Tag Archives: romantic suspense fiction

Top 10 Tuesday — “Fall” Freebie

29 Sep

Happy Tuesday! Today’s TTT prompt is a fall freebie. I have taken that quite literally. 😉 My list includes books with titles containing fall, falls, and falling. I’ve done this for a previous fall freebie, but these book have been read since then. You’ll find that a fall occurs quite often in suspense novels. And one group of books gets extra points for their series name — Gossamer Falls! I hope you find one to love.

For more fall shenanigans, check out That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top Books with Fall, Falls, or Falling in The Title

Never Fall Again, Break My Fall, Last to Fall, and Downfall by Lynn Blackburn

Dead Fall and Free Fall by Nancy Mehl

Every Bird That Falls by Sara Davison

Falling Night by Phil Clarke

Night Falls on Predicament Avenue by Jaime Jo Wright

Book Review — Spies, Lies, And Alibis

22 Sep

My book club chose Spies, Lies, And Alibis by Natalie Walters as our September selection. While we have read many of Walters’ romantic suspense novels, we all agreed that this suspense with a lot of rom-com elements is a bit of a departure for the author. In a good way! We all liked it. Check it out below.

They were each other’s first love. Now they might be each other’s last hope. Perfect for fans of Ally Carter, Spies, Lies, and Alibis is an unputdownable binge-fest, full of laughs, heart, and mischief.

Cybil Langford has spent years hiding behind her polished, professional facade as the executive assistant to a powerful real estate mogul, where she’s perfectly positioned to collect intel on her boss’s criminal network. But when her mission leads her into the path of Lorenzo Ramirez–a ruthless crime boss with deadly plans–she’ll need every ounce of cunning and charm to stay one step ahead.

Then he walks back into her life.

Ben Bradley is deep undercover for the FBI, living under an alias, as a financial advisor with a reputation for helping the wealthy and corrupt launder their money. His target? Lorenzo Ramirez, a dangerous crime boss with his hands in everything from smuggling to murder. But when a familiar face from his past suddenly reappears, things get . . . complicated.

The last time Cybil saw Ben, he was an annoying prankster–and her first crush. The last time Ben saw Cybil, she stole a piece of his heart. Neither expected to run into each other at a high-stakes fundraising gala where crime, corruption, and undercover agendas collide.

Forced to work dangerously close, neither knows the other’s true agenda. Cybil sees the boy who once broke her heart, now a man whose motives are deeply suspect. Ben sees the woman he never got over but can’t determine if she’s an innocent caught in the crossfire or a willing accomplice. As they navigate a world of spies, lies, and fragile alibis, they must dismantle the walls around their hearts.

The intel is classified. The trust is fragile. And their covers are one lie away from blowing wide open.

My Impressions:

If you are a fan of the romantic suspense by Natalie Walters, you will soon realize that Spies, Lies, And Alibis is a bit of a departure for her. Your first hint will be the cover. This novel was my book club’s September 2026 selection, and all admitted they probably would have passed this book by due to the cover (they’re old, LOL). The whimsy of its design is an indication that you will find more inside. This book can be described as a suspense-filled rom-com or a humorous romantic suspense. Either description fits, and it was everything we could have asked for in a fun book club read. There is the underlying plot that included seriously bad bad guys, two endearing main characters that need to get together despite their past relationship, and witty banter and hilarious situations to keep you chuckling. And the secondary characters are a hoot too! Danger, twists you don’t see coming, and a love story to, uh, love made us love (there’s that word again) this book. We are happy to see that another book in the series will be released next year. It’s already on our TBR list.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Top 10 Tuesday — Fall TBR List

22 Sep

Happy Tuesday! Does it feel like Fall where you are? Are the mornings cooler, the trees sporting colors of red, yellow, and orange? Is there a scent of pumpkin spice in the air? LOL! Even if none of those things are appearing where you live, you can always count on a book to take you wherever you want to go.

This week bloggers are sharing their Fall TBR Lists. I have some fun books on mine, with some early Christmas vibes included. Tell me what you are reading.

For more terrific TBRs, please visit That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top Books on My Fall TBR List

Cascade by Linda K. Rodante

Fatal Finale by Nancy Mehl

The Heartfelt Formula by Leslie Kirby DeVooght

The Last Noel by Sarah Hamaker, Jayna Breigh, and Kimberly Woodhouse

Point of Revenge by DiAnn Mills

The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter

South of Somewhere by T. I. Lowe

The Spring in Trulee Holler by Jana Hutcheson

Twelve Days And Twelfth Night by Sarah Sundin

Witness Protection by Robert Whitlow

First Line Friday — Final Approach

18 Sep

Happy Friday! Today I am featuring the final book in Lynette Eason‘s Lake City Heroes, Final Approach. If you like an ensemble cast of characters, then this romantic suspense is for you. Full of twists and turns and secrets of the past, this novel starts off with a bang!

Here’s the first line:

Air Marshal Kristine Duncan leaned back in her seat, her eyes skimming over the sunrise outside the Airbus 319’s window.

She’s intent on investigating a sinister plot of revenge, and it will take all her courage to survive. 

Air Marshal Kristine Duncan is on duty when a hijacker attempts to seize control of the plane she and her friends are on as they head out on a much-needed vacation. Jumping into action and aided by FBI Special Agent Andrew Ross, Kristine thwarts the attack and the plane lands safely. But as the investigation into the incident gets underway, Kristine and Andrew are confused at every step. Nothing about the investigation goes as it should, and each layer they peel back just reveals another layer of perplexity. 

As the two work together to navigate a web of deception, blame, and personal reckoning, they find there’s more to this story than meets the eye–and more to love and admire about each other. They’ll have to put their skills to the test–and their hearts on the line–to unravel the truth and ensure that justice prevails.

New York Times and award-winning, best-selling author, Lynette Eason writes for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line and for Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Her books have hit the New York Times, Publisher’s Weekly, CBA and ECPA bestseller lists and have won numerous awards such as the prestigious Carol Award, the Selah, the Daphne, the IRCC award and more. Lynette is married, has two children, and lives in South Carolina.

Top 10 Tuesday — Indie Freebie

8 Sep

Happy Tuesday! Today is TTT‘s Indie Freebie. When I began blogging, I read very few indie published books. Now they are everywhere and many traditionally published authors are joining the ranks of the indie published. The cover artwork has improved, editing has gotten better, and sometimes a reader is hard-pressed to identify if a book is indie or not. I love that there are so many great options for authors and readers alike.

Today I am featuring some indie published books I have read. I hope you discover a book to love.

For more Indie goodness, please visit That Artsy Reader Girl.

10 Indie-Published Books I Have Read

The Choice by D. L. Wood

Death Follows Her by Rachel Dylan

Headwater Holiday by Hannah Hood Lucero

Hidden by Hope Welborn

Memory Lane by Becky Wade

Secrets Chase Her by Rachel Dylan

Terminal Danger by Jerusha Agen

Until April by Janet W. Ferguson

Water Grave by Mitchell S Karnes

Wicked Is The Hollow by K. E. Ganshert

September Book Club — Spies, Lies, And Alibis

1 Sep

How is it September already?! One thing is true, it does not feel like September here in the sunny south. Highs will continue in the upper 90s for a while. I hope in your area you are feeling the beginnings of fall.

I missed my book club’s meeting in August, so I am excited to get together and catch up this month. Our selection is Spies, Lies, And Alibis by Natalie Walters. This one looks so good! And I love the cover. If you have read it, we want to know what you thought.

They were each other’s first love. Now they might be each other’s last hope. Perfect for fans of Ally Carter, Spies, Lies, and Alibis is an unputdownable binge-fest, full of laughs, heart, and mischief.

Cybil Langford has spent years hiding behind her polished, professional facade as the executive assistant to a powerful real estate mogul, where she’s perfectly positioned to collect intel on her boss’s criminal network. But when her mission leads her into the path of Lorenzo Ramirez–a ruthless crime boss with deadly plans–she’ll need every ounce of cunning and charm to stay one step ahead.

Then he walks back into her life.

Ben Bradley is deep undercover for the FBI, living under an alias, as a financial advisor with a reputation for helping the wealthy and corrupt launder their money. His target? Lorenzo Ramirez, a dangerous crime boss with his hands in everything from smuggling to murder. But when a familiar face from his past suddenly reappears, things get . . . complicated.

The last time Cybil saw Ben, he was an annoying prankster–and her first crush. The last time Ben saw Cybil, she stole a piece of his heart. Neither expected to run into each other at a high-stakes fundraising gala where crime, corruption, and undercover agendas collide.

Forced to work dangerously close, neither knows the other’s true agenda. Cybil sees the boy who once broke her heart, now a man whose motives are deeply suspect. Ben sees the woman he never got over but can’t determine if she’s an innocent caught in the crossfire or a willing accomplice. As they navigate a world of spies, lies, and fragile alibis, they must dismantle the walls around their hearts.

The intel is classified. The trust is fragile. And their covers are one lie away from blowing wide open.

Dive into a hilarious, fast-paced romantic suspense that balances danger with wit and charm. Early readers are loving the gripping twists, engaging humor, and clean, chemistry-filled romance that make Spies, Lies, and Alibis such a fun, page-turning ride. Grab your copy today for a story packed with intrigue, heart, and just the right amount of sass.

Natalie Walters is a best selling author who loves writing romantic suspense with dynamic plots, memorable characters, humor, heart, and adventure.

As an Army wife, she fills her stories with the right balance of romantic and suspenseful tension to get the heart-racing and a cast of witty characters–all of which, may or may not be inspired by true people and/or events.

When she’s not writing, she’s dreaming of her next vacation, spending time with her family, or chasing after her sock-eating Goldendoodle, Scout. Annnd binging CourtTv.

You can find Natalie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliewalters_writer/

Or join her Facebook group: Natalie Walters Book Battalion — https://www.facebook.com/groups/604378643316169

First Line Friday — Spies, Lies, And Alibis

28 Aug

Happy Friday! Today I am featuring my book club’s upcoming selection, Spies, Lies, And Alibis by Natalie Walters. I am a big fan of Walters’ books, and this one looks especially fun. Its cover definitely has a different vibe from her previous novels. If you’ve read it, we’d love to know what you think.

Here’s the first line:

The day I walked into school in my Sunday suit, my hair slicked back, and my orange juice in a martini shaker I took from my house, I felt like the coolest kid in school.

They were each other’s first love. Now they might be each other’s last hope. Perfect for fans of Ally Carter, Spies, Lies, and Alibis is an unputdownable binge-fest, full of laughs, heart, and mischief.

Cybil Langford has spent years hiding behind her polished, professional facade as the executive assistant to a powerful real estate mogul, where she’s perfectly positioned to collect intel on her boss’s criminal network. But when her mission leads her into the path of Lorenzo Ramirez–a ruthless crime boss with deadly plans–she’ll need every ounce of cunning and charm to stay one step ahead.

Then he walks back into her life.

Ben Bradley is deep undercover for the FBI, living under an alias, as a financial advisor with a reputation for helping the wealthy and corrupt launder their money. His target? Lorenzo Ramirez, a dangerous crime boss with his hands in everything from smuggling to murder. But when a familiar face from his past suddenly reappears, things get . . . complicated.

The last time Cybil saw Ben, he was an annoying prankster–and her first crush. The last time Ben saw Cybil, she stole a piece of his heart. Neither expected to run into each other at a high-stakes fundraising gala where crime, corruption, and undercover agendas collide.

Forced to work dangerously close, neither knows the other’s true agenda. Cybil sees the boy who once broke her heart, now a man whose motives are deeply suspect. Ben sees the woman he never got over but can’t determine if she’s an innocent caught in the crossfire or a willing accomplice. As they navigate a world of spies, lies, and fragile alibis, they must dismantle the walls around their hearts.

The intel is classified. The trust is fragile. And their covers are one lie away from blowing wide open.

Dive into a hilarious, fast-paced romantic suspense that balances danger with wit and charm. Early readers are loving the gripping twists, engaging humor, and clean, chemistry-filled romance that make Spies, Lies, and Alibis such a fun, page-turning ride. Grab your copy today for a story packed with intrigue, heart, and just the right amount of sass.

Natalie Walters is a best selling author who loves writing romantic suspense with dynamic plots, memorable characters, humor, heart, and adventure.

As an Army wife, she fills her stories with the right balance of romantic and suspenseful tension to get the heart-racing and a cast of witty characters–all of which, may or may not be inspired by true people and/or events.

When she’s not writing, she’s dreaming of her next vacation, spending time with her family, or chasing after her sock-eating Goldendoodle, Scout. Annnd binging CourtTv.

You can find Natalie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliewalters_writer/

Or join her Facebook group: Natalie Walters Book Battalion: https://www.facebook.com/groups/604378643316169

Spotlight on Romantic Suspense — Taken Without A Trace

26 Aug
Taken Without a Trace JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Taken Without a Trace by Hope Welborn, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

Taken Without a Trace

Title: Taken Without a Trace
Author: Hope Welborn
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: August 25, 2026
Genre: Romantic Suspense

A missing person case…

or a deadly cover-up?

Georgia Special Agent Cash Brenner gets an anonymous tip on a cold case that’s haunted him for years—but following the lead has him walking into a deadly ambush. He’s saved by his ex, private investigator Maya Reid, who is on a mission to find her missing sister. As eerie similarities between their investigations emerge and Cash grapples with memory loss from the attack, they must put their rocky past aside to find answers. With danger lurking at every turn, Cash and Maya need to act quickly to solve the case and locate Maya’s sister—or risk losing everything they hold dear.

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Excerpt

The truck sped up, too close for comfort. Maya increased her speed, but the truck stayed on her tail.

Couldn’t be road rage. She hadn’t cut him off on the freeway. A slice of fear traveled down her spine as the truck became more aggressive. Was it the same person from last night?

The area became more rural and the road curvier the farther from the freeway they went. Farmland and pastures spread out on either side of the road. The truck’s motor revved as it loomed behind her. Maybe she should call for help? She reached for her phone in the holder on her dash, but a sudden jolt shuddered through the car, jerking her hand away.

The truck had hit her bumper. And he was coming back for more.

Maya sped up, but she was no match for the truck. He rammed her again, and she held tight to the steering wheel as her car veered off the shoulder. She corrected and pulled her SUV into the lane again, only to be hit again.

Up ahead, the bridge over Coley Lake came into view. Oh no. If he hit her again, she could go over the side. She pressed her gas pedal down as far as it would go, but the truck kept coming.

Another hit, then a loud pop. Her car swerved wildly to the right. Her tire had blown! Maya struggled to control the vehicle, but it went into a spin. Her hands slipped from the wheel as the SUV hit the guardrail and flipped over it.

Maya shut her eyes as the car plunged over the side.PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

Also Available


About The Author

Hope Welborn

Award-winning author Hope Welborn writes spine-tingling suspense, sprinkled with romance, and saturated with faith. By day, she masquerades as a digital content marketing technology specialist, and by night, she stays up too late putting words on the page. Hope is also co-owner and design/technology manager for Spark Flash Fiction and a member of the Suspense Squad. She has two indie published works, and her next novel will release from Love Inspired Suspense in August 2026. She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.

Connect with Hope by visiting hopewelborn.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed paperback copy of Taken Without a Trace, a copy of both Hidden and Trail of Danger (also by Hope Welborn), and a $15 Amazon gift card!

Taken Without a Trace blog tour giveaway JustRead

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 24, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 31, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

First Line Friday — Taken Without A Trace

7 Aug

I am so excited for the upcoming release of Taken Without A Trace, the newest romantic suspense by Hope Welborn. Hope is a fantastic author, and I can’t wait to dig into this book! It releases on August 25, 2026.

For now, here’s the first line:

He was going to die.

A missing person case . . . or a deadly cover-up?

Georgia Special Agent Cash Brenner gets an anonymous tip on a cold case that’s haunted him for years—but following the lead has him walking into a deadly ambush. He’s saved by his ex, private investigator Maya Reid, who is on a mission to find her missing sister. As eerie similarities between their investigations emerge and Cash grapples with memory loss from the attack, they must put their rocky past aside to find answers. With danger lurking at every turn, Cash and Maya need to act quickly to solve the case and locate Maya’s sister—or risk losing everything they hold dear.

Hope Welborn writes spine-tingling suspense, sprinkled with romance, and saturated with faith. Her manuscripts have won the ACFW Genesis Contest and the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference Foundations Awards in romantic suspense.

As a #writerwithadayjob, she spends her lunch hours creating small town characters who face big suspense with faith in a big God. By day, she masquerades as a digital content marketing technology specialist, and by night, she stays up too late putting words on the page.

Hope also serves as editor and web manager for Spark Flash Fiction and is a member of the Suspense Squad.

Top 10 Tuesday — Cover Love Freebie

4 Aug

Happy Tuesday! Today’s TTT topic is a Cover Freebie. I went with something very simple — main characters on book covers. While I like lots of cover styles, it is always interesting to see how the publishers/authors envision the main characters. I have heard that traditional publishers vary in the input from authors when it comes to cover art, but we know that with an indie author, what you see is what is in their imagination. The books on my list are from recent reads. I hope you find one to love.

Do you like people on book covers?

For more cover love, check out That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top Book Covers Featuring People

Della’s Song by Donna Jo Stone

Last to Fall by Lynn H. Blackburn

Miss Beth Bettencourt by Eva Marie Everson

Mists over The Channel Islands by Sara Sundin

On Living Stone by Heather Kaufman

Secrets Chase Her by Rachel Dylan

Taking A Second Shot by Leslie Kirby DeVooght

Trail of Danger by Hope Welborn

Until April by Janet W. Ferguson

When The Silence Breaks by Elizabeth Goddard