Blind Spot by Maggie Kavanagh

Title: Blind Spot

Series: Stonebridge Mysteries 03

Author: Maggie Kavanagh

Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Crime

Length: Novel (206 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-63476-746-0

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (4th Jan 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Sequel to Inner Sanctum

The Stonebridge Mysteries: Book Three

Living together is bliss for Sam Flynn and Nathan Walker, but things never stay quiet for long in Stonebridge. On the night of Sam’s twenty-ninth birthday, the much-hated mayor of Stonebridge is found dead at his home. Sam suspects foul play, but just as he starts investigating the list of possible culprits, Nathan gets word of a new undercover assignment—one that includes a mysterious, sexy new partner. Though Sam struggles to trust Nathan and control his jealousy during Nathan’s absence, the stress makes a return to the bottle seem not only tempting, but inevitable—especially when Nathan starts avoiding his calls.

Yet Nathan’s fidelity isn’t the only thing on Sam’s mind. A visit from the mayor’s ex-assistant puts Sam in the line of fire, and he’s drawn into a complex web of duplicity spanning back to the night of his parents’ accident. Sam’s journey to uncover the truth about what really happened threatens to unravel long-held beliefs about his parents and puts his relationship with Nathan to the ultimate test.

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: I can’t say no to revisiting Maggie Kavanagh’s characters from the Stonebridge Mysteries series. If you’ve not read Double Indemnity and Inner Sanctum, you need to go back and read them so that you may understand the overall plot points which pick up here in Blind Spot. To be completely honest, if you haven’t been into these guys from the start this book may be a bit tough to get through.

Once again we are back in the lives of Sam, who is well known locally for his crime blog, and Nathan, who is not only Sam’s boyfriend but also an FBI agent. The guys met back in Double Indemnity and are still together. The question of Nathan’s fidelity mentioned in the blurb is important and though not a major part of the plot, this is definitely one of the times where you need to know the background from the previous books.

We meet a couple new characters, including Nathan’s new work partner. But it was good to see Sam at his usual antics, namely not keeping his nose out of police/FBI business and investigating crimes in an effort to not only serendipitously (at times) help Nathan solve the crime, but also get information for his blog. This book starts on the murder of a new character, the mayor, but soon the pieces come together bringing new information and old information and people from the first two books into play.

A note on the ending, and another reason to read the series from the start, I loved how finally we got the full picture on one character in particular. Those pieces have finally fallen into place. You have no idea how glad I am to have that character’s mystery solved, which consequently ties in with another ongoing plot point. But there still seems to be a lot more for Nathan and Sam if Maggie decides. Sam’s brother, Tim, who has been in a vegetative state at a care facility also gets an ending as well. Things are tied up there and I have to admit that I cried. I loved that too.

Once again, this book is great for anyone who’s into crime, thriller and mystery, particularly for those that have read the first two. However, if you love crime and mystery and need a new series I wholeheartedly recommend this one.

Blind Spot by Maggie Kavanagh Blog Tour, Guest Post, Exclusive Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Maggie Kavanagh - Blind Spot DSP Banner

Hi peeps, we have Maggie Kavanagh stopping by with the tour to her newest release Blind Spot, we have a fantastic guest post, a brilliant exclusive excerpt, Prime’s review and an awesome giveaway, so enjoy the post and leave a comment to enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~

Maggie Kavanagh - Blind Spot Cover

Blind Spot

(The Stonebridge Mysteries 03)
by

Maggie Kavanagh

Living together is bliss for Sam Flynn and Nathan Walker, but things never stay quiet in Stonebridge for long. On the night of Sam’s twenty-ninth birthday, the much-hated mayor of Stonebridge is found dead at his home. Sam suspects foul play, but just as he starts investigating the list of possible culprits, Nathan gets word of a new undercover assignment—one that includes a mysterious, sexy new partner. Though Sam struggles to trust Nathan and control his jealousy during Nathan’s absence, the stress makes a return to the bottle seem not only tempting, but inevitable—especially when Nathan starts avoiding his calls.

Yet Nathan’s fidelity isn’t the only thing on Sam’s mind. A visit from the mayor’s ex-assistant puts Sam in the line of fire, and he’s drawn into a complex web of duplicity spanning back to the night of his parents’ accident. Sam’s journey to uncover the truth about what really happened threatens to unravel long-held beliefs about his parents and puts his relationship with Nathan to the ultimate test.

Continue reading “Blind Spot by Maggie Kavanagh Blog Tour, Guest Post, Exclusive Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!”

Inner Sanctum by Maggie Kavanagh Blog Tour, Character Interview, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Maggie Kavanagh - Inner Sanctum FB Banner

Hi guys, we have Maggie Kavanagh visiting today with her latest release Inner Sanctum, we have a great post from Maggie where she interviews Nathan, she has a fantastic excerpt and a brilliant giveaway, we also have Prime’s review for you to check out so enjoy the post and leave a comment to enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~

Maggie Kavanagh - Inner Sanctum Cover

Inner Sanctum

(The Stonebridge Mysteries 02)
by

Maggie Kavanagh

Six months into a relationship, things have heated up between political blogger Sam Flynn and FBI special agent Nathan Walker. Though Sam is happy with Nathan and proud of his own sobriety, he’s anxious about what their future holds. Things are also heating up in Stonebridge, Connecticut, as a series of deadly fires puts the community on edge and eventually threatens Sam’s comatose brother. As Halloween approaches, fears rise that the arsonist will strike again.

When Sam encounters the main suspect, seventeen-year-old orphan Damon Blake, Sam’s not sure what to do. He knows obstruction might land him in jail, but he finds himself increasingly skeptical of Damon’s guilt. He takes matters into his own hands and investigates, but doing so means keeping Damon’s whereabouts a secret from Nathan and the police. Meanwhile, Nathan wonders what Sam is hiding and grapples with insecurities of his own. Sam wants to confide in Nathan, and Nathan wants to trust Sam, but they discover negotiating new love can be as dangerous as solving crime.

Continue reading “Inner Sanctum by Maggie Kavanagh Blog Tour, Character Interview, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!”

Inner Sanctum by Maggie Kavanagh

InnerSanctumLGTitle: Inner Sanctum
Series: The Stonebridge Mysteries, # 2
Author: Maggie Kavanagh
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Length: Novel (200 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (14 Sept 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Blurb: Six months into a relationship, things have heated up between political blogger Sam Flynn and FBI Special Agent Nathan Walker. Though Sam is happy with Nathan and proud of his own sobriety, he’s anxious about what their future holds. Things are heating up in Stonebridge, Connecticut, as a series of deadly fires puts the community on edge and eventually threatens Sam’s comatose brother. As Halloween approaches, fears rise that the arsonist will strike again.

When Sam encounters the main suspect, seventeen-year-old orphan Damon Blake, he’s not sure what to do. Obstruction might land him in jail, but he is increasingly skeptical of Damon’s guilt. He takes matters into his own hands and investigates, but doing so means keeping Damon’s whereabouts a secret from Nathan and the police. Meanwhile, Nathan wonders what Sam is hiding and grapples with insecurities of his own.

Sam wants to confide in Nathan, and Nathan wants to trust Sam, but they discover that negotiating new love can be as dangerous as solving crime.

ISBN: 978-1-63476-405-6

Product Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon UK | Amazon US

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Inner Sanctum is book 2 of Maggie Kavanagh’s series The Stonebridge Mysteries. If you have not read Double Indemnity I highly recommend reading it first so that you can understand much of the overarching plot and the all too important background on MCs Nathan and Sam.

First off, I need to say this is a wonderful continuation for couple Sam and Nathan. I love the fact that their relationship is not dictated by some sort of insta-look. Considering the events of the previous book, they have taken their time when it comes to being boyfriends and merging their lives together. That is one reason why this book is a joy to read.

Then there is Sam’s eternal optimism in the face of darkness and all the horrible crime that happens in the world around him. He is a sweet and honest man who wants to believe the best in people. But he is also very methodical and logical which is probably a part of his character being a journalist, or at least a successful blogger.

There isn’t a lot of Nathan featured heavily in this book but when he does he steals the spotlight. He has come a long way from where he left off in Double Indemnity and he seems real settled in his new-found love with Sam. He also steps in as the big, bad FBI agent we have come to know and love.

I loved every bit of this. I loved minor characters including Sam’s friends, Yuri and Michael, as well as troubled teen, Damon (I would really love to know more about his boyfriend). They were wonderful. Then there was also Nathan’s friend/colleague, Tony, who seems to have a lot going on behind the scenes. I would say of all the minor characters, Tony and Damon are the two that intrigue me the most.
I wasn’t expecting what happened in the last quarter of the book but

I loved every minute of the wonderfully written rollercoaster. Then after all the action we have a final bit of progression for the relationship between Sam and Nathan before we are left hanging (though it’s not a cliff hanger, I just can’t get enough of these guys).

And OMG – give me the next installment – stat!

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Double Indemnity by Maggie Kavanagh

DoubleIndemnityLGTitle: Double Indemnity
Series: N/A
Author: Maggie Kavanagh
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Length: Novel (214 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (January 26th, 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
Blurb: Sam Flynn dreamed of being a journalist, until a car accident killed his parents and put his brother into a long-term coma. Now Sam spends his days as a landscaper, toiling in the New England sun, and his nights drunk in bed with the closest warm body. In his limited spare time, he writes about Stonebridge’s local crime and politics on his blog “Under the Bridge.”

Then Sam’s favorite client is found dead in her home—shortly after telling him someone has betrayed her trust. Sam can’t believe her grief-stricken husband, Nathan, would be a suspect, but the investigation focuses on him.

Sam has always admired handsome Nathan from afar, but now he puts his libidinous feelings aside to help clear his name. But the closer he gets to Nathan, the more he’s told to keep away from him and the investigation—by the fatherly police chief, by an officer on the case who’s hated him since school, and by Nathan himself.

Sam is determined to expose the real reason his friend died and to clear Nathan’s name—even if it’s the last thing he does. Which, considering how fast the death toll is rising in Stonebridge… it might be.

ISBN: 978-1-63216-378-3

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5979

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This book is one wild ride! Seriously, there are a number of complex elements weaved together to make an exciting and cohesive story. And with one of the main character’s blog named after a Red Hot Chilli Peppers song, I thought to take that as a good sign in the beginning.

The story follows Sam, who gave up any thought of a journalism career when his parents died in a car accident and his little brother is in a coma, and has been for the six years since. He has the hots for a client/friend’s husband, which he ignores until circumstances bring Sam and Nathan together and eventually makes Nathan have to face up to facts.

Sam is determined to make sure Nathan’s innocence is proven, placing more stress on him while he struggles to maintain control in life. Both men are likable and in that way, it was really easy to relate to Sam’s feelings for Nathan. The emotion of Nathan and actually being able to feel from the words that he is desperately trying to keep things together is really hard-hitting for me. I also enjoyed his inner conflict about moving on without too much angst.

I just said there are a number of complex elements to make this wonderful story:
– The murder mystery – actually make that more than one murder
– There are whispers of a devious plot which Sam needs to wade through
– The suspense and mystery of Nathan’s present
– The tragedy of Sam’s past
– Sam’s eccentric friends
– And of course, love – friendship, familial and romantic love.

I have to say, by the end of this, Sam would make a pretty decent cop, though I doubt Nathan would like that! I really loved the ending. It wasn’t entirely predictable. Some elements were easier to figure out than others.

I also liked conclusion on the personal side of things too, although I think that some would wish for things to go just slightly differently than they did, eventually we see the light at the end of the tunnel. It felt somewhat natural and realistic throughout, though I’ve never found myself solving a murder and my boyfriend as a murder suspect.

I could not put this down. I was a bit miffed that my bus ride to the office ended and I had to stop reading. This is a real easy read and I flew through the pages. Then again, I enjoyed this so much I didn’t find myself picking or getting irritated by any plot holes (because I didn’t notice any!).

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Taking Flight by Maggie Kavanagh

TakingFlightLGTitle: Taking Flight

Series: N/A

Author: Maggie Kavanagh

Genre: Contemporary/Military

Length: Short Story (70 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (February 26th, 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb: When Hunter decides he wants more from his relationship with Jake, the couple finds themselves at a crossroads. Never home for more than a few weeks at a time, Jake has been running from the pain of a rocky childhood ever since high school, when he first enlisted in the army. The thing is, he always comes back to Hunter’s bed. It’s not the kind of commitment Hunter wants, but it’s the kind he’s settled for—that and a dead-end job at the local bookstore in the small Southern town where he grew up. When Jake reveals his plans to make a full-time career in the army, Hunter wonders if he’s putting his life on hold for a relationship that will never happen. He needs to say something now before he loses Jake. However, if Jake can’t conquer his demons, Hunter’s asking for more is sure to drive him away.

Product Link: www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4737

Reviewer: GiGi

Review: This is a very powerful short story. The title is perfect, as my emotions took flight, complete with turbulence, storms, and a happy landing. The way the authors writes was powerful enough to make some of the more emotional scenes feel like a kick to the chest, other times I was feeling as scared and hurt as the main character, angry, impressed, frustrated, then crying. In my admittedly often twisted standards, if any work of art, including writing, can make me feel so strongly and keep my attention from beginning to end, it is successful.

Often times in life you have to make painful, yet mature, decisions, you can’t live your life entirely for someone else, you need to make sacrifices yes, but there is a fine line. Hunter found that line, but is afraid of what it might mean to step across it.

This is a story of love, commitment, heartbreak, reality, and misunderstanding, and yes, a happy ending. A must read!

Tam’s Review Link: http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/2014/04/20/taking-flight-by-maggie-kavanagh/ 

Taking Flight by Maggie Kavanagh

7797135Title: Taking Flight

Author: Maggie Kavanagh

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: Novella (70 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (February 26th 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.5Hearts

Reviewer: Tams

Blurb: When Hunter decides he wants more from his relationship with Jake, the couple finds themselves at a crossroads. Never home for more than a few weeks at a time, Jake has been running from the pain of a rocky childhood ever since high school, when he first enlisted in the army. The thing is, he always comes back to Hunter’s bed. It’s not the kind of commitment Hunter wants, but it’s the kind he’s settled for—that and a dead-end job at the local bookstore in the small Southern town where he grew up. When Jake reveals his plans to make a full-time career in the army, Hunter wonders if he’s putting his life on hold for a relationship that will never happen. He needs to say something now before he loses Jake. However, if Jake can’t conquer his demons, Hunter’s asking for more is sure to drive him away.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4737

Review: Hunter and Jake have been together for several years, but Hunter is finding himself wanting more out of it as of late. He dreams of Jake finishing his military tour and them buying a house and living happily ever after. But the reality of it is, he and Jake may be having entirely different dreams.

When Jake tells Hunter he is considering re-enlisting, Hunter starts to doubt the strength of their future together. He comes to realize he can’t continue to put his life on hold for a maybe, and he gives Jake an ultimatum of sorts, and wakes up the next morning alone. Just as his broken heart is starting to heal, Hunter runs into Jake’s best friend and finds out Jake didn’t re-enlist after all. When Hunter goes to see Jake, will it be that one last time, or will they reconnect after so much time apart.

What I liked about this short story was that it flowed well and gave a decent amount of back and current story for both characters. What I didn’t like was the miscommunication and the angst. I could respect that Jake was sort of messed up because of his past, but he had the love of a good man and he almost threw it all away. And let me just say, if you like make up sex, well then I think you’ll love these two and their break up sex!

Fast read that kept my attention throughout, definitely worth considering for fans of the genre.

Gigi’s Review Link: http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/2014/05/14/taking-flight-by-maggie-kavanagh-2/