Tag Archives: Barb’s Review

The Lady on Esplanade by Karen White – a Review

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The Lady on Esplanade by Karen White – a Review

 

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Description:

People and secrets from the past threaten to disrupt Nola Trenholm’s new life in New Orleans. Nola is ready to focus on starting over in the Big Easy. She wants to get back to work on the renovations of her Creole cottage, and she is eager to launch a new murder-house-flipping business with contractor, closet psychic, and part-time nemesis Beau Ryan. After a near-death ghostly encounter and the return of Beau’s missing sister, they are confident that the ghost of his mother can finally rest.

Nola believes the shotgun house on famed Esplanade Avenue is a prime fixer-upper for her first project. It may have been the site of a woman’s murder and the disappearance of an entire family, but the house will be perfect for new-to-town Cooper Ravenel—who happens to have caused Nola’s first heartbreak. 

That’s the least of Nola’s worries, though. In addition to the elusive spirit of an angry young woman who accompanied Cooper to New Orleans, the house on Esplanade has its own ghosts, including one that is becoming increasingly dangerous as he tries to hide his dark secrets.  And the wet footprints from the spirit of Beau’s mother have returned to let them know there is still unfinished business before she can rest.  Spectral danger is headed toward them, and it’s up to Nola to convince Beau to help before it’s too late. .

 

 

 

Review:

The Lady on Esplanade by Karen White is the 3rd book in her Royal Street series. Nola Trenholm is renovating her new home in New Orleans, with vengeful ghosts, psychic gifts, unsolved murders; with her business partner and reluctant psychic, Beau Ryan. We meet a few new characters and get to know some old characters a bit better, with each of them playing major parts in the story, adding charm & humor to the story.

There continued to be a mystery surrounding Beau’s family, and Nola’s determination to discover the truths behind the Esplanade house.  Nola and her friend Jolene investigate a mystery involving ghostly spirits that are under renovation. The supernatural elements lead to an old murder case involving the death of Adele, with ghosts and psychics that gives us suspense and hints of danger.

I loved some of the wonderful characters, such as Sarah, who was only 13 years old, with her ability to see and hear ghosts; she was a fantastic addition, helping Nola reveal what the ghosts are telling her.  I also loved Nola’s best friend, Jolene. She too was a fun and awesome character, helping to cook for others, and helping Nola dress good.  I did like Beau, though somewhere they will eventually find a way for them to discover their real feelings.

The Lady on Esplanade is a story that is packed with tension, humor, intrigue, and suspense. What follows is the mystery as well why the ghosts continue to haunt the house on Esplanade; with Beau helping to rescue Nola.

The Lady on Esplanade was so very well written by Karen White, which was an excellent story, with a fabulous heroine in Nola. There was so much history in New Orleans, with ghosts, mystery, suspense and historical homes. Karen White once again gives us a fabulous addition to this series, and I look forward to the next book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Deadly Storms by Christine Feehan – Dual Review

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Deadly Storms by Christine Feehan – Dual Review

 

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Description:
Shabina Foster does her best to lead a normal life. She takes comfort in her friends and her dogs and finds passion in running her own small-town café in the eastern Sierra. But she can’t help always looking over her shoulder, not after what happened in her past. Since then, Shabina has worked very hard to build herself up and live life to the fullest.

Still, there’s no denying the scars she carries. Truly opening up her guarded world seems like an impossible dream—especially when it comes to the one man who makes her feel safe. Shabina already feels like she’s ruined his life and is determined to keep her distance, even as the ghosts of her past emerge from the shadows.

Security expert Rainier Ashcroft knows firsthand that a storm is brewing and that Shabina is in real trouble. Threats are approaching on all sides—and there’s no telling when the next hit will strike. But convincing the woman he loves to truly let him in will be just as difficult as keeping her alive.

 

 

Barb’s Review:

Deadly Storms by Christine Feehan is the 3rd book in her Sunrise Lake series.  Café owner Shabina Foster, owns the Sunrise Café, having worked hard to get the café becoming very successful. Shabina suffers from PTSD, based on her kidnapping 10 years ago, when she was only 16 years old; having been rescued from a brutal time.   

Once every six weeks Shabina’s five best friends get together.  As a rule, she loved spending time with them and always looked forward to the one night that they planned to meet.  Shabina had a very large four-bedroom home that she’d done her best to make it warm and welcoming for her friends.  She loved her kitchen. Most importantly, Stella Harrison was responsible for making the Sunrise Café a huge destination for anyone coming to visit in Knightly. Shabina always made sure to have food ready for all her friends.               

Shabina had 3 Doberman pinchers (Malik, Sharif, Morza), who constantly surrounded her, as they were her constant companions, protecting and comforting her.  Her dogs were trained guard dogs, as she worked with them every day. She needed to know she could stop them if they attacked or were a threat; two larger dogs followed her, and Morza was the one who always looked out the window if any threat. Each of her friends had their own dogs; her friend Vienna, had a Persian cat named Princess.  Harlow had her own beagle, Misha; Zahra had had little Pyrenean shepherd. Last but not least, Stella arrived with Raine O’Mallory still recovering from several surgeries on her leg. 

Rainier Ashcroft is responsible for Shabina’s security.  He is the only one who knows what happened to her all those years ago; having rescued her and helps make her feel safe.  When triggers start appearing at her small town in her café, causing trouble and chaos.  Rainer will be the one to protect her, and be there when these people were determined to cause trouble. He has no qualm defeating the enemy posing threats to Shabina. Soon the evil monster who nearly took Shabina’s begins to stalk her, Rainer will be the to destroy him.  
    
Raine was close to Shabina, and managed to get paper work for her to find out who is threatening her. Raine was guarded by military personnel, as she was a very important, person on the staff.   Raine does find information, and warns Rainer to find the culprit.  When she was injured, she was guarded day and night by the military as if she was a mystery woman. 

Deadly Storms was an excellent, fun, terrific murder mystery, filled with action and a slight paranormal element. This was an exciting romance suspense thriller, as well as the fun bantering with her friends, whom they also wanted to protect her. Deadly Storms was so very well written by Christine Feehan. I suggest you read Deadly Storms. I look forward to the next book in this series.

 

Sandy’s Review

DEADLY STORMS is the third instalment in Christine Feehan’s contemporary, adult SUNRISE LAKE dark, romantic suspense series. This is undercover operative/ security specialist Rainier Ashcroft, and café owner Shabina Foster’s story line. DEADLY STORMS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there WILL BE triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from omniscient third person perspective DEADLY STORMS focuses on a series of murders in Knightly, around Sunrise Lake near Yosemite National Park but our heroine, Shabina Foster’s small town life is anything but idyllic when the past returns determined to finish what it had previously started. Having survived a year and a half in captivity in the Middle East, and an eventual rescue by Rainer Ashcroft, our heroine returned a shell of her former self. Years later, Shabina set up a café near Sunrise Lake but the nightmares and PTSD hint at approaching danger that cannot be stopped. Someone is not only targeting our story line heroine, but also the people visiting Yosemite Park.

The world building is complex and detailed as the story line follows two to three interconnected pathways. Fearing she has been targeted, and the possibility of a serial killer in the small town of Knightly, our heroine finally calls the man who owns her heart but a man who is more of a ghost than anyone could have ever imagined.

The relationship between Rainier and Shabina began as a rescue, years before. Rainier is determined to protect the woman with whom he had fallen in love but often on assignment, a protection team as well as Shabina’s three dogs, were always on guard, in an effort to keep our heroine safe from harm. Rainer’s reappearance in her life is not a coincidence, our hero is a man who willing to prove Shabina is the only woman able to control his heart. There are no $ex scenes.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic, and often questionable secondary and supporting characters but so many that is was often confusing. Numerous names of locals, tourists and many non-entities, often overwhelming to the point of unnecessary.

DEADLY STORMS is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, acceptance and love. The slow building premise is twisted and dramatic but the repetitive nature of the world building is troublesome, and the conflict resolution(s) is quick and easy. There is quite a bit of reflection and introspection from the heroine’s POV. The characters are energetic; the romance is virtually non-existent, our couple do not connect until approximately half way through the story.

Reviewed by Barb/Sandy

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

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He Falls First by Jill Shalvis – a Review

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He Falls First by Jill Shalvis – a Review

 

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Description:
No one is going to convince her to fall in love again…

Ryder Colburn has his hands full running the family business and caring for the ailing father who’s a virtual stranger from the cold, heavy-handed man he used to be. He’s got zero free time for hobbies or women. Or so he thinks until one walks into his life… and the path of an oncoming car.

Ryder doesn’t mind playing the hero for the skittish, scarred chef Penny. Maybe it’s the secrets in her eyes or the scar on her chin. Whatever the reason, he’s compelled to get closer.

Penny’s learned her lesson and now she’s paying the price. That’s why she’s sharing a dilapidated house in a tiny California town with her feisty grandmother and tween brother living off the leftovers from her catering job. It’s a far cry from her dream life. But who needs dreams… or love… or sex when there’s amateur plumbing projects to tackle and breakfast casseroles to bake?

One thing’s for sure, she’s never falling in love again. Not even with the sexy, snarky contractor who keeps testing the walls she’s built.

 

 

Review:

He Falls First by Jill Shalvis is the first book in her new Colburn Brothers series. Ryder Colburn owns and operates a successful restoration business with his two brothers. He is the one who always watches over his brothers and sister (Caleb, Tucker and Kiera), making sure they are safe and taken care of.  Ryder still feels the tragic loss of Kiera’s husband and his best friend. Ryder also takes care of his father (who had a stroke) at night, even though his father was very abusive with his kids; now he mentally disabled.

Penny Rose returns home as she moves in with her grandma and her brother, Wyatt; in their dilapidated house. She always wanted to open a café, to help support her family, but she realizes it is only a dream.  Penny knows she needs to work and earn a pay check to make ends; and when her grandmother asks Ryder to help make renovations around their house; he agrees to help each evening fixing things.  In a short time, Ryder finds himself attracted to Penny, and though she had an abusive boyfriend from the past, she does find herself getting to know Ryder and enjoying his company.

The slow-burn chemistry between them continues to grow. Penny is sweet and funny, as well as a hard worker. Ryder was so patient and kind with her, as he was determined to win her over, as she needed to begin to trust and heal from her ex. A strong bond developed between them, as they grew closer, with Penny finally letting her guard down. Both have the support of loving, pushy and nosy, families. It was refreshing that Ryder is the one who truly falls first. 

He Falls First was a heartwarming, fun, emotional, great characters, family, banter and sweet romance. It was a slow-burn romance that had a lot of humor, and also a fun crazy parrot. He Falls First was very well written by Jill Shalvis, which has always been the norm for this wonderful author.  Can’t wait to see who is next in this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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What Happens in Amsterdam by Rachel Lynn Solomon – a Review

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What Happens in Amsterdam by Rachel Lynn Solomon – a Review

 

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Description:
Dani Dorfman has somehow made it to her thirties without knowing what she wants to do with her life. So when an office romance ends poorly and gets her fired, she applies for a job in Amsterdam, idly dreaming of escaping the mess she’s created, but never imagining she’ll actually get it.

Except she does. By the end of her first week in Amsterdam, she’s never felt more adrift or alone. Then she crashes her bike into her high school ex-boyfriend—and suddenly life is blooming with new opportunities.

Wouter van Leeuwen was a Dutch exchange student Dani’s family hosted, a forbidden love that ended in a painful breakup. Years later, there’s still sizzling chemistry between them, and okay, maybe a little animosity. More importantly, Wouter needs to be married to inherit a gorgeous family home on a canal—and when Dani’s job falls apart, she needs a visa. As the marriage of convenience pushes them together in unexpected ways, Dani must decide whether her new life is yet another mistake—or if it’s worth taking a risk on a second chance.

 

 

Review:

What Happens in Amsterdam by Rachel Lynn Solomon is a fun stand-alone romantic story. The story revolves around Dani Dorfman (30 years old), who finds her life falling apart; as she lost her job, as well as her boyfriend.  Dani’s parents have also been overprotective all her life, especially due to her anxiety and asthma. When a job opportunity with a startup in Amsterdam arises, Dani leaps at the chance to move. Things start off slowly, as she struggles with her job, and the company eventually starts losing all their employees, with her eventually losing the job.   

Dani surprisingly meets her ex-boyfriend Wouter van Leeuwen (Dutch exchange teenage boyfriend), who broke her heart when he left.  But Wouter will try to help change things, giving her a chance to move to his nicer lower-level apartment.  In a short time, they just accept their friendship, and Wouter proposes a possible solution for both of them; he needs to fulfill his grandmother’s condition of marriage to inherit a gorgeous family home on the Canal. Dani out of work needs the stability of a visa to allow her to stay in Amsterdam, and Wouter proposes them to get married for a year, pretending to be happily married. This will give Wouter time to inherit his new home, and Dani enough time to decide if she can get a job, or return home after the year.

The sparks will reignite between them, as their chemistry was starting to sizzle; with their feelings for each other at seventeen, and now in the present. I really loved Dani and Wouter start falling for each other again. I also loved the friendships Dani began to build, especially with Iulia and Roos. I loved George, their dog, who is named George Constanza. LOL  It was very nice to see Dani learning Dutch, and when she finally begins to come into her own, knowing what she wants in her life.

What Happens in Amsterdam was a sweet, heartwarming, romantic, emotional second chance romance; as well as part of the marriage of convenience.  The characters created by Solomon were all wonderful and sweet.  What Happens in Amsterdam was so very well written by Rachel Lynn Solomon.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Mistletoe and Mischief by Debbie Macomber – a Review

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Mistletoe and Mischief by Debbie Macomber – a Review

 

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Description:
Two stories to celebrate the holiday season with the good people of Cedar Cove…

A Cedar Cove Christmas
Mary Jo Wyse finds herself in Cedar Cove on Christmas Eve, stranded, pregnant and alone. And there’s no room at the local inn… So Grace Harding brings Mary Jo home to her ranch, where they’ve got a spare room over the stable. And luckily a paramedic named Mack McAfee is there to help when Mary Jo goes into labor. The people of Cedar Cove join them in celebrating the birth of baby Noelle. But no one has more to celebrate than Mack…because this Christmas brings him faith, hope and love.

1225 Christmas Tree Lane
Beth Morehouse expects this Christmas to be one of her best. But someone leaves a basket of puppies on her doorstep, and now she’s determined to find them all good homes. Also complicating things is the invitation her daughters extended to their dad…whom Beth divorced a long time ago. As always in life, there are surprises. More than one family’s going to have a puppy under the tree. More than one scheme will go awry. And more than one romance will have a happy ending!

 

 

Review:

Mistletoe and Mischief by Debbie Macomber is set in her wonderful Cedar Cove series.  There are two Christmas holiday stories, A Cedar Cove Christmas and 1225 Christmas Tree Lane.  

A Cedar Cove Christmas

We meet Mary Jo Wyse, who is pregnant, and the father of her baby is nowhere to be found.  With her 3 brothers making decisions to find the man responsible and force him to marry Mary Jo; she leaves in the middle of the night, and heads to Cedar Cove.  She expects to find her ex-boyfriend there, or meet his parents; but when she arrives, the boyfriend is not in Cedar Cove, and the parents are away.  There are no openings in the local inn, but Grace Harding invites her to her ranch, knowing that Mary Jo needs help, and her pregnancy is close.

Mary Jo meets a local paramedic, Mack AcAfee, who will later help her when she goes into labor. Mack finds himself having feelings for Mary Jo, as she will too; as they will make a wonderful couple.  I loved the animals, which were cute.  Her brothers end up in Cedar Cove, and many of the local people celebrated the birth of Noelle.  This was a wonderful and heartwarming story.

 

1225 Christmas Tree Lane

This story also takes place in Cedar Cove, with many wonderful residents who played a large part in this story.  The story revolves around Beth Morehouse, as she finds a basket of puppies at her doorstep. What follows is Beth determined to find good homes for the 10 puppies for many of the residents at Cedar Cove; with many of the residents having their own chapter, with Beth dropping buy to bring them a puppy.  Very cute stories. 

Beth is also celebrating Christmas with her two daughter’s home from college; with both girls determined to bring their mother and father together again, as they have been divorced for a few years.  To Beth’s surprise, her ex brings along a coworker.  Is she just a co-worker, or is there something more?  

There were a few surprises, as well as Beth bringing the puppies to each resident, who wanted one.  Lots of fun, and felt like visiting old friends. 

This was a quick enjoyable read for both stories; in a Christmas theme.  Once again Debbie Macomber gives us sweet heartwarming stories.   Well done.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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We’ll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida – a Review

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We’ll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida – a Review

 

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Description:
A cat a day keeps the doctor away…
Discover the award-winning, bestselling Japanese novel that has become an international sensation in this utterly charming, vibrant celebration of the healing power of cats.

Tucked away in an old building at the end of a narrow alley in Kyoto, the Kokoro Clinic for the Soul can only be found by people who are struggling in their lives and genuinely need help. The mysterious clinic offers a unique treatment to those who find their way it prescribes cats as medication. Patients are often puzzled by this unconventional prescription, but when they “take” their cat for the recommended duration, they witness profound transformations in their lives, guided by the playful, empathetic, occasionally challenging yet endearing cats.

Throughout the pages, the power of the human-animal bond is revealed as a disheartened businessman finds unexpected joy in physical labor, a young girl navigates the complexities of elementary school cliques, a middle-aged man struggles to stay relevant at work and home, a hardened bag designer seeks emotional balance, and a geisha finds herself unable to move on from the memory of her lost cat. As the clinic’s patients navigate their inner turmoil and seek resolution, their feline companions lead them toward healing, self-discovery, and newfound hope.

 

 

Review:

We’ll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida is a Japanese novel that became an international sensation.  The story is a vibrant and charming celebration of the powerful healing of cats.   The mysterious clinic is an old building in a narrow alley, that offers unique treatments, especially for patients who are struggling in their lives. The doctor is kind of weird, as well as the receptionist; depending on the patient’s situation, they prescribe a cat for their wellbeing. Each of the patients are given a cat, for two weeks or more, and surprisingly they do begin to reach their own self-discovery and healing.

Each cat is different, as they become wonderful therapeutic companions that help guide the owners with comfort, warmth and hope; with many of the patients wanting to keep their cat.  Each of the patients were had different issues; an unhappy businessman finds himself enjoying physical labor; a young girl at school having problems; a middle age man who struggles, a bag designer tries to control her emotions and another woman who tries to find her lost cat.

Each of the cat have their own interconnected short stories:

 Bee, female gray cat – around 8 years old
Margot,  female mixed breed – 3 years old
Koyuki – white kitten – 2 ½ months old
Tank – Male shorthair – 2 years old
Mimita – male Scottish fold – 5 months old

 Each of the owners will find their way to happiness and comfort; though some of the cats will be given back to the clinic, and eventually find their own cat.

We’ll Prescribe You a Cat was a cute story line, with people finding transformations in their lives, guided by the playful, adorable, and endearing cats.  We’ll Prescribe You a Cat was very well written by Syou Ishida.  This is a different kind of read, which has become an International sensation in Japan.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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Buried Too Deep by Karen Rose – Review & Giveaway

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Buried Too Deep by Karen Rose – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Three can keep a secret if two of them are dead.

Employed as the nighttime security guard of Broussard Private Investigations, Phineas Bishop has been working through overwhelming PTSD episodes from his Army service while still utilizing his military skills. But when a violent break-in occurs at the office, the accusatory eyes of the NOPD glance to Phin, and he resolves to track down the intruder and clear his name.

Phin’s only lead and witness is Cora Winslow, a spirited librarian who also needs answers. Her father’s body has been discovered under a recently demolished building, murdered twenty-three years ago. So, who has been sending her the handwritten letters—written and signed by him—every year since she was five? Someone wants to keep Cora in the dark. And now, they’re coming for her.

As Cora’s bodyguard, Phin is surprised by his fondness for the woman’s fierce determination and research prowess. But New Orleans’s Garden District holds secrets as old as the streets themselves. With help from the entire Broussard P.I. team, Phin and Cora enter a labyrinth of fraud and homicide that threatens to bury them all.

 

 

Review:

Buried too Deep by Karen Rose is the 3rd book in her New Orleans series. As I have mentioned previously, I am a big fan of Karen Rose, as her suspense thrillers are amazing, and unputdownable.  Buried Too Deep is another fabulous book, as Rose always creates fantastic heroes and wonderful secondary characters, as well as evil villains. Buried Too Deep is a tense, violent, exciting, non-stop action filled story that kept me on the edge of to my seat from start to finish.

Broussard Private Investigations is an elite security firm, in New Orleans. Phin Bishop, suffers from PTSD, and the team always looks out for him.  Phin, now has a service dog, SodaPop, who follows him, and helps to make sure Phin is calm. Phin arrives at the office, only to discover their receptionist, Joy has been shot, and though the police suspect him, they realize that he was innocent, only arriving at the office after Joy was hurt.  Phin also saw a woman run out of the office, when he arrived, with someone chasing her.

Cora Winslow had contacted Broussard Agency to help to discover who was sending letters to her over the years, as her father had been missing for twenty-three years.  Cora is a librarian in the Garden District, and was talking to Joy, when she ran after someone shot Joy; she suspected that she may have been the target at the office.  She does go to the police to give further information about the shooting, which cleared her name, especially since a body was discovered buried under some foundations and it turned out to be her missing father. Cora also is determined to find out who has sent letters pretending to be her father.  The entire Broussard PI team will work together, which includes Burke, Molly, Val, Antoine and Phin to find the clues as to who is behind the attacks, as well as someone breaking into her home.  Molly and Val take turns protecting Cora, with Phin also fixing up things in her home. 

Phin will watch Cora, and soon the attraction between them escalates.  Cora has a lot of empathy and compassion, as she always is able to calm Phin, as well as SodaPop.  I really liked how both of them slowly found each other. Phin and Cora were great characters, but the entire Broussard team was equally fantastic.

We have another POV centered on the killer, as well as his grandson; with the grandson determined to discover the secrets of this grandfather.  The grandson, discovers many things about terrible things his grandfather has done, and ultimately must decide who to trust.

What follows is an intriguing, tense, exciting, and edge of your seat suspense story line that had me unable to put the book down; also, with plenty of twists and turns.  This was very tense from all the way through, especially with the evil villains constantly killing off many innocent people.  I do not want to give spoilers, as you really need to read this book from start to finish.

Buried too Deep is an intense thriller, with non- stop action all the way.  As I have said before, Karen Rose never fails to give a fantastic well written thriller that is intense, always on the edge, with fantastic characters, evil villains and a wonderful couple you care for. If you love suspense, with a touch of romance and a thriller all the way, then look no further then Karen Rose.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

                           Berkley Hardcover
                                  Excerpt

Phin Bishop stumbled to a stop, staring up at the building that was as close to a home as he’d known in a long time. It wasn’t the building itself, of course, although it was beautiful with its cast iron balconies and its shutters thrown wide in welcome.

Even to me. He hoped.

Because the magic of the building wasn’t in its bricks or balconies. It was in the people who worked within its walls. Burke Broussard and his people had become Phin’s family.

But I deserted them. I ran.

No. He could hear the voice of his therapist in his mind. You didn’t “run.” You have PTSD. You left to get better.

But was he better?

Am I ready to be back?

A hand closed over his shoulder, warm and reassuring. “Phin?” Stone O’Bannion murmured. “We can come back tomorrow. Or we can get SodaPop. This is exactly what she’s trained for. Helping you through situations just like this.”

Swallowing hard, Phin turned to meet his best friend’s eyes and saw understanding and compassion that Phin didn’t think he deserved. Stone was right. Phin should have brought his new service dog. But he hadn’t, wanting to stand on his own two feet.

Which had been wrong thinking. He knew that. Knew that there was no shame in needing a service dog. No shame in having PTSD. He’d accepted that. Accepted that he’d have episodes. That he’d sometimes relapse.

SodaPop made it easier to stave off his episodes. Helped him recover faster when he did relapse.

And you deserve that help. Those words were again in his therapist’s voice. Phin could accept that there was no shame in needing his dog. But he hadn’t been able to accept that he deserved the assistance. And that was the real reason he’d left SodaPop behind this morning.

“That we could come back tomorrow is what you said yesterday,” Phin said. And yesterday, he’d jumped at the chance to turn tail and run.

He’d been running most of his life.

“And I’ll say it tomorrow and the next day.” Stone gave his shoulder a squeeze. Anchoring him. “What are you afraid of? Be honest with me.”

Phin forced the words out. “That they won’t want me back.”

“If they don’t, it’ll hurt,” Stone acknowledged, and Phin was grateful that Stone hadn’t brushed his concerns away. “But I read their texts.” Phin had given Stone permission to read all the communication from his New Orleans friends. “These people care about you. They will want you back.”

“What if I flake again?” He hated losing control of his own mind, hated the spiral that tugged him under.

Stone shrugged. “Then you leave, you heal, and you try again.”

Phin’s chest hurt. “I’m so tired of leaving.”

“Then stay. Take a step. Right now. There you go. Now another. That’s the way.”

Phin forced his feet to move closer to the building that housed Broussard Investigations. “I should have stopped for beignets.”

Stone chuckled, clearly not fooled by the lame procrastination attempt. “I’ll get some for you. Once you’re inside and talking to your friends.”

The building grew closer and Phin’s chest grew tighter. “Why are you still here? Babysitting me?” He was grateful. He was. But he didn’t entirely understand why Stone put up with him. “You have better things to do.”

“No, I don’t. Right now, I’m exactly where I need to be, doing what I need to do. Because you need me. And because I’ve been where you are. Someone stuck by my side until I could walk alone.” Phin knew Stone’s story. His friend had been an addict, sober for years now. “So I’m paying it forward, doing it for you. Keep walking, Phin.”

They were nearly at the front door. Just another fifteen feet.

Then the door burst open, banging into the wall behind it. Startled at the sound, Phin lurched back, once again grateful for Stone’s steadying hand. When he’d righted himself, he got a glimpse of the woman who’d thrown the door open. She wore a gray hooded cloak that hid her face, but a wisp of black hair escaped the hood to whip in the wind. For a moment, Phin stood stock-still, staring as she rushed away, heading toward the center of the Quarter.

The only part of her body that was visible was her legs.

They were very nice legs. Her calves were perfectly defined, thanks to the three-inch heels she wore. How she was able to walk in heels that high-much less run-was a mystery.

She took an abrupt left at the next intersection and disappeared from view.

“Who was that?” Stone asked.

“I don’t know.” He’d never seen her before. He’d remember legs like that.

Importantly, her appearance had stopped the mental spiral of his anxiety. Sometimes a distraction was exactly what he needed to get his head on straight.

That’s what SodaPop’s supposed to do, you idiot.

Fine. Next time he’d bring her along.

“Did she come from your office?” Stone pressed. “From Broussard Investigations?”

Phin stilled. She hadn’t been a woman with nice legs. She’d been a fleeing woman with nice legs. “Shit.”

The sound of two gunshots, one right after the other, shoved his body into motion, and he started to run.

“Joy.” She’ll be alone. Because she was always the first in the office.

“Joy’s the office manager?” Stone asked, running beside him. “The lady who uses a wheelchair?”

“Yes.” Phin bypassed the ancient elevator and took the stairs. He’d told Stone about everyone in Burke’s office. He cared about them all, but Joy was special. She’d accepted him from the beginning. Taken him under her wing. Mothered him. Trusted him. “Ex-cop. Got shot on the job. Paralyzed from the waist down. Tougher than she looks.”

She’d be okay. Joy could take care of herself, he told himself, propelling himself up the last few stairs in a single leap.

They rushed from the stairwell into Burke’s lobby. It was an open space with large windows along one wall that faced the street below. Joy’s desk would be in the dead center of the room and she’d be sitting behind her computer, doing whatever it was she did every morning. She’d give him a look that was both chiding and welcoming.

Just like all the other times he’d returned from having run.

Except . . . she wasn’t behind her desk.

“Oh no.” Phin’s heart went from a gallop to a dead stop.

Because Joy lay on the floor next to her desk, her wheelchair on its side. Her white blouse was rapidly becoming red with blood and she wasn’t moving.

Excerpted from Buried Too Deep by Karen Rose Copyright © 2024 by Karen Rose. Excerpted by permission of Berkley. All rights reserved.

 


 

 

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The Confidence Games by Tess Amy – a Review

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The Confidence Games by Tess Amy – a Review

 

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Description:
Two female con artists must pull off the ultimate heist in this rollicking caper from a dazzling new voice.

Emma Oxley and Nellie Yarrow have been inseparable their whole lives. Ever since they reinvented themselves, changing their names and wiping clean their digital footprints, they have made a game of following wherever the next adventure leads and challenging themselves to thefts, street cons, and mind games.

Adhering to only two rules—they will only swindle men, and only ones who deserve it—Emma and Nellie are secure in their reputation as the most trustworthy swindlers on the European black market. Until suddenly, they must play to save their own lives.

Blackmailed into stealing a priceless bracelet from a high-security exhibit, Emma will reexamine everything she believed to be true. This heist takes her far beyond her comfort zone…and she and Nellie will need allies among the glitzy bejeweled gathering in London in order to survive. Will they be able to do the right thing before it’s too late?

 

 

Review:

The Confidence Games by Tess Amy is a fun standalone novel about two best friends who are con artists. We meet Emma Oxley and Nellie Yarrow, who have been best friends forever.  When Emma lost her job, as well as her fiancée, she is despondent, but when Nellie shows up, everything is about to change.  

They reinvent themselves, changing their names, and cleaning digital prints, with them becoming very successful con artists over a 5-year period; making a name for themselves in the European Black Market.  They develop many cons travelling the world, to swindle men, operating under fake personas, stealing valuable things and reselling to them to highest bidders. I really loved their wonderful inspiring friendship and how successful they were. 

But when Nellie is kidnapped, Emma is forced make a plan on stealing a very expensive bracelet (worth millions), The Heart of Envy from a London high-security exhibit. The difficulty of the heist, is because of so much high-tech security, as well as people all over. Nellie is released to help Emma steal the bracelet, with death threats holding against them; they have to race against time to save their own lives. Dax is a member of their team, being a tech and hacking expert. Sophia was a young girl, who was locked up, as Nellie and Emma helped keep the girl save with Dax.  As the day arrives, and plans are put into place, they discover surprising reveals and a family that stays together to fight the battle. To say too much more would ruin it for you, and the last quarter of the books was very exciting.

 I have to say I actually loved this book, as it was so much fun and very enjoyable.  I loved both Emma and Nellie, as well as Dax and Sophia.  The Confidence Games was very well written by Tess Amy, whom I have never read before but I will check out her next book.  The Confidence Games was a fun, delightful, action-filled, suspenseful, exciting story, with wonderful characters, and an amazing heist. I suggest you read this book, as it was so much fun.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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