Explosive Alliance by Susan Sleeman

While at a soccer game with her ailing grandfather Krista Curry finds it odd when a young man leaves a backpack in his seat. When she points it out to the young man he brushes quickly past her with an evil stare in his eyes. After waiting 15 minutes for the man to return Krista decides to check the bag. Inside she finds a bomb. Hoping to not rouse a panic Krista heads back to the security guard on duty who had flirted with her earlier.

Cash Dixon is on the First Responders unit. When Krista approaches him about a bomb in a backpack he knows exactly what to do to dismantle it. Now if he only knew what to do about his growing feelings towards Krista.

Krista is keeping secrets, but for some reason Cash feels that he can believe she has nothing to do with the bomb. His co-workers have no such belief though. Krista has no intention of ever trusting another man in her life. But there is something about Cash that draws her. When the media finds that Krista can identify the bomber Cash is determined to keep her safe.

Both Cash and Krista must battle past and current demons before they even begin to explore their feelings for each other. Will Cash be able to keep Krista and her Opa safe and will he continue to believe in Krista's innocence after he finds out about her past? And can Cash open up to Krista about his own painful past and once and for all find peace?

I love the way that the First Responders books start out with so much action and excitement. They draw you in from the very beginning. Filled with suspense both in danger and in romance, Explosive Alliance keeps the reader turning pages quickly to find out what happens. There are also enough twists and turns to keep you wondering "who done it?" I'm definitely looking forward to the next installment of the First Responders series.

**Thanks to the publisher Harlequin through NetGalley for my copy for review purposes. All opinions are my own.**

 

Operation Zulu Redemption: Hazardous Duty by Ronie Kendig

So much going on in this installment! Still trying to figure out what happened in Misrata five years before, the women of the Zulu team are still in danger. Twists and turns around every corner have them confused about who to trust. Then there is Sam Caliguari. Determined to find out what happened to Ashland(Annie), Sam has plastered her picture all over the networks putting her in serious danger. Trace is ready to kill Sam for that stunt so he brings Sam in. Annie is not happy with either man because she can't figure out what her feelings are for either one of them. The Turk makes contact again with T'eya and I seriously can't figure out if he is friend or foe. Nuala "Noodle" is the quiet one of the group with the most insight. Something is bothering her about the couple they have brought in claiming to have information about Misrata, but it seems nobody is listening to her.

Hazardous Duty had me on the edge of my seat and I am definitely going to be starting the last book in this serial tonight so I can see what happens. I am absolutely loving the suspense of this serial even though it causes me stress! I can't wait to find out how it all wraps up. I'm feeling a bit sorry for Sam and Trace who both have a "thing" for Annie and it seems that she has a "thing" for them as well. If you like military type stories along with some romance and a lot of suspense, oh and strong kick-butt women, then this is the serial for you!

Check out my reviews of the other books in the serial:

Overkill

Collateral Damage

Out of Nowhere

Deceived by Irene Hannon

Three years ago Kate's husband was killed in an assumed accident on the water. Their four-year-old son Kevin was with her husband and his body was never found, just his life jacket floating in the water. Now Kate has put her life back together and moved to a new state and city. A chance glimpse of a young boy(who happens to look exactly like her son) on an escalator in a local mall has Kate employing private investigator Connor Sullivan from Phoenix Inc. Knowing that it is a long-shot, but unable to put the image of the little boy out of her head Kate asks Connor to find the boy and his father to see exactly who they are and if there is the remotest possibility that her son could still be alive.

If you are a romance/suspense fan like I am then the Guardians of Justice series is the perfect read for you! I enjoyed this last book in the series. At least I think it is the last book since there are no more single men in Phoenix Inc. Connor falls hard for Kate and even though she doesn't think she is ready for a relationship Kate too can't deny the attraction between her and Connor. The romance between Connor and Kate is not foremost in the story though, it is woven throughout the investigation into who the little boy and his father are and how it affects Kate. If this boy truly is her son, then why does this man have him and what happened on that fateful day when her husband died? Suspense builds throughout the story with the ultimate showdown causing my heart to race and my fingers wanting to flip to the end to see what happened!

We get a sneak peek at the end of DECEIVED into the authors next book coming out and I am already hooked and can't wait for it!

Check out my reviews of the other two books in the Guardians of Justice series:

Vanished
Trapped

I received my copy of DECEIVED from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Nowhere To Turn by Lynette Eason

 About the Book:

When Dani's abusive FBI husband dies Dani thinks that her and her son Simon are now free to live a normal life. When Dani and Simon's lives are once again threatened Dani turns to Adam Buchanan who works for Operation Refuge a protection agency. Adam is getting desperate in his protection of Dani and Simon, every time they move to a safe house the enemy seems to find them. How are they being found out and what will happen to Dani and Simon if they are captured?

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this second book in the Hidden Identity series. There were many twists and turns and lots of action and peril to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. I liked Dani's relationship with her son Simon. Simon is deaf and the center of his mom's life. When Adam comes into their lives it is nice to see him working to make a relationship with Simon as well as Dani and slowly winning their confidence and turning their fear of abuse into confidence and love. A lot of suspense and a little bit of romance makes this an entertaining read.

Thanks to the publisher Revell through NetGalley for my copy of Nowhere To Turn. All thoughts are opinions are my own.

 

A Deadly Business by Lis Wiehl with April Henry

This is the second book in the Mia Quinn Mysteries. I enjoyed it very much. We learn more about how Mia's husband died and what he was up to before he died.

Charlie Carlson suggests to Mia that her husbands death was not an accident. Trying to balance her job and her home Mia now must also help Charlie investigate her husbands murder.

Mia is also feeling pressure from her boss who is running for re-election. When 3 teens dump a grocery cart off a bridge onto a woman's head Mia must decide whether they should be tried as juveniles or as adults. Her decision could ultimately lose the race for her boss.

Mia is under so much pressure with all of the situations going on that I found myself wondering how she didn't just break down.

The pace of the book moved along quickly. I was invested in the characters. I did find myself a little irritated at Mia's son Gabe. He has a bit of a rant at one point and I wanted to reach through the pages and shake him, but then had to realize that he too is going through a lot of stuff since his father died. I loved the suspense leading up to the conclusion of the book, I was definitely on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happens. There is a bit of attraction going on between Charlie and Mia and another lawyer and Mia. I'm hoping that those will develop in future books. My vote is for Charlie even though he has been married 3 times before!

Check out my review of the first book A MATTER OF TRUST.

Thanks to the publisher Thomas Nelson for my copy of the book for review. All opinions are my own.

Distortion by Terri Blackstock

Juliet's life is plunged into a nightmare the night her husband is murdered. Juliet soon discovers the secret life her husband has been leading and it puts her and her two sons in danger.

 Juliet and her sisters put to use the skills that Michael has taught them in his private detective business while following leads to Juliet's husband's murder.

This is the second book in the Moonlighters series and continues with some of the characters in the first book Truth-Stained Lies. In Distortion Michael and Cathy are still trying to find the man who got away with murdering Joe, Michael's brother and Cathy's fiance. With all that they discover about Juliet's husband could it be possible that he had something to do with Joe's death?

If you love suspense as much as I do then you definitely need to pick up Terri Blackstock's books! From the opening pages to the very end Distortion had me captivated. I do recommend that you read Truth-Stained Lies first to get the introduction of all of the characters. Not only am I a fan of the suspense, but I also love how the author weaves in the faith aspect of her characters.

No One To Trust by Lynette Eason

  

Summer and her husband have been married for about a year. Before they were married Summer told her husband that the only thing she could never forgive was if he lied to her. When Summer is awakened with a gun to her head she soon finds that not only has her husband lied to her, but he has also plunged her and those she loves the most into mortal danger.

From the very first pages I was hooked! Seriously, my heart was pounding several times while reading this book. Not only was I on the edge of my seat from the suspense of the events happening, but also from all of the emotions that each character was feeling. Throughout I was often wondering if Summer would ever be able to forgive her husband. Then just as the emotional turmoil would subside a bit then another suspenseful scene would take it's place! I'm a definite fan of mystery/suspense and NO ONE TO TRUST did not disappoint in either category. Oh, and I can't even mention the snakes...*shiver*

Beowulf by Ronie Kendig

 Tony(Candyman) has been trying to get Timbrel's attention for a while. Timbrel's prickly personality keeps everyone at arms length. Tony can't help himself. Timbrel is beautiful and he is attracted to her, but the only one Timbrel seems to have eyes for is her bull mastiff dog Beowulf. And Beo doesn't like Tony. At all!

Timbrel has secrets in her life that she would rather not share with anyone but Beo. Beo is an explosives detection dog. Timbrel's secrets keep her personality prickly and afraid to allow anyone close in her life. Tony is about to change all of that!

Tony can't figure Timbrel out, but he is relentless in his pursuit of her. Even if her beast of a dog insists on growling and snapping at him every time they are near each other. Just when Tony thinks they may be making some headway in a relationship Timbrel bolts. Running scared Timbrel must learn to break down the walls she has built up around her heart and learn to trust. But it may be too late. When disaster strikes their team while on a mission everything that Tony and Timbrel have fought for in their relationship comes crashing down. Will they be able to pick up the pieces of their lives?

My Thoughts:

First, I love the dog! Beowulf's personality is hysterical! From his drool to his snapping at Tony to his ability to sense Timbrel's moods, Beo makes the story entertaining to read. Through each of the A Breed Apart books you can see the research that went into the story.  I love the way that the dogs are treated just like another soldier. Each dog and their handler have a special bond that keeps them in tuned to each other. I found in Beowulf that I liked the characters, but did get a bit irritated at Timbrel and wanted to reach into the pages of the book and shake the bullheadedness out of her! If you like military books then the A Breed Apart series is a definite must read. Add in some romance and tense combat situations and Ronie Kendig's books keep the reader on the edge of their seats.

I received my copy of Beowulf from the publisher Barbour Publishing Inc. through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

Thread of Suspicion by Susan Sleeman

Luke Baldwin's company SatCom is on the line when someone hacks into his supposedly unhackable military program. Having sunk all of his money into this program, and his reputation on the line, Luke must convince Dani Justice that he is innocent of treason and that someone is out there trying to sabotage him.

Dani too has to do some convincing, with her family that is. Growing up the youngest sibling in the Justice family, Dani has had to fight over and over for her independence. Convinced that Luke is innocent Dani wants to take his case even though she knows that the other members of the Justice team will say no.

Much to both Luke and Dani's dismay there is an immediate attraction between the two. But Dani is leery of overbearing-take-charge men and Luke cannot allow a woman in his life until he is able to provide for her. When the hacker/killer continues to destroy the safety nets that they set up, the Justice siblings close ranks around Dani. Things proceed beyond either of their control and they are thrown together with Luke determined to keep Dani safe and Dani determined that she will not be over-run by another man in her life.

My Review:

From the first page THREAD OF SUSPICION had me sitting on the edge of my seat! The suspense had me stressed out and the romance was pretty sweet. I loved reading about another Justice sibling. I believe each book in the Justice Agency series could stand alone since this is the second book in the series that I have read and I actually started with the 3rd book in the series. I have the first two on my Kindle and plan to read them when I go on vacation soon. The author manages to keep the pace of the story moving quickly with no time for the reader to become complacent. For a fast-paced mystery/romance be sure to check out The Justice Agency series. I look forward to the next installment, I'm hoping that Derrick Justice has his day.

Other books in the Justice series:

Double Exposure
Dead Wrong
No Way Out

Visit author Susan Sleeman at her website HERE

Dark Justice by Brandilyn Collins

Hannah and her mother have just spent a wonderful couple of days away and are now headed back to their home. Hannah decides to take a different way home. When they come upon an accident they pull over and try to help the old gentleman laying beside his car. He tries to tell them something before the ambulance arrives but all they understand is "don't tell anyone" and "Raleigh".

Hannah's mother is suffering from dementia and in her confused state has decided that the gentleman wants them to find his daughter in Raleigh. When Hannah and her mother arrive home Hannah finds a computer flash drive in her coat pocket that was not there earlier in the day. She decides to see what is on it. While looking at the images the doorbell rings. Two FBI men are there wanting to ask her questions. They make her very uncomfortable and she demands that they leave. When the local law enforcement asks her to come in to make a statement about the accident Hannah becomes paranoid finding that the FBI agents were not legitimate. Hannah doesn't know who to trust with a secret she barely knows anything about but that is so important someone would kill for it. Being pursued by people that will stop at nothing to find out what she knows Hannah takes her mother and tries to disappear in order to find anyone that she can trust.

Brandilyn Collins has written a scary tale of domestic terrorism that in reality can too easily be accomplished. DARK JUSTICE kept me on the edge of my seat and I believe I read it in one day! Hannah's quandary in whom she could trust along with her desire to keep her mother and daughter safe added to the tension of what was going on behind the scenes with the terrorists. I really liked that Hannah was strong enough to take care of "bad guys" and take care of her ailing mother who would have episodes of screaming fits that had me cringing even though I couldn't technically "hear" them. If you are a fan of suspense then I highly recommend DARK JUSTICE.

I received my copy of DARK JUSTICE from the publisher B&H through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion of the book.

Stranded by Dani Pettrey-Sweepstakes and Review

Summary:
In Stranded, Book 3 in author Dani Pettrey’s acclaimed Alaskan Courage series, reporter Darcy St. James knows something is wrong when her friend vanishes from her job on a cruise ship. Everyone else believes Abby simply left of her own accord, but something isn’t lining up, and Darcy knows the only way to find the truth is to put herself in Abby’s position.

Gage McKenna has taken a summer-long stint leading adventure excursions for the passengers of various cruise lines that dock in Alaska for a few days of sightseeing. He’s surprised to find Darcy onboard one of the ships, working undercover as a reporter.

Something sinister is going on, and the deeper they dig, the more they realize they’ve only discovered the tip of the iceberg.

To celebrate the story, author Dani Pettrey and Bethany House Publishers are pleased to present the ALASKAN ADVENTURES Sweepstakes, and your chance to win one of three fabulous prizes connected with the story!

 This giveaway starts September 2, 2013 and ends September 19, 2013 @ 11:59 pm (PST). Winners will be selected Friday, September 20, 2013, and announced at DaniPettrey.com.

How to Enter:

Go to http://www.danipettrey.com/alaskan-adventures-sweepstakes/ and complete the entry box, anytime between September 2 and September 19.

Book Info & Sample Chapter:
Can be found at http://www.danipettrey.com/books/

 My Review:
Darcy has left undercover investigative journalism. But when her friend Abby calls her to come help her in her investigation of a cruise line Darcy cannot turn her down. Before Darcy gets a chance to meet up with Abby she disappears. Darcy is now determined to find what has happened to her friend. 

Gage and his family have been hired to lead adventure tours for the same cruise line that Darcy is now investigating. Gage and Darcy have not seen each other in several months. Gage is determined to not lose his heart to Darcy. Still bitter about his former wife and the loss of his son, Gage wants nothing to do with God or a woman who has no problem lying and deceiving others to gain the information she needs. 

Reluctantly pulled into Darcy’s investigation in order to protect her, Gage finds his heart softening both towards Darcy and the God whom she serves.  Darcy knows her heart has chosen Gage, but she has doubts that Gage will ever turn to God and she fears that she has fallen in love with a man that will never share her faith. 

The closer that Darcy and Gage get to what has happened to Abby the more they learn the evils that some people will succumb to for money. 

My Thoughts:

Once again Dani Pettrey has written an excellent novel filled with suspense and romance. I loved Gage and Darcy’s story! Even when Gage is determined not to care for Darcy he still can’t help but protect her. Darcy manages to get herself into some scary situations in order to find Abby, and each step of the way Gage is there to help her through. I’m now looking forward to the next book in the series which I hope will feature Kayden and Jake. We learned a bit about Jake in STRANDED and now it is time for these two to have their story.

I received my copy of STRANDED from the publisher through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion. 

Rosemary Cottage by Colleen Coble

Amy Lange comes to Hope Island hoping to find healing and answers to her brother Ben's death. Convinced that his death was not an accident but foul play Amy is desperate to find out what really happened to Ben.

Curtis Ireland has also lost a loved one. His sister Gina died in a boating accident. Now he is raising her daughter. Even though the boat and driver were never found, Curtis never suspected foul play in Gina's death.

When Amy begins asking questions about Ben's death she soon finds that He and Gina's lives were intertwined. Curtis and Amy are attracted to each other but what they find about their respective siblings leaves them at odds with each other and both Ben and Gina's deaths no longer considered accidents.

Becoming more involved with the people and surroundings of Hope Island Amy decides to move to the Island to be close to Curtis and his young niece Raine. Both Amy and Curtis are keeping secrets from each other that could cause heart-ache for both. When their own lives are threatened they are left even more confused about the events leading to Ben and Gina's death. Will the truth be able to set them free or will it tear them apart?

I really enjoyed ROSEMARY COTTAGE. The characters were well developed and believable. The mystery was suspenseful and kept me up to the wee hours of the morning to finish the book. I love the setting of the book as the ocean is one of my favorite places to be. The cozy small-town feel of the island added to the appeal of this mystery/suspense story. I haven't read TIDEWATER INN the first book in the Hope Beach series, but I think that they can be stand-alone reads. My favorite character of the book was Curtis. He was the perfect "hero" and I found his love for his niece and his willingness to overlook some of Amy's more aggressive behavior to be admirable. Amy did get on my nerves a couple of times in her unwillingness to believe that Ben could have been less than the perfect brother she thought of him. Her parents were definitely my least favorite characters of the book. Really, I found them rather loathsome and would have booted them out the door on more than one occasion! If you're a mystery fan I think that you would like this book.

When the Smoke Clears by Lynette Eason

Alexia Allen has returned to her hometown after 10 years.  She can never forget the day her mother told her to leave. Now her mother is in the hospital and it is time for Alexia to return home to confront her past. From the moment Alexia gets into town her life is in danger. Surprising a masked murderer in her childhood home begins Alexia’s welcome to town. 

Hunter and his partner Katie are one of the first investigators on the scene. Hunter remembers Alexia from high school and knows that she would never be involved in murdering someone, but when evidence begins to pile up against her, Hunter’s partner Katie can’t help but believe that Alexia has something to do with the brutal murder. 

Coming from an abusive home Alexia struggles with the idea that God could care for her. It seems that everywhere she turns though God is there to meet her. Her mother, her friend Serena and even Hunter all express their faith in a God who loves her. Slowly Alexia begins to see that love for herself.

Desperate to keep anyone else from being murdered because of her Alexia helps investigate who could be behind the killings. Could it be her abusive father who still blames her for his injuries sustained in a fire? Or does it have something to do with her old friend Jillian Carter who disappeared the night of their graduation? 

Having read the last book When A Secret Kills first I was anxious to go back and read the first book in the series. It definitely did not disappoint! Lynette Eason manages to write a fast-paced suspense that keeps the reader turning the pages to the very end. I have to admit that I did figure out “who-done-it” before the end of the book, but there were still a couple of times I questioned whether I had the right suspect or not. Now I need to go buy the next book in the series When A Heart Stops. 

Narrow Escape by Camy Tang

Arissa and her niece Charity are kidnapped in broad daylight. When Arissa awakens she is able to get herself and Charity away from the kidnappers. Hearing one of the kidnappers mention her brother’s name Arissa knows there is only one person she can turn to for help. 

Nathan is Arissa’s brother Mark’s former partner. Nathan was wounded during the same gun fight that Mark was killed. Nathan can no longer work in his former job which has left him bitter and angry at God. He also believes that Mark is guilty of being a mole for the gang that killed him. After hearing her brother’s name from the kidnappers Arissa starts to doubt her brother’s innocence. 

When Arissa and Charity show up at Nathan’s front door Nathan struggles between his old attraction to Arissa and his bitterness and anger at her brother and God. But he is determined to protect them the best way he can while trying to figure out what the gang wants. Will he be able to keep both Arissa and Charity at arm’s length and also still hang on to his anger at God? 

Camy Tang definitely knows how to write a romantic suspense story. Narrow Escape did not disappoint in the heart pounding action from the very first page. This is the 2^nd Love Inspired book that I have read of Camy’s and I have to say that so far I am a fan. If you haven’t read any of Camy’s books they are a must. Try the Sushi for One series which is a hoot! And then try the Protection for Hire series which is another suspense/romance series. Both great series! Camy has become one of my favorite authors and I look forward to reading more books from her.