Mystery – Page 3 – Read-Love-Blog

Gnomon by Luchia Dertien…Blog Tour Stop & Review

Title: Gnomon
Author: Luchia Dertien
Release Date: September 1, 2015
Publisher: DSP Publications
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Format: Ebook/Paperback

Synopsis:

Emile Delaurier is a beautiful militant revolutionary, a living beacon of righteous justice for the world. For Renaire, an artist in a constant battle against the demons in the bottle, it was obsession at first sight. His devotion led to two years of homicidal partnership as Renaire followed Delaurier in his ruthless quest for equality through the death of the corrupt, like a murderous Robin Hood.

Then Delaurier breaks his pattern, leading Renaire into Russia to kill a reporter with no immoral background, and gives no explanation for his actions.

When Interpol contacts Renaire, he already has enough problems―keeping Delaurier alive, dealing with the shift in their relationship, and surviving the broken past that still haunts him. But when he learns what Interpol wants from him, Renaire must face the truth about Delaurier: that a noble man isn’t always a good one. He’s left with a choice no man should ever have to make―to follow his heart or his morals.

Review:

The blurb for Gnomon led to high expectations on my part, some were that met and some that weren’t. If you want a traditional romantic suspense with characters that are good people, this is not the book for you.

If you like complicated people with their morality anchored somewhere in the gray area, an interesting political thriller plot, and hot sex scenes then read on!

I found myself having to dig deep to like the main characters. Their story felt like, well, like a perpetually rainy day. Then the author would sprinkle in some heartwarming affection and make me examine Delaurier and Renaire with a more critical eye. I can’t say that I liked them, but I was rooting for them. Delaurier was the alpha and he’s an assassin trying to make the world a better place, but the main conflict revealed in the latter part of the book really made me question his ethics. Renaire, well, he’s even more complicated. The relationship feels obsessive and one-sided and unhealthy one minute and then they both show their vulnerability and I just want them to sail off into the sunset of a happily ever after. As mentioned earlier, the sex scenes were hot!

The plot involving Interpol, murder, a reporter who knows too much, a mysterious past for Renaire, and a potential catastrophic bombing was interesting but I wished it was more developed. This is where the length of the book (223 pages) may have hampered the story. I would have loved more of the suspense part of this romantic suspense. But I did find myself turning pages to see what happens.

Overall a good read for fans of romantic suspense and male/male romance.

Three loves

About the Author:

Luchia Dertien is a 27-year-old white cis female living in the United States. She desperately wants to be petting a dog right now. Writing genuinely is her passion, which she has been doing since the age of 3. Her first written work is titled “Castle Castle” and is generally considered to be the greatest piece of literature she’s ever produced. In middle school, she wrote a story called “Death By Mud,” which is her second best piece of literature. “Gnomon” is usually ranked somewhere near 13th.

ORDER INFORMATION

Gnomon is available for order at

For More Information

Visit Luchian’s website.

October 5

Book featured at 3 Partners in Shopping

October 6

Book featured at Chosen By You Book Club

October 7

Book featured at Fallen Over Book Reviews

October 9

Interviewed at I’m Shelf-ish

October 12

Book featured at Crystal’s Chaotic Confessions

October 14

Interviewed at Deal Sharing Aunt

October 15

Book featured at Celticlady’s Reviews

October 19

Book featured at Harmonious Publicity

October 21

Guest blogging at Lori’s Reading Corner

October 22

Book featured at Booklover Sue

October 23

Book reviewed at Read-Love-Blog

October 26

Book featured at Abibliophobia Anonymous

October 27

Book featured at The Dark Phantom

October 29

Guest blogging at Around the World in Books

October 30

Interviewed at Author C.A. Milson

End of Day by Jewel E. Ann….Blog Tour & Review

Meet Jack & Jill in End of Day by Jewel E Ann!

Be sure to grab your copy of this uniquely dark and funny read at the following retailers:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1TGxxgW

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1TGcu99

iTunes http://apple.co/1UEUj61

Kobo http://bit.ly/1JeJ1U6

Blurb

Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in the sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life.

Four caskets. Two bodies.

Jessica and Jude Day witness their funeral and that of their parents a few yards away from mourning family and friends. Stripped of the only life they’ve ever known, the Days say goodbye to San Francisco forever.

Four months later, two thirty-year-old misfits with elite self-defense skills and penchants for alcohol, sex, and trouble arrive like an earthquake to Peaceful Woods, a retirement community in Omaha, Nebraska, that thrives on rules and gossip. Welcome home, Jackson and Jillian Knight.

Jackson celebrates his new beginning by embracing his job and wiping his cavalier past clean with a temporary oath of celibacy. But Jillian’s past is branded into her soul—the deaths, the insanity, Dr. Luke Jones, and the need to make her lovers bleed. Her chance for redemption comes in the form of a next door neighbor, one Senior Master Sergeant Monaghan. He’s sexy, dangerously alluring, and riddled with emotional issues from years of service. He’s also … So. Damn. Grumpy.

Their mission is simple: Let go, start over, don’t kill anyone, and pray that nobody wakes the dead.

Excerpt

“Have you ever killed anyone?”

Jessica’s smile slipped. “If I told you then I’d have to kill you.”

“So you’re a secret agent?”

She flipped onto her stomach, resting her chin on her crossed arms. “If I said yes then it would no longer be a secret. Come on, Jones, you’re losing your focus. Don’t let me feel smarter than you or our time together will be over and I rather like hanging out here.”

“Luke,” he corrected.

“Lucas.”

“Luke.”

“Lukey.”

“LUKE!”

“Lulu.”

“I mean it!” Luke showed another rare moment of teetering emotion.

Jessica chuckled. “What are the chances of us having sex? I’ve never done it missionary, but you could possibly counsel me through it.”

He refocused on his crossword puzzle, filling in a word in pen. “Less than zero percent.”

“So, not in my favor, eh?

“Why not missionary?”

Jessica smiled in delight that Luke continued with the topic of conversation. “I’m sure you already know, but if you want me to say I need control, then sure, I need control. But the truth is I’d control any sex position you want to put me in.” Jessica winked as Luke gave her a fleeting glance. “I just don’t want you thinking you have control, even if I know it’s not the case. Pisses me off to see the smirk on a guy’s face when he thinks he has control.”

“Tell me why you need control.” Luke continued with his crossword.

“In bed?”

“Yes.”

“Someone has to have it.”

“Why?”

“Because someone initiates it.”

“So if I initiate sex with you will I have control?”

“There’s only one way to find out.” Jessica wiggled her eyebrows at an ill-humored Luke.

REVIEW

WOW! WOW! WOW!

First off – this is the first book I have read by Jewel E Ann and I abso-freaking-lutely loved it!!

I can’t really give you ANY of the plot about End of Day without explaining whole book, so I am going to apologize in advance for giving you nothing about it – expect a few character details.

You know that Jack/Jude and Jill/Jess are twins. They are starting (or trying to start) a new life together. And these two spar – physically and verbally with each other. They love each other alot so the abuse is just sibling love.

Jill is a no-holds bar, in your face type of woman. She doesn’t sugar coat anything and pretty much gives the new neighbors heart attacks every waking moment. However, she is having difficulty moving on from the past.

Jack is the more level-headed one and seems to try and make their new life better. He is the rock for Jill and tries to keep her from getting to caught up in the past and not able to enjoy their new life.

This story is told in 3rd person. If you are looking for a light, easy read – don’t read this. End of Day is in-depth and has some grey areas. It’s not extremely dark but it’s definitely not all pretty rainbows. I thoroughly enjoyed this story line. The characters are well-developed and complex. I love the added humor into this book – doesn’t allow things to get too dark and serious and keeps it more real.

Jewel did a wonderful job of writing a very unique and interesting plot. And she wrote it exquisitely. We get snippets of the past to explain why things are the way they are in the future and it doesn’t get confusing in the least.

And then we have the ending. The book ends in a cliffhanger, however you are given an optional cliffhanger that you can read her ending. I am not telling you if I chose to continue or not, but I will say that I need book 2 NOW!!!!

An extremely awesome start to a great series!!!

About the Author

Jewel is a free-spirited romance junkie with a quirky sense of humor.

With 10 years of flossing lectures under her belt, she took early retirement from her dental hygiene career to stay home with her three awesome boys and manage the family business.

After her best friend of nearly 30 years suggested a few books from the Contemporary Romance genre, Jewel was hooked. Devouring two and three books a week but still craving more, she decided to practice sustainable reading, AKA writing.

When she’s not donning her cape and saving the planet one tree at a time, she enjoys yoga with friends, good food with family, rock climbing with her kids, watching How I Met Your Mother reruns, and of course…heart-wrenching, tear-jerking, panty-scorching novels.

GIVEAWAY

Maya Custom Design (by winner) Timbuk2 bag ($100 value)

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Mrs. Kaplan and the Matzoh Ball of Death by Mark Reutlinger…Blog Tour Stop & Review

Synopsis:

Move over, Miss Marple—Mark Reutlinger’s charming cozy debut introduces readers to the unforgettable amateur sleuth Rose Kaplan and her loyal sidekick, Ida.

Everyone knows that Rose Kaplan makes the best matzoh ball soup around—she’s a regular matzoh ball maven—so it’s no surprise at the Julius and Rebecca Cohen Home for Jewish Seniors when, once again, Mrs. K wins the honor of preparing the beloved dish for the Home’s seder on the first night of Passover.

But when Bertha Finkelstein is discovered facedown in her bowl of soup, her death puts a bit of a pall on the rest of the seder. And things go really meshugge when it comes out that Bertha choked on a diamond earring earlier stolen from resident Daisy Goldfarb. Suddenly Mrs. K is the prime suspect in the police investigation of both theft and murder. Oy vey—it’s a recipe for disaster, unless Rose and her dear friend Ida can summon up the chutzpah to face down the police and solve the mystery themselves.

Advance praise for Mrs. Kaplan and the Matzoh Ball of Death

“Is there kosher food in jail? These two heroines have gotten themselves in quite a pickle! Well, it’s a matzoh ball mess, really. Too deliciously funny!”—Rita Mae Brown, bestselling author of Nine Lives to Die

My review:

Mrs. Kaplan and the Matzoh Ball of Death is the first cozy mystery from author Mark Reutlinger and is a fun and quick read that reminded me of The Golden Girls meets Columbo. I really enjoyed it!

There’s been a suspicious death during this year’s seder at the local home for Jewish seniors and the police are on the case. It turns out the victim, Bertha Finkelstein, has choked on an earring that seemingly has been cooked into one of Mrs. Kaplan’s matzoh balls. But things are not as they appear as this mystery will lead Mrs. Kaplan and her friend Ida on the search for the real culprit, since Mrs. K knew it wasn’t her. They sure have their work cut out for them and in the end, these women have a good shot at solving this culinary misfortune and prove that neither Mrs. K nor her famous matzoh balls are to blame.

This was a fun read for me, especially being a Jewish gal myself. There was a lot of yiddish being spoken between the characters which really appealed to me and reminded me a whole lot of my own grandmother and the friends she has at our local home for Jewish seniors. I enjoyed the mystery as well and thought that Mrs. K’s investigation was fantastic. There was a lot of wit and charm despite the fact that this was actually an investigation into an unfortunate death. Again, it really did remind me of The Golden Girls and I loved this departure from my normal genres.

If you’re looking for a quick and entertaining read, this is a book to get on your list! Thank you Mr. Reutlinger for bringing us the mysterious case of the matzoh ball of death!

Three-and-a-Half Loves

Book links:

Amazon | Goodreads

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the author:

Mark Reutlinger is the author of the novel Made in China and a professor of law emeritus at Seattle University. Born in San Francisco, Mark graduated from UC Berkeley and now lives with his wife, Analee, in University Place, Washington.

Follow the rest of the tour!

Ryder by Nick Pengelley…Blog tour stop & review

Synopsis:

Ayesha Ryder bears the scars of strife in the Middle East. Now her past is catching up to her as she races to unravel a mystery that spans centuries—and threatens to change the course of history.

As Israeli and Palestinian leaders prepare to make a joint announcement at the Tower of London, an influential scholar is tortured and murdered in his well-appointed home in St. John’s Wood. Academic researcher Ayesha Ryder believes the killing is no coincidence. Sir Evelyn Montagu had unearthed shocking revelations about T. E. Lawrence—the famed Lawrence of Arabia. Could Montagu have been targeted because of his discoveries?

Ryder’s search for answers takes her back to her old life in the Middle East and into a lion’s den of killers and traitors. As she draws the attention of agents from both sides of the conflict, including detectives from Scotland Yard and MI5, Ryder stumbles deeper into Lawrence’s secrets, an astounding case of royal blackmail, even the search for the Bible’s lost Ark of the Covenant.

Every step of the way, the endgame grows more terrifying. But when an attack rocks London, the real players show their hand—and Ayesha Ryder is left holding the final piece of the puzzle.

My Review:

Ryder is the debut work from author Nick Pengelley and was a wild ride from start to finish filled with history, mystery, riddles, murder, and intrigue.

Academic researcher Ayesha Ryder finds herself in the middle of an intense search for truths surrounding a mystery her recently murdered colleague, and former lover, had apparently stumbled upon. Mystery involving the potential of political secrets that have been kept hidden for decades and secrets that someone is desperately trying to keep hidden. It’s this quest for truth that will lead Ryder on one hell of a dangerous treasure hunt with the treasure in sight being an incredible and most important one that could potentially change the face of history for a dueling Palestine and Israel. Will she find this long-buried secret or will she die in her attempt?

While this isn’t my typical go-to genre, there was something about this story that called to me and I was really glad I picked it up. Yes, there is a lot of history and political aspects to this story but beyond that there was a ton of action that had me hooked from chapter to chapter. Ryder has an Angelina Jolie-esque quality about her, with a heart breaking past and a hardened resolve to never again live through the pain she once did. She is strong, both mentally and physically, and she was an amazing character to read. Along with Ryder there were a couple of characters that really stood out and brought a much-appreciated softer layer to this intense story. One such character being a wonderful woman in her later years who has one hell of an interesting past and drinks martinis at all hours of the day. My kind of gal!

Along with the great cast of characters was the feeling that we, the reader, were along on an Indian Jones type adventure. Trying to figure out riddles from the past, only to find another riddle waiting when that one was solved. It had me anxious and hyped while reading and a drive to continue reading non-stop and once and for all solve this puzzle. It was truly exciting!

I will undoubtedly be looking forward to the next installments in this series and cannot wait to see what author Pengelley has in store for Ryder. Thank you, Mr. Pengelley, for a literary roller coaster ride I truly appreciated!

Four Loves

Book links:

Amazon | B&N

About the author:

Nick Pengelley cites many influences on his writing. Readers of “Ryder” will not be surprised that authors like H. Rider Haggard, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, John Buchan and Peter O’Donnell figure prominently. He is a fan of the ripping yarns of the inter-war years – by writers such as Sapper, Dornford Yates, Edgar Wallace and Leslie Charteris. His more modern favourites include Umberto Eco (particularly “The Name of the Rose”), Alan Furst, Douglas Adams, Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman and Elizabeth Kostova (“The Historian”). Nicholas reads a “book or so” a week (and is horrified to think that, if he lives to be 200, he may only get to read 10,000). These days, although he still reads fiction, he is mainly interested in modern European and Middle Eastern history, and biography, having discovered some years ago that truth really is stranger than fiction. He lists his heroes, literary adventurers all, as Winston Churchill, T.E. Lawrence, Gertrude Bell and Teddy Roosevelt.

Website | Twitter

The Hexed by Heather Graham…Blog Tour Stop & Review

Synopsis:

A place of history, secrets…and witchcraft.

Devin Lyle has recently returned to the Salem area, but her timing couldn’t be worse. Soon after she moved into the eighteenth-century cabin she inherited from her great-aunt Mina—her “crazy” great-aunt, who spoke to the dead—a woman was murdered nearby.

Craig Rockwell—known as Rocky—is a new member of the Krewe of Hunters, the FBI’s team of paranormal investigators. He never got over finding a friend dead in the woods. Now another body’s been found in those same woods, not far from the home of Devin Lyle. And Devin’s been led to a third body—by…a ghost?

Her discovery draws them both deeper into the case and Salem’s rich and disturbing history. Even as the danger mounts, Devin and Rocky begin to fall for each other, something the ghosts of Mina and past witches seem to approve of. But the two of them need every skill they possess to learn the truth—or Devin’s might be the next body in the woods.

My review:

The Hexed is author Heather Graham’s thirteenth novel in her Krewe of Hunters Series and can absolutely be read as a stand alone. Being intrigued by Salem and the practice of witchcraft I was excited to read this book. Ms. Graham delivered mystery, murder and history sprinkled with romance and a charming ghost. I loved everything about this story and didn’t want it to end!

Children’s book author Devin Lyle was accustomed to the allure surrounding Salem and her nearby town. She was knowledgeable of the history and knew a great deal about Wicca and the truths and myths about being a Wiccan. She wasn’t one herself but many of her fellow townspeople were as was her best friend. Now, residing in the quaint cottage her beloved Auntie Mina had left her upon her passing, she spent her days quietly writing and speaking to her aunt’s ghost. Yes, it was a bit startling to realize she wasn’t seeing things after all and her aunt was indeed here in ghost form, but I guess you could say stranger things have happened…maybe? The bigger problem now, however, was the nearby murder of a young woman and that it was appearing that someone was trying to make it look as though Wicca had something to do with it…and that it wasn’t a harmless worship of mother earth but something evil instead. Devin knew that couldn’t be true and was visited by yet another ghost who seems to be trying to lead Devin to the one responsible for the heinous crime. Would anyone believe a woman getting clues from a ghost?

Newly appointed to the Krewe of Hunters division of the FBI, agent Craig Rockwell (aka Rocky) was back in his hometown and investigating a murder that was eerily similar to one that had happened when he was a teenager. He would never forget that murder. A crime that took away one of his closest friends and one that made him realize he had the gift to see and hear ghosts. That crime was never solved and now, coming back to town, he vowed to bring his friend justice. With the help of old friends and his new unit, it seemed more possible now than ever and also proving to be invaluable was the help of an interesting and beautiful local author who had stumbled across the body. Turns out she has s similar gift with the departed and didn’t that just add to her intrigue. But he was here for official reasons and come hell or high water he will solve this case. Now, if only the murders would stop….

With more murders happening faster than clues coming in, Rocky has his hands full and with time running out the help he is receiving from Devin and her ghostly grandmother turn out to be invaluable. But when Devin seems to be in the killer’s sights, Rocky realizes his feelings for her are growing and he prays he can solve this case before someone else gets hurt…mostly Devin.

The Hexed weaves an amazing tale of modern-day Salem with the area’s tragic past while adding a murder mystery and a dash of romance. I was kept wondering about the identity of the killer until the very end, and it was a person I never expected. To me, that is the gift of a great read. There were bits and pieces along the way that would lead me one way but then throw my suspicion in another direction entirely. I loved that. Rocky had been haunted by his friend’s murder for far too long and now being back it has really pushed his resolve. Combining his childhood friends (which includes a local police detective and lawyer) who were united in their grief, with his new Krewe team members was fantastic to read. Rocky is a professional, a gentleman, and has one hell of a sense of determination. I loved reading him. Devin is fabulous as well. Smart and witty, she is loyal to her friends and has a deep connection to her town. I appreciated her willingness to lend a hand and help with the investigation. Of course, the connection that grew between Rocky and Devin was just as amazing as every other aspect of this story.

I have to say, though, what I loved most was the way Ms. Graham made me feel as if I were a part of all of it. As if I was actually there in the cottage with ghostly Mina, Poe the raven and Devin. Every point was illustrated beautifully…even the history of the witch trials. I really adore that feeling and always appreciate when a book takes me away in such vivid ways.

Thank you, Ms. Graham, for a beautifully written suspenseful and mysterious story.

Four-and-a-Half Loves

Book links:

Amazon | B&N | iBooks

About the author:

Also published as Heather Graham Pozzessere and Shannon Drake.

New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Heather Graham majored in theater arts at the University of South Florida. After a stint of several years in dinner theater, back-up vocals, and bartending, she stayed home after the birth of her third child and began to write, working on short horror stories and romances. After some trial and error, she sold her first book, WHEN NEXT WE LOVE, in 1982 and since then, she has written over one hundred novels and novellas including category, romantic suspense, historical romance, vampire fiction, time travel, occult, and Christmas holiday fare. She wrote the launch books for the Dell’s Ecstasy Supreme line, Silhouette’s Shadows, and for Harlequin’s mainstream fiction imprint, Mira Books.

Heather was a founding member of the Florida Romance Writers chapter of RWA and, since 1999, has hosted the Romantic Times Vampire Ball, with all revenues going directly to children’s charity.

She is pleased to have been published in approximately twenty languages, and to have been honored with awards frorn Waldenbooks. B. Dalton, Georgia Romance Writers, Affaire de Coeur, Romantic Times, and more. She has had books selected for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild, and has been quoted, interviewed, or featured in such publications as The Nation, Redbook, People, and USA Today and appeared on many newscasts including local television and Entertainment Tonight.

Heather loves travel and anything have to do with the water, and is a certitified scuba diver. Married since high school graduation and the mother of five, her greatest love in life remains her family, but she also believes her career has been an incredible gift, and she is grateful every day to be doing something that she loves so very much for a living.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Review….Dyed and Gone by Beth Yarnall

Book links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Synopsis:

Hairstylist Azalea March is looking forward to a wild weekend in Las Vegas with her friends. Oh, sure, they’re supposed to be there on business, attending the biggest hair show on the west coast, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have a little fun. But fun quickly turns to drama. On the first morning of the show, Dhane, the biggest celeb of the hair-styling world, is found dead. As it urns out Azalea’s friend, Vivian, not only knew Dhane, but the tale she weaves of how they met is faker than a showgirl’s uh… assets. When Vivian confesses to the murder and is arrested, Azalea knows there’s no way she could have done it and suspects Vivian may be trying to protect someone. But who?

Azalea now has to convince Alex, the sexy detective from her past, to help her prove Vivian’s innocence and comb through clues more twisted than a spiral perm. But the truth is stranger than anything found on the Las Vegas Strip, and proving Vivian’s innocence turns out to be more difficult than transforming a brunette into a blonde.

My review:

Dyed and Gone is the first book in the Azalea March Mystery series by author Beth Yarnall and let me say kicked this series off with a fantastic start! Funny, entertaining, suspenseful, and witty, this book was all that and more.

When hairstylist Azalea March packed up for a weekend away in Las Vegas for the biggest hair event of the year she had no idea that it would go from trying out new shears and blow dryers to trying to solve a murder. The reigning king of hair, Dhane, has been murdered and Azalea finds herself smack dab in the middle of the investigation. Not only because she happens to be new friends with his inner circle but also because her business partner, Vivian, had a past with Dhane and that past would be called into question. Especially when Vivian confesses to the murder. A murder Azalea is positive Vivian didn’t commit. Now, Azalea has a bigger mess on her hands than if she forgot to wear gloves while dying a blonde to a dark brunette. Adding even more to the debacle is Azalea having to rely on her sort-of-ex-fling and detective, Alex, to help her and Vivian out of this pickle. And to think, Azalea’s biggest worry just days ago had been what shoes to pack.

When I say this book has it all, I mean it. There were parts that had me laughing out loud and there were parts that had me worried. Parts that had me fanning myself and parts that had my upset. I loved how much was packed into Dyed and Gone. The characters are wonderfully colorful and delightfully quirky with personalities that leap off of the page. The murder mystery had me guessing from the very beginning until the last few pages. I couldn’t put my finger on who I thought committed the crime and I loved that I was kept on my toes until the very end. I say “very end” because just when I thought I got my killer, BAM, we were treated to a great twist. Azalea is a smart and witty heroine that I can’t wait to read more of! I’m dying to see what adventures she has in store and if things heat up more with her kinda-sorta-ex/kinda-sorta-boyfriend Alex. He is so opposite Azalea in many ways and they really compliment each other well. Great chemistry that totally deserves exploring!

Overall, I loved this story and would recommend it to any reader whether a mystery fan or a chick lit fan. There really is something for everyone! Thank you, Beth, for Dyed and Gone. I can’t wait to read more!

Four Loves

About the author:

Best selling author, Beth Yarnall writes romantic suspense, mysteries and the occasional hilarious blog post. For a number of years, Beth made her living as a hairstylist and makeup artist and co-owned a salon with her very best friend. Somehow hairstylists and salons always seem to find their way into her stories. Beth lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons, and their dog where she is hard at work on her next novel.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Pretty Reckless by Jodi Linton…Blog Tour Stop, Review & Bonus Guest Post

She’s dead-set on giving one bullheaded cowboy the boot.

Pretty Reckless

by: Jodi Linton

Release Date: 3/24

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Synopsis:

Welcome to Pistol Rock, Texas where everyone knows secrets last about as long as the sporadic west Texas rain showers.

Laney Briggs has long been considered reckless by the denizens of her hometown, but she’s finally turned it all around—she’s happily engaged to the local veterinarian and she’s become a Pistol Rock deputy sheriff. Everything’s fine and dandy—until a dead body turns up and her ex, Texas Ranger Gunner Wilson, decides to stick his boots into the town’s first murder case. Of course, the troublesome cowboy’s rugged good looks and T-shirt-straining muscles are already leaving Laney knee-deep in hot water, but she’ll be damned if she lets Gunner trample all over her turf. She’s decided that, instead of conflict, she wants a contented, steady life with her vet—a life in which Gunner Wilson and his seemingly endless ability to undermine her resolve and her libido plays no part. Still, it’s hard to keep her head as forbidden sparks ignite and suspicions arise between old rivals and old flames. And when the bodies start to pile up, Laney has to ask the lethal bad boy for a hand—and a truce in exchange for his help. But after uncovering the pack of lies surrounding not only her job but her heart… Having an ex-boyfriend as an ally might not be the best idea, but it’s certainly the most reckless, and Laney has always been pretty reckless…

My Review:

Pretty Reckless is the first in author Jodi Linton’s Deputy Laney Briggs Series and really sets us up for what I think will be a great collection!

Sherriff’s Deputy Laney Briggs is used to the slow and somewhat boring country life in a small southern town. She’s been able to get past a pretty hurtful breakup and is adjusting to life as the fiancée of the town’s veterinarian. Life is pretty good. For Small Town, USA, that is. Things take a turn for the worse when there’s a dead body found up on one of the big local farms. Suddenly everything is turned upside-down. Not just because there’s clearly been a murder, but because her ex is now here working the case with her. He’s a Texas Ranger and is assigned to help on the case. A distraction she doesn’t need especially when this turns into a real humdinger case of who-done-it. The murder turns out to be the tip of the iceberg and Laney uncovers a huge case of debt, drugs and deceit. The likes she never thought she’d see in her small town. Add working alongside her sexy as sin ex and digging up all sorts of feelings she’d like to leave behind, and this may prove to be the hardest case of Laney’s life.

Whew, talk about a mystery that had me on the edge of my seat until the end! Laney sure had her hands full from the very beginning and with so many colorful townspeople and viable suspects; she had her work cut out for her. That poor gal was put through the ringer in this book but I loved that she never gave up…or even thought about quitting. One of my favorite parts of this book though was Jodi’s ability to write a small town that I truly felt a part of. The characters were described with such great detail that I loved some of them, hated others and laughed with many of them. I think this is a great start to the series and feel like we have a great foundation for the series to come.

Thank you , Jodi, for Pretty Reckless! I’m looking forward to what’s in store for Laney in the future.

Four Loves

Goodreads | Amazon Buy Link | Barnes & Noble Buy Link | EP Book Page

Guest Post from Jodi:

THE MAKING OF DEPUTY LANEY BRIGGS.

Often I’m asked how I came up with Laney Briggs. It’s a long story, so I’ll give the condensed version of it for now.

When we first moved to Austin from north Texas, my husband and I found ourselves thrust into a big city with small town charm. I worked various temp jobs for several months since having a bachelor’s degree in history really didn’t get the plum pickings in the job department. When it came down to the writing part of this story, I didn’t actually start typing away on the computer until I became pregnant with my first child. After several failed attempts at trying to complete a manuscript, I shoved writing aside and focused on raising my son for a few years.

Then, one day I decided to try my hand at writing again.

For the most part, the series started out with a brainstorming session I had with my husband. As I was in the middle of writing a manuscript (which will never see the light of day), I hit a wall and decided to trash the project until I could find my writing muse again. In the end, my husband suggested that I should write what I knew, and that was…Texas. My inner cheerleader wanted to shake her pom-poms when the name Laney Briggs popped into my head.

After that, it all sort of fell into place.

I grew up in a small town, so I knew the language and the fun peculiarities of small town people. Within days of that conversation with my husband, I had a clear vision of who my protagonist would be. There she was, a sassy female sheriff deputy whose sharp tongue could outwit any hunky cowboy.

Now if you want the longer version of the story, buy me a cold one if we ever cross paths later on down the road, and we’ll sit down for a spell.

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About the author:

Jodi Linton grew up across the street from a cow pasture, where she was more likely to be seen selling Kool-Aid in a Dixie cup at ten cents a pop, or inviting neighbors over to watch one of her plays staged on her father’s Bass boat.

In 2001, she traded in the rednecks, cowboys, and mesquite trees of her hometown to chase destiny out west. After a few years of mucking it around with the roughnecks, dust storms, and droughts, she decided to dust off her boots and head home. With a History degree in one hand and a marriage license in the other, she followed her husband in 2006 to central Texas the heartland, fabulous Austin.

After settling into the Texas Hill Country with her husband and two kids, she joined the Austin Romance Writers of America, and signed with The Belcastro Agency. Today she can be found cozied up to the computer escaping into a quirky world of tall tales, sexy, tight jean wearing cowboys, and a protagonist with a sharp-tongue quick enough to hang any man out to dry.

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