Out of the Shadow by J.S. Winn

Book Synopsis:

Out of the Shadow tells the story of two women drawn together in the present to uncover a crime from the past.

Having survived a rape and her husband's murder, all Becca Rosen wants to do is move on with her life, but how can she when she's being stalked by a psychopath with an attitude - and an agenda. The police are no help because they're convinced, with her history of mental illness, Becca has faked the rape to get away with her husband's murder. On top of that, Becca has begun to have flashbacks and nightmares of childhood abuse, possibly at the hands of the rapist. Not knowing where to turn, and feeling like she might go crazy again, Becca hires Psychologist, Sarah Abrams, to help her unearth who's behind the crimes of the past....and the present.

Three men come into Becca's life around the same time. While each of these men has his charms, Becca can't be certain whether any one of them is the real killer. Or could it be someone else? Together Becca and Sarah start on a course of hypnotherapy to discover the abuser's identity. Will their work reveal the real killer before it's too late, or will Becca once again fall prey to this demented criminal?

Book Review:

All I can say is WOW!!! This book was amazing!!! I really had no clue who the psychopath was till the last few pages...Oh and the ending was even more off from what I thought....talk about awesome!! It has been awhile since came across a book that had me guessing and changing my answers several times and keeping me confused all through the book.

This was my first book by this author and it will not be my last. I am really looking forward to reading more books by her!!!

I really liked how the story was told through the victims therapist. It gave a different edge to the writing style. It made it a lot more believable. I felt so much pain for the Becca/Rachel....she had to endure so much and a lot of it on her own....Reading this book has really made me want to look into understanding psychology more....it is truly interesting how our own minds can close out so many things that were hard for us to deal with.

Winn did a wonderful job of writing this story. It was written very well with hardly to no grammar issues at all. It was the right length and had just the right amount of detail in the story. I started this book early afternoon and finished late afternoon today.....I couldn't put it down, it had me captured since the first page.

You definitely have to get this book and read it!! You will not be disappointed and it will have you sitting on the edge of your seat and wondering what will happen next!!!

Mary O'Reilly Series by Terri Reid

Series Synopsis:

Dying is what changed Mary O'Reilly's life. Well, actually, coming back from the dead and having the ability to communicate with ghosts is really what did it. As a third-generation Chicago cop, Mary knew the risks of being a polic officer and didn't hesitate to step between a drug dealer's bullet and her beloved older brother, Sean. But instead of "going to the light" when she died on the operating table, she was given a choice - a choice that would change her life.

Now, a private investigator in rural Freeport, Illinois, Mary's trying to learn how to incorporate her experience as a Chicago cop and new-found talent into a real job. Her challenge is to solve the mysteries, get real evidence (a ghost's word just doesn't hold up in court), and be sure the folks in town, especially the handsome new police chief, don't think she's nuts.

Throughout her adventures, Mary is aided by many colorful characters. Together, they work to solve mysteries so spirits with unfinished business can move on. These mysteries take them to all parts of rural Northwest Illinois and Chicagoland area.

Book Review:
 

I can’t say enough about this series. I was hooked them minute I read the first chapter in Loose Ends (the first book of the series). It had suspense, romance, thrills and paranormal beings. To me that is a good combination for a book, lol. That is all my favorite genres!

Terri Reid really knows her stuff and the writing was amazing. It flowed really well and kept me excited throughout the series. I like the fact that the romance between Bradley and Mary was not an immediate one, like so many other romances I have read it. It felt more natural and realistic.

All the characters in this book (well the good guys, lol) were awesome, there wasn’t one page that I didn’t read that would not have me laughing. Each one had their own unique way of being….well…a smart ass, haha!! J Mary was the best at the smart witty comments!! I could see myself really being friends with her if she was real, hahaha!! Oh and Bradley, yummy and what a sweet heart!!

Because there are ten books in this series so far, I decided it would be a lot easier to just write one review for the whole series.  Each book had a different story but the whole series seemed to mesh together by the way the stories would flow to the book. I really liked how the characters were strong and confident but also had their times of weakness. When you have characters that never show weakness it can kind of gets a little boring, but that was not an issue with this series.

There were times I had gotten a little emotional with the series. Mary was so compassionate about her goal in helping others, both in the life and after death. I loved how the main characters in the series were a big family, not by blood but by friendship. It is so hard to find that kind of friendship. Each character was just as fun and loving as the next and I loved every minute of it.

I guess I can say the one thing I had a little issue with this series was the constant repeat about the characters within each book, I think it finally died down after book five. I could see it going to at least book two but the constant reminder through the rest of the books was about to drive me crazy. I was reading a series so I know about the characters background by end of book one, but I just skipped over the reminder introduction in the books and it was not big deal. Other than that little detail and a few grammar and spelling issues (which was not very many) was really the only thing I had against the series.

If you like a little mystery, crime solving, danger, paranormal and a sweet simple romance, then you will really love this series. I am so glad that I was able to read them, I actually finished all ten books in a week’s time. I just couldn’t put them down. Go out and get the books I know you won’t be disappointed!

Chasing Justice by Danielle Stewart

Book Synopsis:

Piper Anderson has been given a fresh start in the picturesque town of Edenville, North Carolina. But her plans of settling into a normal life are derailed when she witnesses a prominent judge in her community committing a violent assault. Running from her own past and fueled by a passion to make the judge answer for his crimes, Piper is forced to decide if she'll play by the rules or achieve justice in her own way.

Complicating things further, Piper finds herself fighting a powerful attraction to rookie cop, Bobby Wright. Although she's increasingly enamored with bobby, his staunch belief in the justice system is in stark contrast to her own. She may not share his opinions about the effectiveness of the law, but she certainly can't deny how safe she feels when she's in his arms or how every kiss leaves her desperate for more. 

For Piper,  the idea of finally living an ordinary life with a man to love is tempting. However, fate keeps placing the judge, quite literally, in her path. Will she decide the only way to win is to be as wicked as the judge, but with righteous intentions? And more importantly, will Bobby choose to let her go, or follow her as she crosses the line and takes justice into her own hands?

Book Review: 

First off, I am just going to scream about the ending!! How can you end it like that, there is no closer I need more!! I wanted the progression between Piper and Bobby!! Damn cliffhangers, hahaha!!! It is going to drive me nuts waiting for the second book in this series, specially when she ended it on such an a crazy event!! I have got to learn to wait till all the books are out before reading, I guess I enjoy torturing myself, lol!!

Okay on to the review, so let me think.....

I really enjoyed this story, everything by the way it was written to the characters in the book. It had a great story line and it flowed very nicely. I also enjoyed that you got to see different POV's from the characters, I can not say enough of how much I like multiple POV's. It just really helps the book become more real and it also helps the reader to understand where the character is coming from and how they feel about things. There were very few errors if any with grammar or spelling, but like I have said in previous reviews that I do not base my review off grammatical errors, we are all human and we make mistakes. As long as I can read the story and understand it I don't care.

Poor Piper, the pain and horror she had to endure in her past growing up and to hold it in and deal with it all herself was just to much. I felt so bad for her, to think you are alone in this world and not have anyone to turn to talk to about it. How she even stayed sane is beyond me. She is strong but also weak. She just needs someone to believe in her and not run away from her when her past is revealed. Definitely emotional time in the book when she finally tells Bobby what happened.

Bobby, nothing like a man in uniform, lol!! He is such a loyal and caring guy. Everything about him is just sweet and hot. He tries so hard to make sure everything is done by the law the way it is supposed to be done, but only to have it thrown back in his face and to be punished by it. He never gives up and his worry for Piper is so strong. He stands by her when he knows the worst and that is a big plus in my book. Everybody needs a Bobby in their life.

Betty and Jules are just to much, their personalities and the things they say had me laughing. They are not afraid to speak their mind and are willing to go the extra mile to make you feel welcomed. They are strong women who fight for what is right. They had a really sad loss 10 years ago and have never been able to really get over it, but they strong and hope that one day justice will be served.

Michael, what can I say, just that he is super hotness! He is a lawyer who fights for whats right. Unfortunately, he is in the same boat as far as getting screwed over by the judicial system as Bobby is. He is a good friend to Piper and helps support her the best he can. 

This book had some harsh crimes that came about and some might be a little upset about the whole situation, but what I liked is the fact that Piper, just a standard civilian, was willing to take on this load of in justice and bring the evil monster down. I just wish more people would be willing to take the effort to help those in trouble and stand up for what is right instead of turning their back on it. No I don't think that people should take the steps that Piper did in the story as in real life you may not be as lucky, but there are other ways to show your support.

The book was great and I can't wait for the second one to come out. I so want to see the progression between Piper and Bobby....I feel that I was teased to much in this book, haha! This is my first book by this author and I am looking forward to more of her books as she releases them. If you want a little crime solving, suspense and a little bit of romance all mixed into one, you will enjoy this book, it is worth reading!

Spirits in the Trees by Morgan Hannah MacDonald

Book Synopsis:

SOME FAMILY SECRETS ARE BETTER LEFT BURIED!

An abandoned house, a psychotic killer, and a victim reaching out from the grave. A woman must unearth deadly family secrets before she becomes a ghost herself.

Madeline Anderson goes to Isabelle Island, Washington, to sell a family home abandoned over forty years before. Bizarre things occur the moment she steps on the property. Inside the dilapidated old house, items move about of their own accord. Strange noises come from empty rooms. She has a vivid, recurring dream of a woman running for her life. The wind rustling through the trees sounds like urgent, murmuring voices. When the cacophony dies down, one single word emerges: MADELINE, MADELINE, MADELINE.

At first, Doug Lindstrom, the hot fireman helping Maddy restore the old home, doesn't believe anything is going on. He's certain Maddy is jumping at shadows because she heard the local kids call the house haunted. That is, until he witnesses horrific violence himself that he can't explain away. After Maddy's life is threatened not once, but twice, Doug vows there will not be a third time.

EVIL DOES EXIST.

While searching for answers, Maddy uncovers astonishing secrets about her aunt's past. Finding more questions then answers, she digs deeper until she stumbles across evidence of a cold case involving a serial killer nicknamed The Seaside Strangler. Together, Dough and Maddy must unmask a killer. The lives they save just might be their own.

Book Review:

Where to start with this book, hmmm!! It was extremely creepy and so flipping real feeling!! I was having a hard time trying to keep my heart from racing out of my chest with each page I turned. I loved everything about this book, from the start to the finish....well maybe not the first chapter, it was really sad...but after that it picked up, still a little emotional from Maddy's memories. I had no idea where this book was going to go, I loved the fact that I couldn't put it down!!

After dealing with the lost of her husband and child in a house fire, Maddy takes up helping her grandmother with her great-aunt who has taking a turn for the worse. After discovering the deed to a house her great-aunt lived in, that was supposedly sold along time ago according to her grandmother, she sets off to fix up the place to put on the market. There she meets Doug, complete hotness in one package, she begins with his help to complete renovations on the bungalow. Weird things start to occur almost immediately and Maddy finds herself fighting for her life every day she stays in that house.

The book was in multiple POV's and I loved it. It helps to relate more to the character if you get to see what they are really thinking. The connection between Maddy and Doug is not immediate but it does gradually grow with each page you read. I loved the fact it wasn't a complete love at first site like some books I have read. This connection seemed more real. The details in the story really helped you visualize the scenes and the horror that Maddy was dealing with by being in that house. There would have been no way I would have stayed in that house after the first night of hearing voices or even with the whole swinging door issue!!

I do believe that there are ghost that walk among us and that do reside in places, but I have not experienced any and really don't want to, haha!! Specially if they are anything like the ghost that lives in the house!! I actually had a hard time trying to figure out who it would be, but in the end was surprised to know there were other factors involved.

This was my first book by this author and I really look forward to reading more by her, she really has a way of capturing the reader and bringing the story to life. The story line and plot was well written and had just the right amount of details without being overboard. If you like paranormal/thriller/murder/romance all in one package then you will love this book. I am looking forward to the next book!

The Huntress by Dorothy McFalls

Book Synopsis:

It's nothing personal.......

Blond, beautiful bounty hunter Vega Brookes is on the hunt for her latest skip trace. Her prey, ex-special forces officer Grayson Walker, is ruthless, a killer. She shouldn't feel attracted to him. Even so, the closer she gets to finding Grayson, the louder her instincts shout that things are not what they seem.

It's only murder.......

Grayson Walker is dangerous....and determined. Someone is killing those closest to him, and he's desperate to find out why. When a firecracker of a bounty hunter comes close to capturing him, he fights back and ends up shooting her. Yet not even a gunshot wound can cool the sparks that fly between them whenever they're together. Soon, his life turns into a deadly race to earn Vega's trust, track down a killer, and avoid falling in love.

Book Review:

OMG!! I did not see that coming at the end of the book! Wow, total surprise for sure! Okay on to my thoughts of this particular book, lol! It is by far the darkest, most disturbed, and overall most disgusting piece of literature I have read, haha!! I don't know if I should be ashamed for saying that I really enjoyed this book. Might make me seem a little out of whack for liking such a messed up book. This is actually a complete opposite on the books I read but I have to say I will be adding more into the mix. I like the whole thrill experience  and keeping me guessing as to what the next page holds.

Carolyn McCray has amazing style of writing, she knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat!! This was my first book I have read by her and I have to say was really impressed with how well written it was. I also like the fact it has multiple POV's which is awesome because you get to see more incite into the characters. There were a couple points I got confused as to who's POV it was, but it all worked itself out after a little while.

I definitely have to say that no one under the age of 18 should read this book. It was very disturbing and extremely graphic. If you have a sensitive tummy to blood and guts, wouldn't recommend either. I was actually able to download a few more of her books and I am looking forward to reading them! If they are anything like this one, I know they will be good! I know one thing, they are not books I will read right before bed time, haha....definitely creepy!! Pick this up and read for you will not be disappointed at all!

Fresh Meat by Carolyn McCray

Book Synopsis:

What do you get when you put 8 serial killers in a dungeon together, besides mayhem? Now add in some very feminine fresh meat and see what happens! Meanwhile on the outside a just off mental illness leave detective is desperately searching for a shy, missing woman. Will he find her before she is just another statistic?

Book Review:

Okay so I will say this is the first book I have read by this author and the first book I have read that is of this genre, I guess you could put it that way. I am not sure where to start on this review, I am afraid if admitting how much I really liked this book will make me a tad bit strange to some viewers, lol. I have to say though I did! Not because of the gore or the serial killer part but because of the way the book was written. I was on the edge of my seat for the whole entire thing. I loved it so much I finished it in a few hours because I couldn't put it down, I needed to know what was going to happen on the next page.

I will say this book is not for the fainthearted or people with sensitive stomachs, there is a lot of blood and gore and some really disturbing mental pictures will protrude through your head as you read. I would also say no one under 18 should read this book either. It can be very graphic and not suitable for the young.

I was actually looking to change up from constantly reading romance novels, even though I enjoy them I needed to something to add a little more thrill in the mix. I came across a post talking about this book and decided I would give it a try as I liked the what the synopsis read. Was I ever surprised at how much this book would capture my attention. Carolyn McCray is a great writer and has a great sense of skills to be able to bring you into a story. She knows how to keep you jumping from one thought to another, you never really know what the actual answer is to the story till the very end. Oh can I say, OH.MY.GOD, on that ending!!! I was definitely not expecting that at all, was completely thrown for a loop with the turn of events. I LOVED IT!!! 

I am looking forward to reading more of her books, I was able to snag up a series packet for free and I look to starting!! If you are looking for a thrill with a little bit of horror mixed in by all means you should check this book out, you won't be disappointed!

Dark Passing by Liz Schulte

Book Synopsis:

Mary Nelson's murder shocked the small town of Jackson. The vibrant, young college student disappeared on her way home. A week later her body was found in the trunk of a burning car. No suspects. No evidence. No case.

Ella Reynold's life had finally turned around. With a new book released, the past safely tucked away, and a burgeoning romance, she begins to live again. Then a plea from a woman whose daughter's murder remains unsolved ignites Ella's curiosity - and drags her back into the dark world she fought so desperately to escape.

Curiosity turns to obsession as Ella inches closer to the truth - and the murder begins to claim new victims.

Book Review:

This is the second book on the continuation of Ella's story. The first book was called "Dark Corners," and was an amazing read, the book was truly creepy and kept me looking over my shoulder at any noise that was made. I read the first a couple months ago and decided that I would finish this book. Again I am not surprised by Liz Schulte writing. I have read many other of her books and have loved every single one of them. 

In "Dark Passing," Ella has found herself involved again in another murder. After a year of trying to find her husband's killer and dealing with a haunted house in the process, she about lost herself completely. She had finally gotten her life back and was finally living again with the help of Detective Gabriel Troy. Now she is not so sure she will be able to pull herself out again if she gets to deep in the murder of a young girl.

Again, Liz Schutle had me jumping from one character or the other trying to pick blame and the whole time it was the one character I didn't put to much suspicion in....I had my doubts but didn't feel it would have gone that way, but boy did it ever!!

I love how the author can keep me guessing till the end of the book on what is the actual truth. She did this also with Book 1 of the Ella Reynold's Series! I had no clue till the very end who was the bad guy. Oh and talk about spooky, her books can give me the creeps sometimes on how real they feel. I am sure I will have a little issue trying to sleep tonight and not picture the beings that were within this story, lol.

I have read several other books by Liz Schulte and I can honestly say that I have not been disappointed yet. I am just hoping she writes another book about Ella because I could definitely use some more of Gabriel ;-)

You should definitely check out this series and Liz Schulte other books as well, you will not be disappointed!! :)

Restore Me by J.L. Mac

Book Synopsis:

Navigating the world alone is all Josephine Geroux has ever known. Life altering tragedy struck early on for her. She endured an admirable struggle through her youth and learned the hard way how to adapt and survive. She managed to arrive at adulthood in one piece spite of it all.

After such chaos, maintaining a life free of complications is a priority for her. Everything changed when a man with amber eyes came through her door and claimed her heart. She fell hard in more ways than one. The pull between Jo and Damon seemed like fate bringing things circle.

With another devastating loss looming, Jo fights to hold on to the very thing that brought her to her knees. She finds herself torn between a  promising future and clinging to a devastating past. But that's not the most worrisome problem on her hands.

She must convince more that just herself to let the past stay in the past, where it belongs, but on her journey to find closure and resolution, she does the exact opposite. An old wound caused by a heinous act becomes exposed for what it is. The truth is catastrophic and Jo is helpless, watch as the ruins of her fragile world endure more turmoil.

Can something conceived from tragedy and malice end well? Can something so completely poisoned conquer adversity? Jo is left to make a decision; accept the circumstances she finds herself in or fight with unwavering ferocity to restore what has been damaged.

Book Review:

Oh my!!! Better be prepared to shed some tears in this one. What an emotional roller coaster. I about had a heart attack when I first started reading, I was not liking where the story I thought was going, thankfully, it didn't! I would have stopped reading immediately, lol.

My heart was aching through a lot of this book, the guilt that poor Jo was feeling about how everything went down. I don't know if I could have had the strength to pull myself through. She never gave up, she put forth her hard stubbornness to get her through it all. I envy her in her determination to not give up.

I have to say though I was a little disappointed because I felt it was too short. I still enjoyed the story but definitely needed to be longer. I am excited though to see what the next book holds. I feel there is going to be a little revenge from Edward. I am totally going to go insane waiting for the next book. Hopefully I won't have to wait long.

I guess the overall review would be....great story that continued from "Wreck Me" but wish it was longer. I enjoyed the fight that Jo had to make things better, the will to never give up. Makes me realize just because something seems to far away to come back doesn't mean you give up. I wish that the next book was already ready because I think it is going to be exciting to see what Edward has in-store for everyone. I love the characters and I love the fact you can feel the emotions that roll off of them. I definitely would recommend the book as it was a great read and just be prepared, this book was a little emotional both sad and happy moments.