Living Lies - A Review

Published - May 2019, Revell Books
Series - Harbored Secrets Book 1
Author - Natalie Walters
Title - Living Lies
Format - ebook, paper, audio
Find on Amazon

About the book:
In the little town of Walton, Georgia, everybody knows your name--but no one knows your secret. At least that's what Lane Kent is counting on when she returns to her hometown with her five-year-old son. Dangerously depressed after the death of her husband, Lane is looking for hope. What she finds instead is a dead body.

Lane must work with Walton's newest deputy, Charlie Lynch, to uncover the truth behind the murder. But when that truth hits too close to home, she'll have to decide if saving the life of another is worth the cost of revealing her darkest secret.


My Thoughts:
This book kept my interest from the first page. I'm always a little unsure as to what to expect from an author's first book. Do I hope I'll find a new must read author? Will I be bitterly disappointed? This book fell in the first category for me. 

I felt bad for Lane, being the person who literally stumbles upon a dead body. But the way that those outside of her family tried to protect her made me want to just give her a hug. Her family, I didn't care for them. But I kept turning the pages in this book. I think it's the mark of a good author when writing suspense that the reader doesn't figure out who is the mastermind until the author reveals it. I kept trying to figure out how to put the pieces together, but I was missing something. Once it was revealed, I realized that it was obvious and I should have seen it all along. 

I am eagerly waiting for the next book by this author. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in order to share my honest opinion of it. I was not required to like the book, only to give an honest opinion of it. My thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Recommended to fans of Irene Hannon, Lynette Eason, Terri Blackstock

Rating - 4 stars

Oath of Honor - A Review

Published - January 2018, Revell Books
Series - Blue Justice Book 1
Author - Lynette Eason
Title - Oath of Honor
Format - ebook, paper

About the book:
Police officer Isabelle St. John loves her crazy, loud, law-enforcement family. With three brothers and two sisters, she's never without someone to hang out with--or fight with. And she knows they'll be there for her when things get tough. Like when her partner is murdered and she barely escapes with her own life.

Determined to discover exactly what happened, Izzy's investigation sends her headfirst into a criminal organization, possibly with cops on the payroll--including someone from her own family. With her dead partner's handsome homicide detective brother Ryan shadowing her every move, Izzy's head is spinning. How can she secure justice for her partner when doing so could mean sending someone she loves to prison? And how will she guard her heart when the man she's had a secret crush on for years won't leave her side? 

My Thoughts:
This book was one that I couldn't put down! I was drawn into it immediately. It was certainly a page turner!

I loved both Izzy and Ryan. I loved how they worked well together. I also loved the family dynamic of Izzy's family. 

I'm one of those people who catch the occasional episode of Blue Bloods. This book (and series) reminds me of that show.

I received a copy from the publisher for free in order to give my honest opinion. My thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Recommended to fans of Blue Bloods, romantic suspense, Lynette Eason, Irene Hannon, Dani Pettrey.

Rating - 5 stars

Blind Spot - A Review

Published - October 2017, Bethany House
Series - Chesapeake Valor Book 3
Author - Dani Pettrey
Title - Blind Spot
Format - ebook, paper
Find on Amazon

About the book:
FBI agent Declan Grey is chasing after something. Something that may prevent a terrorist attack. When his investigation leads to an immigrant community, he turns to Tanner Shaw for help. Declan's worked with Tanner before, only this time he has to protect her. Tanner's work has her now working with the FBI as a crisis counselor, giving her more opportunities to butt heads with Declan. But neither can deny the spark between them. They soon find themselves in a race against time for not only their lives but to stop something even bigger.

My thoughts:
This book was page turning. I loved how the characters from the other books are in this one as well. I found myself frequently staying up late to read this.

There are a couple of major revelations in this book, and it makes me even more eager for the fourth in the series.

Declan and Tanner have been sparring since the first book in the series, but seeing their story come about was a delight. Of all the couples in the series so far, I think this pair may be my favorite.

I received a copy from the author and the publisher to help with promotion. I was not required to like the book only give my honest opinion. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of romantic suspense, Dee Henderson, Dani Pettrey, Irene Hannon

Rating - 4 stars

Chasing Secrets - A Review

Published - August 2017, Revell Books
Series - Elite Guardians Book 4
Author - Lynette Eason
Title - Chasing Secrets
Format - ebook, paper
Find on Amazon

About the book (Goodreads):
Elite Guardians bodyguard Haley Callaghan may be in South Carolina, but when a photo leads investigators in West Ireland to open a twenty-five-year-old cold case, her 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 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.

My Thoughts:
I've enjoyed each book in this series, and this one was no exception. This book was fast-paced, and I found myself not wanting to put it down. In fact, I only did when I fell asleep.

I loved how Haley's past came into play. For the last three books, she's been in the background, so seeing her front and center was great. And once again, I loved how I was kept guessing the entire book. 

I'm rather sad to see this series come to an end. It was different than anything else I'd read and I really enjoyed it.

I received a copy of the book for free from the publisher to review. I was not required to like the book, only share my honest opinion. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Irene Hannon, Lynette Easton, Dani Pettrey, Dee Henderson

Rating - 4 stars

Pursued - A Review

Published - April 2107, Revell Books
Series - Nikki Boyd Files Book 3
Author - Lisa Harris
Title - Pursued
Format - ebook, paper
Find on Amazon

Nikki Boyd is returning to Nashville on what should be a routine flight. Then the plane crashes. Suddenly Nikki finds herself in the midst of chaos. When the woman who was seated next to her disappears, the FBI ask Nikki to help. But it's a race against time, and the FBI won't share all of the details. Can Nikki and her team find answers before it's too late?

I've enjoyed each book in this series and this one was no exception. I loved how fast paced this book was. The twists and turns that the case followed had me eagerly turning the pages.

What I found different than the others in the series was that Nikki was a victim this time as opposed to the investigator. Seeing her attempt to separate herself from her job was interesting. Especially when she was trying to figure out her relationship with Tyler.

I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys romantic suspense.

I received the Kindle copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of giving my honest opinion. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of romantic suspense, Irene Hannon

Rating - 4 stars

Still Life - A Review

Published - February 2017, Bethany House
Series - Chesapeake Valor Book 2
Author - Dani Pettrey
Title - Still Life
Format - ebook, paper, audio
Find on Amazon

About the book (from Amazon):
Blacklisted in the photography business over a controversial shot, Avery Tate answered an ad for a crime scene photographer. She expected to be laughed at, but crime scene analyst Parker Mitchell hired her outright--and changed her life. But six months ago, when her feelings for Parker became too strong, she left his employ to sort out her heart. Now, for the first time, Avery is facing the world that rejected her to attend the gallery opening of a photography exhibit and support her best friend, who modeled for the show. But the only image of her friend is a chilling photo of her posing as if dead--and the photographer insists he didn't take the shot. Worse, her friend can't be found. She immediately calls Parker for help. As Avery, Parker, and his friends in law enforcement dig into the mystery, they find themselves face-to-face with a relentless and deadly threat.

My Thoughts:
I've loved Dani Pettrey's books since I first discovered her with her debut novel. I know that I will get a book that is a page turner and well written. This one was no exception. 

While this one does stand alone in the series, I highly recommend reading book 1 first as Parker, Avery, and the rest are all introduced in that one. What can I say about this book? It was wonderful. I read it rather quickly, I love the relationship between Parker and his buddies as well as between Parker and Avery. There were so many times that my heart just broke for what Avery went through in her life. I love how what is one person's problem becomes everyone's because that's how Parker and his friends are. 

I cannot wait until the third book, Declan's story, comes out later this year!

I received a copy of the book from the author to help promote. I was not required to like the book, only to give my honest opinion.

Recommended to fans of Dee Henderson, Dani Pettrey, romantic suspense, Lynette Eason, Irene Hannon

Rating - 4 stars

Moving Target - A Review

Published - February 2017, Revell Books
Series - Elite Guardians Book 3
Author - Lynette Eason
Title - Moving Target
Format - ebook, paper, audio
Find on Amazon

Maddy McKay and Quinn Holcombe didn't show up for Quinn's surprise birthday party, despite Maddy assuring their friends that they would be there. Their friends know something's wrong, and when neither of them can be reached, their friends are really concerned. But the question is - where are they? Maddy awoke to find herself in a cement room with no knowledge of how she got there. Her one consolation is that Quinn is with her. Soon this pair must use all of their wits to try to survive a cat and mouse game where they are the bait and a serial killer is the hunter. Because if they fail, they die.

I've enjoyed each of the books in this series. This one was no exception. I loved getting to know Maddy and Quinn more. In some ways this book felt like a cross between the Hunger Games and Survivor. This was a very fast read for me. It's been one of the few books this year that I really couldn't put down. The action kept me guessing and I ended up really enjoying the book.

I received a copy from the publisher for free as part of the Revell Reads blog program. I was not required to like the book, only give my honest opinion.

Recommended to fans of Irene Hannon, Lynette Eason, Dee Henderson

Rating - 4 stars

Fatal Frost - A Review

Published - November 2016, Bethany House
Series - Defenders of Justice Book 1
Author - Nancy Mehl
Title - Fatal Frost
Format - ebook, paper
Find on Amazon

About the book (from Amazon):
Mercy Brennan followed in her father's footsteps in a law enforcement career, but she has no interest in any other connection to him. A U.S. Marshal in St. Louis, Missouri, she's assigned to a joint task force with the St. Louis PD that puts her back into contact with her father and in the sights of St. Louis's most powerful gang.
When the gang has reason to believe Mercy has possession of some highly sensitive and incriminating information, her boss assigns Mark St. Laurent--a Deputy U.S. Marshal and Mercy's ex-boyfriend--to get her out of town until they can guarantee her safety. Initially unaware of the danger she's in and uncomfortable working with Mark, Mercy's frustration escalates when she discovers the extent her boss and Mark have been keeping her in the dark. It isn't until a freak ice storm hits, stranding them at a remote location and out of contact with the district office, that the full severity of their situation becomes clear. As the storm worsens, the forces of nature combine with a deadly enemy closing in to put their lives at imminent risk. Can they survive long enough for help to arrive--if help is even coming at all?

My Thoughts:
I've kept seeing the books by Nancy Mehl appear in my book recommendations on Goodreads, but until this book, I'd never read anything of hers. I knew going in to expect a romantic suspense book, but beyond that, I didn't know what to expect. 

I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised. This book started off fast and kept going. The action alone kept me interested. 

I did find that the characters didn't seem to be quite as well developed as I'm used to, but that could be that this is the first in a series. I don't know if these characters will make appearances in the rest of the series or not.

Overall, this was a fast and enjoyable read.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher as Bethany House's blogging program. I was asked only to give my honest opinion about the book. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Lisa Harris, Irene Hannon, Lynette Eason, romantic suspense

Rating - 4 stars

Tangled Webs - A Review

Published - October 2016, Revell Books
Series - Men of Valor Book 3
Author - Irene Hannon
Title - Tangled Webs
Format - ebook, paper
Find on Amazon

About the book (from Amazon):
After a disastrous Middle East mission ends his six-year Army Ranger career, Finn McGregor needs some downtime. A peaceful month in the woods sounds like the perfect way to decompress. But peace isn't on the agenda once he crosses paths with publishing executive Dana Lewis, a neighbor who is nursing wounds of her own. Someone seems bent on disrupting her stay in the lakeside cabin she inherited from her grandfather. As Finn and Dana work together to discover who is behind the disquieting pranks, the incidents begin to take on a menacing tone. And when it becomes apparent Dana's foe may have deadly intent, Finn finds himself back in the thick of the action--ready or not.

My Thoughts:
I was so excited to read this book. It's the final one in the series, and I've enjoyed seeing Finn as a minor character in the first two books. To actually be able to read his story and see him have his happily ever after was quite fun.

I read this book pretty quickly. The plot drew me in in the first few pages and kept me turning pages until the very end. I really think that I like the author's romantic suspense books better than her contemporary romance ones. 

As for the characters, I wanted to see how Finn was going to overcome the injury he'd suffered earlier in the series. I loved reconnecting with Mac and Lance. I loved how protective of Dana that Finn was. I also enjoyed seeing their banter back and forth as they fell in love.

I received this book for free as part of Revell's Revell Reads blogging program. I was not required to like the book, only to share my honest opinion. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Dani Pettrey, Irene Hannon, Dee Henderson, Lynette Eason

Rating - 4 stars

Without Warning - A Review

Published - August 2016, Revell Books
Series - Elite Guardians Book 2
Author - Lynette Eason
Title - Without Warning
Format - ebook, paper
Find on Amazon

Summary (from Amazon):
Katie Singleton, a partner with the Elite Guardians Protection Agency, stumbles upon her next assignment quite by accident. Spotting blue lights at a familiar restaurant, she stops to investigate, only to discover that owner Daniel Matthews has become the target of someone who will go to any lengths to put him out of business. Daniel might be concerned, but he's not convinced that a bodyguard--and a female one at that--is necessary. A new attack and his niece's urgings are enough to make him reconsider. He and Katie must figure out who's behind the intimidation and threats--before a would-be killer strikes again.

My Thoughts:
This was one of those books that I couldn't put down! I had brought it with me to work to read over my lunch breaks, but soon found that I didn't want my break to end because the book was THAT good. 

We meet Katie in the first book where she is one of the bodyguards assigned to the case. But this time, it's her story. We get to know more about Katie and what makes her who she is. I loved her relationship with Daniel as well. He really understood her. And she understood him. 

I can't wait to read the third one in the series. 

I received this book for free from Revell Books for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Lynette Eason, Irene Hannon, Dani Pettrey, romantic suspense

Rating - 5 stars

Missing - A Review

Published - July 2016, Revell Books
Series - Nikki Boyd Files Book 2
Author - Lisa Harris
Title - Missing
Format - ebook, paper
Find on Amazon

Nikki Boyd doesn't  usually investigate homicides. But when her task force is called in to assist on a missing persons case associated with a homicide, Nikki and her team jump right in. The first set of clues lead them to the marina and the boat that just happens to belong to her friend Tyler Grant where there is another dead body. Now the stakes have just been raised. Nikki must figure out what connection Tyler has to the case, find the missing woman, and do it all without getting killed. Because someone is silencing anyone looking for answers and now Nikki's life is in danger.

When I read the first book last year, I really enjoyed it. This one, pulled me in from the first page and didn't let me go. I think I finished this one in a matter of hours.

I loved how quickly Nikki had to work to stay one step ahead of the killer. I also loved seeing how she has grown since book one. Her relationship with Tyler is evolving as well. I am looking forward to seeing what will develop between these two as well.

Nikki's team is wonderful. I love how they work together to put the clues together and to help keep Nikki safe.

While this was book 2, it could easily be read as a stand alone.

I received the Kindle version of this book for free from Revell via NetGalley for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of romantic suspense, Irene Hannon, Lynette Eason, Dani Pettrey

Rating - 4 stars

Sins of the Past - A Review

Published - May 2016, Bethany House
Authors - Dee Henderson, Dani Pettrey, Lynette Eason
Title - Sins of the Past
Format - ebook, paper
Find on Amazon

Three romantic suspense authors join together to delight readers with a suspense novella collection.

Missing by Dee Henderson - John Graham is the police chief in Cheyenne, Wyoming. When he receives word that his elderly mother is missing, he returns to Chicago. Together with the lieutenant in charge of the case, John begins to realize that maybe something from his past may have triggered his mother's disappearance.

My Thoughts - This one started off really good. I liked the dynamics between Sharon and John. I loved how they'd follow the clues. But then out of nowhere, the author threw in something that turned it in a completely different direction. Until then, I was really enjoying the story. My rating: 3 stars

Shadowed by Dani Pettrey - Ben McKenna is a simple Alaskan fisherman who takes tourists out on his fishing boat. When competitive swimmer Libby Jennings shows up in the rain for a whale watching tour, neither she or Ben expect to be drawn into a web of deceit and situations involving more than just the body they found.

My Thoughts - I loved this story. I loved getting to meet the parents of the McKenna siblings from the Alaskan Courage series. Like all of Dani's books, this story was a thrill ride from start to finish. This was my favorite of the three novellas. My rating: 5 stars

Blackout by Lynette Eason - A young woman, Macey, has been having blackouts over the past several years that are linked back to when she was an unintended part of a burglary gone wrong. When neighbor Chad hears her scream one evening, he rushes over. Together Chad and Macey begin a race against time to see who is trying to kill her. Is it all tied into her past?

My Thoughts - This was another one that I really enjoyed. I loved how quickly it moved. I was glad that my suspicions were proved wrong. It kept me on the edge of my seat. My rating: 4 stars

Overall Thoughts - This novella collection is overall really good. It's fun to pick a collection of novellas and have them being romantic suspense. Fans of these authors will enjoy this book.

I received this book for free from Bethany House for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Dee Henderson, Dani Pettrey, Lynette Eason, Irene Hannon, romantic suspense

Overall rating: 4 stars

Silence in the Dark - A Review

Published - April 2016, Revell Books
Series - Logan Point Book 4
Author - Patricia Bradley
Title - Silence in the Dark
Format - ebook, paper
Find on Amazon

Two years ago Bailey Adams broke off her engagement and fled to Mexico to be a missionary. Now, she's returning home as an escort for one of her students. But when she meets the child's uncle, nothing prepares her for being shot at. She soon realizes that a drug cartel is after both her and the little girl. Not knowing who she can trust, Bailey turns in desperation to Danny Maxwell, her former fiance. Danny's never stopped loving her, and will do anything to win her back. Even if it means putting his own life in danger to see to the safety of both Bailey and the little girl. But the danger follows them back to Logan Point. Can Danny keep Bailey safe when someone wants to kill her? And can Bailey admit why she broke the engagement and take another chance on Danny?

This was a very fast paced book, like the others in the series. It helps to have read the others first, but it isn't necessary.

My favorite character was the little girl. She was a doll. And I loved how everyone wanted to protect her.

The romance between Bailey and Danny felt a bit stiff, but I was ok with that. As the fast pace of the story kept me turning pages. I did come to like Bailey as I didn't really like her much at first.

I enjoyed Danny. I loved how he wasn't willing to let Bailey go.

Overall, this was good book, and a good conclusion to the series.

I received this book for free from Revell for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Lisa Harris, Irene Hannon, Lynette Eason, romantic suspense.

Rating - 4 stars

Always Watching - A Review

Published - February 2016, Revell Books
Series - Elite Guardians Book 1
Author - Lynette Eason
Title - Always Watching
Format - ebook, paper, audio
Find on Amazon

Olivia Edwards is the owner of the Elite Guardians Agency. This bodyguard agency is unique in that all of the operatives are women. When one of her employees is critically injured protecting protecting popular radio Wade Savage, Olivia steps in to fill the role. Until he's attacked, Wade had no idea that his father had secretly hired the Elite Guardians to protect him from a stalker. Olivia has her hands full keeping not only Wade safe, but his daughter as well. His stalker has only gotten bolder as the time has gone on, and now it's up to Olivia and her team to find the stalker before it's too late.

Every Lynette Eason book I've read is one that I've enjoyed. This one was no difference. I love how she creates suspense while building deep characters.

This particular series is going to stand out because of the simple fact that the bodyguards are all women. I was quickly engrossed into the action in this book.

Olivia has a troubled past that she has learned to hide. She doesn't let people get close to her. Yet she can't help but be drawn to Wade and his daughter. Wade wants what is best for his daughter. He's smart enough to realize that sometimes he has to ask for help. The way that these two characters interact was fun. They fought their attraction to each other for a while.

Early in the book, there are three candidates for the identity of Wade's stalker. My focus was on one in particular, but I turned out to be wrong. Not in the three candidates, but in my choice of the three as the stalker.

I loved how they finally figured out who the stalker was and brought the person to justice.

I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received this book for free from Revell for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Dee Henderson, Lynette Eason, Colleen Coble, Irene Hannon, Dani Pettrey, romantic suspense.

Rating - 4 stars

Cold Shot - A Review

Published - February 2016, Bethany House Publishers
Series - Chesapeake Valor Book 1
Author - Dani Pettrey
Title - Cold Shot
Format - ebook, paper
Find on Amazon

Griffin McCray's life hasn't gone as he planned it. He and his three childhood friends, Declan Gray, Parker Mitchell, and Luke Gallagher, would all enter various branches of law enforcement. Griffin and Luke would go to Baltimore PD, Declan to the FBI, and Parker would become a crime scene analyst. Then Luke vanished, and the friendships have crumbled. Griffin's now a park ranger at Gettysburg after having life as a SWAT sniper when a case went bad. Nothing ever happens in the park. Until the one evening that Griffin catches two grave robbers near Little Round Top. Only these skeletal remains aren't of the Civil War variety. He calls in forensic anthropologist Finley Scott, and soon the case heats up. Griffin is reunited with Declan and Parker, and the three try to identify the victim. Only someone doesn't want that to happen. Finley's life becomes in danger and Griffin will do all that he can to protect the woman he's coming to love - even face down the demons of his past.

When I first that Dani Pettrey had a new series coming out, I promptly added it to my never ending to read list. Over the past few years, she's become one of my favorite romantic suspense authors with her Alaskan Courage series.

Going into this new series, I knew it would be about different characters. I wasn't sure what to expect, honestly. This book opens with a bang. And it moved very quickly. I did find it to have a lot more of character building than I expected. I mean the author has introduced each of the main characters for not only this one, but the others in the series.

I liked both Griffin and Finley. I thought that they worked well together. I also loved the interaction with Parker, Declan, Avery, and Kate. As their stories come up, I'm looking forward to reading them. I'm hoping that Declan's story is next, but I don't know.

The suspense was built up in the book. I thought that the killer was one person and ended up being completely wrong. Fans of romantic suspense will enjoy this.

I received a copy of this book for free first from the author to promote, and then a 2nd copy  from the publisher to review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Irene Hannon, Dani Pettrey, Dee Henderson, romantic suspense

Rating - 4 stars

Thin Ice - A Review

Published - January 2016, Revell Books
Series - Men of Valor Book 2
Author - Irene Hannon
Title - Thin Ice
Format - ebook, paper
Find on Amazon

Over the past year, Christy Reed has lost her parents in a car accident and her sister in a house fire. Having finally gotten to a point where she feels that her grief is manageable and that she can move on, she receives in the mail an envelope addressed in her sister's handwriting with a note claiming she's still alive. Warned against contacting the police, Christy reaches out to the FBI office. Special Agent Lance McGregor is the agent who is available to meet with her. As he digs into the case, he has more questions than answers. He also finds himself fighting his attraction to Christy. But when her life is threatened, can Lance and his agents solve the case before Christy is killed?

I've enjoyed every single one of Irene Hannon's romantic suspense books that I've read. While this is the second one in a series, it stands alone. I'd been told that this book would be a page turner, and the friend who told me that was correct. This book is indeed a page turner.

The action in this book starts with a bang and kept me turning pages until the end. I enjoyed catching up with Lance's brother Mac in this book too.

I liked Lance. I liked how he went with his gut on so many different decisions. I love the bond that he shares with his brothers. And I'm really looking forward to Finn's book when it comes out late this year or next year.

While this review may not be as detailed as some of my others, it's not that I didn't enjoy the book. It's just that it's hard to talk about the book without giving away MAJOR spoilers, so it's a shorter review.

I received this book for free from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Irene Hannon, Lynette Eason, Dani Pettrey, romantic suspense.

Rating - 4 stars

Vendetta - A Review

Published - October 2015, Revell Books
Series - Nikki Boyd Files Book 1
Author - Lisa Harris
Title - Vendetta
Format - ebook, paper, audio
Find on Amazon

Nikki Boyd is driven. She's a member of the Tennessee Missing Persons Task Force, and strives to make sure that other families don't suffer the way hers has. Ten years ago, her sister went missing. The case is still unsolved, and Nikki will do anything to make sure that other families get answers to their missing persons cases. A day of rock climbing is cut short when Nikki is called to assist with the disappearance of a teen girl. At first, this appears to  be like any other missing person's case until a Polaroid photo of the missing girl shows up. For Nikki, this may be the first real break in her sister's case. But is she too close to the situation? Because the closer that she gets to the finding the girl and who abducted her, Nikki starts to feel less like the hunter and more like the prey.

I've enjoyed Lisa Harris's books in the past. This one was no exception. It was different though. Her previous books had an obvious romantic element in it, this one, there is a hint of the romance, but it's not obvious. I'll be interested to see how that relationship develops.

This book was very easy to read. The action started off immediately. And then when Nikki got pulled to assist with the missing teen, it got even more exciting. I also found that it was a quick read.

I like Nikki. I like how determined she is. It'll be fun to see how much more she grows and develops as the series progresses. I'm really looking forward to see how her relationship with one particular guy progresses and if he will admit his feelings or not.

I received the Kindle version of this book from Revell Books via NetGalley for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Lynette Eason, Irene Hannon, romantic suspense

Rating - 4 stars

Gone Without A Trace - A Review

Published - July 2015, Revel Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group
Series - Logan Point Book 3
Author - Patricia Bradley
Title - Gone Without a Trace
Format - ebook, paper
Find on Amazon

Detective Livy Reynolds has been searching for her cousin since she disappeared two and a half years before. When she's sidelined from her job as a detective, Livy doesn't know what to do with her time. Alex Jennings is a private investigator from Texas looking into the disappearance of a senator's daughter. The case is eerily similar to the disappearance of Livy's cousin. Despite the fact that Alex drives her crazy, Livy offers to help. But time is running out and this case has more twists in it than either expect.

After waiting until two days before the review was due to start the book, I'm really glad that I was quickly engrossed in the book. It also helps I'm a fast reader. From the first page, I was drawn in. As the book progressed, I had my suspicions about who the villain would be, and I wanted to know if I was right.

Livy has been in both of the other books. She's not my favorite heroine, but I did come to like her more. In this book, she's struggling with an incident that occurred in her detective work. She's afraid to take chances now, but as she learns to trust a man who is similar to her father in many ways, she's able to take chances. Even at the possibility that someone she loves may be hurt because of the chance she takes.

I really enjoyed Alex. He has a controlling family, and yet he wanted to be his own man. I loved how he broke out of the mold of his family's expectations and pursued a career that defined him and not the family business. I also liked how he overcame Livy's defenses and fell in love with her. Sure, he still has issues to work through. But I can see him doing so, easily.

Overall, the book was very good. I don't think that it will be the last in the Logan Point series, but if it is, then the series concluded well.

I received this book for free from Revell books for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of romantic suspense, Irene Hannon, Lynette Eason

Rating - 4 stars

Taken - A Review

Published - May, 2015, Bethany House Books
Author - Dee Henderson
Title - Taken
Format - ebook, paper, audio
Find on Amazon

Eleven years ago Shannon Bliss was abducted. Now she has returned. And she needs help easing back into her life as well as putting those who abducted her in jail. Shannon seeks out Matthew Dane, a PI from Boston, because of the situation he went through with his daughter. Under Matthew's care, Shannon begins to share about her time in captivity. As she shares, Matthew realizes that Shannon is the key in crippling a very large crime family and wants to make sure that the authorities have what they need to stop that family's activities. But his biggest concern is Shannon. With each new revelation and piece of evidence coming out, Matthew sees how she draws into herself. Will she be able to have a normal life?

I've read every single one of Dee Henderson's books. While my favorites, and in my opinion her personal best, remain the O'Malley series, I did find that this book was very good. Unlike her other more recent novels, I didn't feel bogged down in details. The story in this book moved along at a pace similar to her O'Malleys.

I liked Shannon. I liked how what she went through turned her into who she is. I liked how Matthew was patient with her. I liked how he was able to relate to Shannon because of what he went through with his daughter. I LOVED seeing Rachel and Cole from the O'Malleys in this book. Catching up with Paul & Ann and Bryce & Charlotte was nice too.

The story drew me in in a way that her more recent books hadn't. I was glad to see a lot of action and things moving quickly. There is a romance element in it, but it's more implied than flat out specified. Because this story isn't truly a romance. It's more about helping the woman feel safe in her new world.

Did I enjoy it? Yes. Did I love it? No. But I liked it well enough. I'd probably reread it at some point. It's not the O'Malleys, and it won't be.

I received this book for free from Bethany House for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Dee Henderson, Irene Hannon, Lynette Eason

Rating - 4 stars

No Place to Hide - A Review

Published - May, 2015, Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group
Series - Hidden Identity Book 3
Author - Lynette Eason
Title - No Place to Hide
Format - ebook, paper, audio
Find on Amazon

When Jackie Sellers sees her childhood friend, Ian Lockwood, on the national news as a person of interest in a potential terrorist attack, she knows she needs to find Ian and get to the truth. But getting to the truth is harder than Jackie can imagine even with her connections at Operation Refuge. In a short amount of time, Jackie and Ian are on the run, not knowing who they can trust. Will they be successful in proving that Ian is innocent?

This is the third book in this series. I enjoyed every minute of it. I actually liked it better than the second one.

This book literally has it all - romance, action, a fast paced storyline, and believable characters. I can honestly say that I wasn't bored with this book. I read it pretty quickly and was engrossed from the first page.

I really liked Jackie. I loved finding out more into her past. She was a minor character in one of the other books in the series. I also enjoyed the interactions between her and Ian.

I liked seeing how Ian was so determined to clear his name that he was willing to do anything to do so. And I LOVED the dog.

Overall, this was an excellent read. Fans of Irene Hannon and Dani Pettrey will enjoy this romantic suspense.

I received this book for  free from Revell for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Irene Hannon, Dani Pettrey, Lynette Eason, romantic suspense

Rating - 4 stars