The Witness by Nora Roberts

The Witness                           

By Nora Roberts

Overview

Daughter of a controlling mother, Elizabeth finally let loose one night, drinking at a nightclub and allowing a strange man’s seductive Russian accent lure her to a house on Lake Shore Drive. The events that followed changed her life forever.

Twelve years later, the woman known as Abigail Lowery lives on the outskirts of a small town in the Ozarks. A freelance programmer, she designs sophisticated security systems—and supplements her own security with a fierce dog and an assortment of firearms. She keeps to herself, saying little, revealing nothing. But Abigail’s reserve only intrigues police chief Brooks Gleason. Her logical mind, her secretive nature, and her unromantic viewpoints leave him fascinated but frustrated. He suspects that Abigail needs protection from something—and that her elaborate defenses hide a story that must be revealed.

My thoughts

Mrs. Roberts is an expert in drawing her readers into the lives that she creates with rich characters that you immediately believe in. A master craftswoman of the written word who not only introduces characters that you know, but she builds the stories with such finesse that they are tangible, living things. The Witness is no exception.

Elizabeth is a character I recognized from both my days as an awkward teen, as well as today as I see this same unhappy dynamic played out every day in my classroom and on my campus. As Elizabeth struggles to find her own identity in her house with her “perfect” mother, rebellion is guaranteed. She veers so far away from the conformity that her mother has imposed, that the consequences are prolonged and far reaching. She soon finds herself in the unimaginable position of knowing that even law enforcement is untrustworthy. Faced with an uncertain future, she begins to run for – and from- her life.

Brooks is a likeable hero. A hometown police chief who finds himself intrigued  by the reclusive and young Abigail Lowery. Certain that things are not as they seem, he finds himself time and again interrupting her seclusion, immersing himself in her life as his feelings develop from mere fascination into love; if only she would trust him with her secrets. As their “relationship” blossoms, Abigail finds herself trusting Brooks more and more, eventually revealing the truth of herself and what she is running from.

I’m not going to tell you any more because I really do not want to spoil this for you, but I can tell you that this is one story you will not be able to put down.

If you have never read a Nora Roberts story before, this one will make you an addict! Set aside a day to do nothing but enter her latest world, and loose yourself in this story of crime, families, passion, and truth.


Product Details

• ISBN-13: 9780399159121
• Publisher: Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated
• Publication date: 4/17/2012
• Pages: 496
• Sales rank: 22
• Available in harback, and ebook formats from Barnes and Noble, Amazon, iBooks
  
  

Danger Zone

Danger Zone                                 

By Dee J. Adams

4 out of 5 Stars

I receive a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Danger Zone is an extremely well written, high energy, high octane novel that bring you along for a fast paced ride as you cheer for the hero and heroine, laugh, cry and wonder who is behind the sabotage that they keep facing.

Quinn Reynolds is a millionaire partner in a Formula One race car design company who is ready to sell the business, if he can get his older brother and partner to agree. In a last ditch effort to convince his brother, he flies to Los Angeles to meet with his brother while in the set of a movie being filmed about his sister-in-laws career as a race car driver.

Ellie Morgan is the stuntwoman who fills in for the star of the movie. Having been a stuntwoman for ten years, she has experienced both the highs and the lows that her career offer, but it is sitting behind the wheel of the racecar that Ellie finds, what she hopes to be, the next phase of her life. Ellie is held back, however, by a secret that only a few know about, something that could affect her future, permanently.

As with every good book, there needs to be conflict and poor Ellie and Quinn seem to have it in spades. The biggest conflict actually serves to help bring them closer together, as they try to figure out who is out to kill them, and why.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes! Definitely, yes. The story never lost its momentum throughout, keeping me in the story through the very end. Would I recommend this book? YES! If you are searching for a, “can’t put down, page turner” then come to the Danger Zone.

                                                         

Product Details

• ISBN-13: 9781426893223
• Publisher: Carina Press
• Publication date: 2/20/2012
• Sold by: Barnes & Noble, Amazon
• Format: eBook
• Edition description: Original
• Sales rank: 110,116
• Series: Adrenaline Highs Series
• File size: 1 MB

SURRENDER

 

SURRENDER                    

By Pamela Clare

Book one in the MacKinnion’s Ranger Series is a beautifully written, strong story set during the Seven Year War. The story of three brothers, born of Scottish blood and spirit, unbelievable character and strengths, the series casts each brother in a featured role and sweeps you into the war that they have found themselves condemned to fighting in.

Iain MacKinnion, a man guilty of nothing more that coming to the defense of a prostitute, is suddenly faced, along with his brothers, with the choice of a hangman’s noose or fighting for the British Crown, a crown he has no love for. Choosing life, Iain finds himself commanding a group of Rangers, a unit that he has picked of Scots and Irishmen alike. A band of brothers, who have united together to become an invaluable force for the Crown.

Annie Burns, born to luxury in the Highlands of Scotland, her family supporters of the British Crown. As tragedy befalls her family, she is placed in the guardianship of her once beloved uncle who she discovers hides a terrifyingly cruel side. His actions have not only branded her for life, but have also forced her across the sea to a life of indenture for crimes she did not commit. Bought by a frontier couple, she once again survives an attack with her life, and in doing so, finds herself at the feet of the MacKinnion Rangers.

Iain and Annie are faced to work as best as they can together while fighting for their lives as they attempt to reach Fort Edward and reunite with Iain’s Rangers. Forced together, they find it more and more futile to fight the feelings that they are developing for one another.

A beautiful love story that has enough genuine emotion woven into the pages, the MacKinnions leave you wanting more of these Highlander men.


                                                       5 of 5 STARS

Overview

Unlawfully charged with a crime and now fighting for the hated British, Iain MacKinnon disobeyed orders and endangered his brothers and his mission to rescue a woman. And though he sensed Annie was hiding something from him, it was too late to hold back his heart...




INFO:

·  ISBN-13: 9781101552445

·  Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)

·  Publication date: 12/6/2011

·  Sold by: Penguin Group

·  Format: eBook & Paperback

·  Pages: 368

·  Sales rank: 22,126

·  Series: MacKinnon's Rangers Series, #1

·  File size: 409 KB

Other books in this series

UNTAMED by Pamela Clare

UNTAMED

 by Pamela Clare

A friend of mine suggested this series to several readers in preparation for a discussion group when the third in the series is released in April She gave me the titles of books one and two, and me being ever so eager to read, promptly went and purchased, downloaded, and read Untamed. Naturally, me being me, I read book two before book one… I know!  Major “Dork” status.  (But at least I know how book one turns out.)

Untamed is set early in American history, during the mid to late 1750’s.  Our hero is Morgan MacKinnion, a Scot who has been –along with his brothers, Iain and Conner- blackmailed into fighting with the British, as one of their specially trained Rangers/ Morgan has led his team of men to a fort that was controlled by the French military when he becomes wounded and captured.

Our heroine, an innocent Officer’s Daughter, Amalie Chauvent who is staying at the fort with the father is soon asked the impossible: to care for and nurse the wounded Ranger back to health so he may be tried and executed for his various crimes in battle.  Amalie takes on the responsibility reluctantly, eventually finding herself developing feelings for the Scot, who represents all that she has come to despise.

During their imposed time together at the hospital, she is asked to investigate him, hoping to use his knowledge of the British armies and their plans to the French advantage. Amalie soon discovers that there is much more to Morgan than she or the Forts Commanders thought.

Would I recommend this book to you? Absolutely! I would, however, suggest reading Pamela Clare’s Surrender (the first in this series, well- first. They do build off of one another, but I had no problem jumping into the story.  So, please, find a comfortable chair,  grab your favorite beverage and a snack, and snuggle up with a hot Highlander for a few hours.

Overview

When he awakens sweet passion in a convent-bred, French lass, Morgan MacKinnon finds himself cursing the war that's forced him to choose between upholding his honor and pledging himself to the woman he loves.

  

• ISBN-13: 9781101553886
• Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
• Publication date: 1/3/2012
• Sold by: Penguin Group
• Format: eBook& Paperback
• Pages: 368
• Sales rank: 27,306
• Series: MacKinnon's Rangers Series, #2
• File size: 480 KB

Anniversary

I can not believe it has been a year since my life made a 180 degree turn. Actually, it began to turn on December 19, 2010, one month and five days after my 40th birthday. It was this date in December that I suffered the absolute worst and horrifying headache I have ever had.  I chose to do nothing about it, I refused to be a weenie and rush to the ER because of a bad headache. I scheduled an appointment with my doctor here in town for the end of that month and I mentioned it to him. Thus, it began.

I was scheduled for a MRI and a meeting with a neurologist. The MRI came back clear, but the neurologist was still concerned with all the possibilities. He called in for another MRI and and MRA, just to be safe, along with countless blood tests.  The blood work was clear, but there, in the MRI, was a problem.

I'm interrupting myself here because there is a family history of aneurisms on my Dad's side. His Mother, my namesake, died of a brain aneurism in the 1950's, when my Daddy was 12. To say it was sudden and unexpected would be an understatement. My Dad's aunt, Lela Mae's sister, has aneurisms in her neck. Now you know.

My problem was that family trait, an aneurism sitting there behind my right eye. Neurologist sends me to the neurosurgeon.

February, 2011
 My Mom went with me to the appointments, my rock. Dr. White listens to the family history and wants to operate ASAP to clip it before it ruptures. I want to wait until May. The school year will be almost over. My students wont need me as much. I needed to see them through the state testing. The doctors and my Mom, I remember then all disbelieving my insistence that I wait. I compromised and told them I wanted to talk to my family and my principal before I schedule anything.  I will just summerize by saying that they all agreed sooner was better than later.  Surgery is scheduled for spring break.

March 2011
The week before my surgery date I am being completely dorky. It is brain surgery, so I cut and color my hair, lest my doctors see my roots. My students, my beautiful, beautiful "babies" have brought me so many cards, gifts, and chocolate! They know I will be out for six weeks, minimum. The DATE is set for Spring Break, March 17, so, me being me, I get a pedicure and have my toes painted a guacamole green color; no pinching me for no green while I am under the knife.

Mom and I stayed in Dallas at a hotel the night before and showed up bright and early for the surgery.  I don't remember much about that morning, except for making stupid, nervous jokes before I go to sleep. Needless to say, I came out fine after. still teaching middle school. still slightly nutty. But I will always celebrate St. Patrick's Day for a different reason

RUINATION, a Review

                       

RUINATION:
The Rake and The Recluse, Book Four

By Jenn LeBlanc
Author and Photographer

It only gets hotter! Looking for a book on a cold winter night to help warm you up? Perhaps a bit of summertime sizzle? With each new installment in The Rake and The Recluse serial, you find the story drawing you in more and more. You are turning the page, holding your breath for the big reveal, the "Aha!" when you realize that you have run smack into another cliff hanger! This one is no different.

We pick up the story in RUINATION after Francine's disappearance. We all know who is behind it, and there is never a doubt  as to the culprit for Gideon and Perry. Our heros are off and running to rescue Francine before she falls victim to ruination by Hepplewort, who only wants her as his wife to produce an heir.  I think it is safe to say that Gideon and Perry save the day, and Gideon, Tenth Duke of Roxleigh, one time recluse, sets his mind to ruining Francine for any other man. (And, boy, does he ever!)

The date is set.          
The bride and groom
are ready. The only
thing missing now is
Perry, who returns
with some shocking
news of his own.

This is when the evil laughter I imagine as Jenn LeBlanc's plays in my head while we wait for the next installment of The Rake and The Recluse, Book Five: SUBMISSION.

Would I recommend this book to you? ABSOLUTELY! But, you must remember that this is a six part serial and they should be read in order: FREEDOM, FOUND, TAKEN, RUINATION, and soon to be released, SUBMISSION, and the conclusion,  RETRIBUTION.

If you like your hero handsome, tall, strong, and powerful with plenty of -all I can think of to describe Gideon is- "Oh, yes..." to season him a bit more, then this is for you. What are you waiting for?

Available now as e-book from
Amazon.com  $1.99
BarnesandNoble.com  $1.99
AllRomance.com  $1.99

Mask of the Gladiator

The Mask of the Gladiator  
   by Georgie Lee
   Released by Carina Press

Rome, 41 AD

Livia Duronius is driven to seek out a gladiator after watching him triumph in the Colosseum. His touch arouses a sense of hope she hasn't felt since Rome fell under the tyrannical rule of Caligula-and her late husband betrayed her. Though in danger of losing more than her heart, she vows to see him again, even after she learns her uncle has arranged her marriage to a senator.

Senator Titus Marius cannot resist indulging in a passionate encounter with the veiled woman who waits for him after the games, though he faces execution if his true identity is discovered. Bound by honor to wed another, and embroiled in a plot to free Rome from madness, he never expects to see the mystery woman again.

When the fates reunite them in the marriage bed, Titus vows to protect Livia at all costs-even from the lecherous eyes of the emperor...


********************************


Mask of the Gladiator, by Georgie Lee, is a very short novella that I found uneventful. It is difficult to come up with the words I need about such a short story without giving the story away... It seemed to me that there was an attempt to pack too much into a small space, and none of it worked. 


We start the story with the wealthy widow, Livia, who was attending a Gladiator match. She becomes enthralled by the victor, and seeks out the slave and ends up having sex.


The masked "slave" gladiator is actually Titus, a member of the Senate who is in disguise. Titus is on the brink of meeting his betrothed, and guess who she happens to be?


Yep.


I really could not find anything I liked about this story. Maybe it is because the heroine jumped right into sex a few minutes after meeting the gladiator? I do not know. The beginning was long, the middle was so-so, and the end was predictable.


I am not saying "Don't read this book," but I am saying that I will not be re-reading this one.