Review: Formula of Deception By Carrie Stuart Parks

Book Description

An artist hiding from an escaped killer uncovers one of World War II’s most dangerous secrets—a secret that desperate men will do anything to keep hidden.

After the murder of her twin sister, Murphy Anderson changed her name and appearance and moved to Kodiak, Alaska, to avoid the press and publicity. But when local authorities discover she’s an artist and request her help in drawing a dying man’s memories, she unintentionally ends up in the limelight again—and back in the killer’s crosshairs.

The deathbed confessions of an Alaskan hunter have Murphy drawing the five bodies he discovered on remote Ruuwaq Island ten years ago. But what investigators find has them mystified. Evidence suggests that the bodies were deliberately destroyed, and what they uncover in an abandoned Quonset hut from World War II only brings more questions.

As one by one the investigators who were at the hut die, Murphy knows there is something much darker at stake. What happened on this island during the war? And who is willing to kill to keep its secrets buried?

“I love Carrie Stuart Parks’s skill in writing characters with hysterical humor, unwitting courage and page-turning mystery. I hope my readers won’t abandon me completely when they learn about her!” —Terri Blackstock, USA TODAY bestselling author of If I Run, If I’m Found, and If I Live

My Review: 

 I really don't read too many mysteries, but I have to wonder why because I definitely enjoyed this one. It was fast-paced and had a very intriguing yet complex plot. I was trying to piece together what happened to Murphy and her sister in the past while simultaneously trying to figure out what in the world happened with this cold case she's investigating that has someone killing people now. The suspense was definitely palpable and kept me wanting to read as fast as I could to find out more. At times I felt there may have been a bit too many characters to keep track of and wasn't always quite sure of who was a friend and who may be secretly working against Murphy. There were many discoveries and twists throughout that kept things fresh but ultimately I felt that not all of my questions were answered and that somethings could have been fleshed out just a tad more. There was only a very small mention of a possible love interest. I usually like a bit more romance but I did like that I got to see it come to fruition in the end. Plus with everything else that was going on any more of a romance may have made things feel a little too busy. Overall I really did enjoy the story though and would be interested in trying out more of this author's books. 

** The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy through BookLook Bloggers. ** 

In My Dreams Series Sales Blitz

Title: In My Dreams

Author: Cameo Renae

Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

Publisher: CHBB

Cover Design: Steph’s Cover Designs

Hosted by: Lady Amber's Reviews & PR

Blurb:

The dreams were happening again.

It was something seventeen-year-old Elizabeth Hayes thought she’d outgrown. She didn’t want them anymore; detailed premonitions of how people would die.

One night, Lizzy’s worst nightmare occurs. She dreams of her boyfriend, Michael Young, and soon discovers his car was found in a river, along with his lifeless body.

Confusion settles deep within when Michael appears alive in her dreams. He warns her, attempting to keep her safe from the very person who murdered him.

Awake, Lizzy must pull on her inner strength, not only to save herself, but also her friends whose lives are in danger.

In My Dreams is a story of trust, friendship, courage, and true love that lives beyond the grave.

Blurb:

It’s been three years since Michael’s death, and life isn’t any easier. The gift bestowed upon me has only grown stronger. I see the dead, everywhere. Those who have remained earthbound are looking for answers, or have messages for their loved ones. That’s what I do. I help resolve those questions, then assist them in crossing over.

Lately, I’ve had a recurring nightmare—a guy, badly injured in a car crash. Each time I’ve called out to him, he never answers. I’ve never even seen his face.

My mentor, Lucy Crow, believes he’s still alive, and I’m supposed to help him. That my dreams are not just subconscious thoughts; they’re premonitions.

For the first time ever, I will leave my reclusive life in Alaska. My best friend Emily is taking me to California for spring break. She thinks it’s time for me to find someone—to start living again. But what I need to find is the answer to my nightmares.

Little do I know...my answer will find me.

USA Today Bestselling author, Cameo Renae, was born in San Francisco, raised in Maui, Hawaii, and now resides with her husband and children in Alaska.

She's a daydreamer, caffeine and peppermint addict, who loves to laugh, and loves to read to escape reality.

One of her greatest joys is creating fantasy worlds filled with adventure and romance and sharing it with others. It is the love of her family and amazing support of her fans that keeps her going.

One day she hopes to find her own magic wardrobe and ride away on her magical unicorn. Until then...she'll keep writing!

Happy Reading! Xoxo

Author Links:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/CameoRenaeBooks/

Blog: http://cameorenae.blogspot.com/ 
Website: http://cameorenae.com 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CameoRenae

Fan Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CameoRenaeFanClub/

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/23HGKIy

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2mycZJj

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4794993.Cameo_Renae

Buy Links:

In My Dreams: https://amzn.to/2LRNK1l

In My Reality: https://amzn.to/2K3aGJq

Review: Trauma Plan by Candace Calvert

Jack Travis is passionate about his clinic and knows that he cannot let it be shut it down. He may have found his answer to keeping it's doors open in a Chaplain Riley Hale. Riley's family name could be just what he needs. Riley in turn needs to practice her nursing skills to help her get back to the job position she truly wants after an attack has left her dominant arm weak and numb. The hospital she works for is not sure that she can handle the tasks required. When Jack offers her a job it seems like this could be the answer to her problems as well.

 Trauma Plan has action, drama, romance, and suspense. The characters are all very appealing and I just loved Bandy! There is so much more going on than what I have mentioned above but I feel like I shouldn't giveaway too much. This book really touched me and I loved it's quiet but faithful messages. I have been wanting to check out Calvert's books for a while and am so glad that I finally read this one. I think it was the perfect book to start on her writing with. It definitely makes me want to read more books by her. I have not read a Christian medical romance before, but I think I may have just found a new favorite subgenre! I loved it! 

** I received a complimentary copy of the book for review purposes from Tyndale House.**

Review: The Evaporation of Sofi Snow

Book Description

For fans of Ender’s Game and Blade Runner comes a story of video gaming, blood, and power.

Ever since the Delonese ice-planet arrived eleven years ago, Sofi’s dreams have been vivid. Alien. In a system where Earth’s corporations rule in place of governments and the humanoid race orbiting the moon are allies, her only constant has been her younger brother, Shilo. As an online gamer, Sofi battles behind the scenes of Earth’s Fantasy Fighting arena where Shilo is forced to compete in a mix of real and virtual blood sport. But when a bomb takes out a quarter of the arena, Sofi’s the only one who believes Shilo survived. She has dreams of him. And she’s convinced he’s been taken to the ice-planet.

Except no one but ambassadors are allowed there.

For Miguel—Earth’s charming young playboy—the games are of a different sort. As Ambassador to the Delonese, his career has been built on trading secrets and seduction. Until the Fantasy Fight’s bomb goes off. Now the tables have turned and he’s a target for blackmail. The game is simple: Help the blackmailers, or lose more than anyone can fathom, or Earth can afford.

From the award-winning author of the Storm Siren Trilogy, step into a diverse cast of characters spanning from the electric metropolises of earth to the chilling alien planet above, in a story of re-finding yourself in the midst of losing the one thing you love. Before it all evaporates.

The Evaporation of Sofi Snow was a pretty interesting read. It has a cool gamer/sci-fi/futuristic feel that I really enjoyed. I liked the world building, but wish there would have been a little more of it. I liked the main characters, Sofi and Miguel. I was hoping for more romance between them but I think things seemed to be heading that way for the next book. So fingers crossed I get to see more then. I feel like there were also a lot of secrets and hidden agendas that left me not quite knowing what to make of some of the characters though. Hopefully that will all come to light soon. I felt like it took a little bit to really get into the story but once I did I was totally captivated. I think that may be because it was setting a lot of things up to happen in the next book, so there was a lot of escalation toward the end when things were starting to get really juicy. This book does end with a major cliffhanger that has me pretty anxious to read the next one! I would recommend this book to fans of YA gamer/sci-fi novels that are light on the romance.

**  The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookLook Bloggers.  **