Review: Legal Tender (The Reluctant Hustler, Book 5) by J. Gregory Smith

 

Genre: Thriller/Crime Fiction

Description:

“Hustlers still need rules.

Chaos reigns across Philadelphia as lawlessness spreads like a disease. Even the Philly Irish Mob is unable to combat the rampant crime wave that hits businesses under their protection.

For some reason, the authorities refuse to curtail the growing violence and if Kyle Logan and his crew of misfit hustlers cannot find out why and then stop it, the city will be consumed by mobs and vigilantes warring for control and survival.”

Author:

J Gregory Smith is the author of several thrillers, some self-published and some published by Thomas & Mercer. He lives in Wilmington, Delaware with his wife and son.

Appraisal:

This is the second book I’ve read in The Reluctant Hustler series and I’m struck by the interesting place that Kyle, the protagonist, has positioned himself. He’s obviously a criminal by any reasonable definition, frequently breaking the law in various ways, the hustler part of the series title. However, as the rest of the name of the series indicates, he is reluctant about this. He has his limits and much of what he does, even when breaking the law, is doing something aimed at making things better in some way for others. It’s an interesting juxtaposition and I think sets the reader up to overlook more borderline actions from Kyle without questioning them than they might typically do for a protagonist. It also makes for a intense read that had me pulling for Kyle and his cohorts and never being quite sure where things were going or how it was all going to end. Definitely a fun and thought-provoking read.

Buy now from:            Amazon US        Amazon UK

FYI:

A small amount of adult language.

While the 5th book in a series that I’ve only read one other book in, each book stands alone and reading earlier books before this one is not necessary to understand what is going on.

Format/Typo Issues:

A small number of proofing misses.

Rating: **** Four Stars

Reviewed by: BigAl

Approximate word count: 90-95,000 miles

Reprise Review: Foreign Relations by Rebecca Forster

 Genre: Mystery/Police Procedural

Description:

“Traffic in downtown Los Angeles turns hellish when a woman hurtles from an overpass and crashes through the windshield of a car on the 110 Freeway. Narrowly escaping death in the epic pile up, Detective Finn O’Brien and his partner, Cori Anderson, throw themselves into the fray: Cori to triage and Finn rushing toward the flaming car in a desperate bid to save the woman. But survival is not an option. As the car explodes in a fireball, she dies in his arms. When her autopsy reveals a gruesome secret, Finn is determined to prove her death was no accident. Together with Cori, he follows a twisted trail that leads into the veiled and exotic world of L.A.'s exiled African community, the luxurious enclaves of Hollywood and finally to the doorstep of a third world despot whose cruelty knows no bounds and whose influence has a stranglehold on the City of the Angels.”

Author:

The author of numerous thrillers in multiple subgenres, USA Today bestseller Rebecca Forster lives in Los Angeles with her husband.

Appraisal:

This is only the second book in the Finn O’Brien Thriller series and already I feel like I’ve turned into a raving fan. In my mind, the case Finn and his partner Cori are working on doesn’t matter. They’re the reason I’m reading. The police procedural series that I’ve liked the most drew me in because of the appeal of the regular characters. That’s the solid foundation that’s needed for any series to succeed. Here, it’s not only the positive attributes Finn and Cori bring to the table (integrity, doggedness, and loyalty to name a few), but their imperfections as well, which lay that foundation. Not being able to tell the other how they feel about them is just one imperfection both share.

Of course, the story still has to work, and this one does. It combines international intrigue and Hollywood in the kind of story that could only take place in Los Angeles. Multiple story threads take unexpected twists before they all come together as Finn and Cori nail the culprit. I’d like to claim I saw it coming. The clues were there. But nope, that’s not who I would have guessed was whodunit.

Buy now from:            Amazon US        Amazon UK

FYI:

While the second in a series, this book can be read as a standalone.

Format/Typo Issues:

My review is based on a pre-release ARC and I can’t judge the final product in this area.

Rating: ***** Five Stars

Reviewed by: BigAl

Approximate word count: 95-100,000 words

Review: Humdrum by Mitchell Brockman

 

Genre: Literary Fiction/Psychological Thriller

Description:

“How long can someone endure the silence? For David, the answer’s not long enough.

In the hum of an office filled with laughter and camaraderie, David Clark exists on the edges unseen, unheard, and trapped in a cycle of quiet isolation. Nights in his empty apartment feel endless, and the world outside his window moves on without him.

When a coworker’s kindness cracks open the walls he’s built, and a sudden tragedy shakes his fragile existence, David is forced to confront the silence he’s lived with for too long. As his carefully guarded life unravels, he must decide: will he take the risk to finally connect, or retreat further into the safety of solitude?”

Author:

“Mitchell Brockman is a storyteller at heart, diving into whatever genre sparks curiosity and creativity. With an adventurous approach to writing, his debut novel, Humdrum, captures readers with its unique blend of wit, depth, and unpredictability. When not writing, Mitchell enjoys exploring the world, whether through books, conversations, or the occasional daydream. Passionate about weaving tales that connect with readers on a personal level, he believes every story is an opportunity to discover something new. Humdrum is just the beginning, with plenty more stories waiting to be told.”

Appraisal:

I’m struggling with what to say about this book. If you’re wondering why, it’s hard to explain without giving away too much of what happens. I’m also struggling with what to think of it. Before I started reading I wasn’t sure what I expected from the story or where I thought it might go. For almost all of the book I had no idea where things were going or even, of the potential directions things could logically go, which path I was hoping for, as often none of the realistic choices were very enticing. However, odds of taking something positive from this story in the end are good. Hopefully it will get you wondering about the people around you that you often ignore. That could be good for both of you.

Buy now from:            Amazon US        Amazon UK

FYI:

Only one use of an adult word, but definitely aimed at older teens or adults based on other content.

Format/Typo Issues:

No significant issues.

Rating: **** Four Stars

Reviewed by: BigAl

Approximate word count: 45-50,000 words

Review: Red Dirt Unplugged by Josh Crutchmer

 Genre: Non-Fiction

Description:

“Red Dirt Unplugged is the view from the wings as the Red Dirt music scene reaches heights never-before thought possible. At the crossroads of country, roots rock, and Americana, artists in the scene are enjoying sustained worldwide attention at a large scale for the first time in history. Wyatt Flores, Kaitlin Butts, Southall, Josh Meloy and more are walking through the doors opened by The Turnpike Troubadours and all the artists before them who first put the cracks in those same doors”

Author:

Currently the print planning editor at the New York Times, Josh Crutchmer has a long history in journalism having worked for several newspapers around the country before landing at the Times. During that time his specialty has often been  music journalism which he still does on the side, reporting at times for various newspapers as well as Rolling Stone magazine. He has Two prior books. For more, visit his website.

Appraisal:

This is Josh Crutchmer’s third book. The first, Red Dirt, explored the history and current state of the Red Dirt music scene, basically the Oklahoma music scene with comparable music from elsewhere, especially Texas, getting mention when it makes sense. His second book was much the same, but covering the music scene of the mountain states, mainly music with its roots in Idaho. This book picks up the red dirt scene, exploring changes that have happened after the period covered by the first book right up to just barely before the book was released. For those who are fans of red dirt music, especially if you read and liked Crutchmer’s prior books, getting this is an easy decision. The structure is much the same as the prior books with each chapter discussing a specific artist, often including an interview with the artist to understand their musical history (if they’re fairly new to the scene) or what’s new with them, if they’re old-timers. You’ll also find a bit of foreshadowing if you’re curious as to what Crutchmer’s fourth book is going to explore.

Buy now from:            Amazon US        Amazon UK

FYI:

Some adult language.

Format/Typo Issues:

A small number of typos and proofreading misses.

Rating: **** Four Stars

Reviewed by: BigAl

Approximate word count: 65-70,000 words

Review: Little Brother by Adam Cosco

 

Genre: Horror/Supernatural

Description:

“Leslie Adams is losing time. Waking up with scars she can’t explain and haunted by blackout spells she doesn’t remember, Leslie is diagnosed with depression and self-harm. But deep down, she knows the truth is far more sinister.

As her mental state unravels, disturbing visions and erratic behaviors consume her, convincing her that something evil has taken root inside her. Her struggle to maintain control pits her against a dark force she can't understand—until a terrifying revelation shatters everything she believes.

Little Brother is a chilling psychological horror novella that blends supernatural suspense with a shocking twist, perfect for fans of The Silent Patient and Hereditary.”

Author:

“Canadian-born Adam Cosco discovered his passion for storytelling at the renowned American Film Institute, where he sharpened his skills in filmmaking and screenwriting. Today, Adam channels his creative energy into writing novels that explore the darker sides of humanity, specializing in horror, psychological thrillers, and dark comedy.”

Appraisal:

This is a wild story. Horror with a touch of a supernatural feel with a unique resolution that I certainly didn’t see coming. It’s a quick read that should keep you engaged, trying to figure out what is going on. As a note prior to the beginning indicates, the book is based on what was originally a screenplay the author wrote and as I read it the feelings I got were often like what I get watching a movie.

Buy now from:            Amazon US        Amazon UK

Format/Typo Issues:

No significant issues.

Rating: **** Four Stars

Reviewed by: BigAl

Approximate word count: 30-35,000 words

Review: Rebel Mine by Lyn Horner

Genre: Historical Fiction/Historical Romance

Description:

“This enemies-to-lovers romance opens in the winter of 1798, when Ireland is on the verge of rebellion against British rule. Colin Wainwright is a son of Anglo-Irish aristocrats and a former captain in the British Army. He deplores how the native Irish are treated yet feels a grudging loyalty to the crown.

Brenna O’Hanlon is a daughter of tenant farmers. As a young girl living on the Wainwright estate, she adored Colin from afar. Until her brothers attempted to kill his father, Squire Wainwright, for seducing their older sister. The family fled to Dublin, where Brenna became a housemaid.

Ten years later, Colin meets the new housekeeper, none other than Brenna—hired under a false name by his father. Judging her far too young for such a post, he accuses her of being his father’s latest doxy. Her temper flares, but she convinces him she is no such thing. Colin hatches a plan, making it appear that the two are lovers in order to thwart the squire’s wicked plans for Brenna. Although she hates this shameful deception, it inevitably feeds the growing attraction between her and Colin.

However, Brenna has a secret. She’s a spy for the United Irishmen, a society dedicated to Irish liberty. She means to intercept messages between Squire Wainwright and a high-placed militia officer. Her brothers, Rory and Kevin, followed her north to pass on any information she obtains. She has little success, but takes guilty pleasure in romantic, sometimes humorous interludes with Colin.

Their story takes a dark turn when an incident involving loyalist bullies infuriates Colin. Upon discovering Brenna’s true identity and mission, he comes to a decision that changes both of their lives. Intrigue and violence dog their steps as the country rushes toward war. In spite of such harrowing circumstances, or perhaps because of them, the flames of desire and a deepening love bind the unlikely pair tighter and tighter.

Rebellion breaks out on May 23rd. Brenna and Colin are caught up in the fighting. Will they attain a very personal victory in the midst of war?”

Author:

Lyn Horner resides in Texas with her husband and several beloved cats. Trained in the visual arts, Horner worked as a fashion illustrator and later as an art instructor for Art Instruction Schools (famous for their "Draw Me" heads.) After quitting work to raise her children, she took up writing as a creative outlet. This hobby grew into a love of historical research and the crafting of passionate romances based upon that research.  She is a member of Romance Writers of America, Yellow Rose Romance Writers, and Celtic Hearts Romance Writers.

To learn more about Lyn Horner visit her website, or Facebook page.

Appraisal:

This book has a relationship that fits what you’d expect from a book in the romance genre. Throw in the historical setting and you could call it a historical romance or historical fiction and it would be tough to argue with either description. If you’re into historical romance or Irish history this is a good fit. If you’re into both, it’s a no-brainer. I found both aspects drew me in, but there is also lots of adventure as a rebellion for Irish independence kicks off, drawing our two main characters into this conflict. It all made for an engaging adventure that kept me hanging on every word.

Buy now from:            Amazon US        Amazon UK

FYI:

Some mild adult content.

Format/Typo Issues:

No significant issues.

Rating: ***** Five Stars

Reviewed by: BigAl

Approximate word count: 95-100,000 words

Reprise Review: Molten Dusk by Karissa Laurel

 Genre: Urban Fantasy/Mythology/Romance

Description:

“While recovering from a devastating betrayal, Solina becomes increasingly drawn to Thorin as he helps her hunt down Skoll, the mythical wolf who vowed to kill her. If she can find and destroy the beast, she’ll bring a swift and brutal end to her enemies’ schemes. But nothing ever goes as planned in Solina’s strange new world.

During her search for Skoll, Solina uncovers a plot to unleash a battalion of legendary soldiers and launch an apocalyptic war. Before she and her allies can locate the fabled army, several ghosts from her past return to haunt her. Solina must fight for life and the fate of the world, or her hopes for love and a peaceful future will go up in flames.”

Author:

“Karissa lives in North Carolina with her kid, her husband, the occasional in-law, and a very hairy husky. Some of her favorite things are coffee, chocolate, and super heroes. She can quote Princess Bride verbatim. She loves to read and has a sweet tooth for fantasy, sci-fi, and anything in between. Sometimes her husband convinces her to put down the books and go to the flea market to find something rusty to reuse and purpose.”

To learn more about Ms. Laurel stalk her on Facebook.

Appraisal:

WOW! Karissa Laurel is a wonderful storyteller. All of her characters are authentic and well written with depth. The plot is riddled with twists that keeps the tension and intrigue high. There is double-crossing as well unexpected help when you least expect it. And epic battles with mindless soldiers that Solina’s fire can’t harm.

Solina’s journey is enhanced by a vision quest, which helps her sort out the nightmares she is having and the guilt she feels about her brother’s death. Thorin also shares some of his fond memories as well as heartbreaking times of his past with Solina.

Through it all Solina remains true to herself, meaning she still defies Thorin occasionally. Despite that, they both do their share of saving each other in dire times. Solina knows how Thorin feels about her, but she is strong-willed and won’t admit her emotional walls are crumbling.

There is so much more I haven’t mentioned and I can assure you that you will not be disappointed in Molten Dusk. All plot points are tied up nicely with a satisfying ending. I’m not sure if this series is finished though, I can see other stories stemming from this solid foundation.

Buy now from:            Amazon US        Amazon UK

FYI:

Molten Dusk is book three in THE NORSE CHRONICLES. I would recommend reading this series in order starting with Midnight Burning then Arctic Dawn.

Format/Typo Issues:

No significant proofing errors.

Rating: ***** Five Stars

Reviewed by: ? wazithinkin

Approximate word count: 90-95,000 words

Review: Theft of Fire: Orbital Space #1 by Devon Eriksen

 Genre: Science-Fiction

Description:

In a post-government post-Terran world, space-based humanity is beholden to mega-corporations. The life style is largely based on alien tech, found on Sedna (once a planet, now demoted). Said tech caused the Artifact Wars between corporations ‘mining’ the alien tech discovered on Sedna. Now, life goes on between planets and hubs. People eat ersatz food and breathe recycled air. The rich get ridiculously rich and everyone else scrapes a living. Sound familiar? Eriksen draws good parallels with the way we live now.

Author:

Eriksen is a retired engineer who has consumed SF all his reading life. Back in the day, he says, SF was about what marvels await us (and, as anyone of a certain age interested in SF knows, quite a lot of science started life as fiction). But now, says Eriksen, too much SF is about how we’ve messed up and just how bad our failure is going to hurt. So he has set out to write stories to give his readers something to love.

This is his first novel. (I look forward to more.)

Appraisal:

Eriksen’s first novel has won several awards in the genre. And he has a ridiculous number of reviews on Amazon for a self-published author. I agree with the awarders and fellow reviewers: he has got the goods. This is a fine, pacy read.

The nub of the book – as trailed by Eriksen in his publicity – is a hidden treasure at the furthest edge of our solar system. Three beings are thrown together to go get it. They hate each other. (Not a lot of subtlety about this book). And the getting of the McGuffin turns out to be way more difficult than they imagined. (Of course.) But they persevere. 500 (or so) pages later the outcome of this particular adventure is certain. A sequel MUST follow!

There are little problems with the book: it could be shorter (there is a lot of repetition), there could be less ‘will they won’t they’ about two of the characters, there could be less swearing (I’m good with Anglo-Saxon, but in the end it began to wear even on me. The amount of effing and blinding is particularly unfortunate as, in his Afterword, Eriksen encourages readers to suggest it for their book groups.)

But these things will only occur to you after you finish the book. This is a space romp. The space ship has wonderful fictional widgets and gadgets welded together by a man whose background in engineering shines through. His world-building is first class. His AI and computer extrapolations are too.

If you enjoy hard SF you will like this book.

Buy now from:            Amazon US        Amazon UK

FYI:

A LOT of swearing.

Format/Typo Issues:

I wasn’t clear if this was an ARC or not. There are some proofing infelicities which may have been caught at a later stage, some of which do affect sense.

Rating: **** Four Stars

Reviewed by: Judi Moore

Approximate word count: 150-155.000 words

Review: Broken Voyage by Lindsey Kinsella

 Genre: Thriller/Dystopian/Horror

Description:

“Stranded in the Arctic, the international crew of an illegal whaler find themselves in a race for survival. Can they survive the cold, the sea, and, most of all, each other?

Pushed to desperation in a bleak world ravaged by climate change, Lora M’Bandi flees her homeland to join a group of unlikely outcasts aboard the whaling ship Livyatan. When an explosion rips through the vessel, the crew become shipwrecked deep inside the Arctic Circle—sabotaged by one of their own. Now, they must trek across the treacherous sea ice to reach dry land before the ice retreats—all the while with a traitor in their midst and fearsome predators stalking their every move.

Who will make it out of this harrowing tale of horror and survival?”

Author:

“Lindsey Kinsella is a Scottish science fiction and fantasy author.

​While a qualified and experienced naval architect and avid classic car enthusiast, he always reserved space in life for his fascination with science, nature, and paleontology. This drove his writing process as he aspired to write tales of the rich and complex story of life on Earth.”

For more, check out their website.

Appraisal:

This is an intense story with an interesting story world. The story world is in the near future and gives this tale a dystopian setting. Climate change has made it so some parts of the world are uninhabitable, but people from those areas who are trying to flee elsewhere have to sneak in because other countries don’t want them. At least one of the characters in this book is one of those people who snuck into a liveable country and is now working on an illegal whaling ship to survive. After all, you need to have food and somewhere to sleep, even in a new country, right? Why whaling is a thing again, you’ll have to read the book, but the adventure really ramps up when the whaling boat is shipwrecked. They quickly figure out that one of the crew is responsible for sabotaging the ship, but not who it was. Now the boat’s crew has to figure out a way to get to dry land while they still have a chance, but no one knows who they can and can’t trust. As you can imagine, this makes for a tense time as well as an engaging read as the reader tries, along with the ship’s crew, to figure out how they can make it to safety and who they can and can’t trust. Guessing wrong could be fatal, at least for the characters. The reader should be safe.

Buy now from:            Amazon US        Amazon UK

FYI:

Some adult language. The author is from the UK (specifically Scotland) and therefore uses UK spelling conventions.

Format/Typo Issues:

No significant issues.

Rating: **** Four Stars

Reviewed by: BigAl

Approximate word count: 35-40,000 words

Review: Chasm of Exiles by Seeley James

 Genre: Thriller

Description:

“Haunted by a past riddled with violence, former Army Ranger Jacob Stearne finds himself navigating the treacherous world of corporate espionage for the enigmatic billionaire, Pia Sabel.

When a renowned professor is found murdered, the prime suspect is a powerful Chinese executive, and the motive is a stolen equation capable of shifting global power: the Chaac Equation. The equation can produce batteries storing ten thousand times the kilowatt hours, powering airplanes, cars, and homes at a fraction of today’s cost. Tasked with recovering the equation, Stearne embarks on a deadly game of cat-and-mouse across continents, matching wits with the formidable Jackie Maura, a ruthless operative from the shadowy Remmo Nidal Corporation.

In this high-stakes game of covert operations—where ethical lines look like sine waves and loyalty is thinner than fog—the President denies Jacob’s existence while his boss pushes him to his limits. Forced to confront the physical and psychological toll of his profession, Stearne must confront his own demons and make choices that will determine the fate of nations and his own redemption.

As the mission’s demands grow, his girlfriend dumps him, his comrades lose faith, and assassins get him in their sights.”

Author:

To say Seeley James has led an interesting life would be an understatement. Give the biography on the About page on his website a read and you’ll discover an interesting life that includes adopting a three-year old girl as a single father at only 19. (Be sure to click the link to dig into the details involved there.)

Appraisal:

While this is the fourteenth book in Seeley James’ Jacob Stearne Thriller series, it is only the second that I’ve read, but based on the first I read, this seems to fit the same pattern. The premise of the book is an interesting one that pulls a reader in. There are lots of characters, some obviously the good guys, some obviously not, and some it isn’t clear which category they fit. The odds of someone getting moved from one of those categories to another is always a possibility as well. How things are going to turn out, who is going to survive (or not) and how the story is eventually going to reach a resolution of some kind is never clear. Just when you think you see a resolution coming, things get shaken up. It makes for an intense story that kept me going, trying to put the pieces together, but never being certain of where the story was going to take me next.

Buy now from:            Amazon US        Amazon UK

FYI:

Some adult language.

Although part of a series, each book stands alone.

Format/Typo Issues:

No significant issues.

Rating: ***** Five Stars

Reviewed by: BigAl

Approximate word count: 120-125,000 words