Deadline -- #BEP Book Release and Review -- Jessica James

Deadline by Jessica James #ReleaseBlitz @jessicajames @bookenthupromo
Genre:Romantic Suspense
Release Date: April 9, 2016
Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions (http://bookenthusiastpromotions.com )

He’s a relentless homicide detective. She’s an uncompromising journalist.
Neither desires to work together—but they’ll never uncover the truth alone.

Landing a front page headline isn’t why reporter Caitlin Sparks is investigating a string of suspicious deaths connected to the U.S. State Department. She has a personal stake in finding the killer.

Detective Blake Madison has a connection to the murders too, and will risk anything to uncover the truth. But a journalist is the last person he’d rely on to help him solve a crime—especially one whose trail of evidence leads back to him.

Joining forces becomes essential as the body count continues to grow. Someone powerful doesn't want the truth to come out—and will stop at nothing to make sure no one talks.

On the run with nowhere to turn, the couple devises a plan to expose the killer. The risk is great and the chance of success small, but the ultimate outcome is something neither one of them envisioned.

Deadline caught my eye when it came through my inbox with Book Enthusiast Promotions newsletter. I was attracted to the cover, as it was different than I've been seeing lately. And with two goals in mind—read more and give back—I picked Jessica James’ book as my first review for my new blog. 

Before I start—and just to clarify, if you are looking for Romantic Suspense, this is NOT it. Because I know the readers [of romance] can be quite particular, I will tell you—in my opinion—this book is not going to get you where you want to go. This is more a political thriller with “sweet” romantic elements.

What I liked about the book: Even with the slow start, the story picked up the pace, and there were twists and turns that kept the ending from being revealed too soon. I liked the hero and heroine together. Once they started working as a unit, the ebb and flow of their budding relationship brought much needed emotional relief to the mystery. 

Some things to consider: Unfortunately, I had a hard time fully enjoying the book. There was an unpolished element to the writing that made me wonder if the author could have used a better editor. 

Even so, I am grateful for the chance to read the book. If you like mystery and political thrillers with sweet and conservative values, this could be the book for you.

Jessica James is an award-winning author of military fiction and non-fiction ranging from the Revolutionary War to modern day. She is the only two-time winner of the John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction, and was featured in the book 50 Authors You Should Be Reading, published in 2010.

Her novels have been used in schools to teach visualization techniques and are available in more than one hundred libraries including Harvard and the U.S. Naval Academy.

James stays active working part-time as a stagehand where she assists with shows ranging from country bands and stage plays, to operas, symphonies and ballets. She resides in Gettysburg, Pa., and has a passion for old dwellings and first edition books.

The perfect Review

I know it seems almost comical... but there is power in the written word and in the visual interpretation of the well-written book. I have heard more good things about this movie than any movie released...since, jeez. I don't know. Maybe Schindlers List?

The message of mercy in Les Miserables is powerful. I would love to see it, but I don't cry in public...if I can help it. :D So I think I'll wait for the DVD version. My sister posted this video review that sort of sums it up, nicely.


Just Another Manic Monday

I did a review on Nora Robert's Blood Brothers [cover in sidebar].

I'm a HUGE Nora fan. I've read every book she's written under that name except The Circle Trilogy. When those came out, I wasn't really reading paranormal much and I was kind of tired of the witch theme. I may go back and read them...

I've been doing a lot of paranormal reading in the last month or so.

Anyway, my point is...

Nora Roberts' style has changed. Her writing is different.

Her creation of the story is still above par, if you ask me. There is no contest there.

But if you've been reading NR like I have, you would note the differences. Her dialogue is short and choppy. In my opinion, too short and choppy. I've also noted the obvious stages of plotting in her books. Does this mean I don't like her books? NO! I mean, come on! The hero's journey is a strong plotting device that LOTS of authors use. HEll, I've used it more than a few times. You can catch one of my comparisons HERE.

I read Blood Brothers in a day. Does that sound like someone who didn't like the story? No. That sounds like someone who appreciates a good story in spite of imperfections. Hmm. A lot like being married I think. :)

You can read my review HERE.

A critic and a review

I always liked the idea of being a food critic. I mean, what wasn't to like? Food, eating out, food, the power of words...food. I do like food.

Now i'm taking on a new endeavor--books. Photobucket

As with eating food, I've always been a reader. Maybe I didn't learn any sooner than the next kid, but once I picked up on the words, I couldn't seem to stop.



A very good friend of mine, Moira Keith asked me if I'd be interested in reviewing books with her and two other readers on a blog called Romantic Bites. Oh! I got so excited! I thought, how fun that would be. To actually give my opinion on something that I love and to have people who love what I love appreciate it! I imagined the likes of Nora Roberts and Clive Cussler emailing me, begging me to save a spot on my calender for their next big release... Editors at Penguin and HarperCollins would read my scintillating reviews and [on the spot] request a full of my most current manuscript... There would be balloons and tickertape parades. A key to the city!



mmmkkkkkkkkkkkkkkmmmmjjjmmmm..........................ping, ping, ping.

HUH? what? Oh, sorry 'bout that. Fell asleep on the keyboard.



Where was I? Oh right. Reviews at Romantic Bites. Look for new releases and wonderful oldies but goodies. Together, we read everything...and everything we read, we review! I look forward especially to undertaking the contests! Each month one lucky person will win a prize. And for our first month come on over for your chance to win a Gift Certificate to one of the great bookstores located throughout the United States! [that's fancy for, i'm not sure which one it is...Barnes and Noble, Borders, Walden...]


Join us and share with us your love of books too!

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