Fool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If you want a book that keeps you on your toes in every way possible this is the book for you. Right from the beginning you get pulled you to the edge of your seat and you stay there. The POV’s where a bit different changing from time to time. But it’s was totally worth it.
This book will keep you guessing and with a strong leading lady, where can you go wrong!
Silent Gavel by Merissa Racine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Silent Gavel (A Crawford Mystery Book 1) by Merissa Racine was a pager turning crime mystery. Merissa writes a riveting murder mystery that makes you question who did it after Lauren finds her dead boss. Through the whole book I found myself trying to guess who murdered Judge Murphy and with each chapter I found myself changing my mind as to who the killer was, falling in love with characters I previously hated, and ultimately was shocked at the end. This was a great read and would read again.
The Guardian’s Legacy by Luciana Cavallaro
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow!! This story was an incredibly power-packed thriller. It was just what I needed. Every once in awhile I need a good thriller and this one brought it all. You get sucked in at the beginning with an action chase and you don’t want to leave even when you hit the big power cliff-hanger ending. Tremendous characters written with adventurous personalities that fit the story. Amazing!! My 2021 thriller pick for the year. You have to read this. I just can’t tell you enough about the good things. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.!!!!
Silent Gavel by Merissa Racine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book will grasp you the minute you start reading. It’s a page turner and you don’t want to put it down. You suddenly get engrossed in Lauren’s life and the mystery that surrounds her. Faced with an unexpected tragedy, you can’t help but feel for her and can’t wait to see what the outcome will be. I am so excited to know that this is a series and we can continue on with the lives of of these wonderfully developed characters. Can’t wait for the next one to come out. You will not be disappointed in this book!
Silent Gavel by Merissa Racine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Silent Gavel, book 1 in the Crawford Mystery series by Merissa Racine is a five-star read! I LOVED this book! I love reading thriller books with a crime theme and this one did not disappoint!
I loved the character development and that the story was well written and did not drag but include just what was needed and had a few twists I definitely did not see coming!
The book starts out with Lauren, a court reporter, being late to pick up her boss, the judge, to carpool to a hearing. When Lauren arrives and does not receive a response from the judge after knocking on her door, she steps inside only to find the judge dead! Her whole world is about to get messy, and she is now on the mission to not only clear her name but to find out who killed her boss.
I really enjoyed this book, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good whodunit story! I cannot wait to sink myself into book 2 next!
Silent Gavel by Merissa Racine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lauren Besoner is a court stenographer in the small town of Crawford, Wyoming, she owns her own home and has a dog she loves to bits, as well as some actual stability in her life, no thanks to her past dating and relationship endeavours both at home and in Denver the short time she lived there. She is happy with her life and job, that is until one day when she is heading to pick up the judge that she works for so that they can travel together to the courthouse a couple of towns over, instead, when the judge isn’t answering her calls or texts, Lauren goes up to the house to check to see if she is ready. When she approaches the house and sees the front door open, she calls out for the judge multiple times, getting louder as time goes on, eventually she goes inside when she notices that the judge’s dog is shivering and cold, however, when her foot touches some broken glass on the floor, Lauren is shocked to find the judge is lying on top of it.
Lauren panics and fumbles for the light switch and this is when she sees the broken glass panel in the front door and the judge lying in a pool of blood, stumbling back out of the door and taking the dog with her, she gets into her car and calls 911 to report what she has found. As the call progresses and Lauren has to go back inside the house to check for signs of life that it fully hits her what has happened and this is compounded when the police arrive and ask her to go to the station to make a statement while her clothes are taken away as evidence and the scene is sealed. As time passes and the events settle in, Lauren is brought in for questioning on multiple occasions, however, each time she goes, she feels like she is being treated like the number one suspect despite giving all the facts to the contrary, it doesn’t help that she finds out that her ex-husband was cheating on her with the judge while they were still marries, which is the opposite of what he told her originally.
As the investigation continues and nothing changes or moves forwards, Lauren’s unease with being the prime suspect increases and she gets the feeling that nothing is as it seems and that there is too much that doesn’t add up the more she thinks about it, so she starts to do a little digging of her own. Will Lauren be able to prove her innocence and work out who the real killer is, or will she go down for a crime she didn’t commit? This is a thrilling mystery filled with intrigue, secrets and more questions than answers until the end is reached and the killers identity is revealed.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Fool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
WOW!!! This book had me on edge until the very end. I don’t usually read psychological thrillers but I have to say, that might just have to change. I loved this book. The author sure has an amazing grip on keeping your mind on twists and turns. I was trying to figure out who the murderer was and was stumped. This poor family went through hell and back over and over. I could not put this book down. If you are like me and don’t usually read this genre of book. This is a great place to start. I was thinking about this book even when I wasn’t reading it. I will be reading this author again and again.
Fool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If you haven’t read any of Glede Browne Kabongo’s thrillers before, DON’T wait to get your hands on this read! I personally love a book that will grab my attention and throw my mind for a proverbial loup and this woman does it to me every single time. She has quickly become one of my favorites when it comes to thriller crime novels and I just can’t get enough. As soon as I saw that there was a new one available from her I knew I had to clear an afternoon and snag it because you won’t be able to put these down just like the title suggests. The twists and turns are so frequent that just when you think you get to a stopping point to say cook supper or adult at all you are at another and you suddenly are sucked right back into the chaos and can’t tear yourself away. Needless to say it was a pizza and movie night for the kiddos around my house for this one. NOT SORRY. This book had me in my feels too. I was empathizing with Shelby and her family but I also was wondering if she maybe had it all coming to her too? That is the beauty of the writing of Ms. Kabongo. I can’t wait to see what will come next from her and may just have to re-read this one to hold me over in the meantime!
Review by @lizaileen
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Fool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If you haven’t read any of Glede Browne Kabongo’s thrillers before, DON’T wait to get your hands on this read! I personally love a book that will grab my attention and throw my mind for a proverbial loup and this woman does it to me every single time. She has quickly become one of my favorites when it comes to thriller crime novels and I just can’t get enough. As soon as I saw that there was a new one available from her I knew I had to clear an afternoon and snag it because you won’t be able to put these down just like the title suggests. The twists and turns are so frequent that just when you think you get to a stopping point to say cook supper or adult at all you are at another and you suddenly are sucked right back into the chaos and can’t tear yourself away. Needless to say it was a pizza and movie night for the kiddos around my house for this one. NOT SORRY. This book had me in my feels too. I was empathizing with Shelby and her family but I also was wondering if she maybe had it all coming to her too? That is the beauty of the writing of Ms. Kabongo. I can’t wait to see what will come next from her and may just have to re-read this one to hold me over in the meantime!
Review by @lizaileen
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Fool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This isnt my first book by this author but it still took me for a wild ride. I was a bit confused at first as Shelby was in one type of POV and all others were told in another and usually took reading a few sentences to realize who we were reading about.
I really enjoyed this book as it kept me guessing and kept me turning pages to see what would happen next. Really makes you wonder if someone was to watch your life how quick would they learn your routine? Cant wait to read more from this amazing author
The Guardian’s Legacy by Luciana Cavallaro
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a great first book in the Coin of Time Series. I love how action packed it is and how the author really brings history to life. Hearing about things that happened long ago gives this book a unique twist, as well as being full of action ots educational as well.
Nik thinks he is an ordinary school teacher but how wrong he was. After his grandfather explains that they are guardian’s of a special coin that they must protect at all costs. Weaving the story through Ancient Greece and Mythology you really get drawn into the magic of the coin.
But then things change. When Nik’s grandfather goes missing and Interpol turn up asking questions Nik starts to wander if the job of protecting this precious coin is as dangerous as his grandfather made out.
This book is left on a cliff hanger and I can’t wait to continue this story.
The Guardian’s Legacy by Luciana Cavallaro
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a really good book to a start to a series. It is a little slow but its really building into a series that I know will be great. The issues that happen in the book are really telling a story that will be amazing. A guardian to a artifact that is century’s old and to protect it his grandpa goes missing. People showing up that want to find his grandpa too. And finding out what this artifact does was a great build up. Can’t wait for book two.
The Guardian’s Legacy by Luciana Cavallaro
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Guardian’s Legacy is the first book in the Coin of Time series by Luciana Cavallaro and also the first book by this FANTASTIC author that I have read. I am 100% now a huge fan!
From the turn of the first page to the very last I was hooked on this extremely well crafted original story. With its action packed story line and historical references you will be fully transported into this thrilling, sometimes time traveling adventure. Great and I think fully relatable characters add to your enjoyment every step of the way. I can’t wait for book 2. I NEED to know what is next!!
Goddess of Everything by Paul DeBlassie III
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a great thriller filled with suspense with a unique spin on the writing done by the author. Some of the content in the book were touchy subjects and a little disturbing to get through, such as child abuse and manipulation. But in all honesty, that same twisted darkness is what draws you into the characters developed and the plot that you find yourself getting pulled into. All, in all, I enjoyed this gripping thriller.
Silent Gavel by Merissa Racine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Silent Gavel (A Crawford Mystery Book 1) by Merissa Racine. I LOVED this book and can’t wait for the next one. Its the story of Lauren Besoner is a court reporter and she has moved back to Wyoming for a job after a bad divorce. She loves her job and is enjoying the fresh start she’s having being back home. When she goes to pick up her boss the Judge and finds her dead in her home she is terrified and when she calls the police and they start to treat her as a suspect she’s really scared. When the connection between her ex husband and the Judge comes up she’s really worried. Using all the legal knowledge she has, she will try to represent herself and find out who the real killer is to save herself. This book will keep you flipping the pages until the very end! Can’t wait for the next book !
Goddess of Everything by Paul DeBlassie III
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is an intense read; be sure you are ready, as it is not at all a ‘light’ read. It is definitely not something anybody can read, especially if you’re sensitive to harsh subjects. With that being said, this book is one I would highly recommend!
This is my first read by Paul DeBlassie III, and you can bet it will not be my last. DeBlassie III has written an original, intriguing, page turning, edge-of-seat sitting supernatural thriller.
DeBlassie III has a one of a kind writing style, creating extremely vivid visual pictures and characters. There is a lot happening in this book, but it is layered very well with the characters and varying storylines. This book with suck you in and not let you go until you’re finished!
The Guardian’s Legacy by Luciana Cavallaro
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was so good!! I love a good action adventure story and this is no exception. You met Nik, who is a high school teacher, ends up these messages from his grandfather. When Nik goes to visit his grandfather, happy as can be. But Nik’s grandfather has secrets, or are they just myths? There is a very powerful, magical coin that if it falls into the wrong hands, it could be very bad. The coin is guarded and when Nik’s grandfather names Nik as the next to guardian to protect the coin, the mystery and adventure begins. The ending….ahhh!! Cannot wait for book two to see what happens next.
The Guardian’s Legacy by Luciana Cavallaro
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Guardian’s Legacy (Coin of Time Book 1) by Luciana Cavallaro is a gripping tale. It is steeped in ancient Greek history giving the story much more depth. Failure is not an option for Nikolaos and his duty is a heavy burden if the world is to survive. He knows nothing of the guardianship that has been passed down through generations but now he has been chosen he must follow the rules and keep the coin safe and out of the hands of evil just waiting to take for themselves. This entertaining tale starts with the action from the beginning. Luciana has given us an engaging and unique story born of mythology.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Goddess of Everything: A Blood-Curdling Tale of the Affection of One Mother for Her Son and Her Son’s Struggle for Truth, Freedom, and Love by Paul DeBlassie III
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Be aware if your sensitive with your religious beliefs and/ or spiritual beliefs this book might not be for you. The mother has done whatever she wanted to do. Then the mother wants to be so controlling of her adult son. Adult son is naïve concerning the bad things his mother does.
The Guardian’s Legacy by Luciana Cavallaro
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow! This is a very fast-paced, exciting adventure with constant plot twists, and new obstacles to overcome. Affable teacher Nik Zosimos falls into his destiny after a visit with his Papou. This book drops you headlong into the past, and provides so much detail it feels as if you’re right beside Nik as he figures out what this new role and life are all about. I definitely felt right at home in this story, and the outside world faded away as I raced around in this adventure. Definitely give it a shot!
Reviewed by @ericalorraine
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Stand Your Ground by A.J. Ullman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The twists and turns in this book really made this for a really good read. I really enjoyed it. It kept me on my feet wondering what was going to happen next. I loved Cady she’s such a takes no shit from no one, and really stands her ground when it comes to what she wants. It was unpredictable which really made this story so enjoyable. And the ending had me going wait what? No. I couldn’t get enough of this book.
The Guardian’s Legacy by Luciana Cavallaro
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this short story that is suspenseful and full of action. This is a well written story about Nik and a message he receives from his grandfather. As he rushes to his grandfather’s side, he finds him happy to see him. He is holding a secret that dates back to Herakles. But is it true or is it just a myth? They are great characters who really made the story for me. They brought the story to life on each page as well as made it engaging. I enjoyed being pulled into the story from the first word. I also enjoyed the growth of the plot and how fast paced it was. This is a story that I had a hard time putting down. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
The Guardian’s Legacy by Luciana Cavallaro
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Guardians Legacy by Luciana Cavallaro is the first book in the Coin of Time series. This is a well written and adventurous story that is routed in historical and modern day fiction. I thought the book was put together well. It pulls you in with quite a fast paced start while also filling out the details. It grabs your attention straight away, making sure sure you are engaged and wanting to read more.
The characters were all interesting. It felt like you really get to know them and as the story progressed you become fully invested in their journey.
This is still a pretty new author to me but I definitely like what I see so far. I am looking forward to the nextblok in the series.
Silent Gavel by Merissa Racine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story jumps you right into the middle of all the action. Lauren is an immediate suspect in her boss’s death, and must find a way to prove her innocence. A very well written mystery-thriller, as there is no indication until the very end of this “who done it”. I usually am able to follow the lead through the story and have an idea of what to expect at the end, but not in the case of the Silent Gavel. A very good read and highly recommend!
Fool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 Stars
Fool Me Twice by Gledè Browne Kabongo. It is a thrilling story- full of mystery, danger, drama, crime and investigation, suspense, chills, a creepy factor, and gripping developments that will have you on the edge of your seat. As I have come to expect from Ms. Browne Kabongo’s work, it was quite intriguing and grabbed my attention from the very first page and wouldn’t let me put it down until I had read every last word and knew how everything played out in the end.
This story has ties to the Fearless series- as Shelby Cooper is Abbie Cooper’s mother- whom we follow in the Fearless series. OMG Ms. Browne Kabongo really tests her characters and puts them through the wringer, and this story is no different. I don’t want to spoil it for you by giving too much away, suffice to say- strap yourself in for one heck of a thrilling ride!
I am definitely looking forward to more thrills from Ms. Browne Kabongo!
Thank you, Glede Browne Kabongo!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
The Guardian’s Legacy by Luciana Cavallaro
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Guardian’s Legacy is the first book in the Coin of Time series by Luciana Cavallaro. This is a fantastic adventure story that really captivated me- weaving a tale of ancient Greece, mythology, time travel, action, danger, drama, intrigue, and gripping developments.
Nik has no idea that his life is about to take a very dramatic and exciting turn when his grandfather reveals a huge secret. With a 3000 year-old coin with unbelievable powers at the centre of this adventure- get set for a thrilling read!
As the first book in a new series, this certainly laid some exciting foundations- and that cliffhanger ending has me excitedly awaiting Book #2!
Thank you, Luciana Cavallaro!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Stand Your Ground by A.J. Ullman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Stand Your Ground
A. J. Ullman
☆☆☆☆☆
This story will definitely get your heart pumping. This is a crime story with a thrilling thriller. Cady Fox has worked hard to be the best lawyer. Now with a possible partnership in her grasp, that is all she was thinking about as she headed home on her bike. A ride she has taken every night, just for the exercise. But tonight will be different, so different she could be headed to prison for murder. No spoilers from this reviewer.
A.J.Ullman wrote this highly intense crime story. I was grabbed on page one and could not put the book down. He leaves no stone unturned, and you can’t help looking around at every sound, creak or pop. I remained at the edge of my seat, while reading this story. I love Cady and Easy, their friendship with benefits is outstanding. The characters in this story will leave you wanting so much more. Well Done A.J.Ullman! Well Done! ! !
Review@Cinful
Goddess of Everything by Paul DeBlassie III
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was looking for a horror thriller, and this tale did not disappoint, though I was hoping for nightmares. The story itself was quite interesting. Right from the prologue, it was obvious there was more than meets the eye. I loved that the evil in the story was not apparently bad to many of the characters. The idea of hiding true evil inside something so outwardly good was intriguing and made for a compelling story. I did feel as though the flow of the story was interrupted often by exploring happenings from the past in the middle of a current scene, especially in the earlier parts of the story. Often times I totally forgot what was happening in the moment because the story went on a tangent, often making me wonder if I missed something that led the story to that route. The first about 25% was mostly setting up the story, and after that it really became intriguing. I loved the use of mal de ojo in the story. Growing up having my mother telling me to be wary of mal de ojo really made that hit home. I also enjoyed the use of religion in the tale. Since religion is something most people have experience with and so easily deals with the supernatural, it makes the story much more personal. The tale was twisted and interesting, so even though I slept soundly, I would recommend to anyone looking for a horror thriller!
Reviewed by @asanabr1
The Guardian’s Legacy by Luciana Cavallaro
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow! This was a amazing start to a new series for me to read and enjoy. Needless to say, I was quite impressed and enjoyed this book in more ways than one The book brings mystery, with some history and a whole lot of action, and lots of questions on my end. Highly enjoyed reading this book!
First off I loved how the author opened the book, there was a action scene then we cut to high school. We learn of our main character in this novel, named Nik. He seemed to be a good soul and he certainly grew in many ways as a character! Very likeable and the book was an easy read. I enjoyed the mystery self that Nik get’s landed in his lap. Who knew a odd message from your grandfather could set along a strange course of events, and undeniable maybe even put your life and all that you know at stake?
Nik’s grandad had a past and what was believed to be a myth. All over this mysterious coin. Was the coin more than it appeared, and what was so important of it? I had many questions as I read through, and when the book talked of past events I was literally nose in my book. Big ole history biff here and the visuals were outstanding to say the least. I loved the mystery surrounding the novel, and I enjoyed that by the end I had more questions than answers. Oh boy, that ending though, I need my hands on the next installment. I need to know more and what happens! The mystery and character development and story line was amazing in all aspects, I was hooked, and truly sucked into reading this rare gem!
Just seriously, holy cow! This book had a lot of stuff going on, and it was so easy to follow, from start to the suspenseful ending that shall carry to the next installment in this series. The book truly delivered in more ways than one, and it is a really good book, and I am glad I came across this author, as I now desperately need to read more of their works. Honestly amazing read, seriously read this book!
Stand Your Ground by A.J. Ullman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This novel, for me is a undeniable good time to read for sure! I found the story started off well, and there was good character development, and you got a good opening feel. I found the suspense and intrigue was very well done and the author knew exactly where to add those moments in, and most importantly the author knew how to keep the reader interested rather than just giving all big points at once.
I found the book very realistic. Cady was a very strong character. I feel what she had gone through in the novel could well happen to any of us. You live your life, you get attacked, and then in a moment to prevent harm, your very world could shatter. Cady was a lawyer so she knew the justice system well, but when its her on the side being the person accused, the tables had turned for her. I found she was strong with confidence, but she also had fear of the unknown of what may come of her. I found her personality and how she was written to be not only admirable, but also very much realistic.
The suspense was strong and real. Would she be accused and set free or accused and sentenced? I found the beginning was a slow burn build, but it goes in steps like an apartment building. You at floor 5 now, oh now your floor 10, all the way to the pent house. I enjoyed the build up to the ending of the novel. The book was realistic, and full of suspense and intrigue, and I highly enjoyed it!
The book dealt with a scenario that could be real life, to well anyone, even some of the best law firm affiliates you cant think of really. The author played on their words well and built a very suspenseful book, it kept me guessing at points, and I say it was a read that was enjoyable, and real in more ways than one! I would for sure say, its a must read and I recommend this, its a book that is truthful and real.
