J. D. Rhoades (1) (1962–)

If I remember correctly, I got this from Amazon for free at some point, and it has just taken me awhile to get to it. When it comes to books in a series, or containing a sequence using the same character, I always like to read previous stories, but in case, I was needing a book pretty fast, and this one felt right at the time. Not having read the first book, this one seemed to start off just fine, but the further I got into the book, I realized I had gotten more than what I bargained for.

The writing style was pretty easy to follow, and much of the story was easy to figure out what was going to happen next. There didn't seem to be character development for anyone. No 'fleshing out' character backgrounds, and to me, it made them feel like cardboard cutouts. Dialogue was at a minimum, and I just felt like the reader was to make assumptions based on stereotypes.

I made it just over half way through this book before quitting on it. The abducted girl was safe, and I knew the remaining half of the book would be the supercop and his female FBI/sex partner would chase down the big, bad boss that caused all the hoopla in the beginning. Yeah, and I got tired of the fake sexual tension and wordplay.… (more)

Rhoades takes a break from his usual thrillers to give us a fun caper. When a jeweled bra worth five million dollars is advertised for a fashion show, various groups are interested. The mobster boyfriend of the model sees an opportunity, but so does a small-time crook whose nephew works in the hotel where the show is to take place. Various groups, also including the security company hired for the show, the nephew and the girl he likes, and others, converge. This sort of story lends itself to stereotypical characters, and some of these are caricatures, but Rhoades does a fine job of giving several of them enough quirks, fears, dreams, and other qualities to make them into real characters. There's a good bit of humor and a satisfying ending.… (more)

his is the first download to my Kindle, and I was not disappointed.

I'd like to say it was a real page-turner, even though no pages were actually turned as I read it.

A single mom, her daughter, and retired hit man are stranded on an island off the coast of North Carolina, just as a category five hurricane is about to come barrelling through. And then they run into the paid assassins on a clandestine mission, who are intent on leaving no one left alive.

Rhoades does a great job telling this tale of suspense and intrigue, hitting the reader with the same force as the hurricane hitting Pass Island. A great way to break in any new e-reader.… (more)