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Recommend this book:
In Plain Sight
Ashley A Quinn
2021 Finalist
264 Pages
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Romance - Suspense
Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite
In Plain Sight is the intriguing story of what kindness can do for the less fortunate. Ashley A. Quinn introduces Rayna, picking vegetables when she finds Mason. The boy had been beaten, burned, and was severely dehydrated. Rayna offers to help him, but Mason refuses to go to the hospital or police. Rayna calls her ex-boyfriend Thomas, a veterinarian, to assist her in treating Mason’s injuries. When they finally earn his trust, Mason tells them that he was being held captive by human traffickers that prostituted underage children. He reveals that there are at least five other children held captive by the “Smiths.” Rayna and Thomas bring in close friends and convince Mason to lead them back to the house he escaped from. Upon reaching the property, they find a clue revealing there are a lot more people involved in the human trafficking ring.
Ashley A. Quinn wrote a story filled with conflicts and conditions that would be daunting to normal people. Rayna’s naivety makes her trust others too easily. Her past relationships have caused her a lot of grief, including the feeling of abandonment when Thomas pursued veterinary school instead of marrying her. I could imagine the tension that filled the room when Rayna attempted to avoid Thomas while Mason was present. There were moments when I wanted to shake her and tell her to reconcile her differences with him. Thomas was deliberate in his actions, and I could tell he felt remorse for ending their relationship on bad terms. Couple the relationship problems with an illegal child trafficking ring and the complicated plot develops quickly. I understood Mason’s problem with trusting people, especially when he refused to go to the police by telling Rayna, “They will just send me back.” It made me wonder how many times he had tried to ask for help but was ignored. In Plain Sight is a very fast read, with constant changes in personal and professional relationships. Although the ending was more involved with social issues than I originally anticipated, it provided an excellent closing. Due to the sensitive subject, I recommend this book to adults who like romance novels with a touch of danger.
In Plain Sight is the intriguing story of what kindness can do for the less fortunate. Ashley A. Quinn introduces Rayna, picking vegetables when she finds Mason. The boy had been beaten, burned, and was severely dehydrated. Rayna offers to help him, but Mason refuses to go to the hospital or police. Rayna calls her ex-boyfriend Thomas, a veterinarian, to assist her in treating Mason’s injuries. When they finally earn his trust, Mason tells them that he was being held captive by human traffickers that prostituted underage children. He reveals that there are at least five other children held captive by the “Smiths.” Rayna and Thomas bring in close friends and convince Mason to lead them back to the house he escaped from. Upon reaching the property, they find a clue revealing there are a lot more people involved in the human trafficking ring.
Ashley A. Quinn wrote a story filled with conflicts and conditions that would be daunting to normal people. Rayna’s naivety makes her trust others too easily. Her past relationships have caused her a lot of grief, including the feeling of abandonment when Thomas pursued veterinary school instead of marrying her. I could imagine the tension that filled the room when Rayna attempted to avoid Thomas while Mason was present. There were moments when I wanted to shake her and tell her to reconcile her differences with him. Thomas was deliberate in his actions, and I could tell he felt remorse for ending their relationship on bad terms. Couple the relationship problems with an illegal child trafficking ring and the complicated plot develops quickly. I understood Mason’s problem with trusting people, especially when he refused to go to the police by telling Rayna, “They will just send me back.” It made me wonder how many times he had tried to ask for help but was ignored. In Plain Sight is a very fast read, with constant changes in personal and professional relationships. Although the ending was more involved with social issues than I originally anticipated, it provided an excellent closing. Due to the sensitive subject, I recommend this book to adults who like romance novels with a touch of danger.
Recommend this book:
Take My Heart
A Romantic Suspense Novel
J. J. Sorel
2021 Honorable Mention
299 Pages
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Romance - Suspense
Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite
J.J. Sorel's Take My Heart is a romance novel with a twist. Ava Rose has taken a job caring for an elderly woman in the evenings. Agatha proves to be an unfiltered, martini-drinking, smoking, Wuthering Heights fan. Ava looks forward to her evenings with Agatha and ends up discussing her love life. Justin didn't fit the bill for love, but her mother insisted she should marry for money rather than for love. Then Justin's stepbrother enters the picture with revenge on his mind. Bronson had an ulterior motive when he went after Ava but finds himself completely infatuated with her. After spending the night with Bronson, Ava discovers the journal he had written to get revenge against Justin.
Take My Heart isn't an average romance novel. J.J. Sorel has crafted suspense and mystery into this intense, passion-filled story. The amount of drama balances well with the steamy scenes, making the book hard to put down. Agatha was funny with how forward and unfiltered her comments were. I could imagine the little old lady sipping martinis, smoking cigarettes, and retelling her life in tantalizing detail while modest Ava sat there blushing. The parallels between Ava and Bronson with regard to Agatha's tale of her romance with Monty are discernible. The ending of the book is completely unpredictable and adds to the mysterious events that occurred that Ava couldn't predict. This steamy, suspense novel is a 5-star novel I would recommend for fans of gothic romances. The characters are sure to entertain, the dialogue is engaging, and the plot is well-developed. My favorite feature of the book was the multiple storylines being blended together and the uncertainty of Ava's decisions affecting all of them. I have read this book twice, and it never failed to hold my attention.
J.J. Sorel's Take My Heart is a romance novel with a twist. Ava Rose has taken a job caring for an elderly woman in the evenings. Agatha proves to be an unfiltered, martini-drinking, smoking, Wuthering Heights fan. Ava looks forward to her evenings with Agatha and ends up discussing her love life. Justin didn't fit the bill for love, but her mother insisted she should marry for money rather than for love. Then Justin's stepbrother enters the picture with revenge on his mind. Bronson had an ulterior motive when he went after Ava but finds himself completely infatuated with her. After spending the night with Bronson, Ava discovers the journal he had written to get revenge against Justin.
Take My Heart isn't an average romance novel. J.J. Sorel has crafted suspense and mystery into this intense, passion-filled story. The amount of drama balances well with the steamy scenes, making the book hard to put down. Agatha was funny with how forward and unfiltered her comments were. I could imagine the little old lady sipping martinis, smoking cigarettes, and retelling her life in tantalizing detail while modest Ava sat there blushing. The parallels between Ava and Bronson with regard to Agatha's tale of her romance with Monty are discernible. The ending of the book is completely unpredictable and adds to the mysterious events that occurred that Ava couldn't predict. This steamy, suspense novel is a 5-star novel I would recommend for fans of gothic romances. The characters are sure to entertain, the dialogue is engaging, and the plot is well-developed. My favorite feature of the book was the multiple storylines being blended together and the uncertainty of Ava's decisions affecting all of them. I have read this book twice, and it never failed to hold my attention.
Recommend this book:
Chasing Arlo
Genoa Mafia Series
Ginger Ring
2021 Bronze Medal
265 Pages
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Romance - Suspense
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Chasing Arlo is a crime romance novel written by Ginger Ring. Layla is the oldest daughter of mob boss Bruno Rinaldi and heir to the Rinaldi empire. Arlo Brunetti is a soldier for the Caponelli family, who works as a bodyguard for his best friend and heir to the Caponelli fortune, Roman Caponelli. Since her teenage years, Layla has a deep crush on Arlo. While Arlo reciprocates her feelings, he never acts upon them due to the class divide between the two. Circumstances change when Fedor Dubnikov of the Bratva pursues Layla's hand in marriage and, after being rejected, bombs a party involving the Rinaldis and Caponellis. Arlo and Layla must now find a way to be together amidst a war with the Bratva, which threatens to destroy everything they hope for.
Author Ginger Ring's tale of star-crossed lovers feels like a hybrid between Romeo and Juliet and The Godfather. Chasing Arlo is a love story set against the backdrop of warring mafia families. Filled with romance and political intrigue, the plot moves at a brisk pace using two POV characters in Arlo and Layla. You spend time in their headspace, and their relationship forms the backbone of the narrative. Apart from the back and forth between Arlo and Layla, I also enjoyed Arlo's brotherly dynamic with the Caponelli family heir, Roman. The twists and turns feel organic, keeping you immersed in the story. Overall, I enjoyed Chasing Arlo. I will recommend it to readers who enjoy love stories and crime novels.
Chasing Arlo is a crime romance novel written by Ginger Ring. Layla is the oldest daughter of mob boss Bruno Rinaldi and heir to the Rinaldi empire. Arlo Brunetti is a soldier for the Caponelli family, who works as a bodyguard for his best friend and heir to the Caponelli fortune, Roman Caponelli. Since her teenage years, Layla has a deep crush on Arlo. While Arlo reciprocates her feelings, he never acts upon them due to the class divide between the two. Circumstances change when Fedor Dubnikov of the Bratva pursues Layla's hand in marriage and, after being rejected, bombs a party involving the Rinaldis and Caponellis. Arlo and Layla must now find a way to be together amidst a war with the Bratva, which threatens to destroy everything they hope for.
Author Ginger Ring's tale of star-crossed lovers feels like a hybrid between Romeo and Juliet and The Godfather. Chasing Arlo is a love story set against the backdrop of warring mafia families. Filled with romance and political intrigue, the plot moves at a brisk pace using two POV characters in Arlo and Layla. You spend time in their headspace, and their relationship forms the backbone of the narrative. Apart from the back and forth between Arlo and Layla, I also enjoyed Arlo's brotherly dynamic with the Caponelli family heir, Roman. The twists and turns feel organic, keeping you immersed in the story. Overall, I enjoyed Chasing Arlo. I will recommend it to readers who enjoy love stories and crime novels.
Recommend this book:
More of Us to the West
Adrift
Trinity Dunn
2021 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Romance - Suspense
Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite
As her plane crashes into the Pacific Ocean, Alaina Grace can only think of her husband Chris. Trinity Dunn’s More of Us To The West chronicles Alaina’s struggle to survive and her hopes of keeping her marriage alive. After days of floating in dark waters with nine other survivors, several of whom are gravely injured, land appears in the distance. Alaina’s relief is brief as she inwardly mourns the loss of her husband. She doesn’t trust anyone to understand her pain, especially with the company of the survivors that all came from a background of money. Jack, a star from her childhood, pushes her buttons and nicknames her “Red” despite knowing her annnoyance at the name. As the story continues on, flashbacks of her romance with her husband fill her mind, but the hope of seeing him again slips away. She becomes infatuated with Jack, and begins to feel as though she has developed a family with Lilly, Jim, and the others.
I was immediately drawn into More Of Us To The West. Every personality detail of the characters flowed to where I could envision them. From Jim’s Oklahoma accent and odd sayings, Lilly’s princess actions, and Isobel’s innate ability to understand complex issues despite being deaf made the story come alive. Trinity Dunn created an island paradise for me to wish I was there with them. I couldn’t put this book down with the suspense of whether they would be rescued, or if being stranded on the island was preferable to what may have been occurring around the world. The plane crash happened for no apparent reason, there are no other inhabitants on the island, and the missing satellites in the sky were all included in several conspiracy theories each person had. I couldn’t decide which one to follow because they all were believable. The dialogue seemed to be natural and realistic. The cliffhanger ending nearly killed me. I desperately need to read the sequel in the series. This is a very emotional story, and I caution anybody who chooses to read this epic tale to keep tissues nearby. A 5-star story that will have you falling in love with every character. I highly recommend this book.
As her plane crashes into the Pacific Ocean, Alaina Grace can only think of her husband Chris. Trinity Dunn’s More of Us To The West chronicles Alaina’s struggle to survive and her hopes of keeping her marriage alive. After days of floating in dark waters with nine other survivors, several of whom are gravely injured, land appears in the distance. Alaina’s relief is brief as she inwardly mourns the loss of her husband. She doesn’t trust anyone to understand her pain, especially with the company of the survivors that all came from a background of money. Jack, a star from her childhood, pushes her buttons and nicknames her “Red” despite knowing her annnoyance at the name. As the story continues on, flashbacks of her romance with her husband fill her mind, but the hope of seeing him again slips away. She becomes infatuated with Jack, and begins to feel as though she has developed a family with Lilly, Jim, and the others.
I was immediately drawn into More Of Us To The West. Every personality detail of the characters flowed to where I could envision them. From Jim’s Oklahoma accent and odd sayings, Lilly’s princess actions, and Isobel’s innate ability to understand complex issues despite being deaf made the story come alive. Trinity Dunn created an island paradise for me to wish I was there with them. I couldn’t put this book down with the suspense of whether they would be rescued, or if being stranded on the island was preferable to what may have been occurring around the world. The plane crash happened for no apparent reason, there are no other inhabitants on the island, and the missing satellites in the sky were all included in several conspiracy theories each person had. I couldn’t decide which one to follow because they all were believable. The dialogue seemed to be natural and realistic. The cliffhanger ending nearly killed me. I desperately need to read the sequel in the series. This is a very emotional story, and I caution anybody who chooses to read this epic tale to keep tissues nearby. A 5-star story that will have you falling in love with every character. I highly recommend this book.
Recommend this book:
Justice
A Choose A Hero Romance™
Tracy Tappan
2021 Gold Medal
330 Pages
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Romance - Suspense
Reviewed by Cayla-Paige Nortje for Readers' Favorite
Justice Hayes could never resist a challenge: she wasn’t brought up that way. So when she’s given the biggest challenge of a lifetime – something that no woman has ever conquered before – how on earth could she let this opportunity pass her by? Justice by Tracy Tappan is the story of an exceptionally strong-willed woman who tries to find her place amongst the toughest of men and the most ruthless of instructors. With the unquenchable thirst to prove herself to the men around her, there’s no time for romance or for her pesky attraction to fellow teammates, but life has a funny way of showing us that it has its own set of rules. As time progresses in the program, Justice finds that she’s forgotten her roots, but she’s soon reminded that if she not only accepts but embraces who she really is, she’ll achieve the impossible.
Tracy Tappan does a fantastic job of being able to bring out various emotions through her writing. There were times where I would laugh out loud, fist pump the air, or step into the story to give some instructors a piece of my mind. And then there were times where I broke down in tears and found myself connecting with Justice’s character on a deeper level through the shared feminine experience. As a woman, I can’t help but feel a great sense of pride in reading this book and seeing the true grit in Justice’s character. The storyline of Justice trying to prove her strength as a teammate despite her gender, and not having her femininity seen as a weakness, is exceptionally relatable to women around the world. Pushed to a brink that not many women have ever been pushed to before, Justice will be a testament to just how much power and strength a woman can possess.
Justice Hayes could never resist a challenge: she wasn’t brought up that way. So when she’s given the biggest challenge of a lifetime – something that no woman has ever conquered before – how on earth could she let this opportunity pass her by? Justice by Tracy Tappan is the story of an exceptionally strong-willed woman who tries to find her place amongst the toughest of men and the most ruthless of instructors. With the unquenchable thirst to prove herself to the men around her, there’s no time for romance or for her pesky attraction to fellow teammates, but life has a funny way of showing us that it has its own set of rules. As time progresses in the program, Justice finds that she’s forgotten her roots, but she’s soon reminded that if she not only accepts but embraces who she really is, she’ll achieve the impossible.
Tracy Tappan does a fantastic job of being able to bring out various emotions through her writing. There were times where I would laugh out loud, fist pump the air, or step into the story to give some instructors a piece of my mind. And then there were times where I broke down in tears and found myself connecting with Justice’s character on a deeper level through the shared feminine experience. As a woman, I can’t help but feel a great sense of pride in reading this book and seeing the true grit in Justice’s character. The storyline of Justice trying to prove her strength as a teammate despite her gender, and not having her femininity seen as a weakness, is exceptionally relatable to women around the world. Pushed to a brink that not many women have ever been pushed to before, Justice will be a testament to just how much power and strength a woman can possess.
Recommend this book:
Dark Descent into Desire
J. J. Sorel
2020 Finalist
348 Pages
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Romance - Suspense
Reviewed by Rylanne Burdette for Readers' Favorite
Dark Descent into Desire by J. J. Sorel is a sizzling romance novel full of passion, lust, and eventual love between the mysterious Blake and the compassionate Penelope. Blake has a dark past that has affected him deeply; he doesn't date, and he never opens up about himself. Penelope is an aspiring artist who is getting ready to graduate. When the two meet at one of Penelope's art showings, sparks immediately fly, and Blake and Penelope embark on an intense journey together. However, Blake has some dark secrets that seem to be catching up with him, and these secrets could make him end up in prison and away from the love of his life.
I have been in such a strong mood for some great romance lately, and I thought that Dark Descent into Desire was a perfect read. It was the right mix of suspense and passion that had me hooked from the very beginning. Penelope was such a loving character toward Blake and really pushed him to become a better version of himself. The plot was very action-packed, and Blake's development was phenomenal to see. Dark Descent into Desire was so fast-paced and full of different twists that kept me on my toes. I would recommend this book to lovers of romance who are looking for something a bit darker than the average contemporary novel. J. J. Sorel did a great job of crafting this complex and exciting story, and I look forward to reading more works by this author!
Dark Descent into Desire by J. J. Sorel is a sizzling romance novel full of passion, lust, and eventual love between the mysterious Blake and the compassionate Penelope. Blake has a dark past that has affected him deeply; he doesn't date, and he never opens up about himself. Penelope is an aspiring artist who is getting ready to graduate. When the two meet at one of Penelope's art showings, sparks immediately fly, and Blake and Penelope embark on an intense journey together. However, Blake has some dark secrets that seem to be catching up with him, and these secrets could make him end up in prison and away from the love of his life.
I have been in such a strong mood for some great romance lately, and I thought that Dark Descent into Desire was a perfect read. It was the right mix of suspense and passion that had me hooked from the very beginning. Penelope was such a loving character toward Blake and really pushed him to become a better version of himself. The plot was very action-packed, and Blake's development was phenomenal to see. Dark Descent into Desire was so fast-paced and full of different twists that kept me on my toes. I would recommend this book to lovers of romance who are looking for something a bit darker than the average contemporary novel. J. J. Sorel did a great job of crafting this complex and exciting story, and I look forward to reading more works by this author!
Recommend this book:
Publish or Perish
Kerry Blaisdell
2020 Honorable Mention
330 Pages
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Romance - Suspense
Reviewed by Karen Hesson for Readers' Favorite
Publish or Perish by Kerry Blaisdell is a fast-paced suspense novel with lots of steamy romance. Emma’s scientist husband, the father of her two children, tears their marriage apart by cheating with his new assistant. When her husband takes a trip to Hawaii with his new girlfriend, they both wind up dead in a plane crash. Emma is left to pick up the pieces and discovers that her husband has left quite a mess for her. Eventually, she learns that her husband was actually murdered and that nothing is as it seems. Along the way, Emma falls in love with Vin, the detective working her late husband’s case. Their relationship is hot and fast, but Vin is also trying to escape past mistakes. Emma and Vin not only have to solve mysteries and murders, but they also have to learn to trust each other.
Publish or Perish definitely had a quick-moving plot with lots of action and dialogue scenes, which I like. It didn’t have any spots that seemed to drag, and it kept me guessing until the end. The characters were colorful and interesting as well. I liked that Emma and Vin weren’t the only ones to find love. Many of the side plots included exciting love stories, too. The sex scenes were quite detailed and explicit, just to offer a fair warning to any potential readers. Overall, Kerry Blaisdell created a page-turning and highly entertaining story. I enjoyed reading it!
Publish or Perish by Kerry Blaisdell is a fast-paced suspense novel with lots of steamy romance. Emma’s scientist husband, the father of her two children, tears their marriage apart by cheating with his new assistant. When her husband takes a trip to Hawaii with his new girlfriend, they both wind up dead in a plane crash. Emma is left to pick up the pieces and discovers that her husband has left quite a mess for her. Eventually, she learns that her husband was actually murdered and that nothing is as it seems. Along the way, Emma falls in love with Vin, the detective working her late husband’s case. Their relationship is hot and fast, but Vin is also trying to escape past mistakes. Emma and Vin not only have to solve mysteries and murders, but they also have to learn to trust each other.
Publish or Perish definitely had a quick-moving plot with lots of action and dialogue scenes, which I like. It didn’t have any spots that seemed to drag, and it kept me guessing until the end. The characters were colorful and interesting as well. I liked that Emma and Vin weren’t the only ones to find love. Many of the side plots included exciting love stories, too. The sex scenes were quite detailed and explicit, just to offer a fair warning to any potential readers. Overall, Kerry Blaisdell created a page-turning and highly entertaining story. I enjoyed reading it!
Recommend this book:
Ninja School Mum
Lizzie Chantree
2020 Bronze Medal
245 Pages
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Romance - Suspense
Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite
After years of evading the assassins who killed her husband, a retired spy and her young son seek refuge in a small town in the captivating suspense novel Ninja School Mum by Lizzie Chantree. Skye and her husband Reece were elite government spies and very much in love. When she gave birth to Leo, their lives became complete. Shockingly, everything changed the night Skye stayed home with Leo instead of participating in a covert operation. Compromised by a traitor, the whole team died in an explosion, including Reece. Taking Leo, Skye moved all over the world, changing their identities as they went. After years of running, Skye settled in a small town, hoping to put down roots. When Leo and Allie, one of Leo's new friends, are targeted by a school bully, Skye befriends Allie's Aunt Thea, and together they work on eliminating the bullying problem. But as Skye's friendships grow, jealousy and malice are bubbling beneath the surface, jeopardizing her new existence. Has Skye found a safe haven to start over? Or is she still in danger?
Ninja School Mum by Lizzie Chantree is an entertaining suspense novel filled with intrigue and mystery. It is a captivating book that held me spellbound from the first page. Cleverly embedded within the plot, a web of deception and betrayal unravels gradually to reveal an astounding and unexpected conclusion. The village and estate settings are inviting and inhabited by interesting characters that create an ideal background for the main character's dramatic conflicts. With twists and turns that include manipulation, duplicity, and a touch of romance, it is an exceptional novel that will delight adult readers who love stories filled with drama and suspense.
After years of evading the assassins who killed her husband, a retired spy and her young son seek refuge in a small town in the captivating suspense novel Ninja School Mum by Lizzie Chantree. Skye and her husband Reece were elite government spies and very much in love. When she gave birth to Leo, their lives became complete. Shockingly, everything changed the night Skye stayed home with Leo instead of participating in a covert operation. Compromised by a traitor, the whole team died in an explosion, including Reece. Taking Leo, Skye moved all over the world, changing their identities as they went. After years of running, Skye settled in a small town, hoping to put down roots. When Leo and Allie, one of Leo's new friends, are targeted by a school bully, Skye befriends Allie's Aunt Thea, and together they work on eliminating the bullying problem. But as Skye's friendships grow, jealousy and malice are bubbling beneath the surface, jeopardizing her new existence. Has Skye found a safe haven to start over? Or is she still in danger?
Ninja School Mum by Lizzie Chantree is an entertaining suspense novel filled with intrigue and mystery. It is a captivating book that held me spellbound from the first page. Cleverly embedded within the plot, a web of deception and betrayal unravels gradually to reveal an astounding and unexpected conclusion. The village and estate settings are inviting and inhabited by interesting characters that create an ideal background for the main character's dramatic conflicts. With twists and turns that include manipulation, duplicity, and a touch of romance, it is an exceptional novel that will delight adult readers who love stories filled with drama and suspense.
Recommend this book:
Playing Jasper
Genoa Mafia Series Book 4
Ginger Ring
2020 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Romance - Suspense
Reviewed by K.J. Simmill for Readers' Favorite
In Ginger Ring's Playing Jasper, Jackie had studied to be a reporter; she loved the thought of immersing herself in a good investigative piece. The problem was that not much happened in her small town. With downsizing imminent, she knew her job was on the line, so when a vacancy arose in the local winery she opted for a change in her career direction, unaware that doing so may have landed her at the foot of the biggest story this town had ever seen. But worse than her old reporter instincts kicking in were her growing feelings for Jasper. She swore she would never be involved with anyone from the mob, but this smooth-talking bad boy was intent on wooing her; worse still, she was barely fighting the pull of his magnetism. He wanted her, she wanted him, but her past, her vows, all are contrary to what her heart desires.
Playing Jasper is a stand-alone book in Ginger Ring's Genoa Mafia series. The flowing alternate perspective, third-person narrative allows the reader to delve into the lives, thoughts, and minds of the main characters while enjoying rich settings and descriptions. I enjoyed Jasper's bad-boy character, especially as things progress and you see the soft heart within, and not just towards Jackie. He has his own code and morals and will do whatever he can to be true to them. His wooing of Jackie was sweet and charming, while his involvement in mob activities reveals an inner darkness guided by his own moral light. I enjoyed every twist and turn, up and down, as it brought both despair and joy. Revenge, investigation, lies, and truth drive the plot as Jasper tries to win Jackie's heart while being engaged in a life he is committed to until death, and when you are involved with the mob, it means just that.
In Ginger Ring's Playing Jasper, Jackie had studied to be a reporter; she loved the thought of immersing herself in a good investigative piece. The problem was that not much happened in her small town. With downsizing imminent, she knew her job was on the line, so when a vacancy arose in the local winery she opted for a change in her career direction, unaware that doing so may have landed her at the foot of the biggest story this town had ever seen. But worse than her old reporter instincts kicking in were her growing feelings for Jasper. She swore she would never be involved with anyone from the mob, but this smooth-talking bad boy was intent on wooing her; worse still, she was barely fighting the pull of his magnetism. He wanted her, she wanted him, but her past, her vows, all are contrary to what her heart desires.
Playing Jasper is a stand-alone book in Ginger Ring's Genoa Mafia series. The flowing alternate perspective, third-person narrative allows the reader to delve into the lives, thoughts, and minds of the main characters while enjoying rich settings and descriptions. I enjoyed Jasper's bad-boy character, especially as things progress and you see the soft heart within, and not just towards Jackie. He has his own code and morals and will do whatever he can to be true to them. His wooing of Jackie was sweet and charming, while his involvement in mob activities reveals an inner darkness guided by his own moral light. I enjoyed every twist and turn, up and down, as it brought both despair and joy. Revenge, investigation, lies, and truth drive the plot as Jasper tries to win Jackie's heart while being engaged in a life he is committed to until death, and when you are involved with the mob, it means just that.
Recommend this book:
A Love Never Forgotten
Book #1 Never Trilogy
KaLyn Cooper
2020 Gold Medal
236 Pages
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Romance - Suspense
Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite
A Love Never Forgotten by KaLyn Cooper is the first entry in the Never Trilogy, a meld of suspense and military romance that grips the reader from the very start and keeps them reading till the exhilarating denouement. An accident completely transforms the face of one of the directors of a CIA covert team, Matthew St. Clare, making him look much younger than his fifty-two years. While he keeps his relationships casual, afraid of getting attached to any woman for fear of drawing attention, Matthew remains haunted in his dreams. And these dreams are recurring, always with the same woman. Then he sees her. She is real. Not just a woman in his dreams. After losing her second husband, former Army Lieutenant Elizabeth Kamp has vowed to keep her heart protected. Then in an unusual moment, she accepts help from a stranger and it changes everything.
KaLyn Cooper creates characters that are so believable, and although Matthew St. Clare experiences an inexplicable phenomenon, he is real. The author does an impeccable job in creating an intersection between the real and the surreal, between dream and waking, and the suspense that builds up with the dreams of the protagonist prepares the reader for an interesting encounter in real life. The military aspect of the story is brilliantly done. The deft handling of character combines with ingenious plotting to create a masterpiece. The prose in A Love Never Forgotten is excellent and it is strengthened by the realistic dialogues and the terrific descriptions. I found the story to be delightful, a great treat that makes the reader want to know what happens in the next book in the trilogy.
A Love Never Forgotten by KaLyn Cooper is the first entry in the Never Trilogy, a meld of suspense and military romance that grips the reader from the very start and keeps them reading till the exhilarating denouement. An accident completely transforms the face of one of the directors of a CIA covert team, Matthew St. Clare, making him look much younger than his fifty-two years. While he keeps his relationships casual, afraid of getting attached to any woman for fear of drawing attention, Matthew remains haunted in his dreams. And these dreams are recurring, always with the same woman. Then he sees her. She is real. Not just a woman in his dreams. After losing her second husband, former Army Lieutenant Elizabeth Kamp has vowed to keep her heart protected. Then in an unusual moment, she accepts help from a stranger and it changes everything.
KaLyn Cooper creates characters that are so believable, and although Matthew St. Clare experiences an inexplicable phenomenon, he is real. The author does an impeccable job in creating an intersection between the real and the surreal, between dream and waking, and the suspense that builds up with the dreams of the protagonist prepares the reader for an interesting encounter in real life. The military aspect of the story is brilliantly done. The deft handling of character combines with ingenious plotting to create a masterpiece. The prose in A Love Never Forgotten is excellent and it is strengthened by the realistic dialogues and the terrific descriptions. I found the story to be delightful, a great treat that makes the reader want to know what happens in the next book in the trilogy.
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