I saw them from the canal, nosingtheir way through a spare enclosure behindthe zoo. Dusk gray, two of a kind,and utterly unimposing, they were aimlesslycrossing their corner of Regent’s Parklike a pair of sullen castoffs from the arkand wearing their dirt shamelessly. Who could blame them for their ennui?They were just the secondwarthogs, their features […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/06/08/the-second-warthogs-erica-mcalpine/
Looking after children means simultaneously building a field hospital,a hedge school, a diner, and an open-air prison with my bare handsand operating them at a continual loss. In this instant they are playing and I’m sitting on a bench where the unhindered sun applies itselfand I can feel it on my skin asking how it’s […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/06/08/talking-to-the-sun-in-washington-square-nick-laird/
Last February, with countries in many parts of Africa rigging constitutions to allow incumbent leaders to remain in office indefinitely or backsliding toward authoritarianism, Nigeria did something that seemed to set it apart: it held the latest in a series of regularly scheduled, democratically contested presidential elections dating back to 1999. That, at least, was […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/06/08/the-creation-of-nigeria-howard-french/
The interiors of Andy Warhol’s Factory, at 231 East 47th Street, were famously all silver: silver foil on the walls, silver paint on the pipes and ducts and furniture, mirrors everywhere. Even the elevator was silver. The intention of Warhol and his decorator, the photographer and Factory acolyte Billy Name, was to create an environment […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/06/08/ideal-detachments-nothing-special-nicole-flattery/
None of this had to happen. In the fall of 2008, amid the great shipwreck of the international financial order, an anonymous person or group of persons writing under the name Satoshi Nakamoto proposed a new electronic cash system called Bitcoin. In the “white paper” proposing the system, initially circulated to a cryptography mailing list, […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/06/08/the-price-of-crypto-the-cryptopians-laura-shin/
I was fascinated by the notion of interlaced stories from some of my top authors and settled in to read the romantic suspense anthology PIVOT by Kat Martin, Alexandra Ivy, & Rebecca Zanetti. You’ll want to curl up with an iced tea and enjoy these stories.
Pivot
by Kat Martin, Alexandra Ivy, Rebecca Zanetti
Series: Deep Ops #2.5, Brodies of Alaska #0.5
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
As girls, they bonded over broken homes and growing up in foster care.
As women, they’re fighting for their lives, and loves, once more . . .MERI (Against the Heart)
When Meriwether Jones takes her young daughter and runs from trouble in L.A., that trouble follows. By the time Meri reaches Spokane, she’s out of gas, money, and ideas. Luckily, ex-cop Ian Brodie hires her to help him with his father’s farmhouse, and they seem like the answer to each other’s prayers. But Meri is keeping a dangerous secret—and Ian is in danger of losing his heart . . .MELANIE (Echoes of the Past)
That secret explodes when Melanie Cassidy spots two men trying to kidnap a young boy she tutors and responds by ramming them with her car. The last thing she expects is for the man she once loved, Detective Gray Hawkins, to appear and rescue them both. Now she has no choice but to trust him as they investigate the truth about a conspiracy of dirty, drug trafficking cops—and the truth about their relationship . . .MICHELLE (Shaken)
After a rough youth, Michelle Peach was finally content in Portland—until two men broke into her home, threatened her, and sent her mentally unstable mom on a blackmail spree that Michelle has to stop. The last person Michelle wants to see is her ex, Evan Boldon, a former marine turned sheriff. But Evan misses the woman who walked away instead of letting him help years ago. This time he’s not asking permission; he’s going to put a stop to the trouble stalking Michelle and her friends—and win her heart for good.
{
“@context”:”https://schema.org”,
“@type”:”Review”,
“datePublished”: “2023-05-18T05:00:00+00:00”,
“description”: “I was fascinated by the notion of interlaced stories from some of my top authors and settled in to read the romantic suspense anthology PIVOT by Kat Martin, Alexandra Ivy, & Rebecca Zanetti. You'”,
“publisher”: {
“@type”: “Organization”,
“name”: “Caffeinated Reviewer” },
“url”: “https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/05/pivot-by-kat-martin-alexandra-ivy-rebecca-zanetti.html”,
“itemReviewed”: {
“@type”: “Book”,
“name”: “Pivot”,
“author”: {
“@type”: “Person”,
“name”: “Kat Martin, Alexandra Ivy, Rebecca Zanetti”,
“sameAs”: “” },
“isbn”: “” },
“author”: {
“@type”: “Person”,
“name”: “Kimberly”,
“sameAs”: “https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/” },
“reviewRating”: {
“@type”: “Rating”,
“ratingValue”: 4,
“bestRating”: “5”
}
}
MERI by Kat Martin(Against the Heart) Brodies of Alaska #0.5 Meriwether Jones and her daughter Lily leave L.A. escaping the one-night stand that produced Lily, a deadbeat who resurfaced when he thought Meri had inherited some money. By the time she reaches Spokane, she is out of money and desperate. Meeting ex-cop Ian Brodie at the local grocery could be the answer to her prayers. Ian is looking for someone to help clean his father’s farmhouse. He hires Meri and the tale that unfolds delivered sweet moments, and a slow burning romance with a dash of suspense. A grumpy curmudgeon and a sweet four-year-old added to the tale. I loved their chemistry and was rooting for happily ever after. 4 coffee cups
MICHELLE by Rebecca Zanetti (Shaken) Deep Ops #2.5 I love the Deep Ops series, so I was glad to see some familiar characters in this new to me story. Michelle is friends with Meri and the one she called in Spokane after Lily’s father showed up hunting for her. Between that and her drug addicted mom, Michelle has her hands full. She reaches out to a trusted friend, who sends her ex, Evan Boldon, a former marine who is the sheriff in a small-town. Suspense, second chances and lots of danger await you in this addictive tale. 4.5 coffee cups
MELANIE by Alexandra Ivy (Echoes of the Past) The tie-in here was with the perpetrator from the previous stories. Melanie Cassidy spots two men trying to kidnap a young boy at the youth center. Detective Gray Hawkins is back in Portland to investigate crooked cops. When he learns threats have been made against their key witnesses son he goes to do a welfare check and rescues. The tale that unfolds offered a second chance romance and plenty of suspense with climatic moments. I loved the storyline but didn’t quite feel the chemistry. 3 coffee cups.
Pivot was a great anthology. I enjoyed how the stories tied together. The stories are perfect for series fans and new readers who love romantic suspense. Look for the next book by this trio. Peril releasing May 23, 2023.
Amazon | Audible
Alexandra Ivy graduated from Truman University with a degree in theatre before deciding she preferred to bring her characters to life on paper rather than stage. She started her career writing traditional regencies before moving into the world of paranormal with her USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and New York Times bestselling series The Guardians of Eternity. Now she writes a wide variety of genres that include paranormal, erotica, and romantic suspense.
New York Times bestselling author Kat Martin is a graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara where she majored in Anthropology and also studied History. Currently residing in Missoula, Montana with her Western-author husband, L. J. Martin, Kat has written sixty-five Historical and Contemporary Romantic Suspense novels. More than sixteen million copies of her books are in print and she has been published in twenty foreign countries. Kat is currently at work on her next Romantic Suspense.
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Rebecca Zanetti has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and a hearing examiner – only to culminate it all in stories about Alpha males and the women who claim them. She writes dark paranormals, romantic suspense, and sexy contemporary romances.
Never miss a post by adding Caffeinated to your Inbox
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
Source
Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/05/pivot-by-kat-martin-alexandra-ivy-rebecca-zanetti.html
A.G. Flitcher masterfully guides us on an enthralling odyssey with Boone and Jacque in Boone and Jacque: Sahon, an exhilarating conclusion to their captivating saga. Unforeseen circumstances have mercilessly torn them apart from their loved ones, compelling them to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery. Jacque, renowned for his methodical and rational nature, undergoes a profound realization, recognizing the inherent value of embracing emotions when logic falls short. Meanwhile, Boone learns the delicate art of relinquishing attachments over time, understanding that powerful emotions require a graceful release. Yet, the revelation of their true selves merely marks their extraordinary expedition’s inception. To reunite with their cherished families and secure a life of tranquility, they must valiantly confront haunting memories and malevolent entities.
The personal growth of Boone and Jacque, depicted with utmost finesse by A.G. Flitcher, evoked a profound admiration within me. Their arduous voyage was an unsettling ordeal, yet it served as an enlightening experience for both protagonists. Empathy surged through me as I empathized with their plight, for the anguish of being separated from their families endured for an agonizing five years. Regrettably, their homecoming in Cytrus proved to be anything but straightforward, thrusting them into an additional expedition—this time, a quest to locate Boone’s long-lost kin. During Boone and Jacque’s absence, Xantia courageously assumed a more significant role in supporting Shammy as she grappled with a medical predicament. Witnessing Xantia’s character blossoming further since the previous installment was a delight. She admirably persisted in her inquiry into the mayor’s wife, exhibiting an unwavering dedication to unraveling the truth. Personally, I found her character to be captivating and multifaceted.
Meanwhile, Shammy exhibited unwavering strength, steadfastly protecting her children amidst their trials. Introducing Sahon as a new character injected an intriguing element into the narrative, captivating my imagination as I delved into their intricate backstory. A.G. Flitcher’s imaginative prowess shines brightly, solidifying his status as a visionary author. With each turn of the page, the author propels readers into a world teeming with enchantment and peril—Therenosita, the planet that forcibly ensnares Boone and Jacque. Within its mystical realms lie an abundance of captivating wonders and untold dangers. Amongst the remarkable creatures inhabiting this extraordinary realm, the silver trees are my favorite. Their very existence conjures images of resplendent beauty, painting an indelible portrait in my mind.
The final chapter of Boone and Jacque: Sahon left me awash in a torrent of emotions. Tears cascaded down my cheeks as I journeyed through its poignant pages. Yet, while the ending carried a tinge of sorrow, it also emanated a profound sense of fulfillment. For those searching for a series that will ignite the fires of imagination, this extraordinary opus by A.G. Flitcher is an absolute must-read. Prepare to be swept away on a magnificent escapade where the boundaries of your mind are shattered, and your imagination roams free.
Pages: 478 | ASIN : B0C1DQW5DL
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/18/boone-and-jacque-sahon/
An enthralling sequel to The Darkest Side of the Moon, A Dance Between Light and Darkness, immerses readers in a captivating world where vampires and werewolves have forged an unlikely alliance. However, the upheaval of age-old traditions proves to be a greater challenge than anticipated by the characters. In the midst of escalating threats that threaten to shatter the hard-won peace, Vince finds himself entangled in a web of enigmatic occurrences, grappling not only with external dangers but also with personal demons of loss, trauma, and love.
M. C. Ryder’s latest work continues to elevate the narrative, largely due to its impeccably crafted characters. Each individual possesses a distinct identity and a rich complexity, driven by their own aspirations and internal conflicts. Vince, the central protagonist, is masterfully constructed, his flaws and strengths rendering him relatable and utterly compelling. Furthermore, the growth exhibited by Melia’s character throughout the story is commendable, particularly in a tale that already boasted a beloved female lead in its predecessor. Ryder adeptly interweaves the personal struggles of these characters into the grand tapestry of the plot, resulting in a tale that seamlessly blends heart-pounding action with poignant emotional resonance.
Similar to its predecessor, A Dance Between Light and Darkness maintains its penchant for concise chapters, each encapsulating a single scene before transitioning seamlessly to the next. However, the second installment excels in presenting the characters’ thoughts in a cohesive manner, rendering both their physical and mental actions easily comprehensible and digestible for readers. The novel’s pacing is masterfully controlled, striking an ideal balance between gripping action sequences and introspective moments that facilitate a steady progression of the plot. Ryder’s descriptive prose paints vivid imagery of the world and its inhabitants without succumbing to unnecessary verbosity, ensuring a smooth and immersive reading experience devoid of narrative drag.
A Dance Between Light and Darkness serves as an exceptional continuation, skillfully building upon the strengths of its predecessor while charting new and captivating territory for both the world and its inhabitants. It generates heightened anticipation for the forthcoming third installment, making it an unequivocal recommendation for enthusiasts of urban fantasy. Whether readers are embarking on this series for the first time or eagerly diving into its second chapter, they will find themselves thoroughly enthralled by the narrative’s standalone brilliance.
Pages: 361 | ASIN : B0BX6B4XQN
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/18/a-dance-between-light-and-darkness/
In the wake of the unanticipated demise of journalist Sondra “Sonny” Girard, Sam Flanagan, a private investigator, is engaged in unraveling the mystifying conditions surrounding her death. The case comes to him from Senator Victor Girard, Sonny’s former husband, who harbors suspicions of foul play. While Detective Flanagan initially anticipates a straightforward case, an unexpected dismissal by Senator Girard leaves him grappling with dwindling resources yet an abundance of leads to explore. As he ventures deeper into the investigation, a labyrinth of conflicting testimonies, enigmatic clues, and a myriad of suspects awaits him, all potentially hinting at a grander narrative against the backdrop of World War II.
Drowning in Deception, penned by Judith White, is a compelling detective noir novella chronicling the investigative journey of Sam Flanagan, an ex-cop from Detroit who has transitioned into a private investigator. Set amidst the global tumult of World War II, Flanagan must rely on his keen intellect and intuition to delve into a death initially presumed accidental but soon unveils its deceptive layers. Thrown into the milieu of journalists and high-brow politicians, Sam discerns that Sonny’s demise is far from a simple drowning, and uncovering the motive becomes pivotal to cracking the case.
The narrative unfolds at a brisk pace, driven by succinct and punchy sentences that complement the high-octane plot. White masterfully orchestrates the narrative such that readers become active participants in the unfolding mystery, formulating theories and conjectures as new characters and details are introduced.
White triumphs in crafting a credible period mystery rife with unexpected twists and red herrings that will undoubtedly captivate mystery aficionados. I recommend Drowning in Deception to readers who enjoy intriguing murder mystery stories.
Pages: 253 | ASIN : B073FM2KC6
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/18/drowning-in-deception/
Fearless follows a woman with the unique ability to not feel fear, who finds herself being wanted by China’s MSS to be turned into a weapon for their world domination. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Fearless is the second book in my Trident Force thriller series and is the continuation of the story of a covert taskforce called Trident, established to thwart threats to America from emerging technologies. The inspiration for the series came from my former day job, where I worked at a major scientific research organization which, in part, explored ways to commercialize emerging technologies.
I worked in risk management, which required an understanding of the risks posed by these emerging technologies. And there were many risks! My time there inspired the idea of a team created to combat these risks and led to the first book in the series, Dark Cure. The setup of Fearless was inspired by transcripts I came across while conducting research for the series, of an interview with a woman known only as “Y”. She is afflicted with the same condition as Molly Jones, a protagonist in Fearless. Only 400 people in recorded history are known to have had this condition, so the story of the challenges she has faced throughout her life and how she had to find ways to compensate for her lack of fear, was enthralling to me. “Y”’s identity has been kept secret because of how attractive she would be to medical researchers and entities who want to exploit her condition. The idea of how irresistible she would also be to Trident and other, more insidious entities, inspired Fearless.
Molly is an intriguing character that has to balance her lack of fear with her moral compass. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
I was captivated by the real-life story of “Y”, and how her rare brain condition has impacted her life. Her lack of fear is a curse, not a blessing as some might think. Being unable to feel fear means her body does not have the normal fight or flight response, which has placed her in considerable danger many times. I really explored this with Molly. How would someone survive with no physiological fear response? How would they identify danger if they were never scared? How would they compensate for this lack of fear in order to get though life unscathed? I investigated these questions in detail as I developed Molly’s character which took me in some surprising directions as I wrote Fearless!
I also looked at other ways in which “Y”’s personality has been affected by her condition, as I developed Molly’s character. One unique side effect that particularly drove Molly’s character was recklessness. In Molly’s case, this character trait had some tragic outcomes that influenced her outlook on life and where she fits in the world. It also defines her interactions in Fearless with Karl Shepherd, a former U.S. Army Ranger in charge of the Trident team. The dynamic between this volatile duo and how their relationship evolves, became one of the most enjoyable things about writing Fearless!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The dangers posed by emerging technologies–in the wrong hands–is one of the key themes I am exploring with my Trident Force series. Major advances in biotechnology in particular have significant benefits to society–but can also be weaponized. In Fearless, the mapping of the human genome is harnessed to create a most unique biological weapon.
Espionage is another key theme I explore in Fearless. Emerging technology is big business and the new arms race of the twenty-first century. The lengths to which certain individuals, entities and superpowers will go to get their hands on valuable, paradigm-shifting technologies, is a driving theme in Fearless and in my Trident Force series.
What is the next book in the Trident Force series that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am currently working on the third book in the Trident Force series. It involves the Trident team racing to stop a unique assassin harnessing futuristic technology against the U.S President’s inner circle. In doing so, they uncover a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of U.S political power and has global implications.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Facebook
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/18/how-do-you-identify-danger-if-you-are-never-scared/