Tag Archive | romantic suspense

Beast of Stratton (Book Review)

Mar13
Reading Time: < 1 minute

BeastofStratton_eBookRenee Blare has written a novella of Beauty and the Beast with a modern twist in her debut offering, Best of Stratton. Miles is struggling with intense physical and emotional pain as a result of injuries suffered in the war. He’s let his hair grow, making him look like the “beast of Stratton” everyone thinks he is. He was seeking treatment when an emergency called him back to his very successful business. Once there he encounters the daughter of his best friend. But is Aimee a spy like many suspect her father is, or can she be trusted to help ferret out the truth? Who has sold out his company? And can Miles overcome enough of the pain of his past to ditch his monster façade and the kind of man Aimee needs?

This  novella is a wild ride. Author Renee Blare writes in a cryptic manner, not giving all the clues away to the mystery and fills the story with compassion and suspense. A delightful read.

Legitimate Lies (Book Review)

Jan16
Reading Time: < 1 minute

legit lies ebookLegitimate Lies is the sequel to Hush in the Storm by suspense author and abolitionist activist Julie B. Cosgrove. She has a unique story to tell that pulls you into the web of deceit and treachery of the human slave trade that takes place around the world. While Hush is centered in the United States, this book takes the reader to Great Britain because this is an international problem.

Suspense is paramount as Jen’s cover in Witness Protection is blown by the Tom, the man she loves. She is whisked away to Great Britain to undertake a new identity. When her smooth talking criminal husband hunts her and kidnapps her, she fights to hold on to truth in the web of lies keeping her prisoner. Can she escape? And where is Tom? Will he find her? Is there any hope they could be free from the lies, free from her marriage to a criminal mastermind and free from the sins of her past? Only God can lead the way to that as well as providing perhaps healing and hope for others caught in her husband’s web of slavery.

This book is hard to put down. Fast paced and filled with action and drama as well as heart-rending romance, it is sure to satisfy any reader while drawing attention to the very real evils that are currently at play in our world.

Breach of Trust (Book Review)

Oct17
Reading Time: 2 minutes

breach of trustDiAnn Mills is a fabulous romantic suspense author so when I came across her book Breach of Trust, I was thrilled. This book was the winner of the 2010 Christy Award as well as the 2010 Inspirational Readers Choice Award. And for good reason.

When Daniel Keary runs as a candidate for governor of her state, former CIA agent, Paige Rogers is on edge. Having worked with him seven years ago, his betrayal and lies cost her everything. Her identity, her family, her career . . . and her son. Now he wants her under his thumb but Paige isn’t quite so gullible. Her newfound faith since the tragedy of those events, propels her to work on the side of truth, before more people are killed to bankroll Keary’s dreams.

In hiding as a small town librarian, she runs into a snag with the attentions of the High School football coach. But if she admits who she really is, she will lose all she holds dear and risks lives of those she loves most, even those she had befriended in her new town.

But there’s at least one mole, in her town or in the CIA that is undermining her attempts to seek to protect the citizens of her state. But along with choices in who to trust becomes an issue of how she can live a lie while clinging to God. How far can she trust Him with the truth and the outcome if she steps out of the shadows to confront evil?

This was an anxiety producing read. It was hard to put down because the characters were so well-developed and the layers of mystery unfolded at such a pace to keep the reader wondering if Paige was really going to succeed, much less survive. Could all the dreams had sacrificed be restored to her if she stepped out in faith? You’ll have to read the book to find out! There’s a reason it won awards.

Silenced (Book Review)

Sep5
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Book - SilencedSilenced is the fourth and final book in Dani Pettrey’s Alaskan Courage series. I find this terribly sad because I wanted Reef to have his own story! Boo hoo.

Kayden McKenna is probably the most walled up emotionally of the family. Things changed between her and Jake Westin during the last adventure when his past was revealed. It stripped away Kayden’s defenses as her heart warms to the tragic past Jake had hidden from them all.

Kayden however is thrust into solving a crime with Jake after she discovers the body of a dead climber and realizes that it had to be murder. Asking questions in small Alaskan villages amongst the tight-knit climbing community seems to have put her, and Jake, in the crosshairs of the killer who is teasing them and stringing them along. But is there one murderer to track?

Jake is head over heels in love with Kayden but doubts she would ever return the affection. As they work side by side and face an enemy from his past, will either of them be alive long enough for him to tell her how he really feels?

Stalkers and uncovering the ugly sins of others has consequences, even for those who have done nothing wrong and Jake and Kayden have to work together to uncover the killer(s). Fascinating story that kept me guessing while giving an inside look into the world of rock climbing (that I will never engage in!). I’m only sad it is the final story in the series, but look forward to seeing what Dani comes up with next to keep us from sleeping at night.

Stranded (Book Review)

Aug22
Reading Time: 2 minutes

StrandedDani Pettrey’s Alaskan Courage series has me hooked and apparently others too since I had to wait for others to finish her novels before I could get my hands on them at the library. Stranded is book number three and filled with adventure while looking at . . . well, not giving away spoilers!

Darcy St. James had been the pesky reporter in book #2 (Shattered). She had helped prove Reef’s innocence while falling in love with the McKenna family . . . and particularly Gage. She had given up investigative reporting until an urgent call from her old partner compels her to join the staff of a cruises ship as a travel reporter to uncover some mystery.  But when Darcy arrives, her friend suddenly disappears and the intrigue deepens.

Gage McKenna has been contracted to lead expeditions for the cruise line and is shocked to find himself coming face to face with Darcy. The fact that she’s a reporter doesn’t make it easier. The fact that she’s investigating a hidden crime for trouble she’s unaware of, deeply concerns him.

Eventually Gage and most of McKenna clan are involved in solving this mystery . . . and keeping Darcy safe. The deeper the trouble goes, the more Gage is forced to admit two things–he desperately needs God and he’s in love with the pesky reporter. But can he find her, alive in time to tell her so?

Beautiful scenery and adventure are hallmarks of Dani Pettrey’s writing in this series and her characters become much-loved as you follow their stories, love and faith. I don’t think this book would disappoint anyone seeking a romantic suspense that will keep you guessing.

Hush In The Storm (Book Review)

Aug8
Reading Time: 2 minutes

hushI was given an opportunity to read Hush In the Storm by Julie Cosgrove, because someone knew that the subject of Human Sex Trafficking was something I was concerned about.

Jen is wallowing in grief long after her husband’s death. She had loved him and regretted some of the choices she had made in a relationship with him. Why had God done this to her? Late one night her life took a dramatic turn. If she thought things couldn’t get worse she didn’t have an imagination big enough. A dinner date with a coworker in the midst of a storm. She finds herself kidnapped and on a dangerous adventure into the ugly underbelly of human sex trafficking.

Can she trust that Tom is who he says he is, and that he is only fulfilling a promise to her deceased husband, and trying to protect her? Has she only imagined hearing her husband’s voice? Meeting young women who were trafficked jolts her world, especially when one is pregnant.

I don’t want to give any spoilers away in this complex and suspenseful story of betrayal, fear, romance, injustice and intrigue. Can Jen trust Tom and the growing feelings she has for this man? Can love bloom in the midst of such deceit as she tries to unravel the truth of her husband’s life and deal with the reality of what she lost, which was far greater than her marriage? This book is hard to put down but will open your eyes to the dangers and struggle for freedom so many are facing in our country today.

I look forward to the sequel, Legitimate Lies, due out in January 2015.

Shattered (Book Review)

Aug1
Reading Time: 2 minutes

shatteredI needed an actual paperback to read while sitting at the pool and picked up Shattered by Dani Pettrey at the library. Yay for libraries! Shattered is book 2 in Pettrey’s Alaskan Courage Series.

Piper McKenna is the heroine of this tale. When her youngest brother, Reef,  is arrested for murder, she is determined to find out the truth, which means finding the killer.

Heroes don’t come better than Deputy Landon Grainger. He has been an unofficially adopted member of the Grainger family and has known Piper for a long time. He knows that sometimes someone who professes innocence can really be guilty and he’s afraid Piper’s devotion to her brother will be her undoing.

When Piper is almost killed, however, he begins to realize two things. One: He loves Piper as more than an annoying little sister. Two: Someone else has committed the murder Reef is in jail for.

To solve a crime and protect Piper become his primary goals and when feelings begin to surface, life gets even more complicated. Will Piper and Landon get past this danger to confess their love? Can they prove Reef’s innocence? And will Landon resolve his mixed feelings towards God?

This was a wonderful story that was hard to put down. Romantic suspense at it’s best and banter between Piper and Landon as they struggled with their deeper feelings for each other was fun to read. Even with a series and a cast of characters that considerable, Pettrey makes it easy to determine who is who and I think this book stands alone well enough. I am enjoying getting to know the McKenna family and those they have enfolded into their loving arms.

Sparks Fly (Book Review)

Jul11
Reading Time: 2 minutes

test copySparks Fly is the latest romantic suspense novella by Daisy Jerico. This is an ebook released as part of the Diamond line with Prism Book Group. 

Good cooking can be the way to a man’s heart, but burning down your shed in an effort to make award winning barbeque ribs is probably not the most auspicious beginning when Carlisle first meets Chet, the firefighter who responds to her emergency call and initially suspects her of being an arsonist.

Chet’s not sure what to do about he petite chef and under the guise of investigating arson he attempts to get to know her better. Unfortunately for Carlisle, the real arsonist is jealous that anyone would think she was capable of copycatting his attempts to bring down the fire chief.

Chet quickly figures out that Carlisle is not the man he is after, but he is intrigued by this feisty woman. When it becomes clear that her life is in danger, Chet seeks to protect her from harm. Carlisle doesn’t want to be protected, but decides that she will try to help Chet solve the string of arsons that now seem to be targeted directly at both of them. Can they survive the sparks of love burning between them as they battle the fires that rage around them?

This is a fast paced and lively romantic suspense that will keep you turning the page (ebook only). Daisy Jerico’s other romantic suspense novella, Love Thief, takes the author on a fun journey as well and is available also as part of this collection. If you enjoy novellas with spunky characters, Daisy is an author to watch and read.

Submerged (Book Review)

Jul4
Reading Time: 2 minutes

submergedI’ve been longing to read Dani Pettrey’s romantic suspense novels for some time and with her new one out I figured this a good time to go and find some older ones and read, since it is a series and I hate reading a series out-of-order. So I picked up Submerged from the public library and was instantly hooked into the adventure of Alaska.

Bailey Craig had never intended to return to the land of ice, snow and long memories. In the town of Yancy she had a beloved aunt but also a tarnished reputation due to her own poor choices. Although a believer in Christ now, her past haunts her. Dragged back to attend to the funeral and estate of her Aunt, she comes face to face with her past, and the man she lost along the way, the one who held her heart even when she had broken his. Her aunt was killed in a plane crash and the investigation tosses her time and again in Cole’s way, reigniting pain and passion while at the same time trying to solve a crime.

Cole McKenna does rescue drives as a matter of daily life as well as leading adventure tours. Nothing however is more adventurous or dangerous than reuniting with Bailey. She had broken his heart once and he had vowed he would never let her do it again. But Bailey Craig is not the same girl who left Yancy years ago, she is an even more beautiful woman with deep pain and regrets and as they work together to solve a murder, his heart once again softens to this woman.

Will they come out of this dangerous quest alive to pursue the adventure of love together? As Cole’s family rally around them, they both find that God does indeed make all things new.

I enjoyed this story and had a hard time putting it down. If you love adventure and romance and want a fresh setting for a romantic suspense, this book will suit you well. I look forward to reading the rest of the Alaskan Courage series by Dani Pettrey.

Firewall (Book Review)

Jun27
Reading Time: 2 minutes

FirewallI was thrilled when Diann Mills asked me if I would be willing to review her book, Firewall, put out by Tyndale House Publishers. Not a bad gig when you get a complimentary copy.

I’ve loved Diann’s writings and her romantic suspenses have caused me to lose sleep more than once in the past. Firewall was no different in that regard. At 400 pages, I read it in less than 24 hours.

Taryn is a genious who makes her living designing software that passes through the highest security clearances with the U.S. Government and features many levels of incription to protect against hackers. Hence the name of the book, Firewall.

Taryn had never really dated but had strong morals. Swept off her feet with a whirlwind romance, she marries and a day later her husband and her are about to embark on their honeymoon when a terrorist bomb almost kills her at the airport.

Special Agent Grayson Hall is after whoever bombed the airport and killed countless people. Top of his list is Taryn Young and her supposed husband who has suddenly gone missing. Now is job is to keep Taryn alive while the FBI tries to unravel jsut what is happening and determine if it is a precuror of worse to come.

Grayson suspects Russia and a tie between the software controling oil temperatures that Taryn designed. Is she working for the wrong side or can she be trusted.

On the run and desperate to prove her innocence, Taryn prays and senses God’s leading to confide in Grayson. As they unravel the growing threats and repeated attempts against them, she seeks to find the threat through the spiderweb of leads that will keep more people from dying.

Grayson begins to believe in Taryn’s innocence and has to find a way to use her to help the FBI solve the case while keeping her alive. Not an easy task to do as the introverted software developer has a bit of sass and tendency to take risks when he least expects it. This geek has a bevy of hidden surprises as well that didn’t show up in his reports on her.

This story is eerily echoing some of the themes goign on today in the U.S. with tensions with Russia and the threat of terrorist attacks. Throw in complicated technology, a few double crosses, a three year old little girl held hostage and a blooming love and you have a story that is as impossible to put down as it would be for me to even think of designing a firewall.

I loved this story and the characters and the depth of complexity Diann weaves in along with the challenges of faith under life or death circumstances.