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Recommend this book:
Deciduous
Michael Devendorf
2021 Gold Medal
353 Pages
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Fiction - Suspense
Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite
Deciduous by Michael Devendorf features mystery and the paranormal, with strong hints of a fast-moving, enthralling thriller. Sienna loses her two children within ten months. Meanwhile, she struggles to keep her sanity after this devastating loss while striving to keep the memories of her children alive. A visit to the treehouse where Kai died conjures up images that are not just disturbing but terrifying. Something is absolutely wrong with the treehouse… or with Sienna. But then evidence from law enforcement shows that Kai’s death wasn’t accidental. Psychologically disturbed and convinced that someone or something sinister had a part to play in her children’s deaths, Sienna must navigate a treacherous path, facing mistrust from neighbors, to unveil the mystery. When dark secrets are laid bare, will she be found standing and still sane?
Michael Devendorf plunges the reader into the mindscape of the protagonist and crafts scenes that are not just focused but disturbing. At one point, the reader thinks they know who Sienna is and then in the next moment they are doubting if they really knew her. But she doesn’t fail as a character to engage readers emotionally, winning their sympathy. The opening is fantastic, emotionally charged, and electrifying. The premise is strong and the author introduces the conflict immediately. Characters like Jordan, Sienna’s husband, and Yvonne, her neighbor, are elaborately written and they are characters that enrich the plot in ways that are more than ordinary. Deciduous is a twisty tale with strong psychological hints, cleverly plotted, and with outstanding characterization. It is a real page-turner.
Deciduous by Michael Devendorf features mystery and the paranormal, with strong hints of a fast-moving, enthralling thriller. Sienna loses her two children within ten months. Meanwhile, she struggles to keep her sanity after this devastating loss while striving to keep the memories of her children alive. A visit to the treehouse where Kai died conjures up images that are not just disturbing but terrifying. Something is absolutely wrong with the treehouse… or with Sienna. But then evidence from law enforcement shows that Kai’s death wasn’t accidental. Psychologically disturbed and convinced that someone or something sinister had a part to play in her children’s deaths, Sienna must navigate a treacherous path, facing mistrust from neighbors, to unveil the mystery. When dark secrets are laid bare, will she be found standing and still sane?
Michael Devendorf plunges the reader into the mindscape of the protagonist and crafts scenes that are not just focused but disturbing. At one point, the reader thinks they know who Sienna is and then in the next moment they are doubting if they really knew her. But she doesn’t fail as a character to engage readers emotionally, winning their sympathy. The opening is fantastic, emotionally charged, and electrifying. The premise is strong and the author introduces the conflict immediately. Characters like Jordan, Sienna’s husband, and Yvonne, her neighbor, are elaborately written and they are characters that enrich the plot in ways that are more than ordinary. Deciduous is a twisty tale with strong psychological hints, cleverly plotted, and with outstanding characterization. It is a real page-turner.
Recommend this book:
 by Alicia Anthony. From the age of ten, Olivia Sullivan understood she was different from everybody else. Beginning with her cousin's death, ...){kind=link}
Inherent Truth
Blood Secrets Book 1
Alicia Anthony
2020 Finalist
376 Pages
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Fiction - Suspense
Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite
A California psychic is caught up in a web of lies, deceit, and murder when she returns to her Ohio home for her grandmother's funeral, in the spectacular suspense novel, Inherent Truth (Blood Secrets Book 1) by Alicia Anthony. From the age of ten, Olivia Sullivan understood she was different from everybody else. Beginning with her cousin's death, Liv began experiencing vivid dreams and visions. Unable to accept Liv's abilities, her mother takes her to doctors and medicates her. The only person who makes Liv feel accepted is her grandmother. After leaving college, Liv works for a psychic phone network. One afternoon, she receives a call from a client who threatens her life, and a vision of a woman's murder overtakes her. A couple of weeks later, her grandmother dies, and Liv flies home to Ohio. Visiting Liv in her dreams, her grandmother requests she help a small girl who eerily resembles Liv. In the meantime, someone breaks into her house and vandalizes it, leaving behind a decomposed body in a trunk. Is the dead woman connected to the girl in Liv's visions? Is she the next intended victim?
Filled with subterfuge and intrigue, Inherent Truth (Blood Secrets Book 1) by Alicia Anthony is a breathtaking suspense novel enhanced with elements of parapsychology. The sensational story includes a thrilling storyline, a riveting plot, and distinctive characters. Switching between Liv's voice and the third person, the pacing of the story moves along remarkably well. It is an exceptional novel, and I recommend it to anyone who loves breathtaking suspense intertwined with a paranormal theme. It is the first book in a series, and I look forward to reading more of Ms. Anthony's work!
A California psychic is caught up in a web of lies, deceit, and murder when she returns to her Ohio home for her grandmother's funeral, in the spectacular suspense novel, Inherent Truth (Blood Secrets Book 1) by Alicia Anthony. From the age of ten, Olivia Sullivan understood she was different from everybody else. Beginning with her cousin's death, Liv began experiencing vivid dreams and visions. Unable to accept Liv's abilities, her mother takes her to doctors and medicates her. The only person who makes Liv feel accepted is her grandmother. After leaving college, Liv works for a psychic phone network. One afternoon, she receives a call from a client who threatens her life, and a vision of a woman's murder overtakes her. A couple of weeks later, her grandmother dies, and Liv flies home to Ohio. Visiting Liv in her dreams, her grandmother requests she help a small girl who eerily resembles Liv. In the meantime, someone breaks into her house and vandalizes it, leaving behind a decomposed body in a trunk. Is the dead woman connected to the girl in Liv's visions? Is she the next intended victim?
Filled with subterfuge and intrigue, Inherent Truth (Blood Secrets Book 1) by Alicia Anthony is a breathtaking suspense novel enhanced with elements of parapsychology. The sensational story includes a thrilling storyline, a riveting plot, and distinctive characters. Switching between Liv's voice and the third person, the pacing of the story moves along remarkably well. It is an exceptional novel, and I recommend it to anyone who loves breathtaking suspense intertwined with a paranormal theme. It is the first book in a series, and I look forward to reading more of Ms. Anthony's work!
Recommend this book:
The Hiding Girl
Emily Calby Book 1
Dorian Box
2020 Honorable Mention
334 Pages
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Fiction - Suspense
Reviewed by Shannon Winings for Readers' Favorite
At twelve years old, your focus is generally on school, friends, and family – not murder, death, and despair. However, that is exactly where young Emily Calby finds herself when her family is brutally killed by two men and she is the sole survivor. Now on the run from the men who killed everyone she loved most, she finds herself in need of things she has never before considered, like a fake ID. She meets Lucus, an ex-gang member, who has agreed to help her as a mentor of sorts. Emily learns self-defense and about herself during this time. But will she be able to confront her attackers or will more people be hurt? Will she?
The Hiding Girl: Emily Calby, Book One by Dorian Box was an interesting twist on another heart-pounding thriller. I do not often read many thrillers where the main protagonist is in their early teens, though I was quickly fascinated by this tale. It was a unique mix of hope, shattered innocence, pain, fear, and vulnerability. Emily showed incredible strength to keep moving forward when there are people double her age or more who consider giving up and sometimes do in books I have read. That said, as much as I admired Emily, I found myself falling hard for Lucus. Despite his rough exterior, he took in a young girl and gave her protection when she needed it most. He was a much-needed father figure and a wonderfully devoted mentor and friend. Overall, this was a great, suspenseful read and I look forward to a promising thrilling series from Dorian Box.
At twelve years old, your focus is generally on school, friends, and family – not murder, death, and despair. However, that is exactly where young Emily Calby finds herself when her family is brutally killed by two men and she is the sole survivor. Now on the run from the men who killed everyone she loved most, she finds herself in need of things she has never before considered, like a fake ID. She meets Lucus, an ex-gang member, who has agreed to help her as a mentor of sorts. Emily learns self-defense and about herself during this time. But will she be able to confront her attackers or will more people be hurt? Will she?
The Hiding Girl: Emily Calby, Book One by Dorian Box was an interesting twist on another heart-pounding thriller. I do not often read many thrillers where the main protagonist is in their early teens, though I was quickly fascinated by this tale. It was a unique mix of hope, shattered innocence, pain, fear, and vulnerability. Emily showed incredible strength to keep moving forward when there are people double her age or more who consider giving up and sometimes do in books I have read. That said, as much as I admired Emily, I found myself falling hard for Lucus. Despite his rough exterior, he took in a young girl and gave her protection when she needed it most. He was a much-needed father figure and a wonderfully devoted mentor and friend. Overall, this was a great, suspenseful read and I look forward to a promising thrilling series from Dorian Box.
Recommend this book:
Chakana
The Director Series Book 4
Zach Fortier
2020 Honorable Mention
207 Pages
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Fiction - Suspense
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
Chakana is the fourth entry in The Director Series by Zach Fortier, an action-packed thriller with richly developed characters. With powerful camps fallen, Nick Hudson can't help but be obsessed with thoughts of the safety of his own team, The Asgarda. The Director is a ruthless, intelligent, and very bad guy and Nick must stop him from infiltrating his group. But the choice he makes is the most dangerous, and if he fails his life and the lives of his team are on the line.
Gripping and suspenseful, Chakana is a novel with great potential for entertainment. The author's gift for character comes out strongly in this novel. With camps Baroota, Cachibaché and Izadi fallen, Nick has to make difficult choices to protect his team. The reader follows the action as the plot moves through the twists and the conflict crystallizes into an explosive climax. The writing is top-notch, filled with intelligently crafted dialogues and descriptive prose that is delightful to read.
Zach Fortier is a skilled storyteller who knows how to keep the attention of his readers. From the strong premise, the story moves through complicated situations and the reader doesn't stop guessing what might happen next. It is one of those novels you read in one sitting or through the night. The story has a strong narrative voice, written with scenes that are focused and emotionally rich. The story is psychologically deep, the characters believable, and the narrative very engaging. I am officially a fan of this author.
Chakana is the fourth entry in The Director Series by Zach Fortier, an action-packed thriller with richly developed characters. With powerful camps fallen, Nick Hudson can't help but be obsessed with thoughts of the safety of his own team, The Asgarda. The Director is a ruthless, intelligent, and very bad guy and Nick must stop him from infiltrating his group. But the choice he makes is the most dangerous, and if he fails his life and the lives of his team are on the line.
Gripping and suspenseful, Chakana is a novel with great potential for entertainment. The author's gift for character comes out strongly in this novel. With camps Baroota, Cachibaché and Izadi fallen, Nick has to make difficult choices to protect his team. The reader follows the action as the plot moves through the twists and the conflict crystallizes into an explosive climax. The writing is top-notch, filled with intelligently crafted dialogues and descriptive prose that is delightful to read.
Zach Fortier is a skilled storyteller who knows how to keep the attention of his readers. From the strong premise, the story moves through complicated situations and the reader doesn't stop guessing what might happen next. It is one of those novels you read in one sitting or through the night. The story has a strong narrative voice, written with scenes that are focused and emotionally rich. The story is psychologically deep, the characters believable, and the narrative very engaging. I am officially a fan of this author.
Recommend this book:
The Ninth Session
A Psychological Suspense Novel
Deborah Serani
2020 Bronze Medal
194 Pages
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Fiction - Suspense
Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite
In The Ninth Session by Deborah Serani, when psychologist Alicia Reese agrees to take on a referral client, little does she realize what horrors face her. On first meeting Luke/Lucas Ferro, Alicia believes she is facing a client with simple panic attacks, but as the sessions continue, he has some brutal and disturbing confessions to make which throw the client/therapist confidentiality ethics into question. Alicia is determined to help Luke overcome the painful events of his past but at what cost? As her personal struggle to overcome the loss of her husband intensifies, Alicia is not sure if the strange occurrences around her home are the figment of her imagination or is her new client watching her?
The Ninth Session by Deborah Serani has to be one of the best books I have read this year. I literally could not put it down. The author is an absolute master of building tension and suspense. I loved the added touch of Alicia coming from a hearing-impaired family, and the characters are created in a unique way, not with the stereotypical traits of deaf people. Every character has been carefully designed and even the minor characters such as Steve were believable. The relationship between Alicia and Luke was spectacular and I loved how it developed slowly over each session. There are some surprising twists in the plot, which I did not foresee but which were absolutely superb. The dialogue between Luke and Alicia was excellent too. I loved how he played mind games with her as she questioned him. This is a great exploration of the nature/nurture argument for sure. I did empathize with Luke towards the end which shocked me a little because his character was so disturbing. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a suspense novel. But definitely not to be read in the dark.
In The Ninth Session by Deborah Serani, when psychologist Alicia Reese agrees to take on a referral client, little does she realize what horrors face her. On first meeting Luke/Lucas Ferro, Alicia believes she is facing a client with simple panic attacks, but as the sessions continue, he has some brutal and disturbing confessions to make which throw the client/therapist confidentiality ethics into question. Alicia is determined to help Luke overcome the painful events of his past but at what cost? As her personal struggle to overcome the loss of her husband intensifies, Alicia is not sure if the strange occurrences around her home are the figment of her imagination or is her new client watching her?
The Ninth Session by Deborah Serani has to be one of the best books I have read this year. I literally could not put it down. The author is an absolute master of building tension and suspense. I loved the added touch of Alicia coming from a hearing-impaired family, and the characters are created in a unique way, not with the stereotypical traits of deaf people. Every character has been carefully designed and even the minor characters such as Steve were believable. The relationship between Alicia and Luke was spectacular and I loved how it developed slowly over each session. There are some surprising twists in the plot, which I did not foresee but which were absolutely superb. The dialogue between Luke and Alicia was excellent too. I loved how he played mind games with her as she questioned him. This is a great exploration of the nature/nurture argument for sure. I did empathize with Luke towards the end which shocked me a little because his character was so disturbing. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a suspense novel. But definitely not to be read in the dark.
Recommend this book:
Rise
Leslie McCauley
2020 Silver Medal
402 Pages
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Fiction - Suspense
Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite
Rise by Leslie McCauley is a psychological suspense thriller about a woman named Antoinette, who has to battle external and internal forces in order to rebuild her life following a brutal attack. As a new photographer for a newspaper, she is on her way up in life. She thought she was strong, but life has a way of knocking the breath out of you. This is her story of determination and resilience. Nettie is what they call her, and yes, she does have her weak moments, as anyone would enduring the trauma and loss as she does, but she digs deep to find some strength and light. I enjoyed the character of her best friend, Jessie, who won't let Nettie give up, and isn't that what best friends do? Your closest friends will tell you the truth and help you get back up when you fall. Jessie is such a true friend that she is willing to take whatever negativity Nettie gives her in order for Nettie to get her second wind.
The book has a very strong beginning, and McCauley has a great way of building a plot you want to pursue until the conclusion, and characters you care about and root for. There are unexpected plot twists too, and that's always nice. It's fun to be surprised by a good book. When you hear about some tragedies, you wonder how anyone could survive. Well, Antoinette shows you how. I like how the author brings out small details which add to the setting and atmosphere, like hearing the rain, or describing how Nettie is feeling in a certain moment. Even though the story had a satisfactory ending, I'd like to read more about Nettie, this well-drawn character. If you like dark themes with some light at the end of the tunnel, you'll love the award-winning Rise by Leslie McCauley.
Rise by Leslie McCauley is a psychological suspense thriller about a woman named Antoinette, who has to battle external and internal forces in order to rebuild her life following a brutal attack. As a new photographer for a newspaper, she is on her way up in life. She thought she was strong, but life has a way of knocking the breath out of you. This is her story of determination and resilience. Nettie is what they call her, and yes, she does have her weak moments, as anyone would enduring the trauma and loss as she does, but she digs deep to find some strength and light. I enjoyed the character of her best friend, Jessie, who won't let Nettie give up, and isn't that what best friends do? Your closest friends will tell you the truth and help you get back up when you fall. Jessie is such a true friend that she is willing to take whatever negativity Nettie gives her in order for Nettie to get her second wind.
The book has a very strong beginning, and McCauley has a great way of building a plot you want to pursue until the conclusion, and characters you care about and root for. There are unexpected plot twists too, and that's always nice. It's fun to be surprised by a good book. When you hear about some tragedies, you wonder how anyone could survive. Well, Antoinette shows you how. I like how the author brings out small details which add to the setting and atmosphere, like hearing the rain, or describing how Nettie is feeling in a certain moment. Even though the story had a satisfactory ending, I'd like to read more about Nettie, this well-drawn character. If you like dark themes with some light at the end of the tunnel, you'll love the award-winning Rise by Leslie McCauley.
Recommend this book:
A Lone Wolf
J.C. Fields
2020 Gold Medal
374 Pages
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Fiction - Suspense
Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite
In A Lone Wolf by J.C. Fields, on the streets of Barcelona, infamous ex-Marine sniper Michael Wolfe and ex-Mossad agent Nadia Picard realize their intended targets are each other. They escape into the crowd as an assassin's bullet is fired at them. Someone wants them dead, but who? The only way to survive is to fake their own deaths and disappear into the safety of the remote Ozark mountains. As they work together to discover who their enemies are, they uncover a trail of betrayal, lies, and murder. Their only enemies appear to be dead, or are they? As Wolfe and Picard begin to unravel the mystery, their enemy realizes they are still alive and begins to hunt them down to rectify that fact. The hunted must become the hunter if they are to survive.
A Lone Wolf by J.C. Fields is a real page-turner from the first paragraph and a novel I literally could not put down until the end. The author's imaginative art of storytelling is admirable. The settings are beautifully described, taking you deep into the remote Ozark mountains of Missouri and across Europe. There are many strong subplots that are cleverly entwined into the main nail-biting storyline. Wolfe and Picard are brilliant protagonists and work really well together as a team. Wolfe is cunning and perceptive, while Picard has a strong and shrewd character. I loved the dynamics of their relationship and how it developed naturally as the story progressed. The events that unfold are well crafted and believable. The unforgettable characters have detailed backstories and distinguishable personalities, many you would prefer fighting for and not against you. I loved the suspense and plot twists, especially the climactic end which I did not see coming at all.
In A Lone Wolf by J.C. Fields, on the streets of Barcelona, infamous ex-Marine sniper Michael Wolfe and ex-Mossad agent Nadia Picard realize their intended targets are each other. They escape into the crowd as an assassin's bullet is fired at them. Someone wants them dead, but who? The only way to survive is to fake their own deaths and disappear into the safety of the remote Ozark mountains. As they work together to discover who their enemies are, they uncover a trail of betrayal, lies, and murder. Their only enemies appear to be dead, or are they? As Wolfe and Picard begin to unravel the mystery, their enemy realizes they are still alive and begins to hunt them down to rectify that fact. The hunted must become the hunter if they are to survive.
A Lone Wolf by J.C. Fields is a real page-turner from the first paragraph and a novel I literally could not put down until the end. The author's imaginative art of storytelling is admirable. The settings are beautifully described, taking you deep into the remote Ozark mountains of Missouri and across Europe. There are many strong subplots that are cleverly entwined into the main nail-biting storyline. Wolfe and Picard are brilliant protagonists and work really well together as a team. Wolfe is cunning and perceptive, while Picard has a strong and shrewd character. I loved the dynamics of their relationship and how it developed naturally as the story progressed. The events that unfold are well crafted and believable. The unforgettable characters have detailed backstories and distinguishable personalities, many you would prefer fighting for and not against you. I loved the suspense and plot twists, especially the climactic end which I did not see coming at all.
Recommend this book:
Scabland
Adam Smith
2019 Finalist
364 Pages
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Fiction - Suspense
Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite
Scabland by Adam Smith is a mind-blowing psychological thriller. What an engrossing and frightening read! This story is one where an original victim of gang rape, Melissa Cohen, is as much to be feared as the twisted rapist, “Spider,” who orchestrated Melissa’s sexual abuse some 20 years earlier. Over those 20 years, she’s become someone else. Thanks to military training and police work, she’s now someone with skills no rapist would want to encounter. When one member of that original rape gang locates her, confesses his role in the abuse and reveals the identities of all but the secretive Spider, Melissa is hell-bent on revenge. But her idea of revenge is nothing like what the gang members or the reader will expect and Adam Smith makes sure readers keep reading to the very last page to find out just what she has in mind. When we do find out, real-life victims of rape might cheer with approval. Even if it’s a bit far-fetched, it’s a most fitting, unusual and unexpected punishment. But Melissa’s mission to locate all the members and execute her plan pits her wits directly against those of Spider, whose identity she doesn’t know. Alternately, Spider always knows what, where and when Melissa’s up to something, and he has every reason in the world for making sure she never discovers his identity. Who is managing to keep Spider one step ahead of her? And in the meantime, why are young women turning up emaciated, dead, and hanged, as it were, in a spider’s web? Talk about a writer keeping readers on the edge of their seats!
Honestly, if you’re into psychological thrillers, Scabland is impossible to put down. It’s very well written, making excellent use of dialogue and a tension-filled plot. Characterization leaves little to be desired, even if Spider is almost too evil to be believed. But Melissa and her motivation are believable. There are even some funny episodes thanks to Melissa’s friend and confidante, Jesse, and a professor with an unusual name and an even more unusual sexual problem…all very welcome in a novel that will, most of the time, make you forget to breathe!
Scabland by Adam Smith is a mind-blowing psychological thriller. What an engrossing and frightening read! This story is one where an original victim of gang rape, Melissa Cohen, is as much to be feared as the twisted rapist, “Spider,” who orchestrated Melissa’s sexual abuse some 20 years earlier. Over those 20 years, she’s become someone else. Thanks to military training and police work, she’s now someone with skills no rapist would want to encounter. When one member of that original rape gang locates her, confesses his role in the abuse and reveals the identities of all but the secretive Spider, Melissa is hell-bent on revenge. But her idea of revenge is nothing like what the gang members or the reader will expect and Adam Smith makes sure readers keep reading to the very last page to find out just what she has in mind. When we do find out, real-life victims of rape might cheer with approval. Even if it’s a bit far-fetched, it’s a most fitting, unusual and unexpected punishment. But Melissa’s mission to locate all the members and execute her plan pits her wits directly against those of Spider, whose identity she doesn’t know. Alternately, Spider always knows what, where and when Melissa’s up to something, and he has every reason in the world for making sure she never discovers his identity. Who is managing to keep Spider one step ahead of her? And in the meantime, why are young women turning up emaciated, dead, and hanged, as it were, in a spider’s web? Talk about a writer keeping readers on the edge of their seats!
Honestly, if you’re into psychological thrillers, Scabland is impossible to put down. It’s very well written, making excellent use of dialogue and a tension-filled plot. Characterization leaves little to be desired, even if Spider is almost too evil to be believed. But Melissa and her motivation are believable. There are even some funny episodes thanks to Melissa’s friend and confidante, Jesse, and a professor with an unusual name and an even more unusual sexual problem…all very welcome in a novel that will, most of the time, make you forget to breathe!
Recommend this book:
Shiver of Deception
Rumer Raines
2019 Honorable Mention
201 Pages
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Fiction - Suspense
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
Shiver of Deception by Rumer Raines is a gorgeous offering, a thrilling novel that explores the game of power, wealth, and love. But can these be bundled up in the same package? Oliver is a mob boss and he has everything he wants but one thing — love. He has money, power, and women. So, when Bryn comes to apply for a job, he is instantly attracted to her. But she is not an open book. She has a deadly secret of her own. Oliver knows he will do everything to win her. But can wealth and influence be enough to transform her into the woman of his dreams?
There is so much to relish in this spellbinding mafia romance. First, the characters are rock-solid, each imagined and crafted with a solid background, each possessed by something disturbing. While Oliver is a dirty mobster and a very rich man, Bryn has gone for years without working, but there is more to her personality than meets the eye in the outward attractiveness she displays —she has a secret that is deadly. I wanted to know how these two would get along; Oliver is consumed with desire and wanting to figure out if he can trust this enigmatic lady. The emotional tension grows stronger from page to page, the action pulsating, and the surprises manifold. Rumer Raines navigates the world of the characters with skill and readers can actually feel the emotional conflict as well as the inner workings of the characters. Shiver of Deception is real and human, an ingeniously crafted narrative with exciting characters.
Shiver of Deception by Rumer Raines is a gorgeous offering, a thrilling novel that explores the game of power, wealth, and love. But can these be bundled up in the same package? Oliver is a mob boss and he has everything he wants but one thing — love. He has money, power, and women. So, when Bryn comes to apply for a job, he is instantly attracted to her. But she is not an open book. She has a deadly secret of her own. Oliver knows he will do everything to win her. But can wealth and influence be enough to transform her into the woman of his dreams?
There is so much to relish in this spellbinding mafia romance. First, the characters are rock-solid, each imagined and crafted with a solid background, each possessed by something disturbing. While Oliver is a dirty mobster and a very rich man, Bryn has gone for years without working, but there is more to her personality than meets the eye in the outward attractiveness she displays —she has a secret that is deadly. I wanted to know how these two would get along; Oliver is consumed with desire and wanting to figure out if he can trust this enigmatic lady. The emotional tension grows stronger from page to page, the action pulsating, and the surprises manifold. Rumer Raines navigates the world of the characters with skill and readers can actually feel the emotional conflict as well as the inner workings of the characters. Shiver of Deception is real and human, an ingeniously crafted narrative with exciting characters.
Recommend this book:
The Girl Who Made Them Pay
An international suspense thriller (Red Heeled Rebels Book 2)
Tikiri Herath
2019 Honorable Mention
393 Pages
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Fiction - Suspense
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Abducted is the second book in the Red Heeled Rebels series by Tikiri Herath, a suspenseful thriller with strong characters and intriguing themes. When Asha and Katy arrive at London's Heathrow Airport, they are sure they have left behind the terror that haunts them. But a few hours after their arrival, Katy disappears. Asha frantically searches for her friend across the city, with the border police on her tail. She follows a shadowy woman to a house that holds deadly secrets, but will her friend be there and what awaits them?
This novel is filled with twists and surprises in the plot that readers won’t see coming. The story takes readers across major cities and countries, from London to Brussels to Luxembourg, following a crime story that is expertly plotted and skillfully written. The international setting adds to the exhilarating sense of adventure that accompanies the sleuth work in this novel. The characters are extraordinary, multidimensional, and real. Asha was my favorite, and I enjoyed the bond between her and her friend, which makes the premise of the story even stronger, for it is that friendship at stake when Katy goes missing.
The writing is fluid, with measured sentences and a phraseology that is designed to add to the dramatic depth of the story. I enjoyed the timely paragraph breaks, the careful selection of words, and the mesmerizing narrative tone. Abducted: An International Suspense Thriller is filled with thrilling action; an engaging story that will have readers on the edge of their seats for hours.
Abducted is the second book in the Red Heeled Rebels series by Tikiri Herath, a suspenseful thriller with strong characters and intriguing themes. When Asha and Katy arrive at London's Heathrow Airport, they are sure they have left behind the terror that haunts them. But a few hours after their arrival, Katy disappears. Asha frantically searches for her friend across the city, with the border police on her tail. She follows a shadowy woman to a house that holds deadly secrets, but will her friend be there and what awaits them?
This novel is filled with twists and surprises in the plot that readers won’t see coming. The story takes readers across major cities and countries, from London to Brussels to Luxembourg, following a crime story that is expertly plotted and skillfully written. The international setting adds to the exhilarating sense of adventure that accompanies the sleuth work in this novel. The characters are extraordinary, multidimensional, and real. Asha was my favorite, and I enjoyed the bond between her and her friend, which makes the premise of the story even stronger, for it is that friendship at stake when Katy goes missing.
The writing is fluid, with measured sentences and a phraseology that is designed to add to the dramatic depth of the story. I enjoyed the timely paragraph breaks, the careful selection of words, and the mesmerizing narrative tone. Abducted: An International Suspense Thriller is filled with thrilling action; an engaging story that will have readers on the edge of their seats for hours.
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