Canyon of Deceit by DiAnn Mills

Canyon of Deceit is the newest Christian romantic suspense novel from award-winning DiAnn Mills. This book is written in first-person POV (point of view) with alternate narrators. I haven't always been a fan of first-person POV novels; however, Ms. Mills does it so well that I have come to enjoy it.

Ms. Mills has a wonderful talent for blending history, well-developed characters, and a great suspense thread

The main characters of Canyon of Deceit are  Therese Palmer, a wilderness survival expert, and Blane Gardner, a Texas Ranger with expert negotiating skills. 

Threse receives a call from Professor Rurik Ivanov, from the University where she had taught a survival course the year before. His 8-year-old daughter, Alina, has been kidnapped, and he is requesting Therese's help in finding her. This will require her survival skills and martial arts skills in order to find the young girl.

Therese had contacted Texas Ranger Gardner, whom she met at a wilderness survival class. She asks for his help in finding Alina, but lets him know the Professor wants things kept quiet. Therese has a feeling that more is involved than just the kidnapping. Could Russian organised crime be involved, or maybe something more nefarious? 

There are sparks between Therese and Blane, but Therese doesn't want to get involved with a non-Christian. Blane said his faith is real and asks for a chance to show her that he has changed. Will a fire ignite between them?

If you like Christian Romantic Suspense novels that are filled with twists and turns, I would highly recommend Canyon of Deceit. 

On a five-star scale, I give it 5 Stars!

I would like to thank the author, DiAnn Mills, for my copy of Canyon of Deceit. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review.  The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

Deadly Revenge by Patricia Bradley

It has been a while since I have read a book by Patricia Bradley but I really do love her work so I was elated to receive a copy of her newest release, Deadly Revenge, book 3 in her Pearl River series. Since I haven't read the first two books in the series, I can honestly say Deadly Revenge can be read as a stand-a-lone.

The thing I liked most in this book was the characters. Russel County Deputy Jenna Hart and TBI Agent Maxwell Anderson both endeared themselves to me. They have a past together although the romance was merely sparks and a kiss, but in the current day a slow burn to a sweet romance occurs.

The story started off slow for me, but in time the suspense took off, pulled me in and didn't let go until the last page. I love a good suspense and Deadly Revenge was not a disappointment. I would highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a fast-paced, clean, romantic suspense that will draw you in and hold you until the last page.

On a 5 star scale - 5 Stars!

I would like to thank Revell Books, for my copy of Deadly Revenge. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review.  The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

Over the Edge by Irene Hannon

When I hear the name of Irene Hannon I think about an author of sweet romance novels and suspense novels. While I am a fan of all her books, my favorite is her suspense novels. Her most recent release is Over the Edge, book 2 in her "Undaunted Courage" series.

This book grabbed me from the first page to the very last. A lot of times I can guess who the bad guy is but let me tell you, I never saw the ending coming. What a roller coaster ride I took and enjoyed every single page.

The female protagonist is Lindsey Barnes, who owns a private chef company, making meals for the elite.  She is a trauma survivor that has fully recovered until one day when she finds a dead body in the kitchen of one of her clients. She then hides because she hears someone else in the house...the killer.

The male protagonist is Police Detective Jack Tucker, who enters the story as the detective assigned to the case. He also used to date Lindsey's best friend, that is until her friend died and Lindsey blamed him. This makes for a not so pleasant start for either of them.

Miss Hannon has created two well developed, strong-willed characters in Lindsey and Jack and I fell in love with both of them.

If you love romantic suspense novels, you will find this book will captivate you until the very last page. I highly recommend it!

On a five-star scale - 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Revell Books, for my copy of Over the Edge. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review.  The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

Witness Escape by Sami A. Abrams

I love Sami A. Abrams work and her newest book, Witness Escape is the fifth and final book in her "Deputies of Anderson/ County" series. It releases on 08/20/24 and I can honestly say that is one is my absolute favorite books in the series.

The story revolves around Tabitha Wilson and Detective Doug Olsen. Tabitha is in Witness Protection, her cover is blown and she has lost touch with her DEA contact, Michael Lane. These two characters meet when Tabitha is working as a waitress using the name Beth. Doug feels something is off with her and one day while he is in the diner he notices her reaction when she spots someone come into the diner. The look was fear. This begins their story. 

I really loved the characters of Tabitha/Beth and Doug. Ms. Abrams created very believable characters.

I love the description in the paragraph at the bottom of page 83. It reads, "He felt a strong pull toward Beth and wanted to do everything in his power to help. He took a long, hard look at her. The woman was a walking contradiction. A scared little mouse on the outside. And who could blame her after what she confided in him? But if he peered into the depths of her green eyes, a tiger lived inside."  Then in the middle of page 196 it reads, "He loved her bashfulness. She'd come such a long way in a short time. On occasion, she'd flinch, or the ingrained submissiveness would rear its ugly head, but her confidence had flourished. His butterfly had spread her wings, and any day now, he'd see her soar". What imagery...I loved it.

Witness Escape is an action-packed suspense novel where the fear at times was palpable. I was on the edge of my seat for most of the journey through this wonderful book.

While this book is the 5th in the series, it reads well as a stand-alone. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good clean, action-packed, suspense that will keep you turning the pages as quickly as you can. 

On a 5 Star Scale - I give it 5 Stars.

I would like to thank the author, Sami A. Abrams, for my copy of Witness Escape. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review.  The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

Lethal Standoff by DiAnn Mills

 

Once again DiAnn Mills has produced another nail-biter with her newest stand-alone book, Lethal Standoff. It releases on September 3, 2024.

Ms. Mills has written both the main characters in first person. This brings a totally different tone to the book as the reader gets more perspective on what the characters are thinking. I am still getting used to first person, and in this book I loved it.

The story is about a hostage negotiator, Carrington Reed, and a journalist, Levi Ehrlich. When their story begins, Carrington has been called out to a hostage situation and Levi shows up as well to get the story. They have met before so Levi showing up wasn't a surprise.

There are a lot of things going on in this book. Both characters have some personal issues to deal with and need to get beyond them to figure out the issues at hand. I thoroughly enjoyed both characters.

This is a story with suspense, danger, love, hate, faith, and unbelief. The reader is taken on a wild ride with twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. In the end, they receive a beautiful conclusion.   

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves to read Christian romantic suspense.

On a 5-Star Scale -5 Stars!

I would like to thank Net Galley, for my ARC copy of Lethal Standoff. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review.  The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

Hidden in the Night by Elizabeth Goddard

Hidden in the Night is Elizabeth Goddard's third and final book in her "Missing in Alaska" series. This has been an awesome series to read and, if the truth be told, I am sad it is ending.  The story is set in Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska and is filled with suspense, danger, and lots of tension that will keep the reader sitting on the edge of their seat. While it is the third book in the series it can be read as a stand-alone book.                                                                                              The story is about Former FBI Special Agent Ivy Elliott who now is a rare book collector and Alaska State Trooper Nolan Long. These two characters have a brief history and sparks fly when they encounter each other again. Ivy, who lives in Florida, has come to Alaska to purchase an unpublished Jack London manuscript. When she arrives she discovers the manuscript has been taken by the owner's granddaughter, Danna. So Ivy heads off to find Danna only to find out she is missing. In the meantime, Trooper Nolan finds himself involved in a possible homicide but he and his partner can't find a body. Ivy and Nolan end up working together to find the missing granddaughter and end up dodging danger with every move. I loved both characters and the tension that was between them was palpable. 

The reader is taken on a fast-paced journey filled with mystery and suspense. I was kept guessing throughout the book and really didn't see the ending coming.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves clean romantic suspense novels.

On a 5-Star scale - 5 Stars!

I would like to thank Revell Books, for my copy of Hidden in the Night. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review.  The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

Double Take by Lynette Eason

Lynette Eason's newest book, Double Take is a page-turner, to say the least. It is the first book in her new series "Lake City Heroes" and let me tell you, if the books to follow are as good as this one (which there is no doubt in my mind that they will be) she will have another excellent series.

The story is about Physician Assistant Lainie Jackson and Detective James Cross. These two are brought together when someone makes an attempt on Lainie's life. That's when the roller coaster ride began...up and down and back again, this story took me on a wild journey of nail-biting suspense that had me guessing right up until the very end. 

I absolutely loved the characters in this story. They both have flaws that make them more believable. I loved all the banter between Lainie & James, but I also loved the banter between James and his partner Cole Garrison. Ms. Eason has a talent for creating extremely believable characters that charm the readers. 

This is an awesome romantic suspense with a beautiful faith message threaded through the story. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romantic suspense.

On a 5-Star scale - 5 Stars!

I would like to thank Revell Books, for my copy of Double Take. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review.  The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

Shadows at Dusk by Elizabeth Goddard

If you are looking for a good suspense novel that will keep you captivated for hours, Elizabeth Goddard's Shadows at Dusk will not disappoint you. It is the second book in her "Missing in Alaska" series and I can hardly wait for book three.

This story centers around Montana Detective Trevor West and Carrie James a bush pilot in Alaska. Trevor needs help to locate his sister who has been missing in Alaska for over a year.  All he has to go on are some pictures his sister left him. The Police Chief suggests he contact Carrie who knows the Alaska terrain very well. But Carrie has her own mystery to solve and needs Trevor to help her find out who killed her friend and partner Issac.

The characters of Trevor and Carrie were extremely well crafted as was the state of Alaska. You can almost see the terrain as Ms. Goddard describes it. I love books that pull you in with story, character, and setting.

The mystery behind the pictures and the suspense left me sitting on the edge of my seat. It was fast-paced with twists and turns keeping me turning the pages long into the night. I would highly recommend this book if you enjoy good romantic suspense.

On a 5-Star scale - 5 Stars!

I would like to thank Revell Books, for my copy of Shadows at Dusk. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review.  The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

Into the Fire by Irene Hannon

 

Whenever Irene Hannon releases a new romantic suspense novel I know it will be an awesome read. Her newest novel, Into the Fire, is the first book in her new "Undaunted Courage" series and I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.

The story centers around Bri Tucker, a former smokejumper turned arson investigator and ATF Special Agent Marc Davis. Both characters are well-crafted and they pulled me into their story from the start. Their attraction to each other was almost palpable. I loved both of these characters.

Bri is assigned a case in which a former colleague has burned in a house fire. He had left her a puzzle regarding previous fiery deaths and now Bri must try to figure them out before someone tries to get rid of her as well. She is told to team up with Marc so they can solve the puzzles together and ultimately solve the case...or will they?

The story is propelled forward at a fast pace and I found myself sitting on the edge of my chair rooting Bri and Marc on. This is a book, that if I had had the time, I would have sat down and read it in one sitting, but life sometimes doesn't allow that.

If you love romantic suspense I would highly recommend that you pick up a copy of Into the Fire. 

On a 5-Star scale - 5 Stars!

I would like to thank Revell Books, for my copy of Into the Fire. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review.  The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

Better Watch Out by Natalie Walters

If you would like to read a wonderful book set in New York City, during Christmas then Better Watch Out by Natalie Walters is a book you need to pick up.

Frannie had made a bucket list to complete with her boyfriend Calvin in New York only she found out Calvin found someone new leaving her broken-hearted.  Her brother enlists his friend Andrew to act as her companion while she completes her bucket list.

This story was sweet, cute, romantic, tense, and at times suspenseful. Ms. Walters created another character in New York City itself. The smells, the sounds, the atmosphere were almost palpable. Well done Ms. Walters.

There were quite a few moments where I giggled out loud, especially during Frannie and Andrew's "meet cute". 

This is a book to be a treasured keepsake to be read each Christmas. I would highly recommend it if you like romantic suspense stories set during Christmas, this is a must read.

On a 5-Star Scale - I give it 5-Stars!

I would like to thank the author, Natalie Walters, for my e-book copy of Better Watch Out. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review.  The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

 

Killer Christmas Evidence by Sami A. Abrams

I am a huge fan of Sami A. Abrams and her current series "Deputies of Anderson County". Her newest book in the series, Killer Christmas Evidence, releases on the 24th of this month.

This is the story of Detective Kyle Howard and Detective Cassidy Bowman, two people who once were great friends but due to circumstances surrounding Kyle's fiancée's death, they are now at odds. 

Cassidy is soon brought back together with Kyle and they have to work together to solve some mysterious cold cases that all seem to tie together. They soon find themselves a target of someone who doesn't want them to solve the cases.

I love the characters of Kyle and Cassidy. They have both been horrendously hurt in the past and Ms. Abrams handles their situations delicately. Forgiveness isn't always easy especially when the pain was so great. I loved how Ms. Abrams let the scales of unforgiveness fall away giving them a chance to move forward with their lives.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves sweet romantic suspense and books set during Christmas.

I give this book 5 Stars!

I would like to thank the author, Sami A. Abrams, for my copy of Killer Christmas Evidence. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review.  The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

Facing the Enemy by DiAnn Mills

DiAnn Mills new book, Facing the Enemy, is another fantastic novel of inspirational romantic suspense that takes the reader on a fast-paced journey through murder and child abductions.

I have never been a big fan of first-person point-of-view books so when I started reading Facing the Enemy I was a little disappointed when I found it was written in the first-person POV. However, by the end of a few chapters, I actually fell in love with the way Ms. Mills gave us Risa's POV for a couple of chapters and then Gage's POV for a couple of chapters. She let us know in the chapter heading as to who's POV we were reading. To me, I actually felt I was able to get to know each character quicker and a little better.

The characters, FBI Special Agent Risa Jacobs and FBI Special Agent Gage Patterson were very well crafted. They both had issues but I loved the way Ms. Mills allowed them to work through them. Their stories involve their faith, grief, and in the end, forgiveness. 

The storyline involves some murders that seem to intertwine with each other taking the reader on a fast-paced roller coaster ride. So you might want to wait to start this book when you have plenty of time to sit down and read because I guarantee you won't want to put it down. It is a standalone book due to release on September 5, 2023 (preorder here), and let me tell you it is a must-read book if you enjoy clean romantic suspense. I would highly recommend it.

On a 5 Star Scale - I give it 5 Stars.

I would like to thank the author, DiAnn Mills, for my copy of Facing the Enemy. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review.  The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

Under Fire by Lynn H. Blackburn

From the Back Cover:

THEY'LL PROTECT THE PRESIDENT IF IT'S THE LAST THING THEY DO...AND IT JUST MIGHT BE.

USSS Special Agent Zane Thacker has landed his dream assignment protecting the president of the United States. When the president plans a fundraiser at the exclusive estate of a political supporter in Raleigh, Zane is thrilled to be working again with Special Agent Tessa Reed, his best friend--and the woman he desperately wishes could be more.

Though Tessa almost lost everything, she battled her demons and came out on the other side healthy and healed. But when her role as the liaison between the Raleigh office and the president's protective detail wrenches her past back into the present, her greatest failure threatens to come to light. 

Zane refuses to let Tessa go through this alone. But can he stand by the woman he loves and protect the president from a mounting threat at the same time?

My Review:

When given the opportunity to read and review Under Fire by Lynn H. Blackburn I couldn't resist it. It is the third and final book in her "Defend and Protect" series. However, it can be read as a stand-alone book.

The story's main characters are US Secret Service Agent Tessa Reed and US Secret Service Agent Zane Thacker who is attached to the president's detail.  The president plans to attend a fundraiser at the private estate of one of his friends in Raleigh. Tessa is assigned to the Raleigh office and is given the presidential fundraiser to oversee the security. Tessa and Zane have a past and are now best friends even though he really would like to take their relationship further. The relationship between characters grows as the story progresses and we soon find out why Zane has a key to Tessa's house which tracks back to a very deep dark secret from her past that actually ties into the situation they now find themselves in...someone is threatening both Tessa and the president.

I love Ms. Blackburn's characterization in all of her books. From the first page to the last her characters pull me in and transport me on their journey with plenty of nail-biting suspense, twists and turns, and plenty of tension. Under Fire was no different and kept me guessing until the very end.

One thing that puzzled me was the epilogue. Now, most epilogues that I have read tied up the book's romantic suspense storyline. However, in Under Fire, the epilogue appears to be setting up another book or storyline and that part left me wondering a little as to what it all meant.

All in all, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romantic suspense novel with great characterization.

I give this book 5 Stars.

I would like to thank Revell Books and NetGalley, for my copy of Under Fire. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review.  The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

 

Cold LIght of Day by Elizabeth Goddard

As a big fan of Elizabeth Goddard, I have been anxiously awaiting the release of her newest novel, Cold Light of Day which is the first book in her new series "Missing in Alaska". I must say that I wasn't disappointed.

The leading characters are Police Chief Autumn Long and Grier Brenner, a newcomer to town. I was intrigued by both of these characters from the start. They were both very well crafted, they pulled me in and didn't let me go until the very last page.

The story is set in Shadow Gap, a little town in Alaska. It is said people come to this town to disappear, as is the case for Grier. But while he would like to fade into the terrain he can't help but get involved when nefarious things start happening. He soon has the Police Chief asking for his help.

I really enjoyed Ms. Goddard's character and how she brought them to life. They carried me away from the first page and I found myself on a roller coaster that carried me deep into the night. I would have stayed up until I finished it, but I knew I needed to get at least a few hours of sleep. So I read it in two days and can hardly wait for Book 2 in the series.

If you enjoy romantic suspense novels that are fast-paced and keep you guessing I would highly recommend that you pick up a copy of Cold Light of Day.

On a Five Star scale - 5 Stars!

I would like to thank Revell Books, for my copy of Cold Light of Day. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review.  The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

 

Detecting Secrets by Sami A. Abrams

I am a huge fan of Sami A. Abrams and her Love Inspired Suspense series, "Deputies of Anderson County".  Her newest release is Detecting Secrets, which is due out this month. It is the third book in her series. The first in the series is Buried Cold Case Secrets and the second in the series is Twin Murder Mix-Up, All three books are excellent and can be read as stand-alone books.

First I'd like to say that Love Inspired, once again did an awesome job with the cover. It is actually a scene from the book.

The story centers around marriage and family therapist, Charlotte Bradley, her air-scent dog Theo, and local Sheriff Dennis Monroe. All three characters were very well created, yes, even Theo. 

Something is going on in Anderson County and Charlotte wants to get to the bottom of it before more of the pregnant girls she counsels go missing. Sheriff Morgan joins her in the search for answers and they soon find themselves in the line of fire.

Ms. Abrams never disappoints. Her characters have a depth that causes the reader to feel they know them personally. I also loved the way she wrote the character of Theo. I would almost feel she studied an air-scent dog long term in order to get his actions and mannerisms down on the written page.

All said, you can't go wrong with picking up a book with Sami A. Abrams name on the cover. I would highly recommend picking up a copy of Detecting Secrets when it hits the shelves on 02/21/2023.

On a Five Star scale - 5 Stars!

I would like to thank the author, Sami A. Abrams, for my copy of Detecting Secrets. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review.  The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

Concrete Evidence by DiAnn Mills

BACK COVER

A FAULTY CONSTRUCTION JOB. 

THE DISCOVERY OF A DEAD BODY.

A SINISTER PLOT.

On the family's Brazos River Ranch in Texas, Avery Elliott helps run her grandfather's commercial construction business. Raised by Senator Elliott, Avery has never doubted her grandfather is the man of integrity and faith she's always believed him to be...until the day she finds him standing with a gun over the body of a dead man. To make matters worse, Avery's just discovered a billing discrepancy for materials supposedly purchased for construction of the Lago de Cobre Dam.

Desperate for answers, Avery contacts FBI Special Agent Marc Wilkins for help. As Marc works to identify the dead man Avery saw, threats toward Avery create a fresh sense of urgency to pinpoint why someone wants to silence her. With a hurricane approaching the Texas coast and the structural integrity of the Lago de Cobre Dam called into question, time is running out to get to the bottom of a sinister plot that could be endangering the lives of not only Avery and her loved ones but the entire country.

MY REVIEW:

I am a HUGE fan of the work by DiAnn Mills. She has never disappointed me and with her newest release, Concrete Evidence, I can honestly say I wasn't disappointed with this release either. She knows how to craft a Christian Romantic Suspense novel so that the reader is pulled into the action from the first page and carried through to the last page. I can honestly say it was hard to not put it down when I needed to.

The characters in Concrete Evidence, Avery Elliott, her Grandfather Senator Quinn Elliott, and FBi Special Agent Marc Wilkins were all so captivating to me. I loved the love that pulsated through the conversations between Avery and her Grandad. They stole my heart. Then the interaction between Avery and Marc was electric. But the action that really brought me to tears at times was the interaction between Marc and his 'newfound' 15-year-old sister, Tessa. It was so precious.

I can't say enough about this novel. It is so well written with great characters that stole my heart. If you like a clean romantic suspense novel then I would highly recommend picking up a copy of Concrete Evidence. 

On a 5-Star Scale - 5 HUGE Stars!!!

I would like to thank Revell Books, for my copy of Concrete Evidence. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review.  The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

Critical Alliance by Elizabeth Goddard

Critical Alliance is the third book in Elizabeth Goddard's Rocky Mountain Courage series. I have read both the first book, Present Danger (you can read my review here) and the second book Deadly Target (you can read my review here). While they are all part of a series, they can be read separately.

This book is the story of Mackenzie Hanson, a professor of cyber security, and Diplomatic Security Services special agent Alex Knight. Through poor judgment in her youth, Mackenzie became estranged from her family for many years. She is back in Montana now to try to help what is left of her family to find out who is trying to sabotage the family tech business. Alex is back in Montana to get some well-needed rest and relaxation after his latest mission that failed. But instead of rest, he is pulled into the mystery that Mackenzie and her family are facing.

Ms. Goddard has a gift for creating well-developed, realistic characters that with their first appearance on the page pull you in and invite you into their fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat story. All the characters in Critical Alliance do just that.

I thoroughly loved this book and the entire series. I would highly suggest it to anyone who loves a good clean, fast-paced, suspense novel that leaves you wanting more.

On a 5-Star Scale - 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank the author and Revell Books, for my copy of Critical Alliance. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review.  The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

Crossfire by Lynette Eason

If you like romantic suspense novels then Crossfire by Lynette Eason is a must-read! It is the second book in the "Extreme Measures" series. The first book in the series is Life Flight and you can read my review here.  Both books can be read as stand-alone books, however, I would suggest that you pick up copies of both books as they are outstanding. While the first in the series was excellent, Crossfire is now my favorite book by Ms. Eason. The series is built around four friends that met in their younger years and they became like family to each other.

The characters, FBI Negotiator Julianna Jameson and Former Army Ranger Clay Fox who is now a school resource officer are well developed and they brought me into their story from the first moment they showed up on the page. This is definitely a gift that I see in all of Ms. Eason's books, her characterization is phenomenal.

Ms. Eason has created a book filled with fast-paced action and suspense with romance and a spiritual thread mixed in. It will keep you turning pages long into the night.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a clean romantic suspense novel. It releases on 08/02/22.

Crossfire is definitely a 5-Star read.

I would like to thank Revell Books, for my advanced reader's copy of Crossfire. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review.  The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

Fatal Code by Natalie Walters

When I had the opportunity to read and review Natalie Walters's new book I jumped at the chance. Her newest book, Fatal Code is the second book in "The SNAP Agency" series and I can only say this book is just as good, if not better, than the first book in the series, Lights Out (read my review here)!

Elinor Mitchell is an aerospace engineer working for Lepley Dynamics. Her grandfather was part of a group of scientists who came close to finishing a nuclear energy project but never completed it. When her grandfather dies she takes it quite hard. He left notebooks behind that gave her comfort knowing they were his. What she doesn't realize is there are codes within them that can lead her to the cipher that is needed to complete the 'fatal code'. 

The owner of Lepley Dynamics has hired the SNAP Agency (Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency) because there is a leak in his organization causing important information to get to their competitors. Navy cryptologist Kekoa Young is a member of the SNAP Agency and was given the task of monitoring Elinor as she is suspected of leaking the information.  This soon leads to Kekoa having to protect her as well. Other countries are trying to secure the information from Elinor in any way possible. 

All the characters in this series are well crafted and seem to come to life on the written page. I will say that Kekoa is my favorite character overall at this point. I loved the way he showed his soft vulnerable side when he was with his family and Elinor. I also loved Elinor's quirkiness when she wore t-shirts with scientific equations on them and also when she would tell her quirky jokes. 

There were also moments that brought tears to my eyes such as the line on page 121 where, speaking about her grandfather, Elinor tells Kekoa, "It's like I can run my fingers over his writing and feel closer to him, read his words and hear his voice speaking to me." Or on page 222, "Kekoa's knees buckled, and his father ran to him, strong arms wrapping around him as he collapsed into them, releasing the sorrow, anguish, pain, and regret he'd been holding on to for fourteen years."

There are two things that interfered with me having a 100% enjoyable read. The first was located on page 50 when the author states Kekoa was living his own version of Grey's Anatomy without the medical part and also on the same page she referenced Mad Men. I have never seen either show and so the references fell flat for me. Also, with Kekoa being of Hawaiian descent, in the first quarter of the book there are a lot of Hawaiian words that in order for me to fully understand, I had to look the words up on the internet. This slowed down my reading pace. I will say that the pace picked back up once I got past all the Hawaiian words. I wish Ms. Walters could have included a glossary in the front or back of the book that contained all the words.

I would highly suggest this book to anyone who loves a good fast-paced, suspenseful romance novel.

On a 5-Star Scale - 5 Stars!

I would like to thank Revell Books, for my copy of Fatal Code. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review.  The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

Malicious Intent by Lynn H. Blackburn

After I read Unknown Threat the first book in Lynn H. Blackburn's "Defend and Protect" series I wanted more. When I had the opportunity to join Ms. Blackburn's Launch Team for the second book in the series, Malicious Intent I was beyond ecstatic. This book did not disappoint. From the first sentence to the last I was held captive by the characters, the suspense, the romance and even some laughter. This book even exceeds the first book in the series. Read my review of Unknown Threat here.

The lead characters are Dr. Ivy Collins, founder and CEO of Hedera, Inc., and US Secret Service Agent Gil Dixon. The backstory lets the reader know that in their youth these two characters were best friends and they were each other's first love. That is until Ivy left abruptly with no explanation. It is now fifteen years later. Ivy is working on a new prosthetic that is on the cutting edge of science but someone is trying to stop her. Gil is working on a counterfeit ring and his first encounter with Ivy since their youth is when he appears at her door to discuss the fact that some of the counterfeit money came through Hedera, Inc. When Gil and Zane arrive they find her front door ajar... By the end of the first chapter, you cannot put this book down.

Ms. Blackburn has created a great team of characters that are well-developed and who embed themselves within your thoughts so that you crave more and more from this wonderful author.

Within the covers of this book, you will find second-chance romance, suspense, some laughter, and a whole lot of intrigue. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves good romantic suspense.

On a 5-Star Scale = 5 HUGE Stars.

I received an ARC of Malicious Intent from the publisher. I have chosen to leave an honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,