A Skipper's Oath: 5 Stars

Author: P. Wesley Lundburg
Length: 430 pgs.

I signed up to read this book for free in exchange for a review as part of my Freebie Chicks’ featured Author of the Month. I asked to read this after seeing the blurb for the book. It sounded like a great thriller and reminded me somewhat of that Meryl Streep movie River Wild, where a family out for an innocent day on their boat are taken hostage by criminals, finding themselves completely isolated from society and at the mercy of a few psychos.

That’s not to say this book is anything like River Wild, but I’m glad I signed up for a copy because I ended up LOVING IT. The author hooks us from the very beginning, throwing us for a loop as we think we’re reading from the perspective of the main character at first (at least I did, since I didn’t take note of the main character’s name too closely before diving into the book, apparently). Tragic circumstances ensue, and we realize we haven’t even met our protagonist yet, we’re just learning to hate the bad guys he will eventually be going after.

The first thing I noticed and one of the most notable things about the book is the amazing setting in which it takes place. Apparently the author resided in Alaska for over 17 years and ran a fishing boat charter, but I didn’t need to know that to understand that this book is written by someone who’s been where he’s describing. Thanks to the succinctly elegant prose you can almost see Alaska, can almost smell the water and feel the spray of it against your face as you speed through the water with Frank Mattituck on his boat. The author’s love for the place lives in Mattituck’s thoughts and words, and makes me want to add “retire on boat in Alaska” to my bucket list. And that’s another thing – I know absolutely nothing about fishing or boating, but for these characters it’s pretty much a way of life so there’s no avoiding the terminology. Fortunately Lundburg has a way of explaining things in certain terms without treating his readers like idiots. Even I knew what was going on, though I couldn’t tell starboard from portside-or whatever it is-if my life depended on it (though I now apparently must learn all of this before my retirement). Alaska isn’t just the setting where this book occurs, it’s a living breathing character in itself.

The second thing I noticed is how terrifying the antagonists in the book are. There are two of them, and we’re not sure if they’re running to or from something at first, but they seem immeasurably wreckless and kill without warning or sense. We witness their disregard for human life within the first few pages. This isn’t just a case of catch-the-bad-guy(s), it’s can they catch the bad guy? And how are they going to do that?? Once Frank finds himself in the killers’ line of sight and must desperately seek shelter on an uninhabited island, things become even more dangerous.

The murder of a close friend sets off a series of events that leads to Frank being deputized and partnering up with his acquaintance Todd, who is a State Trooper. Their budding partnership was one of my favorite parts of the book. Something else the author seems to excel at is character building, and I grew to really like Frank and Todd for different reasons. I wanted to be on the boat with them, drinking coffee and plotting our next move.

The plot itself is well thought-out and perfectly executed. I was on the edge of my seat, not sure if my favorite characters were going to be sacrificed by the author or if they would be spared. Like Todd says at one point (I’m paraphrasing), if you follow one thread long enough everything will eventually unravel, and tagging along as he and Frank uncovered more and more information about their two suspects and their purpose was fascinating.

I love a good thriller, and this did not disappoint. Not only did we get a great story, but a beautiful and tangible setting to accompany it, along with smartly crafted characters from all walks of life. I truly enjoyed this and am giving it five stars for captivating me and keeping me turning the pages in an unsettling combination of anticipation and dread. I didn’t know ahead of reading this that there was a second book but I will definitely be picking it up!!

The Long Way Down (Daniel Faust #1): 5 Stars

Author: Craig Shaeffer
Length: 374 pgs.
The Long Way Down is one of those books that I’ve had on my TBR forever, was FREE to me with Kindle Unlimited, and I just kept putting it off and putting it off – despite the great reviews, despite wanting to “get to it eventually”, etc. etc. Then finally I canceled my KU subscription, and with the impending date of cancellation just a week away, I decided to take advantage of it and FINALLY start the Daniel Faust series.

And so of course it is AMAZING and heart-stopping, tragic and shocking; a roller-coaster of emotions and just EVERYTHING.

I read and enjoyed the author’s Harmony Black series (books 1-3) but to be honest, they have nothing on book #1 in the Daniel Faust series. I was hooked immediately, when within the first few pages Daniel comes face to face with a fractured soul-ghost thingy in the sewers. The rest of the story plays out like a well-written blockbuster movie, complete with a romantic sub-plot, moments that make you gasp in surprise and horror, obstacles you’re not sure the main character can overcome, and an unrelenting countdown to the end of the world.

One of the thoughts I had while reading the book is that I really like Daniel Faust. He’s a kind, good person who sticks up for his friends and does the right thing – even in the face of seemingly unsurmountable odds. His complete likeability would have saved the book from an unfortunate plot or less-than-stellar writing, but neither of these things exist in The Long Way Down. From beginning to end, it pulls at your heart-strings, scares you, disturbs you, and more than satisfies any craving one might have for a great urban fantasy novel.

Shaeffer’s creativity is mind-blowing. The things that he comes up with, whether it’s a small detail or a complex conspiracy, are unfathomable to me. I guess this is why he’s the writer and I’m the reader. I’m good with that arrangement.

Enthrall Her (Enthrall #2): 5 Stars

Author: Vanessa Fewings
Length: 364 pgs.

I received a free copy of this book for an Author of the Month Read & Review, I LOVED the first book and was eager to see what happened next.

Enthrall Her is like a delicious treat. It gives you everything you want, and things you didn’t know you wanted. Some things I didn’t even know existed until seeing them through the main character Mia’s eyes.

This book is even better than its predecessor in my opinion, not just because Mia has embraced her own power but because it gives us so much more Cameron. We met him in Enthrall and it’s obvious at that point that he and Mia have undeniable chemistry. However, it’s Richard who she falls in love with, and Enthrall tells the story of overcoming their own personal obstacles to build a relationship together. But nothing that Mia feels for Richard can erase the fact that she’s inexplicably drawn to Cameron. And who can blame her? He oozes sensuality, power, masculinity. He’s the ultimate alpha.

In this second installment in the series it’s decided between Richard and Cameron that Cameron will use his special set of skills to train Mia as a submissive. He also vows to unlock her suppressed childhood pain to help her overcome inner conflict. She’s to stay for two weeks at Chrysalis – where she was strictly forbidden from going in book one– and return to Richard when it’s all over. But a lot can happen in two weeks.

I absolutely love Vanessa Ewing’s writing style. It was so easy to read for ages without coming up for air. The dialogue flows seamlessly. She manages to write Mia as an inherently sweet person without making her seem naïve. In this book Mia has a stronger voice and isn’t afraid to stand up for herself more often (one scene involving her, Cameron, Shay, and a water hose had me laughing out loud).

Cameron is also a well thought out character with his own inner conflict going on. He can’t deny his feelings for Mia, but he tries to mask them with dominance and sternness because Richard is his best friend. Over their time together, however, it’s hard not to forget about Richard and root for Cameron and Mia, who at times seem much more suited. But maybe it’s just the fact that the spotlight is on these two this time around that has me saying that. The readers may find themselves just as confused as Mia in this aspect. In fact when her “training” is over, even Richard is confused. He realizes this agreement he made with Cameron may have backfired and his regret is palpable when we see him understand that Mia is slipping through his fingers.

The erotica here is mind-blowing and fun. I was just as curious as Mia to find out what actually goes on in Chrysalis. Enthrall Her does not disappoint in this aspect. It’s like unwrapping a decadent piece of chocolate…every little piece is a tiny explosion.

I admit, I fell hard for Cameron in this book and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t rooting for him. I’m excited to see where the third book will take everyone and can’t wait to read it!