Estuary by Lisa T. Bergren

 

If you loved The River of Time series by this author buckle up, because there's a new She-Wolf in the pack! The first book in The Oceans of Time series does not disappoint. I loved every minute of it! I loved every character in it(well, not the bad guys!). 

Luciana Betarrini and her twin brother Domenico have wondered for a year where their cousins disappeared to. Nico thinks he knows the answer, but it is so far-fetched and impossible...isn't it? When Nico and Luciana find themselves 700 years in the past Luci is ready to return home. But Nico is excited for the prospects this new/old world can bring. Fighting battles and being kidnapped is not Luciana's idea of fun and she is ready to return to her world except that she's becoming attached to her family. Being a part of a loving family is something that Luci and Nico have not experienced in several years. And then there is the handsome knight Giulio Greco who captures Luciana's attention like no other man has been able to do. Tiliani Forelli's family is hoping that she will marry Aurelio Paratore to bring an alliance to their two countries. Not everyone is in favor of this union though and intrigue and danger lurk around every corner. 

So so good! I loved The River of Time series and to be able to see how Lia and Gabi have faired was such an exciting prospect to me. I devoured this book and have found myself missing the characters after closing the last page. Which, by-the-way, leaves us on a cliffhanger gasping for answers! Which brings me to the sequel that will be coming out in March 2024:

I can't wait! Here is a synopsis, there may be spoilers if you have not read the first book!

After narrowly escaping arrest, Luciana Betarrini hurtles back to medieval Italy. Together, she, her brother, and the Grecos must find the Forellis’ nemesis and force him to confess to his role in the murders. Meanwhile, Lady Tiliani Forelli is searching for her family that has disappeared in enemy territory. Yet a trap is closing around them all.

The Blonde Identity by Ally Carter

 

When she wakes up and finds herself in the middle of Paris with some man standing over her yelling at her to RUN! she has no idea where she is or why she is laying in the snow. In fact she has no memory whatsoever. When people start shooting she runs! Now she is with a hot guy, people are chasing them trying to kill them and the only thing she can come up with is she is a spy! 

I have mixed feelings on this book. I enjoyed the adventure, I enjoyed the danger the couple was in, I even enjoyed some of the dialogue between them. On the flip side, that same dialogue could get a bit annoying. At times I thought the story read like a middle school adventure book. But then I thought, hence the title "Blonde" Identity. Because whew, dumb blonde came across a lot! But then again, it is kind of what made the character rather endearing! This book is supposed to be an adult story. At times I found myself thinking that it was just the author's excuse to be able to use the "f" word and to have a couple of steamy scenes between the characters. So yes, mixed feelings. The story gave me vibes of some interesting movies. Think of course The Bourne Identity, maybe even the Die Hard movies, because a lot of kick-butt scenes and such. But then I'd think of movies like the Lost City and Red, kind of adventure/dangerous movies with comedic undertones. So all in all I enjoyed the book and had a fun time reading it. Oh, it did end on a cliffhanger so we may get a sequel!

Follow Me by Debbie Viguie

 

ACK!!! Y'all! Author Debbie Viguie knows how to get the blood pumping! Not to mention she also knows how to freak a reader out by possibly killing off a favorite character! Nooooooo! Don't do it! Please! 

So much danger, so many mysteries still surrounding Cindy and her friends. Who, what, why and all of the questions!!!! All of the Psalm 23 readers get a bit grumpy because it takes so long for the next book to come out, but yet when they do they are perfection, so I personally don't mind the wait. 

Follow Me was one thrill after another that had me putting the book down a few times to take a break from the stress! I loved it! I hated it! I freaked out! So many secrets still left to be revealed. What is up with Tracy y'all? I can't wait for the next in the series, but yes I can because I know it will be perfect, but really I want it out yesterday! Jeremiah and Cindy, I hope y'all make it to FOREVER! 

Shadow of Deceit by Susan Sleeman

 

Shadow Lake Survival Book 1 was just as exciting as the rest of author Susan Sleeman's suspense books! Mia's uncle has left her Evergreen Resort on the condition that she live there for one full year before she inherits it. His one exception was that she could leave the property if her life was in danger. Ryan Maddox, Mia's ex-boyfriend and his family runs the Shadow Lake Survival camp next door to Mia. Mia left Ryan trying to get away from a father who had hated her from the time her mother died years before. When Mia starts receiving threats to leave Evergreen she assumes her father is trying to get rid of her. But would he stoop so low as to try and harm her? Now Ryan and Mia are working together trying to discover who is threatening Mia and why. 

This was a great introduction to the Shadow Lake Survival series. I can tell that I am going to fall in love with all of the Maddox family just as I have with all of the author's characters. One of the Maddox brother's irritates me to no end but I won't tell you who! You'll have to read the book for yourself and form your own opinions. As always, I can't wait for the next book in the series!

Countdown by Lynette Eason

 

Raina Price performs rescues almost every day. But Raina has a secret and it is about to catch up with her. Vincent Covelli is a US Marshal who has been trying to get close to Raina but she isn't interested in a relationship. When Vince realizes that Raina is in danger he comes alongside her to help in an unobtrusive way that has Raina learning to trust.

I really enjoyed this installment of the Extreme Measures series. Loved Raina's independence even though it could get frustrating. Loved how Vince patiently won her over to let him help her. Raina's secrets could have gotten her killed but I loved how she not only learned to let Vince help her but also learned that God is faithful even if He chooses not to do something the way she thought it should be done. There were a lot of players in the story and the outcome was a thrilling ride!