Memory of Monet by Robin M. King -- Giveaway

Memory of Monet

Author: Robin M. King

Publisher: Walnut Springs

Publish Date: October 15, 2016

ISBN13: 9781599921495

Paperback: 260 pages

FTC FYI: Received a complimentary copy, all opinions and views are my own.

Goodreads Summary

Alexandra Stewart thought she was born to be a spy. Her eidetic memory, the adrenaline rush, and the calling to help people was in her blood. But after her latest mission in Paris and her confrontation with a terrorist, Alex begins to question her role working for The Company, a secret spy organization that exists in the basement of Brown University.

When the CIA asks for her assistance on a mission only she has the ability to complete, Alex agrees to travel to Mexico City as an exchange student at an elite art school, leaving behind her comatose brother and her handler who has risked everything to keep her safe and would do anything to be with her.

In an attempt to prove to herself where she belongs, Alex throws herself into the mission, only to discover that her training may not be enough. As her perspective changes, she begins to realize that her memory isn't a canvas of realistic paint strokes, but an impressionistic landscape influenced by her own emotions. Scaling buildings and discovering secrets may not be as hard as finding her own heart. And the enemy she is fighting against could be the one person closest to her. 

My Review

I have really enjoyed this series by Robin M. King.  The author does a great job of wrapping up the series and its characters, all while giving the reader a great adventure.  At times I thought I had it figured out, but Robin does a great job of planting seeds and tricking the reader into thinking they know what was going on.  Then delivering a great climax that is heart-pounding.  This time with Alex's eidetic memory flashes, though, I felt some were out of place.  The story would just get going, then she would have a memory for a page or two.  It was a great way to keep me reading, as I wanted to know what would happen in a particular scene, but at times, they felt misplaced.  The Mexico setting was very enjoyable and I loved Alex's journey into painting, like her mom.  Many fun surprises throughout and the ending was wonderful!  

4 out of 5 stars.  I love that these books are clean and I can pass them to my daughters.  The spy work is fun, intense and very entertaining.

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Deseret Book

Royal Brides by Traci Hunter Abramson -- Blog Tour/Giveaway

Royal Brides

Author: Traci Hunter Abramson

Publisher: Covenant

Published: April 1st 2016

Paperback: 304 pages

ISBN13: 9781524400071

FTC FYI: Received a paperback copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

In this eagerly anticipated companion novel to Royal Target and Royal Secrets, readers are invited back to the shimmering Mediterranean paradise of Meridia, where two royal weddings in a year are more than stressful—they’re deadly . . .

Lovely Meridian native Noelle Saldera yearns for adventure, but as the daughter of palace servants, working at Prince Stefano’s royal wedding may be as exciting as her life will get. But her options change drastically when she finds herself in the unlikely position of diffusing a bomb at the ceremony and being enlisted as the newest member of Meridian Intelligence—another wedding is in the works, and there can be no more close calls when Prince Stefano’s brother, Garrett, walks down the aisle. 

The bombing attempt at the first royal wedding leaves few clues as to the assailant’s identity. Desperate for answers, Meridian officials enlist CIA agent Jeremy Rogers to prevent a repeat occurrence at the upcoming nuptials. The beauty of the plan: the bride is Jeremy’s sister, so his cover is foolproof. What no one could anticipate is the instant connection between Jeremy and Noelle. Now, with their hearts on the line, the pair must work together to stop a seemingly unstoppable enemy before time runs out.

My Review

Royal Brides is another hit for Traci.  I really enjoyed getting back in to the Meridian world.  Traci does a great job of taking us back to these great characters and catching the reader up on the previous books (as it has been awhile since I read Royal Secrets and Royal Target), all while keeping a steady pace.  I loved Noelle.  I really appreciated what a tough and smart character she was.  What I also really enjoy with Traci's books are the short chapters.  Weird, I know, but I feel it really transitions the story quickly and makes the reader (myself included) keep reading so we can find out what happened next.  There is so much to enjoy in Royal Brides.  There is romance, some humor, spies, bomb threats,  suspense, and so much more!  

4 out of 5 stars.

Author Links

Website / Twitter / Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Seagull Book / Deseret Book

Tour Schedule: *April18th: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/, http://www.wishfulendings.com/

*April19th:http://empowermoms.net/, http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, http://sweetlymadejustforyou.com/blog/

*April20th: http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, http://www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com/ 

*April21st: http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/

*April22nd: http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/, http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/

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I, Spy by Jordan McCollum

I, Spy

Author: Jordan McCollum

Publisher: Durham Crest Press

Published: June 2013

ISBN13: 9781940096001

Paperback: 310 pages

FTC FYI: Received a PDF from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

Canada is probably the last place you'd expect to find an American spy. But even idyllic Ottawa has its deadly secrets--and so does CIA operative Talia Reynolds. She can climb through ventilation shafts, blend in at the occasional diplomatic function, even scale buildings (small ones). But there's one thing she can’t do: tell her aerospace engineer boyfriend Danny about her Top Secret occupation.

It worked for a year, keeping Danny in the dark, keeping him away from danger, keeping her secrets. And then Talia finally catches a hot case: Fyodor Timofeyev. Russian. Aerospace executive. Possible spy?

She can make this work, too--until Danny needs her at the same time her country does. And when Fyodor targets Danny? Suddenly her schedule isn't the only thing suffering. Now to save her country and her secrets, Talia must sacrifice the man she loves.

My Review

I knew by the first page that I was going to love this book.  I absolutely loved Talia's inner voice.  She loves being a spy, and she is doing her best to keep her relationship with Danny.  So many clever lines filled with lots of snark and heart.  Everything about this book is enjoyable.  I even learned Russian.  :) Jordan did a great job of explaining the Russian and worked in the phrases and abbreviations that could have been confusing, and did it well.  I loved Talia the most, but all of the characters were well-written and memorable.  Elliot and Danny were fav's too.  The plot is enjoyable and I loved the action!  I really could not guess what was going to happen next.  There were so many surprises at the turn of each page, especially during the climax, it didn't matter what time it was, I had to finish.

5 out of 5 stars.  I, Spy has also been nominated for 2013 Whitney Award.  There is a prequel short story out called Mr. Nice Spy that I can't wait to read.  In I, Spy, there was a hint of something between Elliot and Talia in the past.  This prequel is about that...  Also Spy for a Spy should be out this November!

Author Links

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble