Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Reviewed by Vivian
Recommended 18+

I've wanted to read this for awhile now and with the upcoming movie I thought it a perfect time. This is the first book I've read from the particular author.

The story centers around Nick and Amy Dunne who both have promising careers in New York City and then one day they don't both losing their jobs. When  Nicks mother becomes ill with cancer he and his dutifully wife move to Carthage Missouri to care for his terminally ill mother. On their fifth wedding anniversary, Amy goes missing.  While her parents Rand and Marybeth grieve over her daughters disappearance Nick seems, distant, unconcerned and uninterested.  While Nick weaves a tale of deception and lies, the police start to focus on him as their prime suspect.

This a typical story of a missing wife and the husband under suspicion. However it is cleverly written from Nick's perspective and Amy's diary entries giving both sides of their marriage woes.  Twists and turns abound throughout making it a must read. I give it 5 stars. Links are listed below.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_pg_1?rh=n%3A133140011%2Ck%3Agone+girl&keywords=gone+girl&ie=UTF8&qid=1412557301

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gone-girl-gillian-flynn/1105608095?ean=9780553418361

The Rifters by M. Pax

Reviewed by Vivian


I'd consider this a combination of science fiction and paranormal. I finished reading this a week ago, but wasn't sure how I felt about the book. I wanted to wait to get a better handle on it, but to be honest I'm still not sure.

When I read the synopsis, it was a story of time travel, but apparently I didn't see the caption 'People whisper of a phantom outlaw and start dying, murdered and missing their heads.' The story centers around Earl Blacke who was from the 1800's and has come to the present by way of the rift. Living in Settler, Oregon he becomes friends with Charming. After her sister Daelin loses her job in New York City Charming has invited her to come and stay with her. Upon arriving Charming is not around to greet her, she has gone missing.

The story itself has no sexual content or inappropriate language, so it maybe suitable for young adults as there is some violence (heads popping off). It is different and unusual but wasn't for me. If you like different, unusual science fiction with a touch of weird this maybe for you.  This was a free ebook roughly 140 pages. I give it 3 stars.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Rifters-M-Pax-ebook/dp/B00MW8RKME/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_i

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-rifters-m-pax/1120171300?ean=2940046112849

Deacon by Kristen Ashley

Reviewed by Lucy
Adult read 18+

(Warning: Dark Read) I'm a huge KA fan and have read all of her books. I preordered this book and couldn't wait to devour it as soon as it hit my nook. This series, while darker than her others, are great reads if you enjoy the genre. Deacon was mentioned in the Raid novel, another great read, so you have some background into his history.

The book starts out with Cassidy, a young woman who recently bought property with vacation cabins in the Colorado. It had been a dream of hers since the age of 13, one she included her current boyfriend Grant in on. Unfortunately, Grant's promises to help her but doesn't follow through, preferring to drink with his 'buds', and enjoy the outdoor activities the mountains have to offer, leaving Cassidy with all of the labor he never seems to get around to doing.

During a particularly ugly argument, a knock comes at the door. Enter John Priest, aka Deacon. The the man is large and menacing, coming to the counter requesting cabin 11, he refuses to give a credit card and pays cash. Cassidy is pretty sure his name is an alias and doesn't feel right renting him a room. But she needs the money as Grant reminds her, so does so anyway. Something about the stranger, while she does fear him, intrigues her.

Always cold and a man of few words, over the years, and long after Grant is gone, randomly he continues to come back, always for cabin 11. Cassidy finds herself looking forward to his return, even though he remains distant and cold, finding herself wondering about the stranger and his life, until one day something happens to change all of that.

I won't say any more, not wanting to spoil the book for anyone else. But what you will find are devastating secrets, heartbreak, beauty, and pain. Kristen Ashley doesn't disappoint as she pens the story of her latest damaged alpha male. As always I can't wait and see what she does next. I gave this book four instead of five stars because I thought the conflict resolution at the end needed something more after what happened between the characters. Other than that, a solid KA read. Links listed below

http://www.amazon.com/Deacon-Unfinished-Heroes-Series-Book-ebook/dp/B00M8T7P86

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/deacon-kristen-ashley/1120028661?ean=2940046068276

Burning Alive by Shannon Butcher

Reviewed by Lucy

Adult read 18+

Every year, my public library has an amazing fundraiser call the book bag sale. I love this sale. Ten dollars will buy you two large tote bags which you are able to fill to the brim with book or all shapes, sizes, and genres. My shoulders hurt from lugging two totes while going nuts up and down the crammed aisles, but it was totally worth it for the 30+ books I brought home. The only downside is, there isn't much time to mill about, read the synopsis, or ponder. So the upside, I have a lot of new books, the downside, some are series books and unfortunately they are not book 1.

Anyway, in honor of the upcoming season, I've been getting into the spirit, broadening my reading base by getting better acquainted with the paranormal genre. One of the books that happened to find it's way into my reading bag was written by the wife of an author Winnie enjoys, Shannon Butcher. While the book was released in 2009 (okay so it's been around for a while), but it was new to me as well as number one in the series, so I gave it a try. 

The story is an urban paranormal romance in the Sentinel War series. The story begins with Helen, a humanitarian who cares for the elderly, having diner with Ms. Mabel at a local diner when she sees a man who has been at the center of a disturbing vision ever since she can remember. This man scares her and with good reason. It is Drake's smiling face she sees as she is burned alive. 

When Drake notices her, he is immediately drawn to her without understanding why. It doesn't take long before he finds himself approaching her, as if not in his control. As he gets near her, touches her, he realizes that she is a source of comfort and for a sentinel like himself, this is an impossibility.

While the story centers on these two individuals, there are many points of view and side stories throughout the novel. I personally thought this helped to add to the back story of the Sentinel race, which I thought was interesting and well written. It didn't take long before the story really took off, the plot unfolded nicely, held a good pace, keeping me interested to see where it all lead. I enjoyed her first novel enough to continue on in the series. I'd give it 4 out of 5 on the rating scale.

http://www.amazon.com/Burning-Alive-The-Sentinel-Wars/dp/0451412710

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/burning-alive-shannon-k-butcher/1100310344?ean=9781101046586

Erron by Melanie Schulz

Reviewed by Lucy

recommended for 16+ 

From the moment I began this read, I was drawn in. From beginning to end, I devoured this book in three days. This author gives you bits and pieces of information that unfold throughout, keeping it interesting and driving you to find out what happens next. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the way this was penned, though I know some don't care for changing points of view. The story of Erron is told from a duel perspective, and though it does indeed center on this unique male, it unfolds through two points of view, both expressed in first person. Willow, a young woman who the lonely and reclusive Erron finds himself drawn to, and Paul, a man employed by organization who has been hunting him for over four years. It becomes clear early on the what you see with Erron is not as it appears.

This book is full of secrets, half truths, twists, and turns. There isn't much I can reveal about the series of events that occur without ruining the journey for you, but I will say that you can't help feel for these characters. Even the antithesis grew on me as I found myself rooting for him as well. Her characters were well formed, rich and complex. The plot was strong and the story flowed well from chapter to chapter. 

My only complaint, was I felt the ending was too abrupt given the background and build up leading to the climax. I would have loved for the author to have given a bit more insight and detail into what came after for Erron and Willow. For that reason, I would give this novel a 4 star rating instead of 5. Still definitely a solid worthwhile paranormal read I recommend for the price point of $3.99. (Link to book found below for Amazon)

 http://www.amazon.com/Erron-Melanie-Schulz/dp/0692274847

 

In His Eyes by Nina Pierce

Reviewed by Vivian
Recommended 18+

A crime mystery. On the outside Maggie Callaghan thought she had it all, three great kids, her own business and a wonderful husband, or so she thought. While walking through the kitchen during their annual fourth of July barbecue she finds her newly divorced friend precariously intertwined with her husband, Alex.  Her heart broken she and her husband decide to separate. Maggie rents a seaside cottage, where she and Alex take alternate weeks with their children at their home and the quaint cottage.

On her first week at the cottage alone Maggie takes a long look at her marriage.  Alex had taken her for granted, and she needed time to sort out her life. Karen, her close friend tries to comfort her, and sets her up with Seth, the physical therapist Maggie just hired. One night Seth's anger got the better of him and freaked her out. Then there was Dan, an acquaintance, But then Maggie met Jack a cop, who made her feel wanted. Alex tries to repair the damage he has caused and get his wife back.

While Maggie jogged along the sandy beaches she became the interest of  someone watching from the shadows. A serial rapist and murder and Rainmaker, an FBI agent was on the hunt for him.

This was well written and kept me guessing as to whodunnit. I would go back and forth from the characters always certain I knew the culprit. With great character and good plot I give this 4 stars. At $3.99 this is a great value for a great read. Below are the links for Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

http://www.amazon.com/His-Eyes-Nina-Pierce-ebook/dp/B00H2BBPNG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410916251&sr=8-1&keywords=in+his+eyes

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/in-his-eyes-nina-pierce/1117544616?ean=9781494269432

Knight by Kristen Ashley

Reviewed by Lucy
Recommended 18+
Adult read

In anticipation of Deacon, the next to be released in Kristen Ashley's Unfinished Hero's series on September 23, 2014, I thought to rewind and go back to the beginning to her first novel in the series titled Knight. I have enjoyed nearly all of what this author has created over the years, some more than others, but I will say overall, she rarely disappoints. This book and series for me was no different.It is by far one of her darker novels, telling the story of characters who have survived trauma and unusual upbringings that have left a lingering effect on their lives for better or for worse.

Our story begins with Anya, a woman who has struggled most of her life, including financially after being orphaned as a young girl and raised by an alcoholic neglectful aunt. While begrudgingly attending a party, she meets Knight, a young wealthy mysterious and harsh man. The two couldn't be more different. Knight is mysterious with a dark edge and well off while Anya is sweet, kind, good natured as she struggles from week to week to make ends meat.

Knight decides to leave Anya alone despite being enamored with her, believing her to be better off with a normal traditional man, something Knight most definitely is not. That changes when Knight finds Anya in his nightclub. Finding her in a bad situation, he decides he doesn't care if he's right for her. He pursues her, deciding he's going to take care of her by making her life easier and goes about doing just that. This is something Anya hasn't had since the passing of her parents.

Throughout this book, most of the time I found Knight to be either a bastard or the best thing since chocolate. I won't say anything more, no plot spoilers. What I will say is this is by far more than a boy meets girl, boy falls for girl, girl falls for boy and both live happily every after. Kristen Ashley in my opinion delivers yet again. This is definitely an anti-hero type book, darker than your average romance read. For $3.99 it's a good value, a recommended 4 star read.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Knight

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/knight-kristen-ashley/1110498584?ean=9780615803838