Book Review: Desperation in Death (In Death #55) by J.D. Robb

Description:

New York, 2061: The place called the Pleasure Academy is a living nightmare where abducted girls are trapped, trained for a life of abject service while their souls are slowly but surely destroyed. Dorian, a thirteen-year-old runaway who’d been imprisoned there, might never have made it out if not for her fellow inmate Mina, who’d hatched the escape plan. Mina was the more daring of the two—but they’d been equally desperate.

Unfortunately, they didn’t get away fast enough. Now Dorian is injured, terrified, and wandering the streets of New York, and Mina lies dead near the waterfront while Lt. Eve Dallas looks over the scene.

Mina’s expensive, elegant clothes and beauty products convince Dallas that she was being groomed, literally and figuratively, for sex trafficking—and that whoever is investing in this high-overhead operation expects windfall profits. Her billionaire husband, Roarke, may be able to help, considering his ties to the city’s ultra-rich. But Roarke is also worried about the effect this case is having on Dallas, as it brings a rage to the surface she can barely control. No matter what, she must keep her head clear--because above all, she is desperate for justice and to take down those who prey on and torment the innocent.


My Thoughts:

Fifty-five books and still this series does not get old. Some series get stale after a certain number of books but these I still race through. This series has some of my favorite characters from any books. I love the light moments that are sprinkled in to keep things from getting too dark. This one was a heavy one, especially since I have a thirteen year old daughter. But, as always, this was a satisfying read and I knew I could be confident that Dallas would prevail.

My Rating: *****    
Steam Factor: !!!


My Source: library

Where to get it:

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The Dry Bones Society Trilogy by Dan Sofer - Book Review

Description:

YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE? 

He lost everything. His wife. His job. His clothes. Oh, and his life.

When he wakes up, naked and alone, in the Mount of Olives Cemetery, Moshe Karlin finds that the afterlife is not what he had expected.

The doomsday prophecies of the Hebrew Bible are coming true, but why does everyone seem to want him dead?

He’ll have to work very hard to win back his old life… and his wife. Along the way, he’ll make some new friends and dangerous enemies, and discover that perhaps his first life wasn’t so perfect after all. But there’s more.

Just when he thought his life was over, Destiny has more in store for him than he could ever imagine: the shocking secret to peace in the Middle East and the end of History…


My Thoughts:
Wow. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book but the description sounded interesting so I thought I’d give it a try. I loved it. Once I started reading I couldn’t stop. A man wakes up in a cemetery and finds out that he died two years ago. Why is he back? What’s he going to do now? This book explores the Jewish religion, but at its core it’s a story about people. That’s what kept me reading. The pace was good and kept moving right alone, and the twists kept coming. I was satisfied with the ending but I can’t wait to read the next book. I want to find out more.

My Rating: *****

Where to get it: (Free with Prime until July 1st. Free on KU)

Description:
HE DEFEATED DEATH. WILL HE BEAT BUREAUCRACY? 

Rooms at the Dry Bones Society are filling up as more and more Israelis leave their graves to rejoin the living. But not everyone is happy to see them.

When Moshe Karlin stands up for their rights, his quest for a brighter future leads through a minefield of treacherous politicians and brutal criminals. Will he usher in an era of peaceful Utopia or trigger a civil war?
THE JEWISH MESSIAH IS HERE. HE DOESN'T HAVE A CLUE… 

Elsewhere in Jerusalem, a recovering prophet hides his apocalyptic delusions, a scientist unearths the shocking secret to peace in the Middle East, and a lovesick suicide bomber wanders the streets in search of his own personal redemption.

In the midst of it all, one chronic latecomer is on everyone's mind—the Messiah!

My Thoughts:
This continues the story from book 1. All of the characters from the first book are back. The resurrected are dealing with the realities of having a second life. The Dry Bones Society is dealing with new resurrected. Moshe ends up getting involved in politics in order to stand up for the rights of the resurrected. Another one I couldn't put down. Can't wait to see where things go in the next book.

My Rating: ****

Where to get it: 

Description:
WORLD WAR III IS THE LEAST OF HIS PROBLEMS…

The final novel in the award-winning Dry Bones Society trilogy.

Everyone knows Moshe Karlin is the Messiah. Except for Moshe Karlin.

As he wields his newfound political power to fix Israeli society, natural disasters—and some very unnatural disasters—devastate the Holy Land and turn his plans to dust.

World War III inches nearer and the planet’s fate dangles by a thread. With time running out until the End of History, Moshe must overcome unimaginable obstacles and diabolic opponents to fulfill his destiny… and uncover the shocking truth of the long-awaited Redemption!

Elsewhere in Jerusalem, a lovesick suicide bomber gets a lucky break, a reformed criminal makes a devastating decision, and a broken prophet defies death one last time.

THE EXPLOSIVE FINALE TO AN AWARD-WINNING SERIES

My Thoughts:

An exciting and satisfying ending to the Dry Bones Society trilogy. I'm going to be vague to avoid giving away any plot points. Jumping between several plot lines and characters, there was not a dull moment in this book. You definitely need to start from book one to get to know all of the characters and what is going on. This book is full of twists and moments that I had no idea how things were going to work out. Kept me guessing to the very end. A very satisfying conclusion. I highly recommend this trilogy.

My Rating: *****

Where to get it: 



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Bringer of Chaos: Forged in Fire by Kayelle Allen - Cover Reveal Tour

Bringer of Chaos: Forged in Fire  The Sempervian Saga (Book 2) by Kayelle Allen

BLURB: 

Humans created the Ultras, a genetically enhanced race, to defend mankind. Instead, Ultras became their greatest threat. With the help of traitors, humans captured half a million of the immortal warriors.

Exiled to an alien world with no tech, no tools, and no resources, their leader, Pietas, must protect his people, find food and shelter and unite them. But before he can, he must regain command from a ruthless adversary he's fought for centuries--his brutal, merciless father.

Ultras are immortal, and no matter how they die, they come back. Reviving after death isn't all it's cracked up to be. Some wounds heal instantly and a few take time, but battered and broken trust? Immortals may heal, but a wound of the heart lasts forever.

Genre: Science Fiction with romantic elements

Rating: PG13 for violence, no profanity or explicit content

Cover artist Brumae
DeviantArt https://brumae-art.deviantart.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Brumae

Amazon Pre-Order Link

Excerpt: 

In this excerpt, Pietas and the search party sent to find him have become lost and have walked for hours. When he realizes they're near a summit that will allow him to see the valley they searched for, he heads for it. Joss, the telepath and warrior he loves tries to keep him from going, insisting she has a better vantage point. Pietas suspects a trick.

"Joss. The truth this time. What are you hiding?"

While she studied him, he remained motionless. The gentle prod of her mind against his shields reminded him she'd seen his thoughts despite his best efforts. Or perhaps she'd allowed him to be aware. In the past, he'd noticed such intrusion during training but never outside it.

"Pietas, if you want to see the caldera from this point, I can't stop you, but once you see what's out there, you can never unsee it. I'd like to spare you the devastation until you've had a chance to see the good side. If I take you in through the pass you can appreciate the true beauty of this place first. Maybe think of a way we can make it work here. Survive."

Devastation.

According to Joss, half a million of his people lay in helpless cryosleep within lifepods on the other side of that hill. Over three thousand pods had been damaged beyond saving. The frozen immortals within them had shattered like spun glass.

A short hike above, the summit waited. In two short minutes he could see for himself. "How long would your route take us?"

"Less than a half hour."

Once more, the short distance to the actual summit drew his attention. How many steps?

"Pi?" Six nudged him. "Is that even a blink in the life of an immortal?"

"No, ghost, it's not." How grateful he was for this man. "Besides, I'm patient."

His sister scoffed. "You?" Turning to the twins, she pointed at Pietas. "That is not my brother."

No, he was not. He was far better. His sister could see the change. Why would she not accept it? Resisting the urge to respond with cynicism, Pietas shut his mouth.

He gestured toward the route Joss wanted to take. "Let's go your way."

"Thank you for listening to me." Joss took Pietas by the hand, reached up, and dragged a fingertip down the cleft in his chin. "This place is stunning. I hate that so much of it will be spoiled by our being here."

"Why? Has Mother released environmental impact studies?"

"No, she--" More than anything, the look Joss sent his way resembled pity. "You'll see. Not far now."

"You've been saying 'not far' for hours. Did I not teach you to mark trails?"

"I'm sorry, Pietas. It won't happen again."

Oh, but it would. She wouldn't meant to, but it would. He'd tried for centuries to teach her how to find her way, to no avail. He kissed her cheek and drew her into his arms, savoring her warmth against his body.

"Joss." He placed his mouth near her ear. "You couldn't find your way out of a round room with one door."

She jerked up her head and looked at him, her eyes wide.

He drew a fingertip down her cheek and out across her full lower lip. "And I adore you for it."

Bringer of Chaos: The Origin of Pietas 

The Sempervian Saga (Book 1)

Why should Pietas end the war with humans?

His people are winning, yet they insist on peace talks. The Ultra people want to grant humans a seat on the Council. Pietas ap Lorectic, Chancellor of the High Council, War Leader and First Conqueror, disagrees. What's best for mortals is oppression, control, and if necessary, elimination.

Pietas seethes with rage at the idea of human equality. Humans might have created Ultras, but the creation has far surpassed the creator. Humans die. Ultras are reborn, no matter how grievous the injury. They have no equals.

His people permit him no choice. He must attend these insipid peace talks on Enderium Six and what's worse, be polite. To humans.

When a human special ops warrior is killed in battle, he's resurrected in a secret process and inducted into the Ghost Corps. He's given enough strength to perma-kill immortal Ultras. Ghosts are the most hated and feared of warriors.

When the ghost entraps and captures Pietas at the peace talks, the two begin a long journey toward Sempervia, an isolated and forgotten world. Once there, Pietas is marooned and the ghost abandoned alongside him. The two must either fight to perma-death, or join forces to survive.

As Pietas comes to trust the human, an unlikely and awkward friendship begins. Until he discovers how ghosts are resurrected...

Amazon Buy Link

Giveaway - Free Download

Free -- download Endure, Illustrated Quotes by Pietas (as told to Kayelle Allen). Enjoy an exclusive collection of quotes on the concept of endurance by the man known to other immortals as the Bringer of Chaos. https://kayelleallen.com/media/30-days-endure.pdf

Download a free adult coloring book you can print and share. Relax and color with friends. It's fun! https://kayelleallen.com/media/pietas-coloring-book.pdf

Mythic Heroes and Misbehaving Robots:

Kayelle Allen writes Sci Fi with mythic heroes, misbehaving robots, role playing immortal gamers, and warriors who purr. She's a US Navy veteran and has been married so long she's tenured.
https://kayelleallen.com Twitter https://twitter.com/kayelleallen Facebook https://facebook.com/kayelleallen.author Join the Romance Lives Forever Reader Group 
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Murder by Munchausen & The Darknet by M.T. Bass - Book Blitz & Cover Reveal

Murder by Munchausen

by M.T. Bass

Series: Murder by Munchausen Mysteries, #1

Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Sci-Fi, TechnoThriller
Publisher:  Electron Alley Publications

Release Date: April 2, 2017

Artificial Intelligence? Fuhgeddaboudit!

Artificial Evil has a name…Munchausen.

When androids are reprogrammed into hit men, detectives of the Artificial Crimes Unit repo the AnSub and track down the hackers. Partners Jake and EC's case of an "extra-judicial" divorce settlement takes a nasty turn with DNA from a hundred-year-old murder in Boston and a signature that harkens back to the very first serial killer ever in London.

The abandoned building in the Warehouse District was dark and cold. I didn’t have glass on the AnSub, but we were picking up an RFI signature that was an eighty percent match to the A-VIN profile. My Smith & Wesson eM&P was out and humming in my hand, ready for me to take a shot. Behind us the SWAT team was spreading out into position to monitor our visual feed from outside so they wouldn’t jam the ambient signals with their tac gear. We went passive on our glass as soon as we entered the building.

I looked over at EC, my partner, pressed against the far wall covering the left side of the industrial cavern, which was piled high with discarded junk—desks, chairs, pallets of boxed materials and strange hulking machines that no doubt once fabricated some kind of pieces-parts necessary for the stuff consumers once found they absolutely-positively could not live without in their daily drone lives—all collected from businesses that absolutely-positively no longer existed. The quiet was oppressive and haunting. We both strained for an aural clue to the location of our quarry, since the electronic intel was still too weak to pinpoint within the building.

We slowly wove around the junk, deeper and deeper into the room. I led. EC followed, constantly adjusting the ePD scanning app to search and map the room. I muted the tactical channels and stripped most of the data from my view to let him work the tech and comm. It’s too distracting. I needed to maintain focus. I needed to be able to react.

This particular Android Subject apparently went off the rails and killed a luckless pedestrian on his way to a bodega for some iced tea or bottled water to quench his thirst. A one-in-a-million occurrence, but every so often it still happens. Anyone who believes technology is infallible is a fool. The incident didn’t appear all that nefarious when first reported, but shortly thereafter the Atlas data stream went dark and patrol called our unit in. It quickly became obvious we were dealing with a malware hit, not a malfunction. The luckless pedestrian was actually not so luckless, being on what appeared to be the winning side of a particularly nasty termination suit with his ex, who we suspected had outsourced the final settlement to extra-judicial parties.

It might not make sense, but the beloved Media tags it “Murder by Munchausen.” For a price, there are hackers out there who will reprogram a synthoid to do your dirty work. The bad news: no fingerprints or DNA left at the crime scene. The good news—at least for us—is that they’re like missiles: once they hit their target, they’re usually as harmless as empty brass. The trick is to get them before they melt down their core OS data, so you can get the unit into forensics for analysis and, hopefully, an arrest.

EC’s scanner returned a hard ping. His quick double blink put his cross-hairs up on my lens and I followed his eye line to the northwest corner of the building. I swept my eyes up and down to acknowledge and we slowly headed in that direction. As we moved, the RF signal narrowed and confirmed bogey lock with a low growl in my ear buds. EC swung out from the left and unshouldered his shotgun. Good old-fashioned blast power often came in handy to buy some time. Like I said, usually they’re harmless, but usually just ain’t good enough odds for me…

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Coming - February 2, 2018

The Darknet: The Sequel to Murder by Munchausen with a serious twist.

M.T. Bass is a scribbler of fiction who holds fast to the notion that while victors may get to write history, novelists get to write/right reality. He lives, writes, flies and makes music in Mudcat Falls, USA.

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Email:  mtb@owl-works.com

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Cruise Into Eden by Lexi Post - Sale Blitz - FREE

Cruise Into Eden

by Lexi Post

Series: Eden, #1

Genre: Sci-Fi Erotic Romance

Release Date: August 30, 2014

After eleven years of forced abstinence, Sci-fi television employee and IT geek Erin Danielson, boards a nude cruise in the hopes of finally getting lucky. It seems her luck has changed when two handsome men with ripped bodies, enticing accents, and hearts of gold invite her into their stateroom for an erotic ménage. But if it seems too good to be true, then…

Nassic Wild and Wareson Night hail from the planet Eden, where women are scarce, and their mission is simple—meet the woman they’ve been waiting for for the last eleven years, bond with her and take her home. At first all goes according to plan as they pleasure her with their bodies and their special abilities. But when their best intentions lead to the worst results they lose her, along with their hearts.

Now they must find a way to woo her back or return to Eden with no hope for the future.

     She glanced at Ware, who now sat on the lounge chair next to her rubbing lotion on his bulging biceps. Above those massive muscles on his right shoulder was what looked like natural beauty marks, but they were in an odd shape, two dots in a row above three dots in a row. Despite the fact the man was as dark as someone from Greece, they stood out clearly. How odd.
     She stared as Ware protected his skin, all of his skin. The man had no tan lines. He was a bit bigger than Nase, and broader, but not by much. He still hadn’t said anything, and she suddenly wanted to hear his voice. “Have you taken a nude cruise before?”
     He stilled mid-rub and looked at her. His gaze was intense and now that he was next to her, she could see his eyes were a forest green. Absolutely breathtaking, though it could have been her anticipation of his voice that had her holding her breath.
     “No. This is our first one.”
     The deepness of his tone wrapped around her like a cocoon that she never wanted to leave. His accent was heavier, but from where? The tension she felt around Nase disappeared with Ware, which left her clearheaded enough to remember the two men were a couple and she had no right to ogle them. “This is my first one, too. Though I’m not sure I will ever get into the ‘nude’ part.” She forced herself to stop staring at Ware’s perfect male body. She closed her eyes and lay back on her lounge.
     “Why?”
     The dark, sensuous voice slid over her skin again, and she could feel him looking at her. No, not looking, exploring her with his sight. She opened her eyes and watched him. Every place he viewed suddenly became sensitized, as if he had lightly run his fingers along her body. She swore she could feel his gaze as it traveled across her stomach, up her ribs, over her breasts, along her neck, and through her hair until she found his eyes riveted on hers. “Why?”
     “Yes. Why would you not allow your body to enjoy the sun fully?”
     She pushed her hair behind her ear. “I… I—It’s hard to explain.”
     He cocked his head and stared intently at her.
     Obviously her answer had not satisfied him. “I’m guessing you are not American. In my country, we wear clothes all the time. It’s what we’re used to. I know there are a few countries that are more open about nakedness, but I’m not from those.”
     “I believe many of the people on this ship are from America.”
     Erin was too focused on the extra emphasis he left on the final letter “a” in “America” to at first grasp his point. When she did, she flushed. “True, but I never knew they existed. This is all very new to me. I just learned last night why there are piles of towels in the main areas of the boat. I guess everyone is supposed to use them to sit on if they are nude. I’m sure I’ll learn a lot more about this by the end of the week.”
     As if her answer had pleased him, he went back to rubbing lotion on his dark body. She couldn’t help but watch as he finished covering his hard stomach, but as his hand dipped between his legs, she closed her eyes tight.

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Lexi Post is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of romance inspired by the classics. She spent years in higher education taking and teaching courses about the classical literature she loved. From Edgar Allan Poe's short story “The Masque of the Red Death” to Tolstoy’s War and Peace, she's read, studied, and taught wonderful classics.

But Lexi's first love is romance novels so she married her two first loves, romance and the classics. From hot paranormals to sizzling cowboys to hunks from out of this world, Lexi provides a sensuous experience with a “whole lotta story.”

Lexi is living her own happily ever after with her husband and her cat in Florida. She makes her own ice cream every weekend, loves bright colors, and you will never see her without a hat.

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Email:  lexi.post@yahoo.com

Review: I Still Have A Soul by Kelly Blanchard

Description:
Stripped of his memories and told he is a criminal of the worst kind, sorcerer Lorrek must commit one last dark deed to earn back his memories. However, he has no idea his target is family or that he is about to step into a war between advanced technology and ancient magic.

My Thoughts:
This is book two in the Chronicles of Lorrek. You need to start with Someday I'll Be Redeemed. After the ending of that book, I was anxious to get into this one. There is a nicely complicated plot. So many inter-woven stories that there is never a dull moment. Many interesting characters. Not as much Lorrek as I was hoping for, but there was so much going on that it was okay. Some new characters, but some deaths as well. I definitely shed a few tears. I loved this and I can't wait for book three.
My Rating: *****



My Source: purchased


Where to get it:

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Review: Someday I'll Be Redeemed by Kelly Blanchard

Description:
Everyone thinks him to be dead--or guilty. Without a word or sighting of Prince Lorrek of Cuskelom these last ten years, all believe the rumors of his crimes, which he is said to have committed, are true. However, when he finally returns to clear his name, Lorrek realizes the only way to find redemption is to become the very man they think him to be in this time when advanced technology challenges ancient magic to war.


My Thoughts:
I loved this one from beginning to end. Something a little different. Fantasy combined with sci-fi, complete with kings, queens, princes, princesses, magic, technology, and politics among wildly different kingdoms. Fantastic world-building, excellent story-telling, and intriguing characters. I really loved Lorrek and the story kept me hooked. I can't wait to read the next installment.

My Rating: *****
Steam Factor: !
*Notes: References to rape and abortion. Even though there is fighting it is not graphic. No bad language. A fairly clean read overall.

My Source: purchased


Where to get it:

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Landlocked by Jessica Gunn - Release Day Blitz and Giveaway

Landlocked

by Jessica Gunn

Series: Atlas Link, #2

Genre: Time Travel/Science Fiction
Publisher:  Curiosity Quills Press

Release Date: September 12, 2016

When there are more traitors than allies, who do you trust?

Two years have passed since SeaSatellite5 was taken by the Lemurians. Trevor and Chelsea have rejoined the war on TAO’s side, exploring Link Pieces in hopes of finding the station. But so far they’ve managed to find nothing. Not even solace in their crumbling relationship.

After following a Link Piece to A.D. 3001, the botched trip leaves them telepathically connected. It’s too much for Chelsea and, retreating to a nightclub in Arizona, she interrupts an operation conducted by a paramilitary group called TruGates. They seem to know more about the Atlantean-Lemurian war than they’re letting on, and also unknowingly hunt Lemurian mercenaries. While guarding her own ties to the war, and despite Trevor’s and TAO’s misgivings, she agrees to join up if it’ll possibly lead to finding SeaSatellite5.

Back at TAO, Trevor learns that what he and Chelsea assumed happened to SeaSatellite5 barely scratches the surface. As the picture of the war expands, allies and traitors churn out of the web-work left behind. If Chelsea and Trevor can’t get past the betrayals and heal their wounded hearts, not only will the fate of SeaSat5 dangle on a precipice, but also every member of the crew they once risked everything to save.

Amazon

Book One: Gyre

Amazon

Jessica Gunn is a New Adult author and avid science-fiction and fantasy fan. Her favorite stories are those that transport the reader to other, more exciting worlds. When not working or writing, she can be found binge-watching Firefly and Stargate, or feeding her fascination of the ancient world’s many mysteries. Jessica also holds a degree in Anthropology.

To catch up with Jessica, follow her on Twitter (@JessGunnAuthor).

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