NO HONOR AMONG THIEVES (Ali Reynolds #10.5)

NO HONOR AMONG THIEVES                     J.A. JANCE

For the first time ever, Ali Reynolds and Joanna Brady, New York Times bestselling author J.A. Jance’s popular series sleuths, join forces to solve a terrifying crime in this exclusive e-novella that has everything you want in a thriller—page-turning action, breathtaking twists and turns, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and…Legos.

“A semi's gone over the embankment.” The call wakes Sheriff Joanna Brady in the middle of the night, but what brings her fully alert is the rest of the story. The driver didn’t drift off to sleep and cross the center line—he was shot, multiple times, by someone with serious firepower. And when the truck crashed through the guardrail, its payload wound up scattered all over the road—boxes upon boxes of Legos.

Legos that are being tracked by B. Simpson’s security firm to reduce black market sales—and Ali Reynolds is just the woman to get to the bottom of the crime. She has the tech and the intel to follow the money (or, in this case, the Legos), which makes her a valuable asset to Joanna’s team. Soon these two strong women realize that they’re not just sharing a case, they’re kindred spirits—which is paramount, because the killer they’re up against is anything but child’s play.
 

HUBBY'S REVIEW:
This book starts off with a bang and does not let off until the end. You begin with the sheriff getting a call about a big rig going over the side of the road, and then it turning into something else altogether once they find the real reason. You are slowly taken in by this story not thinking how a load of Legos could have anything to do with it but as the author takes you through the process it starts to make sense. I can’t really say too much else about this book without giving out the rest of the story, but it is well written and a fast read. A very good book. I got this book from netgalley. I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at :
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THE MANY FACES OF JOSEPHINE BAKER

THE MANY FACES OF JOSEPHINE BAKER           PEGGY CARAVANTES

A complete biographical look at the complex life of a world-famous entertainer

With determination and audacity, Josephine Baker turned her comic and musical abilities into becoming a worldwide icon of the Jazz Age. The Many Faces of Josephine Baker: Dancer, Singer, Activist, Spy provides the first in-depth portrait of this remarkable woman for young adults. Author Peggy Caravantes follows Baker’s life from her childhood in the depths of poverty to her comedic rise in vaudeville and fame in Europe. This lively biography covers her outspoken participation in the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, espionage work for the French Resistance during World War II, and adoption of 12 children—her “rainbow tribe.” Also included are informative sidebars on relevant topics such as the 1917 East St. Louis riot, Pullman railway porters, the Charleston, and more. The lush photographs, appendix updating readers on the lives of the rainbow tribe, source notes, and bibliography make this is a must-have resource for any student, Baker fan, or history buff.
 

HUBBY'S REVIEW:

This edition is for teens or young readers. For those that don’t know a lot about Josephine Baker, she was born in St. Louis, and by her early teens she made it out of their traveling with a vaudeville show and became friends with Ethel Waters, and Clara Smith. Clara Smith tired teach Josephine who to read and write. She got her first big break subbing one night for Miss Water’s, she had all of her songs memorized. From their she married a Pullman porter and got a nightclub job in New Jersey, she did not stay there very long and then moved to New York. After trying out for different shows she got an opportunity to go to Paris and in 1925 at the age of 19 she went. She fell in love and perform at the folies Bergere this is where she really gained popularity. Her Charleston dance was all the talk in Paris and when she turned 20 they had a huge party for her with gifts of perfume, scarves, bracelets, and a puppy. But she was still lonely she would have affairs with men thinking that they would actually marry her, but would later tell her that she was not in their class. She then started a long time affair with her manager Pepito that would last until his death. She did tour South America and the US and was still put off by discrimination, not only here but in South America as well. In the 30’s she would become a French citizen and then world war 2 broke out she actually worked as a spy for the French, she was awarded the highest medal for the work she did during the war. Back trying to get her career started again it would be hit and miss. She would go on to adopt 12 children she called her rainbow tribe. She was given a full military burial for being a war hero and Princess Grace was just one of many dignitaries that showed up for her funeral. The author at times throughout the book gives explanations of certain things, or of people that I found very interesting. Some I knew already, but one I did not. The Charleston dance actually started from the African Americans, from the slaves and moved on from the fields to the towns. They don’t teach you that in school. An excellent book. I got this book from netgalley. I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at
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AHEAD OF THE CURVE: Inside the Baseball Revolution

AHEAD OF THE CURVE                                BRIAN KENNY

Brian Kenny—outspoken MLB Network host and commentator—uses stories from baseball’s present and past to examine why we sometimes choose ignorance over information, and how tradition can trump logic, even when directly contradicted by evidence.

Forget batting average. Kill the “Win.” Say goodbye to starting pitchers. And please, please stop bunting. In Ahead of the Curve, Brian Kenny shows how baseball has been revolutionized—not destroyed—by analytical thinking.

Most people who resist logical thought in baseball preach “tradition” and “respecting the game.” But many of baseball’s traditions go back to the nineteenth century, when the pitcher’s job was to provide the batter with a ball he could hit and fielders played without gloves. Instead of fearing change, Brian Kenny wants fans to think critically, reject outmoded groupthink, and embrace the changes that have come with the “sabermetric era.” In his entertaining and enlightening book, Kenny discusses why the pitching win-loss record, the Triple Crown, fielding errors, and so-called battling titles should be ignored.

He also points out how fossilized sportswriters have been electing the wrong MVP’s and ignoring legitimate candidates for the Hall of Fame; why managers are hired based on their looks; and how the most important position in baseball may just be “Director of Decision Sciences.”

Ahead of the Curve debunks the old way of analyzing baseball and ushers in a new era of straightforward logic. Illustrated with unique anecdotes from those who have reshaped the game, it’s a must-read for fans, players, managers, and fantasy enthusiasts. A fresh, fascinating analysis of baseball, Ahead of the Curve will deepen every reader’s appreciation of the game.
 

HUBBY'S REVIEW:
Brian Kenny puts his views on new baseball that I have heard him talk about for years on ESPN, and MLB programs. With the new age of information, he explains not only the new terminology, (WAR, VORP, WHIP, WPA), to name a few there are many more. Having this information and then having him explain each one by examples of either a player from today or a player from the past is very helpful. He also goes into his discussions with Bill James who was hired by the Red Sox before they won their first of three World Series since the so called curse. Once you have all of this information it does start to make sense. Will it all change like he suggests, getting rid of wins for the pitchers I don’t think so, but you never know. I do agree with him on that the value of the home run is too high. I remember years ago Sparky Anderson saying that he would take three doubles and some singles over a home run, because a home run a lot of times was a rally killer for his team. That is something that is missing. He also talks about the use of shifts that have been put in place now and how the hitters have not adjusted their swing to take advantage of the open field that is in play. A hitter like Brian McCann, for the Yankees. When he was with Atlanta he had a career AVERAGE of .277, now with the Yankees it is .232 because he has changed his swing to take advantage of the short field in left. If he went back to using the whole field his avg. would go back up and they would have to take the shift off when he came up to bat. That is just one example. I also liked his break down of some players who should be in the Hall of Fame and he compares their stats with others at their same positions who are in. Overall a very good book and one that will help explain to anyone the sabermetrics. A very good read. I got this book from netgalley. I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at 
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TACTICAL PLEASURE (Men of S.W.A.T. #1)

TACTICAL PLEASURE                                  J.C. WILDER

Tactical Pleasure J. C. Wilder "Book 1 in the Men of S.W.A.T. series. " Police Officer and S.W.A.T. team sniper John Stephens has the hots for the luscious Miranda White. She's sexy and curvy in all the right places, and John has heated fantasies of tearing her polyester waitress uniform from her lush body and showing her what handcuffs were really meant for. Though Randa has long had a secret crush on the handsome police officer, it was too bad that he was a serial dater. As a respected business owner, she has no plans on becoming known around town as Stephens' Flavor Of The Month. Her plans change when, after a quick tumble in her pool with John, she realizes that denying her attraction to him is the last thing she can do. Being with Johnny was a pleasure no woman should be denied.

HUBBY'S REVIEW:
In this story John Stephens, a S.W.A.T. team sniper is attracted to waitress Miranda White. He likes the way her waitress uniform hugs her curves. He would like to date her, but his reputation as a serial dater is not helping his cause any. He now must come up with a way to win her over to his side. This is a quick read and a fun story. Nothing to serious. I got this book from netgalley. I gave it 3 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com

THE PASSENGER

THE PASSENGER                                       LISA LUTZ

In case you were wondering, I didn’t do it. I didn’t have anything to do with Frank’s death. I don’t have an alibi, so you’ll have to take my word for it...

Forty-eight hours after leaving her husband’s body at the base of the stairs, Tanya Dubois cashes in her credit cards, dyes her hair brown, demands a new name from a shadowy voice over the phone, and flees town. It’s not the first time.

She meets Blue, a female bartender who recognizes the hunted look in a fugitive’s eyes and offers her a place to stay. With dwindling choices, Tanya-now-Amelia accepts. An uneasy―and dangerous―alliance is born.

It’s almost impossible to live off the grid today, but Amelia-now-Debra and Blue have the courage, the ingenuity, and the desperation, to try. Hopscotching from city to city, Debra especially is chased by a very dark secret…can she outrun her past?

With heart-stopping escapes and devious deceptions, The Passenger is an amazing psychological thriller about defining yourself while you pursue your path to survival. One thing is certain: the ride will leave you breathless.

HUBBY'S REVIEW:
This is a fantastic thriller, mystery and suspenseful book. This book starts off with a death and the wife is afraid of people finding out her secret so she decides to take off. She then comes into contact with people that help her one is a female bartender who actually figures out that she needs to be off the grid. Her only problem is one law enforcement officer who is on her trail from Texas up to Colorado, and Wyoming and he does not let up. You as the reader are taken for a ride and you get caught up in the story and how she is making things work, but also what she is giving up and the type of life she is having too live and always looking over her shoulder, and fearing that she is going to get caught. Excellent characters and a very good story. I got this book from netgalley. I gave it 4 stars. Follow us atwww.1rad-readerreviews.com

STACKED UP (Worth the Fight #6)

STACKED UP                                              SIDNEY HALSTON

Working two jobs to support her infant daughter is harder than anything Penny Richards has ever done, but it sure beats living under the rules of her stepfather, a television preacher who demands a picture-perfect family. And if Penny hadn’t struck out on her own, she never would have met Travis Calhoun. The intensely physical heavyweight brawler has a way of drawing out her wild side. But Travis lives fast, with no responsibilities—and that just isn’t for Penny.

Most of the women in Travis’s circle wear tight clothes, high heels, and tons of makeup—not pearls or plaid headbands. But once he works past Penny’s inhibitions, Travis discovers a kindred spirit who longs to trust someone with her body, and her secrets. Still, Travis can’t help but wonder if this rich girl is just slumming it before she returns to her privileged life. Now it’s up to Penny to prove that she wants her hard-edged, hard-loving fighter just the way he is.

HUBBY'S REVIEW:

Penny Richards has gotten a job at a bar and the first person that helps her out is Travis Calhoun a fighter who is immediately attracted to her. After being around her for a while he cannot figure out why she is working in the place she is and why she is living in this town. She seems like someone who does not fit with the people, but everyone likes her and she has gotten a part time job as a bookkeeper to also help her out. She has a few secretes one being is she has a daughter, and she is keeping Travis in the dark because she does not know how he will react, and she does not think that they are serious. The other secret is that she is running from her overbearing stepfather which is another reason for her secrets. Once Travis finds out he wants to help but he ends up saying the first thing that comes to his mind and at first he makes things worse but then he works on turning it around and wants to help if she will let him. This is a good story with good characters and times when the story is funny and serious. Overall a good story. I got this book from netgalley. I gave it 5 stars. Follow us atwww.1rad-readerreviews.com 

ENCOUNTERING TRUTH: Meeting God in the Everyday

ENCOUNTERING TRUTH                              POPE FRANCIS , ANTONIO SPADARO

Experience the morning homilies of Pope Francis and witness  how he continues to change the life of the Catholic Church.
 
Shortly after seven in the morning, Pope Francis gives a brief homily in the little Vatican chapel of Saint Martha, in front of an audience that is always different: gardeners, office workers, nuns and priests, as well as a growing group of journalists. It is a set appointment, and in some ways a revolutionary innovation, where a pope speaks to everyone, off the cuff, without any written text, as he would have done as a parish priest. 

Encountering Truth
 is a collection of highlights from these homilies from March 2013 to May 2014. Along with summaries by Radio Vaticana (who recorded and transcribed the homilies) and commentary by Father Antonio Spadaro, SJ, these reflections provide moments of inspiration, simplicity, and a glimpse into the papal world very few ever get to experience.

HUBBY'S REVIEW:
This book begins with the author explaining how he came to write this book, and how the Homilies from Pope Francis came about. The Pope every morning does mass in a small chapel that holds 50 people and the Homilies are recorded by catholic radio and translated in different languages. There are 186 homilies total and besides the homilies the author gives insight into how Pope Francis comes up with the homily, through meditation, pray, and keeping it simple by not talking so much. Every one of them has a meaning and he does not take too much into getting into what he wants to say. The Pope still believes that his most important duty is saying mass and doing the homily, as he has said he is still a Priest and this helps him stay connected to his beginnings. By him saying mass in this chapel is special for the 50 people that are able to be present. Having lived in a seminary when I was younger we had a chapel that held about 50 people and mass there felt different than in a big church for some reason. This is a very good book. I got this book from netgalley. I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at
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THE BILLIONAIRE SINGLE DAD: A Billionaire's Club Story (The Billionaire's Club: Texas Heartthrobs #2)

THE BILLIONAIRE SINGLE DAD                  MANDY BAXTER

In The Billionaire Single Dad by Mandy Baxter, Carter Christensen takes a much-needed break after a less-than-stellar season as a Dallas Cowboy. He's ready to go to his cabin with his twin daughters and get a little peace and quiet. But what he doesn't count on is meeting a woman who will rile him up completely.
Tess Adams is still loving her decision to escape bustling New York-and her cheating boyfriend-behind, and live in a sleepy Texas town. But when a single dad with twins moves into the cabin across the way, Tess feels anything but peaceful. The more she gets to know the oh-so-sexy Carter Christensen, the more Tess starts to think that she should give up her quiet, safe life, and give into passion.
HUBBY'S REVIEW:
This book is part of a series with brothers who inherit money from their father whom they did not care for. Some of the brothers already have money and this book is about the brother who is the quarterback for the pro team in Dallas, and is also a single dad. His wife passed away and is now raising twin daughters by himself. Carter decides to take the girls to his cabin and spend some time alone with them. Tess Adams is going to the cabin that she inherited to get away from a cheating boyfriend who she has broken up with. Carter is surprised that someone is at the cabin next to his, and when he finds out that a good looking women is there it throws him into a tail spin. He does not know how to react to the emotions he is feelings, and he feels like he is doing something wrong towards his wife’s memory by being attracted to her. Tess is surprised that the father of the twin girls who have shown up at her place to play in her barn. She is surprised that their father is as good looking as he is and when she finds out that mother of the girls has passed away she is even more attracted to the handsome neighbor, but he does not want to act on the feelings he has for Tess. Read this book and find out if they can become a couple or not. A very good story. I got this book from netgalley. I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com 

GOOD TOGETHER (Carrigans of the Circle C #2)

GOOD TOGETHER                                           CJ CARMICHAEL

Some love stories have to begin with a falling-out-of-love story. Mattie Carrigan's been helping her rodeo cowboy husband Wes Bishop run his family's Tennessee Walking Horse operation since they were married nineteen years ago. Blessed with twin daughters who've recently left for college, Mattie is looking forward to this new stage in her and Wes's life. But when she finds a strange key in her husband's jacket, she's forced to admit that Wes has been quiet and distant lately. Turns out he has been keeping secrets. And he's not the only one. Even the rancher next door, Nat Diamond–a friend Mattie could always count on in the past–seems to be holding something back from her. 

Good Together is for anyone who has ever pondered what it means to be married. Or had to reinvent her life when one breaks down. It's about having your heart broken but being strong enough to survive and love again.

HUBBY'S REVIEW:

Matie and Wes have been married for 19 years and Matie has been hoping that Wes would leave the rodeo circuit and stay home working at their ranch. Instead he comes home late, and does not answer her calls. His last visit she finds a key in his pocket and when she asks him about it he ends up with I’m not happy and I want a divorce. He does the one thing that she was not expecting, and now she must pick herself up, tell their two daughters because he refuses to talk to them and still try to keep the ranch going. On top of all of this she finds out that he is now selling all of the horses, and the ranch. Not looking for any type of romance she decides to go out to dinner with the man who owns the ranch next to theirs and she finds herself actually enjoying herself and seeing a different side of life. Especially when she meets up with her husband and finds out that he has been shaking up with someone for almost a year. Once she moves on she sees Nat Diamond and what type of man he really is and starts to spend more time with him. Her ex really never wanted the ranch and she must come to terms with that. What the father does by selling his daughters horses I could not believe, but it fit with his character. Avery good book with a lot of emotion and good characters. I got this book from netgalley. I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at
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THE STORY OF PAIN: From Prayer to Painkillers

THE STORY OF PAIN                                      JOANNA BOURKE

Everyone knows what is feels like to be in pain. Scraped knees, toothaches, migraines, giving birth, cancer, heart attacks, and heartaches: pain permeates our entire lives. We also witness other people - loved one's - suffering, and we 'feel with' them. 
It is easy to assume this is the end of the story: 'pain-is-pain-is-pain', and that is all there is to say. But it is not. In fact, the way in which people respond to what they describe as 'painful' has changed considerably over time. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, for example, people believed that pain served a specific (and positive) function - it was a message from God or Nature; it would perfect the spirit. 'Suffer in this life and you wouldn't suffer in the next one'. Submission to pain was required. Nothing could be more removed from twentieth and twenty-first century understandings, where pain is regarded as an unremitting evil to be 'fought'. 
Focusing on the English-speaking world, this book tells the story of pain since the eighteenth century, addressing fundamental questions about the experience and nature of suffering over the last three centuries. How have those in pain interpreted their suffering - and how have these interpretations changed over time? How have people learnt to conduct themselves when suffering? How do friends and family react? And what about medical professionals: should they immerse themselves in the suffering person or is the best response a kind of professional detachment? 
As Joanna Bourke shows in this fascinating investigation, people have come up with many different answers to these questions over time. And a history of pain can tell us a great deal about how we might respond to our own suffering in the present - and, just as importantly, to the suffering of those around us.Everyone knows what is feels like to be in pain. Scraped knees, toothaches, migraines, giving birth, cancer, heart attacks, and heartaches: pain permeates our entire lives. We also witness other people - loved one's - suffering, and we 'feel with' them. 

It is easy to assume this is the end of the story: 'pain-is-pain-is-pain', and that is all there is to say. But it is not. In fact, the way in which people respond to what they describe as 'painful' has changed considerably over time. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, for example, people believed that pain served a specific (and positive) function - it was a message from God or Nature; it would perfect the spirit. 'Suffer in this life and you wouldn't suffer in the next one'. Submission to pain was required. Nothing could be more removed from twentieth and twenty-first century understandings, where pain is regarded as an unremitting evil to be 'fought'. 

Focusing on the English-speaking world, this book tells the story of pain since the eighteenth century, addressing fundamental questions about the experience and nature of suffering over the last three centuries. How have those in pain interpreted their suffering - and how have these interpretations changed over time? How have people learnt to conduct themselves when suffering? How do friends and family react? And what about medical professionals: should they immerse themselves in the suffering person or is the best response a kind of professional detachment? 

As Joanna Bourke shows in this fascinating investigation, people have come up with many different answers to these questions over time. And a history of pain can tell us a great deal about how we might respond to our own suffering in the present - and, just as importantly, to the suffering of those around us.

HUBBY'S REVIEW:
This book is full of information from centuries ago up to the present discussing pain and the different forms and how people overcome pain. The author talks about the different types of pain from the actual physical form of pain in your body. To the emotional kind of pain like losing a loved one. Both can be very debilitating. Pain has been something people have been trying to overcome for centuries and the author goes into some of thoughts methods. The author also talks about the use of painkillers and how they are useful but also could lead to addiction. A very interesting book and a lot of research went into this book. At times a little dry, but overall a good book. I got this book from netgalley. I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com

BOOTS AND THE HEARTBREAKER (Ugly Stick Saloon #11)

BOOTS AND THE HEARTBREAKER                    MYLA JACKSON

In cahoots to break up a romance…they wind up rekindling their own.
Ugly Stick Saloon, Book 11
Colin McFarlan’s back is against the wall. Two brothers have caved to their mother’s threat to sell the ranch if they don’t get married and give her grandkids—now it’s his turn. Too bad the only woman he’s ever loved is the one who came between him and his brother Brody.
When Fancy returns to Temptation, he’s determined to steer clear of the gorgeous real estate agent, who looks good whether dressed up in a pencil skirt or dressed down in cowboy boots.
Fancy Wilson made mistakes. Getting engaged to Brody was the first. Weeping in Colin’s arms—and falling into his bed—on the night she and Brody broke up was the second. She’s not adding to her sins by falling for Colin all over again. She’s had enough heartache.
Yet when Colin asks her to help break up a romance between his mother and the notorious town heartbreaker, she can’t resist. But soon they’re scrambling to undo the damage they’ve done…before it destroys their last chance for happiness.
Warning: Breaking up is hard to do, but reunion sex can be oh, so fine!
HUBBY'S REVIEW:
Colleen is still holding out from his mother’s ultimatum of if the boys are not married she will sell the ranch. Now to throw a wrench into everything is Fancy. She has moved back to town. She was once engaged to his brother and this confuses him which is not too difficult because he is attracted to her but he does not know what to do about it except to come up with a plan that he needs help with his mother so she won’t fall for a man he feels is trying to take or swindle her. The more they try to break them up the more time they spend together and that leads to a fun and fast paced story. The characters are funny and you really can see some of them being around in a small town. Overall a good book. I got this book from netgalley. I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com

MEAT

MEAT                                                           OPAL CAREW

Just one taste isn't enough…

I ran into Rex Keene—literally—when I was trying to catch my flight and his muscled, tattooed arms stopped my fall. 
Then our flight gets canceled, and we're stranded in the same hotel room together...it ended up being the steamiest night of my life. 
All I knew is that I had to see him again.

I just didn’t expect him to show up a week later in the restaurant I manage…as our new head chef. 
But the generous, tender man I spent that night with is gone; instead he’s arrogant, demanding, and terrorizing the staff.
But he won’t give up until we’re together – and I’m not sure I can stay away. 
Which man is real? 
Who is Rex Keene?

From bestselling author Opal Carew, take a bite of Meat.

HUBBY'S REVIEW:
This story begins with the two lead characters meeting in an airport and because of a snowstorm they end up together. Rebecca has been away from her job dealing with a death of a loved one and really had not grieved at all. When she first meets Rex she is attracted to him and he is to her. It works out for them to spend the night together and when she leaves in the morning she is not really expecting to see him again even though he is going to the same town. When she gets back to work she is surprised by the changes and the people that have been let go. She also must get used to a new chief and lo and behold it is Rex. Upset about a lot of changes she does not want to talk to him. He is surprised to see her as well but she does not want anything to do with him. He now needs to fix things somehow if he wants to have any type of future with her. That is what really makes the story. There are some adult scenes but they do not over take the book. Overall a good book. I got this book from netgalley. I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerrviews.com

HARD TO FORGET (Alpha's Heart #3)

HARD TO FORGET                                    BELLA JEWEL

Delaney, a professional bodyguard, has spent years trying to prove herself in a male dominated industry. Now she's facing her greatest challenge yet.
Bad boy billionaire Jax Shields has made plenty of enemies on his climb to the top, but being in the wrong place at the wrong time has put his life at risk. Now he's putting his life in the hands of Delaney and her team. He demands the best in everything, and he doesn't think she has what it takes to protect him. He's also made it clear he'd rather have her on her back then covering his. Will Delaney be able to prove herself to the most arrogant—and devastatingly handsome—man she's ever met?
**Hard To Forget is a full-length standalone romance with a HEA**
HUBBY'S REVIEW:
This story opens with Delaney a female trying to break in to the world of male dominance body guards. Her first assignment is with a hot head billionaire Jax Shields. He does not like having a women being his body guard and makes it known. The owner of the company stands behind Delaney and the job she can do. She does make mistakes which adds to the story. The part of the story which has them falling for each other adds to her failing on the job that she has worked so hard for. But in the story the author makes it works. It is a fast paced book and there is a lot of action which helps to move the story along. Overall a good book with good characters. I got this book from netgalley. I gave it 3 stars. 
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WARNING ORDER (Search and Destroy #2)

WARNING ORDER                                    JOSHUA HOOD
In the second book of the explosive Search and Destroy thriller series, Mason Kane—a special ops hero with a questionable past, joins forces with the CIA to neutralize a radical offshoot of ISIS and unravel a conspiracy emanating from the White House’s inner sanctum.
After almost losing his life, foiling a terror plot that threatened to draw the United States into another war—Mason Kane, disgraced American soldier, and special operations legend is still on the government's blacklist. To finally clear his name, Mason strikes a deal with the CIA—throwing himself back into the deadly world of black ops.
But when an asset tied to ISIS leads an old friend into a trap, Mason goes off the grid, and finds himself trapped in the middle of a plot involving an extremely violent and highly capable terror cell—with ties to the President’s inner circle. With the help of Renee Hart, a DOD operative, and a team of elite special ops soldiers, Mason is determined to stop an attack aimed at crippling the US military before time runs out.
Set in the shadows of the war on terror, and inspired by experiences of 82nd Airborne Paratrooper Joshua Hood, Warning Order is an action packed thriller full of shocking twists and non-stop action that throws the reader into the murky world of clandestine operations.
HUBBY'S REVIEW:
This is the second book in the series I did not read the first one. This one begins and ends with a lot of excitement and firefights. It begins as the lead character Mason Kane is leading a small group into ISIS held area. He believes he is being led into a trap and he is not wrong. The problem is so is a Special Forces team assigned to retrieve a package. Not expecting him or his team to make it they actually help rescue the Special Forces team. The play for his life was already in motion. You get to see all of the players good and bad, plus how everything will play out. This is an exciting story fast paced and the characters are describe in detail so you get a good feel for each one. I really enjoyed this book it was a good read. I got this book from netgalley. I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com

ICING ON THE DATE (The Bannister Brothers #1)

ICING ON THE DATE                                   JENNIE MARTS

Struggling caterer, Gabby Davis, has enough on her plate trying to start her new business and take care of her deadbeat brother. The last thing she needs is to get involved with Owen Bannister, the brawling NHL player who is known for his cavalier playboy ways. Even if having him in her kitchen does turn up the heat. 
Owen Bannister has a reputation for being a hot-head that no one woman can pin down. When the press captures him laughing and frosting the cupcakes of a local baker, team management sees a chance to clean up his tarnished image. But he soon finds that love is the ultimate game changer, and he’s about to get checked. 
Having Gabby around is great for publicity and great for her business, but what happens when she becomes more than just a game? 

Mixing cupcakes and hockey might just be a recipe for love in this fun romantic comedy/sports romance that mixes a cute caterer with a bad-boy hockey player. 

MY REVIEW:
     Gabby Davis is a survivor.  She came from what just about everyone would call a horrible background.  Her natural father bailed on her, her little brother Justin and mother years ago.  It got so bad they didn’t know how they were going to make it.  Then her mom met Ron her future step dad at work.
     Things were good at first but then he lost his job.  His new family became his target of choice after long hours of drinking.  That’s when Gabby started making plans for her and her brother.  You see she had heard her mother say over and over “This time I will leave him” but she never has.  So she knew she had to in order to survive.
     At a young age she started working toward that goal.  Working at a bakery so that at 18 she worked there full-time.  And that is when she moved out and took Justin with her.  It was hard and they were dirt poor but they were safe and happy.  Most of all not living in fear.  She made her little brother graduate from high school and she had her next door neighbor lady that used to babysit them when things got bad at home that gave the two kids a safe place to hide. 
     When her husband died she helped Gabby set up her own bakery and she let her rent the apartment above the bakery.  Not to mention she was the morning baker to this day for Gabby and her right hand.  She was the person that was like a mom to Gabby and Justin.  She is now open and called “Simply Sweet.”  She is noted for her cupcakes but she makes everything. 
     On this night she is serving desserts for a function at one of the local hotels in town.  When a waiter slams through the doors on the wrong side.  Smooshing the cupcake tray all over the front of Gabby’s catering shirt.  Chocolate no less.  Gabby is not happy because she had just gotten a call from Justin who was once more drunk, in jail, and needing $2000.00 for bail money.  It had taken her 6 months to save that money for an advertising budget that she had just called some to get the ball rolling that she would now have call and stop.
     She leaves the tray in the kitchen and goes storming off to the lady’s bathroom right into the last stall.  No sooner does she close the door when she hears voices.  Then notices one is a man’s voice. She can see through the cracks of the door that the lady’s shoes alone could get her brother out of jail, for they are red bottoms.  Everything on her was expensive even her breast.  The man was in an expensive suit but drunker than a skunk.  The girl was ready to party and have a good time, namely sex.  The guy mainly wanted the room to stop spinning and to barf.  The girl was not happy.  The minute the girl left and the guy slumped to the floor snoring she came out and washed her hands and brushed off the now dried chocolate frosting.
     All of a sudden she felt someone climbing up her leg.  She wasn’t afraid though.  Maybe because she had been dealing with her brother and his drinking for far too long.  She just asked as she lowered herself to the ground how she could help and who she could call for him.  He just said how he was in so much trouble and that he didn’t mean to do it.  She said can I call someone for you?  He panicked and said no but then he said yes to call his brother Bane.  He gave her his phone and she did.  Bane said to please keep him there, to not tell anyone else, and to not let him leave.
     Bane said he would be right down to keep him there away from people and don’t tell anyone.  Which was okay with her because she had no clue who he was.  So he said I’m Owen Bannister she still had no clue.  Owen just sat with her on the floor using her breast as a pillow and hugging her around the waist.  He kept telling her she smelled so good like a chocolate angel sent from heaven.  That she smelled so good.  The next day she finds out he’s a big time hockey player for the local Summit team.  Still really meant nothing to her since she would never see him again.  But she also found out what trouble the brothers kept talking about too.
     Owen shows up to see her to say thanks.  Or is it more?  Gabby touches a place in Owen’s heart when they had a moment in that restroom that changed a lot for him.  He can’t seem to make heads or tails of it all.  As is the case for Gabby too.  See how things start to come together and see the peaks and valleys of icing this love affair.  I give this 5++++ stars.  Provided by netgalley.com.  Follow us at:

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SUMMER IRREVERENCE - THE ROCK STAR

SUMMER IRREVERENCE                                CATHRINE GOLDSTEIN

Summer of Irreverence -- THE ROCK STAR
(The New York Artists Series) 

Straight-laced, veterinary surgeon, Summer Wynters is ready to break the rules. And who better to break them with than the most irreverent of all men, mega rock star Malcolm Angel? With one last summer free from work obligations, Summer moves to New York City, and at the coaxing of her friend, pretends to be a model so she can spend one wild night with Malcolm. 

Rock star, Malcolm Angel, tortured by a dark past, may be the poet laureate of romance, but he, like science-minded Summer, has never believed in romantic love. How could he? With his history, he doesn’t deserve to be loved.

When Summer’s honesty, kindness, and exuberance for life changes his perspective, the two discover they are in deeper than either dreamed possible. But when Malcolm discovers Summer’s been perpetuating a lie, will he forgive her? Even if forgiveness is possible, can a man immune to love teach someone else to believe in it?

MY REVIEW:
     What a gut wrenching, powerful, and inspiring book all rolled into one.  This is a book of new beginnings with several bumps along the way.
     It opens with two childhood friends Summer Wynters taking the summer for herself.  After being in college and veterinary school, to become a surgeon.  She also just got out of a year and half relationship with Dr. Brad her professor and future boss.  But she was not only feeling stagnant in her life but she was feeling unfulfilled in the bedroom.  Dr. Brad was a one-way kind of guy.
     She wanted more.  She wanted one night of passion maybe up against the was at least.  So going to New York to hang out with her BFF Jeanette who is a top model for the summer seemed like the perfect solution.  Especially, when Jeanette’s boyfriend Elijah is the manager for the world’s hottest rock band out right now.  She asked her to score them backstage passes to a meet and greet and leave the rest up to her.  She wanted to meet and bed Malcolm Angel.  Yeah and her and fifty million other women.
     That is when Jeanette when into model mode transforming the already beautiful, curvy and somewhat shorter Summer into a model.  Explaining that all Malcolm ever bedded or dated if you wanted to call it that was models.  So Jeanette spent a fortune on her and boy Summer didn’t even know she could look that good.  She was more of the no makeup ponytail kind of girl especially being a vet. 
     Jeanette could not believe her ears though when her little Summer was telling her what she wanted to do.  Summer was not a one-night stand kinda girl.  So she explained how Malcolm used and discarded girls nightly.  But Sum told Jean she knew what she was doing so Jean set it up for her.  Jean glammed Sum up and told her that they would be telling Malcolm that she is a model.  So expect to be taken to his hotel room after the meet and greet and they have checked her ID.  Sum said okay.
     Malcolm Angel was getting ready to go on stage when he was in the side wings looking out at the front row.  He sees Jeanette, Elijah’s girl with this beautiful woman who was laughing with her complete self with such abandon.  Making her look completely gorgeous.  He tried to shake it off because of what happened to him almost 17 years ago that makes him feel so undeserving of love, friends or pleasure.  When he realizes he’s smiling from watching her.  He makes it on stage he finds his eyes drifting to her.  He even winks at her.  He has no idea why it has never happened to him before.
     Malcolm hates the feelings and reaction that are happening in her presence.  He ends up pulling her on stage to sing to her then after the song asks to stay to have dinner with him.  Sum says, “Ok!”  Jean backstage once again goes over the ground rules of being with him.  She still agrees but the night goes awry so he ask her to brunch the next day.
     See how these two walk the minefields of their lives of secrets and lies.  That they have omitted to reveal to others and to themselves in order to deal with their lives in a productive way.  What secrets are too painful to share with anyone else but these perfect soldiers of their guarded hearts?  Can they find love or is really as they believe a myth sold to us by department stores and greet cards?
     I enjoyed the gut wrenching truths that were shown through the secrets revealed from their pasts.  Yet, when there were things to laugh about there was no holding back they were just too funny.  These characters were complex and real and that made this book an enjoyable read.  I give this book 5++++ stars.
Provided by netgalley.com.  Follow us at:

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EVEN THE SCORE

EVEN THE SCORE                                                 BETH EHEMANN

Single dad Andy Shaw loves his job as a sports agent, with one exception: it doesn’t leave him much time for his kids. No parent likes being sidelined, so Andy decides to hire someone to share the workload. But when one of the hottest agents in the industry applies, Andy knows that this deal is definitely trouble.

Danicka Douglas works her butt off, but being an attractive woman in a testosterone-heavy industry isn’t exactly a cakewalk. She guards her professional reputation fiercely, which means no crushing on her gorgeous boss. But the more they ignore that sexy little spark, the more it sizzles…

Just when it looks like romance might be in the game plan, Dani is threatened by a stalker with dark intentions. To keep her safe, Andy must cross the line between professional and very personal…because this time, he’s playing for keeps.

MY REVIEW:
     We are always worried about what others will think about us.  That we allow it to not only cloud our judgement of the world but of who we are.  Sometimes to the point of altering what we do, say, act, and think.  When in reality on the inside we are something totally different.  Sometimes it takes a life threatening event to help us see that it really doesn’t matter what other’s think what truly matters is what is in our hearts.  The BS you just have to let flow away.
     Danicka Douglas is working a high stress, high stakes, doggy dog, man’s world of a sports agent.  That she is good at her job has earned her all kinds of foul names to describe her since she is young, single, curvy, and outspoken.  She is a woman who stands up not only for her clients but for herself.
     Dani was raised by a young single father on a construction site if that tells you anything.  She went to college to be a sports agent because it felt natural after growing up with a dad who spent many dinner hours watching SportsCenter all the time.  She had a knack for it and she loved it really.  The current company she was working for was no longer a good fit and she was putting feelers out.  A client was making lewd remarks to her and she dropped him.
     One of the two brothers she worked for was basically telling her that she had to call the client and say she was sorry.  She told him that was never going to happen.  That what the client did was called sexual harassment and his was just harassment in the workplace.  Which made him back down but made it all the more important to leave.  After that things just became super tense as you could imagine.  Going into work for her was no fun which killed her because she loved her job.  So seeing that Shaw Management was looking for an another agent was like a dream come true now if she could just land it.  So she applied.
     Shaw Management was owned by none other than Andy Shaw.  A single father of two children Becca 6 and Logan 9.  He counted himself blessed that when he off loaded his ex-wife that his nanny/housekeeper but really one of the family, Grace stayed on.  She is his right arm.  The children love her they have both known her since birth and frankly she raised them more hands on than their own mother did even when she was in the home. 
     The thing was he and his business had grown so much thanks to his big names like, his true blue friends and buddies, Brody Murphy (NHL), Justin Sutter (Cubs), and Lawrence (Viper) Finkle (NHL).  So when he had mentioned it to Brody that he was having no time to have lunch with him to meet him at Brody and Vipers restaurant but for him to come to his office it started Brody thinking.  So Brody told him it was time for him to take on another partner.  One to help with the up and coming college guys, plus those they can bring with them, and any new star power they can generate.
     Shaw was beyond excited with the idea because that meant more time with his kids for sure and yes more time with friends too and their families a win-win.  Only by the end of the first day the applicants weren’t looking too good.  His last one of the first day and the one he was most excited about was Danicka Douglas.  Not just that he thought she was beautiful but she was a powerhouse in the industry and securing her would be great. 
     Well, the interview started off rough she got there late.  Then she was on the phone in the waiting area with a client.  Then when the meeting started all was going fine until Andy insinuated she had not really been talking to a client that she faked it to get out of being late he said no worries we’ve all done it.  She pulls out her phone dials the last number and asks the person to repeat what she had just told Shaw the problem was with her client and why.  She had been late.  She told her client to hold tight and she would call him back later to explain this call.  She hangs up then stands up.  And tells him the interview is over and that the next time he wants to call someone a liar you better have your facts straight.  And she walks out.
     Shaw sat dumbfounded.  She wanted that woman in more ways than one.  He had a week’s worth of interviews and a week to figure out how to get her to work with him.  Meanwhile, that weekend was his ex’s weekend with the kids.  Of which she was only allowed one weekend a month.  So the guys hounded him until he agreed to come down to their sports bar to have dinner with the gang.  Which was the best thing that ever happened to him because who does he run into?  You guessed it.  She needs his help finding her friend who had one too many drinks and was wandering around a very crowded bar with some questionable guys.  He does and then he asks to talk to her after they find her and sit her with his friends to get her to eat.
     They head outside where it is quieter.  He says how sorry he is and that the reason he said what he had said and in air quotes no less is because he himself has had to use that same tactic to get himself out.  Then he offered her the job.  Telling her she was by far the most qualified person to apply.  That he would be more than happy to work with her.
     But little did they know there is evil lurking around the corners and it is gunning for Dani.  The cast of characters are many and yet so few.  The who done it made me second guess myself a couple of times.  But my gut instincts were correct in the end.

     A very intriguing book.  Very funny, so funny entices you to keep reading to the point you feel like an addict not wanting to put it down.  I was hooked from the very beginning.  I loved Brody and Viper they were way too funny.  I feel like we are missing something not knowing what happened to Viper and his friend.  I totally loved it.  I give it 5++++ stars.   Provided by netgalley.com.  Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com.

FOR BETTER OR WORSE

FOR BETTER OR WORSE                                     LAUREN LAYNE

When small-town girl Heather Fowler finally gets promoted from assistant to actual wedding planner, she’s determined to make it as one of Manhattan’s elite Wedding Belles. Unfortunately, her first client demands an opulent black-tie affair at the Plaza…in five months’ time. Heather’s days quickly become a flurry of cake tastings, dress-fittings, RSVP cards, and bridal tantrums. But what she’s really losing sleep over is the live music blaring from her playboy neighbor’s apartment all night.

Five years ago, Josh Tanner was an up-and-comer on Wall Street, complete with the penthouse and the migraines. But a grim cancer diagnosis made him realize there is more to life than the corner office. If only he could convince his pretty, workaholic neighbor to let loose, too. As Heather lets down her guard, Josh is surprised when he starts falling for the sweet, vulnerable woman hiding beneath those power suits. Soon, it’s Heather’s turn to convince Josh to take the biggest risk of all: love.
 

MY REVIEW:
 We are all born with guarantee that one day we will parish.  But to be in absolute fear that it will happen at any moment is not living.  It is standing at the control booth of our life with our finger on the pause button.  Which is not living. 
     Josh Tanner is just finding out he has a new neighbor in 4C, Heather Fowler.  Although he thinks she is sexy as hell and would love to bed her he knows his chances are slim to none.  The reason being because their first official meeting is after midnight with her banging on his door.  You see Josh is a musician and plays in a band.  His music room buts up against her bedroom.  She was not a happy camper.
     You see it was a Friday night and being that Heather is an assistant wedding planner, she is with Wedding Belles one of the top sought after planners in New York, meaning her Saturdays mornings start extremely early and go very long for her.  She needed sleep.  Josh banging on his drums in a horrible beat was driving her crazy.  So when she couldn’t take it anymore she decided to give him a piece of her mind.
     When Josh answered the door he was shirtless causing Heather’s mouth to gape at his wonderful six pack.  Distracting her for a moment from her original mission.  So when she did look at his face he had a smirk which pissed her off more for being caught ogling him.  Josh was like, “Ah, 4C.”  She laid in to him about the noise to which he just seemed to laugh.
     Without realizing it he had been trying to abide by what would be helpful to his new neighbor as far as his bands practice time.  On this night though the guys were pushing it.  Even after him asking them several times.  He tried to tell them the neighbor would not be happy when guess who came pounding.  He says, “Oh!”  His friend Trevor says, “That bitch from next door.”  Just as Josh opened the door.
     Heather played it cool like she didn’t hear it.  Asked Josh if she had to go through the whole speech?  He said no.  When Trevor says, “Hey you want to come in and have a beer?”  Josh registers jealousy and Heather thinks pay back by saying that she would love to have a beer.  Josh had been talking over her saying no she has to work and couldn’t.  So imagine his surprise?  Especially when Trevor and the other two circle her and were talking and laughing with her.
     She ends up staying.  When Trevor and the guys say the guys say they want to play a song for her.  Josh wasn’t really into it but what could he do without looking like an ass?  So after the mini performance she stays for a few hours.  Until Josh says something to piss her off.  So much it results in her kissing Trevor making Josh extremely jealous and pissed.  Now even though he doesn’t want a girlfriend and all that goes with it.  He can’t stop thinking about Heather.  Something from his past keeps weighing him down.  Heather has figured that much out for herself.
     Until he can be honest with himself he won’t be able to be honest anyone else.  Especially Heather.  Can he do it?  Is she worth it to him?  Or is she just another girl on his carrousel.
     I enjoyed this book very much.  Heather is a spit fire.  She does not take anything from Josh.  Especially since he lives like a frat boy in the here and now.  No past and no future.  I give this 5 stars.  Provided by netgalley.com.  Follow us at:

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