Watch Me by Jody Gehrman

Posted on January 23, 2018 by fredreeca

Overview

Riveting, chilling, and page-turning. Be prepared to stay up all night.” — New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline

For fans of dark and twisty psychological thrillers, Watch Me is a riveting novel of suspense about how far obsession can go.

Kate Youngblood is disappearing. Muddling through her late 30s as a creative writing professor at Blackwood college, she’s dangerously close to never being noticed again. The follow-up novel to her successful debut tanked. Her husband left her for a woman ten years younger. She’s always been bright, beautiful, independent and a little wild, but now her glow is starting to vanish. She’s heading into an age where her eyes are less blue, her charm worn out, and soon no one will ever truly look at her, want to know her, again.

Except one.

Sam Grist is Kate’s most promising student. An unflinching writer with razor-sharp clarity who gravitates towards dark themes and twisted plots, his raw talent is something Kate wants to nurture into literary success. But he’s not there solely to be the best writer. He’s been watching her. Wanting her. Working his way to her for years.

As Sam slowly makes his way into Kate’s life, they enter a deadly web of dangerous lies and forbidden desire. But how far will his fixation go? And how far will she allow it?

A gripping novel exploring intense obsession and illicit attraction, Jody Gehrman introduces a world where what you desire most may be the most dangerous thing of all.

Review

Kate is a novelist struggling to come up with her next number one. To make ends meet, she is a professor at a small college hoping to receive tenure soon. Sam is just a regular student with a good bit of talent. Kate wants to show him the ropes of the literary life. Little does she know, Sam has been watching her for years.

Kate starts out as a pretty strong, smart woman. However, I was a little shocked at how she allowed Sam to weave himself into her life. I expected a little more from her character. That being said, Sam….now Sam is a excellent stalker, which is why Kate allowed him to get so close, so very close. He does have a certain magnetism which attracts Kate and the reader!

This is your standard stalking novel. It has many twists and turns that keep the reader glued to the story. Standard is the operative word here. It is fast-paced and intriguing, but nothing new.

I received this novel from Netgalley for a honest review.

Purchase here

Barnes and Noble

Amazon

Posted in Reviews | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Busted by Michele I. Khoury

Posted on January 15, 2018 by fredreeca

Overview

Impacted by the recession, twenty-four-year-old artist Gina McKenna is down to her last few dollars and days away from living in her car when a successful businessman buys a painting and commissions another. As their relationship evolves, she’s seduced by his charm and mesmerized by his luxurious lifestyle until she discovers he’s a drug kingpin. As her world turns upside down, she struggles to survive vicious brutality.

Miguel Lopez is a cocaine supplier with a weightlifter’s physique and “the rules do not apply to me” attitude. Maniacal and ruthless, he has no qualms about killing anyone who interferes with his distribution network, including Gina.

Dedicated to eradicating illegal drugs, DEA Special Agent Bobby Garcia spent months and hundreds of thousands of dollars working undercover to buy his way up a dealer chain to identify the moneyman. When his fourteen-year-old daughter overdoses on cocaine, he traces the blow to Lopez. As Bobby’s mission becomes personal, he makes emotional decisions, which negatively impact civilians and his job. Unable to let go, he risks his career to orchestrate the biggest drug sting in Southern California. What happens isn’t what he expected.

When a deputy district attorney meets Gina at a party, he is smitten. As his attraction grows, so does Gina’s involvement with the DEA’s case, of which he is the designated prosecutor. Mindful of his professional ethics, he tries to stifle his feelings.

Sex and violence permeate the twists and turns of this cautionary tale about choosing one’s friends well.

Review

Gina is a struggling author, just trying to keep from living in her car. She sets up in the park to sell her paintings (this is illegal, by the way). She spots two men in a scuffle. Needless to say!!!!! These two men change her life….and not necessarily for the better.

I started out enjoying Gina. She has a good, kind heart. Then she makes some stupid decisions. I understand why…she needs the money or she is going to be kicked out of her apartment. Gina lives in beautiful Laguna Beach, CA. Lots of rich and powerful people live here, including drug dealers! Her contact with this side of Laguna Beach lands her in some serious trouble.

This tale covers just about everything. It is suspenseful with a small side of romance. There are several places where the characters state the obvious and the story is predictable. But it moves at a rapid pace and keeps you entertained till the very end.

I received this novel from the author for a honest review.

Purchase here

Barnes and Noble

Amazon

Posted in Reviews | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

I Was Told to Come Alone My Journey Behind the Lines of Jihad by Souad Mekhennet

Posted on January 14, 2018 by fredreeca

Overview

“I was told to come alone. I was not to carry any identification, and would have to leave my cell phone, audio recorder, watch, and purse at my hotel. . . .”

For her whole life, Souad Mekhennet, a reporter for The Washington Post who was born and educated in Germany, has had to balance the two sides of her upbringing – Muslim and Western. She has also sought to provide a mediating voice between these cultures, which too often misunderstand each other.

In this compelling and evocative memoir, we accompany Mekhennet as she journeys behind the lines of jihad, starting in the German neighborhoods where the 9/11 plotters were radicalized and the Iraqi neighborhoods where Sunnis and Shia turned against one another, and culminating on the Turkish/Syrian border region where ISIS is a daily presence. In her travels across the Middle East and North Africa, she documents her chilling run-ins with various intelligence services and shows why the Arab Spring never lived up to its promise. She then returns to Europe, first in London, where she uncovers the identity of the notorious ISIS executioner “Jihadi John,” and then in France, Belgium, and her native Germany, where terror has come to the heart of Western civilization.

Mekhennet’s background has given her unique access to some of the world’s most wanted men, who generally refuse to speak to Western journalists. She is not afraid to face personal danger to reach out to individuals in the inner circles of Al Qaeda, the Taliban, ISIS, and their affiliates; when she is told to come alone to an interview, she never knows what awaits at her destination.

Souad Mekhennet is an ideal guide to introduce us to the human beings behind the ominous headlines, as she shares her transformative journey with us. Hers is a story you will not soon forget.

Review

This starts with Souad’s unusual childhood and how it impacted her thoughts and her determination. Her background is a unique blend of Muslim with western influences. This brings out her convictions and her courage which runs throughout this book. I will say the first part was a little slow for me. I kept wondering when I was going to get to the jihad section. But this is a vital area of her story. This background into Souad’s way of thinking is so important as the book moves along.

This memoir takes you all over the globe. The differences in customs and cultures are fascinating. And! I have to say I am impressed with Souad Mekhennet! She is a tough journalist. She has been in some tough, scary situations but, she keeps pounding away to find out the truth. Really, I don’t think much frightens this woman. And I know nothing stops her!

However, the tone of this narrative is a little stiff or rather more matter of fact. I would have loved to have known more of her feelings during many situations.

I learned so much about many areas of the Middle East. I just thought I knew about these places. Souad takes you to so many countries and teaches you so much in this memoir. I do admire her courage and her tenacity.

I received this book from the publisher for a honest review.

Purchase here

Barnes and Noble

Amazon

Posted in Reviews | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The Girls in the Picture by Melanie Benjamin

Posted on January 13, 2018 by fredreeca

Overview

An intimate portrait of the close friendship and powerful creative partnership between two of Hollywood’s earliest female superstars: Frances Marion and Mary Pickford. An enchanting new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Swans of Fifth Avenue and The Aviator’s Wife.

Hollywood, 1914. Frances Marion, a young writer desperate for a break, meets “America’s Sweetheart,” Mary Pickford, already making a name for herself both on and off the screen with her golden curls and lively spirit. Together, these two women will take the movie business by storm.

Mary Pickford becomes known as the “Queen of the Movies”—the first actor to have her name on a movie marquee, and the first to become a truly international celebrity. Mary and her husband, Douglas Fairbanks, were America’s first Royal Couple, living in a home more famous that Buckingham Palace. Mary won the first Academy Award for Best Actress in a Talkie and was the first to put her hand and footprints in Grauman’s theater sidewalk. Her annual salary in 1919 was $625,000—at a time when women’s salaries peaked at $10 a week. Frances Marion is widely considered one of the most important female screenwriters of the 20th century, and was the first writer to win multiple Academy Awards. The close personal friendship between the two stars was closely linked to their professional collaboration and success.

This is a novel about power: the power of women during the exhilarating early years of Hollywood, and the power of forgiveness. It’s also about the imbalance of power, then and now, and the sacrifices and compromises women must make in order to succeed. And at its heart, it’s a novel about the power of female friendship.

Review

Mary Pickford was a force of nature. She was smart, hardworking and knew when to play her cards right. She and Frances were great friends and each had a long and prosperous career, basically because of each other. Mary helped Frances get her start. Frances was an excellent screen writer which kept Mary in the movies, even when the flickers became the talkies.

I researched Mary and Frances both. These ladies helped change the movie business. I had never heard of Frances and knew very little about Mary. So this novel taught me so much. I loved reading about the “flickers” and about old Hollywood. Also, these two women over came so many obstacles in a man driven world. They were forces of nature!

Wow! I enjoyed this novel! I am on a roll for 2018. I did fluctuate between a 5 and a 4 star rating. Basically because this is a long read, longer than it should be. But the 5 star won out. The setting and the characters were just too good!

Purchase Here

Barnes and Noble

Amazon

Posted in Reviews | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Five super great books I am looking forward to reading in 2018!

Posted on January 11, 2018 by fredreeca

2018 is shaping up to be a great year in publishing. There are tons of books I cannot wait to read. I NEED TO RETIRE!

Here is a short list of a few books which have caught my eye for 2018.

The Secret to Southern Charm by Kristy Woodson Harvey

I read the first in this series last year and LOVED IT! Slightly South of Simple. So full of charm and wit! So of course the next in the series is a MUST for me!

Ain’t She A Peach by Molly Harper

I had never read Molly Harper till last year when I read Sweet Tea and Sympathy . I cannot wait to see what these characters have in store for me next…who can resist McCready Funeral Home and Bait Shop!

The Perfect Stranger by Megan Miranda

Oh my goodness!! All the Missing Girls was so freaking good! So of course I can’t wait for this EDGE OF YOUR SEAT READ!

Beach House Reunion by Mary Alice Monroe

The website said this cover is not final but isn’t it wonderful. I LOVE MARY ALICE MONROE. She is one of my all time Southern Authors. Her characters and the way she weaves environmental issues into her novels are so creative. I will have to patient till I find out what happens after Beach House for Rent

And last but not least

The Myth of Perpetual Summer by Susan Crandall

I seem to have a theme of southern running through this post. I can’t help it! This southern girl loves great southern fiction and if you have not read Susan Crandall…you are missing out. The Flying Circus was a five star read for me. And this cover…..oh my!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | 5 Comments

Just Between Us by Rebecca Drake

Posted on January 4, 2018 by fredreeca

Overview

Four suburban mothers and friends conspire to cover up a deadly crime in this heart-stopping novel of suspense in the tradition of Lisa Scottoline and Lisa Unger.

Alison, Julie, Sarah, Heather. Four friends living the suburban ideal. Their jobs are steady, their kids are healthy. They’re as beautiful as their houses. But each of them has a dirty little secret, and hidden behind the veneer of their perfect lives is a crime and a mystery that will consume them all.

Everything starts to unravel when Alison spots a nasty bruise on Heather’s wrist. She shares her suspicions with Julie and Sarah, compelling all three to investigate what looks like an increasingly violent marriage. As mysterious injuries and erratic behavior mount, Heather can no longer deny the abuse, but she refuses to leave her husband. Desperate to save her, Alison and the others dread the phone call telling them that she’s been killed. But when that call finally comes, it’s not Heather who’s dead. In a moment they’ll come to regret, the women must decide what lengths they’ll go to in order to help a friend.

Just Between Us is a thrilling glimpse into the underbelly of suburbia, where not all neighbors can be trusted, and even the closest friends keep dangerous secrets. You never really know what goes on in another person’s mind, or in their marriage.

Review

Four friends, with nice families, or so it seems. Heather apparently is being abused and it sends all these friends into high alert, as it should. They are constantly on the look out for new bruises and new ways to help her get out of this abusive relationship. But, how far will they go to protect Heather?

The story starts off pretty well. I was reeled in nicely. I liked all the characters in the beginning, then there is a phone call. This is when I began a split between me and the characters. These ladies are smart but they proceed to do something so stupid and out of character. It was almost a deal breaker between me and the book.

However, I am glad I finished the novel. I did have most of it figured out, that is, until the very end. Did not see part of it coming. I do enjoy being surprised and the author surprised me pretty good with the final twist.

Like I said earlier, these characters frustrated the devil out of me. This did taint the book for me at the first. (I rolled my eyes plenty). But, this a quick read with plenty of action and lots of emotion. And if you can’t trust your friends, who can you trust?

I received this novel from Netgalley for a honest review

Purchase Here

Barnes and Noble

Amazon

Posted in Reviews | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Mad Librarian by Michael Guillebeau

Posted on January 3, 2018 by fredreeca

Overview

Half of all profits go to the Awesome Foundation for Library Innovation.

“This book is truly every librarian’s dream come true. After fighting budget battles over and over again, librarian Serenity has lost her library funding. What’s a librarian gonna do? How about ripping off the city that’s ripping off its citizens? Serenity begins helping herself to the funds that local politicians have been setting aside for their own personal “rainy day “. With the money she amasses she can build a library to thrill readers everywhere. Problem is, those politicians aren’t too thrilled to see their money disappearing and they plan to do anything to get it back. Why in the world are libraries always under threat? A funny, moving story of our most precious institutions under threat.” –Cayocosta72 Reviews

Review

Serenity is determined to keep her library afloat. She goes about this is in unconventional ways. With vodka in her cup and the help of the library’s mascot….a rat…yes a rat, she proceeds to do a lot more than she ever dreamed possible.

Quirky and with wonderful play on words, the author takes the reader on a trip through small town politics with many southern treasures. I enjoyed the setting and all the odd characters. I live in a small southern town and I think half the characters in this book live down the road from me. I could relate to all the politics and the great lengths Serenity must go through to get the library of her dreams.

The story does bog down in the middle. But because of the funny phrases, quips and adorable characters, it is an enjoyable read to the end!

I received this novel from the author for a honest review.

Purchase here

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Posted in Reviews | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Living in Italy The Real Deal by Stef Smulders

Posted on December 30, 2017 by fredreeca

Overview

The experiences and adventures of two Dutchmen and their dog in Italy.

“A thoroughly entertaining read and a unique introduction to ‘the Italian way’!”

(Readers’ Favorite)

“Smulders storytelling artistry is wildly entertaining.”

(Blogcritics and Readerviews)

Funny short stories about learning to live in Italy. About mafiose real estate agents, Mussolini-type builders, lousy plumbers, Italian neighbours, murderous veterinarians, horrors in hospitals, tasting wine, eating pizza, visiting the theatre, truffle hunting and much more!

In 2008 the author emigrated to Italy, bringing husband and dog along, to start Bed & Breakfast Villa I Due Padroni. But a lot of hurdles had to be taken before the first guests could be accommodated. In 2014 Stef reported about his adventures in buying and reconstructing the house, obtaining a tax number and a bank account, registering at the commune and at the national health service, importing their car and a range of other things that lead to a myriad of bureaucratic troubles. These problems were always resolved in a truly Italian fashion, leading to raised Dutch eyebrows and hilarious scenes. As a reader you will encounter a range of characteristic Italians, from sympathetic to villainous, from moving to shameless. Real Italians of flesh and blood, sometimes cliché, somtimes surprisingly original. But always worth encountering.

Review

This is a series of short stories about two men who move to Italy. It follows their purchase of a home, internet connections and of course FOOD. Cannot have a book about Italy without food.

Oh my! What an adventure these two have had. This is such a cute, darling read! I laughed out loud at many places in these stories, especially the one about the real estate agent. You must stay on your toes if you move to Italy. The bureaucracy needed to clear up some problems are amazing. I enjoyed learning about some the issues these men encountered and the hilarious outcomes.

The writing is a little choppy in places and some of the stories just seem to be fillers. However, I enjoyed the author’s humor and his ability to look at the bright side through many trials!

I received this book from the author for a honest review.

Purchase here

Amazon

Posted in Reviews | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

King of the Court by Melanie Munton – Book Spotlight plus Giveaway

Posted on December 28, 2017 by fredreeca

King of the Court

By Melanie Munton

Genre: New Adult Romance

CAM DONOVAN
Cam has been the king of college basketball for the past three years. Every season he dominates the basketball scene, and the entire country loves him. Well, everyone except for the only girl whose attention he actually wants.

REESE BRADLEY
As the new trainer for the men’s basketball team at North Calhoun University, Reese literally can’t stay away from the cocky star forward. She tends to avoid Cam’s type. The big-man-on-campus, alpha male type. But she’s finding it very difficult to ignore him and his relentless flirting.

THERE’S JUST ONE PROBLEM
Reese is the coach’s daughter. Cam’s coach has made it very clear that all members of his team are to keep their hands off Reese, no exceptions. With his final season at NCU under way, the last thing Cam needs is for his team’s dynamic to be screwed up, all because he couldn’t keep from screwing the coach’s daughter. He has to stay far away from her if he wants to take his team all the way.

MAKE THAT TWO PROBLEMS
Trey Warren. Point guard for NCU’s rival school. A.k.a., Cam’s long-time arch rival and coincidentally, Reese’s greatest nemesis. Trey is the one person who can send Cam’s basketball empire crumbling to the ground. Not to mention make matters between Cam and Reese even more complicated.

As the highly publicized rivalry between Cam and Trey intensifies, the attraction between Cam and Reese heats up to scorching levels. No matter what, they know they have to resist each other. The more they deny their feelings, though, the stronger the pull between them becomes.
But can they withstand secrets, betrayals, rivalries, and the ever-present press? Even if they break all the rules, will they be strong enough to fight through the forces conspiring against them?

AFTER ALL, EVEN KINGS CAN BE OVERTHROWN…

About the Author

Traveler. Reader. Wino. Beach-goer. St. Louis Cardinals fan. Pasta-obsessed. North Carolina resident. Sarcastic. Bit of a nerd.

Author of the Slow Seductions, Cruz Brothers, Possession and Politics, and Timid Souls series, Melanie is a true romantic at heart. She loves writing the cheesy and corny of romantic comedies, and the sassy and sexy of suspenses. She aims to make her readers swoon, laugh out loud, maybe sweat a little, and above all, fall in love. And she loves her some strong alpha males and sassy heroines.

She has a horrible food addiction to pasta and candy (not together…ew). And she gets sad when her wine rack is empty.

Go visit Melanie’s website and sign up for her newsletter to stay updated on release dates, teasers, and other details for all of her projects!
http://www.melaniemunton.com/

You can also follow Melanie on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Goodreads.

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melaniemuntonauthor/

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/melanie_munton

On Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36605903-king-of-the-court

Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2B8ozFR

GIVEAWAY

The author is hosting a giveaway on Goodreads for a paperback copy of King of the Court. You can enter here: http://bit.do/dW2dT

Posted in Book Spotlight, giveaway | Tagged , | Leave a comment

The English Wife By Laura Willig

Posted on December 27, 2017 by fredreeca

Overview

From the New York Times bestselling author, Lauren Willig, comes this scandalous New York Gilded Age novel full of family secrets, affairs, and even murder.

Annabelle and Bayard Van Duyvil live a charmed life: he’s the scion of an old Knickerbocker family, she grew up in a Tudor manor in England, they had a whirlwind romance in London, they have three year old twins on whom they dote, and he’s recreated her family home on the banks of the Hudson and renamed it Illyria. Yes, there are rumors that she’s having an affair with the architect, but rumors are rumors and people will gossip. But then Bayard is found dead with a knife in his chest on the night of their Twelfth Night Ball, Annabelle goes missing, presumed drowned, and the papers go mad. Bay’s sister, Janie, forms an unlikely alliance with a reporter to uncover the truth, convinced that Bay would never have killed his wife, that it must be a third party, but the more she learns about her brother and his wife, the more everything she thought she knew about them starts to unravel. Who were her brother and his wife, really? And why did her brother die with the name George on his lips?

Review

Bayard is from a knickerbocker family but this doesn’t stop him from marrying an actress with a past. These two live a charmed life until Bayard is murdered and Annabelle’s past reveals itself.

I enjoyed the time setting of the rich and powerful during the Knickerbocker years. A perfect setting for this murder mystery. I also liked Annabelle. She is no nonsense and could care less about what most people think. She does not fall into the norm of the rich and powerful. Her spunk leads her to be an endearing character. Then there is Bayard. Bayard has a large secret as well. You need to read the book to find this out! “What a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.” This is the quote which comes to mind when thinking about Bayard.

The story is drawn out and way too long. That being said, I still enjoyed it, for the most part. I kept trying to figure out “who dunnit”. I really like being stumped and the author did a fabulous job keeping me stumped till the very end.

With mansions, secrets and family drama, I felt very much like I was reading a gothic mystery. A nice change from plain historical fiction.

I received this novel from the publisher via Netgalley.

Purchase here

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Posted in Reviews | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments