Book Review: Outbreak by Davis Bunn

About the Book:

The danger hasn't passed--it's just changed locations.

Something sinister is happening in the waters off the coast of West Africa, trailing death in its wake. Local insurgencies are no longer the only imminent danger--and the panic mounts. But before a global alarm can be sounded, the sea currents shift, and the outbreak evaporates. Coastal populations are relieved when life returns to normal, and the region's governments are all too happy to sweep the publicity nightmare under the rug.

Theo Bishop and Avery Madison saw the devastation with their own eyes, and they know the danger hasn't passed--it's just changed locations. But everywhere they turn, powerful interests are determined to silence all credible evidence of the impending biological disaster--by any means necessary. They will have to stay out of the crosshairs long enough to convince the powers that be of the toxic destruction about to be unleashed on American soil. . . .


My Thoughts:

Outbreak by Davis Bunn is a fast-paced, suspense novel that was a quick read for me. The novel held my attention from beginning to end, though I spent a substantial portion of the novel feeling a bit confused. My favorite character was Della, a brave, strong woman, whose relationship with Theo starts off roughly, but develops into friendship and, later, romance.

I read this with my local book club ladies and the general consensus was that we were all a bit confused throughout and that it ended quickly with not enough explanation. With all the loose ends, an epilogue or sequel would have improved the experience.

First Line Fridays: Unscripted by Davis Bunn

Happy Friday! 

First Line Fridays is hosted by Hoarding Books and participants share the first line from a nearby book.

Today I'm sharing the first line from Unscripted by Davis Bunn:

"The entire Beverly Hills jail was nonsmoking and air-conditioned."

Have you read this book? If not, check out my review here! What are you reading this weekend?

Have a great weekend! Happy reading!


About the Book:

Line producer Danny Byrd is well known in Hollywood for being someone who gets things done on time and under budget. But when his reputation takes a beating after his partner--and former best friend--makes off with their investors' money, Danny has but one chance to redeem himself and restore his ruined career.

LA lawyer Megan Pierce has sacrificed years of her life proving herself to impossible bosses, only to find herself disgusted at their snobbery and their specious business practices. When an opportunity to actually make a difference comes her way, she knows she has to grab it--even though she's not entirely clear what "it" is.

Danny and Megan are each other's best hope for redemption. What they never could have imagined was that they might also be each other's best hope for love.

Book Review: Unscripted by Davis Bunn

About the Book:

Line producer Danny Byrd is well known in Hollywood for being someone who gets things done on time and under budget. But when his reputation takes a beating after his partner--and former best friend--makes off with their investors' money, Danny has but one chance to redeem himself and restore his ruined career.

LA lawyer Megan Pierce has sacrificed years of her life proving herself to impossible bosses, only to find herself disgusted at their snobbery and their specious business practices. When an opportunity to actually make a difference comes her way, she knows she has to grab it--even though she's not entirely clear what "it" is.

Danny and Megan are each other's best hope for redemption. What they never could have imagined was that they might also be each other's best hope for love.


My Thoughts:

Unscripted by Davis Bunn is a stand-alone, contemporary fiction novel. With smooth prose, authentic characters, and a compelling start, Unscripted entices the reader into the glamour and complexity of Hollywood.

The characters in Unscripted are perhaps its brightest star. Megan, one of the main characters, was strong, smart, and easy to admire. Her personality fit flawlessly with her profession and situation. Even the secondary characters perfectly suited their roles and enhanced the story in a meaningful way. Annie, Jennie, Myron, Louisa, and Lane, were just some of the likable secondary characters.  Add to the characters, a mystery and a dash of romance, and you have a good book.

I recommend Unscripted by Davis Bunn to readers who enjoy contemporary fiction with strong characters and an interesting setting. There are subtle Christian values and brief mentions of Megan’s father’s faith, but it’s a light thread, not “preachy” at all.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

What I Found Today...

Look what I found today at the little used book store in my local library branch:

The Girl From the Train and The Centurion's Wife were on the BOGO shelf, so I paid $.54 ($.50 price, plus tax) for those two and The Vow was also $.54.

That's three books for $1.08!

I haven't read any of them, nor have I seen The Vow film, so they are all new to me. 

The Hidden Flame

The Hidden Flame is the story of a Jewish-Christian woman named Abigail. Her life seems to be in turmoil when a husband is to be chosen for her. The two available suitors do not share her beliefs, nor does she love either of them. When an unexpected husband is chosen, Abigail is relieved and filled with joy. However, she can not know the tragedy that awaits her and the level of trust in God that will be required of her.

This is the second book by Davis Bunn and Janette Oke in the Acts of Faith Series. I have not read the first book in the series, but I felt the authors filled in 95% of the background of the main characters. There were a few things that were left open. They did not harm the story; rather they made you wonder what the first book was about. An example would be: why were Jacob and Abigail reunited only a few hours before the first scene of the book? I’m sure that was probably explained in the first one. The plot was somewhat predictable as the story follows part of the Biblical book of Acts. I knew what was going to happen long before the actual tragedy. Overall, I liked this book okay. I would recommend renting if from the library before you buy. It was not Janette Oke’s finest book, nor was it what I would have expected as far as the amount of romance. I do suspect that there will be a great deal more romance between two particular characters in the third book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."