Review: Alias Emma

 

Emma's mentor has asked her to bring in a doctor whose parents worked for the Russian government but shared secrets with Britian. At first, she can't convince him, but after an attack on the two of them, he relents.

There's only one problem - she must get him across London safely without backup. The Russians have hacked the cameras and they are searching for the two of them. 

Can they make it to MI6 safely - and who will be there to greet them?

My Thoughts: I really loved this book - it's the first in a new series. I'm a sucker for spy novels. The majority of the book takes place over the course of 12 hours - getting across the city of London. Lots of action and danger kept the me turning the pages. I liked the chemistry between Emma and Michael. I'm intrigued by what will happen next and I'm quite looking forward to the second book.

Cover Thoughts: Not terrible, but not great

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: Grab this new series start for your thriller section! Highly recommended.

Adult Review: Dangerous Minds

* Book 2 in the Knight and Moon series *

When Emerson's Buddhist friend turns to him for help, Emerson can't do anything but help his friend discover what happened to his island. One minute Wayan was on a deserted island and the next minute, the island vanished. As Emerson and Riley start poking around, they begin to notice things aren't adding up and someone doesn't want them to keep asking questions.

Their questions lead them to the National Park Service where several hikers have been reported missing. Emerson's wild theories lead them down a trial from which they might not return.

My Thoughts: Another classic Evanovich - lots of action, danger, banter, and sexual tension. I liked the interaction between Wayan and Vernon - they added humor to the story. I liked learning more about the parks.

Cover Thoughts: I like it, but it doesn't quite capture the novel
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Yes - for all public libraries. 

Adult Review: The Pursuit

 *Book 5 in the Fox and O'Hare series * 

Nick's been kidnapped and now he's forced to pull a heist. Of course the kidnapped don't have his back and leave him to take the fall. Now it's up to Kate and her father to get him out. It causes some minor issues.

But the real problem is what the thieves stole - a strand of small pox that could kill millions. Nick and Kate need to infiltrate the gang again.

There's one more piece that Kovic needs before he can pull off his plan. Nick and Kate are going to help him accomplish his goal - sort of. They have a con of their own going to recover the strand and save the day.

Of course nothing goes as planned...

My Thoughts: I adore this series for the cons, the plot twists, the action, the danger, the banter, Kate's family, and the romance. Another fantastic installment that leaves me wanting more books!

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for all libraries

Mini Review: The Scam

 * Book 4 in the Fox and O'Hare series *

The Con: Take down Evan Chase for money laundering through his casinos.

The Plan: Reel him in as a partner and then flip the switch, double crossing the bad guys to get Evan Turner to turn towards Kate and Nick for help.

The Wrinkles: Evan Turner gets interested in Kate - too interested. And the entire plan goes South FAST

My Thoughts: I adore this series. It's like watching an episode of White Collar or Leverage - lots action and danger. Plus the sexual tension is classic Evanovich. I liked how Kate's father took care of things for his friend in times of trouble. 

This adventure was Hawaii Five-O crossed with Ocean's Eleven and White Collar. And it was perfect. 

Final Thoughts: It's the perfect escapism read. I'm hooked on these books. 

Mysterious Saturday Review: The Job

* Fox and O'Hare series Book 3 *

Someone's stealing art and leaving clues behind that all point to nick Fox. Kate knows that Nick wouldn't be so obvious, so when she finds him on a yacht, she knows that she needs to find this impersonator and fast.

Chasing this person through cities, Kate soon realizes there's a pattern to the madness. When she catches the culprit, she's stunned to learn the identity of the person and even more stunned to learn she has an even bigger fish to catch.

Nick comes to help her solve the case and almost gets caught in the process. Now they team up to find the man who's changed his identity and his body but maybe not his habits. If they can con him, they can capture him. If he doesn't take their lives first...

My Thoughts: I love this series - lots of action, danger, humor, and sexual tension.  I love how Fox and O'Hare work together to come up with the cons. Their team works together perfectly - even with all their quirks. Besides the two main characters, Kate's dad is my favorite character - he's loyal, willing to get the job done, and he likes coming out of retirement to lend a hand or to watch his daughter's back. Another great book that kept me turning the pages as fast as I can. I'm eagerly waiting the next book in this series.

Cover Thoughts: It's ok
Source: My Library

Mysterious Saturday Review: The Chase

 * Book 2 in the Fox and O'Hare series *

The Heist: Kate and Nick have a new assignment: steal a rooster and get it back to the Smithsonian, so they can hand the real one back to the original owners.  A former Chief of Staff owns the real one, while the one on display is a fake.  The country can't afford to give the fake one back to China.

The Time frame: They have two weeks.

The Wrinkles: Carter Grove now runs a private security company and it's next to impossible getting into his house.

The Plan: It's genius - if it works.

My Thoughts: I love this duo - Kate likes to play by the rules and a moral code where Nick just wants to win. They work well together. I love Kate's family - especially her father. I love Nick's plans; they seem to have a smidgen of genius in them. I like how Kate's starting to think like him too - just a little bit. Love all the action, the danger, and the tension between the two. A great second novel. I can't wait to see what happens to the duo next.

Cover: Cute
Source: My Library

Mysterious Saturday Review: The Heist

 * first in a new series*

Kate's been chasing Nick for two years, through several characters. She almost had him, but he slipped away. This time, she'll do everything in her power to capture him.

But it isn't enough.

He's switched sides. Now Kate's boss wants her to work with him - taking down even bigger fish. Obviously Kate's not happy with this new arrangement.

They have to create a long con. How is she supposed to trust him? Kate's not sure she's up to the job - without killing him first..

My Thoughts: The start of a new series has hints of Stephanie Plum. Kate has a knack for getting into trouble. Sexual tension sizzles between Kate and Nick. I love the idea of the long con and how they have to put together a group. Each person has their unique qualities - reminds me of Leverage. I like Kate's family - especially her father and his background. I love how he has Kate's back at all times. I can't wait to see where Nick will lead Kate next.

Cover Thoughts:
Source: BEA ARC