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review 2020-07-28 19:28
Fair Warning
Fair Warning - Michael Connelly

This took me almost an hour to be able to post something. I just want to scream. Trying to add tags and all of that took me a really long time too. 

 

Interesting third book looking at the character of Jack McEvoy. Or as I started to call him, his own worst enemy. I honestly dithered about 3 or 4 stars, but ultimately gave it 4 stars because I thought this one had a lot of interesting sub-plots that I was glad to see Connelly tackle (privacy and DNA). But I was tempted to give it 3 stars because Jack is beyond annoying at this point with his constant need to be a jerk and awful to Rachel. Also it's kind of annoying that Jack will get some success and then we find him 10 years later down in his fortunes (again) due to mess he did (again). Also if you are a serial killer one wonders why anyone even goes near McEvoy.

 

"Fair Warning" finds Jack McEvoy 10 years later after the events in the second book. Readers know that he and Rachel Walling had plans to open their own agency after she finishes up with the FBI. Rachel was in a Harry Bosch book, a few years back, and I can't remember what book it was. She mentions at the time that she was with Jack though as an aside to Harry. So between that Bosch book and now, Jack and Rachel are once again done. We don't get the details, initially, but just go with your gut that Jack messed things up. When you read what happens you are going to go yep he messed things up. Shocker.

 

Jack is now working at a site called "Fair Warning" that deals with consumer warnings. It doesn't sound too exciting and you wonder if Jack misses the big stories that he used to chase down. When Jack is interviewed by the police due to his connection to a murder victim though, he starts to investigate the dead woman and finds a surprising connection between her getting her DNA tested to then being murdered. When Jack starts to identify more victims, he is put on the radar of three men. Jack also reaches out to his former lover, Rachel Walling in order to put together a profile of the killer. Connelly moves the story back and forth between Jack, two men, and the murderer.

 

Honestly Jack kind of sucks. I think that Rachel and other characters really drove this story for me. He stays selfish and doesn't trust anyone and constantly bleats about his story, his scoop, and wanting to ride along with the FBI or police. We do get into the rights of the media in this one which I do think is important now more than ever, but Jack once again kind of sucks so you want him to just be quiet after a while. He also messes so many things up that you are kind of exhausted by him.

 

The murder mystery and how it ties into DNA and privacy though I thought was cleverly done. I have to say that I have never done one of those DNA tests things and have zero plans to do so. There's way too many caveats and I am always surprised that the same people who want to yell about their freedom don't care they are giving up a lot of information to a random DNA site.

 

The ending leaves you with more questions than answers though. We have Jack moving into a new direction which honestly makes sense for him and for a lot of journalists these days. However, he still wants something more. With the ending I think we end up seeing a fourth book in this series.

 

The whole Fair Warning publication is apparently real so if readers for a need, they can click on it and see some stories.

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review 2020-07-14 20:20
A Duke by Default
Reluctant Royals, Book 2

I Picked Up This Book Because: I’ve been wanting to read this series for a while and finally just jumped in. Didn’t realize I was starting with book 2 though #doh

The Characters:

Portia Hobbs:
Tavish McKenzie:


The Story:

I have to say it first thing, this was a great story ruined by a terrible narrator for me. I’m not saying the narrator didn’t do what she could to the best of her ability but her Scottish accent was Jamacian. It was really distracting throughout the story as there were quite few different accents in this multicultural cast and she just couldn’t do them all. That said the story is definitely the only thing that kept me listening and if I would have been able to get my hands on a print copy quickly I would have ditched the audiobook. Okay now that I’ve let off that steam let's talk about this story.

Portia comes into Tavish’s life as his apprentice, hired by his brother to not only learn to make swords but to boost the armory’s business through social media and other outputs. There is an instant attraction between Portia and Tavish and who could blame Portia. I mean a Scottish hottie with hard earned muscles that knows how to expertly wield and hone an ancient weapon? I’m in love too. Portia resists because she is trying to turn over a new leaf, Tavish resists because it’s professional however neither is able to resist for long. During Portia’s tenure at the armory it is discovered that Tavish’s absent father is actually a Duke and Tavish must decide first if he wants to take up the mantle and then learn to navigate this new world of hidden hostility and scheming.

This story was in part fun, sexy, emotional, and somewhat addictive.

The Random Thoughts:

#LibraryLoveChallenge


4 Stars
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review 2020-07-14 19:28
A Cowboy to Remember

 
Cowboys of California, Book 1

I Picked Up This Book Because: The hottie on the cover, HOWEVER it’s not an accurate depiction of the character.

The Characters:

Yvonne “Evie” Buchanan:
Zach Pleasant:


The Story:

I loved the setting, New York and the wild hills of northern California. I like the strong family unit the Pleasants seem to have, even if they have their issues. I liked the premise, who isn’t up for a little amnesia and rediscovery of their self. But, somehow I don’t have wow feelings about this book. I’m not sure why. I do know I want to read the next book in the series. The Pleasant brothers (and family) are entertaining and this book is well written.

The Random Thoughts:

#LibraryLoveChallenge



3 Stars

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review 2020-07-14 17:36
Real Men Knit
Real Men Knit - Kwana Jackson
 

I Picked Up This Book Because: I’ve heard good things

The Characters:

Jesse Strong:
Kerry Fuller:


The Story:

I love the backstory of Jessie and his brothers coming together as adoptees of a woman with a big heart. This story centers around Jessie in the wake of Mama Joy’s sudden death. Jesse wants to keep their store, their legacy, their communication with the community open while his brothers, all involved more in their burgeoning careers want to be more practical and shut it down. Now Jessie is challenged with keeping open the store and making it profitable while battling a crush on the “girl next door” Kerry. Jesse’s struggles with his insecurities in being “good enough” for not only Kerry but to run a business and help keep his family together without their strong matriarch.

I really enjoyed this book and I’d love to see more from the Strong family.

The Random Thoughts:

#LibraryLoveChallenge


4 Stars
 
 
 
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review 2020-07-08 17:15
Almost Just Friends
Wildstone, Book 4

I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series…. kinda

The Characters:

Piper Manning:
Camden Reid:
Gavin Manning, Youngest sister Manning and Camden’s dad (I can’t remember any names right now)

The Story:

I say kinda continuing the series because I let this series get away from me. I read book one and have now skipped to book four but it’s okay. My library has the whole series and I’m going to catch up soon.

Anywoo, I enjoyed this book. It focuses not only on Piper and Cam‘s romance but also on rebuilding the Manning family and quite a bit on Gavin’s romance. These people come together in the wake of a tragedy and have reluctantly teamed together to make a strong family unit. I hope we get to see more of each of them in the future.



The Random Thoughts:

#LibraryLoveChallenge

4 Stars
 
 
 
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