THREE IMMORTALS by Bert-Oliver Boehmer is an action-packed intergalactic science fiction adventure. This story is full of space battles, alliances, friendships and betrayals, knowledge, and the fight for ultimate supremacy. I feel it is appropriate for all ages, has several powerful messages and is also just fun to read.
After being almost eliminated by extra-galactics, humans have risen again. Led by the Assembly, a body of immortals of all races, the humans are once again endangered by a ruthless Empress seeking power over all.
Kel Chaada, a popular war hero becomes the leader of a conglomerate of mining worlds with his unbelievable defeat over the Aloo Das lead by Sya Omega. He is elevated to the Assembly and receives the gift of immortality only to be betrayed.
As Kel flees to the outer fringes of the galaxy, he discovers ancient alien civilizations. Kel learns those his has been taught to fear just may be the allies he needs to save humanity once again.
I enjoyed reading this science fiction book as a change of pace from my usual choice of material. I also enjoyed this author’s worldbuilding. The names in the worldbuilding are unique and difficult, but once everyone was sorted and the action took hold of the story it just flew by. The space and time scientific concepts were difficult on occasion, but the overall character plotlines always kept me turning the pages. I loved Kel’s hero journey throughout the story and I felt all the characters from all the differing civilizations were intriguing.
Overall, an entertaining science fiction space action-adventure.
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About the Author
Bert-Oliver Boehmer is a science fiction writer and author of the new novel “Three Immortals”. After two decades of working with innovative software and bioinformatics companies, he turned his passion for futuristic technologies, exotic biology, and artificial intelligence into the foundation of a vast space opera universe.
Bert-Oliver holds a degree in computer science and has traveled this planet extensively. Since 2020, he focuses on telling stories about what we might find elsewhere and elsewhen.
He lives with his wife and daughters in Southern California, where his Jeep leaves tire tracks on many trails.
A breakneck procedural that is beautifully written and masterfully crafted, Erin Young’s The Fields is a dynamite debut—crime fiction at its very finest.
Some things don’t stay buried.
It starts with a body—a young woman found dead in an Iowa cornfield, on one of the few family farms still managing to compete with the giants of Big Agriculture.
When Sergeant Riley Fisher, newly promoted to head of investigations for the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office, arrives on the scene, an already horrific crime becomes personal when she discovers the victim was a childhood friend, connected to a dark past she thought she’d left behind.
The investigation grows complicated as more victims are found. Drawn deeper in, Riley soon discovers implications far beyond her Midwest town.
THE FILEDS (Riley Fisher Book #1) by Erin Young is a gritty, dark, and intense start to a new police procedural crime thriller series featuring a rural American female police sergeant as the protagonist. This is a hunt for a serial killer and the author does not shy away from explicit crime scene descriptions which is fine for an ID and true crime lover as myself, but may be too graphic for some.
Newly promoted Sergeant Riley Fisher is to lead the Black Hawk, Iowa Sheriff’s Office Field Investigations Unit. A young woman is horrifically murdered and is found in a cornfield. When Riley arrives to investigate, she is shocked to discover the victim was a childhood friend.
As the investigation continues, so does the body count and the connection to Riley’s own dark past.
I really loved Riley and am very glad this is a series because there is still so much more I want to know about her. All the secondary characters are interesting and fully fleshed. I felt the police procedural plot was made more realistic with the missteps along the way instead of the usual step-by-step perfect investigation. The inclusion of government corruption and Big Ag interwoven throughout sometimes slowed the pace for me, but it was thought provoking. I will be interested to see where the author takes these characters in the future.
Overall, a strong start to a new police procedural crime thriller series with an intriguing new protagonist.
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About the Author
The Fields is Erin Young’s debut crime thriller, featuring Sergeant Riley Fisher of Black Hawk County, in the first of a planned series. Young lives and writes in Brighton, England.
Today is my turn on the Books ‘n’ All Promotions Blog Tour and I am sharing my Feature Post and Book Review for THE LIST (Martha Munro Crime Mystery Book #1) by Michael Leese.
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
It was just an ordinary Wednesday lunchtime when Detective Martha Munro’s life changed forever.
Her sergeant is speaking, but she barely hears what he’s telling her.
Your mother has been shot dead. Your four-year-old daughter has been taken.
There are no leads. Who would want to hurt her family?
Martha realizes it’s time to ask herself some hard questions about her late father.
He led the anti-corruption squad at Scotland Yard. It’s rumoured he kept a list of everyone who worked for him, from coppers to criminals. And just being on that list was a sure-fire way to lower your life expectancy.
Her mother was killed by someone trying to get their hands on that list. Now time is running out for Martha to get her daughter back alive.
Martha is the kind of cop who always goes by the book. But family is EVERYTHING. And she will do ANYTHING to keep them safe.
THE LIST (Martha Munroe Crime Mystery Book #1) by Michael Leese is the first book in a new British crime mystery series and it is constructed like no other I have read before. I was immediately intrigued and could not put it down.
Detective Martha Munroe is informed by her sergeant that her mother has been shot dead and her four-year-old daughter kidnapped.
With the help of longtime friend of the family, Harry the Hat, Martha begins to learn more about her late father who led the anti-corruption unit at The Met and is somehow tied to the forces working to destroy her. A powerful enemy believes Martha has the list belonging to her father that names all the criminals who were working as snitches for him and all the corrupt police on the force and he is willing to do anything to get it for himself.
When Martha and Harry find the list, they must work to decode it to find out who Martha can really trust and who is trying to make sure she ends up dead.
I enjoyed the unique way this story unfolded. Who would put their detective protagonist in such a position in the first book of a series? Well, Mr. Leese did, and I found it kept me turning the pages. Martha and Harry are wonderful characters that are very likeable and fully fleshed. The other characters always had me guessing whether they were good, bad, or varying shades of gray. The plot is full of twists and surprises with an ending that leaves the door open for more. I am looking forward to following Martha in future books in this series.
I recommend this start to a new British crime mystery series!
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About the Author
Before taking up writing, Michael Leese was a national newspaper journalist for over 25 years, with the last part of his career working for the London Evening Standard. The most memorable stories he covered ranged from Tiananmen Square, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the death of Princess Diana, the 9/11 attacks and the two Gulf wars.
In the latter part of his career, Mike was a news editor. In this role he gained insights into many specialties from crime and court reporting, to political and science news and the behind the scenes working of government, the City and other institutions. Mike’s passion for news and current affairs remains very strong and influences the writing of his books.
IN THE WEEDS: Around the World and Behind the Scenes with Anthony Bourdain by Tom Vitale is an in-depth personal reflection, travelogue and memoir from Tom Vitale who was a long-time director and producer who accompanied Bourdain around the world for many years. I listened to the audiobook for this review. I enjoyed and appreciated hearing the emotional inflections of the author’s own voice reading his story.
I am a fan of all the No Reservations and Parts Unknown shows which of course made me a fan of Anthony Bourdain. Tom Vitale worked on many of my favorite episodes and to hear his accounts of all the happenings on locations, it made the final product seem even more miraculous. While he talks about his job and the many highs and lows of constantly working on a travel show and dealing with an often mercurial host, he also is dealing with his own grief throughout the story after the sudden suicide of that host.
This audiobook shares Vitale’s stress and loneliness of working on a travel show while also finding it to be the ultimate time of his life. He shares his friendship with Bourdain with an unfiltered lens of love, fear, and hate. He shares his grief over losing a colleague to suicide and his thoughts of what he could have done to see it coming or prevent it. This audiobook is for me the perfect balance of sad, funny, vulnerable, and introspective from a person on the other side of the TV camera lens.
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TOM VITALE
Season after season Tom Vitale traveled with Anthony Bourdain on a near-nonstop run of eighty trips—roughly five trips a year—to almost every corner of the globe, constantly meeting strangers, often through the context of their food and culture, in the process making over 100 episodes of TV. In addition to the adventure of a lifetime, personal enrichment, and experiences he would never have thought possible, his work rewarded him with a PGA Award nomination, five Emmy wins and four nominations, a Gold World Medal for Best Non-Fiction Program, and he is credited on Parts Unknown’s Peabody Award.
Today I am Sharing my Feature Post and Book Review on the Harlequin Winter 2022 Investigator Blog Tour for AN OPERATIVE’S LAST STAND (Fugitive Heroes: Topaz Unit Book #4) by Juno Rushdan.
Below you will find a book description, my book review, an excerpt from the book, an about the author section and the author’s social media links. Enjoy!
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Book Description
A kill squad is closing in… Now this team leader must risk everything for answers
Barely escaping CIA mercenaries, ex-agent Hunter Wright is after the person he thinks targeted his ops team, Topaz, for treason. Deputy director Kelly Russell is still the one woman he can’t resist, but she believes Hunter went rogue. Now she’s his only shot at getting the answers they need. Can they trust each other enough to save Topaz—and each other?
Rogue Christmas Operation – Fugitive Heroes Topaz Unit #1
Alaskan Christmas Escape – Fugitive Heroes Topaz Unit #2
Disavowed in Wyoming – Fugitive Heroes Topaz Unit #3
An Operative’s Last Stand – Fugitive Heroes: Topaz Unit #4
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My Book Review
RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars
AN OPERATIVE’S LAST STAND (Fugitive Heroes: Topaz Unit Book #4) by Juno Rushdan is the brilliant final book and ending to the Fugitive Heroes series! These books should be read in order as each member of the Topaz team gets their own romantic suspense story which will bring them all back together to prove the team’s innocence.
Topaz team leader Hunter Wright has been able to keep his team safe up to now, but he knows they must return to Virginia to get to the person he believes betrayed his ops team. Hunter knows the CIA Deputy Director is the only person who can get the answers regarding their failed op and prove their innocence.
CIA Deputy Director Kelly Russell believes Hunter and his team went rogue and has sent CIA mercenaries to eliminate the treasonous team. Not only does she believe they betrayed their country, but that Hunter personally betrayed her.
Can they trust each other enough to save Topaz and each other?
I loved this conclusion to the Topaz series! It has everything. There is an enemies-to-lovers trope, emotional discoveries and consequences, fast-paced action and thrills, believable suspense and a climax and conclusion that was both surprising and smart. Ms. Rushdan’s characters realistically come to life on each page. This book, while wrapping up the overall series arc, also gives the reader a romance between Hunter and Kelly which is both emotionally devastating with many of the revelations and smokin’ hot with explicit sex scenes. For me, this final book was perfect!
I highly recommend this series and cannot wait for more from this author!
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Excerpt
She looked up at him and smiled, her eyes a deep cobalt blue, dark fire-red hair, her skin pale and creamy, those angular features, her full pink mouth, the effortless sensuality. It all hit him like a gut punch. God, she was breathtaking.
“A drink? No.” Amusement rang in her voice, and something inside him sank.
“All right,” he said nonchalantly. He forced a smile, swallowing his disappointment, and stepped across the hall. Of course. Some things weren’t meant to be. This was for the best anyway. Everything came at a price. To be with Kelly Russell might cost him his soul. “I’ll let you get some sleep. It’s been a long week, and we’ve got an early flight.”
“Hunter,” she said, and he glanced back at her. “Who said anything about sleeping? I am interested in the euphemism behind your offer of a nightcap.” Another smile, this time flirty, sexy. Full of promise. “And to answer the second part to your question, my room.”
Every muscle in his body tightened with need, making it difficult for him to think of anything else, least of all playing it cool.
“We need to establish the rules of engagement first,” she said.
All business. Always in control. Even now. For some inexplicable reason, it only added to her allure.
He strolled back across the hall. “I’m listening.”
“This has to be a one-night-only situation. It can never happen again.”
He reached out and tucked a fiery strand that had escaped her twist behind her ear. Her skin was warm and soft, with a perfect porcelain texture. “My mother always told me, never say never.”
“I’m serious, Hunter.” She slipped her key card in the slot, unlocked the door and opened it. “One night to assuage our mutual curiosity.”
Curiosity. Chemistry. Semantics. “If we enjoy ourselves, why only one night?”
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About the Author
Juno Rushdan draws from real-life inspiration as a former U.S. Air Force Intelligence Officer to craft sizzling romantic thrillers. However, you won’t find any classified leaks here. Her stories are pure fiction about kick-ass heroes and strong heroines fighting for their lives as well as their happily-ever-after.
Although Juno is a native New Yorker, wanderlust has taken her across the globe. Fortunately, she is blessed with a husband who shares her passion for travel, movies, and fantastic food. She’s visited more than twenty different countries and has lived in England and Germany. Her favorite destination for relaxation is the Amalfi Coast, Italy for its stunning seascape, cliffside lemon groves, terraced vineyards, amazing pasta, and to-die-for vino.
When she’s not writing, Juno loves spending time with her family. Exercise is not her favorite thing to do, but she squeezes some in since chocolate and red wine aren’t calorie-free.
She currently resides in Virginia with her supportive hubby, two dynamic children, and spoiled rescue dogs. Check her out on Instagram, Facebookor follow her on Twitter or BookBub. She loves to connect with readers!
He’ll put his own life on any line If it means keeping her away from the danger stalking him
Fleeing from a CIA kill squad, former operative Dean Delgado is hiding out back in Wyoming, where the terrain—and the people—are all too familiar. Working undercover, he befriends veterinarian Kate Sawyer—the woman he was once forced to leave behind. But when an emergency call brings Kate under fire, Dean must blow his cover to save her. Now, despite the risks to his own life, protecting Kate is the only mission that matters.
DISAVOWED IN WYOMING (Fugitive Heroes: Topaz Unit #3) by Juno Rushdan is another exciting, fast-paced romantic suspense in the Fugitive Heroes: Topaz Unit series. The romantic suspense plot in this story can be read as standalone, but this story is also about the last member of the Topaz Unit in hiding and they should be read in order to follow the overall arc of the series.
Veterinarian Kate Sawyer is found by a young woman about to deliver as she exits the neighborhood bar to return to her apartment above the bar. As she delivers the baby, two men threaten Kate and demand the mother and baby go with them. DJ, the elderly bartender comes to Kae’s rescue.
Dean Delgado is hiding in disguise in his hometown in Wyoming. He has never been able to get over his first love even as he disappeared from her life years ago. As he saves Kate from her attackers, his disguise is damaged.
Dean knows he must run again to avoid the CIA kill squad, but Kate is in danger, and he cannot leave until she is safe. Protecting Kate is all that matters.
Kate and Dean’s story is a second chance romance as well as an exciting romantic suspense with corrupt law enforcement, drug dealers and human traffickers. Dean is a hero on the run, but he loves Kate enough to save her over his own life if it comes to that. The addition of Dean’s brother in the plot tied the past and present together as well as once again showing Kate’s compassion and caring. All the secondary characters are fully developed and add to the believability of the story. The suspense plots, local lawlessness and the CIA hunt for Dean are intense and will keep you turning the pages.
I love this series and all its heroes and heroines! I am anxiously waiting for the last book in this series to read Hunter’s story and see how everything gets wrapped up.
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About the Author
Juno Rushdan draws from real-life inspiration as a former U.S. Air Force Intelligence Officer to craft sizzling romantic thrillers. However, you won’t find any classified leaks here. Her stories are pure fiction about kick-ass heroes and strong heroines fighting for their lives as well as their happily-ever-after.
Although Juno is a native New Yorker, wanderlust has taken her across the globe. Fortunately, she is blessed with a husband who shares her passion for travel, movies, and fantastic food. She’s visited more than twenty different countries and has lived in England and Germany. Her favorite destination for relaxation is the Amalfi Coast, Italy for its stunning seascape, cliffside lemon groves, terraced vineyards, amazing pasta, and to-die-for vino.
When she’s not writing, Juno loves spending time with her family. Exercise is not her favorite thing to do, but she squeezes some in since chocolate and red wine aren’t calorie-free.
She currently resides in Virginia with her supportive hubby, two dynamic children, and spoiled rescue dogs. Check her out on Instagram, Facebookor follow her on Twitter or BookBub. She loves to connect with readers!
