All posts by Kelly S

#WOTR25 #Review – Given: Project Xol (Book 6) by Audrey Kaye/Amabel Daniels

Taken to a Xol lab, Cassidy prepares to meet the one woman who’s never wanted her. It’s not clear why the scientist requires her now, but she hangs on to two hopes—that Luke has gotten away and is safe, and that the vial of genetic material they’d fought to protect is destroyed. Life isn’t fair, but she pushes aside the cruelty of losing Luke so soon after finding his love. Survival, however it may come, is imperative, because she refuses to fail in ending the diabolical “cure.”Stranded in Mexico, Luke must contact the one person he’s always wanted to keep from danger. It doesn’t take much to convince his brother to be his backup in rescuing Cassidy from Project Xol’s team, and soon, the brothers follow her trail. Even with the help of the billionaire who’d once funded the research, it seems impossible to take down such a corrupt team hellbent on unethical experiments and producing something that can change the world forever. Despite the odds against them, they can only fight until the end, hoping they have made it in time…Given is the final book of the Project Xol series.

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

Holy what the heck in the Jason Bourne did I just finish reading?!?!?! Project Xol for the win!!!

Cassidy is one of my all time favorite characters. She started out as a meek and timid character but her strong badassedness had shown through time and time again. And she does not disappoint in Given. She is literally at the end of her rope but she knows she needs to do the right thing. She is out of tricks and out of rescuers. BUT, the tricks and rescuers are on their way. Even though she is adopted, she is such a pure and genuine person that she has made strong and unwavering friendships with others that become her family. And they are coming to help her. She has to take down her blood family and the diabolical “cure” as it is wrong. A new human subspecies….um, no thank you! When all things seem against you, monsters against humans, you have to pull out all the stops. When you have overcome so many episodes of hell, you can’t just stop. They do not stop. Not til the very end.

This entire series is a page turner! You will keep going and going and going. There is not one part of this series that I would change. Bravo!

Profile avatar for Audrey Kaye

Born and raised in Northwest Ohio, Audrey Kaye writes romantic suspense featuring strong, stubborn women and the men who can’t help but fall in love with them. Audrey lives with her husband, three daughters, and many pets, and has previously published under the name of Amabel Daniels. Her first novel, Better Than the Best, was written in 2015, and it’s been a wild ride of imagining the improbable ever since!

#Review – Stealing Dallas (Search & Seek Book 2) by Amanda Mackey


Fresh out of a stint in prison, Jagger Reed wants his life back…

Finally released from prison after serving only eighteen months of a twenty-year sentence, Jagger is excited to reunite with his disabled brother Dallas. With the help of Rosalind McAllister, the creative writing teacher at the prison, Jagger was given a full pardon and legal guardianship of his brother.

The fight to get his old life back has just begun…

When Jagger and Rose arrive to pick up Dallas from his temporary foster parent, Lena Radcliffe, they are horrified to discover she has moved out with no known address. Worried that his brother may be in danger, they enlist the help of the local police who discover Lena in Great Falls, Montana. Rose vows to help Jagger reunite with his brother.

Jagger is out for blood, and heaven help anyone who stands in his way…

Live or die, Jagger will find his brother so they can start fresh. But there’s more to Lena Radcliffe than meets the eye, and suddenly Jagger and Rose are in over their heads. They’re in the middle of something much bigger and more dangerous than a family dispute.

The clock is ticking, and they’re running out of time to figure out Lena’s motive for…

Stealing Dallas

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

The truth always wins in the end! While everything worked out and Jagger is released for the crime he didn’t commit, Dallas is missing! WHAT?!

Ok, so, I have to back this up a bit. I said this in the last review too, but I have a love/hate relationship with this series because some of what is happening because it doesn’t seem quite realistic or by the book legally.

**SPOILER ALERT**

Dallas is disabled and is in foster care but has been taken illegally across state lines. Jagger technically has custody of him and is freaking out. He and Rose take off to go after Dallas and his kidnapper. But so much of this seems off. And they end up going to house where Dallas is being kept. Jagger gets shot but the locals aren’t really doing anything. Personally, this seems like a lot of BS. BUT there is plenty of time for extremely hot sex for Rose and Jagger. And all of a sudden, the FBI steps in and BAM! Dallas is saved and everything is A OK.

**END OF SPOILER ALERT**

There are a lot of things with the investigation that were just not realistic which didn’t really sit well with me. It was a very heartwarming homecoming, but it just wasn’t quite enough to make the story great. This was more of a 3.5 for me.

Amanda Mackey profile image

Amanda Mackey was born in New Zealand and moved to Australia when she was 12 years old with her family, where she has lived ever since. She has loved books since an early age and is an avid reader. This has helped lay the foundation for her writing. She’s published 14 novels to date with plenty more on the way. An author with Limitless Publishing, she loves to spend time with family when she’s not writing or reading.

Amanda hopes to make writing her full time career and travel in the near future.

#WOTR25 #Review – Reclaim: Project Xol (Book 5) by Audrey Kaye/Amabel Daniels

Reunited with one of the Project’s original researchers held captive at a cartel compound, Cassidy is tasked with delivering answers about a so-called miracle drug. She struggles with the fear of being separated from Luke, anticipating he’ll be harmed unless she cooperates. The details the cartel wants aren’t forthcoming, and instead, she’s instructed to find another Project colleague in another city. Luke doesn’t sit still once he’s parted from Cassidy. The danger in this jungle is unlike any peril he faced in prison or on the streets, but using his head—and ignoring the ache in his heart at losing what he’s sure is love—he plans an escape.

Once they’re on their way, however, he still lacks the chance to tell Cassidy how much she means to him.They leave behind death and horror to find a scientist in the city. Wrought with doubt and confronted with hostility, they realize they have the key pieces to ending Project Xol. Faced with the responsibility of destroying the resources that could save many lives, decisions are harder to make. And when it becomes clear Cassidy is expected to be reunited with her family, the stakes are higher than ever.

Reclaim is the fifth book in the Project Xol series, which continues in Given.

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

And here we go again! Within the clutches of the cartel trying to get to the bottom of Project Xol and exactly what Cassidy’s purpose is, is becoming more and more difficult. Hendrick and Cassidy are reunited but Hendrick is in a bad way. He is able to answer some questions but some of his answers just bring up even more questions (I hate it when that happens!). Escaping was going to be difficult enough but saving anyone on the way is a suicide mission. Turns out luck was still hanging around for this hellish ride for Cassidy and Luke. As Tramer continues to come along for the craziness, everyone gets split up, chaos ensues and no one is who you think they are. This story will literally keep you on your toes. There are twists that you have no idea are coming, then BAM! The next cliffhanger!!!! Come along with me to the next book, Given, for the final ride!

Profile avatar for Audrey Kaye

Born and raised in Northwest Ohio, Audrey Kaye writes romantic suspense featuring strong, stubborn women and the men who can’t help but fall in love with them. Audrey lives with her husband, three daughters, and many pets, and has previously published under the name of Amabel Daniels. Her first novel, Better Than the Best, was written in 2015, and it’s been a wild ride of imagining the improbable ever since!

#Review – Save My Soul by K.S. Haigwood

Kendra Larkin’s life was seemingly perfect, but little did she know the path she was on was about the be forever altered. Following a tragic rappelling accident, she lands on Dr. Adam Chamberlain’s operating table.

Accepting a proposal from her handsome guardian angel, Rhyan, Kendra is tasked with saving the soul of her doctor, who also happens to be her soul mate. If completed successfully, she will keep her life; however, her life isn’t the only thing in danger … her soul is, too.

Even with Rhyan’s help, it seems there is no happy ending in sight. Torn between her newly discovered love for Rhyan, and the undeniable attraction she has for Adam, Kendra finds herself at a crossroad. With Adam’s rejection of God, and his guardian demon conspiring against her, her soul may already be lost.

Will she find a way to overcome the evil in her life, or will Adam’s guardian demon win both their souls and make Kendra his puppet in Hell?

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

Dying to find your soul mate can suck. But it can be so totally worth it!

When I first started reading I wasn’t completely sure if I was going to really like it. There was a lot of “you must believe in God,” “he has to believe in God,” etc. It’s good to believe in something. Well, I kept reading because the story was starting to get going. We are learning more about guardian angels and guardian demons. Then there is a little love triangle conflict happening. What?! There is literally so much going on that you have to keep turning the pages because if you don’t, you are bound to miss something!

Kendra is given a second chance at life but this second chance is with her soul mate… as long as she can show him love. She has one week. At the same time, she has to contend with her own guardian angel and demon, plus her family and friends.

This is an epic love story with a million roadblocks but when love conquers all evil, you never have to give up hope!

K. S. Haigwood profile image

“Far from crazy, but equally as far from normal. There are voices in my head and I occasionally talk to them.” – Kristie Haigwood

K. S. Haigwood is the author of the Save My Soul, Eternal Island and Moonrising series. By day, she is a CNC Machinist, but by night and weekend, she saves the world or destroys it in a single bound, depending on what mood she is in and if she has had her coffee. In addition to being an award winner for the ‘Life Changing Read Award’, she has also been nominated twice for Best Indie Book 2016 in the Paranormal category.

Characterization is one of K.S. Haigwood’s strongest points. You can understand each characters’ predicaments and you can almost foresee their reactions. But. There’s always a but, with this author, because Haigwood can deliver enough twists and turns to turn a tornado on its head. Just as you think you’ve figured where the story is going next, she’s duped you again.

The whole of her novels are littered with good chuckle moments, and even in the darkest hour, the thinnest hint of a silver lining is still visible among the clouds.

Shock therapy for body and soul, delivered at a hundred miles an hour with the humor and charisma of a trendsetter, Haigwood is certain to be hailed the new wonder-drug to cure all ills.

#WOTR25 #Review – Stolen: Project Xol (Book 4) by Audrey Kaye/Amabel Daniels

After another narrow escape, Cassidy hopes for a break—for any kind of a breather from constantly being on the run. She and Luke head to a safe house arranged for them by Zero, and it’s there that they find new sources of potential help. Hendrick’s journal might show a promise of where to locate the elusive scientist, but it more than digs up Cassidy’s past. Finally given a chance to recover from his injuries, Luke struggles to accept this temporary relaxed state. After all, how much longer can he and Cassidy deny their intense chemistry? Peace doesn’t last, though, as a newcomer trespasses on the property. Together, they head to Mexico in pursuit of the man who might have answers to Project Xol’s new agenda. Getting there is a challenge, but running into the cartel is a bigger dilemma… Stolen is the fourth book of the Project Xol series and it continues in Reclaim.

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

Finally….a moment to breathe. Time to think. Time to get stuck in their own heads. Cassidy and Luke continue to stay on the run but get to finally “rest,” if you can call it that. The chemistry between these two is so intense and when they finally collide you will literally FEEL the heat! The rest doesn’t last too long because we get a new character that comes to the party! Welcome Tramer! OH, and spoiler alert!!!! So many secrets are unveiled!! The reason for Luke’s prison sentence is unveiled and we get a lot more information about Cassidy’s biological family. And whew! There is sooooo much to take in! Then while looking for Hendrick, they are in the clutches of the cartel. I mean super-secret science freaks and now the freaking cartel?! What more could you ask for? There is so much crazy going on in this story that you can’t help but keep turning the page to only find that you have yet come to the end of the story. Yep, another cliffhanger. C’mon folks! Time to start reading the next book, Reclaim. See ya there!

Profile avatar for Audrey Kaye

Born and raised in Northwest Ohio, Audrey Kaye writes romantic suspense featuring strong, stubborn women and the men who can’t help but fall in love with them. Audrey lives with her husband, three daughters, and many pets, and has previously published under the name of Amabel Daniels. Her first novel, Better Than the Best, was written in 2015, and it’s been a wild ride of imagining the improbable ever since!

#Review – Defending Jagger (Search & Seek Book 1) by Amanda Mackey

Jagger Reed has a secret that could destroy lives…

And one life that could be destroyed is his disabled brother’s. Jagger is in jail for a crime he didn’t commit, and believes it’s a small price to pay to protect his family.

Rosalind McAllister is the newest creative writing teacher at Arizona State Prison…

Rose is determined to prove herself to her criminal students and not let them break her—like they did the last teacher. But when she meets Jagger Reed, she immediately knows the line between student and teacher could be easily blurred. Tall, intimidating, and way too handsome to be incarcerated, she vows to keep him at a distance.

A creative writing assignment turns into the discovery of Jagger’s innocence…

When Rose reads Jagger’s creative writing piece, she’s both astounded and impressed. His written words call to her, providing a window into his private world. But as the assignment continues, she discovers facts about Jagger’s conviction that change everything.

Determined to piece together clues that leap out from the pages, she finds much more than an articulate prisoner.

How can she save a man who doesn’t want to be saved? And can she stop her heart from getting involved while…

Defending Jagger?

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

Being honest here, I have a love/hate relationship with this story. First, I have to tell you that I did purchase and read the second book. Right out of the gate, I was a tad turned off by Rose and some of her personality toward working at the prison. She is young and naïve, and I almost disliked her right away. I was intrigued by Jagger, and you know he didn’t do the crime, but he is quite a bit of a pain. Anyhow, these two meet in the Creative Writing class and almost immediately are drawn toward each other. The relationship between these two moves incredibly fast. Some of which seems quite unreal, especially since this is happening in prison. But, as I say this, the story is unraveling and keeping my attention quite well, even though I am a smidge irritated at some of what is happening.

The story with Rose and Jagger just proves that it doesn’t matter which side of the tracks you grew up on, sometimes you just need a little trust and a little help (sometimes from the most unexpected places) to make it out on top. Again, even though I had a love/hate relationship with Defending Jagger, I am thoroughly intrigued with finding out what happens to Dallas because, whoa! I did NOT see that coming!

Amanda Mackey profile image

Amanda Mackey was born in New Zealand and moved to Australia when she was 12 years old with her family, where she has lived ever since. She has loved books since an early age and is an avid reader. This has helped lay the foundation for her writing. She’s published 14 novels to date with plenty more on the way. An author with Limitless Publishing, she loves to spend time with family when she’s not writing or reading.

Amanda hopes to make writing her full time career and travel in the near future.

#WOTR #Review – Find: Project Xol (Book 3) by Audrey Kaye/Amabel Daniels

Armed with data they don’t know what to do with, Cassidy and Luke struggle to escape the invincible recruits from Project Xol. Desperate for help, Cassidy strives to locate a safe place for Luke to recover. There’s no time to fall into a false sense of security—not when she’s wanted for alleged murder. She needs to protect her father’s intel from zealous scientists and to figure out a way to avoid the law. Trust doesn’t come easily for Luke, but he must have faith in Cassidy when he’s too wounded to protect her. Even though they have limited options on the run, he hopes they’ve found an unexpected ally in a rural location. Too high of hopes, it seems, because they’re only pushed closer to law. Captured, Luke reaches out to his brother for help. But could that one call be all it takes for the leader of Project Xol to finish him? Find is the third book of the Project Series, which continues in Stolen.

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

Holy, I don’t even know what to say! Book 3 starts exactly where book 2 ends. Literally….BANG!

I have no clue how these two keep going on, but they do. Luke is hurt bad and Cassidy has to get help, and fast. Zero, thank the gods for Zero, gets her on a path, and she finds a helpful hand. But even this helpful hand doesn’t last long. They have fallen into a bizarro mad scientist war and they were just innocent bystanders a week ago. Chaos is a constant and it is sucking them dry. However, everything that was before Project Xol just doesn’t seem important anymore. Their relationship is getting stronger. But they can both be their own worst enemy when it comes to their relationship. Each one, with good reason, questions their feelings because of the constant chaos. Is it real? Is it because they are constantly being hunted? Do they only need each other right now? They hardly know each other, but there is sooooooo much chemistry!!!!!!!

***small spoiler alert*** THEY KISS!!!!!!!

There is so much going on all the time. And so many twists! You don’t really know who to trust, when to sleep, can you go outside, will he kiss me again? (yes, he does)

You really should stop reading this review and just read Find. And as soon as you finish Find, skip reading my review for STOLEN because you will just need to read it too like I did. 😊

Profile avatar for Audrey Kaye

Born and raised in Northwest Ohio, Audrey Kaye writes romantic suspense featuring strong, stubborn women and the men who can’t help but fall in love with them. Audrey lives with her husband, three daughters, and many pets, and has previously published under the name of Amabel Daniels. Her first novel, Better Than the Best, was written in 2015, and it’s been a wild ride of imagining the improbable ever since!

#WOTR25 #Review – Lost (Project Xol #2) by Audrey Kaye/Amabel Daniels

Foiled from gathering the data Rosa had sent her to retrieve, Cassidy worries what to do next. The scientific files are lost in the sewers of NYC, but new directions arrive. Now, Cassidy is asked to collect intel that’s in Texas, locked in the archives of the man Rosa was once married to. Wounded by the lies from the only person who’d ever been her family, Cassidy carries on. Despite her confusion of her past and those she can trust, Luke has more than proven he’s reliable. There’s no doubt in Luke’s mind that he’s sticking with Cassidy for the answers to Project Xol. Besides his need to protect her, he struggles to ignore why he’s so determined to remain with her when trouble is nipping at their heels. Danger follows them once again, both from Rosa’s home to Luke’s past in prison. Getting to Texas is one matter, but obtaining the files they need is another, especially when their enemies won’t hesitate to kill. Lost is the second book of the Project Xol series, which continues in Find.

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

I am completely invested in this series! I read Lost in record time. I cannot put this down!

Reader Note: The first book and this book end in serious cliffhangers. I am expecting this throughout the series. However, the entire series is out so you can binge read! 😊

Cassidy and Luke cannot catch a break. Trouble, that belongs to neither one of them, is seriously stalking them. And on top of it all, the chemistry between these two is super intense. Such a SLOOOOOOOW burn. I feel so bad for them because just when you think they are going to get a teeny tiny little break and maybe be able to release some of the tension, then BAM! One more crazy twist and they are on the run again!

I really got intrigued because we started to learn a bit more about Luke and his past. Cassidy has quite the twist thrown at her about her past as well. As more secrets are uncovered, we start to see how Luke’s and Cassidy’s past, unbeknownst to them, are actually intertwined. Now, the how and why need to be uncovered…. if they can get the files they are after.

I literally had to pull myself away from the book to write this review. I need to run now so that I can start ‘Find’ and figure out how they are getting out of their current mess. I’m loving Project Xol!

Amabel Daniels

Amabel Daniels lives in Northwest Ohio with her patient husband, three adventurous daughters, and a collection of too many cats and dogs. Although she holds a Master’s degree in Ecology, her true love is finding a good book. When she isn’t spending time outdoors, she’s busy brewing up her next novel, usually as she lets her mind run off with the addictive words of “what if…”

#Review #Mafia #Military- American Novela by Marcus Amaro


When Filipino-American U.S. Marine Angelo Marquez receives orders to work in Spain from an old friend, the assumption of a laid-back workcation in Europe disappears when his eyes catch the attention of fiery fashion editor Elena Sanchez Vicario. Quickly, the line between military discipline and succumbing to the urgings of his heart becomes blurred when remnants of Angelo’s past are discovered, and his mid-summer romance quickly turns into a fight for survival in the streets of Seville.

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

I picked this book up on a whim while looking for something different to read. The cover grabbed attention, the blurb piqued my curiosity, and the writing kept my attention right to the very last page.

What is the essence of war? After reading this book, to me, it can mean so many different things.

Angelo is a Marine that has been in some crazy scary situations in warzones. The writing for these situations, even though I am not well versed in this lingo or situations, felt very real causing my heart to race and the hairs on my arms to rise as if I were right in the middle of the action. Angelo’s character is so easy to like that you will feel like “one of the guys”, even though you are only the reader.

Elena, what do I say about her. I have to say that I wanted to hate her. Especially at the beginning with their first encounter. I honestly wanted to strangle her and sort of got irritated because I thought I had the plot all figured out. She was this ice princess that Angelo was going to thaw out. Well, my friends, I had it all wrong!!! Give Elena a chance because she will change your mind!

Now, we have a budding romance forming, while demons from the past come forward, all while working with multiple agencies. It sort of ends up having a Jason Bourne vibe without the amnesia (and I love me some Jason Bourne!). Seriously, this book has a lot of a lot! The story hits on so many points with suspense, thriller, action, romance, hidden identities, kidnapping, military….I mean the list goes on and on and on. I highly recommend this book!

This is the first book I have read by this author and I look forward to reading many more!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

 

Marcus Amaro’s life is a dynamic story of resilience and adaptability. After a 21-year career in the US military, he discovered a hidden creative spirit and took on various roles that showcased his adventurous fire. From becoming a hibachi chef to a U.S. Marine to racing sports cars, designing clothes, and writing. Amaro has explored different paths with childlike curiosity and unending enthusiasm. Now living in San Diego, he enjoys taking on challenges and learning new things, even if he has no idea where they might lead. For him, the joy is in the journey, and he embraces each experience, hoping to surpass his own expectations as the ultimate reward. 

 



#WOTR25 #Review – Seek (Project Xol #1) by Amabel Daniels/Audrey Kaye



Cassidy is determined to find her mother at any cost…

It’s been months since Cassidy Shaw has heard from her mother, Rosa, a world-renown scientist. When she does, it’s in the form of an urgent edict to retrieve a key. Arriving at Rosa’s apartment in Cincinnati, Cassidy encounters strangers. One man who seems determined to silence her. The other, could he be her savior?

Luke Dixon enters the fray, believing his neighbor is being attacked. Never one to ignore someone in distress, he’s then shocked to realize he’s the one needing rescue. Bound together through violence, Cassidy and Luke must come to trust each other as they embark on a search, armed only with the key and Rosa’s cryptic directions. It’s a journey with unexpected answers and decades-old research. A search with more questions…and a lethal enemy who returns when least expected.

Seek is the first book in the thrilling Project Xol series. If you like gripping novels about seeking justice, entangled lead characters, and twisting outcomes, then you’ll love this romantic suspense series from top-selling author Audrey Kaye!

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

Notting Hill to Mission Impossible overnight! Holy OMG!

Reader Beware: This story ends with a major cliffhanger. I recommend being ready to dive right into the next book.

I could NOT put this book down! There was never a dull moment from the very beginning right to the very end. I started it, turned the page, it was over, I was purchasing the next in the series. Seriously, it was that good!

Cassidy is adopted. She and her mother are not super close. As both women are very independent, when Cassidy receives a letter in the mail from her mother stating, “I need your help,” it scares her deep. This letter puts so many things into motion. She is almost strangled to death and Luke saves her! Oh, and Luke. What can I say about Luke. I am still trying to figure out what he did in his past life, but he is as chivalrous as they come. However, he is definitely atoning for something. These two have a chemistry that is super intense.

These two end up needing one another more than each of them care to like at the beginning but cannot stay away from each other. The constant facing of fears can be exhausting for these two but the spiking of their heartrates and anxiety is also met with the mellowing crash of realizing survival is possible.

Seek is action packed with a lot of suspense and danger. But things are just starting to heat up!

 

Profile avatar for Audrey Kaye

Born and raised in Northwest Ohio, Audrey Kaye writes romantic suspense featuring strong, stubborn women and the men who can’t help but fall in love with them. Audrey lives with her husband, three daughters, and many pets, and has previously published under the name of Amabel Daniels. Her first novel, Better Than the Best, was written in 2015, and it’s been a wild ride of imagining the improbable ever since!