I love a good romantic suspense and grabbed A Lethal Betrayal, the first Coast Guard Hawai’i audiobook written by Lori Matthews and narrated by Sofia Willingham and Wyeth Watts. A US Coast Guard Chief Petty officer and his team are tasked with finding out who stole top secret tech while a Coast Guard Investigative Service Special Agent hunts the killer. Sparks, suspense and plenty of action delivered an exciting start to the series.

A Lethal Betrayal
by Lori Matthews
Series: Coast Guard Hawai’i #1
Narrator: Sofia Willingham, Wyeth Watts
Length: 8 hours and 11 minutes
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Heat Level:
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x

The men and women of the US Coast Guard are back in action in a brand new series, Coast Guard Hawai’i

Chief Petty Officer Dane Landry is injured and burning through his last chance with the US Coast Guard. His new team is tasked with finding stolen military-grade technology, but he finds himself in the crosshairs of an investigation as the prime suspect in the murder of a former teammate. With his career and freedom on the line, his top priority should be clearing his name while navigating the complex web of suspicion and betrayal that surrounds him. Being thrown together with the beautiful investigator is a distraction he doesn’t need.

Coast Guard Investigative Service Special Agent McKenna Rankin is determined to find out who killed the Senior Chief, but it soon becomes obvious there’s so much more at stake. Her attraction to the prime suspect is an obstacle she hadn’t anticipated, but one she isn’t sure she wants to overcome. As her investigation heats up and tensions run high, Dane and Mac must find a way to reconcile personal feelings with professional obligations while racing against the clock to uncover the true culprit before it’s too late.

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We learn that Chief Petty Officer Dane Landry was injured and badly burned after a mission with his previous team as he and his new team scout out a smuggler on the coast. Things are interrupted when they spy a second team and a drone. Within twenty-four hours, the body of Landry’s previous team captain is found dead, and Special Agent McKenna Rankin is tasked with the investigation. In the meantime, Landry and his new team are tasked with a covert operation; find and retire classified tech. The story that unfolds was fast-paced and pulled me in as we learned about Landry’s background and watched both cases weave together.

I loved the chemistry between Dane and McKenna. It felt genuine despite her attempts at pushing thoughts of kissing Dane out of her head. She knows he is hiding something, and that complicates things, but as their trust builds and they share info, the sparks fly.

Sofia Willingham and Wyeth Watts narration elevated the story by bringing both points of view to life and enhancing the chemistry. I highly recommend listening.

We get to know the Guard team and secondary characters enough that I am looking forward to their stories. The case was a solid one with plenty of danger and heart-pounding near death moments that pushed the couple together and allowed their relationship to deepen.

Perfect for fans of romantic suspense and branches of the law enforcement.

Amazon | Audible

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2024 Audiobook Challenge

Source

Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/09/a-lethal-betrayal-by-lori-matthews.html

Stop managing your employees – start managing your people.

At the core of any organization are the people who comprise it. They are the living, beating heart of any company, business, or startup that drives the company to be either highly successful – or a massive failure. They are a company’s most valuable resource, and it is your job to ensure that resource is developed, promoted, and maximized to its full potential.

Over the last three decades, Tsvika Abramovitch made a name for himself as a revolutionary large-scale CHRO, where he developed an all-encompassing model that has since been promoting growth and excellence at hundreds of organizations. Dubbed “The Seesaw Model,” Abramovich’s work has earned him global recognition and multiple awards, including a STEVIE Award for HR Executive of the Year and two HR Excellence Awards.

The Art of Managing Humans replaces work relations with working relationships, improving leadership through open communication, promoting welfare, worker involvement, and transparency. It is aimed at any manager, executive, and HR person who wants to identify the crucial balance between management and employees and the practical differences it bridges between mediocre companies and successful organizations.

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/09/16/the-art-of-managing-humans-2/

Elsie’s Adventures to Brainy Cove by Whitnee Coy is a delightful and educational story that provides children with valuable tools for understanding and managing their emotions in a fun, engaging way. Elsie, with her big heart and radiant smile, enjoys playing with friends, reading, and exploring. However, like many children, she sometimes struggles with anger when things don’t go her way. She describes her emotions as a balloon growing inside her, threatening to burst. Fortunately, her grandmother recognizes her distress and takes her on a magical journey inside her mind to teach her about emotions and how to stay calm.

One of the standout aspects of the story is its clever use of allegory, particularly the metaphor of a house with different rooms to explain how the brain functions. This approach simplifies complex concepts, such as the role of the amygdala and the brain’s limbic system, making them easily understandable for young readers. As Elsie learns how her brain responds to emotions, she gains practical strategies to calm herself, and children reading along can adopt these same techniques. The charm of the story is matched by its stunning illustrations, which create magical, comforting visuals that beautifully enhance the narrative. The pacing of the story is excellent, with a variety of situations and settings that keep young readers engaged throughout. The tips provided at the end of the book are a thoughtful addition, offering further guidance for emotional growth.

Elsie’s Adventures to Brainy Cove is a wonderful blend of imagination, education, and creativity. It sparks curiosity while promoting a positive mindset, making it an ideal tool for parents and educators alike. Whether for sparking conversation about emotions or simply enjoying a magical adventure, this book is a must-read for young minds.

Pages: 29 | ASIN : B0D92XFW72

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/09/16/elsies-adventures-to-brainy-cove/

Till Marriage Do Us Part by Bianca Bowers is an engrossing novel that delves into the intricate themes of love, marriage, and personal discovery. The story centers on Bronte and her husband, Aden, whose once-successful vineyard in Australia collapses after a financial audit leads to foreclosure. Their lives spiral as they relocate to Brisbane to rebuild, but the move strains their marriage. Aden clings to the past, mourning what they’ve lost, while Bronte sees it as a chance to rekindle her long-held dream of becoming a writer. In the midst of this turmoil, Bronte forms an unexpected connection with an indie author from America. Though separated by an ocean, their online relationship grows, creating a stark contrast to her crumbling marriage. Torn between her duty to her family and her burgeoning desires, Bronte faces a difficult decision. Should she stay with her husband and children or explore the possibilities with this man she’s never met?

As Bronte contemplates the notion of polyamory, she embarks on an emotionally charged journey to redefine love, commitment, and self-fulfillment. This exploration of non-traditional relationships becomes the catalyst for profound introspection, challenging everything she thought she knew about intimacy. Bowers tackles complex topics with both subtlety and courage, bringing the reader into the heart of Bronte’s emotional conflict. The portrayal of polyamory, often misunderstood or stigmatized, is handled with remarkable sensitivity. The author doesn’t shy away from depicting the emotional weight such relationships can carry, but she does so with enough empathy and insight that even skeptical readers will find themselves contemplating its nuances. The characters are the beating heart of Till Marriage Do Us Part. Bronte’s internal struggle is vivid, relatable, and deeply engaging as she wrestles with societal expectations and her own evolving desires. Her relationship with Luther, the indie author, mirrors her own marital strife, creating a rich parallel. Aden’s grief over the life they’ve lost adds another layer of depth, making the emotional landscape of the novel feel raw and authentic.

Bowers has crafted a story that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally gripping. For readers who appreciate bold narratives that challenge conventions, Till Marriage Do Us Part is a thought-provoking exploration of the complexity of modern relationships. It’s a novel that dares to question long-held beliefs about love and commitment, offering a satisfying read for those unafraid to confront the untamed corners of human desire.

Pages: 369 | ASIN : B0CW1F2BPT

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/09/16/till-marriage-do-us-part/

Baby Darlin’ is a deeply moving and haunting illustrated memoir that explores the life of Alycia Vreeland, shaped by addiction, abuse, and generational trauma. From an early age, Vreeland is immersed in a world of dysfunction, where her mother’s mental illness and her family’s abusive patterns weigh heavily on her developing identity. Known by various names—Baby Darlin’, Brillo, Snaggle—she endures a childhood steeped in pain, shame, and lost innocence. Though she finds some solace in her father, her lone hero, even he cannot shield her from the darkness that surrounds her.

The memoir chronicles Vreeland’s turbulent journey as she struggles with addiction and abusive relationships while constantly searching for love and stability. Despite the chaos, she clings to a thread of hope, ultimately finding peace and redemption through a higher power. The narrative is brought to life with striking, often unsettling illustrations, revealing the brutal realities of child abuse and the deep, enduring scars it leaves behind. Yet, the story also delivers a powerful message of survival and healing. Vreeland’s writing is unflinchingly honest, capturing the visceral intensity of childhood abuse and the way it shapes her life. She doesn’t portray herself as a victim seeking sympathy; instead, she uses her story to illustrate how, despite enduring unimaginable horrors, healing and redemption are still within reach. What makes Baby Darlin’ particularly compelling is its raw honesty paired with a sense of hope. The accompanying illustrations amplify the emotional depth of her words, creating a powerful, immersive experience for readers. It’s not an easy story to digest—there are moments of profound sorrow and discomfort—but this emotional weight is exactly what makes the memoir so captivating. Vreeland confronts her trauma head-on but refuses to let it define her.

By the book’s conclusion, readers experience a sense of release alongside Vreeland as she moves through her trauma and towards peace. Her resilience and ability to transcend such darkness make Baby Darlin’ an inspiring and unforgettable read.

Pages: 188 | ASIN : B0D792N7D7

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/09/16/baby-darlin-an-illustrated-memoir/

The Human Canine Connection is a comprehensive guide that delves deep into the intricacies of building and nurturing the bond between humans and their canine companions. Why was this an important book for you to write?

I have always thought, “No one writes a book unless they have something to say.” This statement is especially true of my book, “The Human Canine Connection: Enriching Your Life by Loving Your Dog.”

I think it’s because I believe in unconditional love and lifelong companionship. A lifetime with a great dog is a gift. In this book, I emphasize that dogs are like family.

However, many people may want to avoid interacting with dogs. I can respect that perspective, too.

However, if dog ownership is a precious gift with many benefits, we should consider it, especially at the psychological and emotional levels. For instance, nothing is more comforting than having my 120-pound Akbash Pup lay at my feet while I sit at my desk to write the responses to these questions. Over time, this shared relationship between a human and a canine is profound, even for life. 

This thought might seem trivial or even familiar, but is it accurate? Do we often overlook or even take humans’ relationship with dogs for granted? Canine Trainers refer to this intimacy as a “Bluetooth Connection,” which is fundamental to nurturing a healthy relationship with a dog. Rather than dismiss the reality of these priceless moments, I wrote a book about this dynamic so that people might see and hear how dog ownership enriches and benefits both species during our limited time on this planet.

I hope readers walk away with hope and gratitude as current dog owners and the possibilities that come with adopting their first canine kid. Regardless of the breed or the animal’s temperament, which can seem daunting initially, I have a book that offers the dog ownership community hope that makes life simpler yet mutually enriching. 

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

As I stated on the back cover of my book, “Life is a tapestry of unique experiences, some of which we can only hope to capture in a lifetime. As I began creating “The Human Canine Connection,” I delved deep into my unique experiences and reflections on dog ownership. The truth is that perfection is a myth. Yet, many of us strive to provide the best home for our canine companions. This book is a practical guide, a living collection of stories, research, and articles from everyday dog owners like you and me. It’s a resource for dog ownership and positive pet care guidance. I hope you, the reader, will cherish the precious moments with your furry friend today. Remember, we only get one chance to raise a great canine kid.”

What is a common misconception you feel people have about dog training?

Humans often forget that dogs are emotional creatures. Like any emotions people have, dogs need their master to identify and address them. Therefore, Chapter One: Decoding Dog Behaviour is essential. However, this discipline requires a dog owner to know himself. What are his fears and challenges, and what makes him feel secure as a human? If humans can harness this principle, dogs can mature, be healthy, and be safe in their environment.

What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be published?

My latest work is a book I just published. It is a Christian Book titled “The Divine Initiative and The Human Response.” Much like this book on understanding the relationship between canines and humans, this Christian read addresses the relationship humans can share with God through faith in Jesus Christ. The book identifies the human need for God, community, and creation, a profound reality revealed to the human race through the holy scriptures of the Bible. 

Author Links: Amazon | Book Review

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/09/16/a-lifetime-with-a-great-dog-is-a-gift/

Check out the September Sarah Selects book club pick

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Stuff your Kindle with these Best of the Year So Far romances

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Amazon Editors’ personal favorites of new September 2024 books

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‘Tonight Show’ host Jimmy Fallon (and his daughters) share their favorite recent reads

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