Book Talk

Last Girls Alive by Jennifer Chase

FTC: I received a free copy of this book from Pump Up Your Book in exchange for my honest review. I received no other compensation and the opinions expressed in this review are one hundred percent true and my own.

Last Girls Alive by Jennifer Chase was a good book.  I believe that I read the first book in this series and then this one.  I will go back and read the other books because I enjoyed this author and the characters in this series.  This book wasn’t super suspenseful for me, but that didn’t bother me as I was reading.  I fell in love with Katie during the first book, and I remembered how much I liked her.  As I said before, I need to get the other books that I missed in this series to catch up with what has happened to her in the books that I missed.  I love finding a series like this one because I don’t have to say goodbye to the characters when I finish the book.  I feel like I would get along with Katie if she were a real person.  This book did keep me guessing right up until the end of the book, and I loved that about this book.  If you are looking for an excellent thriller to read this Christmas, I would recommend this book and the entire series, for that matter.

About The Book

Title: LAST GIRLS ALIVE
Author: Jennifer Chase
Publisher: Bookouture
Pages: 364
Genre: Crime Thriller

Half-buried in the muddy earth and surrounded by puddles of water lies the naked body of a beautiful young girl. Her pale skin looks like porcelain in the early morning light. Her fragile arms bent and crooked like a broken doll.

When Detective Katie Scott is called to the discovery of a young girl buried on the grounds of a former children’s home in Pine Valley, California, she’s hopeful it’s the end to a devastating cold case she’s been working on. No one has seen Candace Harlan since she ran away from Elm Hill Manor five years ago. Her death will be a tragedy, but it will also bring peace to those who miss her most. But the girl in the ground is not Candace.

The victim is almost identical to Candace in every way, but fear grips Katie as she takes in the black ink that decorates the girl’s back—a terrifying message tattooed on her skin after she drew her last breath.

Forcing down traumatic memories of losing her own parents, Katie is certain someone mistook this poor soul for Candace, and that this crumbling home for lost girls is at the heart of this terrible crime. She sets to work digging into the tragic history of the owners who lost so many children of their own and tracking down the last six residents and the staff who cared for them—but no one wants to talk, let alone remember.

The next day, as second girl’s body is found down by the creek at high water, the same words etched into her skin. Katie’s worst fear is confirmed: someone is picking off the last of the Elm Hill girls one by one. But what does the tattoo mean? And what monster would target these innocent girls who have already been through so much?

Katie must dig deep to confront her own fears and protect the vulnerable—but as the body count rises further, will there be anyone left to save?

An absolutely gripping, dark, and totally unputdownable serial killer thriller that will keep you racing through the pages all night long. Fans of Lisa Regan, Rachel Caine and Melinda Leigh will read in one sitting!

PRAISE

This novel is about Detective Kati Scott, Kati is a detective for the Pine Valley department. Her and partner work on solving cold cases together.  Kati hasn’t had an easy life but things will be getting worst for her before getting any better.  Kati has a lot of anxiety but she makes it work.  She and her partner are put on a case where a girl from the past is found on the property of a former children’s home in Pine Valley. and it’s up to her and her partner to figure out who the killer is.  This novel was so good. I was hooked from the start, I couldn’t stop reading I just need to find out what happens next with Katie and the case. Katie is a total badass. She is one strong lady. She is a very good female lead.  I loved the story soo much it was full of suspense and mystery.  I loved how it wasn’t very predictable. Things could change at any time and the ending was perfectly full of action. I really enjoyed this book. The writing was perfect and it flowed very well. This is my first Jennifer Chase book, I will definitely be looking for more. This book had everything I like action/mystery/romance/ suspense.

 

– 5 Star Review NetGalley

A nail biting, suspense packed action crammed thriller that keeps you on edge

– 5 Star Review Amazon

About The Author

Jennifer Chase is a multi award-winning and USA Today BestSelling crime fiction author, as well as a consulting criminologist. Jennifer holds a bachelor degree in police forensics and a master’s degree in criminology & criminal justice. These academic pursuits developed out of her curiosity about the criminal mind as well as from her own experience with a violent psychopath, providing Jennifer with deep personal investment in every story she tells. In addition, she holds certifications in serial crime and criminal profiling.  She is an affiliate member of the International Association of Forensic Criminologists, and member of the International Thriller Writers.

WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://authorjenniferchase.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JChaseNovelist

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

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Let’s Be Friends

Stuck With You by Moni Boyce

For Maddie and Jack, attending their high school reunion turned into a reservation mix up and an unexpected stay in a cozy cabin, together. Can enemies turn into lovers over the course of a week? Find out in this must-read enemies to lovers, forced proximity romance from Moni Boyce. The Holiday Springs Resort series is here and STUCK WITH YOU is now live!

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Goodreads

Can enemies turn into lovers over the course of a week?

Maddie
When I decided to attend my high school reunion, I knew I’d run the risk of running into Jack Carter. Mr. Big Time Country Music Star. The same guy that broke my heart in high school. What I didn’t expect was that the resort would mess up our reservations, and we’d end up roommates.

Now I’m stuck sharing a cabin with him for the next week, and I don’t know whether I want to kill him or kiss him.

Jack
What are the odds I would end up sharing a cabin with my ex-high school sweetheart, Maddie Grace? The woman was a sweet tomboy back then, now she’s a knockout, uptight lawyer, who loves to argue. Even though we fight like cats and dogs, I’m feeling that familiar old spark and the more time I spend with her, the more I’m beginning to think letting her go was my biggest mistake.

Thanks to a little mix-up at the resort, I’ve now got a week to prove to her that we belong together and you can bet I’m going to give it my best shot.

Escape to the romantic paradise of Holiday Springs and warm up with your next happily ever after.

Excerpt

Copyright Moni Boyce 2020

To my surprise, Jack walked into the kitchen with a towel slung low on his hips and opened up the refrigerator. Leaning on the door, he peered inside. I was trying to keep my gaze on the documents in front of me, but I kept looking up to check out his ass in that towel. Part of me kept hoping it would accidentally fall off. Of course, now I found myself pissed off that, once again, I was having impure thoughts about Jack. I slammed my pen onto the table. “Why are you practically naked?”

Slowly, he closed the refrigerator door and turned to address me.

Damn. Maybe I should have kept quiet. All his sexy goodness was on display for me to see. For a millisecond, I faltered and nearly forgot why I was upset.

“You’re not the only one here, you know. We have to share this place…” My tongue darted out and licked my suddenly dry bottom lip. Was his chest and six-pack abs glistening in the light coming from the window, or was I imagining things? Stop. “You can’t just walk around here half dressed. What if someone showed up?”

“Are you expecting someone?” He wore an amused expression while he asked the question.

I crossed my arms over my chest. “No… but that doesn’t matter. Put on a shirt.” Why was he so infuriating?

“How would you like it if I pranced around here in my bra…” That had been the wrong thing to say. “Or panties… or nothing at all.” I lost steam when I realized the picture I was painting. Being pissed and horny clearly was a bad combination. I wasn’t thinking right.

“I don’t see a problem.” He gave me a lecherous grin that exposed his teeth and revealed his want.

“Just have some consideration and stop being selfish.” I hurled at him.

That order quickly erased any goodwill he was feeling towards me. His look was thunderous.

“I’m getting real tired of you making me out to be the bad guy here.” He gripped the back of one of the kitchen chairs until his knuckles turned white.

“You’re asking me to have some consideration?”

The incredulous scowl he wore caused his eyebrows to rise to his hairline. “You’re right, Maddie. We are sharing this house. You’d do well to remember that when you crank the heat up to freaking eighty degrees. How about that for consideration? Not all of us want to walk around in a sauna.”

He threw his hands up. “It’s so damn hot in here, what am I supposed to wear? I’ll sweat to death. So unless you’re going to compromise on the temperature I’m going to wear whatever I damn well please around here, even if that means I walk around here naked.”

I swallowed at the thought of him walking around the cabin naked. Other parts of my anatomy that I didn’t care to acknowledge quivered at the thought. Angrily, I stood. “Don’t threaten me. It always has to be your way.”

Before I knew it, we were yelling over top of each other, trying to be heard. A few minutes later, Jack put his thumb and forefinger in his mouth and whistled, bringing the yelling match to its end. I was so agitated my breathing was erratic. Seconds passed, where we stood glowering at each other like two junkyard dogs that had squared off, but there wasn’t a victor.

Jack’s shoulders slumped and the fight drained away in front of my eyes. He stared at me, but no longer was his look filled with outrage.

“It’s been ten years, Maddie. You gonna stay mad at me forever?” His voice was weary, tired, and bordered on sad.

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About Moni

Moni Boyce is a writer, filmmaker, poet and Award-winning author of contemporary and paranormal romance. After working in the film industry for fifteen years, helping others bring their visions to life, she now creates characters and worlds of her own. She considers herself a bookworm, film buff, foodie, music lover and an avid world traveler having visited 33 countries and counting. She lives a bit of a nomadic life, but considers Los Angeles her hometown.

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About the Holiday Springs Resort Series

Nestled deep in the mountains of Pennsylvania, Holiday Springs Resort promises to bring the heat this winter!

Join Forever Write PR and seven amazing authors as they take to the slopes on the adventure of a lifetime and find their happily ever afters.

From hot bartenders to brooding exes, Holiday Springs Resort is the place to be. Each story features a brand new couple and a fun trope to love from our amazing line up of authors including: second chance romance and best friend’s sibling to jilted brides and friends to lovers. Your holiday wonderland won’t be complete without a widower, office, and enemies to lovers romance.

We’ve got a remarkable line of up must-read romance authors including, A.M. Williams, Julie Archer, Kim Bailey, Moni Boyce, S.E. Rose, Stacey Lewis, and B. Ivy Woods.

Follow the Holiday Spring Resort series on Facebook for more on release dates, cover reveals, and exclusive book news ➝ https://www.facebook.com/HolidaySpringsSeries/

This series and all promotional events are brought to you by Forever Write PR – Forever your source for all your writing needs. https://www.facebook.com/ForeverWritePR/

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2020 Margaret Margaret

Grace by Contract by Rachel Rossano

  Rachel Rossano is a happily married mother of three children. She spends her days teaching, mothering, and keeping the chaos at bay. After the little ones are in bed, she immerses herself in the fantasy worlds of her books. Tales of romance, adventure, and virtue set in a medieval fantasy world are her preference, but she also writes speculative fantasy and a bit of science fiction.

After her father uproots the family to the northern duchy of Brackenhurst, Grace Eldon and her four younger sisters struggle with a new life of hardship. Desperate to keep a roof over their heads amid mounting debts, she and her youngest sister seek employment in the Duke of Brackenhurst’s household despite fearsome rumors.

Scarred and maimed from a terrible fire Silas Isling, Duke of Brackenhurst, buries himself in his work to avoid the stares of pity and fear. When one of the new maids shows no fear at his appearance, he is intrigued. That is until his meddling steward gives her the task of cleaning Silas’ bookroom. It is a most unwelcome disruption since he prefers to be alone.

While a thief plagues his castle, an old nemesis reappears, and enemies invade in the guise of guests. Amidst the distractions and chaos, Grace brings some unexpected order. Once convinced his scars had stolen all hope for love, Silas finds his life forever changed by the quiet maid. Could she love a scarred Duke?

  
  

Snippet:

Grace

The pair of us ascended the stairs once again, this time with a black-and-white shadow in tow. The puppy’s nails clicked on the steps, and his tail beat at my skirts as he scampered ahead.

“He is going to need a name,” Silas observed.

“You don’t approve of Whip?” I asked.

“I believe in naming things what you hope them to be: stalwart, faithful, brave.” He glanced over his shoulder as he leaned on his cane at the top of the stair. “What do you hope him to be?”

“Valuable and steady.”

“Valiant?”

“Yes.”

“Then let us call him that.” He turned to the dog, who had sprawled untidily next to him on the top step, tongue lolling. “What do you think, Val?”

The dog lifted his head to regard his new master and sniffed the air.

As Silas worked his way past him and on down the corridor, Valiant leapt to his feet and eagerly caught up, almost tripping Silas in his efforts to stay close.

“That’ll do,” Silas ordered the dog, using one of the commands he had been trying to teach the newly recruited shepherds.

Although he had a moment of apparent confusion, the dog responded by calming and giving Silas space to walk. Silas paused, watching the dog as he settled his hindquarters on the floor. “He has been trained. Perhaps his skill is just not proven.”

“Or just young and exuberant,” I pointed out as I approached them.

The dog lifted his head and watched my movements with bright, intelligent eyes.

“Perhaps.”

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Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2020 Margaret Margaret

Game Winning Goal by Kay Gordon

As a die-hard hockey fan, Cheyenne doesn’t expect to fall for the injured pro from her favorite team; Kamden is determined to get back on the ice before his career is over. Can Cheyenne and Kamden’s love prove that there is more than just scoring goals? Readers will fall in love with this sports romance from Kay Gordon. The 425 Madison series is complete with season three; GAME WINNING GOAL is live on 11/9!

Cheyenne

Life was good. I had a great job, amazing people surrounding me, season tickets to see my favorite hockey team play, and a cat that I could cuddle. Although it didn’t seem glamorous, I was happy. But when the shy, handsome, and somewhat awkward hockey player slid into my life, I realized that I could be happier. I wanted to be more than just content with life.

Kamden

I knew I wanted to be a hockey player from the moment I put on my first pair of skates. I played

hard for the Titans, proving that I belonged on the top line. But just when I finally made it, an injury took me out of the game. While feeling sorry for myself and waiting to heal, I met the bubbly, beautiful, and smart pediatrician who brought me to my knees. She made me see that there was more to life than scoring goals. A love of the game helps bring these two together and onto a path towards a different kind of love.

Cheyenne and Kamden’s road isn’t as smooth as ice, though. What happens when Kam’s recovery isn’t easy and his position on the team is threatened? Cheyenne has to figure out how to break down his defense and Kam has to realize that he might not always be the one to score the game-winning goal.

After all, 425 Madison is the perfect place to fall in love.

Read Game Winning Goal today!

Add to Goodreads!

Exclusive Excerpt

Copyright @Kay Gordon 2020

An older man was telling us all about how he’d once considered buying a hockey team, and I was doing my best to feign interest. I let my gaze wonder, so I could people watch, though, and I did a double-take when I caught sight of a woman speaking with a small group of people.

She was wearing a dark purple dress that fell to the floor and long sleeves that went to her wrists. The fabric dipped low on her chest, teasing at the cleavage underneath. The dress was tight at the waist, though, and showed off every curve she had. Her blonde hair had big curls in it, and the tips looked like they reached her shoulders. She appeared to be about three or four inches shorter than me, but I was willing to be everything I had that she had on some killer heels under that dress.

It wasn’t just the way she looked that caught me, though. It was the way she held herself. She was smiling as she spoke, and it was obvious that she had every man around her eating out of her hand. They laughed at whatever she was saying, and she appeared to be enjoying herself.

She was captivating.

“What do you think, Mr. Matlock? Do we have a chance at a repeat of the cup?”

I reluctantly peeled my eyes away from the woman to focus on the man in front of me. With a fake smile on my face, I shrugged.

“I think there’s always a chance. We have plenty of time to turn it around.”

When I glanced back at the woman, I saw that she had removed herself from the group she was with and was heading toward the silent auction table.

“Excuse me for a moment, will you?” I didn’t wait for anyone to reply before walking away.

The woman was looking at one of the lots that included a hot air balloon ride when I walked up. I cleared my throat and fought against shoving my hands into my pockets– a nervous habit of mine.

“A hot air balloon ride, huh?” I wanted to cringe at the lame words leaving my mouth, but I couldn’t stop them. “I’d probably faint before I left the ground.”

The woman looked up at me with a polite but disinterested smile on her face that told me she thought my line was cheesy, too. “Afraid of heights?

When her emerald green eyes met mine, recognition and realization dawned on me.

It was the woman from the game.

“Cheyenne.”

Read Game Winning Goal today!

About Kay Gordon

Kay Gordon is a married mother of two living near the west coast. She spends her days teaching young, impressionable minds in public school and evenings typing away furiously once her children are in bed. Her favorite genres to read are Contemporary Romance and New Adult/College romance, although she rarely denies a good paranormal or dystopian! When she’s not teaching or writing, Kay loves to spend time with her family. They’re all a bunch of nerds who can quote Disney movies and Star Wars quickly!

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About the 425 Madison Series

Welcome to 425 Madison Ave the perfect place to fall in love. Rounding out the summer with some hot city nights and coasting into fall with more cool characters at this famous high-rise, 425 Madison is returning for a third season!

With some familiar faces and some brand new residents – you’ll be sure to find an author you love and a trope to ignite your taste buds after all 425 Madison IS the perfect place to fall in love!

We’ve got an amazing line of up must-read romance authors including, Lauren Helms, Allie York

J Marie, Kay Gordon, Marcie Shumway, Aubree Valentine, S.L. Sterling, and Fiona Tulle

Prepare for pages packed with new romances, characters, and tropes all from the same well-loved high-rise apartment building in NYC.

Season One and Two feature stories from some of your favorite romance authors: Leigh Lennon, MK Moore, Allie York, Aubree Valentine, Kay Gordon, Lauren Helms, Sylvia Kane, Katy Ames, KC Enders, Marci Shumway, and C. Lesbirel. All these authors came together, each with a standalone romance for you to enjoy. Covering all of your favorite tropes each tale offers you something new, something different.

Make sure to follow the 425 Madison Avenue Facebook page for more on release dates, cover reveals, and author spotlights. For exclusive excerpts, giveaways, and news subscribe to our 425 Madison newsletter!

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Catch up on the first two seasons, available exclusively in Kindle Unlimited!

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2020 Margaret Margaret

Cover Reveal: Something New by B. Ivy Woods

We are so excited to share the cover for the upcoming release, Something New by B. Ivy Woods. Check out the stunning cover for Something New, a must-read jilted bride romance from the upcoming Holiday Springs Resort series!

Title: Something New

Author: B. Ivy Woods

Release Date: 12/04/2020

Series: Holiday Springs Resort, #6

Tropes/Genres: Jilted Bride Romance, Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance

A jilted bride and an overwhelmed banker from New York are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime that neither of them saw coming. Sometimes love happens at the most unexpected times and places.

Romance writer, Nicole Ford, always believed in happy endings. Until her own groom left her standing at the altar. Determined to make her own happiness, she sets off for their romantic honeymoon at Holiday Springs, alone.

Barrett Pierce, an investment banker from the Big Apple, may have gotten himself in a little hot water and needs to take a break before he’s in too deep. Fleeing to the mountains, he has one plan – clearing his head and figuring out a way to fix his mistakes.

Neither of them were looking for romance but they sure found each other and discovered a passion they couldn’t ignore. Forget something old, and something blue…this time these two love birds have found something brand new.

Escape to the romantic paradise of Holiday Springs and warm up with your next happily ever after.

Pre-Order Something New Today!

Add to Goodreads!

About B. Ivy Woods

B. Ivy Woods has been writing for as long as she can remember. After getting her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Environmental Policy and a Master in Energy Policy and Law degree and working in the environmental field for several years, she decided to become a stay-at-home mom. That is when thoughts of a writing career really took off. Although she competed in NaNoWriMo multiple times, 2019 was the first year that she won. This win inspired her to make writing a career. She self-published her debut novel in 2020.

Although she is originally from New York City, she currently lives in the DMV (Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia) with her husband, daughter, dog, and cat.

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About the Holiday Springs Resort Series

Nestled deep in the mountains of Pennsylvania, Holiday Springs Resort promises to bring the heat this winter!

Join Forever Write PR and seven amazing authors as they take to the slopes on the adventure of a lifetime and find their happily ever afters.

From hot bartenders to brooding exes, Holiday Springs Resort is the place to be. Each story features a brand new couple and a fun trope to love from our amazing line up of authors including: second chance romance and best friend’s sibling to jilted brides and friends to lovers. Your holiday wonderland won’t be complete without a widower, office, and enemies to lovers romance.

We’ve got a remarkable line of up must-read romance authors including, A.M. Williams, Julie Archer, Kim Bailey, Moni Boyce, S.E. Rose, Stacey Lewis, and B. Ivy Woods.

Follow the Holiday Spring Resort series on Facebook for more on release dates, cover reveals, and exclusive book news ➝ https://www.facebook.com/HolidaySpringsSeries/

This series and all promotional events are brought to you by Forever Write PR – Forever your source for all your writing needs. https://www.facebook.com/ForeverWritePR/

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2020 Margaret Margaret

The Funeral Murder by Nancy Lynn

In The Glass House, the first book in the PIP Inc. Mysteries series Pat Pirard, recently downsized Santa Cruz Law Librarian, needed to find a new job in a hurry. She printed business cards announcing she was Private Investigator Pat and crossed her fingers, hoping she could earn enough money working for attorneys as a PI to survive.
Pat’s first investigation went well, so she’s excited when she gets a call from an estate attorney who offers her a second job. The attorney tells Pat his client died at a funeral and he needs help sorting out who is entitled to inherit her estate.
 
Pat quickly discovers the dead woman’s past is as complicated as her estate. And when an autopsy indicates she had two deadly toxins in her body when she died, Pat’s new case becomes not only complicated, but dangerous.

Nancy Lynn Jarvis left the real estate profession after she started having so much fun writing the Regan McHenry Real Estate Mysteries series that she let her license lapse. She’s enjoyed writing about Regan and her husband, Tom, but decided it was time to do a new series.
 
PIP Inc. introduces protagonist downsized law librarian and not-quite-licensed Private Investigator Pat Pirard. “The Funeral Murder” is the second book in the series.
 
After earning a BA in behavioral science from San Jose State University, Nancy worked in the advertising department of the San Jose Mercury News. A move to Santa Cruz meant a new job as a librarian and later a stint as the business manager for Shakespeare/Santa Cruz at UCSC.
 
Currently she’s enjoying being a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and Santa Cruz Women of Mystery. 

Snippet #2

“Syda, I think your book needs a zombie or two in it,” Pat said cheerfully when Syda answered.

“A zombie?” Syda said skeptically before she put two positives together to reach a negative. “Yeah. right. You do remember the book I’m working on is a noir murder mystery featuring a dashing and adventurous, but classic private investigator, don’t you?”

“I do. Your detective definitely needs to investigate a zombie, maybe a Caribbean one created during a voodoo ceremony.”

“Okay,” Syda groaned. “What’s this about, BFF?” 

“The inheritance case I’m working on for Roger Drago―the funeral death one―has become a funeral murder case.”

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