by admin | Oct 1, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
What could be more romantic than a Christmas wedding on a cruise ship? Sounds wonderful doesn’t it? Jordan Somerton and Amy Delgado who are serving as best man and maid of honor just want the week to end quickly because the tension between them is pretty high. A misunderstanding has left Jordan embarrassed and Amy unable to trust him. When Amy’s niece is kidnapped, everything goes from bad to worse and the two are forced to work together to rescue her and protect the ship’s passengers.
It doesn’t take very long for the suspense to get started in “Christmas Captive” and the action doesn’t stop until it reaches the end. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how Jordan and Amy put aside their differences to work together against a group of terrorists. There were some very creative scenes as they were forced to use their creativity to try and stop the bad guys without any weapons. There was one character who made me want to shake him but that just added another layer to the story. A combination of faith and determination served Jordan and Amy well and the crisis had a predictable yet satisfactory ending.
“Christmas Captive” was a great read that is perfect for anytime of the year even if it does take place at Christmas. A relatively short read, it would be perfect for a long winter evening by the fireside.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Litfuse Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
SABOTAGE AT SEA
On his cousin’s Christmas cruise wedding, navy SEAL Jordan Somerton anticipated having the typical best man duties—not facing down criminals boarding the ship. But when the luxury liner is infiltrated by men determined to kidnap the flower girl, he’s plunged into an unexpected mission. Maid of honor and DEA agent Amy Delgado hasn’t forgiven Jordan for a misunderstanding in their pasts. But with her young niece targeted, she must draw on Jordan’s skills as a protector. Signs point to an inside job. With a traitor in their midst, can they ensure that every passenger returns home safely for the holidays…even as they find love amid deepening danger?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Liz Johnson is the director of marketing for a Christian radio network. She finds time to write late at night and is a two-time ACFW Carol Award finalist. Liz makes her home in Tucson, AZ, where she enjoys going to the theater and spending time with her nieces and nephews. She’s happiest writing stories of true love with happy endings and shares about her adventures in writing at www.LizJohnsonBooks.com.
Save
by admin | Aug 31, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I am not ashamed to admit it – I really enjoy Love Inspired Suspense novels even if some consider mass market books to be inferior. I love the way the authors always seem to manage to create interesting characters with whom I can easily connect and also put together a suspense filled romance that keeps me on my toes until it ends. Once again Carol J. Post has met those goals.
It is bad enough when a former classmate is murdered at her ten-year high school reunion but it quickly becomes evident that someone wants a number of the victim’s friends to meet the same fate and that includes police officer Amber Kingston. She and Detective Caleb Lyon, another former classmate, work together to discover who is responsible before more classmates die. Will they solve the mystery on time?
“Reunited by Danger” is a fast-moving, suspense filled tale that I read in one sitting. With the perfect blend of suspense and romance the book is filled with unexpected twists and surprises around every corner and is enhanced by a strong message of faith. This Love Inspired Suspense novel was just the right choice for a relaxing yet entertaining evening. I definitely recommend it and this author’s other books.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
CALCULATED REVENGE
When a former classmate is murdered at Detective Caleb Lyons’s ten-year high school reunion, he knows the victim’s old group of friends are keeping secrets. That includes Cedar Key, Florida, police officer Amber Kingston. Back in school, Amber was headed for trouble, but now she’s as dedicated to the law as he is. As he works overtime to get the pretty cop to open up to him, Amber and her friends receive messages threatening payback for past deeds. And her friends keep dying…one by one. But protecting Amber and unmasking a murderer isn’t just the widowed detective’s shot at redemption—it’s his unexpected second chance at love.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
From medical secretary to court reporter to property manager to owner of a special events decorating company, Carol’s résumé reads as if she doesn’t know what she wants to be when she grows up. But one thing that has remained constant through the years is her love for writing. She currently pens fun and fast-paced inspirational romance and romantic suspense stories. Her books have been nominated for a RITA® award and an RT Reviewers’ Choice Best Book Award. Carol lives in sunshiny Central Florida with her husband, who is her own real-life hero, and writes her stories under the shade of the huge oaks in her yard. Besides writing, she works alongside her music minister husband singing and playing the piano. She enjoys sailing, hiking, camping—almost anything outdoors. Her two grown daughters and grandkids live too far away for her liking, so she now pours all that nurturing into taking care of a fat and sassy black cat and a highly spoiled dachshund.
Save
Save
by admin | Aug 20, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have loved this entire series featuring female bodyguards. These tough and tenacious gals are equipped to do their job well but they each have their feminine side and are vulnerable as the next woman to falling in love. It has been such fun to read about each of the women in the agency as well as the men who enter their lives in the course of their work and it’s equally fun to see how these men usually take it upon themselves to protect the women who make their livings protecting others.
“Chasing Secrets” is Haley’s story and what a story it is. Born in Ireland, Haley has lived in the U.S. for awhile working for the Elite Guardians Agency where she meets Detective Steven while working on a case. As can be expected, Haley’s life is endangered and Steven appoints himself as her guardian. But there are several aspects to the danger and it is difficult to pinpoint where the real threat lies. Secrets from Haley’s unknown roots are revealed that threaten to knock her feet out from under her but God is at work through it all.
As in the previous novels of this series, “Chasing Secrets” is filled with exciting and suspense filled action that keeps those pages turning. Danger from every direction and a growing romance added to my enjoyment. Lynette Eason is a pro when it comes to writing romantic suspense and I have recommended her books to my friends who also refuse to miss one.
I found myself at the end much too soon and craving more. Dare I hope that this is not the last book of the series? I would love to read more about the new agents who were introduced in this book. If you enjoy romantic suspense and have not read this series, GO immediately and pick up “Chasing Secrets” and all the previous books of the series if you possibly can.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Intensity. Skill. Tenacity.
The bodyguards of Elite Guardians Agency have it all.
When a photo leads investigators in West Ireland to open a twenty-five-year-old cold case, Elite Guardians bodyguard Haley Callaghan’s life is suddenly in danger. Haley knows how to take care of herself; after all, she’s made a career out of taking care of others. But after she has an uncomfortably close call, Detective Steven Rothwell takes it upon himself to stay with her–and the young client she has taken under her wing. A protector at heart, he’s not about to let Haley fight this battle alone.
In a sweeping plot that takes them into long-buried memories–and the depths of the heart–Haley and Steven will have to solve the mystery of Haley’s past while dodging bullets, bombs, and bad guys who just won’t quit.
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice series, the Deadly Reunions series, and the Hidden Identity series, as well as Always Watching, Without Warning, Moving Target, and Chasing Secrets in the Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of two ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award. She has a master’s degree in education from Converse College and lives in South Carolina. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.
Save
by admin | Jul 1, 2017 | Books, Love Inspired, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Deep Waters” is the second novel I’ve read by Jessica Patch and it has been confirmed – I must read each and every one of her books. Not only does this author live in my general part of the country but she has a definite talent with words that make me want to keep turning the pages. Unfortunately that means I reach the end much too quickly and have to wait for her next book.
Character development and dialogue are nearly perfect as far as I’m concerned. An excellent balance of romance and suspense is relieved by a touch of humor, something I always appreciate. The plot moves at a quick pace with escalating danger and suspense as well as secrets and some surprising twists.
I particularly enjoyed learning more about sea turtles and the setting made me wish for another visit to the ocean. “Deep Waters” has everything I look for in a suspense novel and I would recommend it to those who enjoy good, clean suspense with a message of faith interwoven throughout the story.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Thirty feet underwater when her oxygen tank fails, Caley Flynn fears it’s been sabotaged—and she’ll be the next to die. Her intern’s already dead, her home breached and something’s amiss at her Florida marine-life rescue center…but no one believes she’s in danger. Except Shepherd Lightman. When Caley’s brother asked him to check on her, the marine turned security specialist hoped it would be a case of calming down a nervous veterinarian. But the threats are all too real. Rescuing Caley and remaining alive isn’t easy, but resisting his boss’s sister is where the real danger lies. Because with his heart in the balance, he’ll do whatever it takes to stop a killer who’s desperate to keep a secret hidden.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jessica R. Patch writes inspirational contemporary romance and romantic suspense. She is the author of the Seasons of Hope series and several Love Inspired Suspense novels including, Fatal Reunion, Protective Duty, Concealed Identity, and Final Verdict. When she’s not hunched over her laptop or going on adventurous trips in the name of research with willing friends, you can find her spending time with her family and collecting recipes to amazing dishes she’ll probably never cook. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.
Save
Save
by admin | Jun 20, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Human Trafficking, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Christy Barritt is a prolific author who excels in writing various types of mysteries that range from humorous cozy mysteries to serious suspense-filled novels that keep readers on the edge of their seats. “Distorted”is one from the latter category and could easily be a story from current newscasts.
Mallory Baldwin, once kidnapped and held as a slave by a twisted man, thinks she has moved on with her life and spends her time attempting to help other women who have been victims of similar crimes. The man who rescued her, Tennyson Walker has been assigned to be her bodyguard after signs that Mallory is being stalked. The man who held her captive is dead but why does she think she sees him around every corner?
“Distorted” gets off to a quick start and moves from one scary scene to another as the suspense escalates. The plot twists are crafty with several surprises in store. Then as most readers might suspect, the author has managed to introduce a strong romantic thread right into the center of the treacherous situation. With their lives in peril, Mallory and Tennyson must place their trust in God to see them through to the end.
Once again Christy Barritt has captured my attention and imagination and held it from the first to last page. Not only is “Distorted” entertaining but it opened my eyes to the very real dangers of human trafficking that seems to be growing rapidly in our world while offering a real hope at the same time. I highly recommend this novel and suggest you pick up your own copy as soon as possible!
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Mallory Baldwin is a survivor. A former victim of human trafficking, she’s been given a second chance, yet not a night goes by that she doesn’t remember being a slave to weapons dealer Dante Torres. Despite being afraid of the dark and wary of strangers, Mallory is trying to rebuild her life by turning her tragedy into redemption.
To former Navy SEAL Tennyson Walker, Mallory seems nothing like the shattered woman he rescued two years ago, and he can’t help but be inspired by her strength and resilience. So when a stalker suddenly makes Mallory vulnerable once again, Tennyson steps up as her bodyguard to keep her safe.
Mallory and Tennyson’s mutual attraction can’t be ignored, but neither can Mallory’s suspicion that Tennyson is keeping a terrible secret about her past. As the nightmare closes in, it’s not only Mallory and Tennyson’s love that comes under fire but their very lives as well. Will their faith sustain them? Or will the darkness win once and for all?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
USA Today has called Christy Barritt’s books “scary, funny, passionate, and quirky.”
A Publishers Weekly best-seller, Christy writes both mystery and romantic suspense novels that are clean with underlying messages of faith. Her books have won the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery, have been twice nominated for the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, and have finaled for both a Carol Award and Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year.
She’s married to her prince charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious–but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado.
Christy currently splits her time between the Virginia suburbs and Hatteras Island, North Carolina. She has more than fifty books published with over one million copies sold.
For more information, visit her website: www.christybarritt.com.
Save
by admin | Jun 10, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have been a fan of Robin Caroll’s novels since I first discovered them through a Love Inspired books subscription. Those novels were enjoyable so I was happy to see her later novels released in trade fiction format. When “Weaver’s Needle” showed up in my Amazon Vine queue it was a no-brainer to request it immediately.
“Weaver’s Needle” is a modern suspense novel based upon the legend of the lost Dutchman’s gold mine believed to be located somewhere in the Superstition Mountains. Two recovery specialists are hired to find a stolen map believed to lead to the mine by the widow of the man who owned the map. There is one catch though. The only one who will be paid is the first to find the map. Both Landry Parker and Nickolai Baptiste are good at their jobs and they both desperately need the $40,000 offered by the client. Which of them will prevail?
As is always the case with Caroll’s novels, I found myself immediately snared by the story. It was exciting to read about the individual progress Landry and Nickolai made in their quest for the lost map as the competition grew more heated. Several surprising twists kept me engaged and the Indian lore that was inserted occasionally into the narrative made it all the more interesting. There was never a time that I had it all figured out and I love it when that happens.
Strong characters, a well-planned plot, and plenty of drama, danger, and romance combined with a strong message of faith worked together to earn “Weaver’s Needle” a permanent space on my keeper shelf.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Amazon Vine. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Two recovery specialists.
One murder.
A hunt for the Dutchman’s Lost Gold Mine becomes a race of survival.
Former Army MP Landry Parker fell into the recovery specialist role quite by accident—to help her ailing father. Now that she’s on her own, she is determined to prove herself and honor her family legacy.
After being shot in the line of duty, former police officer Nickolai Baptiste became a recovery specialist, and he’s good at his job—maybe even the best.
A potential client pits Landry and Nickolai against one another to find the Dutchman’s Lost Gold Mine map that was stolen from her murdered husband, and the potential payday is too enticing to pass up. The trail takes them from New Orleans to Weaver’s Needle in Arizona where legend claims the mine is hidden. Landry and Nickolai are no strangers to adventure, but the unlikely partners quickly discover there’s someone after the treasure and there are those who want to ensure the lost mine in Arizona’s Superstition Mountain stays lost forever.
Can Landry and Nickolai work together despite their distrust of each other to save the legend before more innocent lives are lost? Will they find the real treasure isn’t the gold, but something more valuable. . .true love and understanding?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
“I love boxing. I love Hallmark movies. I love fishing. I love scrapbooking. Nope, I’ve never fit into the boxes people have wanted to put me in.” ~Robin Caroll is definitely a contradiction, but one that beckons you to get to know her better.
Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin is a southerner through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others. Robin’s mother, bless her heart, is a genealogist who instilled in Robin the deep love of family and pride of heritage–two aspects Robin weaves into each of her 30 published novels.
When she isn’t writing, Robin spends time with her husband of twenty+ years, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home–in the South, where else?
She serves the writing community as Executive Director/Conference Director for ACFW.
Her books have finaled/placed in such contests as the Carol Award, Holt Medallion, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award, Bookseller’s Best, and Book of the Year.
On her faith, Robin says, “I love Jesus and will follow Him wherever He leads me.”
An avid reader herself, Robin loves hearing from and chatting with other readers. Although her favorite genre to read is mystery/suspense, of course, she’ll read just about any good story. Except historicals! To learn more about this author of deep South mysteries of suspense to inspire your heart, visit Robin’s website at www.robincaroll.com.
Save
Save
