Danielle - No Apology Book Reviews

An Excuse for Poor Conduct by Kate Dolan

October 9, 2018December 9, 2017

Title: An Excuse for Poor Conduct Author: Kate Dolan Series: n/a good story, skilled writing I would like to thank Kate Dolan and Author’s Den for allowing me to read a free copy in exchange for an honest review. This was a nice short story. Dolan’s writing, mechanically, is more skillful than I expected. Quite professional, actually. The setting of the almshouse and the indigent circumstances of the characters were interesting, a welcome change from the privileged doves and roosters …

Year One by Nora Roberts

November 5, 2019December 9, 2017

Title: Year One Author: Nora Roberts Series: Chronicles of The One #1 a dark, magickal mix of Zombieland and Heroes I was thoroughly impressed with the ingenuity and world-building in this novel. It’s probably been done before, but I’ve never seen the end of the world caused by dark magic. A deadly virus spread with crazy ease and speed, killing billions of people—but also unlocking supernatural abilities in others. And there were also ordinary humans who just seemed to be …

Interview with Laura Griffin (Touch of Red, Cover of Night)

October 10, 2018December 3, 2017

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Touch of Red and Cover of Night by Laura Griffin have plots with an intricate suspense, and well-developed characters. The intensity on the pages is prevalent in the story along with the character’s relationships. Touch of Red is part of the Tracer series and Cover of Night is part of the SEAL series, but each can by read as a stand-alone. Cover of Night starts off with a bang when journalist Karly Bonham witnesses …

Surprise Me by Sophie Kinsella

November 5, 2019December 3, 2017

Title: Surprise Me Author: Sophie Kinsella Series: n/a heartfelt but unimpressive I would like to thank Sophie Kinsella, The Dial Press/Penguin Random House, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review. After speaking with their doctor, Sylvie and Dan Winter are daunted by the prospect of sixty-eight more years of marriage. Realizing they know each other too well, Sylvie starts Project Surprise Me in an effort to keep them interested in one another. …

Interview with Rhys Bowen (The Ghost of Christmas Past)

October 10, 2018November 28, 2017

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Ghost of Christmas Past by Rhys Bowen is not all fuzzy and happy. There is a sinister atmosphere of sorrow that is also a part of this story. As Christmas is approaching the characters must overcome their own set of heartaches that revolve around losing a child. But thankfully, the spirit of Christmas rings through and the ending is one that will put a smile on reader’s faces. Because of a disaster in …

Interview with T. R. Ragan (Her Last Day)

October 10, 2018November 19, 2017

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Her Last Day is the first novel of a new series by T.R. Ragan. She is known for writing riveting thrillers whose antagonist always seems to be a gruesome serial killer. The three sub-plots throughout the story are brilliantly weaved together. The plot has Sacramento California private investigator Jessie Cole drawn to detective work after her sister Sophie disappeared ten years ago. Reporter Ben Morrison who wants to write a series of articles on …

Hardcore Twenty-Four by Janet Evanovich

November 5, 2019November 16, 2017

Title: Hardcore Twenty-Four Author: Janet Evanovich Series: Plum #24 Boring, sick of Evanovich formula, disgusted with Stephanie One of your friends makes an unexpectedly hilarious joke at just the right moment, and everyone laughs until they’re leaking bodily fluids. Then the moment passes and everyone gets over it, but the friend liked the attention and keeps trying to tell the joke over and over again or reference it or try to tell similar jokes to the point of seeming desperate …

Twisted Truths by Rebecca Zanetti

October 9, 2018November 14, 2017

Title: Twisted Truths Author: Rebecca Zanetti Series: Blood Brothers #3 Plot-driven with somewhat undeveloped characters I would like to thank Rebecca Zanetti, Forever/Grand Central Publishing/Hachette Book Group, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Desperate to find the baby who suddenly became her daughter, Noni Yuka tracks down the man who a year ago left in the dark of night without so much as a word, shattering her heart. If anyone can …

Interview with Ashley York (Eyes of the Seer)

October 10, 2018November 12, 2017

Interview by Elise Cooper Elise Cooper: Where did you get the idea with the story? Ashley York: I got the idea for Eyes of the Seer from a character in Curse of the Healer named Marcan. He’s a good friend of the hero. I think in general I find that creating a character that will be a good friend, sparks these very noble characters that deserve to have their own stories. In Curse of the Healer, Diarmuid (the hero) is …

Interview with Sally Cabot Gunning (Monticello)

October 10, 2018November 6, 2017

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Monticello by Sally Cabot Gunning is a fascinating historical novel about the relationship between one of America’s Founding Fathers’ Thomas Jefferson and his eldest daughter Martha. Because the author based this book on actual correspondence between father and daughter it is immersed in reality. Readers see the struggle throughout their life with family, relationships, and issues of the day, including being a good wife, a good mother, honoring her father, and shaping his legacy. …