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

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Purchase Links

Amazon / Deseret Book

Van Gogh Gone by Robin M. King

Van Gogh Gone

Author: Robin M. King

Publisher: Walnut Springs

Published: November 15th, 2015

ISBN13: 978159992982

Paperback: 242 pages

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

Goodreads Summary

“Espionage isn’t just her job, it’s a work of art.”

Seventeen-year-old Alexandra Stewart finally has a life worth remembering - a Spanish tutor who gives perfecto a new name, a roommate that could double as her sister, and a special role in a secret spy organization that exists in the basement of Brown University.

But when her colleague, Daly, returns from a recent trip to Moscow accompanied by a man she never thought she'd see again, Alex is ripped away from her life in Providence and sent across the globe in search of a stolen piece of art. In desperate need to find the Van Gogh painting, she will do anything to find it. Anything.

From Barcelona to Paris with only Daly at her side, the bonds of friendship are stretched as the duo uncover a truth neither one of them saw coming. Finding the painting could mean discovering a part of Alex she is ashamed could even exist, but without it, she could lose everything. The world around Alex threatens to corrupt the memories she holds most dear and the person she loves the most is at stake. 

My Review

Van Gogh Gone starts right where Remembrant leaves off, and the action and suspense does not let up until the end.  I love Alex.  She is a fantastic and fascinating character.  As I read, I was thinking how cool it would be to have her memory, but as I got further in the book, I thought of what a burden it would be.  I loved how Robin showed the conflict and struggle Alex was experiencing.  I loved the realization she has about it at the end of the book though.  Alex has some hard decisions to make and I really enjoyed the end result.  Truth always wins.  I appreciated how the author used flashbacks, it didn't interfere with the pacing at all, and it was needed background information.  A character returns that has a secret, well secrets, and that part really added to the story too, but it also brings more trouble for Alex.  Alex also needed to make decisions about the men in her life, and I must say, I was happy with how that turned out as well.  I'm excited for the next book!

4 out of 5 stars.

Author Links

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Purchase Links

Amazon / Deseret Book 

The Rules in Rome by A.L. Sowards -- Blog Tour/Giveaway

The Rules in Rome

Author: A. L. Sowards

Published: February 2015

Publisher: Covenant Communications

ISBN13: 9781621088820

Paperback: 291 pages

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

Goodsreads Summary

With Hitler’s forces firmly entrenched in Europe, countless heroes seek to end the madman’s reign. Bastien Ley is one of the best. Working in Italy for the Office of Strategic Services, he’s been tasked with sabotaging German convoys. When his team kills an officer headed for Rome, the man’s similarity to Bastien is undeniable, and seeing an opportunity to turn the tide of the war, Bastien makes a bold decision: he will assume the dead officer’s identity. He becomes Dietrich, an Iron Cross–wearing German officer—an ideal position from which to infiltrate the Nazi ranks in Rome. To help with his stressful assignment, his superiors send him a reinforcement in the form of the lovely Gracie Begni, an intelligent and eager radio operator with absolutely no undercover experience.

With a gulf of resentment between them, these two agents must find a way to portray a couple in love. Soon their reluctant alliance becomes much more as Bastien and Gracie find themselves getting lost in their feelings for each other. But as they engage in battle against the deadliest foe the world has ever known, the pair quickly realizes their love may be doomed. As the Rome Gestapo threatens to destroy all they’ve worked for, will Bastien and Gracie survive their charade?

My Review

This book was amazing.  I absolutely loved it!  Every page was a mystery and lead to more suspenseful situations.  Bastien and Gracie are fabulous characters.  I loved how we were able to see them from the other's point of view.  I also enjoyed how the story was told from other characters too. WWII is a fascinating subject to take on, and Amanda does an incredible job with this story.  Gracie and Bastien both are thrown into almost impossible situations.  So many thrilling events take place, I was turning pages eagerly to find out what was going to happen, but honestly, I was almost afraid to know what was going to happen next!

5 out of 5 stars.  I know I can count on Amanda for an exciting book that is well-written and a clean read.

Author Links

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Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book / Seagull Book

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Remembrandt by Robin King

Remembrandt

Author: Robin King

Publisher: Walnut Springs

Published: October 2014

ISBN13: 9781599929484

Paperback: 240 pages

FTC FYI: Received a PDF copy in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

Alexandra Stewart doesn't just walk down memory lane, she lives on it. Her eidetic memory records her experiences and plays them back, DVD style. It's great when she wants to ace a test, but not so great when she topples over a cute boy in the hallway and the humiliation plays back over and over and over . . . Brown University seems like the perfect place for the seventeen-year-old to forget her past. Hope for a normal life comes in the form of a handsome new running partner who makes her heart race and body perspire even before she laces up her shoes.

When her Russian professor gives her a puzzle that seems impossible to solve, Alex discovers that he has a secret - one that will catapult her into a world of cryptic codes and covert missions. As she tries to find a balance between the two different worlds vying for her attention, Alex wonders if she can have relationships with the ones she cares about while hiding a clandestine life, uncovering the truths of an underground enemy.

One thing is for certain, whatever happens will be forever etched into her memory. And some things are better left forgotten.

My Review

I really enjoyed this book.  Alex is an amazing girl.  I was fascinated by her eidetic memory and all of its possibilities.  This book has one adventure after another. I loved how Alex was a strong young woman, who could literally think her way out of anything.  I thought the author did a great job of introducing Alex's back story with her mom and brother.  Her father teaches at Brown.  I did love how she had a great support system in her roommate and her professors.  All the characters are fantastic and entertaining.  William especially.  He's a doll.  Alex's adventures are very page-turning and I can't wait to see what is next for her.

4 out of 5 stars.  I can't summarize anymore without giving it all away.  Hold on for a great adventure!

Author Links

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Purchase Links

Amazon / Deseret Book

Spy for a Spy by Jordan McCollum

Spy for a Spy: Spy Another Day #2

Author: Jordan McCollum

Publisher: Durham Crest Book

Published: November 13, 2013

ISBN13: 9781940096032

Paperback: 320 pages

FTC FYI: Received a PDF copy 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. And it was the last place CIA operative Talia Reynolds expected to run into fellow operative Brand Copley. AKA her new boss. AKA her ex-boyfriend.

Just the guy every woman wants to face in the middle of planning her wedding. Once again, Talia’s lying to the man she loves, but this time, to protect his heart.

After Brand takes over Talia’s latest case and steals her newest agent, he assigns her to spy on her old boss—who’s suddenly giving her every reason not to trust him. With only weeks until the big day, planning falls by the wayside as she goes into damage control mode. But when Talia discovers Brand’s real plan, fighting him is the only option, no matter what the personal and professional cost.

My Review

I was thrilled that both Spy for a Spy and I, Spy were Whitney Award finalists for 2013.  Not only was it well deserved, but I was also so happy for Jordan.  I loved, loved, loved this book. While reading, right away, I knew I was going to love this book, just like I loved I, Spy.  I loved Spy for a Spy even more, if that was even possible!  Talia is such a great character. Her snark, humor, and smarts are my favorite things about her. She is always full of surprises and just plain awesome.  Loved Danny too. Jordan is such a great author. She really knows how to draw you in and makes you keep reading until the end, and then you're wanting more. I can't wait for more from her. This book has it all!

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Smashwords 

Author Links

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

About the Author

An award-winning author, Jordan McCollum can't resist a story where good defeats evil and true love conquers all. In her day job, she coerces people to do things they don't want to, elicits information and generally manipulates the people she loves most--she's a mom.

Jordan holds a degree in American Studies and Linguistics from Brigham Young University. When she catches a spare minute, her hobbies include reading, knitting and music. She lives with her husband and four children in Utah.

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