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.

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.

 

 

My Review - The ESCAPE by Lisa Harris

 4 our of 5 stars

A high-speed novel, THE ESCAPE by Lisa Harris, will keep you turning pages along into the night.

US Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn team up to escort two prisoners to Colorado. Having met before, they have a mutual respect each other and welcome the partnership. However, what they assume will be a routine assignment, is anything but. Standard procedure turns into a manhunt when their plane crashes and one of the prisoner’s escapes. Surviving a plane crash is one thing but trying to catch a felon who has mastered the art of persuasion and is always one step ahead of them has them racing against the clock.

On a personal level, both Madison and Jonas are dealing with unresolved grief from their past. Madison with the death of her husband, and Jonas with the rejection from the woman he thought he would marry. Having similar wounds, they spend time helping each other process. And even though they feel a closeness developing between them, they have very strong feelings about relationships—neither of them is ready to move on. And, with the added component of being partners, they both ignore the possibility that they could be good for each other and decide to keep their relationship at the friends level. But, can they just be friends when the care so deeply?

THE ESCAPE was captivating, and I’m intrigued because the ending wasn’t what I expected. I would’ve liked to see a little more romance, but I know I will get more in the next installment. I think the only issues I had with the story was how many times the fugitive slipped through their hands, and how few wounds Madison, Jonas, and the prisoner got. Crashing planes, plunging off bridges, I would have expected a few more injuries. Even so, I definitely look forward to the next installment in the US MARSHAL SERIES.

Though I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell, I was under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

 

My Review - Point of Danger by Irene Hannon

5 out of 5 stars

POINT OF DANGER was right on point with the political climate of today. Though others might not appreciate the political lean of the book, I loved it!

Not everyone agrees with radio talk show host, Eve Reilly. Even though she has a loyal following, someone in her audience wants to silence her. Not one to back down, Eve refuses to allow a disgruntle listener to influence her. Even so, she’s practical enough to know she needs someone on her side to keep her safe. In walks Brent Lange.

Detective Brent Lange doesn’t like the tone of the threats leveled against Eve, but without any strong leads, he’s grasping at straws to find a suspect. Working the case, he finds himself drawn to Eve. However, with a failed relationship in his past, he’s convinced that he’s not marriage material.

The more time Eve and Brent spend together, the more their connection grows. Unfortunately, the threats against Eve intensify as well. Playing beat the clock, Brent begins to piece together the puzzle that will lead to their suspect. But will it be in time?

POINT OF DANGER is another novel in a long line of books from Irene Hannon that kept me on the edge of my seat. Her books are always filled with great characters and unexpected foes. The banter between Eve and her sisters was great. It added just the right amount of levity to give the reader time to breath. Though Meg’s storyline was a bit depressing, it’s not uncommon in the world we live in. Without giving too much away, I loved how the tables were turned on Brent regarding his high-risk career. I also liked that Eve wasn’t afraid to show Brent how she felt. She was willing to be bold, and I found that a refreshing change from most heroines in Christian novels.

POINT OF DANGER is the first installment in the TRIPLE THREAT series. Assuming the series is set around the Reilly sisters, I can’t wait to learn more about Cate and Grace. If they are anything like Eve, their stories are sure to be page-turners.

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

My Review - The Price of Valor by Susan May Warren

 
5++ out of 5 stars

THE PRICE OF VALOR was an EPIC read!

5 stars are not a high enough rating nor are there enough high-speed adjectives to describe the rollercoaster journey Hamilton Jones and Signe Kincaid navigate in this romance/action/suspense novel.

Hamilton (Ham) Jones is still navigating fatherhood, and at times, finds himself asking the unanswerable question . . . why? Why did Signe leave him? Why did Signe hide his daughter from him? And why did Signe tell him ‘don’t try to find me?’ But soon, he might have answers to his questions. When it is thought that Signe is an operative with valuable information that she needs to pass to someone she can trust, Ham and his team head for Italy.

Signe Kincaid has sacrificed everything. Her child. Herself. And a life with the only man she ever loved. But, if she can keep them safe, it will have been worth it. On the lam—and fearing she’s being hunted—Signe needs to get the information she’s acquired into safe hands before she is found. When she spots Ham and his team, her heart and her head do battle. She knows he is there to find her, and she would like nothing better than to fall into his arms and beg his forgiveness, but she can’t. If Ham jeopardizes her plan, everything she’s sacrificed for the last ten years will have been for nothing.

This story travels at such a high rate of speed, the only time I slowed down was to catch my breath. Ham, and the men and women who make up his team, are amazing characters. Each one is a hero in their own right, but it’s the tenderness and heartache they’ve all experienced that makes them so genuine. And a bonus . . . we not only follow Ham and Signe’s story, but Orion and Jenny from book two are front and center as well, along with numerous characters from other Susan May Warren series.  I cannot elaborate too much for fear of spoiling, but I will say, the Global Search and Rescue series is a MUST READ!

Another AMAZING series from Susan May Warren!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing with no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are mine.

My Review - Acceptable Risk by Lynette Eason

5+ out of 5 stars 

Wow! Another great adventure from Lynette Eason! I think I held my breath through the entire book!

Sarah Denning, a military journalist, is on emotional overload. Though she is thankful to be alive after surviving a hostage situation, she is angry her lieutenant general father is responsible for her freedom. She is grateful for the covert team who rescued her, but coming face-to-face with team leader, Gavin Black—a man she once had feelings for—scrambles her senses. Then, when she finds out her brother who is suffering from PTSD has committed suicide, along with a list of other Army veterans, she vows to figure out what is causing recovering men and women to take their own lives.

Former Army Ranger Gavin Black is thankful Sarah Denning got out of the Middle East in one piece, but his next obstacle is making sure she stays that way. Needing to stay focused, he tries to put his feelings for Sarah on the back burner, a task easier said than done. When it’s clear her life is still in danger, he and Sarah must race against the clock to find out what is happening to military veterans, and who wants Sarah dead.

ACCEPTABLE RISK was not just your run-of-the-mill romance/suspense. It was suspense on steroids! The story was intricately woven together with different threads from Sarah’s life, a life made up of many layers that were continually being peeled away as the story intensified. And then there was Gavin, the reluctant hero. Though he knew both he and Sarah were trying to process their past feelings for each other, he also knew at any moment she could discover the secret he was keeping from her and kick him to the curb. But no matter what happened, he vowed to keep her safe, a promise he had no intention of breaking.

ACCEPTABLE RISK is a fast-pace story that kept me on the edge of my seat. I can’t wait to read ACTIVE DEFENSE, book three in the Danger Never Sleeps series.

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

My Review - Don't Keep Silent by Elizabeth Goddard

4.5 out of 5 stars

DON’T KEEP SILENT is the final installment in the Uncommon Justice series, and for me, it was the best by far!

Rae Burke is an investigative reporter who will stop at nothing when pursuing a story. But when her sister-in-law goes missing, the stakes are raised to an even higher level. So much so, she reaches out to Liam McKade, the DEA agent who almost lost his life saving hers.

Trying to find himself, Liam McKade returns to his family ranch in Wyoming, but it isn’t peace that he finds. Rae Burke, of all people, seeks him out and asks for his help. Furious that she has the nerve to insert herself into his world, he tells her to leave. But knowing the danger she is toying with, he has no other option but to help.

What starts out as one dead-end after another, soon breaks open into a spiderweb of heinous activity involving: sex trafficking, drugs, and the dark web. Lives are in danger. Time is running out. And even though Rae and Liam feel an undeniable force pulling them together, they both struggle with the idea of endangering each other in their pursuit of the truth.

After reading all three installments in the Uncommon Justice series, I feel DON’T KEEP SILENT had the most action, twists and turns that were unexpected but credible, and a hero and heroine with insecurities and flaws that made them relatable and human. Rae isn’t used to someone else calling the shots, so her split decisions were completely in character even though they drove Liam crazy. And Liam’s protective nature wasn’t over-bearing, he just acted on his instincts . . . to keep the woman he loved (even though he didn’t know it yet) safe. At times, the integral plot and the number of players was difficult to keep straight, but it didn’t slow down the momentum. Though the ratio of suspense to romance was more on a 70/30 scale, a little less than I am looking for, it still kept my attention to the very end.

I received an advance copy of this book from Revell in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

My Review - The Heart of a Hero by Susan May Warren

5 out of 5 stars

THE HEART OF A HERO, book two in the Global Search and Rescue series was definitely action-packed, both physically and emotionally.

Former Navy SEAL, Jake Silvers, is coming to grips with who he is and what he’s become. A SEAL. A sniper. A villain. Does he protect people? Or does he eliminate threats? Dealing with these emotions and a tragedy from his childhood, Jake doesn’t see himself as settling down material. However, when he rescues Dr. Aria Sinclair from the slopes of Denali, and their paths continue to cross due to mutual friends, he has to do some soul-searching and decide what kind of man he wants to be.

Aria Sinclair’s life work is taking care of children. As a pediatric heart surgeon, she devotes herself to kids who are just like she was. Though personal tragedy gifted her with a new heart, she doesn’t feel deserving of it. She is constantly going above and beyond to prove herself worthy, leaving her lonely and without much of a personal life. That is until she meets Jake Silvers. She tries to convince herself that the feelings they shared for each other were merely the results of an emotion-filled, life-and-death experience. But every time she thinks of him, she can’t help but feel they are fighting the same demons, and in doing so they push their own happiness aside.

When Jake follows Aria to Florida, and they find themselves in a category 4 hurricane, their need for each other resurfaces. Now they have to hope and pray they survive not only the cataclysmic storm but the other dangers that threaten them.

THE HEART OF A HERO overflowed with action and danger. So much so, I found myself questioning each new hurdle that put our hero and heroine in jeopardy. I mean . . . how can two people be that unlucky? Even so, I continued on because that is what good fiction is all about. Entertainment. Escapism. A story that grabs you and doesn’t let you go. Characters you cheer for, and sometimes want to smack up the side of the head. Though I feel Aria’s struggles were a little more self-induced than Jake’s, their internal battles of self-worth were believable. While THE HEART OF A HERO was Jake and Aria’s story, we also got a glimpse into the life of Hamilton Jones, the focus of THE PRICE OF VALOR the next book in the series. Overall, I am thoroughly enjoying this series. Not that I had any doubt that I would. Ms. Warren always creates stories and characters that get your heart pumping and your pulse racing.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Revell. However, the opinions expressed are completely my own and without influence.

My Review - Standoff by Patricia Bradley

4.5 out of 5 stars

STANDOFF by Patricia Bradley embodies the meaning of the word suspense. The intrigue builds as the characters are fleshed out and the complexity of the story intensifies.

Brooke Danvers, a newly commissioned park ranger, will stop at nothing to find out who killed her father and why. What she did not plan for is having Luke Fereday help in her quest. Her childhood crush is an enigma. When he magically appears on the scene, with a vague story of why he is back home, she doesn’t think much of it. But, the more he inserts himself in her investigation, the more she realizes he isn’t who he says he is. Keeping him at arm’s length is her plan, but her heart is not following her lead.

Luke Fereday can’t explain to Brooke his interest in her father’s death or the other homicides plaguing the city of Natchez. He also can’t convince his heart to stay out of the matter. Even though his feelings for Brooke deepen, he knows she deserves more than he can offer her. Especially since the most eligible bachelor in town is pursing her. As Luke races to find out who all the players are in the drug cartel he is investigating, Brooke finds herself smack dab in the middle.

STANDOFF exemplifies romance/suspense.  The rate in which the suspense builds keeps pace with the development of the romance between Brooke and Luke, even adding the twist of Jeremy and Molly to pull on Brooke’s heartstrings. Though I applaud STANDOFF, the reason I didn’t give it five stars is because, though the momentum did build, the beginning starts out a bit slow. However, being a fan of Ms. Bradley, I knew she would deliver the goods in the end.

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

My Review - She Walks in Majesty by MaryLu Tyndall

5+ out of 5 stars

Sadly, SHE WALKS IN MAJESTY, is the conclusion to the Protector of the Spear series by MaryLu Tyndall, but that is the only negative to this book.

A thrilling ride.

A treacherous journey.

A battle between evil and good.

And a love story that grows despite trials and tribulations.  

Seraphina de Mowbray, the protector of the spear, must make her way to the capital city of Regalis. Her mission . . . an audience with His Majesty, King Peter II. Her hope . . . to clear her friends, the D’Clere sisters of the charge of witchcraft and Sir Ronar LePeine and Jarin the Just of treason. Even so, the journey is not without its obstacles. Evil surrounds her and there are those who want to see her stopped, dead even. But with the spear to protect her, she bravely trudges on knowing her friends face certain death. And even though she worries for Sir Damien’s safety, she is thankful to have him near.

Sir Damien struggles to do right. His heart is smitten with the beautiful Mistress Seraphina and wants only to keep her safe. Though he knows she has feelings for him, she also knows the minute he steps foot in Regalis, he will be arrested. But that doesn’t stop Sir Damien. He

insists on continuing with her on her journey, no matter the cost. However, when faced with the opportunity of finding out the person responsible for the death of his parents, he just might sacrifice it all for his ferocious revenge.

Good versus evil. Angels of light versus powers of darkness. Love and sacrifice. Brave knights. Strong heroines. Sacrifice and service. Kingdoms and spiritual realms. Ms. Tyndall spins them all together to create an amazing story that will keep you on the very edge of your seat. I can’t say enough about the incredible journey SHE WALKS IN MAJESTY will take you on. Though I am disappointed it’s the end of the series, I am more than thankful for the adventure.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All opinions are my own.

My Review - Collateral Damage by Lynette Eason

5 out of 5 stars

COLLATERAL DAMAGE by Lynette Eason was a real page turner, exactly what I have come to expect from this author.

Discharged military psychiatrist, Brooke Adams, wants to help others. Unfortunately, she has her own nightmares to deal with and the prospect that someone might want her dead.

Former Special Ops Sergeant Asher James finally acknowledges he needs help dealing with the demons in his past. He decides to visit Brooke Adams, only to find her stateside office in shambles and a target on her back.

As they both seek answers to the death of a mutual friend, and the peculiarities surrounding an Afghanistan bombing, Brooke and Asher grow closer together. When they realize their mutual respect for each other has turned into something more, they race against the clock to find out who wants Brooke dead and how it ties back to the bombing that first brought them together.

COLLATERAL DAMAGE—as already mentioned—was a true page-turner. Knowing that is how I feel whenever I pick up a book by Lynette Eason, I waited until I had uninterrupted time on my hands before reading it. Less than twenty-four hours later, I am writing this review, and adding another amazing book to my list of favorites.

Ms. Eason knows how to capture the attention of her readers. Her intricate plotlines and the magnetism of her characters immediately draw you into the story and holds your interest until the always satisfying conclusion. I loved the way the relationship between Brooke and Asher grew organically. What starts off as mutual respect and a desire to help each other, quickly develops into a deep-seeded connection. Their military experiences create a bond—a comradery—others don’t understand. Ms. Eason is also good at building a well-rounded group of secondary characters. Knowing some of these characters will step into the spotlight as the series progresses, adds to the enjoyment of reading Lynette Eason’s books.

I can’t wait for the release of ACCEPTABLE RISK, book two in the DANGER NEVER SLEEPS series.

I received a complimentary copy of COLLATERAL DAMAGE from Revell Reads for reviewing purposes. A positive review was not required. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.