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To Die A Hero (An Orion Federation series novella) by Jack Heape

The action was fast and furious, and I could feel the adrenaline rush and chaos of the scenes. 

To Die A Hero is the story of the first days of Federation Navy pilot, Ensign Caroline “CJ” Jacquier, during her assignment to a Falcon squadron aboard the Federation space vessel, Essex. However, this almost “Day in the Life” style story occurs just as the Federation launches a counter-operation to halt a rebellion led by a group known as the “Jacks” on the planet Lille. 

CJ is a confident and straightforward character, and with good reason. Although new to the pilot ranks, she’s a six-year military veteran, having worked up to her new position. I appreciated the firsthand look into her backstory that added extra dimensions to her character (i.e., not having the full support of her family.) CJ immediately begins building trust and rapport with her crewmates. She determines the preferences of her supervisor to better fulfill her role as a team member. I especially liked how she is always mindful of the rest of her crew and their needs, drawing on her years of experience being in their shoes. It is poignant meeting her squadron mates, knowing that this is a time of war, and all these young men and women are headed for an uncertain future. 

This author does a superior job of placing the reader on location with his characters, subtly informing us about terminology and acronyms, staffing structure, and routines along the way. This is especially helpful to readers lacking familiarity in this area. 

The action sequences came fast and furiously, and I could feel the adrenaline rush and chaos of the scenes. The moments when there’s not enough information coming in are frightening yet exhilarating when the crew members perform as they’ve been trained, even while functioning in the blind. 

CJ’s story is set in the world author Jack Heape has built for his excellent Orion Federation series, and I recommend TO DIE A HERO to fans of the series and military science fiction.

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Deadly Depths by John F. Dobbyn 

This story grabbed me from the start, and I told my friends and family about it before I was done! 

Deadly Depths is a new suspense-filled thriller that will take readers across the globe in search of truth and treasure. The engaging protagonist puts his life on the line out of love and loyalty to an older couple when his friend and mentor, renowned archaeologist Professor Barrington Holmes's murder is staged to look like a suicide, leaving behind a devastated widow and lots of unanswered questions. He vows to find out who is responsible and bring them to justice. 

The main character, Matthew Shane, is likable, loyal, and a man of his word. Professor Holmes was a friend, mentor, and second father to him, so he has a deep emotional connection to the man and his widow, Mary. His unique background as a former United States Air Force investigator gives him the skills necessary to pursue the answers he and Mary crave. 

Matthew's search takes him to various interesting destinations, such as the home cities of the professor's archaeological colleagues, who have dubbed themselves The Monkey's Paw Society. The author does a fantastic job of giving each location an identifiable sense of place. However, early on in the adventure, New Orleans and Bayou St. Germaine became my favorites. (I swear I could hear the mosquitoes!) 

At every turn, sinister sorts step out of the shadows, increasing the ever-present feeling of menace. I was never certain who could be trusted. There are plot twists that completely alter the direction of Matthew's investigation; still, it all links together. There is even a compelling story within the story that was fascinating all on its own. 

With an engaging hero, adventuresome plot, creative settings, little-known histories, and even romance, I recommend DEADLY DEPTHS to readers who enjoy action adventures, thrillers, and suspense. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.

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Murder A La Mode (Coffee & Cream Café Mysteries, #1) by Lena Gregory 

Wow! What a great start to this new cozy mystery series! 

Murder A La Mode is the first book in veteran author Lena Gregory's new cozy series, the Coffee & Cream Café Mysteries, and I couldn't ask for a more delightful debut. With an appealingly likable main character, two hunky potential love interests, and a "ride or die" best friend-sidekick, I was quickly immersed in this intriguing tale of jealousy, murder, and deadly long-hidden secrets. 

The main character, Danika Delaney, had followed her dreams of college and a career in advertising to the City, but a tough job market had relegated her to waiting tables to make ends meet. So, when she lost her apartment sublet and a cheating boyfriend one after the other, she returned to her hometown of Watchogue on Long Island to take over her Uncle Jimmie's ice cream shop. But while her family is overjoyed she's come home, not everyone in the small town is glad she's back. Her first day working at Jimmie's is marred by a confrontation with her high school sweetheart's soon-to-be ex-wife, who accuses Dani of coming home to steal Luca back. Rumors spread like wildfire about what Heather said, and when she's found murdered in the ice cream shop's basement the very next day, all eyes turn to Dani, including the cops. 

Danika Delaney is extremely likable and sympathetic, and I was behind her from the start. She's a worthy underdog and grows over the course of the story, discovering the truth of what happened between Luca and Heather on that long-ago prom night and finally realizing her own contribution to her heartbreak. She's a wonderful amateur sleuth, and her old friend, Gwen, is the perfect companion in her investigation. Dani even makes the transition from child to adult in the eyes of her strong-willed and intimidating mother. 

There are two tantalizing love interests to complicate matters: Luca, Dani's high school sweetheart, and Detective Jake Barlow, the lead investigator on the murder case. While I liked both of these potential romantic partners for Danika, I leaned toward Team Jake early on. I look forward to future adventures, not only for more mystery but to see how these relationships pan out. 

The Long Island town of Watchogue is Danika's charming hometown, and I got a good feel for its personality and townspeople. It's a perfect setting for a cozy mystery series. Close enough for the residents to head to the City for major things, there's still a little of everything in town: a busy Main Street business district, rural spaces, beaches, and a super-efficient small-town pipeline for gossip. There's even the old clique for high school with its mean girls and guys still holding sway over their peers. 

The mystery is well-plotted, and the action and investigation move quickly. I liked that the police investigation was kept separate and pretty much out of sight for most of the book. Detective Barlow holds his card close to the vest with not too much unrealistic "quid pro quo," as Dani called it, or sharing of confidential information. As Dani seeks answers from the central members of the victim's old friends group, she uncovers several good suspects and plausible motives for the murder. I wasn't sure of "who done it" until the obvious reveal occurred, and I was highly satisfied with that. 

I recommend MURDER A LA MODE to cozy mystery readers looking for a charming new series, especially those who enjoy a culinary theme in their reading. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.

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Business and Personal Secrets for Getting Unstuck: Overcoming the Quagmires by Frank Zaccari 

This little volume is packed with interesting examples and details backed by reliable and varied source materials for getting unstuck in whatever area of your life is holding you back. 

Business and Personal Secrets for Getting Unstuck by author/speaker Frank Zaccari explores the many ways one can become “stuck” in an unfulfilling work situation, personal relationship, or even, in our practices of self-care and growth. The third book in a three-book series, it is presented in a highly readable format, and I felt as if I were listening to a close and much more experienced old friend as we discussed how things were going in my life. 

For such a manageably-sized volume, the book is packed with interesting examples and details backed by reliable and varied source materials. Although I personally was a little distracted by the source attributions immediately following the relevant information in the text itself, it made noting the source quick and easy. Many sounded like articles I’d want to hunt down later for further reading. I really appreciated how these citations were collected and repeated at the end of the book as “End Notes.” Similarly, I liked how the end-of-chapter questions were consolidated in one location as the “Workbook.” 

I wasn’t surprised to read that working for the same company for 20 years or so is no longer a strategically astute decision. However, I had the proverbial light bulb moment regarding employment post-COVID when I saw the following: 

“Now you have the chance to press the restart button, to discover what you really want, and to make a meaningful change.” 

This is an opportunity that many are taking advantage of right now, if not already in the past two years. Businesses are going to feel this workforce flex for some time to come, so I will keep this in mind and remember to be patient as many new employees gain expertise and experience. 

I recommend BUSINESS AND PERSONAL SECRETS FOR GETTING UNSTUCK to anyone who feels stuck in any aspect of their life. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Providence Book Promotions. 

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Whiskey On Our Shoes by Tonya Preece 

Sure to grab on and hold tight to the attention of readers of contemporary new or young adult romance. 

Whiskey On Our Shoes by Tonya Preece is a new contemporary new adult/young adult romance set in Austin, the capital city of the state of Texas. With its multi-faceted characters and multi-layered plot, it is sure to grab on and hold tight to the attention of readers of the genre and soon have them turning pages, compelled to see what would happen next. 

The main character, Eva Covington, had a unique and unusual childhood. The daughter of a musician father and supermodel mother, she lived her life, until recently, on a tour bus, part of the entourage of The Fabulous Undertakers. You’d think this would have led to a life of freedom: sex, drugs, and rock and roll; however, her mother, Sloane Silver, has kept her completely under wraps and away from the eyes of the paparazzi, and over the years, most have forgotten Sloane had a daughter. Mother and daughter have gone to unusual lengths to hide their relationship, ostensibly to protect Eva, but I’m convinced it was more to hide the fact that the supermodel was a mother with a now-grown daughter. 

The male lead, Alex Marshall, although a typical UT university student, has a complex backstory of his own. His freshman year was nearly derailed by an unfortunate love affair he’d had with an older woman who lied about being single. Alex is on academic probation and worries every day that his parents, back home in Florence, Texas, will find out about his grades and the woman. Adding to his pressure, his former lover wasn’t ready to end their affair when he did and is constantly hounding him to resume the relationship. 

The first meeting between Eva and Alex is funny, and the two make an adorable pair. Eva is staying with her rock star brother, Lor, to help him recuperate from injuries sustained while filming a music video. Alex is the alcoholic Lor’s unwitting accomplice in his latest escapade to obtain alcohol. The attraction between Eva and Alex is immediate. Both have little experience with the opposite sex, and the expected bumps along their journey to love are mostly due to big misunderstandings. I was hooked by their story and was glued to the pages wanting to know if these two would have a HEA. 

I recommend WHISKEY ON OUR SHOES to readers who enjoy contemporary new/young adult romances, especially stories set in Austin or small-town Texas, or the music industry. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Lone Star Book Blog Tours.

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Out of Darkness Comes – Prelude: The First Threat by Nala Nicole 

A tantalizing teaser for author Nala Nicole’s new dystopian series, Out of Darkness Comes. 

In a not-too-distant future Earth, a worldwide political reorganization has consolidated law enforcement on a national and international scale. Commander Porsha “Childs” Fairchild and her SBI (Sentinel Bureau of Investigations) team are tracking the growing epidemic of deaths from the use of Arctic Freeze, the latest drug of choice infiltrating the country. As the body count rises and suspicions focus on Mark Banfield of Banfield Pharmaceuticals, one of Porsha’s team members is targeted as a warning to them to back off. Simultaneously, large alien space vessels appear and hover over major cities around the world, temporarily disrupting electrical functions, including communications around the world, and causing panic and chaos. Fighting the influx of Arctic Freeze may be the least of the SBI’s worries. 

Prelude: The First Threat is a tantalizing teaser for author Nala Nicole’s new dystopian series, Out of Darkness Comes. Readers are introduced to the main characters from the Sentinel Bureau of Investigations, the secretive Banfield Pharma group, and the alien threat from a distant planet Akron, and given a little taste of each entity’s backstories. 

Commander Porsha Fairchild is struggling to stay in control of both the chaotic situations and her own sanity. Not only are the events she and her team are encountering around the country (and the world) overwhelming, but she is suffering from an emergence of her PTSD, a result of her own childhood traumas. 

Porsha’s SBI coworkers are a diverse and talented group of individuals and, consequently, an interesting mix of personalities to get to know. I really enjoyed how well they meshed together: their camaraderie and coordination. Readers are tipped off early on that there are spies who have infiltrated the ranks of the agents. Who these moles truly represent was still somewhat of a mystery, though. I look forward to finding out more in the next entry in the series. 

The future world is an intriguing place, and there is a lot of room for exploration yet. Although similar to our present time, something big has happened to facilitate a change in policing and international cooperation. There has been some warfare, but the accompanying destruction had apparently stopped short of taking down society, finances, and commerce as we know it in the United States. However, there appears to be an increased level of cooperation and coordination and stronger connections between international agencies, as evidenced by the inclusion of a suspicious Johnny-Come-Lately team member from across the pond late in the game. Once again, I look forward to the associated revelations in the next book. 

With its interesting mix of characters, altered political landscape, and exciting non-stop action, I recommend OUT OF DARKNESS COMES – PRELUDE: THE FIRST THREAT to readers who enjoy futuristic crime fiction and science fiction invasion/first contact stories. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from Reedsy Discovery.

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The Jules Verne Prophecy by Larry Schwarz & Iva-Marie Palmer 

An exciting adventure story that will grab the attention and imagination of even reluctant young readers! 

Thirteen-year-old American teenager Owen Godfrey is spending his summer in Paris with his physics professor mother while she guest lectures at the Institut Lagrange de Paris. But rather than enjoying lazy days relaxing and seeing the sights, his mother has enrolled him in a special summer course to study the life and works of the father of science fiction, Jules Verne. As it turns out, the course is interesting, and there are a couple of pretty cool kids in the class with him, but only hours before their first big exam over 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, a street punk steals Owen’s backpack with his copy of the book that he needs to take the test. 

His classmates, Nas and Rose, take Owen to a used bookstore where they purchase an old leather-bound copy of what appears to be a collection of all Verne’s works and then hurry back to school just in time for the exam. But as soon as Owen opens La Prophétie de Jules Verne, he realizes it’s not a collection at all but something entirely different, and so does his teacher, who confiscates the book and dismisses Owen from the test. 

Later that night, Owen returns to school to appeal to be allowed to take the test, and he spies Professor Bessier through his office window as he hides the strange old book and leaves. But before Owen can catch up to him, two goons grab the professor, shove him into a car, and speed away. 

The following morning, when the professor fails to show up for class, the three friends fear he’s been kidnapped because of the book. They retrieve the book from its hiding place in the professor’s now-trashed office and attempt to unravel the cryptic clues about a fabulous treasure Verne was rumored to have left behind and find the professor. However, they soon discover they are not alone; someone is following them and watching their every move. 

The Jules Verne Prophecy by writing partners Larry Schwarz and Iva-Marie Palmer is an exciting adventure story that will grab the attention and imagination of even reluctant young readers. The pace is brisk, and the action is non-stop as the three main characters – Owen Godrey, Rose Bordage, and Nasim Shirvani – work out the meanings behind the clues and travel around “The City of Lights.” Owen has a crush on Rose, and their initial meeting is laugh-out-loud funny. The three friends learn many things, including first impressions and assumptions are not always accurate. 

Their race across Paris ahead of the bad guys is riveting and creative in its execution, and their discoveries live up to the reputation of Jules Verne. A couple of loose ends are left hanging when the story closes, providing a great jumping-off point for a sequel. I’ll be looking forward to more adventures with these characters with anticipation. 

I recommend THE JULES VERNE PROPHECY to middle-grade readers and for reading aloud at school, after-school programs, and at home with the entire family. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author or publisher through TBR and Beyond Book Tours.

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Borrow My Heart by Kasie West 

Appealing characters and lively interwoven plots made for compelling reading. 

Wren Brady was in the coffee shop where her best friend, Kamala, worked as a barista when two cute guys came in. One had his phone out, filming the other and baiting him about meeting an online crush at the shop for a first date: he did not believe the girl actually existed and that his friend had been catfished. As the jokey taunting continued and the girl in question failed to arrive, Wren felt sorry for the apparent dupe. She impulsively decided to introduce herself as the no-show Gemma, with the intention of privately confessing her masquerade to the boy later and “breaking up.” But before she can gracefully admit her ploy, she starts to feel that she may want to get to know, for real, the lanky, appealing Asher, who surprisingly gives the best hugs ever. 

Borrow My Heart is a wonderful new contemporary young adult romance that touches both the heart and the funny bone. The situation Wren puts herself in will strike a chord with the tender-hearted, the save-the-dayers, animal lovers, and social media users. Wren and Asher are a cute couple, each complementing the other while providing the warmth and support each one needs until a big misstep derails their journey to a HEA. 

Wren is a sympathetic character who’s been hurt in the past and erected some big boundaries around her heart, spelled out by the “Rules for Dating” that head each new chapter. She has a best friend in Kamala, who really knows and understands why she is the way she is, and is a stable and safe voice of reason and support. 

Two additional compelling storylines are woven into the main plot and hooked me: Wren and Asher’s mission to find the dog, Bean, a forever home, and Wren’s relationship with her mother and sister, Zoey. The couple’s efforts to market Bean’s desirability for adoption were creative and filled with fun and surprises. Though hopeful at the outset, Wren and Zoey’s visit with their mother at the Lake Tahoe commune proved to be a reality check. Unfortunately, both secondary storylines mirror circumstances that can be seen daily in real life, and the plots may resonate with many readers. Thankfully, there are some HEAs in the offing by the book’s end. 

With its engaging characters and lively plot, I recommend BORROW MY HEART to readers who enjoy contemporary young adult romantic fiction. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author or publisher through TBR and Beyond Book Tours.

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Moving Is Murder (A Salem Falls B&B Paranormal Cozy Mystery, #1) by Nellie H. Steele 

Exciting and fun, with lots of action and animals that can communicate with their human. 

When Ellie Byrne’s husband left her for a waitress, he packed his clothes and emptied their joint bank account, leaving her without a dime but with a mountain of debts. For six months, she struggled to pay her bills and keep the row house they had shared, wondering how she would dig herself out of her dilemma, and then the divorce papers arrived with more demands from the soon-to-be-ex. Meeting with an attorney that her best friend, Mia, conjured up on her behalf, Ellie was reassured that maybe all was not lost, only to discover she was being laid off from the part-time job that was her only means of support. 

Worse yet, a letter awaited her at home, telling her of the death of her beloved aunt, Susie. However, Ellie, it turned out, was Susie’s only heir, and her aunt had done quite well for herself, leaving Ellie a beautiful old Victorian mansion ready to reopen as the prosperous bed and breakfast it had once been, an extensive portfolio of successful investments, and interests in numerous businesses in her hometown. Having nothing to lose, Ellie makes the 5-hour trip across the state to Salem Falls, where Susie had lived her entire life, to meet with the attorney handling the estate. According to the will, Ellie now had enough cash and other assets to live comfortably for the rest of her life, so she leaps at the chance for a do-over. 

The house is gorgeous, and Susie had been working on well-thought-out plans for the B&B’s reopening, including murder mystery weekends. But, the house comes with a string attached. A couple of very special residents must be allowed to stay: Susie’s dog, Lola, and the cat, Cleo. This proves to be no problem, as Ellie has long wanted a pet. It isn’t until Ellie suffers a bump to the head that she finds out just how special they are. 

As Ellie settles in, the upsetting news arrives that Susie didn’t die from natural causes; she’d been murdered. With a plethora of locals who had a bone to pick with her, the local sheriff of this once quiet little town finds his hands full, weeding through all the possible suspects. And when Ellie herself is targeted, she decides she isn’t going to wait around doing nothing only to end up like Aunt Susie. 

Moving Is Murder is the first book in a new cozy mystery series by author Nellie H. Steele, and I think it will be a great one! With underdog amateur sleuth Ellie Bryne, you get a 50-something woman on a mission to make good on her second chance at a happy, successful life. Ellie’s husband did her wrong, but she’s gotten the opportunity to make lemonade out of the lemon of a situation he left behind. The main character and her backstory are relatable, the murder mystery compelling, and the ensuing investigation solid with plenty of collateral action for the heroine to overcome. 

The little town of Salem Falls, while quaint from the outside looking in, has its dramas bubbling right below the surface, and Ellie’s Aunt Susie was up to her eyebrows in all of it. As this is the debut novel of the series, readers meet a goodly variety of interesting town residents and business people, many of whom become suspects in Susie’s murders. Hopefully, most will return in future books. 

I really enjoyed the personalities of both Lola and Cleo: very dog-like and cat-like, I thought. Cleo is somewhat sly and snarky, full of drama, and the smart one of the pair. Lola does what a dog’s going to  do and gets carried away at times, barking at her surroundings and chasing things that maybe she shouldn’t. She has such a good heart, and I was completely caught up in her drama. 

With a compelling plot and engaging characters, I recommend MOVING IS MURDER to cozy mystery readers who enjoy stories where animals can communicate with their humans, settings in the New York/Pennsylvania region of the United States, and more mature amateur sleuths. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.

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Bob Becomes an Agent (Bad Luck Bob, #1) by P.J. Cruz 

A fast and fun spoof of the spy thriller genre featuring an engaging but clueless main character! 

Bob Johnson, an eager, aspiring actor, takes a job as an extra on what he believes is a pilot for a new television comedy. Still, when he and his friend, Moni, arrive on set with hundreds of hopefuls, the Old West location and setup are downright strange. A large number of “actors” wearing black suits, white button-down shirts, and ties are everywhere, but there’s no script or visible cameras. When the director calls “Action,” the flying bullets and resulting injuries appear a little too real, even for movie magic. 

However, Bob takes this all in stride and tries to do his best before the cameras (which he is still unable to locate) and perhaps stand out from the crowd and hopefully attract additional work on a bigger project. During a particularly chaotic action sequence, he’s rescued by the attractive, blond “Actor Sol,” who Bob is dying to get to know better. But the day ends before he gets up the nerve to ask her out, and he heads back to Central City on the production bus he rode in on but is exhausted from the odd day. He falls asleep only to awaken on the empty bus parked inside a huge warehouse. Black-suited men in the warehouse tell him he’s late for a briefing, and Bob believes he’s been retained for additional days of filming. The truth of the matter is hiding right in front of his eyes. 

Bob Becomes an Agent is a fast and fun novella that introduces the characters and premise of author P.J. Cruz’s superhero/supervillain spoof series Bad Luck Bob. With amazing gadgets and weaponry all themed to complement the mission of the super-secret government agency, C.L.E.A.N., to fight the supervillains of D.I.R.T., I smiled through the entire clever tale. 

The main character, Bob Johnson, is wholesome and earnest in his desire to become a successful actor, and he’s already invested quite a lot in the pursuit, having left a lucrative career and lifestyle behind him to do so. Now in his 30s, he’s anxious to do well and ease his parents’ worries that he’s made a terrible mistake. I enjoyed the premise that he is so deeply committed to this path that even when presented with clear evidence that he’s not actually filming a television show, he continues to buy in to the cover story. I liked that pals from his past played a part in the bigger story. D.I.R.T.’s evil plan was ridiculously over the top but fun, yet there were aspects of a Big Brother nature that ring true today. I enjoyed Bob’s “Ninja Warrior-style” test for acceptance into the agency. 

Location descriptions may have been a little light; however, I got a clear enough picture of where the action occurred. Things happen so fast, though, that I don’t know if there was really time or a need to elaborate without throwing off the pace. The author takes the cliché of a villain’s lair and makes improvements that perfectly fit the theme, and the appearance of a work gelato bar was fun. 

When the mission is completed, there are still some loose ends that could make for nice jumping-off spots for future adventures. I’m glad that book two of the series is already available for pre-order, so I can follow up on how Bob is doing later. 

I recommend BOB BECOMES AN AGENT to readers who enjoy spoofs of the spy/thriller genre. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from Reedsy Discovery.