Book Spotlight & Giveaway: Smokescreen by Iris Johansen

Smokescreen
Eve Duncan #25

By:
Iris Johansen

Publisher:
Grand Central Publishing

Release Date:
July 30, 2019

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Book Synopsis:
In this pulse-pounding thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Iris Johansen, forensic sculptor Eve Duncan journeys to Africa to help families torn apart by a violent attack deep in the jungle--but she may be putting herself in more danger than she knows. 

A journalist shows up on Eve Duncan's doorstep with a plea for help. Jill Cassidy has just come from a small African village with a heart wrenching story: half the villagers--many of them children--have been killed in a horrific attack by guerilla soldiers, the bodies burned beyond recognition. Now, the families desperately need Eve's help to get closure and begin to heal. 

But when Eve arrives in the remote jungle, she begins to suspect that Jill's plea may have been a cover story for a deeper, more sinister plot. Isolated and unsure who she can trust, Eve finds herself stranded in an unstable country where violence threatens to break out again at any moment and with only her own instincts to rely on if she hopes to get home to her family alive . . . 

#1 New York Times bestselling author Iris Johansen is back with one of her most exhilarating and dangerous adventures yet in this "riveting" high-stakes thriller (Publishers Weekly).

Book Excerpt:

Prologue

Headlights! 

Jill Cassidy’s fingers stabbed into the mud as she saw the light spearing the darkness on the road ahead. The vehicle was going slowly, but they’d never see her on this side path. She had to get to the main road. But she had no shoes, and every muscle was aching, throbbing. She’d tried to get to her feet and walk as soon as she’d heard those bastards leave, but she was too weak. She had only managed to crawl slowly, painfully, through the jungle. 

She could do this, she told herself desperately as she forced herself to propel her body through the mud on the path. The pain wasn’t as bad as it had been when they’d first left her. Ignore it, think about the story. Always think about the story. It wasn’t the pain, it was the shock that was causing her to shake and feel so weak. 

The shock and this gentle, warm tropical rain that had started to fall just as she’d finally managed to pull herself together and force herself to move. Strange that warm rain could make her feel this cold. So gentle, she thought dazedly. Why on earth had that word occurred to her when there seemed to be no gentleness left in her world? 

The headlights drew closer. 

She had to get to the road before the car passed her. 

She tried to move faster. 

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Early Praise:

"Riveting... Readers will keep guessing about the complex characters' underlying motivations as the plot races toward the stunning conclusion." 

 --- Publishers Weekly, starred review 

"In SMOKESCREEN, Johansen's Eve Duncan must outwit a vicious psychopath in the middle of the jungle. I really enjoyed this rip-roaring thriller." 

 --- Catherine Coulter, New York Times bestselling author of Paradox 

"From thriller writer extraordinaire Iris Johansen comes a pulse-pounding excursion into a war torn nation, where forensic sculpture Eve Duncan heeds a journalist's call to assist in identifying a village's dead after a horrific massacre, only to discover more sinister plots may be lurking behind the journalist's call for assistance." 

 --- CrimeReads.com 

"Propelled by a muscular narrative and elaborate subplots, Johansen's latest complex Eve Duncan thriller reliably pivots on the cerebral battle of wills among its robust characters."

 --- Booklist 

"SMOKESCREEEN is supercharged, combustible and totally addictive. There's no one like Iris Johansen!"

 --- Tess Gerritsen, New York Times bestselling author 

 "A master storyteller, Iris Johansen brings characters to life like no other. A tension filled novel...her plot is intricate, her characters compelling. SMOKESCREEN is great fun."

 --- Robert Dugoni, New York Timesbestselling author 

 "Dive into the explosive world of Iris Johansen, where villains get exactly what they deserve and the good guys - eventually - win the day. That's a world I want to live in!"

 --- Tami Hoag, #1 New York Times bestselling author 

"Johansen keeps readers on the edge of their seats."

 --- Booklist 

 "Just by seeing the Iris Johansen name....you know [it] will be an explosive, unforgettable story." 

 --- Suspense Magazine

Giveaway:

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About the Author:

Iris Johansen is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 30 consecutive best sellers. Her series featuring forensic sculptor Eve Duncan has sold over 20 million copies and counting, and was the subject of the acclaimed Lifetime movie, The Killing Game. Along with her son Roy, Iris has also co-authored the New York Times bestselling series featuring investigator Kendra Michaels. Johansen lives near Atlanta, Georgia.

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Book Spotlight: The Bride Test (The Kiss Quotient #2) by Helen Hoang

The Bride Test
The Kiss Quotient #2

By:
Helen Hoang

Publisher:
Berkley

Release Date:
May 7, 2019

Source:
From Publisher for Honest Review

Book Synopsis:

Khai Diep has no feelings. Well, he feels irritation when people move his things or contentment when ledgers balance down to the penny, but not big, important emotions—like grief. And love. He thinks he’s defective. His family knows better—that his autism means he just processes emotions differently. When he steadfastly avoids relationships, his mother takes matters into her own hands and returns to Vietnam to find him the perfect bride. 

As a mixed-race girl living in the slums of Ho Chi Minh City, Esme Tran has always felt out of place. When the opportunity arises to come to America and meet a potential husband, she can’t turn it down, thinking this could be the break her family needs. Seducing Khai, however, doesn’t go as planned. Esme’s lessons in love seem to be working…but only on herself. She’s hopelessly smitten with a man who’s convinced he can never return her affection.

With Esme’s time in the United States dwindling, Khai is forced to understand he’s been wrong all along. And there’s more than one way to love.

The Kiss Quotient Series:

Our Book Review

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Lindy's Thoughts:

The Bride Test blew me away!  I didn't think it was possible to top, The Kiss Quotient, because I loved it so much.  Yet, The Bride Test gave me even more smiles, tears, laughs, and an even bigger book hangover!  I love Ms. Hoang's writing.  She really brings her stories to life, and the characters feel so real, that they could walk right off of the page!

Esme Tran lives in Ho Chi Minh City in extreme poverty alongside her young daughter, mother, and grandmother.  She is a maid in a fancy hotel.  Esme is offered the opportunity of a lifetime by Co Nga; come to America for the summer, and get her youngest son, Khai, to fall in love with her, and marry her.  While Esme is reluctant at first, her mother convinces her to take advantage of the opportunity, so that she can provide a better life for her young daughter, and try to find her own father, who took off before he found out that Esme's mother was pregnant with her.

What follows is a breathtakingly beautiful love story.  Esme's character was endearing, so sweet, strong, courageous, and brought sunshine wherever she went.  Everyone that came in to contact with her, couldn't help but love her, including me.  She was so giving, and a nurturer.  Esme had such a beautiful soul, and it shone bright through every page of this story.  

Khai, lost his cousin/best friend, Andy, ten years ago, and has been convinced ever since that he can't love, and has a heart of stone.  Khai is different.  He has Autism.  He likes to be left alone, and prefers his structured life and routine just the way it is.  Khai is socially awkward.  Oftentimes, he says or does the wrong thing, and hurts people; but it's unintentional, and leaves him puzzled and feeling like something is wrong with him.  He has a beautiful heart, and would do anything for those that he loves.  He is closest to his big brother Quan and his mom.

Esme turns Khai's life upside down, and I enjoyed every moment of it!  He's never seen a woman as beautiful and kind as she is, but she also drives him crazy!  I loved the way she inserted herself in to Khai's life and gave everything she had, for a chance at love, marriage, and a life in America.  Little by little we see attraction and friendship grow in to love.  Esme pushes Khai out of his comfort zone, and makes his life so much fuller and richer for being in it!  The character growth made by Khai is astounding and it literally brought tears to my eyes on more than one occasion.  

I can't possibly express the extent of my love for this story.  All I can say is read this series, and this book.  You will not regret it!  The substance, romance, multiculturalism, extremely well fleshed out neurodiverse characters, fast-pacing, humor, and abundance of feeling, make it a new edition to my top favorite reads of all time!

Ro's Take on this Journey:

The Bride Test is a must read!!!  I loved, "The Kiss Quotient."  I didn't think that Ms. Hoang could surpass the excitement of that book, but let me tell you that The Bride Test gives you a well rounded adventure that will leave you stunned!

Esmerelda Tran is a maid.  She is from a very poor city in Viet Nam.  Her poverty is such that she lives in a one bedroom apartment with her young daughter, Jade, her mother and grandmother.  The three of them sleep on mats in the only room they have, but they are happy because they have each other and lots of love.

While Esmerelda is working, she notices quite a few girls coming in and out of the restroom crying.  Eventually she comes face to face with the wealthy Ms. Co Nga, who is shopping for a daughter-in-law for her son Khai, who has Autism and does not do well with interacting with women.  At first she hits Esme the wrong way with her antics, but then when the Khai's mother tells her she was just testing her, they get along fine.

Esme is to go to the United States with Co Nga for the Summer and seduce her son, hoping that the end result will be marriage.  There are so many ups and downs in this story, when Khai's perfect little world is turned upside down by this Vietnamese girl.  The tenderness and love that develops will make the reader want for more.  This was a phenomenal love story.  Khai is on the high end of the spectrum, Aspergers.  He is very analytical, wants things a certain way, OCD, and is not able to come in tune with his emotions.  Little by little, Esme breaks down those walls.  There is just one road block that continues to hold him back, the death of his cousin and best friend, Andy.

Though Khai loved his cousin and would do anything for him, he finds that his not being able to show his feelings like everyone else in his family, means that he didn't care that much.  The reality is quite far from that.  Esme keeps secrets and little by little divulges them.  Ms. Hoang brings her readers to the brink in this second novel.  

The reader will learn so many lessons in this novel that transcend social barriers, language barriers, multicultural customs, socio-economic differences, and more.

This is a story that will bring its reader to tears of frustration, and hopelessness, to euphoria and happiness!

Purchase At:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | IndieBound 

About the Author:

Helen Hoang is that shy person who never talks. Until she does. And the worst things fly out of her mouth. She read her first romance novel in eighth grade and has been addicted ever since. 

In 2016, she was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in line with what was previously known as Asperger’s Syndrome. Her journey inspired THE KISS QUOTIENT. 

She currently lives in San Diego, California with her husband, two kids, and pet fish. 

Helen is represented by Kim Lionetti of BookEnds Literary Agency.

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Group Read, Reviews, and Q & A: The Kiss Quotient (The Kiss Quotient #1) by Helen Hoang

The Kiss Quotient
The Kiss Quotient #1

By:
Helen Hoang

Publisher:
Berkley

Published:
June 5, 2018

Source:
Purchased

Book Synopsis:

A heartwarming and refreshing debut novel that proves one thing: there's not enough data in the world to predict what will make your heart tick. 

Stella Lane thinks math is the only thing that unites the universe. She comes up with algorithms to predict customer purchases — a job that has given her more money than she knows what to do with, and way less experience in the dating department than the average thirty-year-old. 

It doesn't help that Stella has Asperger's and French kissing reminds her of a shark getting its teeth cleaned by pilot fish. Her conclusion: she needs lots of practice — with a professional. Which is why she hires escort Michael Phan. The Vietnamese and Swedish stunner can't afford to turn down Stella's offer, and agrees to help her check off all the boxes on her lesson plan — from foreplay to more-than-missionary position... 

Before long, Stella not only learns to appreciate his kisses, but to crave all the other things he's making her feel. Soon, their no-nonsense partnership starts making a strange kind of sense. And the pattern that emerges will convince Stella that love is the best kind of logic...

The Kiss Quotient Series:

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Lindy's Thoughts:

The Kiss Quotient was a phenomenal read!  I highly recommend it!  We get the dual perspectives of main characters Stella Lane and Michael Phan.  Stella is a 30 year old woman with high functioning Autism/Aspergers.  She struggles with loud noises, strong smells, uninvited touches, lying, not saying what she thinks and (knowing when it might be construed as rude;) understanding jokes, and picking up on sarcasm.  As you can imagine, this makes it especially hard for Stella to have a relationship.

Stella decides to hire an escort so that she can be taught by a professional how to be good at sex, in order to find herself a man that will want a relationship with her.  After all, Stella's mom keeps pressuring her to date and give her grand babies, and Stella wants to make her mom proud.

Stella hires Michael Phan, who has given up his dream to be a clothes designer, and instead works at his mother's shop and escorts once a week in order to pay for his mother's growing heap of medical bills.  

With The Kiss Quotient, we end up getting a beautiful love story with all of the "feels!"  I fell in love with the main characters!  Stella was refreshing, authentic, "real," honest, extremely caring, unselfish, a little naïve, and had so many challenges that she had to learn to overcome and deal with on a daily basis.  Michael was caring, patient, kind, understanding, and so very tender and loving towards Stella.  He sacrificed himself for those he loved, and put his family first, above his own happiness.  

These two together clicked.  They helped each other overcome insecurities, build each other's self-esteem, and be the best that they could be.  Michael and Stella supported each other's dreams, as well as being there for each other through their low points.  If you love sexy, steamy romance, with depth, humor, well fleshed out main characters, and a unique story line with a neurodiverse main character, pick up The Kiss Quotient!  Once you begin reading, you won't want to stop!

Ro's Take on this Journey:

This is the love story of a lifetime.  It proves that there is someone out there for everyone; no matter their perceived deficits or what makes them stand out from the crowd.

On this wonderfully fresh journey we have Stella Lane.  Stella is a 30 year old Econometrician with Aspergers, (a high functioning form of Autism.)  She comes from affluence.  Her mother is always meddling and putting pressure on Stella to get a boyfriend, get married, and bring her Grandchildren.  She even goes so far as to recommend Tinder.  Stella is so tired of the blind dates, the impossible interaction of small talk, and men that disgust her senses when they try to touch or kiss her. Stella's social and sexual skills are something that paralyzes her with fear, and that she needs to overcome.

Stella decides to hire an escort to teach her how to please a man, seduce him blindly, and break down her social barriers.  When Michael Phan Larsen walks into the restaurant to meet with her, she thinks she has won the Lotto!  He is just too good to be true. He is dressed to kill, and his body is unimaginable.  As they begin to talk, Stella is ill at ease, but as they get to know each other, he learns very quickly what she needs and he is very attentive and understanding. 

Michael is a loving, kind man who loves his family and sacrifices his own dreams to work as an escort on Friday nights to take care of his mother, who is very sick. He doesn't want any ties or any crazy obsessed women, so he only dates each client once.  With Stella, this changes, though he fights hard against himself not to keep the relationship going.  

Stella is refreshing, compared to the women that usually hire him.  He is intrigued at her willingness to try to learn to please him and not just receive her own pleasure, though she is paying a high price for his services.  He has his own demon's, as Stella does, and they both have to learn to trust and overcome their insecurities.   The two of them embark on a journey that will change the direction of both of their lives forever, and the readers lives too.

I loved this story!  The tenderness, timidity, laughter, blunt honesty, and the way Michael learns how to touch Stella in just the right way.  This book had it all.  I recommend this beautiful love story to everyone that didn't think they had a chance at romance!

Mikki's Review:

This book has been on my reading list for a long time! I was excited to finally be able to read it and share this amazing story with my co-blogger's, Lindy and Ro. When I first saw the cover on my social media newsfeed, I was captivated by it. The other thing that made it an automatic add to my TBR list is that one of my all time favorite authors was recommending it. I was positive this was going to be an unforgettable reading journey.

Stella Lane's world is about to be turned upside down. The pressure to get married and have babies is strong so she decides to hire an escort to help her get better at sex. This 30 year old econometrician, who has Asperger's, is about to step out of her comfort zone once she meets Michael Phan. 

The last thing Michael Phan expected was that his Friday night client would take his breath away. He's an escort that does not have repeat sessions with his clients. There is just something about Stella that makes him break that rule. As days go by, Stella and Michael grow closer together and form an amazing bond. Time is running out on the time that Michael set to help Stella out. Is he ready to let her go into the arms of another man? Will Stella be ready to start a long term relationship?

Stella and Michael completely stole a piece of my heart! They were so sweet and sexy together. I CAN'T EVEN DEAL!!!! If you are looking for a romantic, heart-melting, captivating and all-consuming reading journey, look no further! This author delivers a love story that will linger with you for days. Stella and Michael are two unique and unforgettable characters that will have you cheering for them from beginning to end!

I loved seeing Stella and Micheal grow not only as a couple, but as individuals as well. They both had their insecurities and together they formed a powerful bond and their love for each other made them step out of their comfort zone and fight for what they really wanted. I learned so much in this story and the author wrote it so beautifully. I was unable to put the book down once I started. I was captivated by her words and by Stella and Michael.

I absolutely loved the supporting cast of characters in this series. They all brought something to Stella and Michael's journey and I can't wait to reunite with them again in the next installment.  My favorite character was Quan, which is one of Michael's cousins. *Swoon* I loved his personality from the moment he was introduced in the story. I can't wait to read more about him!

This was a fantastic reading journey and I highly recommend it! If you have not added The Kiss Quotient to your TBR list, what are you waiting for??? Your next unputdownable reading journey is just one click away! Helen Hoang's debut is a page-turning reading escape that readers all around the world will connect with!  

Q & A:

Question: What was it about Michael and Stella's story that made it a 5 star read for you?

L: For myself, it was a combination of the fast-paced easy flow of the plot, the amazing and unique, well-rounded characters, and the way I connected with them.  They made me feel everything right alongside them.  The story and the characters took on a life all of their own.  I felt like they were not only real people, but family. 

R: Ms. Hoang has a talent for writing prose.  The story made me want for more.  I was enraptured by Michael, and his empathy and compassion towards Stella. He was fully immersed and attentive towards her.  Once Michael made Stella learn how to want, need, and feel, for the first time in her life, her transformation started to feel like a neurotypical woman in love, and it made me crumble. 

M: Stella and Michael are unique and a breath of fresh air. So many times I read books and I find similarities between characters from different books. With Stella and Michael it was totally different. They are like no other characters and that is what made me fall in love with their story.

Question: There are so many themes in this story.  Which theme was your favorite?

L: Self-Love and Acceptance was my favorite theme.  

I love when Stella stops trying to "fix" herself and finally learns to embrace and accept who she is.  She learns to love herself and stop feeling inadequate.

I love how we see Michael go from being blinded by his insecurities and constantly trying to push Stella away, to realizing he's enough.

R: The themes I liked most were loyalty, self-sacrifice, compassion, and empathy.  Michael was always aware of everyone in his family and Stella's feelings above his own.  Though he tried to keep a disconnect, to a certain extent, he couldn't help but break his own rules, and fall in love.  His transparency touched my heart.


Question: Who was your least favorite character in the story?

L: Phillip James!  Ugh!!!  He was disgustingly pompous, arrogant, and narcissistic.  The way he spoke to Stella, in such an entitled manner, as if he was a gift to all of womankind drove me crazy!!!  I've known a few "Phillip James' " in my life, and Ms. Hoang nailed this type of person perfectly!

R: Phillip James!!! He made my blood boil...  That guy was a rich, egotistical, self-centered snob!  He only thought about what he wanted.  Conversations were always about him.  He was constantly talking about his sexual prowess, and telling Stella what she should do.  He turned me off, and Stella, as well!

M: Yep! I will agree with you ladies! Phillip James was a complete douche noodle! It was all about him and I did not like him at all. He got a few virtual slaps from me thats for sure! I'm glad our girl, Stella, took matters into her own hands when it came to Phillip James. 


Question: Would you sacrifice your dream, for your loved ones, the way that Michael did?

L: Yes.  I think that life isn't always fair.  When you love someone, whether it's a parent, spouse, or child, you put them before yourself, when they are depending on you.

R: Yes.  There have been a few times in life where I have been ready to pursue my career and life met me face on. A decision always had to be made.  It was always for my family first.

M: Yes. I would do the same for my loved ones. I would do everything in my power to help in any way that I can.


Question: What was your favorite quote?

L: "This crusade to fix herself was ending right now.  She wasn't broken.  She saw and interacted with the world in a different way, but that was her.  She could change her actions, change her words, change her appearance, but she couldn't change the root of herself.  At her core, she would always be autistic.  People called it a disorder, but it didn't feel like one.  To her, it was simply the way she was." (Pg. 287)

R: Well, mine is the same as Mikki's, but I will choose a second quote I liked!  "I like you better than calculus, and math is the only thing that unites the universe."

M: “Michael was mint chocolate chip for her. She could try other flavors, but he’d always be her favorite.” 


Question: Did any of the characters remind you of yourself or anyone you know?

L: Certain aspects of each of the main characters reminded me of people I know.  Stella's sensory issues with lights, sounds, and textures reminded me of my daughter.  The way that everyone looks to Quan and he's always there for anyone in need reminded me of my sister; and the way that my mother is the most loyal person I know, and sacrifices what she wants for everyone else reminded me of Michael.

R: Michael reminded me of my husband, George.  He always has put my needs before his own.

M: Michael reminded me of my husband. Robert has a heart of gold like Michael and will do whatever it takes to help people around him. 

Purchase At:

Amazon | B&N | iBooks | IndieBooks

About the Author

Helen Hoang is that shy person who never talks. Until she does. And the worst things fly out of her mouth. She read her first romance novel in eighth grade and has been addicted ever since. 

In 2016, she was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in line with what was previously known as Asperger’s Syndrome. Her journey inspired THE KISS QUOTIENT. 

She currently lives in San Diego, California with her husband, two kids, and pet fish. 

Helen is represented by Kim Lionetti of BookEnds Literary Agency.

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