My Review - Honor's Refuge by Hallee Bridgeman

5+ out of 5 stars

HONOR’S REFUGE, book three in the Love and Honor series by Hallee Bridgeman was a riveting ending to an amazing series! 

Melissa Braxton-an abuse survivor herself-has taken her pain and turned it into a refuge for others suffering from domestic abuse. As a therapist and the director of an undisclosed shelter, she helps those who have nowhere else to turn.

Phil Osborne-an ex-special forces operator-is exercising his demons the only way he knows how; self-sacrifice and the desire to help others. When he finds out Melissa was separated from her sister when they were just children, he decides to use his connections to find her. What he discovers is devastating. Not only is Melissa’s sister in an abusive marriage; her husband is part of a Colombian cartel. 

Though the reuniting of Melissa and Lola is a miracle, it’s also put not only Lola, but Melissa and Phil in the crosshairs of a cartel that will stop at nothing to silence one of their own. 

HONOR’S REFUGE was an incredible page-turner filled with action, tragedy, and plenty of suspense. It shed a much-needed light on the world of abuse victims and what they must do to survive in a world that doesn’t always protect the innocent. However, it was the push-and-pull relationship between Melissa and Phil that wouldn’t allow me to put the book down. I really enjoyed Melissa’s pluck. She was vocal about her feelings for Phil, even when he wasn’t always receptive. She didn’t give him an easy out or a pass. She expected him to man-up and figure out what he wanted in a relationship. Even though Phil was self-destructive at times, the reader could see past that to the protector he was in his heart. 

I absolutely recommend this series to romance/suspense readers who enjoy a riveting story without unnecessary content. The stories spoke for themselves without the need for foul language or gratuitous sex. 

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.”

My Review - Sundown by Susan May Warren

5+ out of 5 stars

SUNDOWN, the conclusion in the Sky King Ranch series by Susan May Warren was both amazing and sad. Amazing, because the action was non-stop, and the characters are what romance stories are made of. Sad, because it brought an end to another incredible series. 

Taylor (Tae) Price is running for her life while claiming she must save the world. Colt Kingston thinks she’s crazy until some of what she says is proven true. Though Tae has feelings for Colt, she’s afraid involving him in her future will only put him and his family in further jeopardy. So she runs.

Colt is not willing to give up so quickly where Tae is concerned. And with his special forces background, he’s the perfect person to protect her. Along with brothers Ranger, Dodge, and an all-star team of operatives, Colt and Tae race against time to prevent a worldwide threat. However, the biggest obstacle to a future together hits even closer to home. 

 

SUNDOWN was Spectacular! High stakes. A race against time. Danger at every turn. But the best part was the characters. Ms. Warren not only had the Kingston family working together, forcing them to deal with the issues that have kept them apart, but special ops teams from her previous novels are woven into the story flawlessly. 

Such a great action-packed series. Definitely a must read for romance suspense bibliophilist. 

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.”

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.”

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.”

My Review - Honor Bound by Hallee Bridgeman

5 out of 5 stars

WOW! I can’t say enough about HONOR BOUND by Hallee Bridgeman. This is the first book I have read from this author, and it absolutely will not be the last. Amazing story. Great intensity. Magnetic characters. The trifecta in Romance-Suspense. 

Dr. Cynthia Myers, daughter to the newly appointed Vice President of the United States, has escaped the drama of her personal life and is quietly working off the grid in a small African village. She’s found meaning offering aid in a small clinic, assisting birthing mothers, but that is all about to change. 

 

U.S. Special Forces Captain, Rick Norton has two objectives: neutralize an African warlord terrorizing the country and extract Dr. Cynthia Myers before she because a political pawn. What he doesn’t count on is one of his team sustaining injuries and having to rely on Dr. Myer’s medical care. 

What ensues is a situation that quickly moves from bad to worse. With multiple injuries, combatants quick on their heels, and the doctor and the captain on opposite ends of the political spectrum, they debate the need for violence to ensure peace while trying to evade capture and certain death. 

HONOR BOUND was packed with fast-paced action and hold your breath drama. I felt like I was reading an episode of SEAL TEAM (a CBS drama). The energy between Cynthia and Rick was immediate and the camaraderie among the team members was written with such authenticity. I also felt the author did a good job shedding light on the balance between the violence of war vs religious beliefs. 

Overall, HONOR BOUND checked all the boxes for me. For readers who likes intense, military-influenced dramas without foul language or all the guts and gore, this book is for you. I finished the book in less than a day and was sad when it was over. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Baker Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

My Review - Crossfire by Lynette Eason

 5 out of 5 stars

CROSSFIRE by Lynette Eason has all the ingredients for a good romance/suspense book. 

Julianna Jameson is an FBI negotiator. Her calm, cool demeanor makes her perfect for her job. However, her composure is challenged when her sister, Dottie, become the target of a killer’s vendetta. 

Clay Fox is a resource officer at Dottie’s school. A former Army sniper with emotional baggage in his past, he is trying to figure out what to do with his future. When Clay’s sister, Reese, is caught up in a hostage situation, Julianna Jameson makes quite the impression on him, and it’s not just her negotiation skills that gets Clay’s attention.  

When Dottie and Reese become fast friends, Clay and Julianna also end up spending time together. Though they enjoy each other’s company, they both feel unable to move into a personal relationship because of tragedies in their pasts. Unfortunately, one of those past tragedies is about to resurface and endanger them all. 

Lynette Eason’s books never disappoint. Unique plot twists, likable characters, and action that keeps you turning page after page. Though there were a few things that felt a little off in CROSSFIRE, such as, the immediate friendship between Dottie and Reese in situations that surely would have had them suffering from PTSD, the quick and blasé attitude regarding those who had been killed needlessly, and a few other incidents that seemed to be thrown in as filler but dealt with too abruptly. However, even with these little missteps that got my attention, I still enjoyed the story, the pacing, and the characters. I will continue to recommend Ms. Eason’s books as escapism at its best. 

I was given a copy of this book from Baker Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

My Review - Critical Alliance by Elizabeth Goddard

4 out of 5 stars

CRITICAL ALLIANCE is an intellectual suspense novel with intensity and chemistry. 

Mackenzie Hanson is trying to work away her demons. An expert at cybersecurity, she is now using her skills to try and protect her father’s tech company. However, her past is catching up with her. 

Secret Service Agent Alex Knight is home, mentally trying to process a difficult mission. When he bumps into Mackenzie, a computer expert he met years ago, he’s immediately intrigued. Intrigue turns to concern when he finds out she’s in danger. Concern turns to action when he finds out her very life is at risk. 

While Alex works with Mackenzie, personal interest becomes the catalyst to keep her safe. And even though Mackenzie is afraid her past is going to jeopardize Alex’s future, she can’t help but be drawn to the man who sees the woman she is, not the kid she used to be.

CRITICAL ALLIANCE was fast-paced action, but if you’re not a computer person, some of the techie language could leave confused. I had a little problem with MacKenzie’s character. She showed little emotion when one of her siblings dies, and other than Alex, she doesn’t seem to have much of an emotional investment in the other characters in the story. Alex on the other hand is very likable, not the stuff shirt you think of when you hear the title secret service. 

Overall, I liked CRITICAL ALLIANCE, it just didn’t have the same punch as the other two books in the series. 

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Baker Publishing but was under no obligation to give a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

My Review - Sunburst by Susan May Warren

5 out of 5 stars

Great Action! Great Attraction! 

SUNBURST, book two in the Sky King Ranch series starts off with a bang and keeps a high intensity pace all the way through. Though sometimes the basis of the plot gets a little lost and random facts pop up in conversation that kind of dangle unaddressed, but other than that, a great story full of chemistry. 

Ex-Navy SEAL, Ranger Kingston and Noemi Sutton have history. The kind that simmers deep inside. So, when they are thrust together in a hostage rescue situation, bottled up feelings come to the surface. Even though Range and Noemi fight back their feelings-writing them off as a relationship that will never work out-they have to keep up the façade in order to keep Noemi safe. And the more time they “pretend” the more real it becomes. 

SUNBURST is classic Susan May Warren. Dynamic characters. Tenuous situations. Packed with Adrenaline. Range is a true bachelor personified and your classic hero material while Noemi is the gutsy-I can take care of myself-kind of heroine. Noemi proves her grit over and over again, getting Range, Blessing – the orphan she would die to protect, and herself out of one desperate situation after another. Range’s feelings for Noemi grow with each hurdle they overcome, but he’s got personal issues that he doesn’t want to burden her with. Noemi sees Range holding back and assumes he is once again choosing his career over a relationship with her, but it does nothing to temper her feelings for him.

Great second book! Although at times, I found myself wondering how many more near impossible situations will they get themselves out of. I enjoyed the quick peek into what I can assume will be the plot for the next book with Tae and Colt, and I loved the cameo appearances by Dodge, Echo, and the patriarch of the Kingston family. 

I received a promotional copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

My Review - Fatal Code by Natalie Walters

5 out of 5 stars 

FATAL CODE, book two in The Snap Agency series was great! Great suspense! Great intrigue! And great characters! 

Aerospace engineer Elinor Mitchell has stumble into something that has already proven to be deadly. Unbeknownst to her, Elinor has valuable information that was passed to her by her grandfather. Information that could easily start World War III. 

SNAP cryptologist Kekoa Young has identified Elinor as a possible trader. It appears that she is passing sensitive information to Russia, but to Kekoa it just doesn’t add up. Elinor happens to be his neighbor and is far from trader material. Even so, Kekoa has been tasked with keeping an eye on her. That is both good and bad for Kekoa. Good, because he likes Elinor and wants to get to know her better. Bad, because he hates the fact that he’s lying to her. 

What ensues is a deadly game of keep away. Kekoa has to keep Elinor away from people who will stop and nothing to get the secrets she holds. And even though Elinor is devastated to find out Kekoa has been lying to her, she has no choice but to trust him in order for her to stay alive. 

I really loved this book! Though it had a slow start, the chemistry between Elinor and Kekoa definitely had me reading chapter after chapter. I really enjoyed the character develop with Kekoa. We got a glimpse of him in LIGHTS OUT, book one in the series, but FATAL CODE definitely gave us more about the computer arm of the SNAP agency. Some of the coding and computer lingo was lost on me, but it did not diminish my enjoyment of the overall story. I really enjoyed the backstory between Elinor and her grandfather. It gave a sweet foundation as we learned more about who Elinor was as a person. It was also nice to catch up with Jack, Nicolas, and Lyla, the other members of the SNAP agency. 

I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who likes romance, suspense, intrigue, and intelligent characters. Can’t wait to read more about the members of the SNAP agency. 

I was given a copy of FATAL CODE from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 

My Review - Sea Glass Cottage by Irene Hannon

4 out of 5 stars

SEA GLASS COTTAGE is book eight in the Hope Harbor series from Rita award winner, Irene Hannon. And though I prefer her suspense stories, SEA GLASS COTTAGE was a nice break from the intensity of an action drama. 

Christi Reece finds herself in Hope Harbor grasping at her last straw. In need of an infusion of cash, she seeks out past boyfriend, Jack Colby, in hopes that he will agree to a loan.  Unfortunately, Jack wants nothing to do with the woman who broke his heart. With nowhere to stay and being very low on funds, Christi prepares herself for the long trek back to Texas. However, when a job drops into her lap and the unique opportunity to become caretaker of Sea Glass Cottage is offered to her, Christi decides to stick around Hope Harbor just a little while longer. Immediately, she is welcomed by the eclectic community of characters, that is by everyone but Jack. He remembers all too well how manipulative Christi could be, so he doesn’t believe she’s changed at all. Even so, Christi become attached to the little seaside town, and even though Jack has his reservations about Christi, he soon finds himself in need of her help.

Initially, I found the opening premise unbelievable. I just couldn’t fathom why Christi would think Jack, a boyfriend she used and left brokenhearted, and hadn’t seen in over a decade, would agree to a loan. And then, the events leading up to Christi staying at Sea Glass Cottage were just as implausible. Even so, I had to remind myself that this was fiction, so I continued to read with a more open mind. In the end, I did enjoy SEA GLASS COTTAGE. The story of forgiveness and redemption were the main themes, and not just with Christi and Jack. We got to see how God used time and perspective in the lives of Beth and Steve, a couple struggling with a devastating loss. 

Not my favorite book from Irene Hannon, but still an enjoyable read. Especially if you prefer stories that tug on your heartstrings instead of the heart-stopping drama of action-suspense.

I received a complimentary copy of SEA GLASS COTTAGE from Baker Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

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. 

 

My Review - Malicious Intent by Lynn H. Blackburn

5 out of 5 stars

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.

My Review - Life Flight by Lynette Eason

 5 out of 5 stars

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.

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.