Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Furious Others by Dr. Ashley Baker is a groundbreaking horror novel that boldly reimagines the true crime genre by shifting focus from the perpetrator to the victims of serial killer Jason LeDown. Rather than dwelling on the killer's dark motivations, the novel gives voice to ten unique women whose lives were cut tragically short, celebrating their dreams, passions, and the full spectrum of their humanity. Through detailed portraits of each victim, Baker creates a powerful narrative that challenges traditional horror conventions and refuses to let these women be reduced to mere statistics. The novel weaves together their stories with profound respect and sensitivity, creating a haunting tapestry that addresses larger truths about society's treatment of violence against women and the importance of remembering victims as full, complex human beings with rich inner lives and unrealized potential.

Author Dr. Ashley Baker brings her background in clinical psychology to bear in this innovative and deeply moving approach to horror fiction. I was particularly struck by her decision to center the victims' stories, creating a narrative that feels both revolutionary and necessary in today's literary landscape. Her evocative prose achieves a delicate balance between horror and empathy, making each character's story resonate with authentic emotion while never shying away from the darker aspects. What touched me most deeply was her ability to transform what could have been a typical true crime narrative into a powerful meditation on loss, memory, and the enduring impact of violence on communities, making audiences reflect deeply on how we remember and honor those whose lives are taken too soon. This poignancy is achieved naturally without taking us out of the plot, and Baker's rejection of the typical focus on the killer's psychology creates space for a more meaningful exploration of humanity in the face of darkness. Overall, The Furious Others is an essential and recommended read that will change how you think about the horror genre and its potential for meaningful social commentary.

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

The Silver Squad: Rebels With Wrinkles by Marty Essen is a delightful and daring story that redefines adventure in the golden years. The novel follows Barry and Beth, high school sweethearts who reunite at a senior living complex in their seventies, only to discover that they’re not ready to settle for bingo and early dinners. Instead, the duo embarks on a road trip that quickly turns into a series of vigilante escapades aimed at making the world a better place. From protecting the vulnerable to taking a stand against injustice, Barry and Beth’s exploits blend comedy, action, and a heartwarming friendship.

Marty Essen’s writing captures the humor and unpredictability of aging with a sense of liberation, giving the characters depth beyond mere nostalgia. Barry’s thoughtful yet occasionally grumpy outlook contrasts with Beth’s boldness and enthusiasm, creating a dynamic duo that pulls readers into their world. The storyline unfolds through engaging dialogue and witty banter as the two not only tackle wrongdoers but also explore their own beliefs and limits, all while staying true to the playful spirit of their youth. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy a blend of comedy, crime, and adventure, all centered around characters who defy stereotypes about aging. The Silver Squad offers a refreshing perspective on life, reminding readers that it’s never too late for new adventures or to make a difference. With its lively characters and uplifting message, Marty Essen’s novel is an enjoyable and thought-provoking read that will leave readers cheering for Barry and Beth’s unique brand of justice.

Reviewed by Jennifer Reinoehl for Readers' Favorite

In The Royal Runaway by Kate O’Keeffe, Princess Amelia, third-born in the line of Ledonian royalty, wants to break every one of the almost 3,000 rules she has been living under her entire twenty-four and three-quarters years. She decides to start by secretly forming an online romance with Greg and planning to meet him in a café in a nearby country. Ethan Roberts is a Netflix actor who wants to be the real him. After the encouragement of his co-star and agent, he decides to travel to a small European country and attempt to live in disguise for a month as “Maverick.” When they both meet by darting into a costume shop to dodge paparazzi, they hide behind false names while being their true selves, but as coincidences mount, they begin to wonder if they were destined to share more than their vacation.

Kate O’Keeffe solidly weaves this story of two hearts trying to figure out how to bare all to each other while hiding from the world. Princess Amelia is a strong female lead inhibited by her upbringing but willing to take life and its challenges by the horns. Ethan is her male equal in strength. He is willing to stand back and let “Amy” be who she is while always only a step away to save her when she gets in too deep, or when she cannot properly slice bread for a sandwich. The Royal Runaway is an enchanting, modern, sweet romance. The story’s theme of being yourself no matter what your circumstances are will resonate with all who want to be loved for themselves. I highly recommend this fast-paced romance.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Iris Code by Anita Dickason plunges readers into the heart of a chilling mystery. Journalist Riley Phillips discovers a corpse on a canine training exercise, only for the body to vanish shortly after. Armed with her camera, her crime-scene instincts, and a tenacious cadaver dog named Milo, Riley finds herself entangled in a web of secrets that draw the attention of the elite FBI Tracker Unit. As Riley teams up with Tracker Cody Lightfoot, she’s pulled into a dangerous hunt to uncover the identity of the victim and the dark plot behind the murder. Dickason weaves a fast-paced, high-stakes thriller where journalism meets federal investigation, and where every photo might hold the key to the next twist. Smart, suspenseful, and full of heart, The Iris Code keeps readers guessing to the very end.

Author Anita Dickason has a keen sense of timing crucial to the way this brilliant novel is structured, and that results in a pulse-pounding blend of investigative journalism and suspense that is a cut above most of the genre. The attention to detail is everything in laying out interesting clues and surprising conversations that always make sense in the end. Dickason delivers twist after twist with expert precision in a confident, strong narrative voice. For a thriller this complex, there’s never a moment when I had to double back or check anything because the right reminders are always in place. Riley’s dialogue and thought process make you feel like you’re solving the plot right on her shoulder. She’s also impressively brought to life as a tough, relatable heroine with brains and grit. Milo is a great dog, adding much-needed levity in a genuinely dark story. Overall, I’d certainly recommend The Iris Code to fans of crime thrillers. Readers will surely want more of Riley and the Tracker Unit, so I can’t wait to see where this series goes next.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Photograph by Eve M. Riley, the fourth book in The Techboys series, is a contemporary LGBTQ romance that follows the journey of two men navigating trust, desire, and the risks of opening up. When a chance meeting leads to an exchange of photographs, an undeniable attraction forms between them. As they grow closer, secrets from Alex's past surface, testing the strength of their connection. With a mix of hope and vulnerability, both men must decide whether to let their pasts dictate their futures or embrace a love that offers a chance for healing and new beginnings.

Author Eve M. Riley demonstrates remarkable skill in crafting a romance that delves deep beneath the surface of attraction to explore the complexities of trust and vulnerability. Her writing creates moments of both passionate chemistry and tender intimacy that feel genuine and earned. I really enjoyed the dialogue of the two central characters which sets them apart in attitude and energy but brings them together with brilliant wit, honesty, and love. I was particularly touched by how Riley develops both protagonists with equal care, making their individual journeys of growth as compelling as their shared romance and letting us see how they bring out hidden qualities in one another. The way she integrates themes of healing and self-discovery into the narrative elevates the story beyond typical romance conventions. Something that really resonated with me was the sensitive handling of past trauma and its impact on new relationships, creating a story that feels both honest and hopeful about the possibility of love after pain. Overall, The Photograph is a beautifully crafted romance that will deeply satisfy both fans of the series and newcomers alike, and I would certainly recommend it.

Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite

Shanon O'Connell has barely recovered from a heartbreaking relationship; now she must watch one of her closest friends and fellow group member, Linda, painfully lose her battle with cancer and exit their group, which they affectionately call 'the tribe.' Trying to put on a brave face in their group, which has been together for over three decades, they gather at one of Linda's favorite venues to honor her life and memory, reminiscing about what was and what could have been. The last thing Shanon expects is that this gathering might be the catalyst for her to find one last chance at love with fellow tribe member Elizabeth Matthews. Only time will tell if they can overcome the emotional and physical barriers between them in Kathleen Brehony's The Third Act.

Kathleen Brehony's urban romance explores love in the twilight years. The character development reveals each tribe member's background while highlighting this web of friends and how their unique connections strengthen the group. The moments when Shanon reminisces about her relationship with Linda, contrasting it with the circumstances that led to her meeting Elizabeth, perfectly illustrate this. The dialogue is casual and filled with lighthearted, mildly comedic episodes, such as the Jell-O Cool Whip incident, which coincide with slower moments in the story. These stylishly crafted scenes lighten the tone as readers enjoy the antics of these senior citizens. The narrative shifts between Shanon's and Elizabeth's perspectives, helping readers better understand key aspects of the plot, like the intriguing connection between mediums and matters of the heart. Brehony's narrative style reminds readers that The Third Act is primarily a romance, featuring sexual encounters that leave little to the imagination. Brehony weaves drama, romance, and humor into a contemporary setting that many readers will find relatable, creating a unique novel.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Beyond the Bukubuk Tree: A World War II Novel of Love and Loss by Loretta Goldberg is a bittersweet tale of the war in the Pacific with a fascinating twist. A young Australian Jewish doctor, Jake Friedman, is haunted by a car accident in which one of his nurses was killed, his uncertainty about his sexuality, and the rumors of the mass executions of Jews by the Nazis. Against the wishes of his beloved sister and despite being in a protected profession, Jake decides he must enlist and do his part to preserve democracy and the Jewish people. Posted to Rabaul, the capital of East New Britain, Jake will be part of the Australian forces set to defend this former German colony against invasion by the Germans, or possibly the Japanese if they continue their Asian expansion. On the ship to Rabaul, Jake meets Alex Whipple (Wip) a WWI veteran who willingly stands up for those being bullied and is prepared to fight for the weak and defenseless. The attraction between Jake and Wip is instantaneous and will become the focus of their time on an island that alternates between a tropical paradise and a “hell-hole.”

Beyond the Bukubuk Tree is a powerful exposition of human emotion and the horrors of war, especially for those unprepared for the conditions and environment. Author Loretta Goldberg has taken a real event, the defense of Rabaul, and woven a glorious story of love and loss around these events. Her two principal characters, Jake and Wip, are perfect as friends, confidantes, and lovers. Jake is a mixture of emotions; principally guilt as he tries to come to terms with the death of his nurse in a car accident when he was driving; his clear and undeniable sexual preference for males; and his genuine desire to appear normal to his colleagues, his family, and to be part of the continuation of the Jewish people. Wip, as an older man, has already accepted his sexuality. Yet he too is haunted by his past and the things he was forced to do to survive after World War I. The romance between Jake and Wip is beautifully written with the couple's love, care, and affection displayed on every page. I particularly appreciated that the actual love scenes were sensual and steamy without being graphic. What this story also conveys starkly and harshly is the terrible conditions these Australian soldiers endured in East New Britain. Initially set before the entry of Japan into the war, the Australian government was focusing most of its military assets and military might in North Africa and Europe, considering the soldiers in the Pacific to be of secondary importance. I appreciated the focus on the indigenous people of the country who played an enormous part in assisting the soldiers to escape the eventual Japanese invasion. This is a wonderful story that I was engrossed in from beginning to end. I highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Leonard Smuts for Readers' Favorite

The focus of military operations has shifted from global to regional conflicts. In the aftermath of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Special Forces are regularly deployed to quell terrorism and neutralize America’s enemies. Warrant Officer James Chase (nicknamed Gator) ventured into this world as a highly trained combatant. He enlisted in the army at the age of 17, after finishing high school in 1995. Advanced training followed, and he became a Ranger and was soon a seasoned combat veteran. A professional soldier to the core, the year 2013 found him in Baghdad, about to embark on a classified mission to nearby Iran, to capture or eliminate a High Value Target. The Delta Mission by Tony Perez follows his exploits as he and his unit tackle the clandestine operation, only to find that they have been lured into an ambush and face superior forces. As the mission unraveled, it became a fight for survival, and James found himself wounded, alone, and hunted. He made his escape on a motorcycle that he found and later in a captured vehicle, heading for the relative safety of Iraq, while being hotly pursued by a ruthless enemy.

The Delta Mission highlights the risks faced by soldiers operating in hostile territories. Tony Perez calls on his personal experiences in the military to bring this story to life in graphic detail. It is a question of shoot or be shot at. Mental strength is essential, as well as the ability to think on your feet and improvise. Time for Plans B or C, if these options are presented. This saga involves wounds, physical and emotional, and pursuit by an enemy that would show no mercy. James has thoughts of his mortality and children back home, as well as pondering his relationship with God. The writing style is vivid, gripping, and the tension is skillfully built and sustained throughout. The description of life in the military on special operations provides insight and background to the story, as does a debrief that concludes the first in this series. As is to be expected in war stories, there are casualties, reminding us that the path of the soldier on active duty embraces danger rather too closely at times. This account will delight fans of military fiction and is highly recommended.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

In The Very Last War by W.H. Hawthorne, Jake O’Connor rises from his roots in Alaska to become President of the United States, leading a political revolution that transforms the nation. His administration returns power to the states and diminishes federal overreach, sparking global attention. As tensions escalate, a coalition of world powers—including European socialists, Chinese communists, Islamic radicals, and Russian leaders—forms to challenge the United States. With a devastating new weapon at their disposal, they seek to annihilate America. In response, the U.S. unveils a revolutionary weapon of its own, relying not just on technology but on the resilient spirit of its people. As both sides prepare for the final showdown, the survival of America hinges on its enduring values and unbreakable will. "No matter how big you were, the only possible reason you didn’t fear the 1st Armored Division of the United States Army was that you were already dead."

In the interests of full disclosure, I am not an American and have never lived in the States. I am also on much further to the political left than most lefties are, just to give you an idea of who I am. Why does any of this matter? Because The Very Last War by W.H. Hawthorne is one of the most rah-rah-rah, ultra-libertarian, 'America first' red meat I have read in, well, probably ever. I enjoyed the heck out of it. Is it over the top? Yes. Is it plausible? No. Is it wildly entertaining? You bet your sweet bells and missiles, it is. The initial backstory is going to feel loquacious to many, but because I don't fully get American politicking, it was necessary for me. I appreciated it, and it set me in the right direction. Jake O'Connor is a character you want to follow, but Hawthorne gives us many other points of view that round the story out, and you have to get excited when ranking generals have legitimate surnames like “Crusher.” It is clear that Hawthorne is a science and technology guy, much to the same degree I am, and the tech employed from every single angle is brilliant. If you have an open mind and are looking for solid action, excellent tactical apparatus, and Clancy-esque detailing, you'll find it here. Recommended.

Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers' Favorite

In The Wounds That Linger by Sandra Preisler and Taylor Preisler, Zoe has just returned from America with her uncle, and everyone is happy that they are back. Everyone is surprised when Zoe mentions she has been invited by Mabel Anderson to her house. Things had become complicated between the two families since Zoe’s father had defended Chedrose, who had been accused and convicted of killing Mabel’s sister. Mabel is convinced Chedrose has been wrongly convicted and wants Zoe’s input and help since she handled the murder of her maid very well. Despite a connection to previously committed murders, people are ready to overlook things due to Chedrose’s station in life, but things change when other murders with the same signature are uncovered. Will Quinton, who had helped Zoe in her previous quest, and his friends rise to the occasion and solve the mystery this time? 

Sandra Preisler and Taylor Preisler did not disappoint in The Wounds That Linger: Q&Z Regency Mysteries Book 2. This amazing work can be read as a standalone. I loved the strong female characters and the well-crafted dialogue that brings the story and the characters to life. The themes covered, such as culture and traditions, are thought-provoking and get one thinking about the long way we have come in terms of equality and minority rights. I also loved the emphasis on the value of hard work, charity, and a strong friendship network. The characters were well-developed, and the twists and turns in the plot kept me intrigued and looking forward to the events in subsequent chapters. This was a great read, and I look forward to more by Sandra and Taylor Preisler.