Fast and Loose … Brain Storm

Fast and Loose by Fern Michaels

◊ FAST AND LOOSE by Fern Michaels

◊ Series: The Men of the Sisterhood, Book #2

◊ Narrator: Laural Merlington

◊ MP3 CD

◊ Listening Length: 9 hours and 4 minutes

◊ Program Type: Audiobook

◊ Genre: Action, Adventure

◊ Version: Unabridged

◊ Publisher: Brilliance Audio

◊ Scheduled Release Date: August 30, 2016

◊ Language: English

◊ ISBN-10: 1511342129

◊ ISBN-13: 978-1511342124

SYNOPSIS:

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Fern Michaels comes a new, action-packed novel.

The Sisterhood: a group of women bound by friendship and a quest for justice. Now their male allies, the Men of the Sisterhood, have formed a top-secret organization of their own, with the same goal of helping the helpless and righting the wrongs of the world.…

With the women of the Sisterhood away on a covert assignment, their significant others could be expected to kick back and enjoy a little drama-free downtime. But that’s not the way Jack, Ted, Harry, Charles, and the rest of their comrades roll. An urgent call has come to the headquarters of their organization, BOLO Consultants. Bert Navarro, head of security for Countess Anna de Silva, suspects that Annie’s deluxe casino, Babylon, is being stealthily and expertly robbed. But figuring out who’s hacking into Babylon’s security system proves more difficult than expected―and may have implications for one of BOLO’s own. The security expert working for them has unlocked one hard fact―that there are more than enough suspects to investigate. But the men of BOLO will do what it takes to prove that, even in Vegas, there’s no gambling with justice.…

If you’re looking for something similar to the ‘kick butt, take prisoners’ attitude of the Sisterhood series, it’s not in FAST AND LOOSE. Don’t get me wrong, it’s an enjoyable story just a bit different since it does feature the Men of the Sisterhood.

Once again narrator Laural Merlington does an excellent job giving each character their own unique voice. Her cadence and varying accents enhances the story. Her mannerisms bring the story to life.

The story moves at a good pace and has a few surprises along the way. The Vegas setting is vivid through the author’s descriptions.

Overall the story is entertaining, but I was hoping for the intrigue and suspense the Sisterhood series is known for. That was my bad as this is a different series and should have been viewed that way from the start. The characters are well-developed and very likable. The series has much potential as these characters continue to grow on their own merit.

FAST AND LOOSE is a pleasurable story. I look forward to seeing this series expand and continue to grow as these characters find new adventures.

Fast and Loose by Fern Michaels, The Men of the Sisterhood (Book #2), Narrated by Laural Merlington, Brilliance Audio, @2016, ISBN: 978-1511342124, Unabridged, MP3 CD, Run Time: 9 Hours and 4 Minutes (* This book is also available in eBook, hardcover, and mass market paperback.)

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Brain Storm by Elaine Viets

◊ BRAIN STORM by Elaine Viets

◊ Series: Death Investigator Angela Richman Novel (Book #1)

◊ Narrator: Tanya Eby

◊ MP3 CD

◊ Listening Length: 8 hours and 57 minutes

◊ Program Type: Audiobook

◊ Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense

◊ Version: Unabridged

◊ Publisher: Brilliance Audio

◊ Release Date: August 2, 2016

◊ Language: English

◊ ISBN-10: 1522635424

◊ ISBN-13: 978-1522635420

SYNOPSIS:

The ultra-wealthy families of Chouteau Forest may look down on a woman like death investigator Angela Richman, but they also rely on her. When a horrific car crash kills a Forest teenager, Angela is among the first on the scene. Her investigation is hardly underway, however, when she suffers a series of crippling strokes. Misdiagnosed by the resident neurologist, Dr. Gravois, and mended by gauche yet brilliant neurosurgeon Dr. Jeb Travis Tritt, Angela faces a harrowing recovery.

It’s a drug-addled, hallucinating Angela who learns that Dr. Gravois has been murdered…and the chief suspect is the surgeon who saved her life. Angela doesn’t believe it, but can she trust her instincts? Her brain trauma brings doubts that she’ll ever recover her investigative skills. But she’s determined to save Dr. Tritt from a death-row sentence―even if her progress is thwarted at every turn by a powerful and insular community poised to protect its own

Author Elain Viets took her own history of surviving six strokes and brain surgery and incorporated it into an experience for her new protagonist, Death Investigator Angela Richman. To further add to Angela’s authenticity, the author took the Medicolegal Death Investigators Training Course for forensic professionals given by St. Louis University’s School of Medicine.

Through these steps Viets has created a well-developed, realistic and likable character in Angela. She has traits and flaws readers can relate to and sympathize with. The secondary characters are unique and add depth to Viets’ new grittier mystery novel.

The setting of mythical Chouteau County comes to life through rich descriptions. Angela’s dealings with the rich and the poor makes the story plausible.

Moving at a steady pace, the story deals with murder, hospital corruption, insurance fraud and so much more. The suspense will keep you guessing as the story also highlights how Angela deals with her strokes, the brain surgery and dangerous side effects.

BRAIN STORM is a well-balanced, intriguing mystery that features a promising new protagonist readers are going to take to quickly.

Brain Storm by Elaine Viets, Death Investigator Angela Richman Novel (Book #1), Narrated by Tanya Eby, Brilliance Audio, @2016, ISBN: 978-1522635420, Unabridged, MP3 CD, Run Time: 8 Hours and 57 Minutes (* This book is also available in eBook, paperback and digital download.)

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks for stopping by today. I do so appreciate it. Have I tempted you to check out one or both of these fascinating titles? Have you given audio books a try yet?

The Forgotten…The Yellow Rose Beauty Shop

I have two amazing audios to tell you about today that are listed as coming from completely different genres. But both are by authors who’s work I so enjoy and love their series.

THE FORGOTTEN by Heather Graham

Stories about zombies bring to mind certain images I tend to shy away from, but author Heather Graham tackles the subject matter in an intriguing way that quickly pulled me in.

Narrator Phil Gigante does an excellent job giving the ‘living’ and ‘dead’ characters their own unique voice. His mannerisms are such that even the female voices capture your attention. Gigante’s interruption of the emotions and suspense enhances an already well-developed story.

FBI Agent Britt Cody finds he has a most unusual crime on his hands. A woman has been murdered in her own home by her husband. But the husband had been murdered weeks earlier in an explosion tied to a local crime boss.

Meanwhile, Lara Mayhew is settling into a new job working with a dolphin research facility. When one of the dolphins brings Lara a human finger from the lagoon, Britt is called in. The finger, along with a number of other body parts, turns out to be the dead man accused of killing his wife.

As more zombie-like killings occur, the Krewe of Hunters (an elite FBI unit of paranormal investigators) is called in. As Britt and Lara work with members of the Krewe, they soon discover everything is not what it seems including their attitude toward each other.

Graham has crafted interesting characters that draw listeners/readers in and holds them spellbound until they discover answers. She blends the paranormal with realistic for a smooth, fast-pace story filled with mystery, suspense, and touches of romance. Combining all these elements with fascinating tidbits about dolphins, Graham captures your imagination.

THE FORGOTTEN is the 16th installment in Graham’s Krewe of Hunters series, but can be listened to or read on its own. While several characters from the previous installment (THE SILENCED) return in this story, new listeners/readers won’t be left in the dark and returning fans of the series will enjoy the follow-up to a former character’s journey.

Graham brings dark and deadly zombies to life in her latest paranormal thriller.

The Forgotten by Heather Graham, Krewe of Hunters Book #16, Narrated by Phil Gigante, Brilliance Audio, @2015, ISBN: 978-1491505151, Unabridged, 7 Discs, Run Time: 8 Hours and 46 Minutes 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

THE YELLOW ROSE BEAUTY SHOP by Carolyn Brown

Living in a town where the gossip travels faster than the speed of sound might be tough, but if you had friends like Stella, Charlotte and Piper it wouldn’t matter.

These three ladies and a slew of other characters bring the town of Cadillac, Texas, to life in another Carolyn Brown’s THE YELLOW ROSE BEAUTY SHOP, the latest installment in her Cadillac, Texas series.

Narrator Laural Merlington will have you laughing and then on the verge of tears as she brings these delightful characters to life. She hits the mark every time with her mannerisms and varying accents. Her way with Southern flare emphasizes the sassiness of the characters, as well as their deep love of family and friends.

Stella’s mama wants her married and having children so she does the only thing she can do – she puts Stella’s name on the prayer list at church asking for a husband.

Heather, the bossy leader of the church’s Prayer Angels, decides to take Stella’s plight a step further and turn it into her own Marriage Ministry. With Heather’s plans in the works for a fancy ball to turn single folks into couples, Stella and her friends have their hands full if they’re going to throw a wrench in the works. To top it off, Stella’s got her own little secret that will not only shock her mama, but put the gossip tongues to wagging when they learn the identity of Stella’s mystery man.

Once again Brown brings small town charm and love of family to life through her characters. She creates characters that are believable and sincere. Her witty use of dialogue and interaction among characters quickly draws listeners/readers in. Her blend of Southern culture and friendship devotion makes this a fascinating story of romance, laughter and a touch of suspense.

THE YELLOW ROSE BEAUTY SHOP is the ideal place to turn for hours of entertainment that will warm your heart. Sexy Southern gentlemen and feisty Southern ladies some together in Cadillac, Texas, for a hair-raising good time.

The Yellow Rose Beauty Shop by Carolyn Brown, Cadillac, Texas Book #3, Narrated by Laural Merlington, Brilliance Audio, @2015, ISBN: 978-1491590522, Unabridged, 8 Discs, Run Time: 9 Hours and 41 Minutes 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks for stopping by today. Are you a fan of zombie stories? What comes to mind when you hear the word zombies? What are your thoughts on beauty shops? Do you think of them as a place where gossip thrives? I hope you find these books as enjoyable as I did.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Upside Down by Fern Michaels

Fans of author Fern Michaels’ Sisterhood series will want to check out UPSIDE DOWN, the first installment in her new Men of the Sisterhood series.

This fun story features the men of Pinewood launching their own secretive operation to serve justice. However, don’t expect a complete story as this is only the introduction to the characters and their plans for future adventures.

Narrator Laural Merlington does a great job bringing the various characters to life. Her mannerisms and pace adds depth to the story and enhances the characters. She gives distinct voices to each.

The men of the ‘Sisters’ have begun their own business called BOLO Consultants. The first case they are looking at involves Tyler Sanford, a ruthless slum lord and lieutenant governor.

This is a short audio that gives the basic step up for the Brotherhoods’ operation. It sets the group on their first mission, but doesn’t follow through to its conclusion leaving it open for the next installment.

The author has crafted fun and likable characters. She brings the normally secondary characters into the forefront giving them their own limelight.

UPSIDE DOWN is an entertaining beginning to a new series featuring familiar characters. Listeners/readers can enjoy this story on its own, but a knowledge of the Sisterhood series will enhance the storyline. The author gives just enough to entice you to come back for more.

Upside Down by Fern Michaels, The Men of the Sisterhood Book #1, Narrated by Laural Merlington, Brilliance Audio, @2015, ISBN: 978-1501224331, Unabridged, MP3 CD, Run Time: 3 Hours 7 Minutes 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

I appreciate you stopping by today. Is Spring showing its face where you live or is Old Man Winter still hanging on? Are you a fan of the Sisterhood series?

*This post contains affiliate links.

Eyes Only by Fern Michaels

The ladies of Pinewood are once again righting wrongs and the guys are backing them up in author Fern Michaels’ latest Sisterhood Series installment, EYES ONLY.

Narrator Laural Merlington does her usual brilliant job of bringing all the characters to life. Her varying vocalizations makes it sound as if each character has their own separate narrator. Her inflections are spot on adding depth to the delightful story. 

This time around the entire team, with the exception of Charles, is on tap to help Annie and Myra with their latest mission. A ruthless, wealthy man – Angus Sypder – is determined to take control of his young, twin grandchildren even though they were legally adopted from his daughter. He will stop at nothing to have what he wants no matter the cost in money or lives.

As the plan begins to take form, the group is lead to believe an old adversary that escaped from them years earlier may be head security for Sypder. Once they arrive on Sypder’s exclusive island, the group also become convinced that Charles and Fergus are being held prisoner there.

The group works their magic to make the impossible, possible and to make sure Sypder’s reign of terror comes to an end. But not all their plans work as hoped.
Michaels has crafted a unique group of characters for this series. They are funny, feisty and loyal to those they care about. The story flows quickly and is easy to follow. The excitement builds as the mission plays out.  

EYES ONLY is the 24^th installment in the Sisterhood series, but can be read/listeners to on its own. While new readers/listeners won’t be left in the dark, they won’t be able to completely appreciate the group’s actions without the background of the other missions. This is one series that should be read/listened to in order to get the best benefits.

Myra, Annie and the gang once again stand for justice and family. This is a fun and entertaining story.

Eyes Only by Fern Michaels, Sisterhood Series Book #24, Narrated by Laural Merlington, Brilliance Audio, @2014, ISBN: 978-1491536551, Unabridged, 7 Discs, Run Time: 8 Hours and 13 Minutes 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Hope you’re having a great Friday and a wonderful weekend to come. What books are on tap for you to read or listen to this weekend?

*This post contains affiliate links.

Tuesday’s Child by Fern Michaels

Things are not always what they seem.

TUESDAY’S CHILD by Fern Michaels is a feel-good story which may sound a bit odd since it focuses on a mysterious murder and deep dark secrets.

Narrator Laural Merlington does a wonderful job bringing the story to life. Her inflictions in the dialect follows the highs and lows of the story taking listeners on a roller coaster ride of emotions. Her mannerisms bring out the layers of the story.

Author Fern Michaels once again gives listeners/readers characters to love and hate. She shows a person is not always who and what you think they are. You start out hating and loving certain characters only to discover secrets that will change your thoughts about them.

Just as Georgia attorney Mikala Aulani is preparing to retire from practice, she receives an unexpected visit from Adam Star. The visit re-opens a notorious case that haunts Mikala daily. She defended Sophie Lee 10 years earlier for the murder of Star’s wife, Audrey, and lost. Mikala always believed Sophie was innocent.

Now with only weeks to live, Adam confesses to the murder. He also leaves everything in the vast Star empire to Sophie to atone for her wrongful imprisonment.

With her release from prison, Sophie is sent to Mikala’s home in Hawaii to avoid the media while settlements are made and the case is wrapped up. However, the more Mikala works to close the case, the more she uncovers with Adam’s death. She finds there are more secrets than she ever imaged that lead to Sophie’s conviction.

The fast-pace story of TUESDAY’S CHILD will keep you on the edge of your seat with anticipation and laughing at the good natured bickering between partners and friends. There are twists and turns along the way to add more plausible suspects and reasons for the murder. You may figure out the real killer before the end, but the motive will surprise you.

Author Fern Michaels’ website is www.fernmichaels.com 

Tuesday’s Child by Fern Michaels, Performed by Laural Merlington, Brilliance Audio, @2012, ISBN: 978-1423346210, 8 Discs, Listening Time: 8 Hours 47 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

 

Do you enjoy stories that keep adding more plausible suspects are you go? Thanks so much for stopping by today. Have a great Friday and remember to share a book with a friend.