Review: Running Wild by Linda Howard and Linda Jones

Running Wild
by Linda Howard and Linda Jones
Series: The Men from Battle Ridge #1
Publisher: Random House/Ballentine
Publication date: November 27, 2012
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Purchase: Barnes and Noble/Amazon/Book Depository
Source: purchase 
*purchase through buy links supports this blog

In book 1 of this steamy new contemporary Western romance series by two blockbuster authors, a cowboy and a woman on the run take a stand and fight for love. Carlin Reed lives in fear, off the grid, moving from place to place. So Battle Ridge, Wyoming, a small town in the middle of nowhere, seems like a good place to lie low for a while. But after becoming cook and housekeeper to cattle rancher Zeke Decker, Carlin suspects that she’s made her first mistake. Rugged, sexy, and too distracting for his own good, Zeke is pure temptation mixed with something deep and primal that makes Carlin feel almost safe. Soon things are getting way too hot in the kitchen. Zeke doesn't challenge Carlin’s terms: cash, dead bolts, and no questions. It is easy to see that she’s a woman in trouble. Problem is, he’s so blindsided by his attraction to her he can’t think straight. Zeke tries to stay all business, no complications—but that game plan is sabotaged the second Carlin gets under his skin. And when her terrifying past follows her to the ranch, Carlin faces a heartbreaking choice: run away from the man she loves, or put him in the crosshairs of a madman.

One of my favorite genres is romantic suspense and  when you add a smexy, drop dead gorgeous cowboy, this little woman is a happy reader. I read Dani @ Paulette’s Papers  review of Running Wild where she declared she was reading this over and over!  *Naturally I bought it!* Howard and Jones provided me with a suspenseful thriller and a delicious romance. I literally consumed this full size novel in one sitting.

The tale begins when we meet Carlin Reed as she anxiously looks in traffic for signs of a familiar blue car. Carlin is on the run from a bad date turned stalker. When she fears him closing  in she heads north and finds herself in a place called Battle Ride, Wyoming. She ends up becoming a cook and housekeeper to cattle ranch owner Zeke Decker and the tale that unfolds has humor, romance and danger. I became completely swept up in this fast paced tale and its delightful characters.

Carlin Reed is sweet, determined, confident and deathly afraid. Living off the radar, Battle Ridge seems safe at least for a little while. I really admired Carlin, and laughed at some of her escapades.  Zeke is a cowboy trough and through and totally swoon-worthy. He works hard, has a ferocious appetite and is good to his employees. He is not looking for a woman, he’s been there done that! There is only one problem; Carlin. The dance these too waltzed was sweet, hot and endearing. As a couple I felt the spark from their first encounter. I love wicked banter and their chemistry was intoxicating. Zeke’s patience and handling of Carlin stole my heart as did the crew. The folks in Battle Ridge are exactly what you would expect in a small town with all the charming qualities. Kat, the diner owner was a hoot and the cow-hands on the ranch provided humorous and heartwarming moments. A few of the secondary character were developed and I am hoping we get their story. Of course the stalker was creepy and getting inside his head gave me the shivers.

Small town romances always offer such wonderful, colorful characters and I love watching the romance unfold and the humorous side of life in rural America. Running Wild added a suspenseful thriller to the plot and it captivated me as I turned page after page in search of resolution and my HEA. The writing and pacing of the overall arc was well done, and the romantic aspect felt genuine and built slowly. The collaboration was well done, and their voice blended to create a fast paced, entertaining and suspenseful read.

Running Wild will appeal to both readers of suspense and romance. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

Four cups of Mountain Brewed Coffee out of five

Review: The Light in the Ruins by Chris Bohjalian

The Light in the Ruins
by Chris Bohjalian
Publisher: Random House (Doubleday)
Publication date: July 9, 2013
Genre: Historical Fiction 
Source: ARC provided in exchange for unbiased review
Purchase*:Barnes and Noble/Amazon/Book Depository
*purchases made through buy links support this blog

From the New York Times bestselling author of Midwives and The Sandcastle Girls comes a spellbinding novel of love, despair, and revenge—set in war-ravaged Tuscany.

1943: Tucked away in the idyllic hills south of Florence, the Rosatis, an Italian family of noble lineage, believe that the walls of their ancient villa will keep them safe from the war raging across Europe. Eighteen-year-old Cristina spends her days swimming in the pool, playing with her young niece and nephew, and wandering aimlessly amid the estate’s gardens and olive groves. But when two soldiers, a German and an Italian, arrive at the villa asking to see an ancient Etruscan burial site, the Rosatis’ bucolic tranquility is shattered. A young German lieutenant begins to court Cristina, the Nazis descend upon the estate demanding hospitality, and what was once their sanctuary becomes their prison. 1955: Serafina Bettini, an investigator with the Florence police department, has her own demons. A beautiful woman, Serafina carefully hides her scars along with her haunting memories of the war. But when she is assigned to a gruesome new case—a serial killer targeting the Rosatis, murdering the remnants of the family one-by-one in cold blood—Serafina finds herself digging into a past that involves both the victims and her own tragic history. Set against an exquisitely rendered Italian countryside, The Light in the Ruins unveils a breathtaking story of moral paradox, human frailty, and the mysterious ways of the heart. 

I requested to review The Light of the Ruins by Chris Bohjalian for three reasons. I have loved every book Chris has ever written, it’s set in Italy and takes place during and after WWII a period in history I find fascinating. Once again Bohjalian delivered and I found myself swept up in the murder mystery, the history of the Rosatis family and Germany’s impact on Italy and its people. Three word review: captivating, dark and breathtaking.

The tale begins in 1955 Florence, Italy with a gruesome murder. Here we meet Serafina Bettini. She is a detective and the only woman on the force. She is both beautiful and scared. Her scars run deep inside and out. As she investigates the case brings up memories of her past and the final years of the war. The case has her revisiting 1943 and the noble lineage of the Rosatis family. The tale that unfolds gives us an intimate look at this family, the countryside, Bettini, and into the mind of a killer.

Bohjalian delivers memorable characters and shares all of their idiosyncrasies.  Serafina Bettini is an interesting and dark character. As a detective she is quite insightful and I enjoyed how she pursed the case. Her personal life is complicated, and those around her may think they know her but most will never see past the glamour she has so carefully constructed.  Her flat mate perhaps knows her best, and he helped reveal the darker facets of her personality. I pitied her but also found her to inspiring. The Rosatis family was beautifully revealed to us. We saw the toll the war has on them, the dynamics of their family and believe me you will become attached as they tug and rip at your heart. Christina the only daughter, dubbed by locals as the princess, came of age during the war and although sheltered, felt the effects it had. Her story was touching and I felt for her. We meet a young German soldier and I liked how Bohjalian was able to show both the patriot side of him and the man within the uniform. He shares their forbidden love from the sweet side to the dark and I was completely enthralled. German soldiers, other members of the Rosatis family, partisans and those Serafina interviewed helped to give substance to the tale(s) as they unfolded. While the tale was told in third person, the author gives us a first person perspective from the killer and it was terrifying to glimpse inside his mind.

I really enjoy the pacing of The Light in the Ruins and the panoramic view the author gave us of Italy during and after the war. This novel didn't have quite the depth of Sandcastle Girls but I think it will make it appeal to a larger audience. Usually when a novel deals with the past and present I find I enjoy the past more, but he made both parts of the story compelling keeping me equally enthralled. The time periods alternate back and forth and it flowed effortlessly. Once again the author has done his research making this fiction come to life with historical facts. 1943-44 was a difficult time for Italy. Germany who declared themselves ally to Italy slowly became occupier. Citizens were divided in loyalties and others just did whatever was necessary for the safety of their families. Bohjalian brought all of this to life and captured both the beauty and the pain of this era. Fast forward to 1955 and we see Italy after the war, and what happen to the Rosatis family; the cost of the war evident in their faces. I found Serafina’s story fascinating and enjoyed how the details were slowly revealed to us. The author didn't gloss over the fact that both war and murder are ugly; instead he shows us all sides from the residents to the occupiers. Those who enjoy WWII historical fiction will find this telling to be realistic. The murder ties the characters together and was clever and compelling. The identity of the killer had me guessing until almost the end, when the pieces clicked for me before the reveal and it felt very genuine. The tale wrapped up nicely and I closed the book feeling like I knew the characters personally. While parts of the tale where dark I felt light for having read it. I have always wanted to travel to Italy to see our ancestor's home and the author has me yearning to see Tuscany.

The Light of Ruins is a book I would recommend to both fans of character driven and historical novels, while the tale is steeped in history it flowed effortlessly and felt timeless. Chris Bohjalian is an author on my auto-buy list and I cannot wait to read more of this authors work.

Four and half cups of coffee out of five

The Sunday Post #58 ~sharing blog news and book haul

The Sunday Post ~ 58th Edition

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. 

For the month of May I read 25 books, 24 of which were ARCs. Thanks to everyone who participated in the Clean Sweep ARC Challenge and to all the lovely hosts. This was a good week, and on Friday I got an ARC of Parasite by Mira Grant and have been deliriously happy ever since. I am reading it, but cannot post anything until at least 2 weeks before its release in October..eep. 

Last week on the blog we brought you

• Surprising Lord Jack by Sally MacKenzie (review)
• Dare You To by Katie McGarry  (review) 
• Waiting on Wednesday
• I Do..or Die by Donna Cummings (review)
• 5th Wave by Rick Yancey (review)
• The Night is Watching by Heather Graham (review) 
• Clean Sweep Wrap Up Post

This week on the blog look for

• Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness (giveaway)
• What the Duke Desires by Sabrina Jeffries (review)
• Down London Road by Samantha Young (review)
• Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay (review)
• Big Summer Sky by Linda Lael Miller (review)
• Bad Boys of Romance Hop (giveaway)
• The Registry by Shannon Stoker (review)
• Coffee Pot Reviews: The Marriage Bargain by Jennifer Probst & The Weekend Arrangement by Barbara Wallace

Around the Blogosphere 

• Apocalypse! An eight day blog hop hosted by Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings, Maja@ The Nocturnal Library and Christy@ Love of Books. Starting July 13th they will kick off the event with a eight day blog hop giveaway! Join in Here
• Candace @ Candace's Book Blog is a host for the Once Upon A Time Read-a-Thon July 8th to the 10th, stop by and sign up! 
• Whitney @ She Is Too Fond of Books, needs guest bloggers for August since her brother is getting married. Can you help her? 
• Ashley @ The Bookish Brunette is kicking of Zombie Craze 2013 don't miss it! Great books and tons of giveaways!
• Jodie @Uniquely Moi Books is looking to trade books, go see what she has and check out her wishlist. 

New arrivals to the Caffeinated Cafe

For Review

Parasite by Mira Grant
thanks to Orbit /Hachette

A Clockwork Heart by Liesel Schwarz
thanks to Random House 

What the Bride Wore by Jade Lee
thanks to Sourcebooks 

The Farm by Emily McKay thanks to
my friend Bea @ Bea's Book Nook 

The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon 
thanks to Bloomsbury USA 

Won/Gifted or for Review Consideration

Won Dragon Necklace and signed swag 

from author Cindy Mercury 

Burning by Elana K. Arnold 

thanks to Random House 

Demanding Ransom 

gifted from author Megan Squires

Purchased

That's my news what's happening in your world? 
*leave a comment and I will stop by*

Waiting on Wednesday # 44

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme

 hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine

Blackout 

by Robison Wells

Series: Blackout #1

Publisher: HarperTeen

Publication date: October 1, 2013

Genre: YA Science fiction/thriller

Pre-order*: Barnes and Noble/Amazon/Book Depository

*purchases through buy links help support this blog

Laura and Alec are trained terrorists.

Jack and Aubrey are high school students.

There was no reason for them to ever meet.

But now, a mysterious virus is spreading throughout America, infecting teenagers with impossible powers. And these four are about to find their lives intertwined in a complex web of deception, loyalty, and catastrophic danger—where one wrong choice could trigger an explosion that ends it all. In Blackout, Wells delivers a lightning-fast, nail-bitingly intense thriller that's perfect for fans of The Maze Runner and I Am Number Four-set in a complex and unpredictable world, where the greatest threat comes from a weapon that no one knows how to control...and the most chilling questions have yet to be answered.

A virus is spreading! (we've heard that before) The twist is it giving teens super POWERS! Add in trained terrorists and I am in! This promises to be a thriller and perfect for fans of I Am Four..which is me!! 

A Clockwork Heart 
by Liesel Schwarz
Series: Chronicles of Light and Shadow #2
Publisher: Random House
Publication date: August 13, 2013
Genre: Adult Steampunk
Pre-order*: Barnes and Noble/Amazon/Book Depository

FOR BETTER OR CURSE. That might as well have been the wedding vow of Elle Chance and her new husband, the ex-Warlock Hugh Marsh in the second book of this edgy new series that transforms elements of urban fantasy, historical adventure, and paranormal romance into storytelling magic. As Elle devotes herself to her duties as the Oracle—who alone has the power to keep the dark designs of Shadow at bay—Marsh finds himself missing the excitement of his former life as a Warlock. So when Commissioner Willoughby of the London Metropolitan police seeks his help in solving a magical mystery, Marsh is only too happy to oblige. But in doing so, Marsh loses his heart . . . literally. In place of the flesh-and-blood organ is a clockwork device—a device that makes Marsh a kind of zombie. Nor is he the only one. A plague of clockwork zombies is afflicting London, sowing panic and whispers of revolution. Now Elle must join forces with her husband’s old friend, the Nightwalker Loisa Beladodia, to track down Marsh’s heart and restore it to his chest before time runs out.

I enjoyed  A Conspiracy of Alchemists the first book and I am anxious to dive back into the world Schwarz has created! Is this series new to you? Read my review of book one: HERE

What Book(s) are you Waiting On? 

The Sunday Post #56 ~sharing blog news and book haul

The Sunday Post ~ 56th Edition

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. 

May is flying by and I hope those of you participating in the Clean Sweep Challenge are making progress with your goals. Anyone needed some motivation let me know and I will unleash the hellhounds. Fear not, they won't bite as long as you are reading ARC's. Lot's of fun happens around the blogosphere so be sure and check below! 

Last week on the blog we brought you

• Black Venus by James MacManus (giveaway)
• Maid of Secrets by Jennifer McGowan (blog tour-review/giveaway)
• The Seduction by M.J. Rose (blog tour-review)
• Waiting on Wednesday (+signed swag giveaway)
• Love is in Bloom (blog hop giveaway)
• After Dark by Emi Gayle (review)
• Black City by Elizabeth Richards (review)
• Caffeinated Confessions- Series, Trilogies and that Last Book Oh My!

This week on the blog look for

• The Year of Luminous Love by Lurlene McDaniel (US/CAN Giveaway)
• Girl with the Iron Touch by Kady Cross (review)
• Billion Dollar Cowboy by Carolyn Brown(review)
• Waiting on Wednesday 
• Day After By Emi Gayle (blog tour- review)
• All That Is Necessary by Jennie Coughlin  (review)
• How the Heck Did You Do That?!?! Blogger Tips & Tricks

Around the Blogosphere 

• Remember to take part in the Clean Sweep Challenges all weekend long.
• Apocalypse! An eight day blog hop hosted by Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings, Maja@ The Nocturnal Library and Christy@ Love of Books. Starting July 13th they will kick off the event with a eight day blog hop giveaway! Join in Here

• Visit Facebook.com/HarlequinBooks from May 22nd – May 31^st and create your SUMMER OF LOVE Mixtape for a chance to win a trip for YOU and THREE friends to Las Vegas. *No purchase necessary. Ends May 31, 2013 Ma

New arrivals to the Caffeinated Cafe

For Review

The Angel Stone by Juliet Dark 
thanks to Random House 

Tumble & Fall by Alexandra Coutts
thanks to Macmillan 

Blackout by Robison Wells
thanks to HarperCollins

A signed copy of Bronze Gods by A.A. Aguirre 

thanks to authors! 

For Review Consideration

The Beautiful and the Cursed by Page Morgan
thanks to Random House 

Won 

Out of Reach by Jocelyn Stover

won from Dani @ Paulette's Papers

Purchased

That's my news what's new in your world? 
*leave a comment and I will stop by*