THE SECOND TIME WE MET by Leila Cobo
Published by Grand Central Publishing
Division of The Hachette Book Group
ISBN-13: 9780446519380
At the request of The Hachette Book Group, a TPB was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.

  Synopsis (from publisher): Asher Stone grew up in an idyllic California family. His mother Linda made sure of that. She never wanted her son to feel different from other kids, just because he was adopted. She was a loving, devoted mother, and Asher a happy, healthy boy. So when a life-changin accident causes Asher to question his identity, he suddenly announces that he needs to learn about his roots, Linda is caught off guard. Asher doesn’t want to hurt his mother, but something inside him is driving him to find out exactly where he came from. And so he takes off on a journey to Colombia in search of his birth mother.

Interspersed throughout Asher’s story is that of his mother’s, Rita. Moving back in time we watch as a young Rita begins a clandestine affair with a revolutionary soldier–a guerilla warrior who loved her deeply but couldn’t leave the cause to care for her, not if he wanted to keep her safe. Rita is left alone and pregnant, with no support from her family. And though it breaks her heart, she makes the agonizing decision to give up her baby.

How can Asher, a young man who has never known hardship understand her decision? Can they have any kind of relationship–and where does that leave Linda if they do?

My Thoughts and Opinion: Musing, a word that this debut author penned many times in this story. Ironically, when the last word was read and the book placed in my finished pile, I was left with several thought provoking musings of my own.

As I mentioned, this was Ms. Cobo’s debut novel, which surprised me in the manner of her writing style.   Especially since it alternated between the times of 1989 to present and then in between but it all flowed smoothly.   She had a flair to bring the characters to life, to feel their emotions, to root for some, to not like others.   To feel their frustrations, expectations, fears, anxiety, guilt and so much more.   Even though the story line was predictable, the lives of the characters, their actions, and decisions they made,  kept me turning the pages.   An impressive and poignant read.

LOVESICK by Spencer Seidel
Published by Publishing Works, Inc.
ISBN-13: 978-1-935557-20-3
ISBN-978-1-935557-51-7
At the request of Meryl L. Moss Media, an ARC TPB was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.

  Synopsis (borrowed from Amazon):   Late one night out on the Eastern Promenade Trail in Portland, Maine, the police discover an incoherent teenager sitting in a pool of blood, holding the body of his best friend and the murder weapon. The girl they both love has been missing for weeks.

The kid’s jealousy clearly drove him to murder. He says the missing girl is the love of his life. She also happens to be the girlfriend of the murder victim.

It’s an open and shut case, or so most of Portland thinks.

Dr. Lisa Boyers, forensic psychologist, receives a call from an old friend, a connection to her troubled past. Attorney Rudy Swaner wants her to interview the young killer Paul Ducharme, who is claiming he doesn’t remember the events leading up to the murder.

In her jailhouse interviews, Lisa helps Paul to recover his memories. But something about Paul’s disturbing love story shakes Lisa to the very core of her being. To understand Paul, she is forced to confront her own ugly violent secrets.

Media attention mounts. Reporters stream into Portland. All eyes turn to the psychologist who seems intent on exonerating the vicious teen killer. Soon Lisa finds herself the focus of an over-zealous reporter with a knack for digging up dirty secrets.

But the killer who has Lisa in the crosshairs already knows them all.

  My Thoughts and Opinion:   I was introduced to this author in May of 2011 with his debut novel, Dead of Wynter,  in which I had stated at the time to put this author on your radar.  So when I was approached to read his latest novel to read and review, I jumped at the chance.  There is always a bit of skepticism, I find, when the debut book is extraordinary, is the 2nd one going to be too?  Or was it a one hit wonder.

Lovesick draws you in from the first few pages.  A deep, dark psychological thriller with a cast of characters that are interwoven with each other, having their own secret demons, in which they were all trying to live a normal life.  Even those that were in positions of trying to investigate a murder of a  teenage boy, his missing girlfriend and a best friend found at the murder scene but who doesn’t remember anything.   So many parallels between those investigating the case and those that were the victims.

Engrossing!!  Spencer Seidel’s writing style transports you right into the book.  To the point that a few times, I would be reading while waiting to pick up my husband after he got out of work and I was so absorbed, that I did not see nor hear him approach the car and when he knocked on the window, I let out a scream.  Definitely a white knuckle, thriller read!!!  Even though I had figured out the “whodunit”, the details surrounding the why’s, what’s, details, and secrets of the other characters were surprising.  This was a couldn’t put down book.  Looking forward to Mr. Seidel’s  future works.

(2012 Challenges:  Romantic Suspense, ARC, Mystery/Suspense, Off The Shelf, Serial Killers, Free Reads, Where Are You?, A-Z, Merely Myster, I want More, 52 in 52, Outdo Yourself, 100+)

THE GOOD FATHER by Diane Chamberlain
Published by Mira Books
Publication Date: April 24, 2012
ISBN-10: 0778313468
ISBN-13: 978-0778313465
At the generosity of the publisher, Mira Books, an ARC Digital Version was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.

    Synopsis (borrowed from Amazon):   A beloved daughter.    A devastating choice. And now there’s no going back.
Four years ago, nineteen-year-old Travis Brown made a choice: to raise his newborn daughter on his own.   While most of his friends were out partying and meeting girls, Travis was at home, changing diapers and worrying about keeping food on the table.       But he’s never regretted his decision.   Bella is the light of his life. The reason behind every move he makes.And so far, she is fed. Cared for.  Safe.
But when Travis loses his construction job and his home, the security he’s worked so hard to create for Bella begins to crumble….
Then a miracle.    A job in Raleigh has the power to turn their fortunes around.    It has to.    But when Travis arrives in Raleigh, there is no job, only an offer to participate in a onetime criminal act that promises quick money and no repercussions.
With nowhere else to turn, Travis must make another choice for his daughter’s sake.

   My Thoughts and Opinion:  I feel I need to start this review off with a caveat and a huge THANK YOU to author, Ms. Diane Chamberlain.   A few weeks ago, we became “friends” on GoodReads.   And it started me thinking.   Last year when my husband and I went on vacation, one of the books that came along with us was The Midwife’s Confession, which I reviewed for Meryl L. Moss Media and gave it a 5/5.   I had become a fan of her’s when I read The Lies We Told, which I also rated a 5/5.   Since we are going away again, same time, same place, I have already started a mental priority packing list, which is, what books will be packed this year.   So I garnered up the courage, emailed her, and asked if she had a new book coming out and would it be on an ARC tour?   She responded saying she would check with her publisher, but in the meantime, much to my surprise, honor, and delight, her publisher sent me a copy. Unfortunately, knowing it was in my possession, I could not wait until our vacation to read it.

The prologue steals your heart with the introduction of a 4 year old little girl, Bella, in which the other main characters are brought into the story line and come to life. There is so much to this book, and I apologize for being vague at times, but I do not want to include spoilers.   There was suspense, relationship dynamics, betrayals, grief, guilt, desperation, good, evil, secrets, lies, friendships, innocence, terror, blame, and above all a parent’s unconditional love.   The author writes in such a way that is so brilliant, detailed and descriptive, what I call a “transport” read, where I was so engrossed that I actually felt that I was part of the story and could create such realistic imagery of the entire book.   Each chapter alternates and is told through the perspective of 3 main characters, which made this reader want to read ahead to find out the outcome of the previous chapter’s situation the author leaves you with.   It was a page turning read.   I could not put this book down and read it in 2 days.   This is a book that will stay with you long after reading the last word.   A powerful, compelling, heartfelt, and passionate read.   Highly recommend, matter of fact, preorder it!!

LITTLE GIRL GONE by Drusilla Campbell
Published by Grand Central Publishing,
Division of The Hachette Book Group
ISBN-10: 0446535796
ISBN-13: 978-0446535793
At the request of The Hachette Book Group, a TPB was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.

An intensely emotional and provocative story, Little Girl Gone explores the secret hopes and fears that drive good people to do dangerous things . . . and the courage it takes to make things right.

  My Thoughts and Opinion:  Unfortunately, this story reminded me of some real life stories that we hear on the news too often.  And because of that, the characters, the settings, the emotions, the “brain washing” techniques, read like a true story by the writer’s descriptive words.  I read this book in a matter of days because it felt so real and I HAD to know how it would turn out.   There is also a psychological subplot of parallel lives, that have similar beginnings, damaged psyches and different outcomes.  This is the second book I have read by this author, the first being, The Good Sister, and she is a master at writing about relationship dynamics that grips the reader from deep within the heart and mind.  A poignant, heart wrenching, disturbing at times, read.  Definitely recommend!!

CROSS FIRE by James Patterson

A murderer returns

The case explodes, and the FBI assigns agent Max Siegel to the investigation. As Alex and Siegel battle over jurisdiction, the murders continue. It becomes clear that they are the work of a professional who has detailed knowledge of his victims’ movements–information that only a Washington insider could possess.

Caught in a lethal cross fire

As Alex contends with the sniper, Siegel, and the wedding, he receives a call from his deadliest adversary, Kyle Craig. The Mastermind is in D.C. and will not relent until he has eliminated Cross and his family for good. With a supercharged blend of action, deception, and suspense, Cross Fireis James Patterson’s most visceral and exciting Alex Cross novel ever.

   My Thoughts and Opinion:  Who doesn’t like a classic James Patterson book with it’s 2-4 page chapters, especially his long running Alex Cross series?    I got hooked on his books many years ago, and Cross Fire was true to form.   Dr. Alex Cross, Nana and the kids are all a central part of the story line and his devotion to his family makes the character even more likable.    And in this book he finally gets married.   The action is fast paced and as stated above, because of the short chapters, it is very easy to say “just one more chapter” and you find that you have read ten.   A very quick read.    Even though I enjoyed this novel because it was an “Alex Cross book”, I found it to be predictable and lacking the high drama of investigation that one could find in his earlier books.    Will I read another Patterson book?    Yes….I still like his writing style.

(2012 Challenges:  TBR, Romantic Suspense, Bucket List, Mystery/Suspense, Off The Shelf, Serial Killers, Free Reads, Where Are You, A-Z, Merely Mystery, 52 in 52, Outdo Yourself, 100+)

He’s baaaaack!!   Yes, my paisan from the old neighborhood is back.   For those who aren’t Italian, paisan means pal and/or buddy.   I don’t think I ever told the story how we virtually met.   So before he starts telling us about his latest book, I will digress and share.

He sent me an email via GR asking me if I lived anywhere near Providence College, which is where he attended college and in which he mentions in his Moonlight novels.  And then he happens to mention…..”Oh and btw I just wrote a book that you might enjoy.”  I explained I would put it on my TBR list but that I review for several publishers and publicists and when I had a lull I would pick it up.  It just so happened, that a week later a tour company that I was reviewing for put a call out for his book so I jumped at the chance, and as they say the rest his history.

As I said, he is returning today to talk about his latest book, which should be quite interesting since this is definitely not in the genre that he hooked me with.  But I will let him explain.  So I am happy to have Vincent Zandri here once again!!!

ABOUT VINCENT ZANDRI

Vincent Zandri is the No. 1 International Bestselling author of THE INNOCENT, GODCHILD, THE REMAINS, MOONLIGHT FALLS, CONCRETE PEARL, MOONLIGHT RISES and SCREAM CATCHER. He is also the author of the bestselling digital shorts, PATHOLOGICAL and MOONLIGHT MAFIA. Harlan Coben has described his novels as “…gritty, fast-paced, lyrical and haunting,” while the New York Post called THE INNOCENT, “Sensational…Masterful…Brilliant!” In March, April and May of 2011, he sold more than 100,000 Kindle E-Book editions of his novels. In September 2011, he signed a major deal with Thomas and Mercer of Amazon for the publication of his new novel, Murder by Moonlight, and the re-publication of many of his back-list titles, including The Innocent and The Remains. Zandri’s list of publishers also include Delacorte, Dell, StoneHouse Ink and StoneGate Ink. An MFA in Writing graduate of Vermont College, Zandri’s work is translated into many languages including the Dutch, Russian and Japanese. An adventurer, foreign correspondent, and freelance photo-journalist for RT, Globalspec, IBTimes and more, he lives in New York. For more go to WWW.VINCENTZANDRI.COM

You can find Vin at the following locations:
Website, Blog, Amazon Author Page, Facebook, Twitter

Or at his next 2 stops:

2/14/2012 Misty Rayburn Review – http://www.the-top-shelf.com

ABOUT THE BOOK

A young U.S. Army officer who’s served in Afghanistan finds himself suffering from intermittent bouts of “hysterical” temporary blindness due to impossible and deadly orders he was forced to obey by high command in the field. When he’s reunited with his fiancée in a military hospital in Germany after being separated for more than year, the couple are encouraged by doctors to travel to Venice, Italy together. There, amongst the canals and the cafes, they try to rekindle their love and fight off their personal demons while trying to comprehend the enormity of the heartbreaking role they now must play in love and war.

Amazon buy link

Barnes and Noble Buy Link

Addendum:  In case you don’t see it, Vin just left a comment that his novel Scream Catcher is a free download all weekend!!!!  What a deal!!!  Don’t miss out!!!

MY REVIEW

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT by Vincent Zandri

Published by  StoneGate Ink

ASIN: B0060MB5JM

At the request of his Virtual Publicist a digital short edition, was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.

  Synopsis (borrowed from Amazon):  A young U.S. Army officer who’s served in Afghanistan finds himself suffering from intermittent bouts of “hysterical” temporary blindness due to impossible and deadly orders he was forced to obey by high command in the field. When he’s reunited with his fiancée in a military hospital in Germany after being separated for more than year, the couple are encouraged by doctors to travel to Venice, Italy together. There, amongst the canals and the cafes, they try to rekindle their love and fight off their personal demons while trying to comprehend the enormity of the heartbreaking role they now must play in love and war.

  My Thoughts and Opinion:  The mystery, the suspense, the engrossing roller coaster twists and turns, white knuckle ride to the very last word is what put this author on my radar when I read Moonlight Falls.  And as I kept reading his subsequent novels (all of them) it moved him right on up to the Number 1 spot for mystery/suspenseful reads.  Then I read Scream Catcher and instantly saw a difference in his writing style.  Not in a bad way, but in a way that proved that this author has a lot to give, that he is most definitely a master at storytelling.  And then something happened, that I can honestly say, I was blown away.  I never thought these 2 words would be in the same sentence, Zandri and romance.

OK..another test..could he pull this one off?  Even though it was a digital short, which disappointed me because I wanted to get the whole package, but I will be patient until the sequel is out), he transported me to the sidewalk cafe in Italy sitting next to this American couple that seemed to be quite uncomfortable with each other.  Yes, he made the characters come to life, he allowed the reader to form a vivid imagery of the scene, feel the emotions, see the sights and sounds.  If this digital short is any indication what the novel will be, I have something to look forward to.  He just raised the bar even higher!!!

GODS AND FATHERS BY JAMES LePORE
Published by The Story Plant
ISBN-10: 1611880297
ISBN-13: 978-1611880298
At the request of The Story Plant, an ARC EBook Edition was provided, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.

Synopsis (from publisher): Matt DeMarco is an accomplished Manhattan attorney with more than his share of emotional baggage. His marriage ended disastrously, his ex-wife has pulled their son away from him, and her remarriage to a hugely successful Arab businessman has created complications for Matt on multiple levels. However, his life shifts from troubled to imperiled when two cops – men he’s known for a long time – come into his home and arrest his son as the prime suspect in the murder of the boy’s girlfriend.

Suddenly, the enmity between Matt and his only child is no longer relevant. Matt must do everything he can to clear his son, who he fully believes is innocent. Doing so will require him to quit his job and make enemies of former friends – and it will throw him up against forces he barely knew existed and can only begin to comprehend how to battle.

My Thoughts and Opinion: To be completely honest in reviewing this book, I feel I should start with a caveat. I don’t usually read novels that have espionage, government intelligence and/or spy plots. And from reading the synopsis, I did not think that this book held those elements. However, as I was caught up in the story, and then when international terrorism was introduced into the story line, I didn’t know if this was going to be a good book match for me. Another factor was the many different agencies and the long list of characters. This novel was definitely out of my comfort zone.

But I had already been pulled in right from the start of this book.   How could a young man be accused of murder and rape of his girlfriend and facing the death penalty have anything to do with international relationships of terror?   And why are those that are investigating or close to this case being killed?   How is this all tied together? As I said, the characters are many, but through Mr. LePore’s writing style, he reminds the reader as to who the character is and/or the agency he/she works for. Because the characters are all flawed in some way, it was had to determine who could be trusted.  Who were the good guys?  Who were the bad guys?  How was the plot all tied together? That’s why I had to keep turning the pages!!.  With an ending that I never saw coming!!!!

Even though this was a book outside of my comfort zone, I thoroughly enjoyed it.  I would have missed out on an exceptional read had it not been for a requested review. Mr LePore, with his excellent detailed writing ability, whereas I could create vivid imagery, and his masterful story telling, has transformed my thinking on espionage novels. Well, at least his.  Kudos Mr. LePore!!