I purchased copy of Shadows From the Past then agreed to review it for Celebrate Lit without realizing it was the same book. I purchased based on the description that made me think it was I book I would enjoy.
First of all, I understand that the author is fairly young and inexperienced when it comes to writing a book and I cannot expect her book to be on the same level as the more seasoned authors I follow. The premise of her story is excellent with an intriguing plot and good characters. However, I did become more than a little impatient with all the introspection and the minimal amount of action and suspense. For once I was happy to see a book reach its end.
Nevertheless, I can see a lot of potential in this author and hope that she will pay attention to her reviews and will learn from any criticism in order to make her books stronger in the future. In the past year I have had the opportunity to read some very early novels by one of my very favorite suspense novelists and believe me, the improvement in her writing has been quite evident over the years. Everyone has to start somewhere and I believe Ashley Dawn has the potential to become a best selling author if she will continue to work at her craft and learn from her mistakes.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit after actually purchasing a copy of my own. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
Back Cover Synopsis:
“…It is the price you pay for choosing to be a cop. Your brother’s life…”
Those words haunt her dreams, and her waking moments. LAPD officer, Aurora Kavvan cannot rest until she finds her brother’s killer. Digging into the past always brings back unpleasant things: memories, guilt…the hit man. Now she is in a race against time to find the murderer before he finds her.
“Kill her. I don’t care how, and I don’t care where, but I want her dead now!”
Someone was trying to kill his dead partner’s sister. FBI agent, Jordan Reiley will stop at nothing to protect the woman he loves. Even if it means going against her wishes; putting himself between her and the man who murdered her brother.
Will God keep them alive long enough for them to find the truth?
Ashley Dawn was born and raised in rural Arkansas where she developed her love for writing while helping in her parent’s office. She graduated with an accounting degree from the University of Central Arkansas but is currently working as a legal assistant.
Ashley has been writing professionally for the past twelve years and has three published books. Her Shadows Series include Shadows From The Past, Shadows of Suspicion, Shadows of Pain, and Shadows of Deception. She is currently working on multiple projects including the fifth in her ‘Shadows’ series entitled “Shadows in Black and White” and also a standalone suspense titled ‘One of Their Own’. She and her family make their home in Texas.
I have been reading Lynette Eason‘s novels since some of her earliest ones published by Love Inspired Suspense. I have watched her talent develop over the years into first class suspense and have several friends who have now read most of her books also. We all look forward to each one that is published. I often have the good fortune to receive a review copy which is a true blessing. Called to Protect more than met my expectations and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a fast-paced suspense novel.
Called to Protect jumps in foot first and takes off running from the very first page. Chloe St. John and Deputy US Marshall Blake MacCallum find themselves working together on a human trafficking case with a much too personal connection. Both Chloe’s missing cousin and Blake’s kidnapped daughter may be held by the traffickers. The action is nonstop and the suspense builds with each page. Chloe and Blake must learn to trust each other and depend on God if they are to rescue the missing girls before it is too late.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Revell through NetGalley. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She’ll have to draw on all of her resources to crack the case–and guard her heart.
After being dumped by her fiancé, Chloe St. John has decided that the only male she likes is her K-9 German shepherd partner, Hank. But being over the whole romance thing has perks–like giving full attention to her job. Attention she’s definitely going to need because a case of human trafficking with connections to her missing cousin just landed in her lap.
Deputy US Marshall Blake MacCallum is in a race against the clock to rescue his kidnapped daughter when Chloe and Hank are asked to be a part of the task force assembled to bring down the traffickers. Chloe finds herself attracted to the silent, suffering man. But can she trust him? And can Blake trust himself around this firecracker of a woman?
Buckle in. This fast and furious ride will have your heart pumping from the very start.
Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of Oath of Honor and Called to Protect, as well as the Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and the Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, among others. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has a master’s degree in education from Converse College. Eason lives in South Carolina with her husband and two children. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.
My first introduction to this author’s books was through one of her “dog” books. While the light-hearted, humorous, and romantic books in that series are quite enjoyable, I love Mentink’s Love Inspired Suspense novels even more. Cowboy Bodyguard is one of those page-turners I hate to put down and has a plot that never slows down from the very first page until the end.
I loved the characters, particularly Jack. If ever there was a dream man, he would fit the bill – first of all he is a cowboy!, he is strong, and loyal, and loving, he is great with babies, and he seems to be indestructible. I mean, what more could a gal ask? By comparison, Shannon seems a bit lacking but as the heat increases, she comes through big time. If only there weren’t that matter of a pending divorce that is mentioned frequently. Of course as all readers of Love Inspired Suspense know, everything will work out in the end but it really helps that the road to happily-ever-after is paved with plenty of action, danger, and suspense to keep readers like me happy.
Be sure to pick up your own copy of Cowboy Bodyguard as well as the first two books in the Gold Country Cowboys series that feature Jack’s brothers. Those Thorn boys can sure find themselves in a pack of trouble!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: Cowboy Bodyguard
Author: Dana Mentink
Genre: Western, Mystery
Release Date: July 3, 2018
Click to purchase
In this Gold Country Cowboys novel, Jack Thorn gets a surprise call from the woman he married in secret years ago. Shannon Livingston needs his protection for herself and the baby she’s hiding from a biker gang targeting the mother. Now Jack must help Shannon, even if shielding her means pretending to be a true husband to the only woman he’s ever loved.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over thirty five titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Harvest House. Dana was thrilled to be a semi-finalist in the Jeanne Robertson Comedy With Class Competition. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the nutty terrier, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)
GUEST POST FROM DANA MENTINK:
I’ve spent a bit of time in emergency rooms lately. Not to complain, mind you. The asthma related treatments worked like a charm and we were blessed by good care, so I am not grateful. There’s a bonus, too. The emergency room is a great place for people watching! Hour upon hour I spent surveying patients, relatives, nurses and doctors. I came away pondering what it must be like to work in the strange bustle that is an emergency room. That’s where character Shannon Livingston was born.
The E.R doc and nurses must be brilliant problem solvers with nerves of steel because they never know what will roll through their doors. Since they are not responsible for follow up care, they have only a short term relationship with their patients. But what would happen, my fictional mind wanted to know, if one emergency room treatment ensnared Shannon in a “run for your life” scenario? And what if her incredible life saving skills weren’t nearly enough to save her own life, or the baby she’s suddenly become responsible for? Ah me! The perfect scenario for a suspense novel, no? I hope you enjoy Cowboy Bodyguard. I can promise it’s going to be a bumpy ride!
What would you do if your relaxing kayak ride down the river was interrupted by a woman’s scream and gunshots? Personally, I’m such a chicken that I would probably turn that thing around and head back the way I came from. Of course Tanner Brody is too dedicated a police officer to do that, even if his new job hasn’t yet officially begun. That decision quickly puts his life on the line as he finds a young woman who doesn’t remember anything but it is evident that someone wants her dead. His protective instincts kick into high gear and one page-turning, breath-holding, suspense-filled story ensues.
I have read few novels with more twists and turns and secrets than Fatal Recall, yet somehow the author managed to pack it all within the covers of a short Love Inspired Suspense novel. Characters are well developed, especially Tanner who is the perfect hero with his strong sense of duty. I enjoyed every minute of this book from the danger and (of course) romance to the characters’ need to depend on God to see them through.
I would strongly recommend Fatal Recall to anyone who enjoys superbly crafted suspense and also appreciate a novel that can be finished in a relatively short time. Once again Carol Post has made me a happy reader.
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:
Amnesia stole her memory—
a killer wants her dead
When Paige Tatem loses her memory, she knows just two things: she has a target on her back, and police officer Tanner Brody is the only man she trusts to protect her. As they piece together her past, Tanner wonders what lies hidden in Paige’s mind. And as the truth begins to emerge, it becomes clear that a ruthless enemy wants certain secrets to stay buried.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
From medical secretary to court reporter to property manager to owner of a special events decorating company, Carol’s resume reads like someone who doesn’t know what she wants to be when she grows up. But her one constant has always been her love for writing. She lives in Central Florida with her husband and enjoys sailing, hiking and camping. Her daughters and grandson live too far away for her liking, so she pours all that nurturing into caring for three fat cats and one spoiled dog.
Jessica R. Patch delivers another high-intensity suspense with her latest Love Inspired novel Dangerous Obsession. With danger and surprises galore, it gripped my imagination and held it captive until the very end. I pretty much read the entire book in one sitting.
The author’s character development is superb and like many other of her readers I was anxious to see Wilder featured in his own story. I was not disappointed! Wilder lived up to my expectations and was definitely the perfect hero. There was nothing not to like about Dangerous Obsession. What more could I ask besides a fast-moving plot, likeable characters, a well developed mystery that kept me guessing, a strong Christian theme, and a romance thrown in for good measure.
I have previously read and enjoyed several of Patch’s novels and personally believe that each one is even better than the last. Dangerous Obsession certainly held true to form and to me is the best one yet. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for her readers in the future.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A stalker on her tail…
The Security Specialists at her side
Security expert Wilder Flynn wastes no time putting behavioral expert Cosette LaCroix under his 24/7 protection when her stalker finds her in Atlanta. Wilder keeps Cosette close to guard her from the quickly escalating threats and attacks. But can he accomplish the mission without breaking his strict code against dating employees? Or putting his heart and life at risk?
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.
“Bound by Duty” is another exceptional Love Inspired Suspense novel that kept me turning the pages well into the night. Not only did it have a fast-paced, suspense filled, and riveting plot but who could resist the combination of a cute little boy and a brave military K-9 like Rottweiler Star?
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and its characters. I loved how dedicated to his job and his dog Linc was yet was open-minded enough to eventually see the truth about Zoe despite suspicions against her. Plenty of action, danger, and romance to satisfy readers like me. I know I want to read more by this author.
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:
Assignment: Single Mom Surveillance The Military K-9 Unit series continues
Her serial killer brother’s escaped—and it’s single mom Zoe Sullivan who’s under suspicion! Sgt. Linc Colson trusts two things: his instincts and his Rottweiler K-9 partner, Star—and certainly not the pretty face he’s assigned to monitor. He’s done everything to keep her from getting under his skin—now he must stop those who want to put her six feet under.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Valerie Hansen resides in the rural Ozarks where she writes the books of her heart, primarily for Love Inspired Romance and Suspense. She is married to her childhood sweetheart and has worked as a teacher’s-aide, EMT, fire dept. dispatcher, dog breeder, commercial artist, dulcimer builder, Veterinarian’s asst., 4-H leader, Sunday School teacher, antique restorer and certified Storm Spotter, etc. See ValerieHansen.com for more!
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Ashley Dawn was born and raised in rural Arkansas where she developed her love for writing while helping in her parent’s office. She graduated with an accounting degree from the University of Central Arkansas but is currently working as a legal assistant.
Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of Oath of Honor and Called to Protect, as well as the Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and the Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, among others. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has a master’s degree in education from Converse College. Eason lives in South Carolina with her husband and two children. Learn more at 
Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over thirty five titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Harvest House. Dana was thrilled to be a semi-finalist in the Jeanne Robertson Comedy With Class Competition. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the nutty terrier, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet. You can connect with Dana via her website at 
From medical secretary to court reporter to property manager to owner of a special events decorating company, Carol’s resume reads like someone who doesn’t know what she wants to be when she grows up. But her one constant has always been her love for writing. She lives in Central Florida with her husband and enjoys sailing, hiking and camping. Her daughters and grandson live too far away for her liking, so she pours all that nurturing into caring for three fat cats and one spoiled dog.
Valerie Hansen resides in the rural Ozarks where she writes the books of her heart, primarily for Love Inspired Romance and Suspense. She is married to her childhood sweetheart and has worked as a teacher’s-aide, EMT, fire dept. dispatcher, dog breeder, commercial artist, dulcimer builder, Veterinarian’s asst., 4-H leader, Sunday School teacher, antique restorer and certified Storm Spotter, etc. See 
