Pokergeist by Michael Phillip Cash

A Brief Summary:
Clutch always wanted to win the International poker series, and when he got close he lost and died. Enter Telly Martin a down on his luck poker newbie. Desperate to win the Series Telly meets Clutch's ghost, and they unwillingly partner up. Will Telly's luck turn around? Will Clutch finally win the series? Read and find out.
My Review:
This is a really quick, easy read with bonus points if you like poker. The prologue tells of Clutch's last's game alive, then the first chapter introduces you to Telly. After that the book moves quickly, developing a partnership and straining other relationships.

This book switches prospective between Telly, Clutch, and a few assorted people in there lives. From the assorted my favorite was Telly's fiancee Gretchen. She's sweet and lovable, but is in a bad position at work.

Of the two main characters I preferred Telly. He's the nice guy that just wants to do what's best for everyone. Clutch on the other hand is well... a narcissist, he cares more for himself and the game than anyone else.

All in all a good book that I'd be happy to recommend.

I received this book compliments of NetGalley in exchange for my free and honest review.

The Long Paw of The Law by Laurie Anne Marie

A Brief Summary:
The aftermath of a breakup is always hard to deal with, but when your boss is murdered and the police have the wrong man in custody your priority's have a tendency of switching. Ashley is just a cook, but when life turns on it's head she decides to step out of her comfort zone and solve the case. Will she be able to do it, read and find out.


My Review:
This book was adorable, just what you want from a cozy mystery. Ashley is a very likable protagonist, if a tad bit obsessed with her weight. Then again who trusts a skinny cook?

I really enjoyed how she worked with the police instead of going off and doing completely her own things, it makes it more realistic to me. She's still terrible at listening to direct orders from the detective getting her into all sorts of sticky situations.

As far as the characters when I loved Ashley's parents, doting and worrying over their only daughter. They added a lot of humor to the story. Also I really liked Ashley's friend Sean. I look forward to seeing that relationship develop in books to come.

All in all a sweet easy to read mystery. It sets up the world well enough that I'm inclined to want to read the next books in the series.

I received this book courtesy of the author in exchange for my free and honest review.

Scream by Stacey R. Campbell

A Brief Summary: 
One more year at Lakeside. One more year with Alex and Izzy, until everything changes. Or that's how it's supposed to go, but when Alex sees something that he shouldn't see a chain of events that will change everything.  

My Review: 
I really love this series. One thing that I particularly love is that each book is very much self contained. There are characters that are in every book but the protagonist changes between them.

This particular book focuses on Halle. Getting embroiled in a mystery innocently then pursuing it when her boyfriend gets punished for something he didn't do. I really enjoy her almost black and white sense of right and wrong. Being willing to defend Alex through everything even when it gets scary and dangerous, brave but kind of stupid.

Alex and Halle's relationship isn't very a mature relationship, but I feel it's not supposed to be. After all it's their first relationship, it isn't perfect but it doesn't have to be and that makes it very fitting.

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my free and honest review. I also happen to be part of the Street Team for this book so I will be shamelessly promoting it as the release date nears.

The Warhol Incident by G.K. Parks

A Brief Summary:
Alexis's trip to Paris is supposed to be a simple secure and deliver job. However things get complicated when her ex-Interpol acquaintance is killed in a car bomb, and she gets a very strong suggestion to stop investigating. Add in a budding romance with a man she was once hired to protect and you get a fast paced emotionally charged novel that you just can't put down.

My Review: 
I really loved Alexis, she is a strong no nonsense character. Yes she has a tendency towards profanity, but I feel it helps define her she has been through hell and back, more then once so if she feels the need to cuss go right ahead.

Her relationship with Martin was another highlight for me. True the progression of it is extremely slow, but he's still technically her boss and she has issues letting people in. Her issues are due to the reason she left the OIO, and the fact that she doesn't want anyone to get injured or killed from being in her life. That being said I really like them as a pair, and I can't wait to see it develop in later books.

For the story itself, I love the fact that it keeps you guessing. Even once the main villain was revealed you still have surprises coming. I truly enjoyed this series and I hope to read more of the series soon.

This is technically the second book in a series but it can easily be read as a stand alone. There are references to the previous book, but not enough  to hinder understanding.

Daisy McDare and The Deadly Real Estate Affair by K.M. Morgan

A Brief Summary:

Daisy has a keen intuition and a gigantic sweet tooth and a knack for running into dead bodies. Now her life seems to be going the way she wants a great boyfriend, new job, something is bound to happen. So when she arrives on her second day of her decorating job and finds out her boss is dead things are bound to get interesting again.

My Review:

This book was adorable. It's fast paced, a healthy dose of suspense, and lots of laughs.

I always enjoy when the victim is someone you love to hate. That's Scott, the overbearing boss, terrible husband, and father, pick the villain and it fits. I enjoy this type of victim because everyone's a suspect and you don't just guess the answer right away.

I also really enjoyed Daisy she loves what she does but she gets herself embroiled in messes to help her friends. I also like her sweet tooth and am now craving cupcakes.

I look forward to more by this author she seems to have found her niche.

 I received a PDF copy of this book in exchange for my free and honest review.

The St. Valentines Day Cookie Massacre by Elisabeth Crabtree

A Brief Summary: Investigative reporter turned food columnist Kat Archer stumbles upon a cookie murder. That is murder by poison cookie not a murdered cookie. Anyway this murder could be the big story Kats big break at the Gazette, that is if she can help figure out whodunit.


My Review:
Such a sweet feel good mystery. One that if you can guess the murderer before the end, well then you're smarter than me. It twists and turns, and I adored every second of it.

I loved Kat her sense of humor is a lot like mine. Likely to get us into trouble and a tendency to slightly exaggerate. Kat also doesn't exactly have a filter when it comes to her opinions, which some others aren't exactly a fan of. Such as owners of restaurants she's reviewed for her column, honestly but not exactly tactfully.

With a potential love triangle in the works this series has the potential to be one I turn to when I need a pick-me-up. Short, sweet, and keeps you interested. I look forward to reading more of this series.

Stillwell: A Haunting on Long Island by Michael Phillip Cash

A Brief Summary: After the loss of his beloved wife Allison Paul struggles to find some sort of normal. The night terrors he's started to have, shared by his son Jesse. One of the first houses he takes on after his wife's passing is Stillwell manor, his friend Craig's childhood home. This home is going to be a tough sell due to the fact the most recent owners committed a murder suicide. Along with the fact that Stillwell has long assumed to be haunted. A haunting that may be connected to Paul's dreams of Allison/

My Review: This is my third book I've read by Michael Cash, and he still blows me away with his talent. The prologues draw you in, the main story keeps you captivated, and the epilogue ties up all of those pesky loose ends.

A favorite part of mine of all of Michael's books is that fact that he weaves past and present together. Allison and her distant relative tied together to create a powerful story. I really enjoyed all of the characters, they're diverse and well developed.

Michael Phillip Cash is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.

I received this book from Brittney Bass (Michael's publicist) in exchange for my free and honest review.

Hush by Stacey R. Campbell

A Brief Summary
Lili and Graham Henry have always longed for a child, but being unable to conceive they've turned to adoption. Little do they know the precious baby, Blakely, they've adopted is a princess from Tamura. Seventeen years later tragedy strikes the Tamura royal family, a tragic accident at a family reunion resulting in the death of every family member. Well all but one, but the only person who guesses at the relation is Max Ryder. A student at St. Andrews, the nephew of the late princess's nurse, he finds evidence of Blakely's lineage. He heads to Lakeview, her school, in order to find out the truth. But when the truth is discovered protecting Blakely is his only priority.

My Review
I read this series a bit out of order. I received the sequel from NetGalley to read and review and I fell in love with the series. Both book were extremely well written. The story ebbs and flows in a way that always keeps you interested.

You switch between several POV's, from Blakely's, to Max, to the villains of the story. Helping you to understand absolutely everything that's going on. And making you want to warn the character because you know that something's coming.

This is a sweet novel that's good for all ages. It's smartly written, with humor and wit. This is a wonderful author that I can't wait to read more from her.

Here's a link to my review of Whisper.
And here's a link to my interview with Stacey.

The Flip by Micheal Phillip Cash

Take a dilapidated house fix it up a bit and sell it. That's house flipping, Brad and Julie's hope for the future. To get her out of a dead end job with a sketchy boss, and to get him out of driving limos and doing landscaping. So they've taken a pretty big risk, an old Victorian home, it's a steal of a price but what's wrong with it? Well there's a lot of work that needs to be done, oh and it's haunted. There is that minor detail, and one of the ghosts has a tiny bit of a thing for Brad, but nothing could possibly go wrong could it?

This is a book that once you pick it up you don't want to put it down. After reading The After House, I was really excited to read more by Micheal Cash, and this doesn't disappoint. It seems he has truly found his niche. Tying the past into the present, having two distinct story lines mesh beautifully, all masterfully done.

I enjoyed how Julie and Brad's personalities are altered when in the house. Seeing as they are being influenced by the resident ghosts. Of the characters Gerald is my favorite, he's one of the ghosts. He's the most level-headed and in my opinion has the best back story. Tessa, the female ghost, however I'm not a major fan of.

Personally I'm really curious about the Sentinels, the guardians of the lost souls. They've made an appearance in both of the books I've read so far and they seem to have abilities that have yet to be explained. I hope future books touch on them more.

I can't wait to read more by Micheal he clearly knows what he's doing.

I received this book courtesy of Micheal's publicist in exchange for my free and honest review.

She's Gotta Be Mine by Jennifer Skully

When something crazy what do you do? Change your hair, attitude, wardrobe, maybe even your name? That's Roberta, now Bobbie's, response for her husband, Warren, leaves her for his high school sweetheart. She creates a whole new her and moves to Cottonmouth where her ex-husband and his lover live. This couldn't possibly go wrong now could it? Well things are actually a bit more complicated then she originally thought. Cookie, Warrens lover, hasn't asked her husband for a divorce yet, oh and there's a serial killer who lives across the street from her.

I really enjoyed this book. I liked how it switched perspectives, how you get an idea of the whole story not just one persons side. You get to she Bobbies, Nick (the serial killer), Warren, and a few others.

There is murder and intrigue, and a steamy romance. Something for everyone really.

The two characters I didn't like where Warren because he's a spineless twit, and Cookie because she's a manipulative bitch, but she's an antagonist so you're supposed to hate her. Warren on the other hand is just a pathetic little worm.

Embryo by J.A. Schneider

When two extremely rare chromosomal abnormalities cause two infants and one mother to die, both with in hours, Jill Raney begins to get suspicions. However she's only a first year resident and no one believes the two could possibly be related. So she starts an investigation, shaking up the hospital and what she finds is worse then she'd feared.

This book was an intense read, probably more so because my cousin just had a baby girl, and this book tells in pretty explicit detail some of the worst case scenarios for a pregnancy. So if your pregnant or know someone that's pregnant and are prone to panic and worry DON'T READ THIS BOOK. Wait until the baby is born you'll stress less.

Along with an intense thriller the book also has a semi believable romance. Personally I think it's too quick and doesn't have a lot of time to develop. But that's just my opinion.

Even though this book is rich in medical jargon it is pretty well explained so everyone can understand it.

I really enjoyed this book overall, and might have to look into the rest of the series.

The Dark Prayer by Natasha Mostert

What are we if not a collection of memories and emotions? Well except for Eloise Blake, she is living in a Fugue state, where her memories of her past and who she is are just...gone. Enter Jack, the son of Jenilee's(Eloise) godfathers old friend. He is asked to get her to help remember who she is with one minor complication, she doesn't want to.

I loved this book. The entire concept of what was done to Jenilee when she was a young girl is fascinating and disturbing that something like that could potentially be done to a young child.

The concept of a Fugue state is incredible to me, how a simple stressor can cause you to forget everything and become someone completely different. It's very uncommon and generally doesn't last very long, but it's very intriguing and just a tiny bit terrifying.

I like that you got to learn about who Jenilee was and who Eloise made her self into. The dichotomy of who they are, the uncertainty of what would happen with her relationship with Jungles and Jack if she were to slip out of her fugue state, and what would happen if she remembered what sent her into the fugue state in the first place.

Mnemosyne, each of their individual approaches to memory, and what they were willing to do in order to advance their discoveries was intense to say they least. They were so dedicated, but succumbed to greed and the cost.... well you'll just have to read and find out for yourself now won't you?

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my review, which I freely and honestly give.

The Genome by Sergei Lukyanenko

Alex Romanov is a master-pilot recently released from the hospital. Upon his release he stumbled into helping a young girl through her metamorphosis, a painful and dangerous process, where her altered genes come to the forefront making her the special she was always meant to be. A special being a person who was altered as an embryo to be part of a specific profession. Alex determined to help the young special and to do so he accepts the role of captain of the Mirror, he gets to choose his own crew, the pay is really good, the only catch is he has no idea of what type of missions he'll be running. Sounds too good to be true, and you know what? It is.

This book was pretty incredible. It raises some questions as to what is a human and at what point should the line be drawn when it comes to modifications. From the lead in the bodies of engineers, to pilots inability to feel romantic love, each special is different and customized based on their parents wishes.

The characters that we get the chance to meet are diverse and amazing. The specialties that they have are varied so each person has quirks based on the specialty or specialties that they possess.

Not only are the human specials fascinating there are also different humanoid species. Between the different humanoid species there are complex inter-species relationships. This universe was masterfully created. There are a few things that are slightly odd to me, as in why a parent would consent to make their child a geisha-spesh (seduction specialist), or a couple of the other specialist types mentioned.

This book contains some graphic content so if that isn't your thing this book might not be for you.

I received this book courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for my review which I freely and honestly give.

Eyewitness to Murder

Joe Bernardi has worked in Hollywood for a long time so when a movie remake of the TV show "Marty" he's skeptical. However when Bunny, his one that got away, is in New York desperate for help where "Marty" is being filmed he jumps at the chance to be near her. What he doesn't count on is her witnessing a murder and getting entangled in the investigation. Will he be able to find the murderer before the murderer finds Bunny? 

I really liked this book. It doesn't seem like part of a series, I'm sure there are references that I missed, but it stands alone extremely well. The characters develop well over the book and there doesn't seem to  

The mystery twists and turns from start to beginning. It also intertwines some pretty heavy issues, namely alcoholism, both Bunny and Joe's first wife are alcoholics. From AA meetings to the pressure of not having even one drink for fear of spiraling.

One thing that I really loved was that every loose end was tied up, with the murder, with Bunny and even with Marty. You get a conclusion to everything, you even get  a little bit of history about "Marty", seeing as it was a real movie in the 50's.

I received this book in exchange from NetGalley in exchange for my free and honest review.

Whisper by Stacey R. Campbell

A boarding school haunted by the ghost of the founders daughter, Elsie Stewart. Who died with a terrible secret, now one hundred years later, it's time for the secret to be revealed. Halle finds her journal while helping clean out the attic of the administration building. This reveals that there is a treasure hidden somewhere on campus. She enlists the help of her big sisters friend Leigh, Leigh's roommate and her boyfriend, and Elsie's distant retaliative Callum. Callum and Leigh have a past, but that doesn't stop sparks flying every time they're near each other. Will they be able to find the treasure before the end of school? And will Leigh and Callum manage not to kill each other? All this and more await you within the pages of this book.

This book has everything, mystery, intrigue, romance, and suspense. The point of view switches between Halle, Leigh, and Callum. The main perspective however is Leigh's as you read more from her than from anywhere else.

I really loved the setting of Lakeview Academy. It's described as a vast campus, with several dorms, several sports fields, it seems amazing. I always wished I could go to a boarding school, but since that never happened I just live vicariously through books like this.

Whisper is the second book in the Lakeview series, but this book is perfectly capable of standing on its own. There is a few references to the previous book, but nothing that will make you completely lost and confused if you don't read the first book.

If you have a chance to read this book I highly recommend it, for myself I'm going to have to obtain the first book.

I received this book courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for my free and honest review.

Bond & Benevolence: Good Samaritan by J.C. Johnston

All Ophelia ever wanted was to play an instrument, then one magical day she revives a violin in exchange for a promise she will take good care of it and learn to play.  Her first lessons come from Samantha, the same girl who gave her the violin. Seeing as Sam's father is a bit... over protective, he escorts her to the lessons. While there he starts to open up to Gail (Ophelia's mother) something he hasn't done since Sam's mother died. Time goes on and the parents fall in love, and everything seems perfect, but looks aren't what they seem. When some problems from Sam's fathers past come into the present thing will never be the same.

I really enjoyed this book. It was well written and I truly enjoyed the character of Sam. How she turns from a good spirited young girl, to a woman changed by tragedy, betrayal, and the loss of all of her mother figures.

This book is told from Ophelia's perspective, but she isn't the main focus, it's Sam. The changes she goes through the decisions she makes, focused on her. You do see hints of Ophelia but not as much as you'd expect from a story written in first person. It threw me a little bit at first but I grew to like it.

Another thing that I enjoyed was the starkness of the differences between Ophelia and Sam's background. Sam grew up in one of the richest communities, where as Ophelia grew up in the Bronx. The writer seemed perfectly at ease with both settings.

I am so happy I got a chance to read this book. It's one of those that show the best and the worst of humanity side by side. Where the evil may seem insurmountable but the good slowly chips away at it little by little. It helped restore my faith in humanity a little bit.

I received this book courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for my review which I freely and honestly give.

The Mystery Box By Eva Pohler

Yvette is a stay at home mom, a life full of scouts, helping with homework, and dealing with a complaining neighbor. When she receives a box ment for her neighbor Mona, Yvette braves going to her house and Mona begins a terrible tale one that will affect Yvette more then she realizes.

This book was so intense and shocking that there is no way to tell what's coming. There's Taliban involvement, betrayal, murder and so much more. I could not put this book down it's captivating. I look forward to the rest of this series and hope it will be just as spellbinding.

She's Not There by Marla Madison

Lisa is a psychologist who works with battered women, while best lecturing she learns there have been a spike in missing women. The apparent thing these women have in common is they've all been abused. Taking these findings to the police does no good as she has no concrete evidence of foul play. Starting to give up hope she meets TJ an ex cop who believes her theory has merit, they team up along with Eric an acquaintance of TJ's and Jeff whose wife is currently missing. With doubts plaguing them and someone out to stop their investigation will they be able to find out what happened to all of these missing women?

This is a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat from the very beginning. Teasing you with insights from the killers point of view to the perspective of every one in the group along with a few other characters. I loved this story and all of it's twists and turns. It gets dark it gets emotional and tugs on your heartstrings and you will either love it or hate it personally I loved it. So I recommend it to you dear readers.

Also for anyone in abusive relationship whether you are male or female, you deserve better and there are people who care and can help. Don't stay in that situation especially if you and or your children are in danger. Get help. You can do it.

Untraceable by S.R.Johannes

Ever since her father went missing a few months ago Grace has been doing her best to find him despite a lack of cooperation from everyone else. The police have given up the search as they have deemed him dead, Grace believes otherwise. Along the way she finds a boy she has more in common with then she ever dreamed possible and whole lot more trouble then she bargained for.

I really enjoyed this book extremely well written, twists with in twists with in twists, and it also includes some really interesting survival tips. When you start this book you will never be able to guess the ending, which is a mark of a good book in my opinion. This author clearly knows what she's doing and I can't wait to read more of her work.

Barre Hopping At Midnight by Amanda Brice

This is a short story in the Dani Spevak Mystery Series. While it falls in the middle of the series it can also be a stand alone.

Dani is just your average fourteen year old girl. She enjoys reading, dancing and even has a boyfriend. The only difference is she attends a boarding school for those talented in the performing arts. And her boyfriend is a famous movie star staring in Dani's favorite book turned movie Midnight. Although anxious because of tabloid stories involving her boyfriend and his costar she's excited to see him in Sedona where she's at for the teen arts festival and her boyfriend is there shooting. Maybe a little romance or maybe a mystery or possibly both but things are bound to be interesting.

This is a short sweet little novella that has me really interested in reading the other books. I enjoy mysteries and I have a fascination with ballet even though I'm not and never will be a dancer. It was really good and very well written although the characters could use some more fleshing out. Hopefully they will be in the other books.