Month: June 2021

Read/enjoyed and current read, all in one

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It’s a collection. Four books in one and I’ve read and enjoyed the first two.

Double Down the complete series 

The first two read and enjoyed:

Book 1 Deadly Exposure

Private security force Double Down are the only ones who can take down the threat. When his sister is kidnapped, Navy SEAL Bradley has to face his feelings for Alexis as they work together to get her back.

Book 2 Deadly Secrets

Double Down operative Mint has to track down and protect Emma. But things aren’t what they seem. Can he keep them both alive long enough to uncover the truth?

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I will admit I’m confused at times, reading this series. There are several other favorite authors with very similar series, Christy Barritt is one, and I have to stop and think Where am I again? It’s like living with identical twins. Who are you again?

The series is pretty similar to others, structurally, but the details are different enough to keep the books fresh. Each story is well written and interesting. I’m may be confused at times on who is talking to me but I’m still enjoying the conversation.

Currently I’m immersed in Book 3 Deadly Agenda

Megan has a dark past. And it’s back to haunt her as she teams up with FBI agent Adrian. Together they take down a rogue FBI agent with a deadly weapon.

This deadly weapon is definitely new. I don’t believe I’ve ever met one like it.

I won’t spoil the fun by describing it to you.

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A new Christy Barritt installment showed up while I was browsing and now I’m excited about book 4 in this series.

Gabe: a clean romantic suspense novel (Lantern Beach Blackout: The New Recruits Book 4)

Amazon quote:

When former Navy SEAL and current Blackout operative Gabe Michaels is almost killed in a hit-and-run, the aftermath completely upends his life. He’s no longer safe—and he’s not the only one.

Dr. Autumn Spenser came to Lantern Beach to start fresh. But while treating Gabe after his accident, she senses there’s more to what happened to him than meets the eye. When she digs deeper into his past, she never expects to be drawn into a deadly dilemma.

Gabe has been infatuated with the pretty doctor since the day they met. Now, can he keep her from harm? Could someone out of his league ever return his feelings or will her past hurts keep them apart?

As danger continues to pummel them, Gabe and Autumn are thrown together in a quest to find answers. More important than their growing attraction, they must stay alive long enough to stop the person desperate to destroy them.

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A little of this and that.

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My mind is mush these days, too many distractions going on and it’s hard to think up something good to write. Hopefully, just starting will work for me one more time.

The first thing on my mind is a book I finished earlier today. It was an ok book but I only gave it 3 stars and I think I’m feeling a little guilty about that. It’s true, it was only worth that to me but I feel bad saying it out loud.

I’m pretty sure my assessment fell under the category of personal opinion rather than technical deficiencies.

I’m not a big fan of emotional struggles within the characters, with them spending most of their time on internal dialogue with themselves. Both main characters were caught up in their own issues and between them, all this thinking took up a major chunk of the story.

Did I mention I’m not a big fan of this writing technique? I prefer to see action of some sort moving the story along.

I don’t think there is a fix for the weakness in this case. It would take a rewrite with a different approach and in the end it would be a whole new book.

Like I say, I think my assessment was personal preference. I’m sure many could disagree with me and love the book.

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I’ve spent the weekend diligently reading, trying to catch up a little with the growing backlog of unread books. This means I’m also accumulating a backlog of read books. I think I will add the covers here just to get them gone. Nothing stood out as special these last few days, that’s probably why I could motor through them so quickly.

Although, I did like Double Agent pretty well.

Double Agent: Faith in the Face of Crime (Love Inspired Suspense Book 1) 

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Read and mostly enjoyed.

Well, I wasn’t planning on spending so much time with books on this post but it has been good to clean things up a bit.

And besides, if I’m honest, I’m listening to a live podcast while I’m doing this. Not exactly the best way to come up with an awesome post.

I’ll try a this & that post another day to see if I can’t do a better job of it.

In the meantime,

Happy Reading!

Free and bargain books June 05, 2021

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Freestyle browsing is on the agenda today. The usual suggestion sources have let me down, again. Oh well, this way is fun and it’s a surprise to see who shows up.

I’ve downloaded at least nine from this first author. I’ve not read all of them yet but I have read and enjoyed the first book in this FREE four book collection.

Double Down – the complete series 

Amazon quote:

Washington DC is hiding a secret.

It reaches the highest echelons of government.

Can this team expose the truth?

Private security force Double Down are the only ones who can take down the threat. When his sister is kidnapped, Navy SEAL Bradley has to face his feelings for Alexis as they work together to get her back.

Double Down operative Mint has to track down and protect Emma. But things aren’t what they seem. Can he keep them both alive long enough to uncover the truth?

Megan has a dark past. And it’s back to haunt her as she teams up with FBI agent Adrian. Together they take down a rogue FBI agent with a deadly weapon.

Senator Rachel refuses to be a victim anymore. She’ll fight back against the blackmailer in the final story of the series. Steve is a fugitive on the run. But when Rachel’s life is threatened he’ll stick around to protect her.

Can the team compile the evidence to expose this plot?

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There was also a bargain book from the same author. The first few pages have me excited about reading the whole story. Maybe it will be my next read.

Double Agent: Faith in the Face of Crime (Love Inspired Suspense Book 1) 

Amazon quote:

DANGER IS HER ALIAS 

As a spy, Sabine Laduca works alone. But when she investigates her brother’s murder, she’s forced into an uneasy alliance with his Delta Force team leader.

The CIA taught Sabine to trust no one, and Sergeant Major Doug Richardson is no exception. The handsome soldier hides his own secrets, but nothing will stop Sabine from finding out who killed her brother. Not even when the CIA declares her rogue. Now not only is the killer after her, so is the agency.

For the first time, she needs someone—Doug. Because only he can help her find the truth…and only he can keep her safe….

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I’m good for Christmas any ole time of the year. (Did I mentioned my tree is still up? Yup) (It’s a privacy screen – that’s my story and I’m sticking with it!) ( It’s cheerful, that works for me too!)

Anyway, this next read looks fun never-mind that it’s out of season.

Under the Mistletoe & Undercover Cowboy: Christmas Novella Box Set 

Amazon quote:

In UNDER THE MISTLETOE, Madison Graham runs a Christmas store in the quaint town of Mistletoe, but dreams of moving to the big city.

When love comes in an unexpected package, will she be able to see what’s truly important? (A Christmas, contemporary romance novella)

In UNDERCOVER COWBOY Pinkerton detective Cole Ramsey has been hired to investigate a rancher suspected of sabotaging his neighbor’s property. But Cole’s investigation might be compromised when he falls for Abigail Covington, the rancher’s daughter.

An inspirational Christmas novella. (A Christmas, Historical romance novella)

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Our day hasn’t turned out to be a hot as predicted, still it was warm enough anyway. Too hot to cook.

After the run I’m about to make for a hamburger with onion rings, I’ll settle down with one of these books and enjoy the warmth.

Grab the FREE collection before it disappears.

Happy Reading!

One bargain book June 04, 2021

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I’ve spent the day contemplating , off and on, a bargain suggestion from BookBub, at least I think it was BookBub.

Historical fiction, I’m trying to decide if it will be boring. Maybe. Maybe not. The first few pages seem interesting.

I’m going to take a chance, quick before midnight.

A Life Renewed: A Christian Mystery Romance (Secrets of the Queens Book 1)

Amazon quote:

In 1554, Lady Jane Grey, “The Nine Days’ Queen” was executed for high treason.
But what if, instead of feeling the blade on her neck she secretly survived?

Escaping execution, Lady Jane hides as a peasant girl in a principality in Germany. She loves the simple life and never wants to return to England. But her benefactor, a power-hungry German prince, wants to march on London and place her on the English throne again, thereby increasing his dominance in Europe. If she doesn’t agree with his plan, her beloved childhood nurse will be put to death. Desperate for help, Jane must put her trust in the mysterious spy Asher Hayes.

Asher Hayes is done rounding up Protestants for “Bloody Mary” and wants nothing more than to live a quiet life as a farmer and expunge the blood of many from his hands. Except Queen Mary isn’t done with him yet. She throws his father, mother, and sister into prison on false charges in order to force him to accept one last mission – find and kill Lady Jane Grey. But when Asher discovers Lady Jane isn’t a threat to the throne as he believed her to be, he faces a devastating decision – does he sacrifice his family for the woman who reigns in his heart?

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Check it out with me.

Read and enjoyed June 04, 2021

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There were five new books this week, from an author I was excited about getting to know better. The first I’d ever read from her was a book downloaded the beginning of May. It was a modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast and I enjoyed it immensely. That’s why I was ready to go for five more.

Of the five, I’ve read and enjoyed four and one was a favorite, hands down.

First, we have the three not quite favorites. They were good just not quite as good.

My favorite had more depth, the story held together better, and I didn’t feel the need to skim like I sometimes did with the others.

Finding Alissa: A Memory Loss Story (Finding Trust Romance Series Book 1) 

She has no memory of her past. His memory is perfect, and yet he cannot believe his eyes.

Alissa Martin has reached her breaking point. Packing a suitcase, she leaves town in such a hurry she can hardly see straight. Distracted by her thoughts and the torrential rain, a semi forces her into a devastating accident.

A year after losing his beloved wife, Elle, Derek Andrews is not ready to move on. His father-in-law is threatening to cut him and his children off if he doesn’t find a wife and mother for the children. But Derek could never love another, and his children would not accept a stranger as their mother. It’s too much to ask of anyone. 

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At first when I considered the plot it felt like a story I’d previously read. I knew it couldn’t have been because it didn’t show up in my library. Once I got into it I knew this was a new story.

I could read this one again.

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There is still one more to read in this group.

The Act of Falling

By the description for this I’m not expecting my favorite to be upstaged… but you never know.

It’s a good thing these have been fairly quick reads or I wouldn’t have made my way through them in the short time I’ve had.

I’m not sure yet but this one could be next. I’ll let you know next time

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Happy Reading

from a scorching part of the country.

A week ago, or less, we had frost at night, had to cover the tomato plants, and now it’s gone to the other extreme. A high of 35c today and a forecast high of 39c tomorrow.

Currently, it’s 11:15 pm and 24c.

I like feeling warm for a change and I don’t have to work outside in the heat, so I’m good.

The girls painting my house didn’t have such a good time but at least they got to quit early.The paint dries too fast and doesn’t stick properly in 30+ weather.

I did notice they weren’t complaining any about having to quit and I was glad to see them go.

They are predicting a hot summer here this year. It will be interesting to see if they are right and it materializes.

Later.

Bargain books June 03, 2021

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1531 Entertainment has a bargain suggestion for us.

Who I Am with You (A Legacy of Faith Novel)

Amazon quote:

For these two broken hearts, the first step toward love will be a huge leap of faith. 

Jessica Mason isn’t looking for love when she meets Ridley Chesterfield. Instead she is still reeling from the tragic, unexpected loss of her husband and daughter—and awaiting the arrival of her unborn child. Harboring the secret of her husband’s betrayal, her pain is deeper than anyone knows. 

Ridley Chesterfield is hiding out in Hope Springs, Idaho, avoiding a political scandal and the barrage of false media headlines that have tarnished his good name. The last thing Ridley wants is a relationship—but when fate leads Ridley to form a friendship with his reclusive and pregnant neighbor, he wonders if this small-town hideout might be more of a long-term destination.  

When Jessica begins to read her great-grandfather’s Bible, she finds a connection with a man she never knew. Somehow the verses he marked and the words he wrote in the margins open her heart to healing. And as Ridley and Jessica help each other forgive the people who have wronged them, they must decide if the past will define them or if they will choose to love again.  

Who I Am With You weaves together a modern-day romance with Jessica’s great-grandfather’s story from the 1930s, reminding us that some truths can cross generations and that faith has the power to transform families forever. 

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Another interesting bargain

This Steadfast Heart 

Amazon quote:

A tainted past was not on his list of qualities for a Godly woman.

Unhealthy relationships failed to give Nicola Dunbar anything, except her beautiful daughter and a lifetime of hurt. Fearful for her well-being, she arrives in Willoughby Beach with only the clothes on her back, some cash in her purse and the determination to make a new start for her daughter’s sake.

Isaac Bains’ dream of building houses in third world countries fell apart when he was injured in a motorcycle accident. He now spends his days managing a construction company, and taking the good-natured teasing about his bachelor status in his stride. When a young woman arrives in town, fearful for her life, he fobs her off to the pastoral care team at church and wants nothing to do with her.

He knew God had someone special in store for him, but surely He didn’t mean the young woman whose history read like a worn-out newspaper, all tattered, dirty and well-used.

This Steadfast Heart, Book 18 in The Potter’s House Books Series Two, is an uplifting and inspiring story of hope, redemption and second chances. Grab your copy and be encouraged today.

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One more…

Topaz Treasure: a redemptive opposites attract romance (Pot of Gold Geocaching Romance Book 1)

Amazon quote:

In college, he was the hot, anti-Christian prof she crushed on… and now he’s sponsoring a church event? Opposites attract in this redemptive geocaching romance.
Closet believer Lyssa Quinn steps out of her comfort zone to help coordinate the Pot of Gold Treasure Hunt her church is using as an outreach event. She’s not expecting her former humanities prof — young, handsome, anti-Christian Kirk Kennedy — to be in Jewel Lake at all, let alone in a position to provide sponsorship to the geocaching event. How can she trust someone who once shredded her best friend’s faith?

Kirk’s treasure hunt takes him down a path he hadn’t intended as he searches for opportunities to connect with Lyssa and her intriguing sparkle. How can he convince her there is more than one kind of treasure? And how can she introduce him to the greatest prize of all?

Topaz Treasure first released in Rainbow’s End, a four-author Romancing America anthology published by Barbour Publishing in May, 2012. This version has been rewritten with 25% new material and moved from Osage Beach, Missouri, to Jewel Lake, Montana.

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Happy Reading y’all

Bargain books June 02, 2021

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Back for a second look. After reading and enjoying one of yesterday’s downloads I’m back for more of the wishlist bargains from this author. Tayla Alexandra.

The thoroughly enjoyed book from yesterday with lots of twists and turns …

Finding Alissa: A Memory Loss Story (Finding Trust Romance Series Book 1) 

She has no memory of her past. His memory is perfect, and yet he cannot believe his eyes.

Alissa Martin has reached her breaking point. Packing a suitcase, she leaves town in such a hurry she can hardly see straight. Distracted by her thoughts and the torrential rain, a semi forces her into a devastating accident.

A year after losing his beloved wife, Elle, Derek Andrews is not ready to move on. His father-in-law is threatening to cut him and his children off if he doesn’t find a wife and mother for the children. But Derek could never love another, and his children would not accept a stranger as their mother. It’s too much to ask of anyone. 

When Derek comes upon an accident with a woman who looks identical to Elle, he claims her as his wife. Knowing it’s wrong, yet feeling nothing could be more right, Derek takes her into his home while investigating her true identity.

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And now for the new ones.

Investigating the Rancher: Investigating Love Romance Series

Amazon quote:

After a brief stint as a taxi driver in Trust, Arizona, Hailey Baker has gone home to her father’s investigative service. Labeled “the prodigal” by her older sister, Melody, Hailey is determined to prove she can be a worthy member of Baker and Sons Investigative Service. But when her boyfriend, Rob disappoints her, Hailey jumps at the first chance to get away.

It’s the one year anniversary of his father’s death and the last thing Ridge Calloway needs is that reminder right in the middle of branding season. Concentrating on getting through the season and earning the ranch manager position is the only thing on his mind.

When Hailey shows up to investigate missing cattle on the Sterling Ranch, she sets off a stir among the ranchers, who think she’s a veterinary assistant.

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Beached with a Billionaire

Amazon quote:

High seas. Hot sun. Healing hearts.

One terrible mistake costs Somer everything. Her only option is to start over somewhere new, as far away from her old life as possible. When her only remaining friend convinces her to go on a single’s cruise, it’s the last thing she wants to do but she agrees.

Benjamin is torn between the deception of his ex-wife, and the love for a boy he thought was his. Looking for some peace and quiet, he decides a cruise to Jamaica might be just the thing. Only he has no idea that his secretary has booked him on a single’s cruise.

Can a mishap in Jamaica be what they need to send their stranded hearts in a new direction?

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Her Billionaire Dream (Her Sweet Billionaire Romance Book 1)

Amazon quote:

He’s building an empire. She’s cleaning it.

Having invested years into saving the family business from the ashes his father left, Chandler Jones has no time for a serious relationship. He has no need for a woman in his life and dates his high school sweetheart only because she is equally rich, extremely independent, and looks good on his arm. But when she ducks out on him on the most important weekend of the year, he is desperate.

Dena Gysler wants nothing to do with her rich, arrogant employer. She cleans his office and he has no idea she exists. That suits her just fine. When he offers her ten thousand dollars to accompany him on his weekend business conference, Dena is appalled. But ten thousand dollars is a lot of money for a cleaning lady to refuse. 

Dena and Chandler agree to a strictly-business plan that will benefit them both. And falling in love is not a part of that plan. 

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My current read.

The Restoration (Sully Parkway Book 3)

Happy Reading y’all

Bargain books June 01, 2021

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A bargain suggestion for us in the Historical vein.

The Teacher Who Stole His Heart: A Historical Western Romance Book

Amazon quote:

Becky Faust has never cared much about romance or marriage, at least not like most girls her age seem to. Moving to Salinas to be a teacher is a dream come true for her, and she feels like she has everything she could ever wish for. Life as she knows it is about to change forever though when the son of the late bookstore owner asks her to be his teacher. Unexpectedly and intensely drawn to this gentle and charming man, she finds herself cherishing every moment they spend together for their lessons. Could this act of kindness end in sudden heartbreak for Becky though, or is a true love she never anticipated in the cards for her?

When Carson Lattimer finds out that his father has passed away and left him the family bookstore, he knows his place is back home. He is determined to look after his mother and sister, but a secret he has kept for years is standing in his way… he cannot read or write. Even though this is a sore spot for him, one that brings back painful memories of his father’s cruelty, he decides it is finally time to learn. Turning to the beautiful young school teacher for help, Carson has no idea that his lessons with Becky will become his favorite part of the day. When their blossoming relationship spurs ill-intentioned accusations in town though, will he fight for the woman who has captured his heart so completely?

Becky and Carson experience an extraordinary connection and together they will learn what true love is. However, a black cloud seems to hang over them and a man cut from the same cloth as Carson’s father threatens to ruin their happiness. Will they manage to overcome the powerful and menacing forces in town and live the fairytale life they were meant for?

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Another bargain that browsing uncovered. I’ve read and enjoyed one book by this author and now I’m looking forward to this one.

Finding Alissa: A Memory Loss Story (Finding Trust Romance Series Book 1)

Amazon quote:

She has no memory of her past. His memory is perfect, and yet he cannot believe his eyes.

Alissa Martin has reached her breaking point. Packing a suitcase, she leaves town in such a hurry she can hardly see straight. Distracted by her thoughts and the torrential rain, a semi forces her into a devastating accident.

A year after losing his beloved wife, Elle, Derek Andrews is not ready to move on. His father-in-law is threatening to cut him and his children off if he doesn’t find a wife and mother for the children. But Derek could never love another, and his children would not accept a stranger as their mother. It’s too much to ask of anyone. 

When Derek comes upon an accident with a woman who looks identical to Elle, he claims her as his wife. Knowing it’s wrong, yet feeling nothing could be more right, Derek takes her into his home while investigating her true identity.

Waking up in a hospital in Trust, Arizona, she has no memory of who she is–not even her name, and certainly not the man who claims she’s the loving wife and mother of three. 

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Another one from the same author

The Act of Falling by Tayla Alexandra

Amazon quote:

When bad-girl Bekah stops in the town of Sunshine for the night, she raises the suspicion of preacher’s son, Ezekiel Gaines.

Bekah, a singer at a local Long Beach night club, is a magnet for the bad boys. When her boyfriend, Blade, gets arrested, she leaves everything behind, including her beloved guitar, to find something … else.

Ezekiel, the son of the town preacher, is also a teacher at the church’s private school. He’s quite content in his life and secure in his surroundings. Well, mostly.

Out of gas but with a plan up her sleeve, Bekah stops in the pristine little town of Sunshine, Arizona.

From the moment Bekah shows up in the church office, wearing a skirt shorter than a man’s imagination, a hoop nose ring, and a tattoo of a spider on her back, Ezekiel’s quiet little world shifts into territories unknown.

But no worries … she’ll be gone by morning.

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I’m just about finished this read and enjoyed book. It is so good and it is still FREE.

The Invitation (Mustard Seed Series Book 1)

A TV news producer., a housewife and mother of two, an ex-governor, and a struggling writer. Four ordinary people with little in common other than a vague dissatisfaction with their lives, and an unpretentious invitation that seems to come out of nowhere.

Each dismisses the mysterious invitation as a practical joke. But when strange—some might even call them miraculous—things start happening, all four find themselves embarking on a journey that takes them beyond their wildest imaginings and tests their faith to the breaking point. Before it’s over, each discovers that, with God, nothing is impossible. Faith can move mountains if you open your heart to the One who has called you.

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Another good book day!

Happy Reading y’all