I was not expecting this book to be as politically charged as it was. It had good character development which led to the reader able to make their own decisions on the guiltiness of our leading character. The story found itself with a lot of subplots in my opinion that led to more questions that I feel were never answered. Overall, interesting listen with a twist at the end that I was not expecting.
4 Stars. As a Kentucky gal from somewhat less-than-typical upbringing, I appreciate the author’s use of her protagonist’s background. A big- city attorney with small town roots finds herself the center of a complicated legal matter. Themes of this story parallel current events that grip our nation. Racism, classism, and sexism all rear their ugly heads. This tale will keep you guessing until the very end, and leave you reeling from the plot twist.
Stand Your Ground
I decided to listen to something a little different from what I usually listen to on a whim and I have no regrets.
Through the entire book I found myself liking Cady one minute and not liking her the next which shocked me. I’m not usually one to flip flop like that over a character several times in the same book no matter the circumstances. Was this something the author did intentionally or is it me? I have no idea but if it was on purpose he did a great job making it happen either way.
I had no idea how it was going to play out up until the end when it was revealed which made me enjoy it more. Definitely lots of twists and turns with what I think were very subtle hints along the way.
Melissa Reizian’s narration added more to the story and character. She did an amazing job bringing Cady along with the others and the story to life.
I’m Not Your Difference by Theresa Sederholt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the 4th book in the series but the first book I have read by this author. I’m unsure whether the book is intended to be able to be read as a standalone but I have to admit that in the beginning I felt as though I had to have read the previous books to get understand the dynamics of many of the characters. This didn’t stop me from really enjoying this book though. I’ll just have to find time to read the 3 books that came before this one.
In this book Fitz is working on the case of a serial killer who is killing gay men and making them look like suicide. This case comes a bit too close to home when his brother in law Andy becomes the target of the killer.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s full of drama, danger, intrigue as well as romance. I particularly loved Andy’s relationship with deaf daughter Stella as he tries to teach her about being different and accepting people for who they are.
The author has an excellent skill for character writing. I was so engaged with the characters and could really relate to their story.
Definitely recommend but would advise to read the others in the series first.
I’m Not Your Difference by Theresa Sederholt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is my first book that I have read by this author and I really enjoyed the book. The characters are amazing and you can relate to them.
Andy is trying to get his life back in order after Stephen left him and their daughter alone. Leaving Andy devastated and trying to come to terms with Stephen leaving. Once Andy is back on his feet taking care of Stella and moving ahead with the help of Fitz and MJ, he is ready to move on.
Stephen unexpectedly contacts him and asks to meet. Andy agrees, if only to have his say, something he never had the chance to do before. Andy finally feels the confidence to move on. Stella is his focus now, even though Stephen will always have a place in his heart, he finds his closure. However, Stephen’s world, is not what he has expected and seeing Andy only confirms what he’s been afraid to admit all along—he’s made a huge mistake.
Now Stephen has to work hard to win Andy back, so they can have the life they were supposed to have. While Andy and Stephen are trying to figure things out a serial killer, who is targeting gay men, has other plans for them both.
So the only one man who can put all the pieces together in time to save them is Fitzgerald “Fitz” Rodriguez.
Tracy
@tracym
The Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan. I loved this book. It’s my favorite genre so I was excited going in and I was not disappointed. It’s so good and I stayed up way too late reading it. Its the story of Angie and her friends who have traveled to Miami for their Spring Break when her and her 3 friends end up kidnapped she is the only one who survives and escapes. FBI Agent Brenda Reynolds is assigned to the case and is determined to figure out what really happened. The police tend to think that Angie is the killer and she is arrested but she can’t talk or won’t talk about it and is placed in a psych ward. The Doctor seems to think she has some sort of personality disorder but doesn’t know for sure. Brenda enlist the help of a K9 handler and the K9 seems to reach Angie. Will Brenda and the K9 be able to secure Angie’s innocence and find the real killer? Or will it turn out that Angie has major mental issues and is the killer. Do yourself a favor and read this amazing thriller.
I’m Not Your Difference by Theresa Sederholt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow, Book 4 and I cannot get enough of this series…..definitely a roller coaster of emotions that I had to really hold on to and was at the edge of my seat not wanting to be disturbed while I was totally engrossed in each page.
My heart broke for Andy when Stephen left him, especially after wanting to adopt a child and Stephen wanted Andy all to himself. When Stella came into Andy’s life…there is so much love between Andy and Stella..especially after the tragic events with Stella’s mother, Effy. When Stephen starts to second guess his decision on leaving Andy the only thing he wants is to reconnect. Lurking is a serial killer whom targets gay men…and Stephen and Andy are on that list. Will Fitz and his crew be able to save Stephen and Andy from this killer before it is to late?
This story gave me a lot of different feelings….the hurt that Stephen did on Andy….betrayal, suspense and just so many emotions.
It Will Always Be Us by Theresa Sederholt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Continuing to read this series…..I am totally invested…It Will Always Be Us is book 3 in this series and I highly recommend reading this series in order….you wont regret it :).
What happens when you have a life that you believe is perfect….husband, kids and a house and find out that nothing is as it seems or so you thought. Bailey Davis finds this out upon the sudden death of her husband. The struggle of deceit, lies and whom to trust and believe. With the help of Fitz and his crew…..they are determined to find out how deep the lies go.
This series is truly fantastic. If you love suspense, intrigue, a game of cat and mouse with a roller coaster of emotions…this series is for you!! The amount of word building and the details this author puts into her books is truly phenomenal!
In Plain Sight: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 8 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book really hooked me from the start. While this isn’t my normal genre the cover and the synopsis really had me interested so I branched out and boy am I glad I did. This book was full of suspense, drama, and of course mystery and it was so interesting I was half way through the book before I realized it. While I haven’t read any of the previous book, I definitely did need to, to enjoy this wonderful authors characters and storyline. But trust me when I say I will be going back and reading this series from the beginning because it’s just that good.
In Plain Sight: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 8 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was the first book I read in this series – and I can say that it functioned well as a stand-alone. The plot was intriguing, and I learned a lot from reading it! The author clearly researches every aspect of her story and brilliantly entwines facts and details that make it feel real and authentic. I am happy to say that I will be purchasing more books in this series because I love the writing style and the mystery aspect.
Another thing I really enjoyed about this book was that the main character/heroine is an independent woman who has a grown child and grandchild. You rarely happen upon books that have a detective type older than 20’s. This was a refreshing aspect. Additionally, the rest of the characters varied in age and substance. Definitely recommend!!
Silent Innocence by Theresa Sederholt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Silent Innocence is the 2nd book in the series and I can say this story was quick a thriller for me, sitting at the edge of my seat. I recommend reading this series in order as characters in the 1st book are in book 2 as well.
Detective Fitz Rodriguez is to be on “vacation time” to spend quality time with his beautiful wife when Fitz gets a call just to review a case as a second pair of eyes. Little did Fitz know that the case would lead to a definite cat and mouse game of murder, suspense, lies and in the middle of this chase innocent mother and her six year old child. Definitely nothing is what is seems for sure in this story. Will Fitz be able to solve this case before time runs out?
This continuation of this series is fantastic. Told in multiple points of view, it is so easy to follow and the story just flows. I am totally blown away and love the storytelling of this author. This story hit a few nerves with me and broke my heart at places for sure…but what a great story…..
Uniquely Mine: A Fitz Series by Theresa Sederholt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow!! This is my first book by this author that I have read and I am totally hooked. Murder, intrigue, suspense all wrapped in a great story.
Detective Fitz Rodriguez is all about protecting his loves ones and also has a keen eye for details when working a case. Fitz is on the hunt for a serial killer, who is totally ruthless…..Mark Chambers. When Mark Chambers decides that his ultimate prize is Makenna Justice…Detective Fitz will do anything to protect Makenna from this serial killer.
This story was hard to put down…..I needed to keep going and turn the pages on what happens next. This author’s is top notch! The thought process of a serial killer, methodical thinking from her characters point of views, this story!! The details seem so real!! So well done!!
Stand Your Ground by A.J. Ullman
Narrated by Melissa Reizian
Five Stars
I stepped back from my usual romance listen, for this awesome crime drama. I truly enjoyed listening to this story. It was full of current events and realistic to the times we find our nation in. I listen in one sitting.
This is the first narration I have listed to by Melissa Reizian, but definitely won’t be the last. Her voice is very easy to listen to. She brought the characters to life.
Review by @sunbarn
The Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
So I read the synopsis and I’m like all in ! Then I start the first chapter and already with the first sentence I’m drawn in … “ …. she couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling they were being watched.” How do I resist this !? I don’t ! 😂📕😉❣️ I dive right in !
What do you expect from a sole survivor!? We had a traumatic experience and one of the ladies involved also went mute and she actually went hoarse from the shock and I think this is what happened here Angie was in shock but when anger kicks in your fighting spirit is determined not be a victim over and over again and lucky for Angie she people on her side fight with and for her !
This is really one to shout from rooftops . Thrills , chills and twists and turns ! Just warn your family and loved ones that they’ll be sending for themselves because once you start you can’t put it down 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I was not disappointed my nerves were shattered and my nails chewed to the bit 😳 would I recommend this !? Oh yes !!!!
I’m Not Your Difference by Theresa Sederholt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Andy is struggling with losing the love of his life but gaining a child he would do anything for, but when life gets complicated, can Andy truly find the balance he requires to feel normal again.
Stephen has love Andy from the beginning even when they received the devastating news of his diagnoses but Stephen feels that adopting a child could leave them lost and pressure which he feel Andy does not need, so making the hard decision to walk away and leave the family unit is devastating but when a threat is found, can Stephen really walk away from the man he loves?
This as all of them can be read as a stand alone book but it would be advisable to read the first and third book to have some understanding regarding the main characters in this book. Andy is a lovely character who is feeling lost and slowly feeling he is becoming his diagnose, due to Parkinson he is being sheltered and wrapped in cotton wool which is feeding the demise of his self esteem, so when he decides to adopt Stella the dynamic in the relationship between his husband changes and evitable ends in separation, they only problem is neither is convinced.
The story also gets Spicer when Fitz is brought in to try and find a serial killer who is killing gay men, so when his brother is in the cross hair it is a race against time to try and find the killer before anyone else is hurt.
This story is full of the usual thrill of the chase which is now associated with a Fitz book and this does not disappoint. I always love the way that the author writes in a multi point of venue and you get to see in the minds of all the characters and piece together the mystery and twists. I have to say this was my favourite book so far as you got to delve in the relationship of Andy and Stephen who all along has seemed so loving and caring but as all relationships has had there struggles. I hope this series continues and if so can’t wait to read the next thrilling instalment.
Silent Innocence by Theresa Sederholt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fitz and MJ are on holiday chilling before they welcome their first child but work is never far behind, so when his boss calls him to have a look through a case he can not resist, but although it is only a quick look he ends up being embroiled in the case when he meets the 5 year old he can’t leave alone.
She is lost and alone, but her mom should have been there but when she is a weird environment, she sees him who is kind and I trust he will find her mother.
This story is a stand alone and is a brilliant story from the first chapter. The characters as in the first one are brilliantly and well developed and really enhance the book and drive the story along. I loved the character of Fitz in the first story and he does not disappoint in this book. He is dedicated to finding the mystery and reuniting the mother with her daughter, although the story delves into the darker side of life Fitz tries to strive to help.
You also get to see the relationship between him and MJ grow from strength to strength with the pressures of work and relationships.
I can’t wait to read the next book to see where there relationship goes and what Fitz will be involved in in the future.
It Will Always Be Us by Theresa Sederholt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fitz is now retired but still wanting the thrill of the mystery he and his friends decide to help people who need helping, so when of his friends needs answers he is willing to jump in and find the answers they require.
Bailey is lost, she does not understand why very one close to her are holding something back, so when she decides to get Fitz involved to help her uncover the secrets, should she have kept them in the dark rather than showing them the light.
This is the third book in this wonderful series and this one does not disappoint. You can read this book as a stand alone but unlike the second book their are extra characters which appeared in the first book which you may like to have some context with so reading the first book may be beneficial to you.
I loved the twists and turns of this book and seeing the crew together with friends and family was a brilliant addition to drive the story along with interactions and the sub dramas which happen along the way. The character of Fitz is a great multi level character that offers and drive within the story which you are happy to go along with and see the drama through his eye. You also have the character of MJ who is always there in the background grounding all the main characters and is also a complex character herself.
This story is complex and is well written to have you charging through to help Fitz find the mystery to help Bailey discover the truth and it is a great story.
I can’t wait to delve back again into the world of Fitz and MJ in the next book in this series.
Uniquely Mine by Theresa Sederholt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
There is a serial killer on the loose in New York and Fitz is on the case, but when the case turns more closer than home. When things start escalating can Fitz protect his family and solve the case before anyone else gets hurt.
Mark is honing his skills but when she comes into his life there is no one else who can quench the desire within him, but she is protected so he has to be skilful try and make her his.
This was the first book I had read by this author and it was brilliantly written with just the right twists and turns to keep you engaged in the book from the first word to the last. I loved the character of Fitz he was flawed and had depth to hold your interest. I only thing I had an issue with is I felt the end of the story was a bit rushed, this did not distracted from the story but for me just a little of a let down.
I loved the different point of views and looking into their little bit of the world and how each mind worked and perceive what was happening in the others.
This is a brilliant book and can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
In Plain Sight: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 8 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book took me a while to get into, but I honestly had some personal things going on and I didn’t give it a REAL first chance. I made myself go back and reread it and give it the chance that it really deserved. I am SO GLAD that I did too!! It hooked me with its claws and held on tight! Anyways, to the book! Lol. Logan volunteers at a animal rescue center. She’s loving it more and more the deeper she becomes a part of the wildlife center. She is loving the hawks, eagles, and owls. She’s slowly becoming closer to some of the other staff too, especially the vet of the center. When she comes in early one day all things come to a screeching halt with the center. She find’s a coworker’s office ransacked and the coworker dead in one of the other rooms, along with a dead raptor she was helping with! What has she stumbled into?! No sign of what caused the death has everyone stumped. With no leads the investigation stalls, but Logan thinks there is more to this story. With the help of two friends, they look into what they believe might be murder! The killer’s attention turns towards Logan the more that they dig into the murder. Before she becomes the killer’s next victim Logan must find out the truth about what happened to her vet friend. She knows something is off, but can’t put her finger on it. Will Logan find out the truth of what happened before the killer gets to her. Will she be silenced before the truth comes out? Will she be the killer’s next prey? What about her friends helping her? Will the killer get them too? Will the killer get away with the vet’s murder?! And possibly theirs too? This mystery thriller will hook you in! I read this book as a stand alone, but there are more to the series that you can read first. It isn’t needed, but I personally can’t wait to read the others in the series. I also LOVE that the book is about raptors and it touches on a great cause of saving these beautiful wild creatures.
Reviewed by @jaimie0459
The Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book lays out a tragic experience for a young girl which is part of a much larger, and mind blowing, ring of illegal activity. While the story is definitely far from an average experience, it gets the mind reeling for a fan of crime stories and books. The author does a great job with character development, even for the secondary characters, which leaves the reader further invested in the book. It was a slow read for me initially, not due to the storyline so much as life being busy, but as I read further along, I found myself making time to finish the book. I would have liked a few additional twists, but overall this was a good read and worth my time.
The Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book lays out a tragic experience for a young girl which is part of a much larger, and mind blowing, ring of illegal activity. While the story is definitely far from an average experience, it gets the mind reeling for a fan of crime stories and books. The author does a great job with character development, even for the secondary characters, which leaves the reader further invested in the book. It was a slow read for me initially, not due to the storyline so much as life being busy, but as I read further along, I found myself making time to finish the book. I would have liked a few additional twists, but overall this was a good read and worth my time.
The Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Could. Not. Put. This. Down. The first page drew me in quickly and did not let me go until the last. Angie went through something horrific that left her traumatized and trapped in her mind. Only she can crack the case, but she has to break through her trauma first. FBI Agent Brenda is determined to do everything she can to help Angie and solve this case. She enlists the help of Jake and his dog, Cody, who she thinks may be just what they need.
This story was suspenseful from start to finish! It is painted so rivetingly that I felt I was there, experiencing everything with the characters. My emotions went on a ride between hold your breath and hold the tissues! I love that you get to experience the story in the eyes of different characters, where you really get to connect with each one as the story progresses. Read this book, you will NOT be disappointed!
Cady Fox goes out to dinner with the head attorneys where she works. Afterwards she does her regular activity of riding her bike home. But tonight she is attacked by a man known for his unlawful activities. Forcing her to shoot and kill him. That’s all you get from me. No Spoilers. This author writes clearly and is very descriptive in his definition of how his book reads. This is a thrilling Audio book loaded with action and so easy to get caught up in. The characters are just right for their part in the story. They are also likable. While this story throws out many things that are going on in our lives today, Black Lives Matter and White Privilege just to name a couple. He sticks to his main goal. Tell the story and make it clear. I enjoyed listening to this story and how it played out. I know you will too.
Reviw@cinful
Enjoyable story that was full of suspense and intrigued and also brought in current event issues as well as this story unfolded and felt like it’s real life.
Cady Fox Was on the brink of a promotion as an attorney when her life is turned upside down as she is involved with a shooting of a man. Cady claims the shooting is justified, but is it truly?
As the story goes the layers start to unfold slowly throughout … you really question yourself is Cady innocent or guilty. Wow….great listen for sure…
In Plain Sight: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 8 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this book! I kept trying to guess the plot along with the main character Logan and I also kept asking myself what I was missing and the answer really was in plain sight. The characters were engaging and all had their own personalities, which the author was able to portray through the writing. I will also always know a fun fact about turkey vultures that I would have never probably known before, even though they are a common bird in my home state. This book flowed well and was very easy to read and several times I had to convince myself I needed to put the book down to get other things done. I was able to keep all the characters straight-which is something I sometimes struggle with in books. This is definitely a book I would read over and over again.
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COVER REVEAL ~ ~ ~ 
Trigger warnings–sexual content
Historical fiction -Adult
1912 New York is a city divided: Greenwich Village where rejected tradition is regularly flouted, and Manhattan where it is strictly upheld. Lottie Flannigan successfully balances both sides. While embracing a bohemian lifestyle, she maintains a legal career clerking for conservative Justice Goff in Midtown. Committed and dedicated, Lotte begins work on a high-profile criminal case involving local Police Officer Charles Becker.
Suddenly her professional and personal lives collide as she finds herself caught in a blackmail scheme that seeks to disclose her most intimate choices if she doesn’t do as they say. Is this related to the Becker Trail? Who stands to gain the most from this verdict: the justice? the prosecutor? the local police officers or lurking gangsters? Maybe even her missing lover–could she be a part of the blackmail scheme?
In a fascinating look into a scandalous turn of the century trial and ever-changing Greenwich Village social norms, the book puts Lottie in the middle of Police Lieutenant Charles Becker’s Conspiracy trial.
In Plain Sight: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 8 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Logan is on a new journey. She moved to Oregon and has married Ben. With her eyes wide open, she has a better outlook on her life. Cascades Raptors her fascination with Birds, owls, eagles and hawks just to name a few. Logan volunteers at the wildlife center. This is where the story takes off. You’ll find yourself wondering who did it. This author has a real knack for pulling you into her stories. This the 8th in the series, for me is my new favorite. I was hooked before I finished page one. The author makes you feel as though you are right in the middle of her series. You can’t help but to fall in love with her characters. Be prepared for this thrilling crime story, as you won’t be able to put it down once you open it.
Review@cinful
In Plain Sight: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 8 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Everyone loves a good mystery, and this book is one of those. I am coming in late but excited about playing catch-up. Logan was an exciting and delightful character. Finding a calling by volunteering at the bird sanctuary she appears to be acclimating to her new life, and marriage. When she stumbled upon a murder, she becomes her own detective and starts a hunt for the killer. The further she investigates is when things pick up as she herself becomes a target. There is drama, danger, humor, and an all-around lovable story.
In Plain Sight: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 8 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Logan McKenna is a badass character that everyone will fall in love with within the first few chapters. She’s married to her soulmate, Ben who seems to be her perfect match. If you’ve read any of the previous books in this series, you’ll recognize this book continues with their story. As per usual, suspense and mystery seems to follow them everywhere.
As a fan of crime mysteries, I felt this book was an impeccable addition to this genre. I also enjoyed the details regarding the beautiful winged friends described within the storyline.
I felt as if this story had a perfect amount of plot twists that will keep the reader intrigued and second guessing themselves when trying to figure out what comes next. This is anything but predictable.
The author did a fantastic job and fans of this series will be overjoyed with the new addition. For those new to this series, I think they will enjoy this book and want to grab another from the series or start at the very beginning.
This book had great imagery, a beautifully designed plot and fantastic characters.
5 out of 5 stars!
5 Stars
Stand Your Ground Audiobook by A.J. Ullman
I absolutely loved listening to this Suspense Story that once I started listening I didn’t want to stop until the end. The Narrator did a fantastic job of bringing the characters to life and had me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what was going to happen next. Guys get ready to dive into this fast paced story about Cady and unexpected t situations she finds herself in and rather she stands her ground for justice. I can’t recommend listening to this book enough. Its more than worth the time and I guarantee you wont want to stop listening till the end. Find out what happens next with Cady. Will she stand her ground? I look forward to listening to more books by this author.