Original source: https://www.squarebooks.com/find-square-books-jr-square-books-starting-tuesday-january-9th

Original source: https://www.squarebooks.com/find-square-books-jr-square-books-starting-tuesday-january-9th

I love the Deep Ops team and was excited to dive into Frostbitten, the sixth novel by Rebecca Zanetti. It did not disappoint from a murder-mystery & danger to a sizzling romance. The story has it all. Including the team and their animals. You’ll want to grab this one!

Frostbitten
by Rebecca Zanetti
Series: Deep Ops #6
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Heat Level:

Enigmatic. With a wildly gifted mind, and an untamed head of hair to match, petite powerhouse Millicent Frost is brilliant when it comes to gadgets and electronics—less so with people. After an attempt to bust a bank scam goes awry, Millie is in hot water with Homeland Security and targeted by lethal enemies. In the midst of the trouble, she heads home to help out with the family hunting and fishing business. But when their rival competitor and Millie’s ex is murdered, she’s the number one suspect . . .

Irresistible. Former Marine turned lawyer Scott Terentson devotes himself to getting his clients out of tricky binds. A loner, the last thing he wants is to belong to any team, yet the Deep Ops group considers him one of their own—and he pays the price by getting shot at by their enemies. Now Millie is seeking his help—just as he’s dealing with a brutal fail regarding a recent trial. Both are a headache, yet he’s drawn to Millie in spite of himself. They’re opposites, but maybe the old adage is true . . .

Electric. Working together, Millie and Scott soon have more on their hands than they bargained for as the danger escalates—along with the sizzling heat between them. And when a disappearance is thrown into the mix, all bets are off . . .

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Millicent Frost, an FBI’s gadget and electronics expert, gets caught up in Former Marine turned lawyer Scott Terentson high profile case. This causes them both trouble from the higher ups when Scott calls Millicent as a witness. The two have a sizzling chemistry, and when Millicent wakes up in bed with her dead ex, Scott steps in as her attorney. The tale that unfolds held me captive, made me grin, and delivered the perfect escape on a cold, dreary night.

The case was interesting, and at first Millicent isn’t eager to call in her buddies on the Deep Ops team who are all on assignment, but as the attempts on her life increase, and the prosecutors eyes her for the murder of her ex, she calls Brigid for some background research.

Roscoe played a big part in the story, as Angus was away and the dog was with Frost & Terentson. I love this high heel, alcohol loving pup. I was so glad to see Wolfe, his cat, the twins, and Brigid arrive. Suspense, twists, and heat made for an addictive read.

Zanetti has really created something with this motley crew of agents who have become a family with one heck of a track record. I hope we get many more books in this series.

Fans of fun, intense, sexy FBI romantic suspense series will want to grab Frostbitten and the Deep Ops series. While each book features one couple and can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend starting from the beginning. Don’t miss the novellas either!

Amazon | Audible

Source

Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/01/frostbitten-by-rebecca-zanetti.html

Jonathan Dickinson by James D. Snyder offers a compelling glimpse into a pivotal moment in early American history. Drawing from the journal entries of Jonathan Dickinson, an American Quaker merchant navigating the New World in 1696, Snyder reconstructs the harrowing journey of Dickinson and his companions after their ship was wrecked off the Florida coast. The account chronicles their encounters with Native American tribes and their ultimate arrival at English settlements.

The book documents Dickinson’s expedition and delves into his perspective on the Native Americans, revealing attitudes reflective of his time’s prevailing ideologies. The title hints at Snyder’s deeper exploration of the interactions and tensions between Native Americans and European settlers. What stands out in Snyder’s work is its historiographic nature, effectively merging history with literature to bridge historical gaps. While it offers a detailed historical account, the narrative primarily revolves around Dickinson’s personal experiences, which may narrow the broader historical lens. As a mirror of the era’s intricate socio-cultural dynamics, Dickinson’s perspectives and actions offer a rich opportunity for insightful reflection.

Snyder’s thorough compilation of historical records is laudable and invites readers to a deeper, more nuanced exploration by considering various perspectives to fully appreciate the multifaceted nature of the events depicted. The work stands as a significant addition to historical literature, enriching the reader’s experience through active engagement and critical thought, thereby enhancing one’s appreciation of its depth and context.

Jonathan Dickinson is a tale of survival and discovery, and it’s a window into the intricate and often tumultuous relationship between different cultures during a formative period in American history.

Pages: 136 | ISBN : 9781737097655

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/01/04/jonathan-dickinson/

Squirrels in Antarctica by Sari Karplus serves as a delightful portal into the vast and varied realms of animals and geography, sparking a child’s curiosity and imagination. This enchanting book takes young readers on a whimsical journey where creatures and insects find themselves in delightfully improbable scenarios, far from their natural realms. From a porcupine strolling through Paris clad in pink to a skunk endeavoring to remain odorless, and from a narwhal seeking rest in New York to a piglet dining with a spork, Karplus brings these scenes to life with lyrical rhymes and vivid, dynamic illustrations.

Karplus’s writing style is exceptionally child-friendly, featuring succinct, engaging sentences that captivate both young readers and adults. The book’s structure, while not following a traditional narrative, offers an educational exploration of a wide range of animals, actions, and locales. It encourages children to expand their understanding of the world, introducing them to diverse environments from the Earth’s landscapes to the cosmic expanse of Saturn’s rings. The illustrations are a standout feature, with each scenario depicted in rich, colorful detail, creating a unique and immersive visual experience. The book encourages children to think creatively and embrace the boundless possibilities of their imaginations, fostering an environment where the extraordinary is not just possible but celebrated. What makes Squirrels in Antarctica particularly captivating is its embrace of the fantastical. Each page turn is an adventure, filled with anticipation for the next delightful absurdity.

Karplus’s humor and lively pacing make the reading experience both entertaining and engaging, ideal for nurturing a lifelong love of reading. This book isn’t just a reading experience; it’s a journey into a world where the unexpected is the norm, making it a brilliant choice for inspiring young minds to learn, laugh, and dream.

Pages: 32 | ISBN : 9798986029757

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/01/04/squirrels-in-antartica/

Marina Koulouri’s anthology, A Winter Gathering, skillfully assembles a series of short stories, each delving into the intricate facets of human nature. The narrative traverses a wide spectrum of themes, from the pangs of unrequited love and the harsh reality of loss to the profound impacts of war and societal norms. Each story, distinct in its character and plot, unites under the umbrella of exploring human complexity.

In A Train to Dresden, the narrative poignantly portrays the harrowing consequences of prejudice, depicting protagonists faced with a heart-wrenching decision against the backdrop of the SS-men’s pursuit. Similarly, Liebe Mama offers an intimate glimpse into Peter’s war experiences through a series of letters to his mother. What a Traitor Looks Like further explores war’s lingering effects, focusing on Georgette’s transformation and the resulting implications of her actions.

Koulouri’s work shines in its portrayal of the human condition, illustrating the intricate blend of virtues and vices that compose our nature. This thematic exploration emphasizes the inherent complexity of humanity, steering clear of oversimplified notions of inherent good or evil.

The stories, characterized by their emotional depth and captivating characters, are further enhanced by Koulouri’s first-person narrative approach. I believe this style, while engaging, occasionally introduces challenges in clarity, particularly with the seamless transitions between events and the characters’ introspective monologues. Despite these periodic moments of complexity, the narrative remains engaging and thought-provoking.

The blend of politics, espionage, love, and the turmoil of war in these stories makes this collection a compelling read, particularly for those with an interest in historical fiction and romance. However, due to mature themes, it is more suited for an adult audience. Koulouri’s A Winter Gathering stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in capturing the essence of the human spirit.

Pages: 257 | ASIN : B0CKLD8TJW

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/01/04/a-winter-gathering-sinful-confessions-and-intimate-revelations-from-the-winter-pale-world/

In Arsalan the Magnificent, author Tolbert transports readers to a realm where magic-infused architecture shapes towering buildings and majestic structures. The protagonist, Arsalan, renowned as a magical architect, experiences a dramatic fall from grace when one of his most celebrated creations collapses, unraveling both his professional accolades and personal life. Disgraced and disheartened, Arsalan embarks on a poignant journey to find his daughter, who has fled to escape a perilous courtship with a nefarious prince. This quest leads him to a deeper understanding of his identity beyond his architectural achievements.

Tolbert skillfully crafts a character in Arsalan that resonates with readers, endowing him with a blend of charm, personality, and relatable humanity seldom seen in contemporary fiction. The narrative is seamlessly interwoven, showcasing Tolbert’s expertise in creating a compelling and coherent story. This novel offers a refreshing deviation from the typical combat-centric fantasy genre, presenting a magician whose legacy lies in creation rather than destruction.

The storyline captivates and entertains, maintaining momentum with minimal lapses into tedium or repetition. Supporting characters enrich the narrative, contributing depth and progression to each chapter. This imaginative tale redefines the portrayal of magic, presenting it as an integral element of world-building and human experience.

Arsalan the Magnificent is a highly recommended read for fantasy enthusiasts, particularly those fascinated by the interplay of magic and the human condition, offering a distinctive exploration of a world brimming with enchantment.

Pages: 475 | ASIN : B0CCS18S9S

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/01/04/arsalan-the-magnificent/

Almasi Ya Kifo follows two men looking to change their lives who wind up crossing paths thanks to the mythical fate diamond. What was your inspiration for the wild journey you take readers on in this novel?

The story is a morality lesson. The Almasi Ya Kifo diamonds possess an energy that heighten and intensify the demeanor and attributes of individuals. I wanted to show the effect this can have on human behavior, and the lessons learned. In essence, be careful what you wish for – you may get more than you thought!

Paulo and Joseph complement and contrast each other well in this novel, building tension for readers. What was your approach to writing the interactions between characters?

To highlight who people really are at their core and how greed can be infectiously consuming and controlling on human behavior.

Joseph is driven by avarice. He’s selfish and has a general disregard for others – unless he wants something from them.

Paulo is naïve, lacking sophistication – but an easy mark for anything that he believes will benefit him financially.

Joseph almost takes pleasure in telling Paulo to take the diamonds. It’s as if he knows what Paulo is going to experience.

Are you a believer in fate, or do you think that people make their own destinies based on the choices that they make?

It’s dynamic. We all have choices; free will that directs us along the path we’re going to take. However, it’s remembering that every choice has a consequence – whether the consequence ends up being a positive, or negative, outcome is the question.

Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?

Book two in the Fate Diamond Series, Xentastic, tells the story of the next person to receive the diamonds. She doesn’t possess the same all-consuming qualities that the readers have experienced in Almasi Ya Kifo. Readers will see the polar opposite of someone who’s not consumed by greed.

Almasi Ya Kifo is book one of five novels that make up the Fate Diamond Series. As the series develops, we will see not only the negative effects, but how the diamonds can also effect positive changes.

Ultimately, readers will see how my first novel, The Way You See Me Now, connects with the Fate Diamond Series.

Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/01/04/the-story-is-a-morality-lesson/