Taken [Hardcover]

I've finished "Taken" the 15th book in his Elvis Cole series by Robert Crais.

Product Description

When the police tell a wealthy industrialist that her missing son has faked his own kidnapping, she hires Elvis Cole and Joe Pike - and Cole soon determines that it was no fake. The boy and his secret girlfriend have been taken, and are now lost in the gray and changing world of the professional border kidnappers who prey not only on innocent victims but also on one another - buying, selling, and stealing victims like commodities. Fortunately, the kidnappers don't yet know who the boy is, but when Cole goes undercover to try to buy the two hostages back, he himself is taken and disappears. Now it is up to Pike to retrace Cole's steps, burning through the hard and murderous world of human traffickers . . . before it is too late.

Product Details
Reading level: Ages 18 and up
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Putnam Adult; First Edition edition (January 24, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0399158278
ISBN-13: 978-0399158278

My Review:

A young Latina girl and her boyfriend are kidnapped by a band of bandits along a Mexican border.  These bandits prey on other criminals because they won't go to the police.  The main theme of this book is about bajadores who steal immigrants bound for the United States.  This kidnapping people organization is often ignored problem along the Mexican border.

Elvis Cole is hired by the mother of the kidnapped woman to rescue her daughter. Cole soon discovers what has happened to her and he enters into a risky and dangerous arrangement with a Korean organized criminal. It's a desperate move and Cole knows it.

When the plan backfires Cole is kidnapped by the bajadores Pike must come to his rescue.  He is backed up by fellow mercenary Jon Stone and he holds nothing back to get his friend back when he follows the trail the bajadores leave in their wake.  He finds out the FBI is also on the hunt for Cole and Pike is on the race to find him before they do and Cole's secret identity is blown and they make a mistake.

This book was very tense at times, fast paced, well researched and well written.  The bajadores are very cruel in their dealings with their victims.

I loved Jon Stone and hope to see him in future books!

5/5 

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selections are:

Run from Fear [Mass Market Paperback]

Product Description

With each step she takes, he tracks her every move, waiting for the perfect time. The perfect revenge. Until then, he'll watch her . . .

RUN FROM FEAR

More than anything, Talia Vega wanted to leave behind her harrowing past. Moving eight hundred miles away, she succeeded . . . until the one man who knows her darkest secrets wanders into the restaurant where she works. Now the agonizing memories come crashing back-along with an undeniable desire for Jack Brooks, the ex-Green Beret who rescued her from a sadistic monster two years ago.

Jack Brooks knows that showing up unannounced is a purely selfish move. Talia doesn't need his protection anymore, but he can't get the raven-haired beauty out of his mind. And when a twisted madman is hell-bent on resurrecting her torturous past, Jack vows to do anything to keep her safe - even risk his own life to save the only woman he's ever loved.

Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 464 pages
Publisher: Forever (March 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446572810
ISBN-13: 978-0446572811

Agony of the Leaves (A Tea Shop Mystery) [Hardcover]

Product Description

In the latest novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Scones and Bones, Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning finds herself in hot water when a body surfaces at the grand opening of Charleston's Neptune Aquarium...

The opening of the aquarium is a major Charleston event, and Theodosia has been hired to cater tea, scones, and sandwiches for the private party to honor dignitaries and big buck donors. Things are going swimmingly, until Theodosia escapes the party for a momentary rest, only to discover the body of a man entangled in a net, drowned in one of the aquarium's state-of-the-art tanks.

To make matters worse, the victim is Theodosia's former boyfriend Parker Scully. The EMTs on the scene think Parker's drowning was an accident, but when Theodosia notices what look like defense wounds on his hands, she realizes that someone wanted Parker dead. The local police aren't keen on hearing her theory - especially because of her ties to the victim - so Theodosia knows that if she wants Parker's killer brought to justice, she'll have to jump into the deep end and start her own investigation ...

INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS!


Product Details
Reading level: Ages 18 and up
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Berkley Hardcover (March 6, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0425245535
ISBN-13: 978-0425245538

Protector (Berkley Sensation) [Mass Market Paperback]

TRUST, LOVE … AND LIES.

After barely surviving enemy torture, Captain Chuck Tanaka doesn’t trust himself to do more than ride a desk — but new orders leave him no choice. Assigned to the investigation of a mob boss whose luxury cruise ship is reportedly a hub for terrorist activity, Tanaka goes undercover. His target: Jolynn Taylor, the mob boss’s daughter

As a child, Jolynn saw her beloved uncle murdered. Since then, she’s stayed far away from her father’s crooked empire. But when he falls ill, she returns, hoping to mend the gap between them. Instead, she finds herself on the run, one step ahead of unknown enemies. The only thing keeping her alive is the man she knows as Charles Tomas, the only man she’s ever been able to trust.

Unfortunately, he’s also the man determined to destroy her family …

Product Details
Reading level: Ages 18 and up
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Berkley (March 6, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 042524699X
ISBN-13: 978-0425246993

Murder Buys a T-Shirt (A Haunted Souvenir) [Mass Market Paperback]

Product Description

Glory Martine has inherited her uncle's Florida souvenir shop, one stuffed with collectibles, mementos of times gone by -- and ghosts -- who, like her customers, refuse to let go of the past. But things take an even more unexpected turn when a local football hero dies far too suddenly and suspiciously. Now, Glory has to uncover the truth before someone makes her history ...

Product Details
Reading level: Ages 18 and up
Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Berkley (March 6, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0425246663
ISBN-13: 978-0425246665

New Release 2012 (Feb 28)

Against the Night (The Raines of Wind Canyon) [Mass Market Paperback]

Product Description

She's got the face of an angel and the body of … well, isn't that what he'd expect from an exotic dancer? But there's something about this girl that Johnnie Riggs can't shake. The former army ranger is hot on the trail of an elusive drug lord — and suddenly very hot under the collar, as well.

Amy's got her own agenda to pursue: her sister is missing and Amy seems to be the only one who cares. She'll enlist Johnnie's help and do her best to ignore her growing attraction to finally get some answers. But when the two trails begin to converge and reveal something even more sinister than they imagined, their mutual desire is the least of their problems. They'll bring the truth to light … or die trying.

Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Mira (February 28, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0778313190
ISBN-13: 978-0778313199

Watch Me Die [Mass Market Paperback]

Product Description


From the Back Cover

THE PERFECT LIFE

Stained-glass restoration artist Mira Gallier had it all. A career she loved. An idyllic marriage. A bright future in her favorite city. Then Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans and Mira lost everything — even her husband, swept away by floodwaters, never to be seen again …

A SHATTERED WORLD

Years later, Mira has finally healed and is ready to start over. But her fate is once again altered by forces beyond her control. Instead of a killer storm, she faces a psychopath determined to shatter her life once more. First, church windows that she restored are vandalized — with haunting religious scripture — and a priest is found dead at the scene. Next, New Orleans is rocked by a series of murders that seem to be linked to her  and the police can’t help but wonder if the murderer isn’t Mira herself.

A JOURNEY INTO FEAR AND DARKNESS

As Mira begins to unravel under pressure from all sides, she has no one left to trust. One by one, the people in Mira’s life are targeted — and soon it’s clear that the killer has been saving her for last. And now there’s nowhere left for her to run …

Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks; First Edition edition (February 28, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 125000327X
ISBN-13: 978-1250003270

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (Feb 27)

What Are You Reading is a weekly Monday Meme that is hosted by Sheila from One Persons Journey: http://bookjourney.wordpress.com

Post the books you read last week, book currently being read and books you plan on finishing this week.

Last week I read:

1. Red Mist - Patricia Cornwell
2. Celebrity in Death - J.D. Robb

I’m currently reading:

1. Blood and Fire - Shannon McKenna

Books I’m planning on reading this week:

1. Private Games - James Patterson
2. A Fitting End - Melissa Bourbon

Here's the link:

http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/2012/02/26/its-monday-what-are-you-reading-127

Library Haul 2012 (Feb 26 - Mar 3)

Here's the list of books I picked up from the library this week:

Softcover:

1.  Before She Dies - Mary Burton
2.  If I Should Die - Allison Brennan
3.  Blood and Fire - Shannon Mckenna

What library books did you pick up this week?

In the Mail Saturday 2012 (Feb 25)

In the Mail Saturday is hosted every Saturday at Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews.

I received these in the mail this week.

Private Games [Hardcover]

Product Description

On your mark

Private, the world's most renowned investigation firm, has been commissioned to provide security for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Its agents are the smartest, fastest, and most technologically advanced in the world, and 400 of them have been transferred to London to protect more than 10,000 competitors who represent more than 200 countries.

Get set

The opening ceremony is hours away when Private investigator and single father of twins, Peter Knight, is called to the scene of a ruthless murder. A high-ranking member of the games' organizing committee has been killed. It's clear to Peter that this wasn't a crime of passion, but one of precise calculation and execution.

Die

Newspaper reporter Karen Pope receives a letter from a person who calls himself Cronus claiming responsibility for the murders. He promises to restore the Olympics to their ancient glory and to destroy all those who have corrupted the games with lies, corruption, and greed. Immediately, Karen hires Private to examine the letter, and she and Peter uncover a criminal genius who won't stop until he's completely destroyed the modern games.

Product Details
Hardcover: 448 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company (February 13, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316206822
ISBN-13: 978-0316206822

Dead By Nightfall [Mass Market Paperback]

Product Description

 The fear . . .

Malcolm York is a sadistic monster, guilty of unspeakable crimes. And with his endless wealth, he's funded a series of depraved hunts. The few who survived can never forget. They can only be thankful the terror is over  until rumors start swirling.

Only stops . . .

Griffin Powell knows the twisted depths of York's madness. He's also sure that York is dead. But then Griff's wife Nicole disappears, and the phone calls begin -- that familiar voice taunting him, promising to destroy everything Griff loves.

When you die.

Using all the resources of the Powell Agency, Griff searches for Nic, aware that every step propels him further into a madman's web -- because the only way to keep Nic safe is to join one last perverse game in which the winner kills all and the loser is dead by nightfall.

Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Zebra Books; Original edition (November 29, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1420110365
ISBN-13: 978-1420110364

Thanks Hachette Book Group Canada!

What did you get in the mail this week?

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Against the Night (The Raines of Wind Canyon) [Mass Market Paperback]

She's got the face of an angel and the body of…well, isn't that what he'd expect from an exotic dancer? But there's something about this girl that Johnnie Riggs can't shake. The former army ranger is hot on the trail of an elusive drug lord — and suddenly very hot under the collar, as well.

Amy's got her own agenda to pursue: her sister is missing and Amy seems to be the only one who cares. She'll enlist Johnnie's help and do her best to ignore her growing attraction to finally get some answers. But when the two trails begin to converge and reveal something even more sinister than they imagined, their mutual desire is the least of their problems. They'll bring the truth to light … or die trying.

Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Mira (February 28, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0778313190
ISBN-13: 978-0778313199

Last Man Standing [Mass Market Paperback]

I've finished "Last Man Standing" the 7th and last book in her Black Ops. series by Cindy Gerard.

Product Description

A deadly mission.A thirst for revenge.One headstrong alpha hero and one daring woman will settle the score. LAST MAN STANDING Special operative Joe Green has gone vigilante. His mission: avenge his Black Ops, Inc., brother’s death during a bloody ambush years ago in Sierra Leone. He refuses to drag the BOI team or his lover, Stephanie Tompkins, into the hunt for the man responsible, so when he finds himself beaten, starving, and alone after being falsely imprisoned for the murder of a Freetown priest, he knows he’s as good as dead. Joe meant to protect Stephanie when he walked out on their relationship, but he can’t stop her now from executing his escape. Breaking him out of prison is the easy part. After Joe’s explosive theory pans out and his cunning enemy emerges as the front runner for a high-level presidential appointment, he and Stephanie must race to derail the traitor’s conspiracy if they are to save their loved ones, the nation, and each other.

About the Author

Cindy Gerard’s New York Times bestselling Black Ops, Inc. series also includes Show No Mercy, Take No Prisoners, winner of the RITA Award for Best Romantic Suspense novel, Whisper No Lies, Feel the Heat, Risk No Secrets, and With No Remorse. She is also the author of the bestselling Bodyguards series and thirty contemporary romance novels. She lives in the Midwest with her husband.

Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Pocket Star (January 31, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1451606826
ISBN-13: 978-1451606829

My Review:

Joe is obsessed with finding out who killed his friend Bryan Tompkins (Stephanie's older brother and teammate) fifteen years ago.  He cuts all ties with Stephanie and his teammates to protect them when he finds information that a conspiracy originated in Sierre Leona.

Stephanie works at NSA as drone worker when her friend shows her a picture of a beaten Joe dated a month ago.  She knows she can't just sit around and do nothing so she pulls a few strings to see Joe who is malnourished and in bad shape.  He's broken physically and mentally and not to happy to see Stephanie.

I liked how Joe knows that he broke Stephanie's heart when he broke up with her and feels remorse.  He loves her but he can't let the ones who killed her brother and his friend to live.

Stephanie loves Joe, has always supported and stood by him and always accepted things his way.  Loved the way Stephanie took charge this time and she finds out she's stronger than she thinks she is.

Too bad we didn't see the rest of the team because they were away on a mission and didn't get back until the very end.  Loved the get together at the end and the interactions between the teammates and wives/friends.

This book has a ton of action, suspense, well written characters, incredible storyline and vile villains.

4/5

Other books in series:

1.  Show No Mercy
2.  Take No Prisoners
3.  Whisper No Lies
4.  Feel the Heat
5.  Risk No Secrets
6.  With No Remorse

New Releases 2012 (Feb 21)

Celebrity In Death [Hardcover]

Product Description
Lieutenant Eve Dallas is no party girl, but she's managing to have a reasonably good time at the celebrity - packed bash celebrating The Icove Agenda, a film based on one of her famous cases. It's a little spooky seeing the actress playing her, who looks almost like her long-lost twin. Not as unsettling, though, as seeing the actress who plays Peabody drowned in the lap pool on the roof of the director's luxury building. Now she's at the center of a crime scene - and Eve is more than ready to get out of her high heels and strap on her holster and step into the role she was born to play: cop.

Product Details
Reading level: Ages 18 and up
Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: Putnam Adult (February 21, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0399158308
ISBN-13: 978-0399158308

Death Drops: A Natural Remedies Mystery [Paperback]

Product Description

Nature’s Way Market and Café sells healthy foods and natural cures for what ails you. But there is no cure for murder. . . .

Even naturopathic doctors need a little stress relief—that’s why Willow McQuade, ND, takes a break to visit her Aunt Claire, owner of Nature’s Way Market and Café, on Long Island’s North Fork. But Willow’s serenity is shattered when she finds her aunt’s lifeless body on the market floor, a bottle of Mimulus lying nearby. Taken to calm one’s fear of misfortune, the flower essence clearly failed Aunt Claire . . . for her death was no accident.

But who would want to kill her? The police soon zero in on Willow herself, who stands to inherit Claire’s business and the rights to a breakthrough anti-aging cream. Desperate to prove her innocence, Willow turns to former police officer Jackson Spade for help. Together they unearth a slew of suspects, each with something to gain by Claire’s unnatural demise. But as Willow gets closer to the truth, a killer waits to administer one final dose of death.

Product Details
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Gallery Books; Original edition (February 21, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1451643608
ISBN-13: 978-1451643602

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (Feb 20)

What Are You Reading is a weekly Monday Meme that is hosted by Sheila from One Persons Journey: http://bookjourney.wordpress.com

Post the books you read last week, book currently being read and books you plan on finishing this week.

Last week I read:

1. Last Man Standing - Cindy Gerard
2. Taken - Robert Crais

I’m currently reading:

1. Red Mist - Patricia Cornwell

Books I’m planning on reading this week:

1. Celebrity in Death - J.D. Robb

Here's the link:

http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/2012/02/19/its-monday-what-are-you-reading-126

In the Mail Saturday 2012 (Feb 18)

In the Mail Saturday is hosted every Saturday at Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews.

I received these in the mail this week.
 



Celebrity In Death [Hardcover]

Product Description

Lieutenant Eve Dallas is no party girl, but she's managing to have a reasonably good time at the celebrity - packed bash celebrating The Icove Agenda, a film based on one of her famous cases. It's a little spooky seeing the actress playing her, who looks almost like her long-lost twin. Not as unsettling, though, as seeing the actress who plays Peabody drowned in the lap pool on the roof of the director's luxury building. Now she's at the center of a crime scene - and Eve is more than ready to get out of her high heels and strap on her holster and step into the role she was born to play: cop.

Product Details
Reading level: Ages 18 and up
Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: Putnam Adult (February 21, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0399158308
ISBN-13: 978-0399158308

Death Drops: A Natural Remedies Mystery [Paperback]

Product Description

Nature’s Way Market and Café sells healthy foods and natural cures for what ails you. But there is no cure for murder . . . .
Even naturopathic doctors need a little stress relief — that’s why Willow McQuade, ND, takes a break to visit her Aunt Claire, owner of Nature’s Way Market and Café, on Long Island’s North Fork. But Willow’s serenity is shattered when she finds her aunt’s lifeless body on the market floor, a bottle of Mimulus lying nearby. Taken to calm one’s fear of misfortune, the flower essence clearly failed Aunt Claire . . . for her death was no accident.

But who would want to kill her? The police soon zero in on Willow herself, who stands to inherit Claire’s business and the rights to a breakthrough anti-aging cream. Desperate to prove her innocence, Willow turns to former police officer Jackson Spade for help. Together they unearth a slew of suspects, each with something to gain by Claire’s unnatural demise. But as Willow gets closer to the truth, a killer waits to administer one final dose of death.

Product Details
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Gallery Books; Original edition (February 21, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1451643608
ISBN-13: 978-1451643602

The Affair: A Reacher Novel (Jack Reacher) [Hardcover]

I've finished "The Affair" the 16th book in his Jack Reacher series by Lee Child.

Product Description

Everything starts somewhere. . . . For elite military cop Jack Reacher, that somewhere was Carter Crossing, Mississippi, way back in 1997. A lonely railroad track. A crime scene. A coverup.

A young woman is dead, and solid evidence points to a soldier at a nearby military base. But that soldier has powerful friends in Washington.

Reacher is ordered undercover — to find out everything he can, to control the local police, and then to vanish. Reacher is a good soldier. But when he gets to Carter Crossing, he finds layers no one saw coming, and the investigation spins out of control.

Local sheriff Elizabeth Deveraux has a thirst for justice — and an appetite for secrets. Uncertain they can trust one another, Reacher and Deveraux reluctantly join forces.  Reacher works to uncover the truth, while others try to bury it forever. The conspiracy threatens to shatter his faith in his mission, and turn him into a man to be feared.

About the Author

LEE CHILD is the author of sixteen Jack Reacher thrillers, including the #1 New York Times bestsellers Worth Dying For, 61 Hours, Gone Tomorrow, Nothing to Lose, and Bad Luck and Trouble. His debut, Killing Floor, won both the Anthony and the Barry awards for Best First Mystery, and The Enemy won both the Barry and the Nero awards for Best Novel. Foreign rights in the Jack Reacher series have sold in more than fifty territories. All titles have been optioned for major motion pictures. Child, a native of England and a former television director, lives in New York City.

Product Details
Hardcover: 416 pages
Publisher: Delacorte Press; 1ST edition (September 27, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0385344325
ISBN-13: 978-0385344326

My Review:

In 1997 the Army is sending Rangers out of the Fort Kelham military base near Carter Crossing, Mississippi s during a covert action in Kosovo. The mission is hush hush but the people know something is going on because they see Rangers coming in and out of the local bars and stores. Then a horrifying murder of a woman is found with her throat slit, drained of blood, and then posed in an alley as if she bled out there.

The Army believes someone on the military base maybe responsible so they send an investigator to the base to investigate on the inside and also send Reacher undercover to observe and monitor the investigation.

When he reaches Carter Crossing Elizabeth Devereaux the gorgeous police chief makes him out as a military person - since she was a Marine herself, orders him to leave and leave the investigation to her.  When Reacher finds some key details she missed they decide to work together.  She is also trying to solve the murder of two other women who as Reacher digs deeper he realizes they are connected to a conspiracy within the Army.

This book is very fast paced, well written with a great storyline and Reacher is at his best!

I really like how Reacher and Elizabeth worked well together in and out of bed.  I thought the sex scenes were very hilarious in this book - a train is going by very close and everything in the room is moving and bumping or the one outside during the train going by.

4/5


Other books in series:

1.  Killing Floor 
2.  Die Trying 
3.  Tripwire 
4.  Running Blind
5.  Echo Burning
6.  Without Fail 
7.  Persuader 
8.  The Enemy 
9.  One Shot 
10. The Hard Way 
11. Bad Luck and Trouble 
12. Nothing To Lose 
13. Gone Tomorrow 
14. 61 Hours 
15. Worth Dying For 

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection are:

Celebrity In Death [Hardcover]

Product Description
Lieutenant Eve Dallas is no party girl, but she's managing to have a reasonably good time at the celebrity - packed bash celebrating The Icove Agenda, a film based on one of her famous cases. It's a little spooky seeing the actress playing her, who looks almost like her long-lost twin. Not as unsettling, though, as seeing the actress who plays Peabody drowned in the lap pool on the roof of the director's luxury building. Now she's at the center of a crime scene - and Eve is more than ready to get out of her high heels and strap on her holster and step into the role she was born to play: cop.

Product Details
Reading level: Ages 18 and up
Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: Putnam Adult (February 21, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0399158308
ISBN-13: 978-0399158308

Death Drops: A Natural Remedies Mystery [Paperback]

Product Description

Nature’s Way Market and Café sells healthy foods and natural cures for what ails you. But there is no cure for murder. . . .

Even naturopathic doctors need a little stress relief—that’s why Willow McQuade, ND, takes a break to visit her Aunt Claire, owner of Nature’s Way Market and Café, on Long Island’s North Fork. But Willow’s serenity is shattered when she finds her aunt’s lifeless body on the market floor, a bottle of Mimulus lying nearby. Taken to calm one’s fear of misfortune, the flower essence clearly failed Aunt Claire . . . for her death was no accident.

But who would want to kill her? The police soon zero in on Willow herself, who stands to inherit Claire’s business and the rights to a breakthrough anti-aging cream. Desperate to prove her innocence, Willow turns to former police officer Jackson Spade for help. Together they unearth a slew of suspects, each with something to gain by Claire’s unnatural demise. But as Willow gets closer to the truth, a killer waits to administer one final dose of death.

Product Details
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Gallery Books; Original edition (February 21, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1451643608
ISBN-13: 978-1451643602

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

The Night Is Mine (The Night Stalker) [Mass Market Paperback]

I've finished "The Night is Mine" by M.L. Buchman.
Product Description

NAME: Emily Beale
RANK: Captain
MISSION: Fly undercover to prevent the assassination of the First Lady, posing as her executive pilot.

NAME: Mark Henderson, code name Viper
RANK: Major
MISSION: Undercover role of wealthy, ex-mercenary boyfriend to Emily

Their jobs are high risk, high reward:

Protect the lives of the powerful and the elite at all cost. Neither expected that one kiss could distract them from their mission. But as the passion mounts between them, their lives and their hearts will both be risked ... and the reward this time may well be worth it.

Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (February 7, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402258100
ISBN-13: 978-1402258107

My Review:

The heroine Emily Beale is a captain of SOAR (Special Operations Aviation Regiment of the Army) who loves her job and earned her place in a man's world.  She's a take-charge, tough, smart kick-ass women who loves to fly into high stress combat zones.  Then she is pulled off the job to act as the First Lady's personal chief and bodyguard which makes her very unhappy.

The hero Mark Henderson is Major of SOAR and he's known as a hard ass.  No one can please him and when you do well you need to up the ante the next time.  He never shows anyone his human side especially his attraction to Emily.  He's ticked off when she is pulled from his team because he's attracted to her and she's his best pilot.  When she is injured he's right by her side but he's gone by morning. Then when he hears what her mission is he insinuates himself into the scene by playing her ex-boyfriend.

The action scenes were well written, heart pulsing and surreal.  I really enjoyed the technical aspects of the story with how well the description of the helicopters were detailed and Emily's passion for them.

The romance between Mark and Emily is against Army policy (no fraternizing between subordinates) but it was tender, caring, hot and sweet.  You can tell Mark really cares for Emily and wants to protect her from harm.

4/5

New Release 2012 (Feb 13)

Private Games [Hardcover]

Product Description

On your mark

Private, the world's most renowned investigation firm, has been commissioned to provide security for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Its agents are the smartest, fastest, and most technologically advanced in the world, and 400 of them have been transferred to London to protect more than 10,000 competitors who represent more than 200 countries.

Get set

The opening ceremony is hours away when Private investigator and single father of twins, Peter Knight, is called to the scene of a ruthless murder. A high-ranking member of the games' organizing committee has been killed. It's clear to Peter that this wasn't a crime of passion, but one of precise calculation and execution.

Die

Newspaper reporter Karen Pope receives a letter from a person who calls himself Cronus claiming responsibility for the murders. He promises to restore the Olympics to their ancient glory and to destroy all those who have corrupted the games with lies, corruption, and greed. Immediately, Karen hires Private to examine the letter, and she and Peter uncover a criminal genius who won't stop until he's completely destroyed the modern games.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (Feb 13)

What Are You Reading is a weekly Monday Meme that is hosted by Sheila from One Persons Journey: http://bookjourney.wordpress.com

Post the books you read last week, book currently being read and books you plan on finishing this week.

Last week I read:

1. The Night is Mine - M.L. Buchman
2. The Affair - Lee Child

I’m currently reading:

1. Last Man Standing - Cindy Gerard

Books I’m planning on reading this week:

1. Taken - Robert Crais

Here's the link:

http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/2012/02/12/its-monday-what-are-you-reading-125

In the Mail Saturday 2012 (Feb 11)

In the Mail Saturday is hosted every Saturday at Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews.

I received these in the mail this week.

A Fitting End: A Magical Dressmaking Mystery (A Dressmaker's Mystery) [Mass Market Paperback]

Product Description


Business is booming at Harlow Jane Cassidy's custom dressmaking boutique-even with her great-grandmother's ghost hanging around the shop. But when a local golf pro is found stabbed with dressmaking shears, the new town deputy suspects Harlow. Now she has to clear her name before the next outfit she designs is a prison jumpsuit ...

Product Details
Reading level: Ages 18 and up
Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Signet (February 7, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0451236149
ISBN-13: 978-0451236142

The Walled Flower (Victoria Square Mystery) [Mass Market Paperback]

Product Description


If Katie Bonner's late husband hadn't invested all their savings in the crafts fair Artisans Alley, the Webster mansion could have been hers to remodel into a bed-and-breakfast. Instead that dream belongs to another young couple. But that dream becomes a nightmare when a skeleton is discovered sealed in the walls of the mansion. The bones belong to Helen Winston, who went missing twenty-two years ago. Heather's aunt, a jewelry vendor at Artisans Alley, asks Kate for help finding her niece's murderer. The case may be cold, but the killer is very much alive - and ready to go to any lengths to keep past secrets buried ...

Product Details
Reading level: Ages 18 and up
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Berkley (February 7, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0425246167
ISBN-13: 978-0425246160

Thanks Penguin Canada!

What did you get in the mail this week?

Savor the Danger (Hqn) [Mass Market Paperback]

I've finished "Savor the Danger" the 3rd book in her Men Who Walk The Edge of Honor series by Lori Foster.

Product Description

She may be aloof, and more pretty than gorgeous, but Alani Rivers is the kind of woman a hot-blooded mercenary can't forget, no matter how hard he tries. So when Jackson Savor wakes up next to the naked, sleeping beauty — with no memory of what happened — he knows he's been drugged … even if Alani doesn't.

After she was kidnapped, Alani vowed never to trust another man again. Still, something about this strong, sexy hero with the tender touch makes her want to believe him. As Jackson hunts down a mysterious intruder, he swears he'll move heaven and earth to keep Alani safe. But what really happened that night? And will the truth bring them closer than they ever thought possible — or put Alani squarely in harm's way again?

Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: HQN Books; Original edition (June 28, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373775822
ISBN-13: 978-0373775828

My Review:

Jackson wakes up and figures out he has been drugged and slept with Alani the girl he has been pining for since "When You Dare" the 1st book.  He has no memory of last nights activities and starts questioning Alani about the details of what happened that night.  He wants to know so he can do it over again.

After Alani was kidnapped she swore she wouldn't trust another guy but something about Jackson makes her melt.  She thinks at first he is rejecting her after their incredible night then is convinced he was drugged and is brooding about it.

Jackson is a sexy cowboy who has many layers which he tries to hide but Alani sees right through him.  Wow they really burn the sheets  It was very funny how he would be in state of arousal all the time and trying to sex her up.

It was a relief when they were both being honest with their feelings for each other and how Jackson was trying to win Alani's trust and to honor the promises he made to her.

It was hilarious during the scene where we see Dare and Trace's reaction to Jackson's relationship to Alani and his masculinity.

We are introduced to two new characters Arizona Storm and Spencer Lark who's the main characters of "A Perfect Storm" the next book in the series.

4/5

Other books in series:

1.  When You Dare
2.  Trace of Fever
3. A Perfect Storm - March 27, 2012

Trace of Fever (Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor) [Mass Market Paperback]

I've finished "Trace of Fever" the 2nd book in her Men Who Walk the Edge series by Lori Foster.

Product Description

Undercover mercenary Trace Rivers loves the adrenaline rush of a well-planned mission. First he'll earn the trust of corrupt businessman Murray Coburn, then gather the proof he needs to shut down the man's dirty smuggling operation. It's a perfect scheme — until Coburn's long-lost daughter saunters in with her own deadly plan for revenge.

With a smile like an angel and fire in her eyes, Priscilla Patterson isn't who she seems to be. But neither is the gorgeous bodyguard who ignites all her senses. Joining forces to plot Coburn's downfall, Priss and Trace must fight the undeniable heat between them. For one wrong move, one lingering embrace, will expose them to the wrath of a merciless opponent ….

Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: HQN Books; Original edition (May 31, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 037377575X
ISBN-13: 978-0373775750

My Review:

Trace Rivers is undercover and has infiltrated well know human trafficking Murray Coburn empire.  He is hired as his personal bodyguard and it has taken a long time to gain his trust.  He meets Priscilla Patterson who claims she is Murray's long-lost daughter and has a personal agenda with hidden secrets.

Priss has lived in a sheltered life and when her mother dies she takes it upon her self to seek revenge against the man she holds responsible for her mother's life which distracts Trace's agenda.

Trace has a vendetta against human trafficking because his sister Alicia was kidnapped in the 1st book When You Dare and was rescued by Dare.  He's determined to bring down Murray and his man-hungry girlfriend Helene (Hell).

I really loved Trace's character because he was honorable, was trying to keep Priss from getting hurt and didn't taken advantage of her.

Priss on the other hand I didn't really like that much because she was quite prissy, didn't like being told what to do and she certainly ran hot and cold.  I felt for her though because those searches were quite humiliating.

I really liked the romance between Trace and Priss because it was slow building and they got to know each other first before hopping into bed.

Murray and especially Helene (Hell) were very psychotic and cruel.  Helene is determined to get Trace into her bed and would do anything to achieve that goal.

Please don't hate me because I really thought the scenes with Trace and Helene after he was drugged were hilarious (curious to know what was in the drugs to make him like that?)

Well written storyline, fast paced, great characters, cruel and psychotic villains.

4/5

Other books in series:

1.  When You Dare
2.  Savor the Danger
3.  A Perfect Storm - March 27, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Private Games [Hardcover]

Product Description

On your mark

Private, the world's most renowned investigation firm, has been commissioned to provide security for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Its agents are the smartest, fastest, and most technologically advanced in the world, and 400 of them have been transferred to London to protect more than 10,000 competitors who represent more than 200 countries.

Get set

The opening ceremony is hours away when Private investigator and single father of twins, Peter Knight, is called to the scene of a ruthless murder. A high-ranking member of the games' organizing committee has been killed. It's clear to Peter that this wasn't a crime of passion, but one of precise calculation and execution.

Die

Newspaper reporter Karen Pope receives a letter from a person who calls himself Cronus claiming responsibility for the murders. He promises to restore the Olympics to their ancient glory and to destroy all those who have corrupted the games with lies, corruption, and greed. Immediately, Karen hires Private to examine the letter, and she and Peter uncover a criminal genius who won't stop until he's completely destroyed the modern games.

Product Details
Hardcover: 448 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company (February 13, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316206822
ISBN-13: 978-0316206822

New Releases 2012 (Feb 7)

A Fitting End: A Magical Dressmaking Mystery (A Dressmaker's Mystery) [Mass Market Paperback]

Product Description

Business is booming at Harlow Jane Cassidy's custom dressmaking boutique-even with her great-grandmother's ghost hanging around the shop. But when a local golf pro is found stabbed with dressmaking shears, the new town deputy suspects Harlow. Now she has to clear her name before the next outfit she designs is a prison jumpsuit ...

Product Details
ISBN-13: 9780451236142
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Publication date: 2/7/2012
Format: Mass Market Paperback

The Walled Flower (Victoria Square Mystery) [Mass Market Paperback]

Product Description

If Katie Bonner's late husband hadn't invested all their savings in the crafts fair Artisans Alley, the Webster mansion could have been hers to remodel into a bed-and-breakfast. Instead that dream belongs to another young couple. But that dream becomes a nightmare when a skeleton is discovered sealed in the walls of the mansion. The bones belong to Helen Winston, who went missing twenty-two years ago. Heather's aunt, a jewelry vendor at Artisans Alley, asks Kate for help finding her niece's murderer. The case may be cold, but the killer is very much alive - and ready to go to any lengths to keep past secrets buried ...


Product Details
Reading level: Ages 18 and up
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Berkley (February 7, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0425246167
ISBN-13: 978-0425246160

Buried in a Book (A Novel Idea Mystery) [Mass Market Paperback]

Product Description

After losing her job as a journalist at the age of forty-five, Lila Wilkins accepts an internship at A Novel Idea, a thriving literary agency in North Carolina. Being paid to read seems perfect to Lila, although it's difficult with the cast of quirky co-workers and piles of query letters. But when a penniless aspiring author drops dead in the agency's waiting room - and Lila discovers a series of threatening letters - she's determined to find out who wrote him off.


Product Details
Reading level: Ages 18 and up
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Berkley (February 7, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0425246191
ISBN-13: 978-0425246191

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (Feb 6)

What Are You Reading is a weekly Monday Meme that is hosted by Sheila from One Persons Journey: http://bookjourney.wordpress.com

Post the books you read last week, book currently being read and books you plan on finishing this week.

Last week I read:

1. Dead by Nightfall - Beverly Barton
2. Edge of Midnight - Leslie Tentler

I’m currently reading:

1. The Night is Mine - M. L. Buchman

Books I’m planning on reading this week:

1. The Affair - Lee Child

Here's the link:

http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/2012/02/05/its-monday-what-are-you-reading-124

In the Mail Saturday 2012 (Feb 4)

In the Mail Saturday is hosted every Saturday at Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews.

I received this in the mail this week.

Taken [Hardcover]


Product Description

When the police tell a wealthy industrialist that her missing son has faked his own kidnapping, she hires Elvis Cole and Joe Pike-and Cole soon determines that it was no fake. The boy and his secret girlfriend have been taken, and are now lost in the gray and changing world of the professional border kidnappers who prey not only on innocent victims but also on one another - buying, selling, and stealing victims like commodities. Fortunately, the kidnappers don't yet know who the boy is, but when Cole goes undercover to try to buy the two hostages back, he himself is taken and disappears. Now it is up to Pike to retrace Cole's steps, burning through the hard and murderous world of human traffickers . . . before it is too late.

Product Details
Reading level: Ages 18 and up
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Putnam Adult; First Edition edition (January 24, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0399158278
ISBN-13: 978-0399158278

An Appetite For Murder: A Key West Food Critic Mystery [Mass Market Paperback]


Product Description

Hayley Snow's life always revolved around food. But when she applies to be a food critic for a Key West style magazine, she discovers that her new boss would be Kristen Faulkner - the woman Hayley caught in bed with her boyfriend! Hayley thinks things are as bad as they can get - until the police pull her in as a suspect in Kristen's murder. Kristen was killed by a poisoned key lime pie. Now Hayley must find out who used meringue to murder before she takes all the blame.

Product Details
Reading level: Ages 18 and up
Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Signet; Original edition (January 3, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0451235517
ISBN-13: 978-0451235510

Thanks Penguin Canada!

What did you get in your mail this week?

18 and Over Book Blogger #14

18 and Over Book Blogger Follow is a weekly feature that begins on Fridays and runs through the weekend hosted by Crystal from Reading Between the Wines and Kelly at Secrets of a Book Lover.

The 18 Over Book Blogger Follow is a Friday blog hop with the objective to find and visit other book blogs that share the same interest as you, namely books geared towards the 18 and over crowd, and make new friends!

How to join in:

You should run a book blog that features and reviews mostly adult reads, some Y.A.’s are okay but 18 &  Over adult reads should be your majority.

Make a separate post for the 18 and Over Book Blogger Follow on your blog.

Copy the html for the button above and place it at the top of your post.

List and answer the ‘Question of the Week.’

Place your name and blog title in the linky below and the url for a direct link to your post

Visit the other blogs on the list. If you like what you see make sure to leave a comment and follow so the blog owner knows you stopped by and can return the favor. Following each blog is not mandatory but I know it is always appreciated, and if someone comments saying they’re a new follower it’s polite to follow back. It’s always nice to spread the 18 and Over Book Blog love!

Question of the Week:

Do you, or have you ever, purchased a book solely based on it's cover alone?

No I don't purchase books solely based on the cover alone because the book must have a great storyline, psychotic villains, steamy romance and interesting secondary characters.

Follow My Blog Friday #17

If you are new to the FF fun, Feature and Follow Friday is a blog hop that expands your blog following by a joint effort between bloggers. Feature & Follow Friday is now hosted by TWO hosts, myself of course and Alison of Alison Can Read. Each host will have their own Feature Blog and this way it'll allow us to show off more new blogs!

How does this work? First you leave your name here on this post, then you create a post on your own blog that links back to this post (easiest way is to just grab the code under the #FF picture and put it in your post) and then you visit as many blogs as you can and tell them "hi" in their comments (on the post that has the #FF image). You follow them, they follow you. Win. Win. Just make sure to follow back if someone follows you!

Now to make this FF interesting we do a FEATURE blogger. If you are interested in becoming a Feature click on the drop down link above FEATURES > Features and Follow Friday and get on the waiting list!  It is also required, that if you participate you must follow the hosts (Parajunkee and Alison Can Read) and the two Feature blogs.

This Meme is hosted by Rachel from Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read on Fridays.

To join the fun and make now book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:

1. Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Host {Parajunkee.com} {Alisoncanread.com}and any one else you want to follow on the list.

2. Follow our Featured Bloggers - Progress and Procrastination and Omnon Books.

3. Put your Blog name and URL in the Linky thing.

4. Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say hi in your comments

5. Follow Follow Follow as many as you can

6. If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followers

7. If your new to the Follow Friday Hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!

The Friday Follow Feature is ...

Progress and Procrastination

Hey! I’m jfeldt. I love to read – duh! And this last December I set a goal to read a bunch of books off a Face Book challenge. I decided the best way to keep track was start a blog. BOY I’ve been hurled into the world of crazy.

I’m 50% through and hooked on blogging. Stop by and check out my journey. I’m slightly self-deprecating; totally laid back; and mostly un-organized. Also, I sort of make up the rules as I go along; but hey, I have fun, and who doesn’t like fun? Hope to see you around.

Omnom Books

Reading is my drug, i've been addicted since a very early age, and don't think it'll end any time soon. I lived in England, but moved to Australia when i was 14 because of the 'better economy'. Apart from reading, i also love travelling, art, and surprisingly sport, although i'm a terrible loser and can't resist yelling at people when i think they're doing something wrong (how embarrassing!) My friends would probably describe me as funny, lively, and also a complete and utter nerd, due to my unfortunate liking of maths and science.

I started Omnom Books at the beginning of this year as a way to keep track of my formidable pile of reads, and to share my thoughts on them with others. I love meeting new people, and i can spend hours surfing blogs, finding new books and talking with others about our opinions on them. At the moment, I'm slowly reading my way through Tamora Pierce's epic works, right now i am up to Terrier (Beka Cooper #1), and i have Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer on the side. My favourite genres would have to be YA Paranormal or fantasy, with The Mortal Instruments and Paranormalcy being some of my faves as they are made of WIN. Alright...that's all i can think of for now, but hopefully i'll hear from some of you soon (dumbledore!)

Q: Define what characteristics your favorite books share. Do they all have a kickass heroine or is the hot love interest the Alpha Male? 

My favorite books mostly share a kickass heroine and a hot Alpha Male love interest depending on the series.  They also share a great storyline and psychotic villains plus good secondary characters.

Kickass Heroine/Hot Alpha Male:

1.  Eve Dallas series 
2.  Eve Duncan series

Hot Male Alpha:

1.  Alex Cross series

Edge of Midnight (The Chasing Evil Trilogy) [Mass Market Paperback]

I've finished "Edge of Midnight" the 3rd book in her Midnight trilogy by Leslie Tentler.

Product Description

The writer becomes the story when crime reporter Mia Hale is discovered on a Jacksonville beach — bloodied and disoriented, but alive. She remembers nothing, but her wounds bear the signature of a sadistic serial killer. After years lying dormant, The Collector has resumed his grim hobby: abducting women and taking gruesome souvenirs before dumping their bodies. But none of his victims has ever escaped — and he wants Mia back, more than he ever wanted any of the others.

FBI agent Eric MacFarlane has pursued The Collector for a long time. The case runs deep in his veins, bordering on obsession … and Mia holds the key. She'll risk everything to recover her memory and bring the madman to justice, and Eric swears to protect this fierce, fragile survivor. But The Collector will not be denied. In his mind, he knows just how their story ends.

About the Author

Leslie Tentler worked in PR before writing fiction. Her first manuscript won multiple RWA chapter contest awards, including the prestigious Maggie Award of Excellence. Leslie is a native of Kingsport, TN. Growing up, she was an avid reader, first of Nancy Drew novels and then surreptitiously devouring her mother's historical romances at probably too young an age. Her reading interests later moved to dark, contemporary romantic thrillers, which she writes today. She lives in Atlanta.

Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Mira (January 24, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0778313131
ISBN-13: 978-0778313137

My Review:

FBI agent Eric Macfarlane is on an official hunt for "The Collector" which has turned personal because he killed his ex-wife.

When crime writer Mia Hale is found blooded, disoriented and showing signs of "The Collector's signature Eric is determined to end his reign of terror.  Mia doesn't remember anything about the sadistic killer who left her drugged and tortured to die on the beach.  She agrees to help Eric by taking a experimental memory enhancement treatment which might help her remember what happened.  It does help but it also brings up a memory that Mia has forgotten when she was a child.  She has met the sadistic killer in her childhood.

Mia is the killer's final and prized possession and taunts Eric with the knowledge that he failed to save his wife.

Edge of Midnight was a thrilling romantic suspense with a very clever and psychotic killer, emotionally damaged FBI agent and a crime writer who becomes the story.  The characters were well written, was fast paced with non stop action from start to finish and a believable sexual tension attraction.

4/5

February Releases

7th
A Fitting End - Melissa Bourbon
The Walled Flower - Lorraine Bartlett
Buried in a Book - Lucy Arlington

13th
Private Games - James Patterson

21st

Celebrity in Death - J.D. Robb
Death Drops - Chrystle Fiedler

28th
Against the Night - Kat Martin