Adrienne GiordanoCritiques
Auteur de Man Law
Critiques
Steele Ridge: The Blackwells series #4. Multi-author series. Romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone. Cameo and support from the prior characters in the series.
Cilla Randolph is unsettled by a report she finds about land with toxic chemicals found on it, but more so by her father’s lack of concern. The cavalier attitude is norm and she’s afraid there is something shady going on. Cilla asks Cruz Blackwell and his company to get involved to find out what’s really going on with the property.
Fast action and dangerous consequences as Cilla and Cruz investigate and spend time together flirting and then dealing with problems. Twists and weighty issues plus timely help, make it a pulse pounding ride.
Romantic suspense done right.
Steele Ridge: The Blackwells#4
Chemistry, attraction, timing, a tantalizing mystery to solve, and honest open communication all work together to bring Cilla and Cruz together in this book. There is one more brother to find his match…can’t wait!
What I liked:
* Priscilla “Cilla” Randolph: criminal lawyer, daughter of rather difficult billionaire father, professional, believes in winning but also in justice, won’t break the law, will do what it takes to make things right, rather taken with Cruz
* Cruz Blackwell: one of five brothers, part of the BARS family recovery team, brilliant, short trigger, championship wrestler, interested in restoring a vintage car, pilot, needs space, not usually patient but willing to wait for Cilla
* Layla: Cilla’s assistant, protective, wise, efficient
* Getting to see the Blackwell brothers, their women, and mother again
* The plot, pacing, writing, and setting
* That the comradery, love, and support of the brothers for one another
* The way the relationship developed between Cruz and Cilla – loved the bac of the truck star gazing section
* That the person(s) behind the EPA violations, threats, and more was uncovered and hoping that justice will occur
* Knowing that there is another book to look forward to
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about people who are willing to do anything to anyone for money
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely
Thank you to the author for the ARC – this is my honest review.
5 Stars
And it was good. I liked Charlie and Meg - although personally I liked Charlie best. Honestly my biggest issue with this book was the freaking name. Schock Sisters - that c really put me off. It drove me mental every time I saw it written, particularly since one of the Goodreads cover pictures has it written as shock. I kept thinking I'm going mad. Look it's probably a minor thing but it was my biggest issue.
There were no real surprises through this. I guessed pretty early on who was responsible but it was interesting nonetheless. There's a touch of romance between Charlie and JJ but it's a side plot and a minor side plot at that.
I liked the relationship between Meg and Charlie. They always had each others back and it was nice to see they were close with their parents as well. Meg needs to learn to calm down though and not get so attached that it consumes her entire being. I get caring, I don't get whatever she was doing. It was full on with panic attacks. I prefer Charlie's way of doing things with her distance and objectivity.
I can't wait to read the next one but for this one, 4 stars.
Steele Ridge: The Blackwells #2
Five brothers to learn about in this action-packed, family driven, romantic suspense series. In this second book of the series, the youngest brother meets his match as he falls hard for a woman who requests the services of the family business to retrieve stolen jewels.
What I liked:
* Phin Blackwell: youngest brother, schmoozer, able to win anyone over, a bit of a lady’s man, dresses well, intelligent, there for his family but has dreams of his own that have been put on hold
* Madison “Maddy: Carmichael: middle child, mediation, has a dream job of working in her field while serving an ex-president, under suspicion for art theft, finds a spine as the story progresses
* The romance that develops between Maddy and Phin
* Seeing the brothers working together and also seeing their mother and grandmother again
* Wondering who will be up next for book three
* Priscilla Randolph: sharp lawyer on Maddy’s side, friend of Phin’s, sometimes referred to as “Cilla Shark” – wonder if she will end up with one of the Blackwell brothers
* Seeing some of the characters from the Steele Ridge series and finding out how they are doing
* The setting
* That the story and case were tied up neatly at the end with no loose strings
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like – so easy to see them locked up at the end
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
The Deep Cover Series #1
Breathtaking nail-biting seat of the pants opening scene that lead to a life or death cat and mouse story of survival. Liz barely survives her undercover operation in Venezuela and is sent to Viper for help…will he tempt fate to help her and potentially blow his own cover in the process or leave Liz hanging in the wind?
What I liked:
* Liz/Faith: strong, independent, survivor, quick on her feet, lethal, capable, adaptable, wants to find out who blew her cover, has chemistry with Shane
* Shane/Bobby/Viper: protective, misses his family, works hard to maintain his new identity, a loner by necessity, lethal, strong, has chemistry with Liz.
* Sully: seems a good guy though Shane doesn’t trust him
* Dusty: a good friend of Vipers and also working to stay incognito
* The setting in Chicago
* The writing, pace, and intensity of the story
* The way Shane and Faith become a team over time
* Thinking about what it must be like to take on new identities for a job of to stay safe
* That Leslie managed to get out of a tricky situation and hopefully find a new life
* Hoping that Leslie’s brother will get out, too
* The cloak and dagger bits and secret hiding place
* That some of the bad guys received their just desserts
* The ending – it made me smile and made me happy
What I didn’t like:
* Knowing that there are corrupt bad guys out there like the ones in this book
* Thinking about the people willing to turn traitor for their own benefit(s)
* Not a total dislike but perhaps a bit of disbelief at the decision Liz made toward the end of the book and wondering how wise or realistic that decision would really have been…that said…this is fiction and perhaps she has some Wonder Woman in her genes ;)
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely
Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Book Whisperer for the ARC – this is my honest review.
4.5 Stars
When her cover is blown, CIA operative Elizabeth Aiken barely escapes from Venezuela with her life. Set adrift by the Agency, she reaches out for help and finds it in Shane Quinn, a former operative who has spent years building his own cover while staying away from his family in order to ensure their safety. He doesn’t know Liz, but he steps up to help the woman and, as he grows more and more attracted to her, he finds himself enmeshed in her fight.
Will they survive? Will they find their way to a happily ever after? And will Shane ever manage to duplicate his mother’s brownie recipe?
Non-stop action is the hallmark of this adventure; the characters [and the story] hit the ground running and never ease up on the frantic pace. Shane, Dusty, and Trevor [all aliases since they don’t dare use their real names] worry about the trouble Liz [now known as Faith] may bring since the corrupt Venezuelan president is determined to kill her as he seeks revenge for his son’s death. But Liz/Faith is not afraid of a fight; she has skills to protect herself, she's brave to the point of foolhardiness, and she doesn’t know the meaning of “damsel in distress.” But with their adversaries always one step ahead, this small band travels a dangerous path in search of the freedom to live their lives openly and in peace once again.
The characters are believable; the situation is tense and terrifying. The underlying tension that runs throughout the telling of the tale promises to keep readers on the edge of their seats as the unfolding story puts Shane and Faith in one perilous situation after another. There’s a surprising twist that readers won’t see coming; there’s plenty of excitement guaranteed to keep those pages turning in this difficult-to-set-aside book.
Also included in this eBook is an excerpt from the author’s “Risking Trust,” the first book in her Private Protectors series.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from ALG Publishing / The Book Whisperer, ALG Publishing and NetGalley
#CrossingLines #NetGalley
Cette critique a été écrite dans le cadre des Critiques en avant-première de LibraryThing.I normally don't like too many POVs, but the 2 POVs worked in this book, since they belonged to the 2 strong protagonists, Rae and Rose. It was great to see their friendship develop, their interactions (loved the conversations about Rae's footwear) and how they complemented each other's skillsets/ideas.
I had recently watched a series that was set in a big Seaside Hotel and in my mind, I kind of based the Hotels scenes there, giving it a movie feel. Would love to see what adventure Rae and Rose go on next.
6th book in the Private Protection series. Can be read as a stand-alone contemporary romance.
Jackson Lynx, fighting for his one-year mark from an over the counter drug addiction.
Jillian, a child of adult alcohol syndrome. She’s spent her life disappointed by her father and his addiction. Can she ever trust Jack enough to have a relationship with him?
Deals with some deep issues all part of the cycle of addition, loss, disappointment and the need for approval. A bit sad. But it’s a romance so ....
Immediately engrossing and gripping. Nonstop action. Kick it heroine who can fight back when necessary. She just needs to deal with her trust issues.
The hero is steady and reliable and worthy.
Private Protectors Series #6
Two people that should not have found one another do so in this book in which Jack is avoiding relationships but has a skillset that Jillian needs to feel secure. Whether or not Jack can achieve his goals regarding his addiction, and she can overcome her aversion to people with such problems is only part of this action-packed thrill ride that includes a big helping of romance.
What I liked:
* Jack’s integrity, honesty, and team spirit. He has plenty of confidence and seems to know himself well. He is perfect in many ways but does have a flaw that could pose a problem to any woman, and especially to Jillian.
* Jillian’s desire to succeed professionally, work hard, and do what is right. Her background has created trust issues and a need to run rather than confront. If she can overcome and grow then she and Jack might have a future together
* The story’s plot, timing and the way it was told.
* Learning a bit about big pharmaceutical companies and how things can be “fiddled”
* The supporting characters that work with Jack
* That Jack and Jillian together were able to overcome just about everything thrown at them
* That the story ended on a happy note with a HFN ending and positive potential for the couple
What I didn’t like:
* The bad guys…wasn’t supposed to like them and it was easy to do just that
* Knowing that addiction is a big issue in the world, it impacts the addicted and also impacts the family and those close to the person with the addiction.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series/by this author? Yes
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4.5 Stars
Cette critique a été écrite dans le cadre des Critiques en avant-première de LibraryThing.Cette critique a été écrite dans le cadre des Critiques en avant-première de LibraryThing.Rose Trudeau Mystery series book 1. Alternating chapters for POV. Written in present tense.
A reporter travels to Los Angeles to interview a matriarch about a fire that occurred many years prior. The article is supposed to be a human interest piece but soon turns into an investigation of murder.
RaeLynn is from a small town in South Dakota. She travels to Los Angeles hoping to get an interview with Rose Trudeau about the fire. I liked these two together. They played off each other well on their experience and lack thereof. The shoes being a conversation point multiple times was amusing.
Riveting with twists that keep the story intriguing. I look forward to reading the two protagonists in their next endeavor.
A Rose Trudeau Novel #1
Complex characters, plot and carefully told story about two women of different generations and cultural status but both with a drive that created a matched team capable of solving a cold case. This story grew on me the further I read and by the end I felt I was friends with both Rose and Rae and was not ready to say goodbye to them forever!
What I liked
* RoseTrudeau – a woman a bit younger than myself, happily married for decades, grieving the husband she lost within the last year and ready to move forward with her life while closing the door on a past event that changed her in more ways than she realized. I liked watching her grow and begin to emerge into the woman she will become.
* RaeLynn Demming: a young woman with heart, ambition and goals that recently faced castigation for investigative journalism that should have received just the opposite. I liked her spirit, heart, and drive. I look forward to seeing how she will develop over time.
* The relationship that develops between Rose and Rae as the story is told
* The hard look that both women took at their lives and goals for the future
* The strengths both women brought to the table
* Phillip: Do hope to see more of him
* The way the story was told and how it drew me in
* That the cold case was eventually solved and at least one of the bad guys was caught
* The impact uncovering some secrets had and how it impacted the characters as they moved forward
* Realizing that our assumptions about people, even those we love, may not be as clear and true and correct as we might think.
* All of it really except
What I did not like:
* Knowing that so many died and were injured in a tragic fire and that it is believable it has happened before and will happen again in the future.
* Realizing again how selfish some people are and how willing they are to do anything for their own reasons without taking into consideration the lives of others.
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Cette critique a été écrite dans le cadre des Critiques en avant-première de LibraryThing.Cette critique a été écrite dans le cadre des Critiques en avant-première de LibraryThing.I won't give you a plot summary as the previous two reviewers have done that. I will, however, share my thoughts about the book. I loved this book. I thought I would be confused with reading the story from two different points of view, but RaeLynn and Rose (it would have been slightly easier if they two main characters didn't have names that started with the same letter) are very well drawn characters and I could easily tell them apart. The story kept moving and new information was dropped into the story as the two ladies unravelled the mystery. And easy book to read in one sitting and although it focuses on a fire in a hotel with massive loss of life, it's not a book that's going to keep you up at night.
An easy read and well worth it.
Cette critique a été écrite dans le cadre des Critiques en avant-première de LibraryThing.RaeLynn Demming, a young reporter from North Dakota, is fascinated by a photo of Rose Trudeau published on the cover of “Time Magazine.” It is of a distraught woman covered in ash and black from the burning La Grande Hotel and Casino, a fire that killed over one people and injured as many more. Her best friend was inside and didn’t escape as Rose did. The fire was thirty years ago and Demming wants to do an interview with Trudeau, who has never spoken of it. Through her wits and stubbornness she gains access to Trudeau and what starts as an interview turns into an investigation, including a visit to the hotel ruins on the Caribbean island of La Paradisio. They uncover links among Hollywood’s elite, stars, producers, lawyers and a politician with a focus on sex, money and cover-ups. In the end they unmask the arsonist.
Trudeau and Demming take turns relating the mystery so the readers get two different perspectives. They advance the action, providing both historical and personal contexts. There are many characters but I found them easy to keep straight. The plot was interesting and kept me hanging as to who was the main bad guy until the end.
I received this book through the LibraryThing Early Reviewer program. Thanks to the publishers who donate the books.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cette critique a été écrite dans le cadre des Critiques en avant-première de LibraryThing.Thirty years ago, a tragic fire on the island of La Paradisio destroyed the Grande Hotel, killing more than a hundred people, and injuring countless others. And one of the victims was Rose Trudeau’s best friend, Gayle. When a young reporter, RaeLynn Demming makes her way to Rose’s Bel-Air estate looking for a scoop on the Grande fire for a retrospective she wants to write, Rose finds herself admiring the young woman’s resourcefulness.
But Rose is not interested in a fluff piece; she wants to have the arsonist/murderer caught. And so the two women begin investigating the fire, unaware that there are those who will do anything to keep the secrets of that long-ago night.
The intriguing story, populated with well-developed, believable characters, pulls the reader into the telling of this unique tale from the first page. Both Rose and Rae are strong women; their strengths and skills complement each other and, as they work together, the unfolding narrative keeps the pages turning. Readers will find much to appreciate in this compelling story.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book through the LibraryThing Early Readers program
Schock Sisters Mystery #3
Met & Charlie Schock find themselves hired by their mother to solve a case. Their mother is sure that the man across the street is a criminal serial murderer and has been keeping track of this man for decades. The family have been humoring her about the theories but suddenly find themselves researching to see if there is a grain of truth in their mother’s theory. Will they find anything that hints of murder of perhaps finally talk their mother into giving up and moving on?
This book has a mystery to solve, romance between the sisters and their men, a peek into the family life of the sisters and the solving of a few cold cases before the book ends. NOTE: I believe you will enjoy this book more if you have read the previous books first because you will know who the men in the lives of the sisters are and have more of their backstory.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in the series? Yes
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
A Schock Sisters Mystery #2
GREAT SERIES! I really do love this sister duo that run their own private investigation service! Both women are very different from one another but sisters to the bone with a deep love for one another and willing to do what it takes to not only get the job done but keep the other safe.
At the end of book one a teenage boy is waiting for them outside their office with a request for them to find out why his DNA results say he is not his parents child. The fact that he had been a kidnapping victim when a month old, found years later and returned but was not with his own parents needed to be explained to him. So, even though coming off a serial killer case, Charlie and Meg Schock are curious and definitely on the case. If Ethan is not Ethan then where is the real Ethan and who is the boy that has been called ethan for the past nearly eight years?
The mystery is eventually solved with more than one baddie exposed as each sister takes a chapter, tells the story from her perspective and does her part to solve the case.
What I liked:
* The plot and story telling
* Charlie: very strong and as the older sister, wanting to take charge and keep her sister Meg safe
* Meg: a bit more laid back, an artist and prone to anxiety attacks – she is willing to take on whatever to keep Charlie safe
* JJ Carrington: Meg’s love interest who is also a lawyer and the DA
* Jerome: Meg’s friend, an artist, an interesting man who has the potential to be more to Meg in the future
* Ethan – both of them – great young men that I hope we will hear more about in the future
* The various supporting characters – eager to hear more about them in the future
* The bad guys getting their comeuppance
What I didn’t like:
* The baddies
* Not knowing exactly what will happen to the two young men at the base of this story – who will they end up with? Will they spend time together in the future? What will happen to them?
* Having to wait till book three comes out to find out what happens next.
Did I enjoy this book? Definitely
Do I want to read more in this series? Without a doubt
Thank you to the Adrienne Giordano for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4.5 Stars
1st in a series.
Alternating chapters told in first person present tense.
A forensic reconstruction sculptor and a forensic psychologist set of sisters own an investigation firm. They take on cold cases many as probono. In this story the sisters investigate a potential serial killer.
The two sister have distinctive personalities and methods of working making their depth a core element throughout the building tension. The steady pace amps up to frantic and anxious near the end. The last page leads directly to the next case / book for the sisters.
I enjoyed this mystery and look forward to more of the sisters investigations.
Side note: The original mention of one of the sisters wearing Louboutins made me think “privileged”. Does the average female FBI agent have the money to spend on designer brands? The later described reason of a coping mechanism and that she donates money and time sounded like a way to equalize their status back to the average middle income family. I feel the explanation fell short. Either own it or don’t include the thing you need to beg forgiveness for later.
Steele Ridge – The Kingstons #5
Veronica “Roni” Fenwick is blindsided by a superior at the CIA when tasked with finding out how secret bullets became available to the public. She is sent to Steele Ridge to determine if the maker of the bullets has sold them on the street as well as to the CIA. Roni has mixed feelings about the mission because Waylon “Way” Kingston is the brother of a friend she made on a joint task force. That friend is Sheriff Maggie Kingston.
Off Roni goes knowing that she will be potentially lying to a friend but the bullets are rather scary and should not be out in public and could Way be the culprit? She soon realizes that ex-Marine and custom gunsmith Way Kingston is a whole lot of man and more savvy than most. The fact that there is attraction between them makes everything a bit more difficult. Fairly soon the two realize they should work together to find out what happened and the roller coaster ride they take to find out who is killing people with the bullets and how the bullets ended up out and about makes for VERY interesting reading. I loved the way this couple found their HEA. It was iffy there for a little while but that just made it so much better.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I like to read more in this series? Yes
Would I like to read more books by this author? Without a doubt
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
Book 13 of the Steele Ridge series, 5th of the Kingstons, by multiple authors. Can be read as a standalone, however many recurring and connected characters are intrinsic to the overall series. I have only read a couple of the previous books but it gave me a basis in the town, family and ultimate heroism of their values.
Romantic suspense.
Waylon’s story.
Waylon and Roni in third POV mainly from her perspective. The Killer in first person.
Roni works for the CIA and is investigating the frangible bullets that Way designed and built for the CIA. Similar bullets are being used by a killer with an agenda of their own. It’s a race to find clues and now they are in the killers crosshairs.
Way really needs to learn to talk and open up. Fortunately Roni has the training to help him. I liked her strength and determination.
And visiting the Steele Ridge mountains, town and family is always a joy in relaxation and deep family connections.
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A good book. I'd read the rest of the series if there is one. The camaraderie between Rose and Raelynn, who was persistent in writing the story of the Grande fire 30 years ago finally got her wish when Rose who was there at the time of the fire and her best friend finally gave Raelynn her permission to write what was supposedly a fluff piece that turned into a retrospective.