My Review - Lights Out by Natalie Walters

 

5 out of 5 stars

LIGHTS OUT by Natalie Walters is the first novel I’ve read from this author but most certainly will not be the last! Action. Suspense. Romance. And all of it fast pace and adrenaline charged!

CIA analyst Brynn Taylor has gathered intelligence agents from all over the world to introduce them to a program to combat terrorism. When one of her invitees disappears, Brynn fears she has inadvertently invited a spy to America. Now the clock is running out to find a man who seems to have disappeared.

Jack Hudson from the Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency is brought in to find Brynn’s missing spy. Unfortunately, Brynn and he share a history, making this joint effort even more difficult.  The sting of betrayal resonates deep with Jack, but he’s committed to doing his job.

The tension between Brynn and Jack is palatable, but so is the chemistry. As they struggle to keep personal and professional feelings separate, they are thrusted into a world of terrorist who will stop at nothing in accomplishing their objective.  

LIGHTS OUT was a great read! The characters were well developed, and the pacing was charged with both action and romance. The secondary characters who make up the SNAP team are all very intriguing. The comradery and banter between the team balances well against the intensity of the rest of the story.

I highly recommend LIGHTS OUT and will be waiting for the next installment in the SNAP Agency series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

My Review - Deadly Target by Elizabeth Goddard

 

5 out of 5 stars
DEADLY TARGET by Elizabeth Goddard is the second installment in the Rocky Mountain Courage series. And just like the twists and turns in a mountain road, DEADLY TARGET has plenty of pivot points, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.

Erin Larson, a Criminal Psychologist navigates two shocking blows. After nearly losing her life in a boating accident, she finds out her mother tried to commit suicide. Of course, hearing the news from her ex-flame only compounds the emotional turmoil stirring inside her. Putting her full-time job on hold, Erin rushes home to Montana to take care of her mother. Fortunately, she can continue broadcasting her anonymous podcast remotely, which shines a light on cold cases involving missing persons.  

Detective Nathan Campbell isn’t having a much better time of it. After having to break the news to Erin about her mother’s suicide attempt, his estranged father shows up out of the blue. Not sure how he feels about this, Nathan concedes to his father’s request to go fishing, just like they use to do when Nathan was a kid.  While in the woods, reminiscing about old times, Nathan’s dad is shot in the head.

These two events spiral out of control, thrusting Erin and Nathan together as they both deal with the very real possibility of losing a parent. Erin appreciates Nathan’s concern, but just like so many years ago, she keeps him at arm’s-length, leaving Nathan to wonder once again what went wrong between them. When more “accidents” happen while Erin and Nathan are together, they can’t be sure who is being targeted. Nathan—because his father shared sensitive information with him, or Erin—due to ghosts in her past.

I really enjoyed DEADLY TARGET. Though it is book two in a series, it can easily be read as a stand alone novel. In fact, the connection to book one is so slight, I forgot it even existed. The story has lots of twists and turns, leaving you to wonder if each incident is connected or if Erin and Nathan are truly that unlucky. The relationship between them is strained but oozing with attraction. Nathan just wants to know why Erin left him years ago, but Erin isn’t sure she can share her darkest secret, even with someone she loves. I’m not one for having the hero and heroine locked in an emotional tug-o-war for an entire book, but in the end, I was satisfied with the outcome. I would definitely recommend DEADLY TARGET. It’s a quick read because you just don’t want to put it down.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from Revell. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

My Review - Labyrinth of Lies by Irene Hannon

5 OUT OF 5 STARS!

LABYRINTH OF LIES, the second installment in the Triple Threat series, did not disappoint. Picking up where POINT OF DANGER left off with the Reilly sisters, we now get a chance to peak into the life of Cate Reilly.

Detective Cate Reilly is done with undercover work, or so she thinks. However, when a student goes missing from Ivy Hill Academy, a prestigious girls boarding school, Cate is the only one with the youthfulness to infiltrate the school as a student. Wanting to seek justice for the student’s father, she agrees to take the assignment, but her job becomes twice as difficult when she comes face to face with Zeke Sloan, the man she gave her heart to eight years ago. A man who walked away from her and never looked back.

DEA agent, Zeke Sloan can’t believe his eyes. Cate Reilly . . . at Ivy Hill . . . posing as a student. She was not part of the intel regarding his assignment, which could only mean one thing. There was more going on at Ivy Hill than meets the eye. Even with his old feelings for Cate flooding back into every fiber of his being, he has to stay the course—find out who is using the affluent girl’s school as a front for a drug running operation. However, the first thing he is doing when his assignment is over is apologize to Cate for leaving and convince her to give him another chance.

LABYRINTH OF LIES is filled with fast paced action and littered with possible foes. But the story that had me was Cate’s and Zeke’s. Cate feels betrayed by Zeke and refuses to let him in again. Zeke regrets his actions eight years ago and is determined to win Cate back.

Once again, Irene Hannon has penned a story that is suspenseful with characters you genuinely care about, which makes for a quick read. I can’t wait until the next installment where we will learn what makes Grace Reilly tick.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell. i was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

My Review - Never Miss by Melissa Koslin

5 out of 5 stars

NEVER MISS by Melissa Koslin was pure adrenaline! The writing was as quick and as sharp as the main characters.

Kadance Tolle is a former CIA sniper who comes from a family of assassins but doesn’t want that life anymore. However, when she sees the clear signs that a stranger is going to be assassinated, she steps in. Feeling Lyndon Vaile isn’t out of danger yet, she decides he needs someone with her training looking out for him.

Lyndon Vaile’s research has led to a catastrophic discovery, the possibility that the Ebola virus is man-made and someone intends to weaponize it. Unfortunately, someone doesn’t want his discovery to come to light, making Lyndon the ultimate target. Thankful for Kadence’s quick reflexes and interesting skillset, he finds himself intrigued by this loner of a woman.

Together, both Kadance and Lyndon are being stalked, pursued, watched, and targeted as they make their way across the country to stop a disastrous event.

I thoroughly enjoyed NEVER MISS. This was my first time reading something from this author, and I will keep my eye out for future releases. The writing was sharp and witty. Romance was at a minimum, but chemistry was at a high. It was interesting to watch—what I would consider—two loner characters feel the push and pull of attraction, and the struggle that followed when they feared involvement with the other would only put them in more danger.

I would definitely recommend NEVER MISS to anyone who likes action/suspense.

Though I was given an advance copy of NEVER MISS in exchange for a review, all opinions and observations are my own.

 

My Review - Present Danger by Elizabeth Goddard

4 out of 5 stars

PRESENT DANGER - Another suspenseful story from Elizabeth Goddard!

US Forest Service Special Agent Terra Connors is shocked to find out the man she once loved is back in town and a detective with the Grayback County Sheriff’s. When they both end up on the same case, solving a murder that quickly turns into two, Terra tries to remain professional while keeping her emotional distance. But, her head is swimming with questions, even though her heart isn’t ready for the answers. Jack Tanner left her to pursue his dream of the FBI. He’d been an agent. He’d made it. Then why was he back in town?

Detective Jack Tanner knew his paths would cross with Terra eventually, but he didn’t lessen the blow. Even though he did what he thought was right years ago, his heart had never let her go. With their relationship in the rearview, he knew he couldn’t go back and erase the hurt he’d caused her, so his only solution was to solve this case and part ways with the only woman he’d ever loved.

PRESENT DANGER had all the key touch points for a satisfying romance-suspense. Danger, emotional tension, regret, and longing. Ms. Goddard did a good job of giving the reader subtle clues and small hints regarding Terra and Jack’s backstory. As a reader, you cringe, knowing if the hero and heroine would just talk about their past instead of ignoring it, they would find out they are both struggling with the same feeling. But, alas, that’s what makes a satisfying romance-suspense. That, and the fact that they are now in someone’s crosshairs with danger closing in around them.

I really enjoyed PRESENT DANGER. I enjoyed the way Terra and Jack interacted in the beginning, as if nothing was wrong. The dialogue with crisp and witty, and really made me like both characters. The secondary characters of Terra’s father and brother, and Jack’s aunt helped round out the story. I would say the only real drawback from the story, was the Christian influence of the characters. It was subtle, but really didn’t define the characters. All in all, an enjoyable read.

I was given this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

My Review - Unknown Threat by Lynn H. Blackburn

 

5 out of 5 stars

UNKNOWN THREAT by Lynn H. Blackburn, is the first novel I read from this author. If you like romance/suspense, you will definitely enjoy the first installment in the Defend and Protect series.

FBI Special Agent Faith Malone is all business. She “is” the job and conducts herself in a no-nonsense kind of way. But she’s facing her hardest assignment yet—trying to keep members of the Secret Service alive. What makes it even more challenging is that one of the agents in the cross hairs is Special Agent Luke Powell. Faith’s conflicting feelings towards Luke will only complicate an already difficult investigation. But knowing time is short, and every agent is a moving target is all the motivation she needs to find the threat responsible for the attacks and neutralize it.

Special Agent Luke Powell is devastated. He’s lost friends and teammates in this bizarre killing spree and has even survived an attack on his own life. However, without any actionable intel, he has no idea where the unknown threat is coming from. Though Luke’s not sure Special Agent Faith Malone is up to the challenge, time is of the essences. Knowing another attempt on his colleagues can happen at any time, he’s committed to working with Faith and bringing the assassin to justice.

I thoroughly enjoyed UNKNOWN THREAT. The tempo, the dialogue, the characters, all worked together to deliver both a fast-paced plot and character-driven novel. As the reader, I didn’t feel I had the information necessary to identify the killer until it was revealed. Though this usually bothers me, it played well in building the momentum and suspense. I could relate to the helplessness Faith and Luke felt, putting small pieces together in an exceptionally large puzzle. And, even though Faith’s and Luke’s move toward a personal relationship was slow, the pacing suited their personalities.

Overall, a great read! And I have found a new author to put on my watch list.

Though Revell supplied me with a copy of UNKNOWN THREAT for review purposes, all comments and opinions are my own.

 

 

 

My Review - Obsession by Patricia Bradley

 

5 out of 5 stars

OBSESSION, book two in the Natchez Trace Parker Rangers series is a classic whodunit, that won’t disappoint.

Emma Winters, a Natchez Trace Ranger, has her life upended professionally, personally, and emotionally. When she is shot at while doing research at a historic slave burial site, it is assumed that she interrupted a crime. But, when she begins to receive gifts from a secret admirer, it turns personal. On top of that, her twin brother’s disappearance that happened ten years ago comes into question, and the law enforcement officer assigned to Emma’s case is none other than her ex-fiancé, Sam Ryker. To say her emotions are on overdrive is an understatement. Though she feels a pull on her heartstrings, Emma tries to keep her interactions with Sam on a professional level while they attempt to figure out who’s stalking her and why.

Sam Ryker had his heart crushed by Emma once; he has no intentions of letting that happen again. Even so, his investigation into the shooting and tampering at the historic grave site leads him to believe Emma’s life is in danger. He realizes maintaining a professional relationship between the two of them is going to be difficult, but he’ll do whatever it takes to keep Emma out of harm’s way.

OBSESSION leads the reader down many trails in this whodunit/romance. Emma and Sam have a lot of history, both romantically and the fact that Sam was one of her brother’s best friends. They are forced to deal with these past issues as they navigate the present danger Emma finds herself in.

I really enjoyed OBSESSION. I am a fan of Patricia Bradley, and she did not disappoint. The balance between suspense and romance was satisfying, as were the clues sprinkled throughout the story, allowing the reader to do their own sleuthing. I am not a fan of suspense books that pull a criminal out of thin air in the last few chapters, taking the reader by complete surprise. I like to be able to follow along and draw some of my own conclusions. Even if I am wrong, I at least feel a part of the hunt. Ms. Bradley executed this perfectly, keeping me completely engaged. The romance developed at a convincing pace, considering both Emma and Sam are gun-shy to start something they thought they left in the past.

I definitely recommend OBSESSION. And even though it is the second book in the series, it read fine as a standalone novel. However, do yourself a favor and get STANDOFF, book one in the series. You will enjoy it equally as well.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mind.

My Review - Active Defense by Lynette Eason

4.5 out of 5 stars

ACTIVE DEFENSE the third installment in the Danger Never Sleeps series from Lynette Eason leaves you guessing until the very end.

Heather Fontaine knows she’s being stalked. But, when she thinks she’s putting her friends in jeopardy, she decides to disappear. Unfortunately, danger follows Heather to the small town she’s hiding in. When she’s run off the road, she realizes her stalker has found her. However, when Travis Walker comes to her rescue, she’s shocked.

Travis Walker has been shadowing Heather for weeks. Her abrupt departure from a friend’s party and her subsequent disappearing act had red flags all over it, so he decided to track her down and keep an eye on her from a distance. Since private security is his business, and he has contacts in the FBI as well as other organizations, it wasn’t that hard to find Heather. But keeping her alive might be another matter.

Heather and Travis end up on a rollercoaster ride that involves a bombing, a mutual friend getting shot, and kidnapping, just to name a few. And though Heather is a take charge, doesn’t ask for help kind of person, she’s thankful for Travis’ help and finds herself welcoming his company. Even so, she struggles with the thought of putting her friends endanger, especially, after arriving on Travis’ ranch, knowing his family members are at risk just by her being there. Even though Travis assures her that he has the security to keep her safe, Heather can’t help but wonder if all the bazaar incidences that have happen of late, somehow point back to Afghanistan and her days as a field surgeon.

ACTIVE DEFENSE was exciting and filled with action. Watching Heather and Travis’ relationship develop—as they both share their backgrounds and what makes them who they are today—was the best part of the book. Though I am a huge fan of Lynette Eason’s, I found the plot a little more chaotic than her other books. The events leading up to the finale seemed slightly over the top when you find out who’s behind the danger, and the way loose ends were tied up was a bit far reaching. Even so, ACTIVE DEFENSE was very entertaining. The cat and mouse game made for a quick read because I wanted to find out who Heather’s real enemy was behind all the danger.

Though an advance copy of this book was provided to me by Revell, all opinions and comments are my own.