Tag: #authorsocialmedia

Feature Post and Book Review: Face of Greed by James L’Etoile

Book Description

When a prominent Sacramento businessman is killed and his wife injured in a brutal home invasion, Detective Emily Hunter and her partner, Javier Medina, are called to investigate. At first glance, it seems like a crime of opportunity gone horribly wrong, but Emily soon finds there might be more to both the crime and the dead man.

The high-stakes investigation also comes at a time when Emily is caring for her mother, who has early-onset Alzheimer’s, and Emily struggles to balance her job with her personal life. The city’s political elite seem to want the case solved quickly, but darker forces want it buried.

Could there have been a motive behind the attack, making it more than a random home invasion? Emily uncovers clues that cause her to reconsider her understanding of the crime. A deadly game of greed and deception pulls Emily deeper into the shadowy world of gang violence and retribution. She has to walk the razor’s edge to identify the killer—without becoming the next victim.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63277415-face-of-greed?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=ggiF1e3f50&rank=1

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My Book Review

RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars

FACE OF GREED (A Detective Emily Hunter Mystery Book #1) by James L’Etoile is a gritty, intricately plotted, and fast paced crime thriller/police procedural set in Sacramento, California. This is the first book in a new series by this author with a pair of detectives that I already know I am going to love to follow in future books.

Detective Emily Hunter and her partner, Detective Javier Medina are called to the scene of an apparent home invasion. They find the husband, a prominent Sacramento businessman, is brutally murdered and the wife injured, but alive. As they begin their investigation, they are hindered by political interference and the pressure for a quick resolution and a widow who seems to be not that upset by the murder of her husband.

With the death of the dead man’s lawyer, Emily and Javi soon find themselves embroiled in a case full of dirty money and cops, greed, gangs, and violence. Can Emily untangle the evidence before either herself or someone she loves wind up dead?

This story pulls you into the investigation and the lives of Emily and Javi to the point that I could not put it down. Emily is an intelligent and tough protagonist who doggedly follows the clues and walks a fine line at times, but while seeming to stretch it at times, there is always a reason, and she does not cross it. Emily is also dealing with a mother who has dementia and is no longer able to care for herself. Emily’s partnership with Javi feels realistically written and occasionally adds humor to the otherwise intense story.

Mr. L’Etoile’s writing is smart, realistic, gritty, and immersive. The crime plot is twisted and continued to surprise me. I always love this author’s books, and this one was no exception. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series, River of Lies.

I highly recommend this crime thriller/police procedural!

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About the Author

James L’Etoile uses his twenty-nine years behind bars as an influence in his award-winning novels, short stories, and screenplays. He is a former associate warden in a maximum-security prison, a hostage negotiator, and director of California’s state parole system. His novels have been shortlisted or awarded the Lefty, Anthony, Silver Falchion, and the Public Safety Writers Award. Face of Greed and Served Cold are his most recent novel. Look for River of Lies and Sins of the Father, coming in 2025.

Major social themes weave through his work, including the world of human trafficking, black market organ transplants, homelessness, domestic terrorism, immigration policy, political corruption, and the pharmaceutical industry.

Social Media Links

Website: https://jamesletoile.com/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorjamesletoile/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Greed-Detective-Emily-Hunter-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0BP97PYXH/ref=sr_1_1?crid=L5QJZCJ69G14&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gWQpAcoDhdm

Feature Post and Book Review: Remember When by Mary Balogh

Book Description

The Dowager Countess of Stratton, Clarissa Ware, née Greenfield, has just presented her younger daughter to the ton, and the rest of her life belongs only to herself. She returns to Ravenswood, intending to spend the summer alone there. But the summer has other plans for her.

Born a gentleman, Matthew Taylor has chosen to spend his life as the village carpenter. Growing up, he and Clarissa were close—dangerously so, considering his family’s modest fortune. As a young man, he never would have been a suitable match for the daughter of the wealthy Greenfields. Clarissa married Caleb Ware, the Earl of Stratton, so Matthew married another, though he was widowed soon after.

Now everything is different—Clarissa has already lived the life expected of her by society. And Matthew is as attractive and intriguing as he was when they were young. As their summer friendship deepens into romance, they stand together on the precipice of change—essentially the same man and woman they remember being back then, but with renewed passion and the potential to take their lives in an entirely new direction.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/211025422-remember-when?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=lCLNOLNpm5&rank=1

Ravenswood Novels

  1. Remember Love
  2. Remember Me
  3. Always Remember
  4. Remember When

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My Book Review

RATING: 4 out of 5 Stars

REMEMBER WHEN: Clarissa’s Story (A Ravenswood Novel Book #4) by Mary Balogh is a historical, mature, second chance at love story in this continuing Regency romance series featuring the Ware family. This novel is easily read as a standalone romance, but I have enjoyed reading the series in order.

Clarissa Ware, the Dowager Countess of Stratton, returns to Ravenswood for the summer for the first time without any of her children or other obligations. She is turning fifty and feels adrift in her personal life. Six years a widow, all her children grown, and her daughter-in-law assuming all the duties of being the Countess of Stratton, she wishes for solitude to decide on her future, but fate intercedes.

Matthew Taylor was born a gentleman and second son of landowners but is spending his life as the village carpenter and master woodworker. As a young man, he was a neighbor of Clarissa’s family and they were the closest of friends from childhood to seventeen years of age, but he knew he would never be suitable for her, and she accepted the proposal of the Earl of Stratton.

When Clarissa seeks out her old friend, they discover the attraction is still there. Clarissa has always upheld all expectations from society and her family. Can their renewed friendship and mature attraction overcome society’s restraints and family concerns and turn into something more?

I always look forward to returning to the Ware family of Ravenswood. This mature romance did not disappoint, and I was very happy that Clarissa finally found herself, not just what was expected of her. This is a slow burn romance due to the time period, society’s rules, and the side plot which has Matthew having to resolve his own old family issues to move on. That said, there is also a bit too much repetition especially in the beginning of the story, but I feel the romance and HEA are satisfying overall. I am looking forward to reading more of the remaining unattached siblings’ stories in the future.

An enjoyable historical, mature, second chance romance addition to this series.

***

About the Author

Mary Balogh grew up in Wales and now lives with her husband, Robert, in Saskatchewan, Canada. She has written more than one hundred historical novels and novellas, more than forty of which have been New York Times bestsellers. They include the Bedwyn saga, the Simply quartet, the Huxtable quintet, the seven-part Survivors’ Club series, and the Westcott series.

Social Media Links

Website: https://marybalogh.com/

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

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-balogh

Feature Post and Book Review: Evergreen Christmas by Janet Dailey

Book Description

The first in a new cozy Christmas series where the 12 annual Competitions of Christmas in the, close-knit town of Noel, North Carolina are underway! This year horse breeder, and newcomer, Jordyn Banks decides to take on the resident Christmas tree decorating champion, who happens to be her handsome next door neighbor.

Barrel racer Jordyn Banks is thrilled to discover affordable land for sale in charming Noel, perfect for breeding her horses. But that’s not all. A nomad with no family—other than her beloved Quarter Horse, Star—she also hopes to find a home within the close-knit Appalachian Mountain community. Yet Jordyn didn’t bargain on inheriting a controversial Fraser Fir—or falling for a handsome single dad whose adorable little girl tempts her to dream of being far more than a property owner . . .

Since losing his wife in childbirth six years ago, Nate Reed has devoted himself to their daughter, Roxanna, and built up their thriving Frosted Firs Ranch. For nine years straight he’s won Noel’s contest for the most perfect Christmas tree for the Town Square. It’s a tradition he began with his late wife. But this year, Jordyn Banks is determined to harvest her Fraser Fir and compete—meaning Nate will finally be challenged—in more ways than one . . .

Throughout the event, Nate can’t help noticing that Roxanna is dazzled by Jordyn’s strength, beauty, and quirky sense of humor. Soon enough, Nate is falling for her, too. But can a feisty wanderer ever really settle down? Is Nate ready to open his heart to someone new? And is it possible that sometimes love does grow on (Christmas) trees? . .

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204294898-evergreen-christmas?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=InDckQHRUO&rank=1

***

My Book Review

RATING: 4 out of 5 Stars

EVERGREEN CHRISTMAS (Frosted Firs Ranch Book #1) by Janet Daily is a heartwarming cozy holiday contemporary romance that features a young women looking for a place to call home. It also introduces us to the town folks of Noel, North Carolina and their traditional Christmas Challenge headed up by the four Noel Nanas. This is the first book in a new series, and I am looking forward to more to come.

Jordyn Banks has retired from barrel racing and with her quarter horse, Star, she wants to start a horse breeding and training farm. She found the perfect small ranch in Noel, North Carolina. What she does not expect is to immediately become a part of the Noel Nanas’s plans for winning the annual Christmas Challenge.

Nate Reed is a widower and father of six-year-old, Roxanna “Roxie”, who owns the Frosted Firs Ranch next door to Jordyn. He has devoted his life to raising his daughter and winning the Christmas Challenge in memory of his late wife. No one tempted him in his personal life until this red-headed beauty moved in next door. Roxie is taken with her new neighbor also and is determined to help and include her in every activity in the challenge, but Nate is afraid to let someone else into his and Roxie’s lives.

Who will win the Christmas Challenge this year?

I enjoyed this charming holiday romance that leaves you feeling warm and satisfied inside. Jordyn is a wonderful protagonist full of love for everyone she meets, which is surprising considering her upbringing. Nate is bullheaded and had me wanting to knock him on that head a time or two but is still a good man in the way he has built up his business and taken care of and raised his daughter. The Nanas were funny and wonderful even with all their meddling. This is a cozy romance with no sex scenes, but plenty of romance and romantic angst. I also liked that Jordyn and Nate were honest and discussed their feelings and did not play games.

I recommend this enjoyable cozy holiday contemporary romance with memorable small-town characters to curl up with on your favorite chair on a cold winter day.

***

About the Author

Janet Anne Haradon Dailey was an American author of numerous romance novels as Janet Dailey (her married name). Her novels have been translated into nineteen languages and have sold over 300 million copies worldwide.

Born in 1944 in Storm Lake, Iowa, she attended secretarial school in Omaha, Nebraska before meeting her husband, Bill. Bill and Janet worked together in construction and land development until they “retired” to travel throughout the United States, inspiring Janet to write the Americana series of romances, where she set a novel in every state of the Union. In 1974, Janet Dailey was the first American author to write for Harlequin. Her first novel was NO QUARTER ASKED.

She had since gone on to write approximately 90 novels, 21 of which have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List. She won many awards and accolades for her work, appearing widely on Radio and Television. Today, there are over three hundred million Janet Dailey books in print in 19 different languages, making her one of the most popular novelists in the world.

Janet Dailey passed away peacefully in her home in Branson on Saturday, December 14, 2013. She was 69.

Social Media Link

Website: https://janetdailey.com/

Book Tour/Feature Post and Book Review: Double Takedown by Kevin G. Chapman

Hi, everyone!

Today I am sharing my Feature Post and Book Review for DOUBLE TAKEDOWN (Mike Stoneman Book #6) by Kevin G. Chapman on this Black Tide Book Tour.

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

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Book Description

What if everything you thought you knew was wrong?

The glittering lights of Broadway are just a cover for the dark secrets hidden behind the curtains. NYPD homicide detectives Mike Stoneman and Jason Dickson are about to find out how many layers one story can have in their latest case. As they prepare to testify in a high-profile murder trial, they begin to question if they got it wrong. The Broadway director claims evidence was planted to frame him and that Mike and Jason developed tunnel vision. If they did, can they live with themselves, knowing that an innocent man might be convicted . . . and that someone else got away with the perfect crime?

With orders to stay away from the closed case, Mike and Jason are plagued by doubts and can’t let it go. When new evidence leads to even more questions, the detectives race to put the pieces together and uncover the whole truth. But their unauthorized investigation could lead to catastrophic collateral damage, could cost them their badges, and the director may still be guilty.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217285611-double-takedown?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=4HxtXwtrCP&rank=1

Universal link for the book on Amazon

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My Book Review

RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars

DOUBLE TAKEDOWN (Mike Stoneman Book #6) by Kevin G. Chapman is another complex, intricately plotted addition to this NYPD homicide detective crime thriller series. Det. Mike Stoneman is back with his partner, Det. Jason Dickson and a familiar cast of supporting characters. Even though this is the sixth book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone, but all of them are worth reading.

Det. Mike Stones and his partner, Det. Jason Dickson are attending a charity ballet event at Lincoln Center with their wives when a man in the front of the theater dies. They are assigned to the investigation. It is a straightforward investigation, and the main suspect is now set to stand trial, but even after a year and a half, he is still maintaining his innocence.

As Mike and Jason begin trial prep with the D.A., the private investigator for the accused comes to Jason and tells him his client is innocent and being framed. Second thoughts and witness deaths send Mike and Jason looking back over their work and discovering false alibis, lies, drug abuse, and jealousy.

With one man who has claimed his innocence from the start, clues leading to deceit, and witnesses dying, will Mike and Jason be able to uncover the truth before a devious killer eliminates all proof leading to him?

I always enjoy returning to this group of characters. Mike, Jason and all the supporting characters are believable, and the crime plots are always intriguing as well as twisted. This story has two police investigations that may or may not be connected, and I was completely caught up in both. Mr. Chapman always gives me a page-turner that I am unable to put down.

I highly recommend this police procedural/crime thriller and the entire Mike Stoneman series!

***

About the author

Winner of the 2023 CLUE Award GRAND PRIZE (best suspense/thriller for The Other Murder), also winner of the 2021 Kindle Book Award (for Lethal Voyage, Mike Stoneman Thriller #3), the 2022 CLUE AWARD (for Fatal Infraction, Mike Stoneman Thriller #4), the 2023 CLUE Award (for Dead Winner), and #1 Amazon Best-Selling author Kevin G. Chapman is, by day, a buttoned-down corporate labor & employment lawyer who works for a major US media company. He frequently speaks at Continuing Legal Education seminars, has taught legal writing to law students, and is the past chairperson of the Labor & Employment division of the global Association of Corporate Counsel. When the work day is done, however, Kevin lives a much more exciting fictional life of crime and romance as the author of the award-winning Mike Stoneman Thriller series (and other novels, short stories, and screenplays).

When not busy writing, he enjoys playing tournament poker and cheering on his beloved New York Mets. Kevin loves talking fiction with readers (especially book clubs), or talking law, politics, or baseball.

Social Media Links

Website: https://kevingchapman.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevingchapman/profilecard/?igsh=MWdrbHJpcHRuNXM3bg%3D%3D

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/double-takedown-mike-stoneman-6-mike-stoneman-thriller-by-kevin-g-chapman

Mike Stoneman Thriller Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/703027696777079/

Feature Post and Book Review: Puppy Wishes & Candy Kisses by Jennifer Faye

Book Description

Three homeless puppies, two lonely hearts, and a massive snowstorm.

Candace “Candi” Goodman, an unemployed teacher, is always sharing a smile and helping those around her. This Christmas she has volunteered to drive three puppies to a shelter in Maine. However, when a road closure sends her on a detour, she gets lost in a snowstorm.

Michael Bishop, a township road supervisor, has spent the past two years mourning the loss of his young family. As he’s plowing snow late one evening, he notices something amiss. When he goes to investigate, he finds a woman and three puppies in a dire situation. The more time they spend time together, the more he finds himself falling for her mistletoe kisses. But will it be enough for him to take a chance on love again?

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/219755980-puppy-wishes-candy-kisses?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=qHNEcDj9oQ&rank=1

The Kringle Falls, Vermont series

Book 1 – Puppy Wishes & Candy Kisses
Book 2 – Puppy Love & Snowflake Kisses
Book 3 – Puppy Hugs & Mistletoe Kisses
Book 4 – Puppy Smooches & Peppermint Kisses

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My Book Review

RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars

PUPPY WISHES & CANDY KISSES (Kringle Falls Book #1) by Jennifer Faye is an endearing, sweet, and heartwarming holiday romance set in the year-round Christmas themed small-town of Kringle Falls, Vermont. This is the first book in this series by a new-to-me author and I am so excited that I will have more opportunities to return to Kringle Falls.

Candace “Candi” Goodman is always helping those around her. While her teaching position in Cleveland, Ohio was eliminated in a consolidation, she is picking up work as a substitute teacher and helping at the local animal shelter which is closing. She has volunteered to take the last three remaining puppies on a road trip to a shelter in Portland, Maine. As they are on their way, a snowstorm hits and a wreck on the highway has Candi detouring. She gets lost on the side roads in the storm.

Michael Bishop, a township road supervisor, has been out plowing during the storm and is ready to head home until he notices some tracks on an out of the way small side road. When he goes to investigate, he discovers a woman and three puppies off the road and partially down an embankment. He brings them all home with him hopefully only for a short stay because he prefers his solidary existence since the loss of his young wife and son two years previous.

As Candi and Michael spend time together, their attraction grows, but is it enough to melt the ice around Michael’s heart?

This is a well written, enjoyable holiday romance read, and I will be looking for other books by this new-to-me author. It not only has the requisite HEA, but it is full of holiday hope, love, second chances, and puppies, especially a determined husky puppy named Tank. Candi is just what Michael needs to take a chance on love again and rediscover his love of the Christmas holiday. His family and friends are all hoping it works out and I am looking forward to revisiting with them again in future books in the series. I love the town of Kringle Falls with its year-round Christmas and a certain Mr. and Mrs. Kringle who always believe things will work out for the best and certainly seem like they are living in the wrong town.

I highly recommend this small-town holiday contemporary romance! I am looking forward to reading more books in the Kringle Falls series to discover the fate of the other two puppies.

***

About the Author

Award-winning author, Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances. With more than a million books sold, she is internationally published with books translated into more than a dozen languages and her work has been optioned for film. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers’ Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards.

Now living her dream, she resides with her very patient husband and two spoiled cats. When she’s not plotting out her next romance, you can find her curled up with a mug of tea and a book.

Social Media Links

Website: https://www.jenniferfaye.com/

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

Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/jenniferfaye.bsky.social

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/puppy-wishes-candy-kisses-grumpy-sunshine-christmas-romance-kringle-falls-book-1-by-jennifer-faye

Book Review: Holiday Romance by Catherine Walsh

My Book Review

RATING: 4 out of 5 Stars

HOLIDAY ROMANCE (Fitzpatrick Christmas Book #1) by Catherine Walsh is a charming, heart-warming holiday rom/com featuring friends in Chicago, who meet every year at the airport for years to fly home to Ireland for the Christmas holiday to be with their respective families, but this tenth year will change everything. This is the first book in this series, and I cannot wait for more.

Molly Kinsella, who cannot be bothered with Christmas cheer and Andrew Fitzpatrick, who is all in for everything Christmas, have become close friends as they meet each year to fly home to Ireland together. They catch up on their extended families and personal lives on the trip each year, but as they wait for their ten-year anniversary flight a stormfront moves in and all planes across the Atlantic are cancelled. Molly knows what Christmas with family means to Andrew and vows to get him home.

Molly and Andrew begin an epic trip with the only goal of being home for Christmas dinner, but this journey from hell may have these friends admitting more to each other than ever before.

This is one of those holiday rom/coms that leave you with all the warm and fuzzies. Molly and Andrew are opposites and yet perfect together. She is a pessimist and over worked lawyer who hates her job, while he is easygoing and a family and event photographer. The two of them together have a believable relationship with a dialogue that is snappy and snarky. There is one sex scene, but it is short and not gratuitous. I love how the author has the two in the present day interspersed with flashbacks of their previous nine flights. All the family members of both Molly and Andrew are well developed and add to the fun holiday family feel. This story had me rooting for Molly and Andrew all the way on their terrible, but wonderful journey.

I highly recommend this enchanting holiday rom/com!

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About the Author

Catherine Walsh was born and raised in Ireland.

She lived in London for a few years before returning to Dublin where she now lives between the mountains and the sea. When not writing she is trying and failing to not kill her houseplants.

Social Media Links

Website: https://catherinewalshbooks.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catwalshwriter/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/holiday-romance-by-catherine-walsh

Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Holiday-Romance-hilarious-unforgettable-Christmas-ebook/dp/B0B5B7NCMM/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1MW43WQHHK3GS&dib=eyJ2Ijoi