Remembrandt by Robin King

 Posted by  Book Reviews
Dec 262014
 

22920573Remembrandt

Author: Robin King

Publisher: Walnut Springs

Published: October 2014

ISBN13: 9781599929484

Paperback: 240 pages

FTC FYI: Received a PDF copy in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Alexandra Stewart doesn’t just walk down memory lane, she lives on it. Her eidetic memory records her experiences and plays them back, DVD style. It’s great when she wants to ace a test, but not so great when she topples over a cute boy in the hallway and the humiliation plays back over and over and over . . . Brown University seems like the perfect place for the seventeen-year-old to forget her past. Hope for a normal life comes in the form of a handsome new running partner who makes her heart race and body perspire even before she laces up her shoes.

When her Russian professor gives her a puzzle that seems impossible to solve, Alex discovers that he has a secret – one that will catapult her into a world of cryptic codes and covert missions. As she tries to find a balance between the two different worlds vying for her attention, Alex wonders if she can have relationships with the ones she cares about while hiding a clandestine life, uncovering the truths of an underground enemy.

One thing is for certain, whatever happens will be forever etched into her memory. And some things are better left forgotten.

My Review

I really enjoyed this book.  Alex is an amazing girl.  I was fascinated by her eidetic memory and all of its possibilities.  This book has one adventure after another. I loved how Alex was a strong young woman, who could literally think her way out of anything.  I thought the author did a great job of introducing Alex’s back story with her mom and brother.  Her father teaches at Brown.  I did love how she had a great support system in her roommate and her professors.  All the characters are fantastic and entertaining.  William especially.  He’s a doll.  Alex’s adventures are very page-turning and I can’t wait to see what is next for her.

4 out of 5 stars.  I can’t summarize anymore without giving it all away.  Hold on for a great adventure!

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook 

Purchase Links

Amazon / Deseret Book

 

I, Spy by Jordan McCollum

 Posted by  Book Reviews
Oct 162013
 

I, SpyI, Spy

Author: Jordan McCollum

Publisher: Durham Crest Press

Published: June 2013

ISBN13: 9781940096001

Paperback: 310 pages

FTC FYI: Received a PDF from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Canada is probably the last place you’d expect to find an American spy. But even idyllic Ottawa has its deadly secrets–and so does CIA operative Talia Reynolds. She can climb through ventilation shafts, blend in at the occasional diplomatic function, even scale buildings (small ones). But there’s one thing she can’t do: tell her aerospace engineer boyfriend Danny about her Top Secret occupation.

It worked for a year, keeping Danny in the dark, keeping him away from danger, keeping her secrets. And then Talia finally catches a hot case: Fyodor Timofeyev. Russian. Aerospace executive. Possible spy?

She can make this work, too–until Danny needs her at the same time her country does. And when Fyodor targets Danny? Suddenly her schedule isn’t the only thing suffering. Now to save her country and her secrets, Talia must sacrifice the man she loves.

My Review

I knew by the first page that I was going to love this book.  I absolutely loved Talia’s inner voice.  She loves being a spy, and she is doing her best to keep her relationship with Danny.  So many clever lines filled with lots of snark and heart.  Everything about this book is enjoyable.  I even learned Russian.  :) Jordan did a great job of explaining the Russian and worked in the phrases and abbreviations that could have been confusing, and did it well.  I loved Talia the most, but all of the characters were well-written and memorable.  Elliot and Danny were fav’s too.  The plot is enjoyable and I loved the action!  I really could not guess what was going to happen next.  There were so many surprises at the turn of each page, especially during the climax, it didn’t matter what time it was, I had to finish.

5 out of 5 stars.  I, Spy has also been nominated for 2013 Whitney Award.  There is a prequel short story out called Mr. Nice Spy that I can’t wait to read.  In I, Spy, there was a hint of something between Elliot and Talia in the past.  This prequel is about that…  Also Spy for a Spy should be out this November!

Author Links

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble