Mini-Reviews: Check-In on In Death Series (Loyalty, Witness, and Judgment)

Source: eLibrary (all)




Loyalty in Death by J.D. Robb
Series: In Death #9
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Pages: 336 (paperback)
Author's Website
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An unknown bomber is stalking New York City. He is sending Eve Dallas taunting letters promising to wreak mass terror and destruction among the "corrupt masses." And when his cruel web of deceit and destruction threatens those she cares for most, Eve fights back. It's her city ... it's her job... and it's hitting too close to home. Now, in a race against a ticking clock, Eve must make the pieces fit--before the city falls.

Quick Thoughts:  While the murder mystery doesn't stand out, Peabody and McNabb.  Love the further development of Peabody's story by introducing her brother.

Witness in Death by J.D. Robb

Series: In Death #10

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Pages: 339

Author's Website

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Opening night at New York's New Globe Theater turns from stage scene to crime scene when the leading man is stabbed to death center stage. Now Eve Dallas has a high-profile, celebrity homicide on her hands. Not only is she lead detective, she's also a witness - and when the press discovers that her husband owns the theater, there's more media spotlight than either can handle. The only way out is to move fast. Question everyone and everything...and in the meantime, try to tell the difference between the truth - and really good acting... 

Quote:

“Eve: “Would you jump in front of a maxibus for me?”

 Roarke: “Absolutely. They don't go very fast.” 

Mini-Reviews: The Twilight of Avalon, Requiem, and The Things We Cherished (DISAPPOINTMENTS)

Here are a few reads I've been reluctant to share.  Each have disappointed me one way or the other so I decided to just group them.




Source: e-book shelf

The Twilight of Avalon by Anna Elliott
Series: Twilight of Avalon #1
Genre: Fantasy, Medieval, Historical Fiction
Pages:  448 (ebook)
Author's Website | Blog | Twitter
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Description:

In Twilight of Avalon, Anna Elliott returns to the roots of the legend of Trystan and Isolde to shape a very different story -- one based in the earliest written versions of the Arthurian tales -- a captivating epic brimming with historic authenticity, sweeping romance, and the powerful magic of legend. Source

Review:  While grieving the death of her husband, King Constatine, Queen Isolde must also watch her back as she is sure Constatine was murdered.  A power struggle as erupted as many want both Constantine's thrown and Queen Isolde as a wife.  In the mean time, a different betrayal is brewing and the Queen must work to unveil the truth to save the lives of many.

This read was just okay for me.  It was longer than I wanted and I didn't get all the way into it.  I love historical fiction but I've always struggled with this time period.  The back-stabbing and mystery was interesting.  I expected this to be similar to Game of Thrones (which I've only seen and not read) so maybe that's why this one didn't meet expectations.  Here the drama was depressing and not exciting.  I wasn't rushing to get to the end and a few parts dragged.  This is one where the end doesn't matter as much as the path to get there.  If you like fantasy, you might like this one.

Check-In with the In Death Series Rapture, Ceremony, and Vengeance

Rapture in Death by J.D. Robb
Series: In Death #4
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Pages: 294 (ebook)
Source: eLibrary
Author's Website
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Description:

When the autopsies of three suspicious suicides reveal small burns on the brains of the victims, Eve's investigation turns to the provocative world of virtual reality games--where the same techniques used to create joy and desire could also prompt the mind to become the weapon of its own destruction.

My Rating:

On the story: When people who have everything to live for commit suicide, Eve quickly takes notice.  Determined to figure out the pattern and against all odds, Eve finds herself on the case.
Reaction:  The premise of this one really freaked me out.  Sometimes technology can be so scary.
Roarke check-in:  Roarke was as sweet as ever but  Eve stole the show when she showed her heart and vulnerability in this one.  They are truly the perfect couple.

Ceremony in Death by J.D. Robb

Series: In Death #5

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Pages: 327 (ebook)

Source: eLibrary

Author's Website

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Description:

Even in an age of cutting-edge technology, old beliefs die hard... Conducting a top secret investigation into the death of a fellow police officer has Lieutenant Eve Dallas treading on dangerous ground. She must put professional ethics personal loyalties. But when a dead body is placed outside her home, Eve takes the warning personally. With her husband, Roarke, watching her every move, Eve is drawn into the most dangerous case of her career. Every step she takes makes her question her own beliefs of right and wrong - and brings her closer to a confrontation with humanity's most seductive form of evil

My Rating:

Novella Mini-Reviews Part 2

This is part two of my novella quick reviews. Even though I didn't love all of the books I read, it was quite rewarding to finish reads so quickly :)  Part One of the novella reviews can be found here.

Heart of the Sea by Christine Warren
Series: The Others #2.5
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Witches
Pages: 25 (ebook)
Author's Website | Twitter | Facebook
Buy it: Kindle (free) | B&N (free)

Description:

In the world of the Others, affairs of the heart are no less complicated. Even when talented witch, Jenny Ferguson, gets caught in a questionable situation with a current friend and former lover by her fiancé no less, she might need more than magic to save her wedding day.

Mini-Review:
This one was actually kind of cute.  The story kept the reader and the fiancé guessing and it really made me wonder about the rest of the series.  There isn't much character development and the plot was quite simple.  But it caught my attention fast, dropped a few intriguing details about their world, and had just the right amount of everything considering the short read.  And it's free!  This book made me consider participating in a witch/witchcraft challenge but it was not to be.




Worth the Risk by Meryl Sawyer
Genre: Romance, Contemporary Romance
Pages: 77 (ebook)
Author's Website
Buy it: Kindle | B&N

Description:

Each and every one of us has the ability to effect change—to make our world a better place. The key is to begin in our own backyards, look at needs within our communities and then decide to do something about them. The dedicated women selected as this year's recipients of Harlequin's More Than Words award have changed lives, one good deed at a time. To celebrate their accomplishments, bestselling authors have written stories inspired by these real-life heroines. In this book, Meryl Sawyer honors the work of Gracie Cavnar, founder of the Recipe for Success Foundation.