Forbidden: Better Wear Your Flak Jacket - F. Stone


5 Stars!

ABOUT THE BOOK -
Better Wear Your Flak Jacket
Gunfire echoes within the walls of a Middle East police compound. Screams of terror are brutally silenced. Police captain Hashim Sharif captures one survivor. Soon Eliza MacKay will wish she had died with her companions.

The vile act of terrorism is covered-up. Sharif becomes the reluctant keeper of his city's bloody secret - and the witness, MacKay. His corrupt superiors have a gun rammed against his skull. Disloyalty to the mayor will be rewarded with being buried alive.

Whatever the cost, his government’s honor must be restored. Secretly, Sharif hunts forensic evidence. Who is responsible for the murder of fifteen American volunteers? And, why did MacKay lie about her identity? He can’t trust her. Her mental illness is going to get both of them killed.

When he receives orders to dispose of MacKay, his Muslim faith is tested. Murder an innocent in cold blood? He will suffer Allah's eternal wrath.

CIA Agent Hutchinson has the lying Sharif in his cross hairs. Sharif dodges the agent’s traps almost as easily as the hitman on his tail. When Sharif discovers the shocking truth, he loses all hope of survival.

What is worth dying for? Perhaps it’s not bringing a madman to justice. Could it be saving the life of a woman who kick-started his numb heart? On the knife edge of risk, Sharif plots an act most forbidden and fatal.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR -
In essence, I'm a farm girl with passions that led me to a career as a paramedic and a variety of other hobbies. Mostly, I love my husband and our four critters: two shelties and two cats. My husband and I have traveled extensively around the world. My most exciting trip was to Egypt. Oh, New Zealand was a lot of fun, too. In Israel I thought the bus at Masada left me behind - I was terrified until the rest of my bus mates miraculously appeared. I've learned a few things over the past sixty-something years. Thoughts are powerful. Intentions are everything. And lastly, passion is the key to success.

During my career as a paramedic I came face to face with scenes most people would rather not think about. Having experienced life in the most deadly and gut wrenching events, and work alongside the police service, I have the fodder for creating intense novels. My creative DNA ran amok within two months after my first novel, The Guardian's Wildchild, was published. I couldn't believe there was this kind of story within me and desperate to be told. I resisted. It was futile.

When I gave in to the visions and inspirations, I knew that the first year would be taken up with studying Islam and the Muslim culture. After finding a most wonder imam and a Muslim physician, it was time to begin the research and write. After completing the first draft of Forbidden, I searched for police personnel who would be willing to guide me in ensuring all the police procedures were legit and believable. The final draft of Forbidden was completed after four years of editing, rewriting, and editing again. My goal has been to write an exciting story, one that is both plot and character driven. Also, I was most careful in presenting the Islam faith in a moderate and unbiased tone.

You can find - (F. Stone, Feather Stone, Judy Weir) at these sites:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FSauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FeatherWrites
Website: http://www.featherstoneauthor.com

MY THOUGHTS -
This book was absolutely fantastic! I was totally glued to this story every page of the way. Let me start by saying that I love the cover - it draws you in. Once you start reading you will not want to stop until you are finished! This is the very definition of suspense, it was riveting. To be honest I was never all that interested in reading about the middle east. I never would have thought I would have enjoyed one as much as I did this one. It was just so interesting.

Excellent character development. I really loved Eliza. I think I would have really liked her in real life. She was tough, strong, yet real and sensitive. And - Hashim Sharif, holy cow! There is some depth to that man's character. You start out trying desperately not wanting to like him, because of who and what he is, but you just can't help yourself. I mean after all he is only human too and has feelings, and thank God (Allah to him) he does! There is this part I loved where Sharif is trying to get Eliza to drive (she hasn't driven in years because her family died in an accident). She is terrified and he is so good with her -forceful but fun and it was what she so needed. It was a wonderful scene.
Eliza parked and sat back. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She covered her face with her hands and wiped tears from her eyes. “Hashim,” she said softly while her eyes were still closed, “do you have any idea that you’ve performed a miracle this afternoon?” She turned to him. “People who care about me, others who are professionals, failed to do what you did.” Sharif smiled.
I know that the author did extensive research for this novel but seriously! Wow, this was just so expertly written. I felt like I was watching CNN half the time. That's how real it was.
Near the supply truck, she heard the ping, ping of a cell phone, then the trembling voice of a woman crying, "Ralph, pick up the phone. Please. Oh God ...." The woman screamed. With a blast of gunfire, her cries stopped. Bullets pierced the canvas and shattered a suitcase in front of Eliza. Her body trembled violently. In minutes she would be killed.

The luggage offered no protection. Terrified to make any sound, yet frantic to hide, she pressed her backpack to her chest. She gasped as if starved for oxygen. Tears ran down her cheeks as she heard the terrified people and Charlie beg for their lives.
Warning - this book is very graphic! Not for people who can't read about bloodshed.

If you are up for some excellent edge-of-your-seat suspense you will love this book.

I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from the author, F. Stone Thank You!

Order your copy of the book from Amazon - HERE 
 

Huge giveaway!!!!!
The author - F. Stone is giving away -
A copy of her first book -  The Guardian's Wildchild
A copy of this book - Forbidden
And a $20. GC from Amazon!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Comments

  1. Wow1 this does sound exciting and ripped from the headlines. How did you do your research? What was the most fascinating information you discovered?

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    1. Hi Danielle. So thrilled to see you 'spying' in on this reader's review of Forbidden. Research - OMG, I knew I'd have to do a ton of research. I knew nothing about Islam. And, to be honest, the thought of visiting a mosque and speaking to the imam was pretty daunting. However, the desire to write this story was unbelievably strong. What I discovered was there was no reason to be nervous. The imam was wonderful. He gave me an armful of books and videos. Offered more help any time. I looked for more Muslim people to ensure I received a varied and inclusive views on their culture, beliefs, and practices. During that process, I've met the most caring and warm-hearted peopled. What is most fascinating information I discovered? What you see in the media regarding terrorism by so-called Muslims is so far from the truth, I could bloody scream. The average moderate Muslim are peace loving and caring about the environment. The religious text, the Koran, actually forbids the killing of innocents. The only cause for killing is in self-defense. I have two words for those terrorists - insane criminals.

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  2. Thank you so very much, Wall-to-Wall Books, for reading Forbidden - AND, for writing the most amazing review. I'm so grateful for the reviews. The positive comments (even the constructive criticism) is worth more that getting rich and famous from sales (well, almost LOL). Truthfully, my greatest reward is knowing the reader loved my work, that it touched them deeply. It means that my writing craft is blossoming beautifully, and worth the years of research, worry, and sleepless nights banging away at the keyboard. Blessings to all reviewers.

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  3. I hope everyone enters their name in the Rafflecopter for a chance to win both of my novels. The Guardian's Wildchild was published by Omnific - also a crime suspense/romance but leans more toward the paranormal. I have self-published Forbidden at Amazon KDP Select. Along with these two ebooks, I will send a $20 USD Amazon gift certificate to the winner. There will be a surprise gift valued at $30 or more as well. I love to keep readers and fans in SUSPENSE, LOL.

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  4. This novel sounds compelling and realistic. Have you travelled to the Middle East? What a thrilling and intriguing book which interests me greatly.

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    1. Hi Traveler: Yes, but only a few days; clearly barely enough to sample a small portion of the exotic culture. My husband and I traveled to Egypt, Israel, and Turkey. Everywhere we met local folks, we were treated with kindness and warmth. That was about ten years ago. Things obviously have changed for those citizens for the worse. It is sad to know that even though I would dearly love to explore the entire Middle East, that is no longer an option. Being 70 years old, I doubt I will live long enough to see the future peace I envisioned in Forbidden.

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  5. This book sounds fantastic and so suspenseful! Very thrilling. Definitely going on my list!

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    1. Thank you for considering Forbidden for your list. I offer Forbidden's ebook for free if the reader agrees to write a review on Amazon and Goodreads. Interested?

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  6. I liked the review, sounds like a great read.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Rita, and commenting. I hope you read Forbidden. Blessings

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  7. Replies
    1. It should be a movie, LOL. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

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  8. This book sounds great, and I can't wait to read it. Thanks for this chance.

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    1. It's quite unique, Anita. Some authors write according to a 'formula.' I don't. I think that's why Forbidden has received so many great reviews. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Good luck in winning a copy. Blessings

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