Tag Archives: DiAnn Mills

Book Review — Facing The Enemy

4 Oct

I am a long time fan of DiAnn Mills‘ romantic suspense. She has upped her game with her latest offering, Facing The Enemy. This book really kept me guessing!

For the past five years, FBI Special Agent Risa Jacobs has worked in the violent crimes against children division of the Houston FBI. She’s never had reason to believe there’s a target on her back . . . until now.

When the long-awaited reunion between Risa and her brother, Trenton, ends in tragedy, Risa is riddled with guilt, unable to cope with the responsibility she feels over his death. On leave from the FBI, Risa returns to her former career as an English teacher at a local college, only to see her past and present collide when one of her students, Carson Mercury, turns in an assignment that reads like an eyewitness account of her brother’s murder, with details never revealed publicly. 

Alarmed by Carson’s inside knowledge of Trenton’s death, Risa reaches out to her former partner at the FBI. Special Agent Gage Patterson has been working a string of baby kidnappings, but he agrees to help look into Carson’s background. Risa and Gage soon discover their cases might be connected as a string of high-value thefts have occurred at properties where security systems were installed by Carson’s stepfather and children have gone missing. There’s a far more sinister plot at play than they ever imagined, and innocent lives are in danger. 

For fans of romantic suspense comes a heart-pounding thriller about loss, betrayal, and finding the strength to trust again.

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure?

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. You can download a list of her published titles by clicking here.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a former director of Blue Ridge Christian Writers, and a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She shares her passion for helping other writers be successful by teaching writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at diannmills.com.

My Impressions:

Facing The Enemy is long time favorite DiAnn Mills’ latest romantic suspense offering. Filled with unexpected twists, this book kept me guessing! That’s a big plus for me. Featuring FBI agents Risa and Gage, their usual professional demeanor is put to the test when crimes become much too personal. That aspect kept the story interesting and begged the question how does law enforcement keep an objective mind when elements of a case come too close to home? I felt Mills developed both of the characters in realistic ways. Their growing romantic relationship was put to the test as well — but that ending satisfies too. 😉 There are tough issues explored — human trafficking, child endangerment — that, unfortunately, keep this novel relevant. We live in an evil world and confronting and exposing that is hard. But Facing The Enemy is not a book without hope. There is a strong faith element that runs throughout the book. We may not always understand or agree with God’s plans, but He is faithful and loving in spite of our doubts.

I enjoyed the fast-paced action, the realistic characters, and the plot that made me suspect just about everyone. If you’re a fan of romantic suspense, put Facing The Enemy on your TBR list.

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(I received a complimentary copy through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Happy Release Day — Facing The Enemy

5 Sep

DiAnn Mills is one of my go-to suspense authors. I am so excited that she has a new book releasing today! Facing The Enemy looks to be another big winner. Read all about it below and look for more my review in a few weeks.

For the past five years, FBI Special Agent Risa Jacobs has worked in the violent crimes against children division of the Houston FBI. She’s never had reason to believe there’s a target on her back . . . until now. 

When the long-awaited reunion between Risa and her brother, Trenton, ends in tragedy, Risa is riddled with guilt, unable to cope with the responsibility she feels over his death. On leave from the FBI, Risa returns to her former career as an English teacher at a local college, only to see her past and present collide when one of her students, Carson Mercury, turns in an assignment that reads like an eyewitness account of her brother’s murder, with details never revealed publicly. 

Alarmed by Carson’s inside knowledge of Trenton’s death, Risa reaches out to her former partner at the FBI. Special Agent Gage Patterson has been working a string of baby kidnappings, but he agrees to help look into Carson’s background. Risa and Gage soon discover their cases might be connected as a string of high-value thefts have occurred at properties where security systems were installed by Carson’s stepfather and children have gone missing. There’s a far more sinister plot at play than they ever imagined, and innocent lives are in danger. 

For fans of romantic suspense comes a heart-pounding thriller about loss, betrayal, and finding the strength to trust again.

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure?

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. You can download a list of her published titles by clicking here.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a former director of Blue Ridge Christian Writers, and a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She shares her passion for helping other writers be successful by teaching writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at diannmills.com.

Top 10 Tuesday — Most Anticipated Books of The Rest of 2023

27 Jun

Happy Tuesday all! I was in Alaska for two weeks and am still trying to get caught up here at home. It doesn’t help that there are some shorter road trips in store in the next few weeks. But with the piling up of chores and the mountains of laundry accumulating, I still have BOOKS as a major priority. 😉 Last week I shared some books that you need to add to your Summer TBR, many of which release July 2023 and after. Today’s list adds to those, so you better get reading!

Top Most Anticipated Books of The Rest of 2023

Break of Day by Colleen Coble (July)

Cold Pursuit by Nancy Mehl (July)

Countdown by Lynette Eason (August)

Facing The Enemy by DiAnn Mills (September)

Into The Fire by Irene Hannon (October)

The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater by Jaime Jo Wright (October)

Shadows at Dusk by Elizabeth Goddard (October)

You Make It Feel Like Christmas by Toni Shiloh (September)

The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt (November)

The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass by Katie Powner (September)

Book Review: Concrete Evidence

6 Oct

Concrete Evidence is another action-packed romantic suspense from DiAnn Mills. An approaching hurricane and doubts about a dam’s construction add to the urgency of solving the case. I loved that this book kept me on my reading toes! Recommended.

On the family’s Brazos River Ranch in Texas, Avery Elliott helps run her grandfather’s commercial construction business. Raised by Senator Elliott, Avery has never doubted her grandfather is the man of integrity and faith she’s always believed him to be . . . until the day she finds him standing with a gun over the body of a dead man. To make matters worse, Avery’s just discovered a billing discrepancy for materials supposedly purchased for construction of the Lago de Cobre Dam.

Desperate for answers, Avery contacts FBI Special Agent Marc Wilkins for help. As Marc works to identify the dead man Avery saw, threats toward Avery create a fresh sense of urgency to pinpoint why someone wants to silence her. With a hurricane approaching the Texas coast and the structural integrity of the Lago de Cobre Dam called into question, time is running out to get to the bottom of a sinister plot that could be endangering the lives of not only Avery and her loved ones but the entire community.

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure?

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. You can download a list of her published titles by clicking here.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a former director of Blue Ridge Christian Writers, and a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She shares her passion for helping other writers be successful by teaching writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at diannmills.com.

My Impressions:

Right from the start Concrete Evidence by DiAnn Mills grabbed my attention. Murders, bombings, and assassination attempts are just a few of the things keeping FBI agent Marc Wilkins busy. Avery Elliott, determined business woman and heir to her grandfather’s dynasty, is right in the midst of things too as she dodges a murderer’s attempts to keep her from uncovering the truth of the threats against her family. The case keeps the two (and the reader) on their toes. The family dynamics for both Marc and Avery are a big plus, giving this romantic suspense novel a thoughtful side. Forgiveness is a strong theme, and both main characters are called upon to put it into action. The suspense thread kept me guessing, and the romantic elements were naturally woven in. The two mains are definitely attracted to each other, but keep their heads in dangerous situations. Faith elements are also strong — more than one character learns what it means to trust God to take care of them.

A quick read, Concrete Evidence is perfect for a weekend road trip or staycation!

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(I received an ARC from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Happy Release Day! — Concrete Evidence

4 Oct

Happy release day to DiAnn Mills! Her newest action-packed romantic suspense, Concrete Evidence, is now available! This one is keeping me on my toes! I’ll post my thoughts in a few days. Find out all the details below.

On the family’s Brazos River Ranch in Texas, Avery Elliott helps run her grandfather’s commercial construction business. Raised by Senator Elliott, Avery has never doubted her grandfather is the man of integrity and faith she’s always believed him to be . . . until the day she finds him standing with a gun over the body of a dead man. To make matters worse, Avery’s just discovered a billing discrepancy for materials supposedly purchased for construction of the Lago de Cobre Dam.

Desperate for answers, Avery contacts FBI Special Agent Marc Wilkins for help. As Marc works to identify the dead man Avery saw, threats toward Avery create a fresh sense of urgency to pinpoint why someone wants to silence her. With a hurricane approaching the Texas coast and the structural integrity of the Lago de Cobre Dam called into question, time is running out to get to the bottom of a sinister plot that could be endangering the lives of not only Avery and her loved ones but the entire community.

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure?

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. You can download a list of her published titles by clicking here.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a former director of Blue Ridge Christian Writers, and a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She shares her passion for helping other writers be successful by teaching writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at diannmills.com.

Top 10 Tuesday — Fall TBR

20 Sep

I can’t wait until it is Fall here in the sunny South. High temperatures are still in the mid-80s where I live, but we have had a hint of cool-ish air in the mornings. Not enough to declare it is sweater weather, but it’s promising. 😉 I have a lot of great books on my TBR list spanning a number of genres. There should be something on my list to pique everyone’s interest!

For more Fall TBR Lists, head to That Artsy Reader Girl.

Fall TBR List

Concrete Evidence by DiAnn Mills

Crossfire by Lynette Eason

Dangerous Beauty by Melissa Koslin

Deception by Patricia Bradley

The Lady’s Mine by Francine Rivers

A Night to Remember by Danny and Wanda Pelfrey

The Premonition at Withers Farm by Jaime Jo Wright

A Stranger’s Game by Colleen Coble

Turn to Me by Becky Wade

Where The Blue Sky Begins by Katie Powner

First Line Friday — Concrete Evidence

16 Sep

Concrete Evidence, the newest romantic suspense from DiAnn Mills is on my Fall TBR List. It’s one of the books that is headed with me to the UK. Not sure if I’ll have time to complete it with our whirlwind travel itinerary, but I’ll be posting my thoughts in October. For now, here’s the first line:

Avery Elliott spurred her horse across one of the thirty-five thousand rolling acres of the Brazos River Ranch in the blazing heat.

On the family’s Brazos River Ranch in Texas, Avery Elliott helps run her grandfather’s commercial construction business. Raised by Senator Elliott, Avery has never doubted her grandfather is the man of integrity and faith she’s always believed him to be . . . until the day she finds him standing with a gun over the body of a dead man. To make matters worse, Avery’s just discovered a billing discrepancy for materials supposedly purchased for construction of the Lago de Cobre Dam.

Desperate for answers, Avery contacts FBI Special Agent Marc Wilkins for help. As Marc works to identify the dead man Avery saw, threats toward Avery create a fresh sense of urgency to pinpoint why someone wants to silence her. With a hurricane approaching the Texas coast and the structural integrity of the Lago de Cobre Dam called into question, time is running out to get to the bottom of a sinister plot that could be endangering the lives of not only Avery and her loved ones but the entire community.

Top 10 Tuesday — Anticipated Books

5 Jul

Happy Tuesday! Even though I have shelves and a Kindle full of books, I am always looking forward to new ones. I think most avid readers are, so I am unapologetic. 😉 This week I am highlighting some books that have recently released or will shortly. Many are already on my NetGalley shelf. Now I just need to read them!

For more anticipated books, check out That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top Anticipated Books

Anything But Plain by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Body of Evidence by Irene Hannon

Concrete Evidence by DiAnn Mills

Crossfire by Lynette Eason

Dangerous Beauty by Melissa Koslin

Deception by Patricia Bradley

Edge of Dusk by Colleen Coble

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold

Fallout by Carrie Stuart Parks

Heirlooms by Sandra Byrd

Top 10 Tuesday — Adjectives in The Title

22 Mar

Happy Tuesday! It is beautiful here in the sunny South, but of course that is all set to change. No snow or plunging temps in the forecast, but there is a slight chance of tornadoes in my location. We are keeping a weather eye! Regardless of the weather, I always have great books surrounding me. This week I am sharing books with adjectives in the title. I chose suspense novels — the adjectives can be intense!

For more book list fun, check out That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top Books with Adjectives in The Title

Active Defense by Lynette Eason

Dark Ambitions by Irene Hannon

Deadly Intentions by Lisa Harris

Delayed Justice by Cara Putman

Fatal Strike by DiAnn Mills

Hidden Currents by Christy Barritt

Lethal Target by Janice Cantore

Malicious Intent by Lynn H. Blackburn

Perilous Treasure by Dan Walsh

Shattered Justice by Karen Ball

Top 10 Tuesday — Dark and Deadly

26 Oct

This week’s TTT is a Halloween Freebie. I was inspired by Carrie at Reading Is My Superpower. 😉 Last week she featured books with Light and Dawn in the titles. As a twist, I thought books featuring Dark and Deadly would be perfect for this week’s theme. All are CF suspense novels, perfect for those who don’t like horror or too much gore, but do like a bit of romance. Hope you find one that’s perfect for this week’s reading.

Top Dark and Deadly Books 😉

Dark Ambitions by Irene Hannon

Dark Deception by Nancy Mehl

Silence in The Dark by Patricia Bradley

Deadly Commitment by Kathy Harris

Deadly Deceit by Natalie Walters

Deadly Encounter by DiAnn Mills

Deadly Intentions by Lisa Harris

Deadly Isle by Dani Pettrey

Deadly Proof by Rachel Dylan

Deadly Target by Elizabeth Goddard