle begins to unfold through a deep hidden legacy. As Sean gets closer to the truth, senior figures are left to nurse their anxiety knowing that if the secret is revealed, it will destroy their lives.

On the verge of success, his eye is taken off the ball, and the Russians step forward ready to pounce.

Tense, fast paced, and insightful, The Failsafe Query twists and turns to a satisfyingly dramatic finale.

The first in a set of spy thrillers that have been expertly crafted with stunning plot lines, magnificent locations, and twists that leave you gasping for air. Perfect for fans of Frederick Forsyth, Robert Ludlum, Tom Clancy, and Scott Mariani.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40696242-the-failsafe-query

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My Book Review

RATING: 4 out of 5 Stars

THE FAILSAFE QUERY (A Sean Richardson Thriller Book #1) by Michael Jenkins is the first book in a trilogy of contemporary British spy thrillers.

Post 9/11, the British government wants proof of the weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Sean is an agent in Central Asia and everything his informants show him points to the Iranians buying black market radioactive materials, not the Iraqis. Sean’s informant is killed and his mission compromised so he is recalled to Britain.

Eleven years later, Sean is rescued from an Afghanistan prison after months of incarceration. He was on a civilian contract job after leaving the service and was turned on when they found out he was digging into their real business, heroin. He is rescued for a reason. With his extensive knowledge of the Middle East and the mountains of Central Asia, he is tasked with finding an intelligence officer that has gone rogue. The rogue has secret information that could make him Britain’s biggest whistle-blower.

The story takes off from this point and Sean and his team travel around Europe and Central Asia in a fast-paced action spy thriller full of plot twists, modern day espionage and military precision. Sean is a complex protagonist. He is realistically flawed, believable and a professional. All the secondary characters are fully fleshed and believable, also. Since this is the first book in the trilogy, the first few chapters are more backstory and explanatory, but once Sean is on the job, the pace increases exponentially to the climax.

I recommend this exciting spy thriller and am looking forward to reading the other two in the trilogy!

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About the Author

I started climbing at 13, survived being lost in Snowdonia at 14, nearly drowned at 15, and then joined the Army at 16. Risk and adventure was built into my DNA and I feel very fortunate to have served the majority of my working career as an intelligence officer within Defence Intelligence, and as an explosive ordnance disposal officer and military surveyor within the Corps of Royal Engineers.

I was privileged to serve for twenty-eight years in the British Army as a soldier and officer, rising through the ranks to complete my service as a major. I served across the globe on numerous military operations as well as extensive travel and adventure on many major mountaineering and exploration expeditions that I led or was involved in.

I was awarded the Geographic Medal by the Royal Geographical Society for mountain exploration in 2003 and served on the screening committee of the Mount Everest Foundation charity for many years. It was humbling after so many years of service when I was awarded the MBE for services to counter-terrorism in 2007.

Social Media Links

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FailsafeQuery

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefailsafethrillers/

Website: https://www.michaeljenkins.org/

Purchase Links

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3eM9w5V

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/35gCfN1

Blackwells: https://bit.ly/3kje98F

Publishing Information

Published in paperback and digital formats by Failsafe Thrillers on 20^th May 2020

Book Review: Murder Unjoyful by Anita Waller

RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars

MURDER UNJOYFUL (Kat and Mouse Mysteries Book #5) by Anita Waller is the fifth and final book in this British cozy mystery series. While set in the holiday season around Christmas, the crime and its consequences are darker and less of a strictly cozy mystery than the others in the series. While the mystery can be read as a standalone, I feel the series should be read in order due to the continued evolution and connections of the main characters.

As Christmas approaches everyone at Connection is making their holiday plans until a new and urgent case arrives at their door. Nineteen years ago, Paul Fraser kidnapped and almost killed Julie Clark. She lived, but she was paralyzed and testified against him in court. The felon, who should have been locked up for life, has been paroled and has failed to report for his monthly check-in. He has disappeared and Julie and her husband are afraid he will return to kill the woman who put him in prison.

Connection is on the case with help from a protection firm to protect the family as they search for Paul Fraser. DCI Tessa Marsden and DS Hannah Granger are also searching for him as he begins to leave dead and wounded bodies in his wake. This case will need everything Connection and their friends have to offer and will take more than they could ever imagine.

This was an excellent end to the series. The mystery itself had me completely engrossed and I was continually surprised by the twists and turns it took before the solution. I was happy for all the ladies of Connection and the partners they have found over the series. That said, there are also some terribly sad occurrences in this book to some main characters that had me so upset, but no spoilers allowed. Everything was tied up in the end and you believe the changes that take place in all the characters lives are inevitable and proper.

I feel this is a great series and I can highly recommend it! Ms. Waller gives you intriguing mystery/crime plots that kept me turning the pages and wonderfully realistic characters that feel as though I should be able to visit them in person.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55921022-murder-unjoyful

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Author Bio

Anita Waller was born in Sheffield, South Yorkshire in 1946. She married Dave in 1967 and they have three adult children.

She has written and taught creative writing for most of her life, and at the age of sixty-nine sent a manuscript to Bloodhound Books which was immediately accepted.

In total she has written seven psychological thrillers and one supernatural novel, and uses the areas of South Yorkshire and Derbyshire as her preferred locations in her books. Sheffield features prominently.

And now Anita is working on her first series, the Kat and Mouse trilogy, set in the beautiful Derbyshire village of Eyam. The first in the series, Murder Undeniable, launched 10 December 2018, and the second in the series, Murder Unexpected, launches 11 February 2019.

The trilogy has now been promoted to a quartet following the success of the first book; she is currently working on book three, Murder Unearthed. Book four doesn’t have a title, a plot, a first sentence… but she remains convinced it will have!

She is now seventy-three years of age, happily writing most days and would dearly love to plan a novel, but has accepted that isn’t the way of her mind. Every novel starts with a sentence and she waits to see where that sentence will take her, and her characters.

In her life away from the computer in the corner of her kitchen, she is a Sheffield Wednesday supporter with blue blood in her veins! The club was particularly helpful during the writing of 34 Days, as a couple of matches feature in the novel, along with Ross Wallace. Information was needed, and they provided it.

Her genre is murder – necessary murder.

Social Media Links

Amazon page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/l/B014RQFCRS?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1548251083&redirectedFromKindleDbs=true&ref_=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_6&rfkd=1&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&sr=8-6

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/anitawaller2015/?ref=br_rs @anitawaller2015

Website: www.anitamayw.wixsite.com/anitawaller

Twitter: https://twitter.com/anitamayw @anitamayw

Feature Post and Mini Book Reviews: Murder Unearthed and Murder Untimely by Anita Waller

Hi, everyone!

Today I am sharing my Feature Post and Mini Book Reviews for book #3, MURDER UNEARTHED and book #4, MURDER UNTIMELY in the Kat and Mouse Mysteries series by Anita Waller. I am catching up in this fabulous series because I have been allowed to read book #5 by Bloodhound Books before publication and will be sharing a blog post for that book shortly.

Below you will find book descriptions, my mini book reviews, the author’s bio and social media links. I love this cozy British mystery series! Enjoy!

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Book Description

Kat and Mouse are back in the latest instalment of the bestselling Kat and Mouse Murder Mystery Series!

When DI Tessa Marsden is called to a road traffic accident, she is disturbed by the crime scene she must investigate. She now has a double murder to contend with; two dead girls from the same village.

Realising the murders aren’t linked, Marsden summons the help of the Connection Investigation Agency, run by Kat, a church Deacon, Beth, (known affectionately as Mouse), a computer expert, and Doris, Beth’s feisty grandmother.

When it is discovered that one of the murdered girls was pregnant the case takes an unexpected turn.

Can DI Marsden, with the input of Kat and Mouse, solve the case before another body appears?

Meanwhile, the agency has been asked to track down the long lost son of Ewan Barker. Will Kat, Mouse and Doris find him and reunite him with his father?

This might just be their toughest investigation yet…

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51203796-murder-unearthed?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=1DmInopmgB&rank=1

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Mini Book Review

MURDER UNEARTHED (Kat and Mouse Mysteries Book #3) by Anita Waller is another great addition to this series. This is a British cozy mystery series that is unlike any American cozy series that I have read, not just in the truly British turn of a phrase or word usage, but while it truly is a cozy, with the murder behind the scenes, it is still written in a gritty and realistic way. All of these books can be read as standalones, but I love reading them in order to keep track of the characters’ growth and continuing interactions.

All of the ladies of Connection, Kat, Mouse (Beth) and Nan (Doris) are wonderful characters that keep me returning for more adventures. I also enjoy the tie-in with the local police, DI Tessa Marsden and DS Hannah Granger. Ms. Waller gives you intricately plotted cases for the P.I.s and the police to solve separately and together. With two teenage girls missing on the same day, all of the ladies were very busy and I was quite satisfied with the solution.

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Book Description

Kat and Mouse are back in the latest instalment of the bestselling Kat and Mouse Murder Mystery Series!

Early one morning, in the grounds of Chatsworth, a body is discovered by one of the estate groundsmen. DI Marsden and DS Granger battle through snow-covered roads to begin their investigation.

Meanwhile, at the Connection Investigation Agency, Doris, Kat and Mouse are busy juggling their caseloads, while trying to show their new trainee receptionist the ropes.

When the police learn that the body belongs to Nicola Armstrong, a resident of the nearby village of Baslow, it soon transpires that Nicola was the mother of a child who disappeared ten years prior to her murder.

Soon, the Connection investigators are brought in to help but when a second body is found at Chatsworth, the case takes a disturbing turn.

Can the police and the female sleuths get to the truth before more life is lost? Or is the fate of those involved already sealed?

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52605622-murder-untimely?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=SHXOz0Ccru&rank=1

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Mini Book Review

MURDER UNTIMELY (Kat and Mouse Mysteries Book #4) by Anita Waller is a great addition to the series with some changes happening at Connection. This book can be read as a standalone, but all of the characters lives are as interesting and realistic as the mysteries and crimes, so I do recommend reading them in order for the greatest satisfaction.

Kat, Mouse and Nan have hired a new receptionist/investigative trainee, Luke. Luke fits right in with the ladies and loves the job as much as all of the ladies are happy with him. While DI Marsden and DS Granger work the cases of two murdered women, Doris takes Luke under her wing and oversees him on his first case for Connection.

Once again, Ms. Waller has written tightly plotted intertwining mysteries that kept me turning the pages. These books are cozies because the murders are behind the scenes, but everything else reads likes a realistic crime novel. The main characters are always intelligent and entertaining and the secondary characters keep me guessing. This is a must read series for me!

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Author Bio

Anita Waller was born in Sheffield, South Yorkshire in 1946. She married Dave in 1967 and they have three adult children.

She has written and taught creative writing for most of her life, and at the age of sixty-nine sent a manuscript to Bloodhound Books which was immediately accepted.

Her genre is murder – necessary murder.

Social Media Links

Amazon page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/l/B014RQFCRS?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1548251083&redirectedFromKindleDbs=true&ref_=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_6&rfkd=1&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&sr=8-6

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/anitawaller2015/?ref=br_rs @anitawaller2015

Website: www.anitamayw.wixsite.com/anitawaller

Twitter: https://twitter.com/anitamayw @anitamayw

Blog Tour/Feature Post and Book Review: A Soldier Under Her Tree by Kathy Douglass

Hi, everyone!

Today is my turn on the Harlequin Series December 2020 Blog Tour. I am sharing my Feature Post and Book Review for A SOLDIER UNDER HER TREE (Sweet Briar Sweethearts Book #8) by Kathy Douglass.

Below you will find a book description, my book review an excerpt from the book and the author’s bio. Enjoy!

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Book Description:

Tis the season…for a second shot at love. Could a fake boyfriend be her real hero this Christmas?

When her ex-fiancé shows up at her shop—engaged to her sister!—dress designer Hannah Carpenter doesn’t know what to do. Especially when her former fling Russell Danielson sees her plight and rides to the rescue, offering a fake relationship to foil her rude relations. The thing is, there’s nothing fake about his kiss… But when things get real, will the sexy soldier once again stop short of commitment?

From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55578809-a-soldier-under-her-tree

A SOLDIER UNDER HER TREE (Sweet Briar Sweethearts Book #8)

ISBN: 9781335894991

Price: $5.99

On Sale Date: December 1, 2020

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My Book Review

RATING: 4 out of 5 Stars

A SOLDIER UNDER HER TREE (Sweet Briar Sweethearts Book #8) by Tracy Douglass is a cozy, second-chance, contemporary holiday romance. (I label all romances that do not have sex scenes as cozy romances.) This book is a part of the Sweet Briar Sweethearts series, but it can be easily read and enjoyed as a standalone story.

Hannah Carpenter has made Sweet Briar, North Carolina her home after catching her ex-fiance and sister in bed together just three days before what was to be her Christmas wedding day. While she has made of success of her personal design clothing boutique and has great new friends, she only participates in the holiday for show around her friends and customers. She refuses to celebrate in private and avoids anything Christmas as much as possible.

Russel Danielson is on leave in Sweet Briar for the holiday to see his family and try to decide what he is going to do for the rest of his life after having to take a medical discharge from the military after 20 years of service. He is also looking forward to once again seeing Hannah, who he met one day before returning to duty over the summer.

Russ walks into Hannah’s boutique and into a situation between Hannah, her mother, sister and ex-fiance. He pretends to be her boyfriend. When they leave, Russel and Hannah decide that being a fake couple over the Christmas holiday will solve both of their problems.

Can a fake couple help each other and become the real thing?

This is a fast and easy read with a lot of heart. Russel and Hannah both have personal obstacles to overcome and the author does a good job of emotionally moving them along to the HEA. This is a cozy romance, which is the term I use for a romance with no sex scenes. All of Hannah’s friends and Russel’s family are realistically portrayed and interesting secondary characters that make me want to go back and read about their stories in other books in the Sweet Briar series.

Entertaining, heartfelt and fun holiday contemporary romance read.

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Excerpt

“Why do you have to be like that? I tried to resist. We both did, for your sake. That’s why we didn’t get married right away. We were considering your feelings. But Gerald and I are in love and want to be together.”

Hannah managed not to throw up the yogurt she’d grabbed for breakfast. Respect for her feelings wasn’t the reason Dinah and Gerald hadn’t gotten married three years ago. They hadn’t tied the knot because Dinah hadn’t been divorced yet. Her ex-husband hadn’t been in the mood to give her half of what he’d earned, so the proceedings had dragged on and on. Of course, had Dinah been as much in love with Gerald as she’d claimed, she would have just walked away from her then eight-month marriage and a huge settlement. But Dinah had absorbed their mother’s teaching quite well. Never leave a dollar behind.

“I’m not stopping you. Get married. Have the biggest wedding the state of Virginia has seen. Heck, all of America has seen. But leave me out of it.”

Gerald stepped forward then. Hannah had hoped to never see the weasel ever again. Yet here he was, standing right in front of her. He was average height with hair that was beginning to thin and cold, calculating eyes. Hannah wondered what she’d ever seen in him. When they’d worked together at his father’s architectural firm, she’d been impressed by what she’d interpreted as his drive and desire to make a name for himself. Now she realized that had just been a mirage.

“Hannah, we weren’t right for each other.” Was he trying to sound sympathetic? If so, he was failing miserably. But then, true feelings weren’t included in his limited repertoire. “I know you feel the same way.”

“You got that right.”

“I know you’re hurt and disappointed,” he said as if he hadn’t heard a word she’d said. Apparently he’d prepared this speech and intended to recite every word of it. “But don’t hold it against Dinah.”

“You’re unbelievable. Please, all of you, just leave.”

“Not until you agree to make my dress,” Dinah said. Clearly trying to make nice was putting a strain on her and she was reverting to type.

Hannah had a business to run. A customer could come in at any moment. She needed to put an end to this now.

“You know, I can always call the chief of police. He’s a friend, too.”

“You wouldn’t dare,” Eleanor said indignantly, pressing a manicured hand against her chest.

“Actually I would,” Hannah said, hoping her mother wouldn’t call her bluff. Hannah didn’t want anyone in town, especially her friends, to know about her messed up family. She’d never told a soul about them or how Gerald had betrayed her. And she never would. But Eleanor didn’t know that.

“There’s no need for that,” Eleanor said hastily, trying to get back on script. “Hannah, just consider what’s best for the family. And for you.”

“How would it look if you, a successful dress designer to the stars, refuse to design a wedding dress for your only sister? It could harm your reputation if anyone ever found out how petty you’re being,” Dinah added.

“Was that a threat? That’s an interesting strategy for someone asking a favor.”

“I’m just pointing out the obvious. You like to pretend that you’re the victim. Poor betrayed Hannah. The truth is Gerald dumped you because he didn’t want you. He wanted me.” Dinah preened as if she were some sort of prize. “You’ve always been jealous of my beauty. I would have thought you’d gotten over it by now. Maybe if you could find a man, you wouldn’t be so bitter. But then, maybe you haven’t met anyone desperate enough.”

Hannah gasped. That was low even for Dinah.

The sound of a throat being loudly cleared filled the uneasy silence. Hannah closed her eyes.

Just what she’d hoped to avoid—a witness to her family’s dysfunction and her personal humiliation.

She opened her eyes and turned to face her customer.

Russell Danielson. Her good friend’s brother. She’d met Russell this past summer when he’d been in Sweet Briar visiting his siblings and their families. They’d hit it off and spent a glorious evening together. He’d promised to contact her when he got back to his duty station. He hadn’t.

She’d been hurt when he’d ghosted her—disappointed even—but not surprised. She was still down on men. Besides, though they’d had a couple of good conversations, those talks hadn’t involved anything truly personal. Still, she’d thought they’d connected. Clearly she’d been wrong.

Russell looked around the room, taking in the scene, and then smiled. Did he find the way she was standing against the wall while they circled her like sharks amusing? “Sorry I’m late.”

“Uh.” Late for what? Until he’d stepped into her store, she hadn’t known he was in town.

He crossed the room, not stopping until he was standing an inch in front on her. Instinctively she inhaled and got a whiff of his delectable scent. He was wearing a woodsy cologne, which when mingled with his natural scent made her weak in the knees. Before she could utter a word, he put his arms around her waist and pulled her into a kiss.

His lips were warm, and the pressure was perfect. He lingered for a few seconds before pulling away. Though he’d ended the kiss, he kept his arm firmly around her waist, which was good since her knees had turned to Jell-O.

***

Author Bio

Kathy Douglass came by her love of reading naturally – both of her parents were readers. She would finish one book and pick up another. Then she attended law school and traded romances for legal opinions.

After the birth of her two children, her love of reading turned into a love of writing. Kathy now spends her days writing the small town contemporary novels she enjoys reading. Kathy loves to hear from her readers and can be found on Facebook.

Purchase Links

Harlequin: https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781335894991_a-soldier-under-her-tree.html

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-soldier-under-her-tree-kathy-douglass/1137123782?ean=9781335894991&st=AFF&2sid=HarperCollins%20Publishers%20LLC_7651142_NA&sourceId=AFFHarperCollins%20Publishers%20LLC

Booksamillion: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/9781335894991?AID=10747236&PID=7651142&cjevent=cd84ca9017ad11eb829e02870a240614

Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Soldier-Under-Sweet-Briar-Sweethearts-ebook/dp/B089MC97CK/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=A+Soldier+Under+Her+Tree+%28Sweet+Briar+Sweethearts%2C+8%29&linkCode=gs3&qid=1603732094&sr=8-1&tag=haperpublican-20

Indie bound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781335894991

Blog Tour/Feature Post and Book Review: A Heart Redeemed by Dawn Brower

BLOG TOUR: November 13 – November 19

A Heart Redeemed

The Everyday Heroes Series World

By Dawn Brower

Hi, everyone!

Today I am excited to be sharing my Feature Post and Book Review on this blog tour for A HEART REDEEMED (The Everyday Heroes Series World) by Dawn Brower. This is my first time reading a romantic suspense written by this author and set in this world started by K. Bromberg, but it will not be my last.

Below you will find a book blurb, my book review, an about the author section and the author’s social media links. Enjoy!

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Book Blurb

Paige Morris has secrets…

Her life has been filled with darkness for too long. After a terrorizing experience with her daughter’s father she makes necessary changes. Redemption isn’t always possible, but she hopes in time she’ll achieve hers. When she is asked to foster a little girl whose parents were murdered she automatically agrees.

Alexander “Lex” Foster is battling demons of his own…

He has witnessed a lot of awful things in his life, but the gruesome murder he’s assigned to investigate tops the list. The little girl he finds cowering in a cupboard breaks his heart. Solving the case becomes his top priority. What he doesn’t expect is his instant attraction to the foster mother who takes in the victim’s daughter.

Deception, murder, and inescapable passion…

What could go wrong? As Paige and Lex grow closer, so does the killer. After several disturbing messages Lex moves in to protect the girls. Ensuring their safety is his priority. He cannot afford any diversions; however, his growing desire for Paige may be his undoing. When the psychopath makes his move he might be too late to save them.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54310864-a-heart-redeemed

Get your copy today on your Kindle and KindleUnlimited – books2read.com/AHeartRedeemed

***

My Book Review

RATING: 4 out of 5 Stars

A HEART REDEEMED (The Everyday Heroes Series) by Dawn Brower is a new romantic suspense set in K. Bromberg’s Everyday Heroes Series world. This is my first time reading a book written by this author and set in this world, but it will not be my last.

Eight-year-old Mila Gallo waited until her parents went to bed to sneak into the kitchen to take the cookies her mom told her she could not have. When she hears a noise on the stairs, she hides in a kitchen cabinet and hears a stranger kill her father.

Alexander “Lex” Foster discovers Mila the next morning curled in the cabinet and it breaks his heart. He vows to discover Mila’s parent’s killer. He delivers the silent Mila to her emergency foster placement and is surprised by his instant attraction to the foster mother. What Lex does not know is that the killer’s job is not done until Mila is dead, too.

Paige Morris is a second-grade teacher and has become a foster parent available to traumatized children. Paige is hoping by helping other children, it will make up for her slow response in separating herself and her daughter from an abusive relationship. Paige feels she will never be interested in a relationship again until Lex shows up at her door with Mila in his arms.

After several disturbing incidents, Lex moves in with Paige and the girls to protect them. Paige and Lex’s attraction turns into more even as the killer plans to finish his job. Will Lex be able to protect them all and save Mila?

I enjoyed Paige and Lex finding each other when they both never thought a relationship was possible for them. Paige and Halie had been through a lot and their backstory really fleshed them out and made you want them to find happiness and made them perfect for helping Mila heal. Lex is a hero that is handsome, but also intelligent and loving. There is no secret of the killer’s identity and the plot itself is not new and was predictable, but the author filled the story with characters that felt realistic and you want to follow them until the HEA.

This is a quick and entertaining romantic suspense.

***

About the Author

USA TODAY Bestselling author, DAWN BROWER writes both historical and contemporary romance. There are always stories inside her head; she just never thought she could make them come to life. That creativity has finally found an outlet.

Growing up she was the only girl out of six children. She raised two boys into productive young men. There is never a dull moment in her life. Reading books is her favorite hobby and she loves all genres. You can find out more about her books both contemporary and historical on her website www.authordawnbrower.com/.

Social Media Links

Facebook – www.facebook.com/AuthorDawnBrower

Instagram – www.instagram.com/1DawnBrower/

Twitter – www.twitter.com/dawnab33

Blog Tour/Feature Post and Book Review: Rough Country by T.J. Brearton

Rough Country by T.J. Brearton

#RoughCountry #TJBrearton @inkubatorbooks @damppebbles #damppebblesblogtours

Hi, everyone!

Today I am happy to be sharing my Feature Post and Book Review for the new standalone murder mystery ROUGH COUNTRY by T.J. Brearton on this Damppebbles Blog Tour.

Below you will find a book blurb, my book review, an about the author section and the author’s social media links. Enjoy!

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Book Blurb

A young girl murdered. A town with a dark secret.

A young girl, Kasey, is murdered in the woods of northern New York, a strange symbol carved into her stomach.

Investigator Reed Raleigh, Major Crimes, is tasked with finding the killer.

Reed has his own troubles. He’s in therapy, divorced, estranged from his son. But he desperately needs to solve this case – his own stepdaughter vanished when she was a teenager and Reed knows all about the agony of having no closure. No way is he letting Kasey’s mother go through that.

But as Reed begins to dig, the case grows ever more complex. Why is Kasey’s boyfriend acting so strangely? And why is her mother lying to the police?

As evidence of Kasey’s bizarre secret life starts to emerge, Reed realises this case isn’t just about a dead girl. There’s something much bigger at play in this small rural town, a decades old secret that needs to be protected. At any cost.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55782972-rough-country

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My Book Review

RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars

ROUGH COUNTRY by T.J. Brearton is a murder mystery set in the rural hills of upstate New York. I read and enjoy the Shannon Ames Thriller series by this author, so I was looking forward to reading this new standalone book and I was not disappointed.

A young girl, Kasey Stevens is found murdered partially lying on a trail in the woods of upstate New York. She has been strangled and a symbol has been sliced with precision on her abdomen.

Reed Raleigh is an investigator on the Major Crimes Unit of the New York State Police and receives the early morning call to be the lead on the murder. Reed is razor focused on this case as his superior keeps close tabs on him and his state of mind because Reed is still trying to deal with the fact that he had no closure on the disappearance of his own step-daughter.

Initially, Reed and his fellow investigators are lead to believe it is a case of a distraught ex-boyfriend, but as the case continues Reed finds a tangled web of lies and relationships among many of the small towns’ inhabitants in the region.

Reed discovers there have been other missing and dead girls over the past years. There is something even bigger going on and it is a secret that many are willing to keep at any cost.

I was really caught up in this intricately plotted and paced mystery. Reed is an intriguing protagonist who is dealing with his own demons, but he is cognizant of his problems and the fact his superior is keeping tabs on his mental health as he works this case. Through everything though, Reed is determined to get to the truth and on top of every inconsistency in the case. All the secondary characters, good and bad, were fully fleshed and added to the realism of the story. The threads came together in the end for an interesting and satisfying conclusion.

I recommend this new standalone mystery by this author for an entertaining and satisfying read.

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About the Author

T.J. Brearton’s books have reached half a million readers around the world and have topped the Amazon charts in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. A graduate of the New York Film Academy in Manhattan, Brearton first worked in film before focusing on novels. His books are visually descriptive with sharp dialog and underdog heroes. When not writing, Brearton does whatever his wife and three children tell him to do. They live happily in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York. Yes, there are bears in the Adirondacks. But it’s really quite beautiful when you’re not running for your life.

T.J. is the author of Into Darkness, Road to Mercy and other crime thrillers. ROUGH COUNTRY will be his third novel published with Inkubator Books.

Social Media Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tjbreartonauthor/

Website: http://tjbrearton.net/

Purchase Links

US: https://www.amazon.com//dp/B08MWLZFYV/

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk//dp/B08MWLZFYV/

Publishing Information

Published by Inkubator Books in paperback and digital format on 15^th November 2020