Need to Know by Karen Cleveland | A Book Review

Having vented out my frustrations on the last review is making me feel a little okay. Not really better but at least not wanting to just sleep into oblivion. My cure for all that ails, whether emotional, mental, or physical, is sleep. I'd sleep all my disappointments away and wake up into the next millennium or not wake up at all. Like Sleeping Beauty only without Prince Charming to awake me from my healing slumber.

I got this book from Netgalley. This is a very gripping story, yet very annoying also. The ending was a bit frustrating for me. Ah, I wanted to smack Vivian in the head to stop doubting her instincts. To trust her woman's intuition. But to think about it, it wasn't that easy for her also granting the situation and all the circumstances and the things she would have to lose. This story presents a very complicated dilemma of following your heart for love of country or for the love of your family. It's a choice between either breaking her heart and family or committing treason. Which would you choose?

I haven't read Karen Cleveland before and I totally enjoyed this thriller. The pacing is just right and the mix of characters is just perfect to mislead you who's who. Being an avid fan of thrillers, mysteries and spy novels, in a way, I had an inkling of what the story is going to be. When Vivian discovered that one of the Russian sleeper agents was someone she knew, I had an idea then who it was and I was right. Then after that, you will start to get lost in the story. Lost, not because you will be confused by the next events but rather you'd be so entrenched and involved in the story. I became Vivian's ally and the only other person who knows her secret and the moral dilemma she's battling with. I too was dumbstruck what to do. It was unbelievable that she was able to avoid detection. I knew that someone else had to be in it also inside the agency. There has to be a mole or a sleeper agent who has gotten inside its walls. 

Wow! Definitely the Russian got one point in this story. The conspiracy was well-planned and was laid out even before Vivian came into the picture. It was so well-planned that Vivian was actually targeted and how her career progressed was also part of the whole scheme. Incredible! I hate the guy. I can't say which guy is it because that will then unravel everything and would just spoil the story. But the guy that's very close to Vivian wasn't anything he was claiming to be. I am not even sure if he really loves Vivian. It was all part of the mission and Vivian helplessly feel into it. What she had to go through wasn't worth it just to protect that person she thought had her and their families best interest at heart. No. It was Mother Russia right from the start. 

I give the book 4.5/5 passports. This is like "How to be a Russian Sleeper agent in the US." With the author being a seasoned CIA analyst, she had made the story so believable and so engaging. My heart goes out to Vivian and I wanted to be her ally and help her see through all the deception and lies that was fed and being fed to her. It's like having a friend who's in an abusive relationship and you wanted to help that friend but the friend is bent on helping the other party rather than herself. She's being manipulated and you can't help but stand and watch because you've been told to stay out of it. This story is delicious yet leaves a bitter taste in you mouth because of the ending. It was another revelation in itself on top of all the lies and deception. What else is there? I think this story needs a sequel because I wanted to know who else is on the conspiracy. Who else was lied to and manipulated? Who else was used as scapegoat and how deep does this go? This story makes you think which do you value more--duty and love for your country or your love for you family? Both are the same it's love. But which love is greater that makes you want to defy everything else?

Like knowing the bad news is better than knowing nothing at all.

- Karen Cleveland, Need to Know - 

Thank again, Karen Cleveland and Netgalley for the copy.

The Secret Life of Charlotte Dodd (Charlotte Dodd #1) by Holly Kerr | A Book Review

Just by looking at the cover, this book already promises loads of surprises, adventure and a hint of comedy. It's one of the reasons why I signed up for this one. I got this from Netgalley. 

The blurb starts with--Office worker Charlotte steps out of a movie theatre and into a heap of trouble. That exactly summarized the essence of the whole book. And just by the first chapter alone, I know that I have done a good job of choosing this book. This is like Alias in a lot of ways. I had fun reading this book and was rooting for Charlotte the whole time.

This is a really fascinating read which I think the cover does not really do justice to it. The contents of this book is way way more awesome than the cover has ever let on. Classic don't judge the book by it's cover example. I have been always drawn to cartoony or animated or art work covers with no real people in them. It's also one of the reasons why this book got my eye. And I often associate covers like this book to fun or humor. So, I thought this book might be like a funny secret about Charlotte Dodd but it turns out the secret life of Charlotte isn't funny at all. It's far from funny. It's the most serious business that could ever be and it seems like a lot of people are in it except Charlotte. So, personally, though the cover is attention-grabbing, I think it should have been more because the story is just so fabulous and exciting that the cover I think is not really aligned. But then again, it got my attention and I decided to read this book so it has done its job. I have actually seen another cover of this book with a real person in and I think it's not as appealing as the cartoony one. I'd prefer this cover over the other one. So, I think it was actually a good decision to have switched to the cartoony cover.

As I have said, this is like Alias or maybe Dark Angel in intensity and with the kickass heroine in it. I definitely look forward to reading the next book. And I just love that Charlotte has four very protective and badass brothers. I really enjoyed the story because this book speaks of women empowerment. Charlotte is a grand player in a world dominated by men and she exceeds them all in more ways. She is the best and she represents a lot of empowered and strong women in the world who excels in any male-dominated aspect whether it be in business, career, military, government and so on. And there is just this unique quality that is only found in women which makes us really formidable foes and allies. And Charlotte just proved that one. Either you stand with her or against her. And if you are not on her side, better run and hide because she will surely do more than break your bones. 

This is tagged as a chick lit but this is not like any other chick lit at all. It's packed with testosterone with the abundance of very handsome, dashing and deadly male characters in this story. In fact, there are just about four female characters, including Charlotte in here. This is not exactly a full-on romance story but as always with all stories, we couldn't leave that out also. But the main focus is not so much on the love life of Charlotte's character but rather on the other side of her personality which is actually her real self. You'll end up wanting to have Charlotte as your best friend after reading this story. Or maybe wishing to be Charlotte, like I did.

With that said, I give this book 5/5 pistols. With all the secret and surprises this book is keeping, you will never be satisfied. Even after all the revelations and well-constructed background stories and history of the characters, you will keep wanting for more. More adventures and dangers with Charlotte. More glimpses and inside stories about his brothers. Just more. Definitely, Holly Kerr has a spot in my favorite authors' list. Two more books to go and she will likely end up there.

Sometimes the first step to forgiveness is understanding the other person is a complete idiot.

- Holly Kerr, The Secret Life of Charlotte Dodd - 

Thank you again, Netgalley and Holly Kerr for the copy.

 

Girl in Disguise by Greer McAllister | Spotlight Tour and Giveaway | A Book Review

Girl in Disguise

Greer Macallister

Publication Date: March 21^st, 2017

Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark

Format: Hardcover

ISBN: 9781492635222

Review copy: Netgalley

Inspired by the real story of investigator Kate Warne, this spirited novel follows the detective's rise during one of the nation's times of crisis, bringing to life a fiercely independent woman whose forgotten triumphs helped sway the fate of the country.

With no money and no husband, Kate Warne finds herself with few choices. The streets of 1856 Chicago offer a desperate widow mostly trouble and ruin―unless that widow has a knack for manipulation and an unusually quick mind. In a bold move that no other woman has tried, Kate convinces the legendary Allan Pinkerton to hire her as a detective.

Battling criminals and coworkers alike, Kate immerses herself in the dangerous life of an operative, winning the right to tackle some of the agency's toughest investigations. But is the woman she's becoming―capable of any and all lies, swapping identities like dresses―the true Kate? Or has the real disguise been the good girl she always thought she was?

Today is International Women's Day. More power to all the strong, loving, generous and kind women in the world. It's just fitting that a book about a very strong, skilled and intuitive woman is what I am featuring today. Girl in Disguise is a historical fiction based on the first woman spy.

I thought Mrs. Pollifax was the most amazing spy ever but before her, there was Kate Warne. A widow, who was desperate for an employment, convinced Mr. Pinkerton to take her in as the first woman private investigator. The first woman to embark on a world dominated by men. She was underestimated and was told she won't do but she challenged Mr. Pinkerton to test her by sending her on a real assignment, and if she succeeds, he will have no choice but hire her. To Mr. Pinkerton and all of the detective agency's astonishment, she succeeded and got on board to start her training. Much to Mr. Pinkerton's delight and shock, a lot of assignments require the finesse and intuition of a woman. So, the rising career of Kate Warne lifted off until she had to lead and train her own group of women operatives to answer to the rising needs of the agency and of the changing times in Chicago and the whole US. 

Kate Warne's uncanny and exceptional talent in seeing what's not obvious that eludes even the most attentive person and her strong intuition, inherent only to a woman, has made her one of the most instrumental characters in keeping Abraham Lincoln alive and ultimately contributing to the end of the Civil War. Apart from this two exemplary exploits, she also had other assignments that added to her badge as a seasoned, resourceful and dependable Pinkerton operative. Her missions took her to various parts of Chicago and all over the US, solving mysteries and exposing secrets that are even too deadly for strong-bodied men to accomplish. She had proven that being a woman is not a weakness but rather an asset. An asset that is often overlooked and underestimated which could only prove deadly because nobody sees what is coming.

She had her own share of hurts and pains, heartaches and being powerless to stop the death of her beloved. Kate Warne was one of those first women who had broken the walls that separate men from women. She had proven that women are not limited by their gender, or weak, to be able to perform whatever task a man can do - just like being a spy, to wear disguises, infiltrate secret societies and ferret out valuable information right out of the horse's mouth.

The only reason I am not giving this a perfect rating is because there were parts that were a bit dull. A narrative of sorts that seemed to be long-winded. I think it was in a way necessary to get an understanding of the succeeding events. I don't fault the author for that but I just wished it maintained the same pace and energy throughout the whole book. Nevertheless, it was still a good read. For one who is an avid reader of thrillers and mysteries, this book can hold its own. 

I give this book 4/5 sealed envelopes. This book is a good example of women empowerment. Books that celebrate women, heroines and strong characters that broke through stereotype. Happy Women's Day everyone! This is a salute to all the extraordinary and amazing women in the world. Whether you are a mother, a teacher, or whatever your struggles are, you deserve respect, love, and understanding. Who rules the world, girls?

We are all misrepresenting ourselves to each other after all. To live in this world daily was to traffic in the business of leading other people astray.

- Greer McAllister, Girl in Disguise -  

Raised in the Midwest, Greer Macallister is a poet, short story writer, playwright and novelist whose work has appeared in publications such as The North American Review, The Missouri Review, and The Messenger. Her plays have been performed at American University, where she earned her MFA in Creative Writing. She lives with her family in Brooklyn.

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B.U.G. (Charlie Jones #1) by T J Slee | A Book Review

Buggered Up Good. This is the first book in the Charlie Jones Series. I actually read the second book first. I got this from the author. He was asking for people who wanted to read his book. I replied to his post on Goodreads that I read Cloister and wanted to read how the series started. End of story, he gave me a paperback. Thank you again, T J Slee.

After reading Cloister, I was not sure if I liked Charlie Jones. She was vulgar and too brash and she was a novice at that time in the nunnery. But after reading this book, I came to understand where Charlie Jones came from. This book made me like her. I think she is really a good secret service agent with a lot of spunk and sarcasm. 

This was a marvelous start to a series. It has introduced and built the character of Charlie Jones as a person and as a spy. Her smart ass comments and banter with Jenno always generates a smile from me. I really love the back and forth between them. I also liked that Jones loves to give his officemates and friends nicknames which are really witty and also sarcastic. What made me soften to Jones was her brutal honesty and being unassuming. She knows herself and the limits of her abilities. She is aware that she doesn't know and understand everything all the time. She admits to her frailties and acknowledges the mountain of challenges that she faces. 

The best part of this book is the unconventional confessional conversations between Jones and her confessor priest. They are outrageously hilarious and I can feel the holy father's utmost effort in being patient with Jones. Often times, the holy father is on the verge of his irritation with Jones but because it is Jones, he has to reign in it as though dealing with a petulant and stubborn child. Jones, on the other hand, does not hide that fact that she is testing the limits of the priest's self-control every time.

I give this book 4/5 cups of black coffee. Though Jones has the propensity to get hurt and end up in the hospital most of the time, she is shaping up to be a really valuable spy. I think she is slowly worming her way to becoming my second favorite spy after of Mrs. Emily Pollifax.

The only call I hear right now is the call of nature, Father. So, it's three Hail Marys and join an order?

- T J Slee, B.U.G. -