Review: Sizzle by author Julie Garwood

I waited forever and then some for Julie Garwood's new release "Sizzle"! I even waited for my library to get it since it's in hardcover and out of my budget for right now. That was a two week wait almost but very much worth it. I guess you can tell by now i liked it! Well you're wrong! I loved it! I am huge fan of the Buchanan's and thought they would not be in this book but they are. They are not main characters but have their parts to play which is awesome. I love how she inter-connects the character in her books. Sizzle is another awesome action/romance story. Sam is a hot sexy Scot from the highlands of Scotland and a FBI language specialist. He saves Alec Buchanan's life and of course the Buchanan's are a gracious and loving bunch so he's pulled into the family like it or not! Sidney Alec's baby sitter is away at film school and her best friend Lyra gets herself in some trouble without knowing it and Alec send Sam whose off work for a bit to help out and keep her safe.

Here is the synopsis for Sizzle:
Whether it's exhilarating historical romance or spine-tingling contemporary suspense, #1 New York Times bestselling author Julie Garwood weaves magnificent stories of passion, adventure, and intrigue. Now she raises the heat and spices up the action with a sexy, smart, daring new heroine and a smoldering thriller that's classic Garwood--and pure Sizzle.

Lyra Prescott, a Los Angeles film student, is closing in on graduation and facing important decisions about her future. She's already been offered a job at her hometown TV station, an opportunity that could ultimately launch her dream career as a film editor. But heading back home would also mean dealing with her overprotective brothers, social-climbing mother, and eccentric grandmother. Unsure of her future, Lyra dives into work on her final school assignment: a documentary transformed by a twist of fate into a real-life horror film.

After she unwittingly captures a shocking crime on camera, a rash of mysterious, treacherous incidents convince Lyra that she's trapped in a sinister scenario headed for a violent ending. Running scared, she turns to her best friend, Sidney Buchanan, whose connections bring dauntless and devilishly handsome FBI agent Sam Kincaid into Lyra's life. As the noose of deadly intrigue tightens and the feelings between them deepen, Lyra and Sam must place their faith in each other's hands—and stand together against the malevolent forces about to break loose.

No one mixes life-and-death suspense with feverish desire better than Julie Garwood. In Sizzle she burns hotter and brighter than ever, keeping the action and passion blazing till the incredible,unforgettable end.


End of synopsis.
 
Now if you've read any of the other Julie Garwood books you noticed the in that synopsis the mention of Sidney Buchanan. A few other characters from previous books also drop in this book. I keep hoping Julie will do a book on Cordie and Aidan from Murder List. Regan and Alec's book.  If you're interested in the Buchanan books here is a link to give you the list. These books are supposed to stand alone but i recommend reading them in the order written. Like i said the characters  in these books are inter-connected so some of the same characters pop up in different books. I've read them all and would recommend them to anyone. http://www.fictiondb.com/author/julie-garwood~series~related-books-4~12596.htm  You can also see what other books Julie Garwood has written there. she has several historicals that also go with the Buchanan series.
 
Now to finalize this was a awesome book. I really enjoyed it. It seemed like the characters only knew each other a short time to fall in love but in all honesty it can happen that way. If you look though they knew each other longer than it appears. The only thing that bugged me a little was Milo's character. He was just kind of there. I kept expecting him to run into Lyra somewhere literally. Either he was going to have to come after her or literally help in the saving of her. In the end she has no idea he existed. He was quite comical though which was good. I give this book 4 and 1/2 Modokker stars. I'll be buying it once it's out in paperback and waiting for the next Garwood book!
http://www.fantasticfiction/%20Sizzle

Review: Love you to Death! By author Melissa Senate

This is the first book i have ever read by Melissa Senate and i found this book at a small book store where i live when it was going out of business and had everything 40% off. Nice way to buy books although unfortunate the store was closing. I was drawn first to the cover and then read the black cover blurb and decided i was interested enough to buy it. It's only 297 pages so not terribly long and it was actually a quick read. I read it in one evening or about 4 hours. It's considered chick lit and i have only read a handful of these types of books and i really enjoyed this one. Below is the back cover blurb i spoke about above.

Abby's worst ex-boyfriends are on someones hit list. Friends, family, coworkers–and a hot Portland police detective–think that someone is Abby herself!

WHEN DID ABBY FOOTE'S LIFE BECOME AN EPISODE OF LAW & ORDER?

First, a former boyfriend (who dumped Abby in the most humiliating way imaginable) is found murdered the day his engagement is announced.

Then two other ex-boyfriends report attempts made on their lives right after breaking up with her. Coincidence? Detective Benjamin Orr, of the Portland Police Department (and Very Probing Questions and Incredibly Delicious Face), doesn't think so. Neither do Abby's friends, family, coworkers and other exes–who are suddenly shaking in their shoes.
Soon enough, everyone is sucking up to her as though the Abby they know and supposedly love to death is capable of poisoning their drinks….
 
Is someone trying to frame her? Who? And why? She has to find out fast. Because by-the-book Ben is bound to break her heart. Which makes him next on someone's list.
 
 
Sounds pretty interesting eh? I thought it did and it really was a good book. always something happening. I thought it could use a little more definition maybe but not much. If your looking for any kind of sexual relationship in this book you'll be disappointed. Will Ben and Abby get together by the end of this book? You'll have to read it to see.
 
Melissa has a follow up to this book that was recently published called. The Secret of Joy! It features one of her friends from Love you to Death. I haven't read it yet but i plan too. I give Love you to Death 4 Modokker stars!
 
Here is a link to Melissa Senate website if you would like to check this author out for yourself.http://www.melissasenate.com/ 
 
Happy reading!
Lisa

Review: Early Dawn by Catherine Anderson

It's hard for me to say i didn't really like this book that much as i rarely find books to read that i don't like. I read the description for this book and a short interview on a blog earlier this week and it so intrigued me that i made not of the book and author so i could look for it.  It's a new release and i was in the local Walmart Tuesday and found it so i bought it. This is a rural area so places to buy books locally is limited that's why i bought it at Walmart. Below is a description of the book.

After breaking off their engagement, Eden Paxton’s fiancé spread enough rumors that she was forced out of San Francisco. Her pride bruised, a heartbroken Eden heads for the wilds of Colorado. But murderous outlaws cut the trip short when they kidnap Eden to sell her across the Mexican border.

Since a gang murdered his wife, Matthew Coulter cannot see a woman mistreated without rescuing her—and taking vengeance. So when he spots Eden with the ruffians, Matthew has little choice but to save her.


As they run for their lives, Eden recognizes a kind heart beneath Matthew’s rugged exterior. But she wonders which will win out: his obsession with revenge—or their growing passion for each other...

Sounds good doesn't it. Here's what i thought. The story idea itself was great. The characters were great. I loved the main characters Eden and Matthew and her brothers. There isn't a whole lot said about Matthew's family but they seemed interesting. I kept waiting for something to happen. More action but it didn't happen it drug on and on. Once he gets her away from the gang they only see them two other times after that. There wasn't enough meat to the story. I pushed on thru the 417 pages til the end and came out thinking blah!!! eh!! I'm usually not one to say that's not believable but there were times in this book i did actually think that. I mean fiction is fiction but some of the phrases were a bit corny even for me. This is the first Catherine Anderson book i read so i'm not sure if it's the book or if it's the writing style that i don't care for. I'd have to read a few more of her books to decide. As for Early Dawn it hurts me to day it as i had high hopes but i can only give it 2 and 1/2 Mokdokker stars.
Go here for more info on this book. http://www.catherineanderson.com/books.html

I'm Still Standing by Shoshana Johnson

I'm Still Standing is a true story by Iraq veteran Shoshana Johnson. She was the first female POW of the Iraq war and the first black female POW in United States history. I think she would gladly give that honor up but she is a part of history now that can't change. My husband and i are both Desert Storm vets and interestingly enough we both were 88 Mikes or truck driver for the civilians out there. We drove in hundreds of convoys drove thousands of miles during the Gulf War. This is why this story touches me and when it was happening really upset  me. to close to home for me. Below is a description of the book. and a link where you can read the first chapter and pre order if you wish.

In March of 2003, when Operation Iraqi Freedom was only days old, world headlines were made when a U.S. army convoy was attacked in the city of An-Nasiriyah en route to Baghdad. Several soldiers were killed and others were taken prisoner.

Jessica Lynch became the face and name associated with this tragedy, but another female soldier, Shoshana Johnson, was also wounded and captured in the ambush. A video of Shoshana being interrogated by her captors was soon broadcast on Spanish-language television and then picked up by American media. Shoshana had become the first black female prisoner of war in United States history. She was held for twenty-two days.

When Shoshana returned to the United States, she received numerous awards for her valor, including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Prisoner of War medals. She appeared on news networks and national television shows such as Oprah, Ellen, The Tonight Show, and Larry King Live, but she was bound by a military gag order. She was unable to discuss what really happened in Iraq -- until now.

Shoshana holds nothing back in this harrowing account of an ordinary woman caught in an extraordinary circumstance. She reveals decisions made by higher-ups that may have led to the capture, describes the pain of post-traumatic stress disorder, and shares the surprising story of how a specialist in a maintenance company ended up on the front lines of war.

Divulging personal emotions and frustrations while raising fresh political issues, I'm Still Standing is the never-before-told and much anticipated story of the headline-making ambush, capture, and rescue described with the exceptional bravery and candor of a single mom and soldier who became an American hero.

http://books.simonandschuster.com/I'm-Still-Standing/Shoshana-Johnson/9781416567486

I hope people will take the time to read this story and learn Shoshana's story.

Review of Street Game by Christine Feehan

I'm a huge fan of Christine Feehan so it stands to reason I'd buy her new book Street Game. It's the most recent book in her Ghost Walker series. In this book the action all takes place in a Urban Setting. Also different this time the romance is between two people who have always known each other since childhood and are on the same team. We find out that this is a 4th team of Ghostwalkers. Ryland Miller (Shadow Game) is the leader of team 1 and Jack and Ken Norton are a part of Team 2(Conspiracy Game and Deadly Game) Team 3 we don't know much about and then there is team 4 lead by Mack McKinley ( Street Game). Mack and Jaimie had a history and then she left him and disappeared. Circumstances bring them back together and it's hard for either to deny that spark is still there and stronger than ever. There is plenty of action of course throughout this book although it takes half the book before the 2 main character finally get together but it's worth it in the end. In the end it leaves you wondering who the next book will be about. Kane perhaps or Javier or one of the Ghost Walkers from the other team? I don't know how the author keeps all her plots straight but she does a fine job with it. She does alot of research for these books and it shows.  If you plan to read this book start the series at the beginning. It'll make more sense.  To read the first chapter of the book and get the reading list for the Ghost Walker series click on this link http://www.christinefeehan.com/street_game/chapter1.php?id=PAG1000044&tab=goodies&page=chapter1.html

I'd give Street Game a 4 out of 5 stars.