Into the Fire

 

Back Cover

Instinct only takes you so far. 

After that, you need proof. 

But cunning killers hide their tracks.

As a former smokejumper, arson investigator Bri Tucker knows her way around fires. But after a mysterious blaze takes the life of a former colleague, Bri inherits a curious puzzle from him that raises questions about several fiery deaths. Someone, however, doesn't want her picking up where he left off in search of answers.

When she teams up with ATF Special Agent Marc Davis to solve the puzzle, the case heats up - as does the attraction between them. Sparks fly as the danger escalates, but will they mange to track down the person behind the mysterious deaths before their budding romance - and maybe even their lives - go up in flames?

In this pulse-pounding new series from the bestselling and award winning queen of romantic suspense, you'll be swept up in a whirlwind of danger, mystery, and romance. Get ready to burn through the pages as Bri and Marc race to solve the puzzle and uncover the truth.

Review

This book sure did turn the heat up! In her classic style, Irene Hannon has crafted a twisty suspense story with complex characters, a heated (but clean) romance, and one crazy villain. Into the Fire is one wild ride that I quickly devoured. Suspense lovers cannot go wrong in picking up one of Irene's books. You can tell she thoroughly researches before putting her story together and she just has a way in crafting very real, multi-dimensional characters.  I love that this is the kick-off to anther series revolving around siblings and can't wait for the next installment!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Crime Scene Conspiracy

Description
 

Too many mysterious deaths. 

Not enough clues.

A string of staged deaths forces Texas Ranger Emily O’Connell on a covert mission to investigate a governor’s connection to the deceased women. She doesn’t trust anyone—including crime scene cleaner Stone Spencer. But when Emily’s questioning makes her the serial killer’s next target, she must turn to ex-ranger Stone for help. With threats at every turn, outrunning a merciless villain could be the last thing they do.

Review

This was a fast-paced crime novel full of action with a plot that kept me guessing until the very end. I was a bit surprised at the high (and I mean HIGH) body count in the book, and the constant near-misses Emily and Stone endure pushed the boundaries of believability. While this book could've benefited from another sweep of the editor's brush, I appreciated the varied cast of characters and the tight-knit family group the Spencers portrayed. For me, Crime Scene Conspiracy didn't knock it out of the park, but this book is receiving some great reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, showing it's hitting the mark with many other readers. 

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own.

Targeted

Back Cover

Get ready for triple the thrills with three heart-stopping stories from your favorite romantic suspense authors!

In On the Run, IT Specialist Daria Nevsky is a highly skilled FBI agent with the ability to hack any computer. She must go on the run to find out who wants her dead - and Dr. Ryker Donahue refuses to let her do it alone.

In Deadly Objective, physical therapist Emily Dixon and Secret Service Agent Liam Harper are committed to keeping their relationship professional. But when the vice president's son enters the crosshairs of a killer, some lines will have to be crossed in order to keep him safe.

In Caught in the Crosshairs, there is no love lost between former Army PSYOPS officer Ari Blackman and CIA officer Claudia Gallegos after Claudia is implicated in the murder of a Saudi prince. But to prevent a coup that would put America at risk, they'll have to learn to trust each other - before it's too late.

 

Review

What a thrill ride this book was! What's better than a good suspense story? THREE stories all wrapped up in one book. It's like a BOGO deal at the bookstore, haha! 

Lynette Eason's novella, On the Run, the action is non-stop from the second page. As the pace kept me breathless, I just wish this was a full-length novel. The romance was rushed and Ryker's instant devotion to Daria felt unrealistic. There was quite a bit of assumed back story that had me stumbling a bit over the plot points so I couldn't easily settle into the flow of the story. I discovered that Daria's adoptive parents have their own story, Vow of Justice, so I plan to read that one which should help provide a richer context to this story. Otherwise, Daria is an impressively strong character and the resolution was very fitting.

If I had to choose, Deadly Objective was my favourite of the three. As there was already a somewhat established relationship between Emily and Liam, their budding romance was more realistic. I loved the comradery between the two and their joking interactions with Mason. It doesn't have the same level of suspense as the other two, so was actually a nice breather! While I did guess at the villain a bit early, it did not detract from my overall enjoyment of the story. Loved it!

Caught in the Crosshairs was another fast-paced story. It was full of political intrigue and Ari and Claudia were quite the interesting characters. Claudia wasn't the easiest character to like as she fostered a strong dislike of Air even before she met him and treats him horribly in the beginning. I enjoyed the twists and turns to this story and the complexity of the plot. 

All in all, this was a solid suspense collection. Novellas are tricky in being able to build a realistic story with strong character growth and believable relationship development in such a short period of time. While readers would benefit from reading previous book series where the characters cross-over, Targeted can still be enjoyed by suspense fans everywhere. 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Lights Out

 

Back Cover

CIA analyst Brynn Taylor developed a new program to combat terrorism, and she invited members of foreign intelligence agencies to America to foster cooperation between countries. Now one of them, Egyptian spy Remon Riad, is missing.

Jack Hudson has been working for the Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency for almost nine years and takes the lead in hunting down the missing spy. But he isn't at all pleased to find out Brynn is involved. It's hard to trust a women who's already betrayed you.

Every lead they follow draws them dangerously deeper into an international plot. Kidnapping, murder, explosions, poisoning - the terrorists will do anything to accomplish their goal of causing a digital blackout that will blind a strategic US military communications center and throw the world into chaos.

Can Brynn surrender control to a man who doesn't trust her? And can Jack ever get over what she did to him? The fate of the world - and their hearts - hangs in the balance.

Review

Oh. My. Goodness. If you read any book this year, Lights Out has to be the one. It is SO good! It's literally jam-packed with edge-of-your-seat action following an intricate plot that keeps you guessing on how all the pieces are going to fit together. It is also a story that appears incredibly plausible given how much our world relies upon technology. From communications, banking, work, travel, housing, etc., many aspects of our lives are connected and maintained through the use of technology. Chaos would ensue should any of those systems go down. And Natalie Walters imagines what that could possibly look like in Lights Out.

The character choices and development are perfect for the story. I loved the unique personalities of each member of the SNAP Agency (along with the heroine, Brynn, of course) and look forward to getting to know each one better in future novels in this series.

Smartly-executed, Lights Out takes readers on a thrill ride they won't soon forget!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  

Never Miss

 

Back Cover

Former CIA sniper Kadance Tolle possesses a special set of skills and a rare pedigree. She comes from a family of assassins, and by saving Lyndon Vaile's life she risks being found by them. Despite the danger, Kadance feels compelled to help Lyndon discover who is after him and his incendiary research, which indicates that the Ebola virus is man-made and about to be weaponized.

With shadowy figures pursuing them and a mastermind watching their every move, Kadance and Lyndon scramble to stop an impending bioattack at the State of the Union address. When their warnings fall on deaf ears, it becomes increasingly clear that there's no one they can trust - except perhaps each other.

Strap in for a breakneck story that will have you up all night, hurtling toward the last page as the clock ticks and time runs out.

Review

Never Miss reads like a summer blockbuster film: full of non-stop action and adventure that hardly allows you to catch a breath in between each explosive event. The subject matter creates a suspenseful and believable storyline given the fact that with today's advancements in technology and science, anything could happen! 

I could tell that the author is keen on details, and I appreciated every facet of her research that shone through her scenes of epic hand-to-hand combat and sniper shots. Punctuating those scenes were complex characters that you couldn't help but root for. I think this is the first book I've read whereby the heroine's pet cat enjoys just as much "screen time" as the two main protagonists - and I loved it! 

Never Miss is a great read for anyone who enjoys fiction with a punch!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  

A Lady in Attendance

 

Back Cover

Five years in a New York state reformatory have left a blemish on Hazel's real name.  So when she takes a job as Doctor Gilbert Watt's lady in attendance in 1898, she does so under an alias.  In the presence of her quiet and pious employer, Hazel finds more than an income. She finds a friend and a hope that if she can set her tarnished past in order, she might have a future after all.

As Gilbert becomes accustomed to the pleasant chatter of his new dental assistant, he can't help but sense something secretive about her. Perhaps there is more to this woman than meets the eye.  Can the questions that look between them ever be answered? Or will the deed of days gone by forever rob the future of its possibilities?

Rachel Fordham pens a tender tale of a soft-spoken man and a hardened woman, as well as the friends who stand by them, as they work toward a common purpose - to expunge the record of someone society deemed beyond saving - and perhaps find love along the way.

Review

This is the first book I've read of Rachel Fordham's, but it won't be my last! She has penned a tender tale of redemption and love in the lives of the out-going Hazel and shy Gilbert. What really struck me the most about their relationship was how very respectful they acted towards one another - something that I find sorely lacking in society. It was refreshing reading their interactions and how they always strove to put the other ahead of themselves. 

The other surprising element for me was the suspense and intrigue! I thought this was going to be a sweet historical romance, but it is so much more. For a large chunk of the back end of the book, it is quite the wild ride of danger and mystery that really spiced up the story in a fantastic way.

Finishing the story made me want more, so you can be sure I'll be checking out other published works by Ms. Fordham!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  

The Nature of a Lady

Back Cover

Lady Elizabeth "Libby" Sinclair, with her love of microscopes and nature, isn't favored in society.  She flees to the beautiful Isles of Scilly for the summer and stumbles onto the dangerous secrets left behind by her holiday cottage's former occupant, also named Elizabeth, who mysteriously vanished.

Oliver Tremayne - gentleman and clergyman - is determined to discover what happened to his sister, with the help of the girl now living in what should have been Beth's summer cottage...especially when he realizes it's the curious young lady he met briefly two years ago, who shares his love of botany and biology.  But the hunt for his sister involves far more than nature walks, and he can't quite believe all the secrets Beth had been keeping from him.

As Libby and Oliver work together they uncover ancient legends, pirate wrecks, betrayal, and the most mysterious phenomenon of all: love.

Review

Roseanna M. White is one of my favourite authors, and she does not disappoint with The Nature of a Lady, the first novel in her brand new series, "The Secrets of the Isles". First off, I have to say the cover is absolutely GORGEOUS! Kudos to the design department for pulling together such a beautiful cover!

The mystery and intrigue I came to know and love in two of the author's previous series, "Shadows over England" and "The Codebreakers", shine through in this new adventure story revolving around pirates, hidden treasure, and lost love. Libby's character is incredibly endearing as she struggles to stay true to the pursuit of her own dreams despite the society and family pressures dictating otherwise. Oliver becomes a safe harbor for her - someone who shares her scientific passions and encourages those within her, as opposed to stifling. 

The storyline was incredibly fun and adventurous more characters enter into the fray in a single-minded pursuit of long-lost treasure. The author intricately wove a thread of suspense throughout the pages, keeping the tension taut until the final chapter. There were a number of plot twists and surprises along the way that were fantastic. Loved this novel and cannot wait to read the next instalment in the series!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  

Night Fall

 

Back Cover

For any little boy or girl who hears the Train Man speak,

Who feels his rancid breath caress their pretty cheek,

Must close their eyes, pretend to sleep, and very softly pray,

Or else the evil Train Man may carry them away.

Finally free of her troubled upbringing, Alex Donovan is able to live out her childhood dream of working for the FBI. But soon after she becomes a member of FBI's elite Behavioral Analysis Unit, authorities in Missouri contact them about bodies found on freight trains - all killed in the same way.

Alex never expected to be forced to confront her past in this new job, but she immediately recognizes the graffiti messages the killer is leaving on the train cars.  When the BAU sends her to gather information about the messages from her aunt in Wichita, Kansas, Alex is haunted by the struggles she thought she'd left behind forever.

In a race against time to solve4 the case and recover a deadly virus sample the killer intends to spread, Alex must face how far she'll go - and what she's willing to risk - to put a stop to the Train Man.

Review

Night Fall is...certifiably creepy. I was super excited for a new Christian crime novel - a chance to cheer on the good guys while they chase down the bad ones while also showing growth in faith. But I struggled with this one. I had picked up this book many times to start it, but had to put it back down for something different as I couldn't get past the first few pages. While I'm a huge fan of suspense novels, this one set me on edge, and not in a thrill-seeking way. By diving in deep into the depraved Train Man's mind, you learn more of his story of growing up in a perverted cult and having absolutely terrible parents. It creates somewhat of an understanding of how he came to be, but the double-edged sword is that you have to read through a whole lot of darkness to get to that point. This certainly isn't a lighter police procedural drama like "Castle", but a dark and twisted ride without a whole lot of light at the end of the tunnel. 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  

Unknown Threat

 

Back Cover

US Secret Service Special Agent Luke Powell is lucky to be alive.  Three of his fellow agents have died in unusual circumstances in the past ten weeks.  Luke is devastated by the loss of his friends and colleagues, and his inability to locate the killer feels like a personal failure. He and his team are experts at shielding others, but now the protectors are in need of protection.

FBI Special Agent Faith Malone is driven to succeed and confident in her ability to solve every case she's assigned.  She's been put in charge of the investigation into the unprecedented attacks, and with Luke's life in danger, the stakes have never been higher.  But it's hard to know how to fight back when you don't know who the enemy is.

Luke has teamed up with Faith before, but he's not convinced she's up for the job and she's not convinced he's telling her everything he knows. As more agents are targeted, Luke and Faith will have to learn tot rust each other and work together to bring a killer to justice and prevent any more names from joining  their fallen brothers and sisters on the Secret Service Wall of Honor.

Review

Unknown Threat is a fast-paced thrill ride that doesn't let up until the final page. It was an intriguing look into the world of Secret Service Agents, and I never knew they had such a wide scope of duties! 

The author did a brilliant job of crafting a suspenseful story where it felt no one was safe from the assassin.  My only wish would be that there were a few more clues, or bread crumbs, along the way to hint at the ending. I felt like there was such a huge reveal at the climax that required a lot of explanation into the "who, what, why". Other than that, what a smashing start to the new "Defend and Protect" series for Lynn H. Blackburn.  I became a huge fan of hers with her "Dive Team Investigations" series and was pleasantly surprised over the inclusion of a few characters from that series in Unknown Threat. 

Looking forward to the second book in this series!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  

Nine

Back Cover

Zoe Johnson has spent most of her life living in the shadows, never drawing attention to herself, never investing in people or places.  But when a wide-eyed, bedraggled teenager with no memory walks into the diner where Zoe works, everything changes.

Against her better judgment, Zoe, who has been trying to outrun her own painful memories of the past, finds herself attempting to help a girl who doesn't seem to have any past at all.  With little warning, they must follow the only sure thing they know: a woman hundreds of miles away will either save them...or be the last person to see them alive.

Review

Nine is an action-packed read: part thriller, part science fiction, part conspiracy, and part... something unlike I've ever read before!  Kudos to Rachelle Dekker for her unmistakable writing talent - she is truly an incredible story-teller.  I found myself re-reading phrases and paragraphs for the pure joy of appreciating her way with words. Nine took me on a crazy ride, and I couldn't help but be drawn into this complex, multi-faceted story following Zoe and Lucy: two young ladies who struggle with their identities and how they are to view themselves.  Both struggle with a crippling past and the journey they embark on is their hope for a better future - if they stay alive long enough to see that future.

I really dislike having to write this, but I unfortunately encountered a couple drawbacks.  The body count in this novel is high.  Like really, really high.  I'm sure it could rival any secular R-rated action movies out there on the market. I struggled over the cold, calculating scenes detailing torture and ruthless killings.  It felt extremely out of place for a "Christian Fiction" novel, and wasn't quite what I was expecting.  Which leads me to the second drawback: a distinct lack of faith element in the story.  Other than a cringe-worthy flippant remark about only Jesus being able to enter a locked room, and references to a cult society where Christianity was skewed in terrible ways, there is no mention of God at all in the book.  The characters in the story are asked to change who they are, but through their own power, without seeking Christ and viewing his redemptive work on the cross as the only power to save (something I was hoping for in a Christian fiction novel, so it was disappointing not to see that theme incorporated into the story).  

All in all, Nine is a well-written suspense novel packed full of cliff-hanger moments. If you want a wild ride centered around a desperate fight between good and evil, then this is the book for you.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  

Acceptable Risk

 

Back Cover

For one journalist, the story of a lifetime is hitting too close to home.

Sarah Denning is a military journalist with the Army in the Middle East when she is taken hostage.  When former Army Ranger Gavin Black is asked by his old unit commander - Sarah's imposing father - to plan an extremely risky rescue, he reluctantly agrees and successfully executes it.

Back in the US, Sarah is livid when she's discharged on a false psychiatric evaluation and vows to return to the Army.  Until she learns of her brother's suicide.  Unable to believe her brother would do such a thing, she puts her plans on hold and enlists Gavin to help her discover the truth.  What they uncover may be the biggest story of Sarah's career - if she can survive long enough to write it.

Review

Acceptable Risk is another fast-paced suspense novel by veteran author, Lynette Eason.  Nearly every chapter had an explosive scene that built the tension to a final, nail-biting climax.  The complexity of Sarah Denning's character and back story enhanced the suspense as she not only was dealing with threats on her own life and coming to terms with her brother's suicide, but also working through her broken relationship with her father, a man, who through the majority of her life, seemingly wanted nothing to do with her.  The fractured pieces of her story were a lot to unpack in a single novel, but the author rose up to this task quite admirably.  While the story motored along with the speed of a racing Corvette, the character growth and development moved at a believable tempo.  

It is important to note that it is a suspense novel and it does deal with the difficult subject matter of suicide.  It can make for a dark story which can make it difficult to read at times.  I wouldn't say Acceptable Risk is one of my most enjoyable, relaxing reads, but it is still a well-written novel with an complex mystery.  I'm interested to see what is next in the Danger Never Sleeps series as book three is set to come out soon!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  

The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus

About

Welcome to Bonaventure Circus,

where misfits go to hide.

In 1928, the Bonaventure Circus has become a refuge for many, but Pippa Ripley was rejected from its inner circle as a baby and is no longer content to leave the reason for that rejection unquestioned. When she receives mysterious messages from someone called the "Watchman," she is determined to find him and the connection to her birth. As Pippa's search leads her to a man seeking justice for his murdered sister and evidence that a serial killer has been haunting the circus train, she must decide if uncovering her roots is worth putting herself directly in the path of the killer.

Decades later, an old circus train depot's future hangs in the balance--it will either be torn down or preserved for historical importance, and its fate rests on Realtor Chandler Faulk's shoulders. As she dives deep into the depot's history, she's also balancing a newly diagnosed disease and the pressures of single motherhood. When she discovers clues to unsolved murders of the past, Chandler is pulled into a story far darker and more haunting than even an abandoned train depot could portend. 

Review

Jaime Jo Wright has done it again!  The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus is another creepy thrill ride certain to keep your eyes glued to the pages whilst huddled in a safe place in your home (preferably with an e-reader under the covers...).  With a clever plot straddling two timelines held together by in-depth characters, this is a story that will not soon be forgotten.  I greatly enjoyed Jaime Jo Wright's style of writing as she infused enough "teasers" and twists through the novel to keep you guessing until the very end.  And, at the end, when things are most climatic in both timelines, the point of view switches back and forth rapidly between timelines for back-to-back cliffhanger moments, rendering it near impossible to put the book down.  Jaime Jo Wright has quickly become one of my favourite authors, and I look forward to each new release with great expectations.  Suspense and mystery lovers will LOVE The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus for its keep-you-guessing plot and unique story-telling.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for a copy of this book to read and provide my true and honest opinion thereof.

Don't Keep Silent

 

Description

Justice comes easy for these two. But forgiveness? That's another matter altogether.

Investigative reporter Rae Burke will do anything to find her missing sister-in-law, even if it means facing Liam McKade, a man who almost lost his life saving hers. A former DEA agent, Liam thought he could find peace at his Wyoming ranch, but he doesn't feel at home anywhere anymore. When the reporter who blew his cover on an important investigation inserts herself back into his life, he's less than thrilled. But Rae's keen investigative skills have led her down the right path--and directly into the dragon's mouth--leaving Liam no choice but to protect her.

As the danger increases, the past they both tried to flee catches up to them, along with the feelings they once had for each other . . .

Review

Don't Keep Silent is a fast-paced thrill ride set in the snowy mountains of Wyoming.  From the first to the last chapter, Elizabeth Goddard's third novel in the "Uncommon Justice" series is full of suspense, detailing a mountaintop car chase, kidnapping, drugging, secret past, and a spider web of deception and crime.  While it did take me a few chapters to really connect with the characters, the story itself was quite intriguing as Rae and Liam searched for the truth, peeling back one layer of the mystery at a time.  With precious little to go on, the story took me on quite a journey with red herrings and random flying bits of the puzzle until coming together with a satisfying (albeit, climatic!) conclusion.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Collateral Damage

Back Cover

They thought they left the fight behind on the battlefield.  

But their greatest struggles are just beginning.

Honorably discharged from the Army after an explosion nearly killed her, former military psychiatrist Brooke Adams has set up shop to help others, but her days of helping military personnel are over.  She's got her own battles to fight from her time overseas, and she's not equipped to take on more.

Former Army Special Ops Sergeant First Class Asher James could handle anything that war sent his way.  The only thing that scares him now is sleep.  As the shadows close in, the nightmares begin.

Finally convinced that he needs help, Asher makes an appointment with a counselor.  When he arrives at her office, she isn't there, but a dead body is.  When it becomes clear that Brooke was the real target of the attack - and that her secrets go even deeper than his own - Asher vows to protect her no matter what.

Review

Collateral Damage is an explosive start to Lynette Eason's newest series, "Danger Never Sleeps".  From the first chapter, readers are taken on a wild ride from war-torn Afghanistan where anyone could be your enemy, to sunny South Carolina, where the terrors of war should only become a distant memory.  However, the danger didn't stay overseas, but followed Brooke and Asher as they enter civilian life.  Not only are they unsure of who attacked Brooke, they don't even know what it is her assailant is after.  All these factors result in a page-turning story with endless twists and turns!  I loved every word, every chapter, and was sorry for the story to end.  Suspense novels are my favourite read, and Lynette Eason hit the ball out of the park with this one.  Can't wait for Book #2!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

The Killing Tide

Back Cover

When one Coast Guard officer is found dead and another goes missing, Coast Guard Investigative Service special agent Finn Walker faces his most dangerous crime yet.  His only clues are what little evidence remains aboard the dead officer's boat, and the direction the clues point to will test Finn and the Guard to their limits.

The already volatile situation is complicated even further by the arrival of Gabby Rowley - Finn's boss's sister and an investigative reporter with unrelenting questions about the crime.  Now that she's returned, the tug on Finn's heart is strong, but with the risks she's taking for her next big story, he fears she might not live through it.

Thrown together by the heinous crime, Finn and Gabby can't ignore the sparks or judgments flying between them.  But will they be able to see past their preconceptions long enough to track down an elusive killer, or will they become his next mark?

Review

Dani Pettrey has crafted a fast-paced, keep-you-guessing story with The Killing Tide, Book One in her new series, "Coastal Guardians".  Suspense is the theme in the book, starting from the very first page as the reader jumps right into the middle of a coast guard rescue mission.  The tension doesn't let up as a winding mystery unfolds in the following chapters and more than one character meets their unfortunate end. Dani doesn't pull back any punches as she guides the reader into a web of intrigue, murder, and mayhem.  Of course, there is the (much needed!) smattering of romance to provide a little balance to the thrill ride.  With such an explosive start to her new series, I am eagerly looking forward to the next installment! 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Storm Rising

Back Cover

Mentioned in the pages of the Old Testament but lost to history, the Book of the Wars has resurfaced, and its pages hold secrets - and dangers - never before seen on earth.

 

Tasked with capturing the ancient text, former Navy SEAL Leif Metcalfe is once more given command of his own team.  But their best efforts are ruined when a notorious Bulgarian operative known as Viorica snatches the volume right out from under them.

 

Iskra "Viorica" Todorova is determined to use the book to secure the thing that matters most - freedom.  But a series of strange storms erupts around the globe, and the coming dangers foretold in the text threaten crops, lives, and entire nations.  Though both are haunted by secrets of the past and neither trusts the other, Leif and Iskra must form an uneasy alliance to thwart impending disaster.  However, the truth hidden in centuries - old words could unleash a storm of their own destruction.

Review

Wow.  What a non-stop, heart-pounding read!  Storm Rising definitely hit it out of the ballpark for an adrenaline junkie like myself (adrenaline junkie when it comes to books that is...).   Staying true to form, Ronie Kendig has written another fantastic military-adventure-suspense novel, pulling in characters from her previous books to round out an intriguing story.  Similar to Ronie's previous series, the "Tox Files",  Storm Rising centralizes around searching for an ancient artifact.  The journey takes readers around the world in a race to recover the artifact before it falls into dangerous hands.

 

Leif Metcalfe is a strong, male lead, but with some vulnerabilities.  Likewise, Iskra "Viorica" Todorova is the perfect female counterpart as she is one of the best of the best  - a spy and assassin who is known to do whatever it takes to get the job done.  The battle of wills between Leif and Iskra is akin to fireworks as each is equally determined to see their job through - no matter what the cost.  The intense sparks that shot between Leif and Iskra made for some entertaining reading!

 

I'm super excited for the start of this new series: "The Book of the Wars".  I could not stop reading Storm Rising, often losing sleep over reading one more chapter.  It ends on a bit of a cliff-hanger, so I seriously cannot wait for the next instalment to be released.  March of 2020 can't come soon enough for this suspense lover!

 

 

 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Living Lies

Back Cover

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.

Review

What a great first novel in a new series, "Harbored Secrets"!  Complemented by a wonderful, and very likeable, cast of characters, Living Lies is a suspenseful mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end.  Natalie Waters has crafted a story combining all my favourite elements: suspense, mystery, and romance.  She does an excellent job at keeping the "who" and "why" under wraps until the climax, making it difficult to put the book down!  

One of the other central themes to this novel is what society often considers a "taboo" topic: depression.  Depression is very real and affects more people that one would realize.  It is more than likely that everyone knows someone who has struggled with depression.  Natalie Waters handled the topic very tactfully, and gave a strong emphasis on how much we need to be there for our friends and loved ones, be an example of Jesus love through thick and thin.  

With such a great start to a new series, I'm super excited to know that the second book is coming out very soon - November 2019!  Some fall/winter reading to look forward to!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Flight of the Raven

 

Back Cover

 

Selene Ravenwood, once the heir to House Ravenwood, is now an exile.  On the run and free of her family's destiny, Selene hopes to find the real reason her family was given the gift of dreamwalking.  But first, she must adapt to her new role as wife to Lord Damien Maris, the man she was originally assigned to kill.

 

While adjusting to her marriage and her home in the north, her power over dreams begins to grow.  As the strongest dreamwalker to exist in ages, her expanding power attracts not only nightmares but the attention of the Dark Lady herself.

 

With a war looming on the horizon and a wicked being after her gift, Selene is faced with a choice: accept the Dark Lady's offer or search out the one who gave her the gift of dreamwalking.  One path offers power, the other freedom.  But time is running out, and if she doesn't choose soon, her decision will be made for her.

 

Review

 

WOW.  Rarely does a second novel live up to the expectations of an amazing debut novel, but I have to say, Flight of the Raven is a smashing success!  Following on the heels of Mark of the Raven, where Lady Selene made a shocking decision to align herself with Lord Damien, this sequel follows Lady Selene as she enters into a new phase of her life as wife to Lord Damien, whose kingdom is perceived an enemy to House Ravenwood.  Lady Selene is still uncertain why his kingdom is such a threat and how it all ties into her family's gift of dreamwalking.  She still cannot reason the purpose behind the dreamwalking gift.  Her immediate ancestors, even her mother, had been utilizing the gift in a cruel and evil way - was it possible the gift can be used for good?

 

As Lady Selene tries to dig deeper into the history of her gift, it is clear that the origins of it have been keep shrouded in mystery.  Ancient tomes of knowledge shed hardly any light on the matter, and she begins having horrid nightmares of being chased by the Dark Lady.  She can't help but wonder: Will the darkness be something she can escape?  Or is it her destiny?  And what of Lord Damien?  Will he yet still be harmed by her and her gift?  Will the affection that begins to grow between them be quickly extinguished?

 

The saddest thing about this book was that it had to come to an end...I literally devoured each and every page.  I will be counting down the days to when the third book comes out in February 2020.  Until then, I will most likely be re-reading the first two novels once or twice...

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

The Curse of Misty Wayfair

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Left at an orphanage as a child, Thea Reed vowed to find her mother someday.  Now grown, her search takes her to turn-of-the-century Pleasant Valley, Wisconsin.  When the clues she finds lead her to a mental asylum, Thea uses her experience as a postmortem photographer to gain access and assist groundskeeper Simeon Coyle in photographing the patients and uncovering the secrets within.  However, she never expected her personal quest would reawaken the legend of Misty Wayfair, a murdered woman who allegedly haunts the area and whose appearance portends death.

 

A century later, Heidi Lane receives a troubling letter from her mother - who is battling dementia - compelling her to travel to Pleasant Valley for answers to her own questions of identity.  When she catches sight of a ghostly woman haunting the asylum ruins in the woods, the long-standing story of Misty Wayfair returns - and with it, Heidi's fear for her own life.

 

As two women across time seek answers about their identities and heritage, they must overcome the threat of the mysterious curse that has them inextricably intertwined.

 

Review

 

Suspenseful?  Check.  Thrilling?  Check.  Creepy?  Check.  Read with the lights on?  Double-check.

 

The Curse of Misty Wayfair is another exciting read penned by Jaime Jo Wright, who has two other similarly written stories on the market.  They are all stand-alones, but if you are a fan of a suspenseful, slightly creepy read that spans the present and the past, I highly recommend that you read them.

 

This novel in particular is so jam-packed with various historical tidbits such as post-mortem photography, mental asylums, and how superstition can grip not only a person, but a whole town.  As Thea Reed attempts to uncover the secrets of her past, she discovers that facts are shrouded with curses and superstition, making it difficult to find the truth.  In her quest, she unwittingly stumbles upon deadly secrets over which someone will do whatever it takes to keep buried.

 

In present day, Heidi Lane also embarks on a journey into her past, made all the more difficult when she encounters the same superstition that Thea Reed battled many years before.  Through it all, Heidi struggles with knowing what to believe and battling her deepest fear that she is going crazy. 

 

The Curse of Misty Wayfair will grab you from the first page.  I read this book in record time (and then wished I hadn't so I could read yet some more!).  I've thoroughly enjoyed each one of Jaime Jo Wright's books and highly recommend them all for suspense lovers. 

 

 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
 

Mark of the Raven

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Lady Selene is heir to the House of Ravenwood and the secret family gift of dreamwalking.  As a dreamwalker, she can enter a person's dreams and manipulate their greatest fears or desires.  Soon after the gifting, however, Selene discovers that the Ravenwood women have been secretly using their gift to gather information or to assassinate those responsible for the fall of House Ravenwood to the Dominia Empire hundreds of years ago.

 

As she becomes more entrenched in Ravenwood's dark past, Selene longs to find out the true reason behind her family's gift, believing that its original intent could not have been for such evil purposes, but she is torn about upholding her family's legacy - a legacy that supports her people.  Selene's dilemma comes to a head when she is tasked with assassinating the one man who can bring peace to the nations - but who is also prophesied to bring about the downfall of her own house. 

 

One path holds glory and power and will solidify her position as Lady of Ravenwood.  The other path holds shame and likely death.  Which will she choose?  And is she willing to pay the price for the path chosen?

 

Review

 

I find fantasy novels can be very hit and miss.  Either the author re-writes the same story that has been written so many times over, or creates a story so "original" or different, that it is difficult to follow or engage in as the world system is so complex and/or there are way too many main characters and plots that as a reader, you feel you need some sort of map or encyclopedia to the story in order to follow along. 

 

However, I can safely say that Mark of the Raven hits the ball out of the park.  The storyline is perfectly unique, and for a lack of better term, so utterly cool.  As I was reading the book, all of my expectations were blown away by the originality of the plot, the ease of following the plot, awesome characters, and the detailed setting.  Mark of the Raven is the perfect adventure story with a kick-butt female lead, strong male counterpart, classic battle of good v. evil, family tensions, impossible choices, and special "secret" gifts. 

 

The back cover of the book gives a great synopsis without giving much away, so rather than run the risk of giving any spoilers, I will not add to it.  All I can say is this: Mark of the Raven was awesome read.  I cannot wait for the second book!!

 

 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.