Better Homes and Hauntings by Molly Harper, Narrated by Amanda Ronconi

A review of both the audio and kindle version...

Better Homes and Hauntings is a standalone novel by one of my favorite author/narrator teams; Molly Harper and Amanda Ronconi. I often wonder if they share the same brain waves because, without fail, Ms. Ronconi performs the story exactly the way I imagine Ms. Harper meant it to be performed.

Blurb…

When Nina Linden is hired to landscape a private island off the New England coast, she sees it as her chance to rebuild her failing business after being cheated by her unscrupulous ex. She never expects that her new client, software mogul Deacon Whitney, would see more in her than just a talented gardener. Deacon has paid top dollar to the crews he’s hired to renovate the desolate Whitney estate—he had to, because the bumps, thumps, and unexplained sightings of ghostly figures in nineteenth-century dress are driving workers away faster than he can say “Boo.”

But Nina shows no signs of being scared away, even as she experiences some unnerving apparitions herself. And as the two of them work closely together to restore the mansion’s faded glory, Deacon realizes that he’s found someone who doesn’t seem to like his fortune more than himself—while Nina may have finally found the one man she can trust with her bruised and battered heart.

But something on the island doesn’t believe in true love…and if Nina and Deacon can’t figure out how to put these angry spirits to rest, their own love doesn’t stand a ghost of a chance.

My thoughts…

I really am a huge fan of Molly Harper’s stories, with the Jane Jamison series being my favorite. Reading the stories is a great experience but nothing beats listening and reading along at the same time as Amanda Ronconi brings it all to life.

Though it took a little while for Better Homes and Hauntings to grab me, I enjoyed the whole book. Because this is a standalone, there was a lot of time spent on character introduction and plot set-up which isn’t necessarily a bad thing considering there are actually 2 romances taking place – 3 if you count the dearly departed couple who are the foundation and driving force behind this story.

The bottom line…

If you’re interested in trying her work without investing in a series, Better Homes and Hauntings is a great place to start. It’s an entertaining story with awesome characters and lots of witty dialog. It’s romantic, steamy, funny, and spooky, and I really wish Ms. Harper would write more ‘ghostly’ tales.

Broken (LOST #1) by Cynthia Eden

Broken is the first book in Cynthia Eden's romantic suspense series, LOST. It's a thrilling serial-killer murder mystery with so many twists and turns and probable suspects, we can't possibly know, until the very end, who the true killer is. I love stories that keep me guessing like this!

Blurb...

Ex-SEAL and LOST founder Gabe Spencer is accustomed to the unusual in his job. But when knockout Eve Gray steps into his office, he's rattled. For the mysterious woman is a dead ringer for the heiress thought to be the latest prey of the serial killer who goes by the name Lady Killer.

When Eve awoke in an Atlanta hospital, her past was a blank slate. Then she recognized her own face in the newspaper and vowed to learn the truth. Determined to confront the nightmares hidden in her mind, she never expects to find a partner in Gabe.

As Gabe and Eve work together, their explosive attraction becomes irresistible. Gabe knows that his desire for Eve is growing too strong, bordering on a dangerous obsession, but nothing pulls him away from her. And when another Eve lookalike disappears, Gabe vows to protect Eve at all costs. While Eve may have forgotten the killer in her past, it's clear he hasn't forgotten her.

My thoughts...

I'm a huge fan of romantic suspense and have read a lot of great stories by some of the genre's best authors but, until now, none by Cynthia Eden - and make no mistake, Broken proves she's one of the best! This story sent chills up and down my spine and even though I didn't want to put it down, I had to put it down because it was getting so intense I knew I'd be up all night checking and re-checking the locks on my doors and windows if I didn't!

Lust at first sight works well in paranormal romance (bonding scents compelling an attraction) and erotica (because erotica is all about sexual attraction), but Broken is neither of those and its intricate, amazing plot didn't mesh with the insta-lust between Gabe and Eve. Sure, Eve's trauma induced amnesia could explain her lack of apprehension over being attracted to Gabe, a complete stranger, but even with that in mind I couldn't get on board with the sexual intensity they felt for each other. Too much, too soon and that cost this story a full star in my rating. Had the attraction/romance moved at a more believable pace, or had this not been meant to be a romance, it would've easily been a 5 star read!

The bottom line...

I've already got the next book in the series, Twisted, locked, loaded, and ready to roll... and that should speak volumes about how much I enjoyed Broken!

An ARC was provided by Avon Books. In appreciation I'm giving them an honest review.

My Sweet Folly (Audio Review) by Laura Kinsale and Nicholas Boulton

Poignant, romantic, mysterious...

When I'm in a reading slump I turn to authors who I know will put a smile on my face and a sigh in my heart. Kristen Ashley, Pamela Clare, Sarah MacLean, Lisa Kleypas, to name a few... and the Kinsale/Boulton author/narrator team. Without fail I have loved each book I've listened to and find it hard to leave them behind when review obligations demand I move on. But as soon as time permits I'm right back with them, escaping to new worlds and new adventures.

Description...

“My dear girl! I could never fall in love by letter. Though I have no doubt you are a notorious breaker of hearts, not to mention a princess in disguise, and if I were a few miles closer to Toot-above-the-Batch I would be in great danger. From the safe distance of another continent, I will admit to a modest desire to see how your pearl becomes you, even to know the color of your hair and eyes, but this is mere curiosity, I assure you.” -- Your knight, Robert

Through their innocent correspondence, a lonely young wife grows to love an imaginary man thousands of miles away. But when Folie finally meets him in truth, reality is turned upside down. She cannot find her own cherished Robert in the frightening stranger who claims her love.

My Sweet Folly is such a unique story. There were moments that things seemed to drag, but Nicholas Boulton's performance is brilliant, as always, and I loved every minute I spent with Folly and Robert!        

Rajmund (Vampires in America #3) by D.B. Reynolds

This is a great book. A fantastic addition to the series, and a more in depth look at this incredible world and its hierarchy. If the romance between Raj and Sarah had been more on than off, this story would have been perfect!

Blurb...

RAJMUND GREGOR is a vampire . . . and the undisputed Master of New York City. He bows to no one but his Sire, Krystof, who is the Vampire Lord for the entire Northeastern U.S. Based in Buffalo, NY, Krystof is an old vampire—-too old, it would seem, because he’s slowly losing his mind. Summoned back to Buffalo by his Sire, Rajmund finds his master out of touch and rapidly weakening. He knows the territory will crumble if something isn’t done, and he’s the only one of Krystof’s children strong enough to seize power. But there’s also the matter of some missing women and a rogue vampire who seems to be moving in for the kill.

SARAH STRATTON has a secret, one she’s never shared with anyone–—at least not anyone who knows her now, not even her good friend Cyn. It’s a secret that could destroy her carefully constructed life, but it’s one she may have to share with a vampire, if she’s going to save the lives of the missing women.

*****
Vampires in America has turned out to be a fantastic series, so far. I'm pretty blown away by the unique world D.B. Reynolds has created in a genre that's been overrun with vampires!

Silent Night by C.J. Kyle

SILENT NIGHT ISN'T MY USUAL TYPE OF READ, but I'm so glad I decided to give it a go. It's an intense, gruesome, psychological thriller, one that kept me guessing and turning the pages into the wee hours of the morning.

Description...

Christmas, Tennessee, is a town where no one locks their doors and the worst crime is a stolen bicycle. Until the night blood is found . . . but there's no body.

Police Chief Tucker Ambrose hopes it's just a prank, but his years as a cop in Chicago tell him different. Then a body is discovered in the middle of the woods, staged with a bible, a crucifix, and a rosary . . . and Tucker knows something dark and sinister has arrived in his town.

Miranda Harley knows exactly what's going on. In fact, she's been tracking this serial killer, hoping to gather enough evidence to convict him. Trouble is, no one will believe her, not even the sexy police chief whose heated gazes promise nights of sin. But when Miranda falls into the crosshairs of a psychopath, Tucker must put aside his doubts and race to stop the killer from striking again.

My review...

Silent Night is my first taste of C.J. Kyle's writing and, while it's not perfect, it's an exciting, fast paced, riveting story that had me locking my car doors while waiting for my daughter to finish up in Target, and checking the doors and windows in my house when she and I got home.

There's definitely a romance here, but it does take a backseat to the murder mystery. That's understandable given the twists and turns and amount of time our hero, the sheriff, has to spend hunting this serial killer.

Just a word of warning to the squeamish amongst us, the murders and crime scenes are pretty disturbing, so keep this in mind should you decide to give this a try, and if you're a fan of crime thrillers, I highly recommend you do!

An eARC was provided by Avon Books and Edelweiss, and in return I'm giving them an honest review.

Glory in Death by J.D. Robb, Narrated by Susan Ericksen

It is 2058, New York City. In a world where technology can reveal the darkest of secrets, there's only one place to hide a crime of passion-in the heart.

Even in the mid-twenty-first century, during a time when genetic testing usually weeds out any violent hereditary traits before they can take over, murder still happens. The first victim is found lying on a sidewalk in the rain. The second is murdered in her own apartment building. Police Lieutenant Eve Dallas has no problem finding connections between the two crimes. Both victims were beautiful and highly successful women. Their glamorous lives and loves were the talk of the city. And their intimate relations with men of great power and wealth provide Eve with a long list of suspects-including her own lover, Roarke

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Science Fiction for people who don't like Science Fiction!

Glory in Death is the second book in J.D. Robb’s wildly popular, futuristic, In Death series, and just like the first book, it’s an exciting, gritty, thrilling read.

The Story -

Two prominent women and a third ‘accidental’ have been found with their throats slashed, and as primary on the case, Police Lieutenant Eve Dallas has her hands full. With the list of suspects rising along with the death count, Eve is mentally and emotionally pushed to her limits, and so is her relationship with Roarke.

My Thoughts -

Honestly, even though I’ve listened to my daughter rave about these stories, and despite the number of 4 and 5 star reviews on Goodreads, I just never felt the urge to read this series. But thankfully I stumbled upon the audio version of Naked in Death at my public library and now I’m hooked!

Glory in Death is an intriguing murder mystery filled with twists and turns and suspects and probable causes… plenty of possibilities to keep me guessing – even though I had a fairly good idea, I wasn’t certain – as to the identity of the murderer. And the budding romance between Roarke and Eve is done so well that even though it’s frustrating at times, it’s also what I’d expect from these two, strong willed people.

The series is set in the future, mid 21st century. Since I’m not a fan of Science Fiction, I was worried about how well I’d like these books. Fortunately, while they’re futuristic, they’re not at all overly Science Fiction, and I think people who aren’t usually fans of the genre will enjoy these. In fact, if you're familiar with Stephenie Meyer's The Host, I'd say this series is even less SciFi than that.

Now, a bit about the audio. Susan Ericksen is just so, so talented! She gives these characters such distinctive voices that it’s as though she’s breathed life into them. She gives them the level of passion, fear, sorrow, hope... all the emotions become so much more vivid. They truly do start to feel like real people, and that’s exactly how I love my audio ‘reads.’

Overall, Glory in Death is fast paced, exciting, passionate, and even romantic in a two-steps-forward, one-step-back sort of way, and I loved every minute of it!

  

The Untamed Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley

To redeem her family’s disgraced name, Lady Louisa Scranton has decided to acquire a proper husband. He needs to be a man of fortune and highly respectable in order to restore both her family's lost wealth and reputation. She enters the Marriage Mart with all flags flying, determined to find the right bachelor.

But Louisa’s hopes are dashed when the Bishop of Hargate drops dead at her feet—and she is  shockingly accused of murder! Soon, Louisa’s so-called friends begin shunning her, because the company of a suspected killer is never desirable in polite society.

The problem comes to the ears of Detective Inspector Lloyd Fellows, by-blow of the decadent Scottish Mackenzie family and an inspector for Scotland Yard. He has shared two passionate kisses with Lady Louisa–and vows to clear her name. For not only does he know she’s innocent, he recognizes he’s falling for the lovely lady.

Fellows is Louisa's only hope of restoring her family's honor—and it is he alone who intrigues Louisa in a way that may be even more scandalous than murder…

*****

Such a wonderful, hard earned, well deserved, happily ever after!

The Untamed Mackenzie is a novella, book 5.5 in the Highland Pleasures series. This is Inspector Lloyd Fellows’s story, the Mackenzie by-blow of the late and not-so-great Duke of Kilmorgan. Lloyd has had to fight his way through the streets, through hunger, through all the things no child should have to deal with, but he did it and came out on top, as one of London’s most distinguished, successful, inspectors.

Jennifer Ashley has struck gold with these Mackenzie men, each and every one a force to be reckoned with. Tormented, tortured, and brutalized by life… these are men in need of a woman’s love. And though he might not carry the name or have been raised at Castle Kilmorgan, but Lloyd Fellows is a Mackenzie through and through.

I absolutely enjoyed his story, and to be honest, I wasn’t sure I would. For one, it's a novella and novellas are never enough when it comes to series' I love. But we've had book after book to get to know Lloyd, and that makes his story not feel like a novella at all. But that wasn't my only concern. I mean, he wasn't raised Scottish. He wasn't raised in a kilt. He doesn’t speak with that sexy brogue… but let me tell you…he is Scottish, he does wear a kilt, and he might not have a sexy brogue, but he knows how to use his mouth, just the same.

Lady Louisa is a wonderful match for rough, "commoner" Lloyd. The more he pushes her away, the more she pulls him back. They’re perfect for each other, not only in their similarities, but also in their differences, and this makes for a lovely happily ever after story.

I'm excited to read Daniel's story next!        

 

Naked in Death Audio Book by J.D. Robb and Susan Ericksen

It is the year 2058, and technology now completely rules the world. But New York City Detective Eve Dallas knows that the irresistible impulses of the human heart are still ruled by just one thing-passion. 

When a senator's daughter is killed, the secret life of prostitution she'd been leading is revealed. The high-profile case takes Lieutenant Eve Dallas into the rarefied circles of Washington politics and society. Further complicating matters is Eve's growing attraction to Roarke, who is one of the wealthiest and most influential men on the planet, devilishly handsome... and the leading suspect in the investigation.

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Spectacular, Amazing, Thrilling, Provocative!

The Story -

Naked in Death is the first book in J.D. Robb’s insanely popular In Death series. It’s a fantastic mystery thriller and once I started, I couldn't put it down...errr...turn it off!

I’m not usually a fan of the Mystery/Thriller genre, but my daughter has been raving about these books for years. While at the public library perusing their audio book collection I came across Naked in Death, and with 4.12 stars after 57,000 ratings, I decided to give it a try. WOW! I am so, so very glad I did!

The world Ms. Robb has created is just futuristic enough to be compelling and believable, but not so complex as to intimidate or turn off those amongst us who are not fans of SciFi. The cast of characters, especially - be still my heart - Roarke, and Eve, are so well developed, so fully fleshed out, that I felt as if I knew them. As if they were people who were somehow part of my life. I wasn't just listening to a story, I was there as the story unfolded!

The Audio -

I’ll admit that I’m fairly new to audio books, but I know what I like and what I don’t. I didn’t like this - I. Loved. It!!! Susan Ericksen does a phenomenal job of bringing the cast to life. She’s an incredible talent and gave each player a distinctive voice and personality. Honestly, only one word describes her narrative skills. BRILLIANT!

I need to mention, though, that while there is some romance and relationship building between the mysterious, sexy, drool-worthy Roarke, and Eve, this is first and foremost a murder mystery.

Updated here: I've changed my mind! This is an amazing romance! Maybe it was because I'm not used to reading stories with so much genuinely plausible violence, that essence of the story stood out more than the romance. But now that I'm doing a re-listen while waiting for book 2, and focusing more on Roarke and Eve, there's no way there is just "some romance and relationship building." It's off the charts!

The Bottom Line -

If you’re a fan of whodunits, you need to get this book. If you enjoy stories that have a futuristic element without space wars with little green men, you need to get this book. If you’re looking for something different from your usual reads, something to get you out of a reading slump, you need to get this book! You know what? Just get this book. Whether you're going to read or listen, JUST. GET. THIS. BOOK!!!

There are not enough words to describe how outstanding and entertaining this book is. Intriguing, exciting, captivating, sexy… absolutely incredible!

Midnight Secrets by Ella Grace

 

At the stroke of midnight, the heat begins...

On a hot southern night, with a storm on the horizon, a family is shattered. Three beautiful daughters—Savannah, Samantha, and Sabrina Wilde—go on with their lives, each significantly changed, as they bear the memory of the murder-suicide that killed their parents. For years, they have stayed away from Midnight, Alabama. Until Midnight calls them home.

Savannah is the first one back, when a grueling case in Nashville leads the young prosecutor to seek shelter in the quiet of the once grand Wilde mansion. But when she finds letters casting doubt on her family’s dark, shameful past, she realizes that peace in Midnight is a shallow façade and sinister secrets lurk beneath the surface. Zach Tanner, once the town’s bad boy, is now the new police chief and still has a wild hold over her. Zach can feel it, too, but he hurt Savannah once. As teenagers, they broke every rule together. Now it’s his job to keep her safe, even though he isn’t sure who her enemies are—or which ones might be his own.

*****

Midnight Secrets is the first book in Ella Grace’s Wildefire series, and opens with a tragic scene that absolutely broke my heart. Right from the start I was completely invested in the Wilde family, and desperate to know the truth of what happened that horrible night.

I really enjoy ‘second chance’ romances, especially when they’re written the way Midnight Secrets is. What I mean is that instead of just being told about the past through character reflection or dialog, we actually watch it unfold. We see the ‘murder-suicide’ as it takes place, and even though it was heartbreaking to watch, I was glad those details were given to us because it saved me a lot of anxiety throughout the rest of story. Then years later - but not yet in the present - we get an up close and personal glimpse at Savannah and Zach’s relationship, how it begins and how it ends too soon. I loved that it was written this way because, as I said, it pulled me in and I became connected to the family, invested in them and the learning the truth. And as much as I loved those parts, the present day story is just as good, just as compelling. This is such a well written mystery/romance, with wonderful characters and a storyline loaded with enough twists and turns to keep me guessing right to the very end.

Interestingly enough, I’ve been meaning to read Christy Reece’s writing ever since Pamela Clare – a truly amazing romantic suspense author – recommended her to me, but there’s always been one thing or another cropping up, and I just never got around to it. When I decided to read and review Midnight Secrets, I had no idea that Ella Grace is Christy Reece, but knowing it now, you can bet I’ll be picking up Ms. Reece’s Last Chance Rescue books, very soon.

The bottom line: Fast paced, intriguing, and sexy, romantic and fun, Midnight Secrets is an exciting story that no romantic suspense fan should miss! Savannah and Zach are fantastic together, and now I’m anxiously awaiting Samantha’s and Sabrina’s stories.

My thanks to Ballatine Books and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.