Saturday, March 18, 2023
My Review - Under Fire by Lynn H. Blackburn
Sunday, February 12, 2023
My Review - Cold Light of Day by Elizabeth Goddard
Saturday, January 21, 2023
My Review - When Angels Rejoice by MaryLu Tyndall
Friday, January 13, 2023
My Review - Critical Threat by Lynette Eason
Monday, January 09, 2023
My Review - The Secrets of Emberwild by Stephenia H. McGee
Saturday, November 12, 2022
My Review - Honor's Refuge by Hallee Bridgeman
Saturday, November 05, 2022
My Review - Sundown by Susan May Warren
5+ out of 5 stars
Sunday, October 30, 2022
My Review - Body of Evidence by Irene Hannon
4 out of 5 stars
BODY OF EVIDENCE by Irene Hannon is a satisfying whodunit with plenty of romantic chemistry.
Forensic Pathologist Grace Reilly isn’t easily unnerved, but her suspicions are aroused when an increase in deaths by natural causes seems to be plaquing the rural Missouri territory. She voices her concerns to Nate Cox, the local sheriff, but he’s not as easily convinced, at least not at first. However, he put his skepticism aside when Grace proves a connection between two deaths.
Though Grace and Nate work well as professionals, they can’t ignore the chemistry between them. As they entertain the possibility of a more personal relationship, one of them ends up being targeted by the would-be killer. Now it’s a race against time to expose the killer before it’s too late.
I really enjoyed BODY OF EVIDENCE. I appreciated that Ms. Hannon allowed Grace and Nate to pursue a relationship instead of the overused push and pull plot that some authors use to keep the two main characters at arm’s-length for professional reasons. Though I did catch on to who the killer was a bit too early for my liking, it didn’t lessen my enjoyment of watching the plot unfold. I will say that I thought the reason for the killer’s actions was a bit thin. Greed is definitely a trigger that is believable, but the lengths in which the killer went seemed a bit extreme. On a side note, I was glad to see Cate and Eve-Grace’s sisters and the main characters in books one and two of the Triple Threat series-make an appearance. It’s always nice to catch up on previous characters.
Good action. Good characters. Good reading!
Disclosure of Material Connection: 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Friday, October 21, 2022
My Review - Word of Honor by Hallee Bridgeman
5+ out of 5 stars!
WORD OF HONOR, book two in the Love and Honor series by Hallee Bridgeman is another installment in masterful Romance/Suspense!
FBI Special Agent Lynda Culter is looking for ecoterrorists before they blow up another pipeline. Unfortunately, their best lead is in Kuwait, a place where woman alone stick out like a sore thumb. In order to blend in, Lynda needs a “husband” if she hopes to investigate without bring attention to herself. In steps Special Forces Specialist Bill Sanders. As a last-minute replacement in their covert operation, Lynda struggles with spending time with the man who crushed her heart in college. Ever the professional, Lynda puts her personal feelings aside in order to neutralize a worldwide threat.
Bill Sanders is not the man he was in college. However, convincing Lynda of that is going to be quite the trick. Though he owns the mistakes he’s made in the past, he also knows that Lynda deserves far more than he can offer. So, he keeps their relationship professional, at least on the outside.
Lynda and Bill share some tight quarters as “husband and wife” as they focus their energies on the investigation. Even though their past feelings for each other resurface, they both look at the obstacles and know pursuing a relationship would have too many complications. No matter what their person complexities are, Lynda and Bill work as a team to find those behind the bombings and do all they can to intercept the terrorists before their next deadly assault.
WORD OF HONOR was suspenseful, intelligent, and filled with plenty of action and chemistry. Though the book centers on Lynda and Bill’s complicated relationship, we also get to catch up on some of the other members of Bill’s elite special forces team. WORD OF HONOR is a fast pace read that barely gives you time to catch your breath before the action spins back up. Make sure you set time aside to read WORD OF HONOR because you won’t want to put it down.
Disclosure of Material Connection: 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Saturday, September 10, 2022
My Review - Honor Bound by Hallee Bridgeman
Tuesday, August 16, 2022
My Review - Crossfire by Lynette Eason
Saturday, July 30, 2022
My Review - Critical Alliance by Elizabeth Goddard
CRITICAL ALLIANCE is an intellectual suspense novel with intensity and chemistry.
Tuesday, June 28, 2022
My Review - Sunburst by Susan May Warren
Tuesday, May 31, 2022
My Review - Fatal Code by Natalie Walters
Saturday, May 07, 2022
My Review - Sea Glass Cottage by Irene Hannon
Sunday, April 24, 2022
My Review - The Catch by Lisa Harris
5 out of 5 stars
THE CATCH - the third installment in the US Marshals series from Lisa Harris, did not disappoint!
I would definitely recommend reading books 1 and 2 in this series before reading THE CATCH, just so the history between Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn is understood. Other than that, THE CATCH was filled with high energy and intricate plot twists.
While Jonas Quinn is anxious to get back from specialized training so he and Madison can better define their relationship, Madison is still looking for closure regarding her husband’s murder years earlier, especially since she was the original target and left to die. Putting another person she cares about, in harm’s way, is the last thing she wants to do.
Neither Jonas or Madison have time to share their feelings. They have a judge to get to safety, a murder to solve, a woman and child on the run, and somehow, it all fits together in a masterful puzzle that might even give Madison the closure she’s looking for.
I thoroughly enjoyed THE CATCH. I liked the reserve chemistry between Jonas and Madison, the overlapping stories, and the strings that brought them all together. There was a large supporting cast of players, some you want to like, others you want to hate, and some you’re not even sure of their guilt or innocent. This is the first series I have read from Lisa Harris, but it most certainly will not be the last.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the
publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Saturday, March 05, 2022
My Review - Malicious Intent by Lynn H. Blackburn
MALICIOUS INTENT was great! Lynn H. Blackburn is quickly
becoming a new favorite author of mine.
Dr. Ivy Collins is on the cusp of a breakthrough in prosthetic
technology. All she must do is stay alive long enough to bring her dream to fruition,
but someone is going out of their way to mastermind roadblocks of the deadly
kind.
Secret Service Agent Gil Dixon is shocked when his work
crosses Ivy’s path. Once childhood friends, Ivy and he were inseparable. Until
they weren’t. Now that they’re in each other’s worlds again, he wants answers
for why she disappeared without a backwards glance. All he has to do is keep
Ivy alive long enough for her to explain her vanishing act when they were just
teenagers.
MALICOUS INTENT checks all the boxes in this excellent
romance-suspense novel. The action is constant. Twists and turns abound. Any
the chemistry between Ivy and Gil is goosebump worthy. MALICIOUS INTENT is book
two in the Defend and Protect series, so we get to check in on Luke and Faith
from book one, along with the rest of the band of brothers we came to love.
However, MALICIOUS INTENT can be read as a standalone novel. The comradery between
Gil, his co-workers, and their significant others really adds depth to the story.
I can’t wait to see who is highlighted in the next installment.
I definitely recommend MACLIOUS INTENT and Lynn H. Blackburn
to anyone who enjoys Lynette Eason, Janice Cantore, Dani Pettrey, Ronie Kendig,
etc.
I was provided a complimentary copy of MALICIOUS INTENT in
exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Saturday, January 15, 2022
My Review - Life Flight by Lynette Eason
Lots of drama, lots of action, twists and turns, and romantic chemistry. Everything you’ve come to expect from Lynette Eason!
Penny Carlton loves her job. As an EMS helicopter pilot, she
gets to help people when their need is greatest. However, when she makes an
emergency landing during a storm, with a critical patient on board, it’s just
the beginning of a cat and mouse game with a killer. Her saving grace—Agent
Holt Satterfield.
FBI Special Agent Holt Satterfield was pivotal in putting
serial killer, Darius Rabor behind bars. The fact that Rabor just escaped is
beyond Holt’s comprehension. What makes it worse . . . Penny Carlton—a woman he
has more than a little interest in—might end up in Rabor’s crosshairs.
Together, Penny and Holt work to find Rabor, and in doing
so, must navigate the complications of a relationship that might just be too complex
to pursue.
LIFE FLIGHT is Lynette Eason at her best. She expertly
weaves together characters you can’t help but fall in love with. You root for Penny
and Holt to find a way past their insecurities and flaws, and realize they have
what it takes to make a relationship work. I found their story unique in a refreshing
way. Though they have life issues to overcome, it’s not some ultra-dramatic,
against-all-odds kind of obstacles. It’s just two people with insecurities who
don’t want to make more mistakes in life.
I absolutely recommend LIFE FLIGHT to anyone who enjoys edge-of-your-seat
fiction. The only possible downside, some might find, is its lack of a
Christian presence throughout the book. It doesn’t stand out front and center, but
it presents itself in a more subliminal way through the faith and actions of
the characters.
I was provided a copy of this book from Revell Publishing in
exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
Sunday, January 09, 2022
My Review - Sunrise by Susan May Warren
5 out of 5 stars
SUNRISE, another great start to a series from Susan May
Warren.
After a decade away, Dodge Kingston is heading home more
damaged than when he left. He isn’t sure if it’s loyalty or duty to his father
and Sky King Ranch that’s drawing him back, but he doesn’t plan to stay. Once
his dad is back on his feet and can fly again, he’ll be gone. While home, Dodge
does his best to avoid Echo Yazzie, but his memories won’t let him. She’s a part
of him as much as the Alaskan wilderness. Even so, what they had ended years ago.
She betrayed him and he abandoned her. End of story.
Echo Yazzie lives and breathes her native Alaska. Left
behind by first her mother, then Dodge Kingston, rocked her world, but she’s
stronger for it. She’s forged a life with her father, her team of dogs, and the
wilderness she loves. She doesn’t need anything or anyone else. At least that’s
what she’s told herself for the last ten years.
Copper Mountain is just too small for Dodge and Echo not to
collide. Even though the pain from their past is fresh in their minds, the
chemistry between them is hard to ignore. The push and pull of doubt and fear keeps
them apart. But, when Dodge thinks Echo is caught in a storm, hurt and in
danger, nothing will keep him from finding her. And as much as Echo doesn’t
want to rely on Dodge, she finds herself wanting what they once had.
Lots of drama, adventure, and chemistry are packed into
SUNRISE. Both Dodge and Echo are wounded from the past which begs for a simple
conversation to happen between them to get it all ironed out. But stubborn
pride is the third wheel in this relationship, derailing their attempts to
explain themselves.
Though a standard plot for a romance story—a flame from the
past and the pain that snuffed it out—it’s how Ms. Warren builds her characters
and settings that draws in the reader. The Alaskan wilderness, a war hero, a wounded
woman with a love for animals, all great pieces of an intricate puzzle.
Can’t wait for what happens next!
I received a complimentary copy of SUNRISE from Revell Publishing
but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my
own.
Saturday, December 04, 2021
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.
Sunday, November 21, 2021
My Review - Deadly Target by Elizabeth Goddard
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.
Tuesday, November 02, 2021
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.
Wednesday, May 26, 2021
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.
Thursday, April 29, 2021
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.
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
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.
Saturday, February 27, 2021
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.
Tuesday, January 05, 2021
My Review - Active Defense by Lynette Eason
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.
Saturday, December 12, 2020
My Review - Timeless Treasure by MaryLu Tyndall
5 out of 5 stars
An adventure in history paired with a romantic struggle, that is what TIMELESS TREASURE by MaryLu Tyndall is all about.
To say Lexi Cain is down on her luck would be a vast understatement.
Her life has been one difficulty after another but losing her mom might just be
the icing on the cake. Feeling utterly alone, the only thing she has left of
her mother’s is an old wooden chest. What Lexi doesn’t know is how some aged
letters and a coin found in that chest is going to change the trajectory of her
future. Realizing these letters could lead to the treasure of the infamous pirate,
Stede Bonnet—a possible distant relative—Lexi has no choice but to ask Professor
Barret Johnson for help. Though Professor Johnson is the epidemy of everything
she hates – wealth, affluence, the perfect family, a pillar of the community—it
doesn’t change the fact that she needs his help deciphering the letters.
Professor Barret Johnson teaches South Carolina history at
Charleston University. However, his pet project at the moment is writing a book
on the pirates of Charleston. When Lexi Cain barges into his office, waving
around letters that might have been penned by notorious pirate Stede Bonnet, he
is more than interested. But what surprises Barret even more is the feelings
that start to develop for this woman who is everything he is not.
Working together, Lexi and Barret read the letters looking
for any clues that might lead to Bonnet’s hidden treasure. Though Barret is skeptical
the treasure even exists, he changes his mind when Lexi becomes the target of
break-ins and physical assaults. Someone wants the letters as much as Barret
does, and they’re willing to do anything to take them from Lexi. Now, not only
does Barret want to secure the letters for his research and their historical
value, but he also feels the need to keep Lexi safe, even though she is
resistant to his help. Knowing her independent spirit is an outpouring of the
difficult life she has led; Barret doesn’t give up. Slowly, he attempts to
break down Lexi’s walls and challenge her to let him in.
TIMELESS TREASURE is historical, adventurous, romantic, and
actually provides the reader with two stories—the torrid love affair between Stede
Bonnet and Melody Rogers in the 1800s, and the current relationship between Lexi
Cain and Barret Johnson. Though Stede and Melody were kept apart by circumstances,
Lexi and Barret are thrown together by fate. I did find the spiritual impact a
little soft and at times stilted, but it did not minimize my love for the
story. However, what I did appreciate
was the research Ms. Tyndall undertook in order to make this novel both factual
and believable. Of course, she took creative license in crafting her story,
nevertheless, it all blended together into a captivating tale that shows how resilient
love is, whether it’s spanning the vastness of the seas or the gap between
social standings in our world today.
Thank you, MaryLu, for another great adventure! I’m glad I
went along for the ride!
This novel was provided to me in exchange for an honest
review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
My Review - Burden of Proof by Davis Bunn
4 out of 5 stars
BURDEN OF PROOF - another unique story from Davis Bunn.
Ethan’s days are numbered, and as he reflects on his fifty-five
years, he feels the heaviness of remorse. However, when his sister-in-law and
niece show up offering him a chance to right his most regretted wrong, he jumps
at the chance.
So begins a Sci-Fi story of time travel and reflection.
Ethan travels back to the past, eighteen days prior to his
brother’s murder, giving himself enough time to put in place the tools he needs
to save his brother’s life. Leaving the future with one crucial purpose, he
lands in the past realizing he wants to change so much more. Knowing what he
does at the end of his life, Ethan sets out to right the wrongs of his selfish
youth and the damage he created in the lives of the people he touched. However,
as Ethan gathers information to change that fateful day, he begins to realize
the event that took his brother’s life is not what it seems. There is more
behind his death than a random gunman. Unfortunately, Ethan only has a few days
to figure it out, or the past just might repeat itself.
There is so much more to say about this intriguing novel,
but I don’t want to spoil those discoveries for others. Even so, here are a few
quick observations. #1-Even though I’m not a fan of Sci-Fi or time travel, Davis
Bunn has a unique way of drawing in the reader. His writing is intelligent. And
to be honest, I don’t know if I would have read this book if it were not for
the fact that he was the author. I have read his other books and appreciate his
thought-provoking style. #2-The story has a slow build. You have to stick with
it through the scientific jargon and some of the unhurried reflective scenes. Since
I know his previous books had satisfying endings, that knowledge helped me press
on through some of the slower sections. #3-Not all enjoyable books have the
happily-ever-after ending that some readers prefer. Even so, a satisfying story
can outweigh a cookie-cutter ending. #4-Even though this book was published by
a Christian publishing house, I wouldn’t consider it a Christian novel that draws
attention to Jesus Christ. It is a clean read that allows a person with conservative
values to read a good book without the worry of foul language or gratuitous sexual
content.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing
for review purposes. However, I was not required to post a positive review. All
opinions expressed are my own.