#TravelingtoTerminus New(er) Release Review ~ With Ties That Bind: Book Two ~ Trisha Wolfe

With Ties That Bind: Book Two by Trisha Wolfe
With Ties That Bind: Broken Bonds #2
Release Date: October 11, 2016
Genre: Adult, Romantic Suspense
Source: Purchased on Kindle
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease, #TravelingtoTerminus
Goodreads ~ Amazon

Synopsis
A new threat has descended upon Arlington, and lead medical examiner Avery Johnson is in its sights, being targeted by the city's latest serial killing menace known to the public as the Alpha Killer.

Whether urban legend or reality, the Alpha feeds into the media craze, orchestrating a killing spree to stamp out all rivals. And when Avery's tangled web of deception pulls her further into the Alpha's sadistic game, there's only one thing she fears more: losing Quinn. With just as many secrets to guard as the elusive crime lord, Avery's time is running out to reveal the truth to Quinn, the stubborn, by-the-book detective bent on protecting her at all costs.

As a lead takes the ACPD task force deep into the bowels of a corrupt law firm, the discovery of a vast criminal network with far-reaching connections threatens to unmask many players. How deep does the corruption go? How far does the Alpha's reach extend? While the team races to catch a killer, Detective Quinn is faced with an impossible choice. Will he betray the woman he's fallen for, or seek his own vengeance outside of the law?

With Ties That Bind was the perfect followup. There were things revealed and more hints dropped. There were revelations and "oh sh!t" moments. It had a slightly different feel because of events concerning Quinn - the action was there but there was less police procedural in this installment. However, it was everything I've come to expect from Wolfe with her dark thrillers.

I have to admit to getting a wee bit grumpy with Quinn. I *know* he lives by a code - he prides himself on it. But there are times when rules are meant to be bent, if not broken. He had to suck it up and figure out exactly how much Avery is worth to him. Avery, for her part, showed her incredible strength and resilience. She is someone to admire even if she'd disagree. Both Quinn and Avery did some growing in this installment, realizing the limits and boundaries they both had were maybe closer to guidelines when push comes to shove. Love has that sort of revelatory power.

I adored getting to spend more time with Sadie and Colton, Chase and Alexis, and even Carson. Honestly, I'm nervous with how things were left. I had no idea where this was going and I'd never have guessed it'd end up going where it did. Seriously, didn't see that coming! I'm even considering a re-read so I can take notes and create theories - you know, like a detective. *wink* I believe there's only one book left and I want to see if I can puzzle it out. I doubt it though. If Quinn and Sadie haven't figured it all out, I'm not sure I can. *haha* But please, Trisha, please don't hurt anyone...too much. I've come to care about them all and I don't know if I could bear it.

#TravelingtoTerminus Review ~ With Visions of Red Book 3 ~ Trisha Wolfe

With Visions of Red Book 3 by Trisha Wolfe
Broken Bonds #2
Release Date: October 10, 2015
Genre: Adult, Thriller, Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Goodreads

Synopsis
Who is the UNSUB?

For Agent Sadie Bonds, finding the answer to that question means the difference between life and death for someone close to her. The UNSUB's latest abduction reaches right into the heart of the ACPD, forcing every member of the department to search within their ranks for the sadistic perpetrator.

Suspicion not only clouds the task force; it slithers into Sadie and Colton's bond, challenging their love. Discovering the truth means facing their past together. Sadie's connection to Colton has quieted her inner demons--but is she strong enough to confront the real monster?

All players take their places as the stage is set for the final scene. With the UNSUB manipulating the game, even Sadie and Colton fall victim, spiraling deep into the darkness that threatens not only their lives, but their trust. As Sadie navigates a torturous maze, Colton will do whatever it takes to protect her.

The truth will set you free. Only for Sadie, her truth will test the very fabric of her reality. She must silence the threat, or risk losing everything and everyone she loves.

Holy Smokes! This was a riveting and stunning conclusion to With Visions of Red. Ms. Wolfe kept me guessing until the very end and I can honestly say I'd have never guessed that ending was coming.

This installment picks up the story where we left off - Sadie and her team are in a race against the clock to save one of their own. And the UNSUB's identity is still a mystery.

Ms. Wolfe did such an incredible job of throwing out clues but keeping me off track. The suspense was intense and I truly enjoyed the psychological elements. It was a chilling thing to get inside a serial killer's head - and not a little scary being inside Sadie's at times.

The BDSM element was essentially non-existent, only referenced in this final installment. Sadie and Colton's romance taking a backseat to the profiling and investigation.

I must say I'm very impressed with Ms. Wolfe's writing skills. She took on some weighty subjects in this series and she did so in a very satisfying manner.

Release Day Blitz & Giveaway ~ With Visions of Red Book Three ~ Trisha Wolfe

Happy Release Day, Trisha Wolfe!

With Visions of Red Book Three releases TODAY!

Be looking for my review of this one. I've been waiting and I can't wait to see how things wrap up!

With Visions of Red: Broken Bonds Book Three

Broken Bonds #3

Author: Trisha Wolfe

Genre: Dark Erotic Thriller

 Release Date: October 12, 2015

Blurb

Who is the UNSUB?

For Agent Sadie Bonds, finding the answer to that question means the difference between life and death for someone close to her. The UNSUB’s latest abduction reaches right into the heart of the ACPD, forcing every member of the department to search within their ranks for the sadistic perpetrator.

Suspicion not only clouds the task force; it slithers into Sadie and Colton’s bond, challenging their love. Discovering the truth means facing their past together. Sadie’s connection to Colton has quieted her inner demons—but is she strong enough to confront the real monster?

All players take their places as the stage is set for the final scene. With the UNSUB manipulating the game, even Sadie and Colton fall victim, spiraling deep into the darkness that threatens not only their lives, but their trust. As Sadie navigates a tortuous maze, Colton will do whatever is takes to protect her—even if that means revealing his secret. 

The truth will set you free. Only for Sadie, her truth will test the very fabric of her reality. She must silence the threat, or risk losing everything and everyone she loves.

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Review ~ Gone Girl ~ #2015HW #ShelfLove #COYER

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Release Date: April 22, 2014
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Thriller
Source: Purchased paperback
Rating: 3.5 Bookworms
Goodreads

Synopsis
On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne's fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick's clever and beautiful wife disappears. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn't doing himself any favors with the cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of is wife's head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media--as well as Amy's fiercely doting parents--the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he's definitely bitter--but is he really a killer?

Provocative. There are so many things I could say about Gone Girl but it all boils down to that one word. Since this book has been around, and was even made into a movie, I'm not going to rehash it all. Besides, to do so might ruin the experience for any of you who haven't read it or seen it. I'm going to talk about how it made me feel.

Gone Girl is divided into 3 parts, alternating POVs between Amy and Nick. 

Part One (which has a title much better than Part 1)
In this first section, Flynn did well in creating empathy for Amy and a somewhat antipathetic feeling towards Nick. I enjoyed seeing how it all began for this couple as well as getting a feel for Amy and Nick separately.

Part Two
In part 2, I learned appearances can be deceiving, and that you don't always know everything you think you know about a person.

Part Three
I decided that Amy and Nick were perfect for one another. They deserved everything they dished out at the other.

Flynn's story was disturbing, not only in what it said about marriage - how well do you ever really know someone? - but I felt it also made statements about society - the media, the legal system, how wrapped up people can become in it all - and human nature - the line between insanity and genius. I was emotionally disturbed, physically disgusted, and honestly, I'm not sure I've ever read a book where I couldn't stand either of the MCs. Portions of the ending were a bit trite (I can see Amy sneering at me for that) but otherwise, Gone Girl is a tautly written story and I have to give props to Flynn for compelling me to read about awful people.

I recommend Gone Girl if you enjoy stories that make you think, evoke intense negative emotions, and engage you with morally circumspect characters. It was an interesting read to be sure.

New Release Review ~ With Visions of Red #2 ~ Trisha Wolfe

With Visions of Red #2
Release Date: July 15, 2015
Genre: Adult, Dark Romance, Erotica, Thriller
Source: I received an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. I also purchased my own copy once it released.
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N

Synopsis
The UNSUB has made contact.

After a rapid string of grisly murders shakes the usually peaceful city of Arlington, Virginia, the sadistic killings of young women lull into a deceptive calm. Agent Sadie Bonds knows the terror isn't over; serial killers don't stop until caught.

And this sadist has targeted the profiler, revealing pieces of her dark past and weaving her secrets into each gruesome crime scene. Is the killer someone from Sadie's past, her present? Or is he part of a fated future she brought on herself? The answer lies withing the riddle of the copycat killings, ones mimicked after the infamous Blood Countess.

As tension brews in the department awaiting the UNSUB's next move, Sadie's more on edge--her deviant cravings for the possible perpetrator have ratcheted out of control. She needs the feel of Colton's ropes binding her, sheltering her from stark reality.

Only Colton Reed has his own twisted secrets that threaten to unravel not only Sadie as they come to light, but the UNSUB's carefully constructed web now entangling both the profiler and her sexy bondage rigger.

Is Sadie too close to this case to be objective, or is the UNSUB closer to her than she ever imagined...

This second installment was every bit as suspenseful as its predecessor. With the UNSUB silent for the moment, with the exception of text messages, new details revealed about Sadie and Colton, questionable behavior from characters, and an addition to the cast, the question of the identity of the UNSUB is every bit as muddled - at least for me - as it was. 

I thrilled at learning a little more about Sadie and as these details where revealed I realized I didn't know her as well as I thought. The revelations about Colton were heartbreaking but I so appreciated getting some clarity about this enigma of a man.

Sadie and Colton make great strides in deepening their bond. The alternating POV once again added so much depth to the characters. Getting glimpses into their thinking enabled me to understand where they were coming from - and where they were headed - in relation to each other.

The tension created with the addition of Detective Carson to the task force along with Detective Quinn's odd behavior have me twisted in knots over what is going on and what's coming next. The UNSUB is getting brazen - well more so - in his actions and I'm worried for Sadie and Colton. As for who he is? Well, I have a few theories. We'll see if my theories pan out. I kinda feel like I might be off-base.

The only thing I missed in this installment was the profiling/procedural element. As I reflect, it was there but it wasn't as focal as it was in book one. However, I still couldn't put this down - I was enthralled. Ms. Wolfe continues to lead me down a dark, twisty path. How long do I have to wait for all the answers, Ms. Wolfe?!?

**Review ~ Coming For You ~ JA Huss**

Coming For You

Dirty, Dark, & Deadly #3

Release Date: November 19, 2014

Genre: Adult, Erotica, Thriller
Source: I purchased an ecopy from Amazon
Rating: 5 Bookworms

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N

Synopsis
James
Who am I?
What am I doing?
Why am I doing it?
Questions are as dangerous in my world as secrets are valuable.
Answers, however, never come easy.

Harper
Who am I?
What am I doing?
Why am I doing it??
I've never asked myself a single questions about my life. Not even once. I follow orders. I keep my head down. I do as I'm told. But now the choices are everywhere.

Sasha
I don't ask questions and I don't need answers.
I know exactly what I'm doing.
Last Christmas Eve, my life fell apart.
This summer, I'm about to get even.

Well, I certainly didn't see that coming. I've said it before but Huss really is a master at writing unpredictable. Coming For You had so many twists, my head was spinning at times. I even woke up one morning thinking "Oh!" because my subconscious had worked out what something meant while I was sleeping. This conclusion was thrilling, heartbreaking, befuddling, and incredibly satisfying.

The secrets were revealed - well for the most part - all the players were uncovered, plans were set into motion, and life-changing decisions were made. There was no way I could have predicted all that went down. Connecting all the dots, putting all the puzzle pieces together was a challenge. And honestly, it's part of the joy of reading a Huss book. There were even times when I doubted James', Harper's, and Sasha's future. But then, these are highly trained individuals we're dealing with here, so I should have had more faith.

My heart broke for Sasha. She really did lose so much in her short life. But she carried herself with such poise and maturity. She did come out a winner in the end.

The Harper I loved, the strong, feisty girl, was back. I was impressed with how she handled herself when she wasn't quite sure what was going on and who to trust.

James showed what he was made of. Yeah, he might be just a little crazy, and his methods are unconventional, but he's honest. And he was determined that he and Harper be free.

And I must mention that I loved getting a cameo of a favorite character. *sigh*

Coming For You was a thrilling conclusion to this series. Even though James and Harper's story has come to an end, I'm eager for the next stories in this world. Thank you, thank you, JA for sharing your imagination - creating gripping stories with characters I love.

**Cover Reveal & Giveaway ~ Coming for You ~ JA Huss**

Y'all know I love me some JA Huss. And I've been anxiously awaiting the conclusion to the Dirty, Dark, & Deadly Series. Oh, she's kept me sufficiently pacified with the Social Media Series. But I'm so eager to see James and Harper's story to the end. Here's the first step...check out this cover! I think it's my favorite of the trilogy. What do y'all think?

***

Coming For You

Dirty, Dark, & Deadly #3

Release Date: November 19, 2014

Genre: Adult, Erotica, Thriller

Goodreads

Synopsis
James
Who am I?
What am I doing?
Why am I doing it?
Questions are as dangerous in my world as secrets are valuable.
Answers, however, never come easy.

Harper
Who am I?
What am I doing?
Why am I doing it??
I've never asked myself a single questions about my life. Not even once. I follow orders. I keep my head down. I do as I'm told. But now the choices are everywhere.

Sasha
I don't ask questions and I don't need answers.
I know exactly what I'm doing.
Last Christmas Eve, my life fell apart.
This summer, I'm about to get even.

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JA Huss is the USA Today best-selling author of the Rook and Ronin series, the epic science fiction I Am Just Junco series, and hundreds of kid-friendly science books in subjects such as biology, physics, anatomy and physiology, astronomy, and forensics. She has an undergraduate degree in equine science and a master's degree in forensic toxicology. She has never taken a creative writing class and she hopes she never will.

Website | Facebook | Goodreads |Amazon

**Review ~ Mister Black: A Billionaire SEAL Story ~ PT Michele**

Mister Back: A Billionaire SEAL Story
Series: In the Shadows #1
Release Date: June 14, 2014
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Mystery/Thriller, Romance
Source: I purchased an ecopy from Amazon (Naomi made me do it! ;)
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms

Synopsis
We all have someone who crossed our path and fundamentally changed us. That one person who blew through our lives, their presence forever stamped on our psyche. They linger in our thoughts, in our hearts, and in the decisions we make. A soul crusher or a dream maker, depending on the perspective.

My person is MISTER BLACK.
I didn't know him by that name when I first met him.
I didn't know him at all, but the impression he left behind was just as powerful as the name I call him today.

He is Black: A deadly enforcer and masterful seducer.
I am Red: a justice bleeder and willing participant.
Together we are passion. Colors colliding through each other's lives.

When our secrets converge in a passionate encounter, stepping out of the shadows just might be worth the risk.

*Note: Mister Black is part 1 of a serial and is approximately 125 print pages.

**Mister Black is currently only 99 cents**

Holy wow! Mister Black was an exciting introduction to In the Shadows - which is a serial - and I'm hooked! There's mystery, intrigue, sexy banter, and smoking sexy times. :)

Talia first meets the enigmatic Mr. Black when they're teens. Although she never thought to see him again, he left an indelible mark on her. Now, as a college senior, she's working at a story that could make her journalistic career once she graduates. At a costume party, where she hopes to score the interview of all interviews, she once again meets Mr. Black. Talia, however, is hiding from her past, so despite the sexy repartee and the time they spend together, she's rather determined to keep their meeting to just that.

Talia is head-strong and driven young woman...just my kind of heroine. Mr. Black is mysterious, protective, domineering, and sexy. Together, their chemistry makes them combustible. They each have secrets and I'm very excited to see what happens when those secrets see light. I don't know where this is going to go but I'm thinking that Talia isn't going to be able to hide from Mr. Black. After all, it was he who taught her to "look for rainbows".