Deep Cover by Scarlett Cole

Amy and Cabe are working on different angles of a criminal case at the Lucky Seven Casino and a dedication to doing the right thing, for all of the parties involved, was a priority. A past crime involving Amy's mother supports her drive to stop the female disappearance at the Lucky Seven. Cabe and his team have a similar investment. Sokolov's crime syndicate has directly threatened the lives of family members of the Eagle Security team. They possess equal justification to make sure the casino becomes crime free. Bringing the villains down became as essential to me as it was to them. The team worked intelligently and well together, and it was clear they were all becoming great friends. I remained invested in the characters during the attempt to end these atrocities.

Amy's father is a professional poker player, and her uncle runs a casino. Due to her resources, she has the skills to go undercover at the Lucky Seven to investigate the missing women. As Amy goes undercover as a card dealer, the stress builds. The owner of the casino, Faulkner, has charm but at the same time, he crosses a line that justifies caution and suspicion. In contrast, Amy's direct supervisor Ortega is respectable with Amy and the rest of the staff. Who is helping Sokolov launder money if anyone? Who is responsible for the missing women, the indecent boss or the moral one? These questions fuel the anxiety. Cabe and Eagle Securities focus their attention on the money laundering. Cabe attempts to befriend Sokolov while covertly searching for the money switches. Cabe and the team do their job well. Cabe's instincts and reactions are appropriate to what I believe an ex-NAVY Seal would be. He is protective and keeps his team, which now includes Amy, safe.

I enjoyed Cabe but, his contribution is primarily guarding Amy's back. I would have liked to see Cabe play a more prominent role in the end battle, rather than just being Amy's knight in shining armor. Along the same lines, I felt an agent with Amy's qualifications could have needed less saving. I also sense Amy being more assertive in the face of danger would have made her more interesting. A  dynamic involving a couple fighting together is a delicate balance. I still found their decisions sound and them both to be capable in their jobs.

When reading romance novels, I am most committed when the plot surrounding the couple can stand on its own. I find that Deep Cover was one of these novels. Having said that, the romance in Deep Cover was also quite captivating. The characters, for justifiable reasons, decided not to pursue their attraction to each other. In high-pressure situations, that only lasts so long. When they give in to the chemistry between them, it is explosive. Well done there. This relationship develops while they are getting to know each other without bringing sex into the equation. I welcome this method as it is more believable. I recommend giving Deep Cover by Scarlett Cole a chance. I received this book from Netgalley and St Martin’s Press in exchange for my honest review.

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Pancake Money by Finn Bell

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Pancake Money by Finn Bell centers on Bobby and Pollo, detectives attempting to solve the savage murder of a priest. Over the course of a few days more grizzly deaths occur, and the detectives face what seems to be an unsolvable case. Pancake Money is highly engaging. Where the story succeeds most for me is when it focuses on the detective's relationships and deductive processes. Worth noting, the entire book takes place in New Zealand. I have never visited New Zealand and was glad to realize this was not a problem. The author delivers the necessary descriptors to paint the background picture with clarity.

The story begins with a gruesome murder as seen through the eyes of the executioner. The scene's perspective seems more about the intimacy of the act then the brutality of it. Despite being brief, this scene is an effective way to set the mood. It consumed me with dread and sadness, although I am still unsure if the sorrow was for the victim, the killer, or both. I experienced a full spectrum of emotion reading this book, and I loved it.

The methodology the characters use to identify the perpetrator is fascinating. Bobby is attending a forensic psychology class throughout the plot. These lectures further foreshadow with topics such as pain motivating individuals to fulfill any task. Throughout this investigation, the detectives examine the reasons that drive a murderer.  Bobby and Pollo discuss which would apply to the killer and why the crimes represent one motivation over the other. Gaining knowledge in the context of the novel made me a part of the examination. I received insights along with the characters by understanding how they were drawing their conclusions.

It is clear from the beginning Bobby and Pollo are close. They respect each other, keep each other safe, spend time with one another's family, and have meaningful interactions. The relevance of the title, Pancake Money, comes from a poignant tale Pollo discloses to Bobby towards the beginning of the story.  Believably in this relationship is a motivational key in the third act. It was necessary to connect them as a family, and I did not doubt this fact at any time.

Being fond of a decent mystery novel I frequently read from this genere. Going in, I hold onto the hope that the book's resolution is not glaringly evident. The big question here is, did I figure out the end before the reveal? The answer is an emphatic no, and for me, that is a huge deal. I consistently try to anticipate the resolution in anything I read. In Pancake Money, the full story was not entirely evident until the crime solver dictated the clues, and solution, at the end. I was then able to pinpoint the evidence referred to and found it entirely believable. It was quite a ride getting there. I would highly recommend Pancake Money to anyone who enjoys a great murder mystery.

Awaken the Darkness by Dianne Duvall

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Awaken the Darkness is the latest in the Immortal Guardian books by Diane Duvall. When Susan rescues Stanislav, he has lost all memory of his past. As they begin to realize Stan has preternatural gifts they are desperate to find his memories and someone they can trust. Reading Awaken the Darkness as a stand-alone is entirely possible. The reader has the opportunity to discover his background as Stanislav remembers. But as a series reader, I always recommend starting from the beginning.

Stan and Susan are fantastic together. Their relationship evolves quickly, but I feel it is a reasonable occurrence. You perceive their emotional connection right away. Susan was cautious but compassionate. Stanislav was respectful and protective of Susan, but he was not obnoxious about it. They found instant chemistry with one another and are a likable couple.

The plot unfolds in a tight pocket of time, and the pacing is quite fast. I felt an immense amount of tension when the situation called for it. Once Stan was on the correct path to finding his Immortal family, I got especially anxious. The poor man had all the answers in front of him. But if you can't remember your past, it is incredibly hard to trust. Then the ending snuck up on me. Not a lot happens in regards to the overall series arc, but I did not mind this at all.

When I first experienced The Immortal Guardians series by Dianne Duvall, I fell instantly in love with the series. She brings an appropriate balance between drama, comedy,  suspense, and romance. This is a captivating urban fantasy/paranormal romance series, one that I wait not so patiently for the next installment. I always suggest that all readers come to their own conclusions.

Stygian Preview Review by Sherrilyn Kenyon

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Updated review will appear in a separate post sometime after 08/28/2018.

I was recently able to read an excerpt of Stygian by Sherrilyn Kenyon as given to me by Netgalley and Macmillian Tor/Forge Publishing. This excerpt contained about 200 pages of the novel. I am already invested in what is happening. I love the Dark-Hunter series because of the intricate plots within plots. Solving the mystery of these has become a bit of an obsession of mine. I don't mind the depths these plots contain, or the attention I pay to minute things, or the rereads I feel are necessary.

In Stygian, there is background information contained when necessary. I would not have felt anything missing if Stygian was my first Dark-Hunter book. The entire series, however, breaks into subsets. For example, Stygian is the Lords of Avalon #7, Dark-Hunter Dragons Rising Trilogy #3, Were-Hunters #12, Dark-Hunter #29. I am a big series reader, and this is one series worth experiencing in its entirety.

To be honest, the Lords of Avalon and Dragon Rising books are among my favorites. I am fond of the dragons (and mandrakes). As with the other Dragon Rising books, even Styxx and Acheron, I anticipate sections of this book will cross into plotlines already addressed. That doesn't bother me. As previously mentioned, I reread the Dark-Hunter books anyway. In Stygian, the drakomai Xyn is a principal character. The prospect of her story joining with Urian's is intriguing. Wherever Stygian goes, I am impatient for it, especially now.

Although enthusiastic for Urian's tale, I admit being leery of it. Both Acheron and Styxx were arduous for me. Their books rip your heart out, shove it back and start all over again. Tissues are a must. Don't get me wrong, I loved experiencing Acheron and Styxx's journey, but it was a hard ride.  Formatted the same in that we begin with Urian's birth in ancient times, I worried Urian would have an upbringing filled with isolation. Urian does have it rough, but so far, it was not as tumultuous as I anticipated. It could be much of that comes later, I am sure some of it will, but I feel better knowing that Urian felt love and friendship to a degree. Where does that leave me? Counting down the days until I get Stygian in its entirety. I have full faith Urian's journey will be worth the wait and do him justice. All opinions are my own, and I encourage readers to reach their own conclusions.

Lies That Blind: SpiritBeasts Book 1 by Diane Rose Wilson

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Lies That Blind by Diane Rose Wilson is book one of the Spirit Beast series. Frankie travels from New York to California to attend her Aunt’s funeral. When Frankie inherits all of her Aunt’s assets, everything about her world changes. Meeting Christopher helps her integrate into an existence she never dared believe possible.

Starting this story was difficult. Right out of the gate is an introduction I feared would lead into a love triangle. Then there is a wake with many people to keep track of and decide how to interpret. Admittedly I got a little lost. I now feel this was a brilliant way to inject the reader into the uncertainty Frankie must feel. She doesn’t know these people, who they are or what they mean to each other. Feeling awkward about the exchanges going on, feeling unsure about their interaction with her and between each other. It gives a sense of where she had to be at mentally in that scenario. It was a bit jarring, but I get it. And the love triangle is addressed but is not as bad as I anticipated.

The story roots in an urban fantasy world.  There are hints of it when Lies That Blind begins but, the mystery unwraps as Frankie becomes aware of it. Frankie meets Christopher, and the story starts to come together. First, I admit that I have a dislike for most love at first sight situations. When handled well, it works for me, and here it was. I would call Frankie and Christopher soul mates or something of the like, and it felt genuine. Qualities exist that are unique to this world, making it a nice change from the usual paranormal romances out there. And the author’s way of connecting the reader to the story was very engaging. It was emotionally connecting and fast-paced, an urgent feeling at times when there was conflict building. My tell when things get tense is clenching my fists while reading, with this story I did that. Worth mentioning, it was a carnal tale, and it worked for these characters. The passion between them was raw and visceral, almost palpable. It was appropriate for Frankie and Christopher.

Oh, how I hate novellas. That’s not true I don’t. I have various reason why I prefer a full-length novel, but in this case, I wanted more, so much more. My favorite stories in this genre are those that could stand without the romance built into the plot. Although it would change it some, with this beginning, I would wager Lies That Blind: SpiritBeast book 1 is one of those stories. Highly recommended. I was given the opportunity to read this through NetGalley for my honest opinion. I encourage all readers to reach their own conclusions.

Dark Alpha's Hunger by Donna Grant

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I read an ARC copy of Dark Alpha’s Hunger from NetGalley and St Martin’s Press in exchange for my honest opinion. Dark Alpha’s Hunger by Donna Grant is book six in the Reaper series. The Reapers are a unique group among the Fae. Both the Dark and the Light Fae make up the Reapers. They align primarily with Death and each other. Reapers are responsible for the execution of the Fae so deplorable they can no longer exist among their people. This story focuses on the Reaper Eoghan and the Half Fae Thea.  When the couple finds each other, Thea discovers she belongs in a world of magic she never knew existed.   

One can read this book as a stand-alone, more so than the rest of the series. The storyline diverts a bit with this installment.  It moves away from the main Reaper group and introduces multiple new characters. I always suggest in a setting such as the Dark World, that reading all previous installments take place. Hostilities in a realm that includes the Reapers and the Dragon Kings in the immediate, and going as far back as the Dark Sword series, are now in full swing. Several characters that share time here have deep-seated pasts. To omit confusion background information is given when relevant, but the full dramatic effect will not occur if that past is not familiar to the reader.

As always, the characters are engaging.  And who doesn’t enjoy a sexy Fae with an Irish brogue? Eoghan has the respect of his fellow companions due to his integrity. Thea overcomes a dark past to find happiness in a new world. The attraction between the two is fast and fierce. I am not typically in support of an insta-love scenario, but overlook it when the payoff is worth it. In the Dark World, the thematic developments deeply integrate into their world and are tremendously compelling. I like the buildup of various subplots, and again, sexy Fae.

For those who are aware of the Dark World and its complexity. ** Beware of minor spoilers.** Usail, the Light Queen, has gone way beyond what I feel is redeemable. Or rather, any delusions regarding Usail’s true nature can no longer be contested after her actions and admissions in Dark Alpha’s Hunger. If one considered Usail’s words carefully, there is a slight hint about Rhi and her Dragon King. Perhaps one that gives it away. But, maybe not. This secret, as for many others readers, is one I am invariably trying to uncover.

What I find best about these books is the world building. The Dark World is a fun and intriguing urban fantasy setting, everything interconnects. The males are dominant but possess decency and honor. The women rise above their fear and become better for it. The romantic interludes are always sensual. I plan for the release dates, so I don’t have to wait to experience them. My opinions may not match others, and I encourage everyone to find their own.

Murdered by James Schannep

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Murdered by James Schannep is a Click Your Poison book. By design, the reader places one’s self in the story-line and dictates the narrative. The premise of Murdered is the reader is on vacation in Brazil for the annual celebration of Carnaval. After separating from friends, you find a murdered woman and the possible killer who flees the scene. At this point, the reader becomes the primary navigator of the plot.

A common problem I find in mysteries is the foreshadowing that reveals the endgame before it is time. This issue was not a problem for me while reading Murdered. Every pathway my choices revealed enough clues to keep me eager for more. My addiction to this book occurred from the beginning. The short chapters spurred the action forward and did not reveal so much it was easy to achieve resolution. I found the way to a fulfilling ending but never became bored on the journey.

It is likely the first read through will not reveal the whole story, I would suggest multiple tries. I made my way through the full story three times before I found all the details of what happened. I had to backtrack more times then I can count after going down a wrong path, or when I died, which I did, a lot. I never did feel like I was wasting my efforts revisiting where I had already gone, I always found a better path. Resolving what worked with each character to get to the truth, or how to defeat them when necessary, was gratifying and entertaining.

It might help to suspend one's disbelief during a reading. How likely would it be for the Brazil police, or the Diplomatic Secret Service, to bring a random American tourist in on a murder investigation? Not to mention give said tourist a weapon, or depend on them in a firefight? These were however minor things. Once engaging in the action of the story it did not concern me much, I just went with it.

I would highly recommend this book to mystery fans. Just remember it is a unique format. I remember reading choose your own adventure stories when I was younger. This book is reminiscent of those novels. Murdered does have a more adult audience in mind than the young adult books I read in junior high, but the essence is the same. I loved them then and find I have just as much fun with them now.