Archive for December 4, 2017

Hunting Hour: A Timber Creek K-9 Mystery
by Margaret Mizushima

I loved this book. I loved the twists and turns this book took you on. The characters are well developed and the story is well written.
~Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting

The writing keeps the reader hooked and the mystery kept me guessing with a few surprise twists along the way just to make it even more interesting. I am fully invested in the characters now and am looking forward to future installments to see what happens next.
~Books a Plenty Book Reviews

Hunting Hour, a combination of police procedural and suspense, is an outstanding murder mystery – atmospheric, fast-paced, haunting, a clean read that was downright hard to put down.
~The Power of Words

Hunting Hour: A Timber Creek K-9 Mystery
Mystery/Police Procedurals/Woman Sleuths
3rd in Series
Crooked Lane Books (August 8, 2017)
Hardcover: 320 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1683312772
E-Book ASIN: B06XWFGDY5

My Review

I enjoy crime fighting and search and rescue teams that include dogs as partners. Having enjoyed James Rollins’ Tucker Wayne series, Katie Ruggle’s Rocky Mountain K9 Unit series and another dynamite duo from Iris Johansen’s Eve Duncan series, I’m thrilled to say Hunting Hour is every bit as good.

  Margaret’s characters stand out and compliment each other to make the concern for them stronger. Her talent for putting words together makes the mystery deeper. And reading about the human and canine team at work is very powerful.

How the author shows me what’s happening instead of telling me is awesome. There’s a scene where Deputy Mattie Cobb and her dog, Robo, are setting out on a search and he is overly excited. She describes how he hover sits. Bam, that hit me. Never thought of putting it that way, but my dog does the same thing. He sits on command but his rear end never quite touches the ground. I’ve seen military and police dogs do it too. It takes patience and trust to control an excited dog with tons of energy to burn. I’d love to see this team in action.

She portrays Mattie as strong, owning her flaws and vulnerabilities and trying to deal with them. This makes Mattie good at her job, and it’s going to take everything she has to give to stop a killer. One girl is dead. And now another girl has gone missing, and this one is personal.

Loving a good mystery with lots of curve balls thrown at me, the author took me to another level. I never could figure out the motive behind the killings and who was doing them until right near the end. It’s nail biting suspense all the way.

This is the third book in the series. Not wanting you to be turned off by that, I’m telling you it doesn’t matter if you haven’t read the other books. You won’t be lost as this is a different case. Sure, there are some things I want to know about. The history between some characters, for one. I’ll be exploring that when I read the other books.

If you love a taut mystery loaded with suspense, and enjoy human/canine teams in action, do yourself a favor and grab this one. Or grab any of the others. You just need to have some reading time set aside as you won’t be able to put the book down.

5 Stars

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Synopsis

Deputy Mattie Cobb is in a dark place and has withdrawn from Cole Walker and his family to work on issues from her past. When she and her K-9 partner Robo get called to track a missing junior high student, they find the girl dead on Smoker’s Hill behind the high school, and Mattie must head to the Walker home to break the bad news. But that’s only the start of trouble in Timber Creek, because soon another girl goes missing—and this time it’s one of Cole’s daughters.

Knowing that each hour a child remains missing lessens the probability of finding her alive, Mattie and Robo lead the hunt while Cole and community volunteers join in to search everywhere. To no avail. It seems that someone has snatched all trace of the Walker girl from their midst, including her scent. Grasping at straws, Mattie and Robo follow a phoned-in tip into the dense forest, where they hope to find a trace of the girl’s scent and to rescue her alive. But when Robo does catch her scent, it leads them to information that challenges everything they thought they knew about the case.

Mattie and Robo must rush to hunt down the kidnapper before they’re too late in Hunting Hour, the third installment in critically acclaimed author Margaret Mizushima’s exhilarating mystery series.

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Author Margaret Mizushima

Margaret Mizushima is the author of the Timber Creek K-9 mysteries, which includes Killing Trail (Crooked Lane Books, 2015) nominated for an RT Reviewer’s Choice award for best first mystery, Stalking Ground (Crooked Lane Books, 2016) a finalist in the Colorado Book Awards mystery category, and Hunting Hour (Crooked Lane Books, 2017). She has a background in speech pathology and practiced in an acute care hospital before establishing her own rehabilitation agency. Currently, she balances writing with assisting her husband with their veterinary clinic and Angus cattle herd. She enjoys reading and hiking, and she lives on a small ranch in Colorado where she and her husband raised two daughters and a multitude of animals.

Facebook / Twitter / Website 

Purchase Links:

AmazonBarnes and NobleBooksamillion:  Indiebound:

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Tour Participants

November 24 – Books,Dreams,Life – SPOTLIGHT

November 24 – Because I said so – Adventures in Parenting – REVIEW

November 25 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW

November 26 – The Power of Words – REVIEW

November 27 – Brooke Blogs – GUEST POST

November 28 – StoreyBook Reviews – GUEST POST

November 29 – The Book’s the Thing – REVIEW, GUEST POST

November 30 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

December 1 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT

December 2 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – INTERVIEW

December 3 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST

December 4 – FUONLYKNEW – REVIEW

December 5 – Cozy Up With Kathy – CHARACTER GUEST POST

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

banner double the trouble

Trouble in Loveland by Jennifer Peel

What does dating the boss + meddling ex-wife + most adorable three-year-old ever equal? Trouble in Loveland.

At seventeen, Charlee Jensen packed her bags and left her beloved hometown of Loveland, swearing she would never have anything to do with the men that left her heartbroken: her father, the man that taught her heroes can fall; and Ryan Carter, her much older neighbor and teenage crush.

Now eight years later, Charlee has two degrees she never wanted and no job prospects, forcing her to swallow her pride and come home to work for her father’s accounting firm—the same firm where newly divorced Ryan Carter is now a partner.

But trouble starts to stir when Ryan realizes the girl next door is all grown up and completely smitten with his adorable three-year-old. Ryan finds it hard to resist his beautiful, yet annoyingly charming neighbor and coworker, but is torn between his feelings and trying to keep the peace with his ex-wife, the mother of his child. It’s a recipe for trouble. Will Charlee and Ryan find the formula for success?

 

Praise for Trouble in Loveland

“Jennifer Peel’s writing captures you from the start and pulls you in. Trouble in Loveland is a fantastic book and was the perfect escape that I look for when I read. It has it all! Drama, humor, and romance. Highly recommend!” – Becky Monson, Author of The Spinster Series ★★★★★

“I absolutely loved this book! I just discovered Jennifer Peel, and I’m so glad I did. Her writing is fun, the dialogue witty, and her character development brilliant. Trouble in Loveland is the third book I’ve read by this author and it won’t be my last. I am definitely a new fan!!” Cindy Roland Anderson,Author of Under a Georgia Moon ★★★★★

 

 

Trouble in Loveland Excerpt

My heart pounded erratically as Ryan looked up at me and smiled. The butterflies were beyond excited and swearing like sailors. I bit my lip nervously and watched Ryan walk my way. I felt like I couldn’t breathe. I knew it didn’t mean anything to him, but not to sound cheesy, it was like a dream come true for me. All I needed was some fog behind him as he sauntered over to me.

He held out his hand as soon as he approached me. “Will you give me the pleasure of dancing with me?” I think that was the sexiest thing I’d ever heard in my life.

I couldn’t talk very well, which was saying something. I always had something to say. I nodded my head and held out my hand, that I prayed wasn’t sweaty. Before he led me away, I tossed the bouquet to Amy, who wore a sly grin.

As we made it to the middle of the floor, I heard the DJ say, “Now don’t they make a lovely couple? Maybe there will be another love connection tonight.” I think I turned about ten shades of red. Ryan didn’t seem fazed by it as he pulled me to him and held me firmly, but gently. His hand rested on my mid-back. With his other hand he took my hand, and instead of holding it out, he brought it in, more intimately, against our bodies. Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” began to play. Ryan was obviously an experienced dancer as his steps kept in time with the rhythm of my new favorite song.

Ryan’s eyes seared into mine. “I was hoping I would get to dance with you tonight.”

“You were?”

“Yes, but you’ve been quite popular.” He pulled back a tad and looked down at my dress. “You look very …”

“Please don’t say grown up.”

He smiled and shook his head. “I wasn’t going to say that, I was going to say …” he tried to think of something.

“You were going to say it, weren’t you?”

He sighed. “Charlee, you really know how to make a guy feel inadequate, don’t you?”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I find I like it.”

“You do?”

He nodded his head. “I also find you to be very …” he hesitated.

“Very what?”

“Beautiful and annoyingly charming.”

“How can somebody be annoying and charming at the same time?”

“See what I mean?” He held me close.

 

* – * – * – * – * – * – * – * – * – * – * – * – * – * – *
More Trouble in Loveland by Jennifer Peel

Another Timeless Single Romance! Join Jennifer Peel for MORE TROUBLE IN LOVELAND, a companion story to the beloved romance TROUBLE IN LOVELAND.

Charlee Jensen-Carter has been looking forward to her first Christmas with her new husband, Ryan, and her adorable stepson for weeks. Not only is her dad tying the knot, but she’s looking forward to two weeks of no exes, no drama, and especially no trouble. At least that’s what she thinks.

First, she gets talked into wearing red hooker heels again. Next, she finds herself trying to save her dad’s wedding. And if that isn’t bad enough, more than one ex shows up, and she’s suddenly in the middle of more trouble than she ever bargained for.

Will she ever find the right moment to give Ryan the best Christmas present ever? Or will her Christmas hopes and dreams die a fiery death in this comical holiday tale?

Praise for More Trouble in Loveland 

“Are you in the mood for a Christmassy book full of love, laughter and swoon worthy moments? Then look no further than More Trouble in Loveland! It’s the perfect afternoon read!” – Kathy Jo, KJ’s Book Nook ★★★★★

“Jennifer Peel’s holiday-themed contemporary romantic comedy novel, More Trouble in Loveland, is a humorous and enjoyable tale . . . highly recommended.” Jack Magnus, Readers Favorite ★★★★★

“I’ve been eagerly awaiting a return trip to Loveland with some of my favorite characters. Oh how I’ve missed Charlee and her very active, sighing and swearing butterflies! Even in the midst of heaping family drama, Charlee and Ryan’s love is the stuff happy sighs are made of.” – Aimee Brown, Getting Your Read On ★★★★★

 

More Trouble in Loveland Excerpt

Buried beneath more of my mementos were those dang, strappy high heels. Why was I unearthing these? If Krissy thought I was wearing them again, she was crazy. I didn’t care what the boots looked like that came with the costume; they had to be better than the hooker heels. I was only bringing them so Krissy wouldn’t whine.

Ryan grinned at the shoes when I emerged from the basement door in our kitchen. “One of my favorite memories is of you wearing those in your cutoffs. I wouldn’t remind a repeat.”

I remembered that day too. I had been so embarrassed Ryan caught me while I practiced walking in them for Krissy’s wedding. “If memory serves me correctly, you laughed at me.”

He pulled me to him, and, thankfully, his breath was clean and smelled normal, like honey. “I only laughed to keep away thoughts of wanting to ravishmy partner’s daughter.”

“Uh-huh.”

He brushed my lips. “You have no idea how hard it was to resist you.”

“You seemed to manage.” I loved teasing him.

He groaned against my mouth. “You’ve obliterated all my defenses.”

“Is that so?” I let the heels drop so I could use my hands for better things. And I was just about to until—

“MOM!”

Being a newlywed with a child was tricky business. Ryan sighed but smiled. “I’ll take a rain check.” He had plenty to cash in.

 

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Author Jennifer Peel

Jennifer Peel is the award-winning bestselling author of the Dating by Design and Women of Merryton series, as well as several other contemporary romances. Though she lives and breathes writing, her first love is her family. She is the mother of three amazing kiddos and has recently added the title of mother-in-law, with the addition of two terrific sons-in-law. She’s been married to her best friend and partner in crime for a lot longer than seems possible. Some of her favorite things are late night talks, beach vacations, the mountains, pink bubble gum ice cream, tours of model homes, and Southern living. She can frequently be found with her laptop on, fingers typing away, indulging in chocolate milk, and writing out the stories that are constantly swirling through her head.

 

Also by Author Jennifer Peel

 

Giveaway Details

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway

Ends 12/17/17

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

Welcome to the Cover Reveal event for D.H. Nevins’ upcoming release, Angel of Shadow. I’m so excited to be one of the exclusive host blogs for this reveal and giveaway. Here’s why:

First of all, the book cover is STUNNING. You’ll have to trust us on this for now… you’ll know what I mean when you see it!

Secondly, did I mention there’s a giveaway?!?

And most of all: I loved, loved Wormwood, the first book, and have read it several times now! I’ve been waiting anxiously to see what happens to Kali and Tiamat and my wait is almost over!

Want to get your hands on a free copy? Grab it on AMAZON now!

Each host blog has its own tidbit of unique information, which changes every day. My fun facts will be posted just under the cover fragment, along with the links to the other host blogs. Everyone has a different fact. Remember to check them out!

Angel of Shadow’s Blurb:

D.H. Nevins hurtles you into a world of half-angels, demons and tormented love in this driving, dystopian sequel to Wormwood.

Half-angels, known as Nephilim, have all but destroyed the surface of the Earth. Yet for Kali Michaels, her life is now much more complicated than simply surviving. Grappling with her own powerful identity, she worries her connection to the world of Shadows could destroy those around her.

And what if she hurts Tiamat Wormwood, the Nephilim outcast who has given everything to save her? Tiamat and Kali know they have no future—not when outside forces and Kali’s own power push both the humans and the Nephilim to the brink of extinction.
As she fights to stop the inevitable, she is led to question who her real enemies are, and whether the ultimate threat may actually be herself.

The cover fragment:

cover 1

Fun Fact:

Angel of Shadow’s cover artist is Carlos Quevedo. To get a feel of what the cover may be like, you can check out some of his other work here: http://bit.ly/2A6vy0Z

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Remember to have a peek at some other unique facts about the cover, the series, D.H. or her writing process at these blogs. I bet you’re curious, right?

Bookworm Brandee

FUONLYKNEW

Electively Paige

Book Hooked Nook

The Perfect Honeybee

Dragons Rule OK

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And don’t forget about the giveaway!!! D.H. Nevins will be giving away:

– 2 prizes of a physical copy of Wormwood combined with an Angel of Shadow eARC (Advance Reader Copy), as well as  another 10 Angel of Shadow eARCs.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thanks for stopping by! Full reveal will be this Saturday, but don’t forget there will be a brand new cover fragment and a new fun fact tomorrow. See you soon!

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE