Targeted

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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. 

The Blackout Book Club

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In 1942, an impulsive promise to her brother before he goes off to the European front puts Avis Montgomery in the unlikely position of head librarian in small-town Maine. Though she has never been much of a reader, when wartime needs threaten to close the library, she invents a book club to keep its doors open. The women she convinces to attend the first meeting couldn't be more different - a wealthy spinster determined to aid the war effort, an exhausted mother looking for a fresh start, and a determined young war worker.

At first, the struggles of the home front are all the club members have in common, but over time, the books they choose become more than an escape from the hardships of life and the fear of the U-boat battles that rage just past their shores. As the women face personal challenges and band together in the face of danger, they find they have more in common than they think. But when their growing friendships are tested by secrets of the past and present, they must decide whether depending on each other is worth the cost.

Review

This novel is a true treasure. Sarah Sundin was correct in describing the book as "A salute to the power of books and of friendship!" It's a beautifully written story supported by such a wonderful cast of characters. Each lady's story - Avis, Louise, Ginny, and Martina - capture a different aspect of the effects of the war, most notably, in relationships. They all have secrets, and while that would make each lady keep others at arm's length, through their struggles, they learn friends are always willing and ready to help.  One of my favourite parts of the book were the notes taken from each Blackout Book Club meeting. The side comments from the secretary for the meeting were often hilarious and made me wish I could be physically present for the shenanigans. 

The Blackout Book Club is such a unique story concept, and I loved it from start to finish.

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

Honor Bound

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It may seem odd to seek peace by moving to a war-torn African country, but for medical missionary Dr. Cynthia Myers, it provided a way to escape a shallow life of unearned wealth, a philandering fiancé, and a father now square in the public eye as vice president of the United States. At least here she knows her work and life have meaning. but all that is thrown into chaos when she fails to save the life of a warlord's mortally wounded son.

As part of the Army Special Forces A-Team on a mission to capture and subdue the warlord, Captain Rick Norton is compelled to use deadly force to save Cynthia's life. Enraged at the violence she witnessed and riddled with guilt that men died because of her, Cynthia doesn't want to life anything about Rick and his team - but an unexpected attraction is taking hold.

With two members of his team badly injured and rebels in hot pursuit, Rick will have to drawn upon all his strength and cunning to get her out alive...because he's beginning to think that, despite their differences, they just may be able to make a life together.

Review

This was quite the adventure story! Just when you think everyone is safe, yet another crisis happens. I thoroughly enjoyed this action-packed read supported by a strong cast of characters. Cynthia and Rick are the perfect juxtaposition of main characters. She's a pacifist and he's a soldier. Her Dad is the Vice-President of the United States of America, and could become his Commander-in-Chief. And yet, they develop feelings for each other. Given their vastly different backgrounds and beliefs, can they actually have a future together? And is their budding romance just a fleeting desire coming out of a near-death situation? Or something deeper and long-lasting? Not to mention - how are they going to get out of the jungle alive? These questions and more swirl together throughout the pages of this fast-paced suspense novel.  A fantastic read! I will definitely be picking up books 2 and 3 in Hallee Bridgeman's "Love & Honor" series.

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

To Win a Prince

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As a fashion aficionado and best friend of the queen of the African island country Oloro Ile, Iris Blakely dreams of using her talent to start a sustainable clothing line to help citizens in impoverished areas and honor the country's resources. But when she discovers that Ekon Diallo - the man who betrayed her best friend - will be her business consultant, the battle between her desires and reality begins.

Ekon Diallo has lost everything: his princely title, his material possessions, his friends, and the respect of his fellow Olorans. To pay for his actions against Oloro Ile, he's forced to assist the charismatic Iris Blakely - but he can't allow his hear to distract him from regaining his status.

Thought they come from vastly different worlds, Iris and Ekon are both determined to reach their goals, and the only way to do that is to work together - if they can just keep their hearts from getting in the way...

Review

Toni Shiloh delivers another delightful royal romance from the island of Oloro Ile. It was fun, well-written, and the characters were fantastic. My favourite part? Iris' strong Christian faith and relationship with Jesus. It bled through the pages, and while Iris is a fictional character, it was encouraging to read how she continually sought wisdom and direction from God for every problem that came her way. Some novels are "Christian" in name only, where the story is merely clean and there may be a line or two that reference someone saying a prayer when in trouble. But Toni Shiloh's novels? They are true Christian fiction where the characters have a deep abiding faith and God is at the center of their lives. I loved this book just as much as its precursor, In Search of a Prince, and hope to see another novel by Toni Shiloh soon!

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

By Way of the Moonlight

 

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For as long as she can remember, Allie Massey, a gifted physical therapist, has dreamed of making her grandparents' ten-acre estate into a trauma recovery center using equine therapy - a dream her grandmother, Nana Dale, embraced wholeheartedly. But when her grandmother's will is read, Allie is shocked to learn the property has been sold to a developer.

Decades earlier, headstrong Dale Butler's driving passion is to bring home the prized filly her family lost to the Great Depression, but with World War II looming, she's called upon in ways she never could have imagined. And while her world expands to include new friends and new love, tragedy strikes close to home one fateful night during the Battle of the Atlantic, changing her life forever.

As Nana Dale's past comes to light in Allie's search for answers, Dale's courage and persistence may be just what Allie needs to carry on her grandmother's legacy and keep her own dreams alive.

Review

By Way of the Moonlight is a sweeping tale that pulls on the heart-strings. As a horse-lover, I thoroughly enjoyed the central equine theme. I couldn't stop thinking about my own horse-filled days in my 20s and the richness my the feisty Thoroughbred mare had brought to my life.

This is a meaty novel, but in large part to the incredible unveiling of Dale's past. Dale's life journey takes on many twists and turns as she lives through the Great Depression and World War II. There are many little fascinating historical tidbits sprinkled throughout the pages of this book which highlight just how difficult those times were. Even within Dale's family, she struggles with her mother's expectations of their outward appearances to society even while Dale just wishes for endless days of riding with her beau. The familial and societal struggles brought such emotional depth to this story that kept me turning the pages until the satisfying end.

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

Where the Road Bends

 

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As Norah King surveys her family land in Iowa in 1880, she is acutely aware that it is all she has left, and she will do everything in her power to save it - even if that means marrying a man she hardly knows. Days before her wedding, Norah discovers an injured man on her property. Her sense of duty compels her to take him in and nurse him back to health.  Little does she realize just how much this act of kindness will complicate her life and threaten her future she's planned.

Norah's care does more than aid Quincy Barnes' recovery - it awakens his heart to possibilities. Penniless and homeless, he knows the most honorable thing he can do is head on down the road and leave Norah to marry her intended.  But walking away from the first person to believe in him proves much harder than he imagined.

Review

Where the Road Bends is a very enjoyable sweet, historical romance. I particularly liked the heroine, Norah. She's spunky and determined and doesn't let much faze her. Rather, despite the trials she encounters in life, she plows ahead with an admirable determination and strong faith. This isn't your predictable western romance - it's one that is full of heart and a unique storyline. The hero and heroine are equally strong characters and I loved the light-hearted banter between them.

A wonderful read!

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

The Sweet Life

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Dawn Dixon can't believe she's on a groomless honeymoon on beautiful Cape Cod...with her mother.  She was supposed to be here with Kevin, the man she loves. Still, Mom was the right choice. Dawn's heart may have been broken, but Marnie Dixon is in need of mending as well.

But Mom - being Mom - creates a mess when, on a whim, she buys a run-down ice cream shop in the town's tightly regulated historic district with big plans to fix it up. She's never remodeled anything. And she's never even made ice cream!

Dawn knows she has to stay and fix this fiasco. But her mother's money pit ice cream shop may have created da chance for a happy ending...one Dawn could never have expected.

Review

The Sweet Life had me craving ice cream the whole way through...and a quick road trip to give my own Mom a hug! This novel explores mother-daughter relationships in all its complexities. Dawn and Marnie are complete opposites, yet love each other fiercely.  They butt heads over everything. It made me a little weary at times just reading all their disagreements! BUT as the story progressed, so did Dawn and Marnie's character growth. I love stories where you can see exactly how the main characters change and allow God to work in their lives. It makes for such a satisfying read. 

The Sweet Life is a feel-good book perfect for a hot summer day at the beach - with an ice cream in hand of course!

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