jbronderbookreviews

Deadly Payload (Rim Country Mysteries – 4) by Karen Randau

Dead birds raining from the sky. Poison in the water supply. Spies on the back porch.

A lifeless crow shatters the windshield as Rita Avery, her daughter-in-law, and her granddaughter arrive at Arizona’s Rim Vista Park. Rita dodges bird carcasses on the road home, where she finds her husband Cliff and son Travis gravely ill from a mysterious pathogen with no cure.

The CDC assembles a team to create a cure, but Rita doubts it will arrive in time to rescue Cliff, Travis, and dozens of her friends and neighbors.

In a race to save her family, her community, and potentially thousands more Americans, Rita launches her own investigation. She partners with a certified herbalist and a homeless war veteran dubbed Crazy Mary.

But the more clues Rita uncovers, the deeper she finds herself in the middle of a ruthless plot that could unleash a wide-ranging American disaster. And the culprits aim to stop her at any cost.

Before it’s too late for her loved ones, Rita must thwart the next attack on innocent civilians.

Murder, spine-tingling trips through Arizona’s rugged wilderness, and callous spies determined to spread havoc – this isn’t your average family outing!

Amazon     Barnes and Noble     Goodreads

Author’s Bio

A native of the southwestern U.S., Karen Randau has been writing and telling stories since elementary school. She holds a degree in journalism/public relations from The University of Texas at Austin and has enjoyed a long career in marketing communications.

In her work with an international non-profit, she has traveled to numerous developing countries, witnessing famines, violence, and hopeful people working to overcome abject poverty.

She loves fast-paced mysteries and thrillers, especially those with intricate plots, lots of action, and rollercoaster-like twists and turns.

Website     Facebook     Twitter

My Review

5 Stars

As Rita Avery is on her way home with her daughter in law and granddaughter a bird falls from the sky and shatters her windshield. When husband and son are very sick. Others in the town are becoming sick and it looks like someone has poisoned the water. Even though the CDC step up to try to find a cure Rita knows that those she love won’t survive long enough for that cure. So she steps up and with the help of a homeless vet and herbalist/nurse friend to find a cure for the illness and stop whomever started this whole mess.

Rita is a great lead character. She is strong and willing to do whatever it takes to care for those she loves. Even if that means tangling with a Russian spy. Plus it helps that she has a couple of the best sidekicks to help her the whole way.

Although this is my first book from Karen Randau and I am in love. The description is wonderful and I was quickly drawn into the story. I was left on the edge of my seat and blown away by the ending. This is a great story and although it is the fourth in the series I had no problem figuring out what was going on. Now I want to go back and catch up on what I have missed.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

I would like to thank JKS Communications for the opportunity to read and share this book.

An Interview with

KAREN RANDAU

1. This is the fourth book in your Rim County Mysteries series. Is it comforting to return to these characters?

Yes. I know my characters well and enjoy how I’m able to further develop them with each new book. Naturally, I must help my readers get to know them starting with whichever book they read first. I’ve included details from preceding books in each novel to help my readers to understand Rita and Cliff, their relationship, and how important family is to them.

2. Do you plan out a mystery before you start writing, or does it come to you as you write?

It’s a combination. I start with an outline. Because I enjoy fast-paced books, I keep mind fast-paced. That means I often use up much of the outline earlier than I expected. Also, ideas come to me as I write, and I adjust accordingly. It’s safe to say I know the basic premise and much of the plot. There are “plotters” (those who outline), “pantsers,” (those who fly by the seat of their pants and write as it comes to them) and there are “planters” (those who outline and make adjustments as ideas come to them while writing. I’m the latter.

3. Did you do any research on outbreaks to prepare for Deadly Payload?

I did a lot of research to prepare for Deadly Payload, not so much on outbreaks as how my outbreak could happen and what would be the response. I researched different kinds of diseases, their progression, and the kinds of pathogens that could cause them. For this book, I also needed to research chemical warfare, terrorism, and spies. With the crazy things I research, I cringe each time I read that Google searches aren’t private.

4. What books or authors inspire your work?

I enjoy the work of Hank Phillipi-Ryan and Jenny Milchman. Hank takes on the kinds of topics that interest me, and Jenny gets inside people’s heads the way I want to.

5. How do you balance between making your books connect as a series and making sure new readers won’t get lost?

I include references to past books in the series as a way of both helping to develop the characters for the current book and for explaining how Rita and Cliff got to where they are. Each of the books could be read as a standalone with well-developed characters, setting, and plot. If you read all books in the series, you’ll have a deeper understanding of what makes the characters react the way they do, but you’ll see a character arc in each of the books.

6. Are any of your characters based on real-life people?

All of my characters have traits of people I know, but none of them is completely one person familiar to me. Rita, the protagonist who narrates the books, has traits of me as well as traits I wish I had and others I’m glad I don’t. The same is true for all of the characters.

7. How did your nonprofit work help shape your career as a writer?

My career as a writer started when I was in journalism school, and I’ve been writing ever since. Writing wasn’t my main focus as I climbed up the corporate or nonprofit ladder, but I had writers reporting to me and did a lot of editing – so I was constantly improving my craft. When I told a co-workers about an idea floating around in my head, she suggested I had a novel in me that wanted out. I started attending novel-writing conferences and workshops to lean that craft (which is quite different than journalism). I’ve put some of my own experiences in my books. For example, in my first book, I made reference to how different life was for a woman from Honduras – something I knew because of my nonprofit work.

8. What are you working on now?

I’m working on a book about a woman who wakes up from a 20-year coma thinking she’s 17, not 37. She will struggle first to get back in shape (learning martial arts in the process), but then she’s going to set out to solve the mystery of who killed her parents and why – the event that put her in a coma.

Read Full Post »

Title: Forgiving River

Author: Lynne Leslie

Series: Skullz Ink Book Two

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Cover Designer: Wicked Dreams Designs

Release Date: September 6, 2018

Loxley Erin Parrish

Three years ago, I was left for dead at the bottom of the stairs by the monster that haunts my nightmares. I lost everything that day. My life. My sanity. My daughter.
After waking to find the same monster had killed my best friend, I ran because I was next. The two men who saved me from the darkness brought me to the one who would change my life.

River James DeLuca

I’ve learned wealth doesn’t stop monsters. Twice I’ve seen my family kill and now, I’m fighting to make up for the part I played in that tragedy. It’s an everyday battle and the woman I want more than anything never lets me forget it. When she comes to me for help, I see my opportunity to show her and everyone else the man I really am but neither of us expected the shocking revelations from the past colliding with our present.

To fight the past, we must confront the monsters from our nightmares and hope we survive.

Amazon     B&N     iBooks     Kobo

My Review

5 stars

We first meet Loxley and River in Fighting for Phoenix. You could tell that both of these characters had something happen to them in the past and I when I learned the second book was going to be about them I was excited to find out what happened. They might come from upper class families but that doesn’t protect them from abuse. Those that were supposed to care and protect them broke that trust.

Once again Lynne Leslie has me feeling the full range of emotions from heartbreak and sadness to anger and happiness for these two. I felt so bad for Loxley and wanted her to see how River was not going to hurt her. I was cheering when she finally let her walls down. As for River, I was not too impressed with in him Fighting for Phoenix but he definitely made me come to care for him too.

This is an amazing series. I admit that I’m not a big romance type girl but this is one series that I recommend checking out. It will have you emotionally wrung out but wanting more.

Amazon US    Amazon UK     Amazon AU     Amazon CA

B&N     iBooks     Kobo

My Review

4 Stars

Jayden is returning home and is excited to give Phoenix the big news, she is pregnant. But when she gets home she discovers Phoenix naked in bed with a blonde and figured he was cheating on her. Without giving him the news she leaves. Four years later Phoenix stumbles into Jayden’s bar and sparks fly even though both try to deny it. Jayden learns that a bunch of Phoenix’s friends staged the event for some odd reason.

But now that they are together, there is other things happening. It seems that someone is a complete whack job and obsessed with Jayden. He is completely crazy and I would like to note that the author did say there were some dark scenes. But together Jayden and Phoenix may just stop him from doing some serious harm.

This was a great story with a full range of emotions. When you learn about the friends setting up the bed scene I was so pissed. I mean who would do something like that? It broke my heart for Jayden but I had so much hope when they met back up. Of course the stalker has gone off the deep end and you don’t find out who he is right away. But that just kept my engrossed in the story.

This is a great read and one that I would recommend checking out.

Lynne is a momma bear to two beautiful little girls and one amazing stepson. When she’s not writing, she’s an avid reader. If you don’t catch her with her nose in a book or her fingers scribbling in a notebook, she’s usually right in front of the television with her family. She lives in the quiet country, somewhere on the Panhandle of Florida. She loves music, dancing and beer. Preferably the beer first so she can at least pretend to know how to twerk when the music comes on. She loves anything that glitters and has a weird habit of collecting pens. Even though she’s in Florida, she hates the ocean and doesn’t eat seafood. I know. I know. She’s a strange human being.

Facebook     Lynne Leslie’s Hotshots     Book+Main     Amazon     BookBub

Instagram     Twitter     Goodreads     Pinterest

Website     Newsletter

Hosted by:

I would like to thank Lip Service PR for the opportunity to read and share both of these books.

Read Full Post »

The Scented Bones: The Svabodina Case Files (The Svabodina Case Files Book 1)

Genre: Paranormal/ Crime Fiction

Expected Publication Date: September 28, 2018

Publisher: KDP Select

Synopsis:

Angel Svabodina is a rookie forensic anthropologist, enjoying the beginning of her new career. That joy comes crashing down when she figures out the skeleton she’s working on is not human and then it vanishes.

She throws herself fully into the case without thinking about the parties involved, a psychopomp associate, and paranormal mafia families made up of vampires and werewolves—or the consequences.

When she sees there’s no avoiding the inevitable, Angel has to suck it up and work with the werewolves to solve the case but can she trust them?

Werewolves and witches are in a centuries-old feud, but that doesn’t stop the shivers running down her spine from one wolf in particular. What’s more, nothing comes for free, including information. To get what she needs from the werewolf don, Angel has to meet with the fae queen. Can she meet her without repercussions and solve the case?

“A magical mystery in more than one sense of the word, this beautifully woven tale will charm you more than an ethereal fae.” – Liliyana Shadowlyn, The Faerie Review

“This book is what happens when you mix crime stories with the supernatural. And, the result is spectacular.” -Dylon Crone, beta reader

“This story combines the paranormal, the mafia, and good old detective work – a fun read!” – Sycamore, beta reader

Add to Goodreads

My Review

5 Stars

Angelina, Angel, Svabodina is a forensic anthropologist working on a strange skeleton that turns out not to be human. But when she goes back to investigate the skeleton has disappeared. But Angel has her own secrets about the paranormal, she has tried to walk away from it but it has just drug her back. She is going to have to interview the fae along with dealing with vampires, werewolves, and witches amount other paranormal creatures is she plans on solving the poor dead girls murder.

Angel has been burned by the paranormal and tried to walk away from it and stay away. Unfortunately she can’t get rid of this case and has to go back into a world she is trying to stay away from. Angel is a great, strong character that can hold her own against the various creatures and their governing bodies. But no matter who or what she faces, she is determined to solve the murder.

I love Angelina Kerner’s writing; it is so descriptive that you just find yourself fully immersed in this world. This is not your normal paranormal creatures and world but that just makes it even better. You will find action, adventure, murder, and a beautiful yet deadly world.

If you love paranormal mysteries I recommend checking out this book. I think you are going to find a new author for your shelves. Now I can’t wait to see what Angel gets into next.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

Excerpt

A parking attendant asked for my car keys and let me know that he’d bring it back when I was ready to leave.

As Laura and I got out of the car, I noticed a couple talking under a tree to the right, by a fountain. They looked to be enjoying themselves, which made me smile and hope for a good time.

I looked at Laura to see her also sizing up the house. Our attention returned to the young man by the massive front door.

He was wearing a suit and a Christmas tree tie.

Laura smiled and yelled, “Lorenzo!” Then she ran up the steps, and into his arms.

Lorenzo was taller than her, and she was wearing heels. He looked fit, healthy, and confident. His blue eyes were striking, and his hair was slicked back. If it weren’t for the tie, I’d have thought he was an international businessman, not a chef; though, I guessed one could be both.

“Hi, you must be Angel, Laura’s roommate,” Lorenzo said.

“And, you must be Lorenzo, her friend,” I said slowly.

He laughed, a nice lilting sound. “A little more than that. Welcome to Paulo Abelli’s house. He’s my boss, but really cool, so just relax and enjoy the party.”

“Thanks,” I replied.

Lorenzo grabbed hold of the crescent-shaped handle, pulled the imposing front door open, and ushered Laura inside the house. “Come on, babe, let me introduce you to some people.”

Laura threw me an excited look, and I followed the happy couple.

Interesting, I thought to myself.

The travertine foyer opened up into an expansive living room with floor to ceiling windows, capturing the magnificent view of the pool, lined with tall cypress trees next to a perfectly manicured lawn. The focal point of the room was the marble fireplace situated in direct view of the front door. It was the two-story Christmas tree next to it that took center stage, with gold and bronze glass balls in assorted sizes, twinkling white lights, and porcelain angels adorning each limb.

Two leather couches with an enormous, square, stone table in the middle were sat in front of the fireplace, facing each other. Another smaller, stone table covered with a cheese and nut tray and bowls of fruit and sweets was at the end of one of the couches. There were matching side tables with vases of red roses and pine branches, giving off the scent of Christmas. As I walked further into the room, it opened up to reflect a larger area off to the left that could be used for dancing and mingling.

I glanced through the windows to get a better look at the pool and back deck and saw marble pillars wrapped with white Christmas lights.

It all looked so. . . Normal— to an outsider or a mundane. However, there was that special scent hanging in the air that let me know the house belonged to a paranormal family.

Hopefully, they were friendly.

At times like these, I felt stupid for locking up my magick. I weaved my senses throughout the house and realized it was full of them–paranormals. I just couldn’t tell what kind they were.

My forensic case involved a paranormal girl, and now I was in a paranormal household. I didn’t believe in coincidences.

Available for Pre-Order: Amazon

About the Author

ANGELINA KERNER is a self-published author of paranormal and lighthearted romance. She’s the wife of a photographer/physicist, and the mother of a cute little toddler, but she’s also been a dancer, a psychologist, an anthropologist, a geographer, a dreamer, and an adventurer. She does her best writing while being bothered by her cats, taking care of her son, in dressing rooms while waiting for family to try on clothing, and at home in sunny California. Angelina loves to play goddess-dragon matchmaker, transporting readers to a place where young goddesses have lovable flaws, the Fates plan to dethrone, the universe is endless and untamed, and dragons roam free! She also loves to write carefree romance where one can finish reading with a smile.

Visit her website at here.

Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Pinterest

Guest Post by Angelina Kerner

Giveaway Time!!!

Custom Necklace created by artist @niyaarch

Every family in the book has a family tattoo. Tarotia family is the main family that will appear in every book. The necklace is of the tattoo – two snakes wrapped around a T! Thank you for being part of the blog tour for The Scented Bones! – Angelina Kerner

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Schedule

Sept. 3^rd

Reads & Reels (Kick-Off)

Errin Krystal (Review)

Jessica Rachow (Review)

Sept. 4^th

Nesie’s Place (Promo)

The Ghastly Grimoire (Promo)

The Bookworm Drinketh (Review)

Sept. 5^th

Books Teacups and Reviews (Promo)

Bobo’s Book Bank (Promo)

Reading Nook (Promo)

Banshee Irish Horror Blog (Review)

Sept. 6^th

The Genre Minx (Promo)

Blonde & Inked (Review)

Valerie’s Musings (Promo)

Sept. 7^th

Didi Oviatt (Review)

Touch My Spine Book Reviews (Review)

Dash Fan Book Reviews (Review)

Blog Tour Organized By:

I would like to thank R&R Book Tours for the opportunity to read and share this book.

Read Full Post »