contemporary - No Apology Book Reviews

Interview with B. J. Daniels (Rogue Gunslinger and Rugged Defender)

October 20, 2018

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Rogue Gunslinger and Rugged Defender, the second and third books of the Clementine Sisters series by B. J. Daniels blends a great plot, setting, and characters. People cannot imagine how this author can improve, but each book in this series just keeps getting better. In Rogue Gunslinger, T.J. Clementine is a mystery author that is being stalked. Receiving mail from one particular fan escalates into threats because she is not following their writing advice. …

The Curse of Tenth Grave by Darynda Jones

October 13, 2018October 9, 2018

Title: The Curse of Tenth Grave Author: Darynda Jones Series: Charley Davidson #10 Had to dig deep for flaws To prepare for the release of Summoned to Thirteenth Grave in January, I started re-listening to the Grave series audiobooks a couple of months ago (Lorelei King is AMAZING). I got through Nine and needed a breather…then I received an invitation to participate in a blog tour for Thirteen beginning on Halloween, and part of the deal is to review one …

Sunshine by Robin McKinley

November 6, 2019October 7, 2018

Title: Sunshine Author: Robin McKinley Series: n/a Too much story, left with more questions than answers I wasn’t going to review this one, but it’s haunted me the last couple of days since I finished it. I don’t feel like I have closure on it, so maybe if I get my thoughts down on paper (as it were), I can get it out of my head. I really liked the story! It had SO MUCH potential! But it wasn’t well …

Elise’s Review – Don’t Look Back by Dawn Ryder

October 6, 2018October 5, 2018

Book Review by Elise Cooper Don’t Look Back by Dawn Ryder ends the “Unbroken Heroes Series” with a bang. This suspenseful story is full of political intrigue that started six books ago. The plot relies heavily on events from previous books in the series, basically wrapping up the loose ends of those operatives in the covert organization Shadow Ops. “I wanted the Shadow Ops team to take on messy cases. They understand absolute power corrupts absolutely. They see how ambition …

Edge of Darkness by Karen Rose

November 6, 2019September 29, 2018

Title: Edge of Darkness Author: Karen Rose Series: Cincinnati #4 A powerfully realistic and moving story Sweet Baby Jorge, I love Karen Rose. Her work continues to awe me. I don’t know if it’s her or her editor, but I almost never find any flaws in logic. Every plot point is methodically positioned and relevant and it all makes so much sense. And the level of detail, especially in police/FBI procedure—it simply astounds me. And the feels! I don’t know …

The Woman Left Behind by Linda Howard

November 5, 2019September 25, 2018

Title: The Woman Left Behind Author: Linda Howard Series: n/a Plot’s a tad messy, hero’s a stranger, heroine had her moments Goodreads says this is part of a series called Go-Team that includes Howard’s last novel, Troublemaker, but I haven’t seen this information anywhere else, e.g. Amazon or Fantastic Fiction; most notably, it’s listed on Howard’s own website as a standalone (since when does she have a website?). It’s certainly possible that these books are related somehow, but don’t worry …

Review – Maybe for You by Nicole McLaughlin

October 6, 2018September 15, 2018

Book Review by Elise Cooper Maybe For You by Nicole McLaughlin is a very emotional storyline. The theme allows readers to understand how to cope with loss and handle grief. It is also a friends to lover’s story. Many say that a guy and gal cannot be friends. This story seems to prove that point. The different dynamic relationships play a part in how people react to each other. Friends usually are able to be direct and let their guards …

Interview with Laura Griffin (Desperate Girls)

October 6, 2018August 25, 2018

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Desperate Girls by Laura Griffin is a captivating novel, combining a suspenseful murder mystery, police procedural, with a touch of romance. She has the unique ability to write compelling plots that highlight caring and realistic characters. Former prosecutor Brynn Holloran has turned to the dark side, becoming a defense attorney. Everyone knows she is a superstar in the courtroom, although a failure in her personal life. She now must contend with a vicious murderer, …

Interview with Marta Perry (Shattered Silence)

October 6, 2018August 18, 2018

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Shattered Silence by Marta Perry flawlessly intertwines a mystery with contemporary themes, while giving a sprinkling of the Amish culture. She illuminates the differences between the Amish community and the larger urban society. The plot begins with new divorcee Rachel Hartline attempting to touch base with her ex-husband, Paul, to discuss putting their home up for sale. After catching him trying to download some sensitive company information things go very awry for her. First, …

Interview with B. J. Daniels (Hard Rustler)

October 6, 2018August 12, 2018

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Hard Rustler by bestselling author B. J. Daniels brings to life the Montana countryside in her latest novel. Readers will enjoy the characters, setting, and mystery. The plot is a modern-day version of past Westerns. The story begins with a city gal, Annabelle (Annie) Clementine, traveling back to her home town of Whitehorse Montana. After high school, she decided to escape the monotony to become a famous model, leaving her love interest behind. Now, …