Tag Archives: romantic suspense fiction

Mini-Book Review — Body of Evidence

18 Dec

I have no reading deadlines until the end of the year, so I am trying to clear off my shelves and read some great books I have put off for too long. One of those is Body of Evidence by Irene Hannon. I usually fly through her romantic suspense series, but it has been a while since I visited with the Reilly sisters in the Triple Threat series. This novel focuses on forensic pathologist Grace Reilly and new sheriff in town Nate Cox. There is instant chemistry between the two, but of course there are some obstacles to overcome — previous relationships and a few unexplained deaths stacking up across a couple of counties in rural southern Missouri. 😉 Unexplained as far as Grace is concerned even if the coroner is eager to close the cases. Grace and Nate agree on more than their interest in each other; they sense that not all is as it seems in the elderly deaths. I really liked the puzzle presented in this book. There’s a lot of investigating for both main characters. And while the reader does have a glimpse into just whodunit, Hannon does a great job of keeping the solution just out of reach. Both Grace and Nate are christians and endeavor to live upright lives, though neither is perfect. But it is a secondary character who has the most intriguing faith journey. True repentance and heartfelt forgiveness are explored in most satisfying ways. Body of Evidence is the concluding book of the series, and a HEA is celebrated. I listened to the audiobook on a trip back and forth to visit family. I was shy about 45 minutes of finishing as I pulled into my garage — I made sure to get this book done before bedtime! It is unputdownable or unturnoffable, as the case may be!

You can read Body of Evidence as a standalone novel, but I recommend starting with book 1. It is a fabulous binge-worthy series.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(I bought the audiobook from Audible. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Forensic pathologist Grace Reilly has seen her share of unusual deaths in rural Missouri. But when she begins to notice a curious pattern in autopsies of older residents whose demise appears to be natural, she takes her concerns to Sheriff Nate Cox.

Nate is skeptical about the link Grace is seeing between the deaths–and her suspicions of foul play. But her persistence is compelling. Once she finally convinces him her theory is credible and they join forces to investigate, danger follows. Because exposing the truth could destroy several lives–including Grace’s.

Queen of inspirational romantic suspense Irene Hannon closes out her bestselling Triple Threat series with this gripping tale of secrets revealed and romance sparked.

Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than 65 contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. In addition to her many other honors, she is a three-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America. She is also a member of RWA’s elite Hall of Fame and has received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Millions of her books have been sold worldwide, and her novels have been translated into multiple languages.

Top 10 Tuesday — Winter TBR

17 Dec

Happy Tuesday! I am officially in read-whatever-strikes-my-fancy mode until the end of the year. Almost 3 weeks of pleasure reading! I plan to catch up on the old TBR (you’ll see a lot of romantic suspense represented). So with that in mind, my Winter TBR list includes a bunch of oldies and some book club books.

What are you reading this winter?

For more winter-y reading lists, please visit That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top Books on My Winter TBR

Abounding Hope by Cindy Kay Stewart

After Anne by Logan Steiner

The Choice by D L Wood

Christmas at The Jekyll Island Club by Blossom Turner

Countdown by Lynette Eason

Double Indemnity by Robert Whitlow

Hidden in The Night by Elizabeth Goddard

I Think I Was Murdered by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker

Indigo Isle by T. I. Lowe

Over The Edge by Irene Hannon

If You Liked . . . The Christmas Tree Farm

15 Dec

My book club chose The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson for our December selection. It was not my favorite by Carlson, but it was a quick, pleasant, Christmas-y read. If you liked it (or share my viewpoint) I have some more recommendations for you. I read all three of these books during the 2023 Christmas season and LOVED them! I usually schedule my If You Liked . . . posts on the last day of the month, but you really need to read these books before Christmas!

All’s Fair in Love And Christmas by Sarah Monzon

Two workplace rivals. One festive competition. And a romance that upends it all.

Every December two things are guaranteed for graphic designer Mackenzie Graham–Christmas celebrations and the annual promotion at her workplace. Those two things are by no means mutually exclusive. In fact, the better an employee is at harnessing the Christmas spirit, the more likely they’ll win the new job. With her social anxiety, Mackenzie never thought she’d be a contender in her company’s holiday competition, so how exactly has she found herself dueling her workplace crush with wrapping paper tubes and using tinsel as her weapon of choice for a much-needed raise?

Jeremy Fletcher’s life is meticulously planned out, including how to win this year’s promotion at work. Not only will the new position fulfill some of his career goals, but as a single guardian to his twin niece and nephew, he needs the salary increase to support his family. Jeremy has barely noticed Mackenzie Graham around the office, but now that she’s his rival, he can’t stop thinking about her. Her quirkiness intrigues him, and he’s afraid that if he can’t get his head on straight, the promotion isn’t the only thing he’ll end up losing to Mackenzie.

Better Watch Out by Natalie Walters

An accidental meet-cute, a case of mistaken identity, and a bucket-list of Christmas activities befitting a Hallmark movie make this holiday romantic adventure the perfect Christmas read.

Leave the candy canes, take the pepper spray!

Nothing screams Christmas like a week spent ice skating, visiting Santa, and sharing a kiss or two under the mistletoe. Frannie Frost has crafted the perfect bucket list of romantic activities to surprise her boyfriend in the most magical place at Christmas time—New York City. When he unexpectedly becomes her ex, her plans are derailed leaving her with a choice. Wallow in self-pity at Christmas time or take matters into her own hands.

Former NHL defenseman turned personal protection agent, Andrew Bishop, loves his job—when things go as planned—but Frannie Frost is definitely not part of the plan. Still, when her brother, the man who saved Andrew’s life last year, asks him to deliver his sister safely to the airport, he can’t say no.

The only problem? Frannie isn’t leaving. She’s determined to make the most of her trip by checking off a bucket list of cliché Christmas activities that would make even Santa’s elves jealous. Andrew’s content to let her go until he learns that Frannie’s been mistaken for his client and thrust into the midst of danger.

Better Watch Out is a sweet romantic holiday adventure that gives you all of laughs of a rom-com while adding a touch of suspense. Tropes you’re sure to love include the new girl in the city vibe, stranded at Christmas, under the mistletoe, forced proximity, and a touch of enemies to lovers. Enjoy this romantic adventure that’s sure to make your holidays merry and bright.

You Make It Feel Like Christmas by Toni Shiloh

It’s the most wonderful time of the year–for everyone except Starr Lewis.

As if going home for the holidays jobless and single wasn’t bad enough, she’s dragged into a holiday season full of activities leading up to her sister’s uber-romantic Christmas Eve wedding–to Starr’s ex-boyfriend. But when her brother’s best friend, Waylon Emmerson, attends their family Thanksgiving, she starts to wonder if maybe coming home for Christmas isn’t so bad after all.

As Starr finds the perfect distraction in helping Waylon make over his late mother’s Christmas shop, the most wonderful time of the year works its magic and the spark between them grows. But with the holidays fast approaching, Starr must decide what she wants out of life after the gifts are unwrapped and the ornaments are put away–to go back to New York City or to open her heart to a love that will last beyond Christmas Day?

Top 10 Tuesday — Stormy Books

10 Dec

Happy Tuesday! Today’s TTT topic is books to read in a storm. Because I live in the mostly sunny South, most of our storms do not include time to snuggle in and read. 😉 Hurricanes and tornadoes are the storms we face most often. I have only experienced two snowstorms in my life, each with a great deal of record setting snowfall. Those were times when a good book was definitely called for. So my list today features books in which a storm plays a part in the storyline. Interestingly, many are hurricanes. I guess I can’t get away from my roots! And for a fun twist, one of the authors name is Storm! I hope you find one to love.

For more book recommendations, please visit That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top Books That Feature Storms

Bookshop by The Sea by Denise Hunter

The Elevator by Angela Hunt

The Fabled Earth by Kimberly Brock

Honor’s Refuge by Halle Bridgeman

The Last Train to Key West by Chanel Cleeton

Life Flight by Lynette Eason

Magnolia Storms by Janet Ferguson

Relative Silence by Carrie Stuart Parks

Venus Sings The Blues by Buck Storm

What We Found in Hallelujah by Vanessa Miller

Spotlight on Dystopian/Romantic Suspense — The Darkness Deepens

20 Nov

The Darkness Deepens JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Darkness Deepens by Sara Davison, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

The Darkness Deepens

Title: The Darkness Deepens
Series: The Day Draws Near #2
Author: Sara Davison
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
Release Date: November 15, 2024
Genre: Dystopian Romantic Suspense

Their secrets protect them… but secrets are hard to keep.

No one in the army can find out that Captain Jesse Christensen has become a believer. He and bookstore owner Meryn O’Reilly are forced to meet in secret, facing imprisonment—or worse—if they are found together.

As their relationship deepens, so does Lieutenant Gallagher’s hatred for the Christians in their city, putting all believers, especially Jesse, in extreme danger.

Meryn wants to give her heart to Jesse fully, but her past holds her back. Although circumstances conspire to keep her silent, she needs to tell him her secret so nothing will stand between them anymore.

But when he finds out what she has been keeping from him, nothing will ever be the same.

Excerpt

Jesse massaged his neck with one hand. He’d assumed the lists wouldn’t go out until the morning. If Caleb didn’t know Jesse as well as he did, he’d have sent the lists off and someone would probably have already figured out that three of the bracelets were missing. He’d come that close to being discovered, and he hadn’t had any idea. “I guess I owe you one.” 

Caleb snorted. “One? I’ve lost count of how many you owe me, my friend, but I do know it will take you several lifetimes to pay me back.” 

“At least you’ve bought me a little more time to try.” 

“Make it count.” He crossed an ankle over a knee. “How is she?” 

“Meryn? She’s good.” Jesse studied the flickering flames in the fireplace. “Not crazy about having to put that bracelet on. Still, she didn’t think twice about it when she heard the alternative.” 

“That doesn’t surprise me. Those bracelets will separate the people who truly believe what they say they do from the ones who don’t. From what I know of Meryn, her faith is deeply real to her.” 

“Yes, it is. And her friends are the same. They didn’t hesitate to put them on, either.” 

“Would you?” 

“Not for a second.”

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

Also Available


About The Author

Sara Davison

Sara Davison is the author of five romantic suspense series as well as the standalone, The Watcher. A finalist for more than a dozen national writing awards, including the Christy Award, Davison is a Holt Medallion, Cascade, and two-time Carol Award winner for romantic suspense. She lives in Ontario with her husband, Michael. Like every good Canadian, she loves coffee, hockey, poutine, and apologizing for no particular reason.

Connect with Sara at saradavison.org to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a paperback copy of The Darkness Deepens plus a $25 Amazon gift card!

The Darkness Deepens JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 18, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 25, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN 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!

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Happy Release Day! — Cornered

19 Nov

Happiest of release days to Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, and Natalie Walters! Their 3-novella collection, Cornered, is now available! If you like fast-paced romantic suspense, then this one is for you. The authors return to favorite places and people too — I loved reconnecting through these stories!

Prepare for three times the thrills with these nail-biting page-turners from your favorite romantic suspense authors!

In In the Dark by Lynette Eason, accountant Steph Cross is cleaning out a coworker’s desk after her untimely death when she finds cryptic notes that lead her to believe her friend’s car accident was no accident at all. Detective Tate Cooper is determined to help her crack the case before someone else gets hurt. But can he protect the woman who has so quickly laid claim to his heart?

In Downfall by Lynn H. Blackburn, chef Cassie Quinn gets an offer she can’t refuse: to fill in as chef at an exclusive mountain resort. But when the kitchen is destroyed and it becomes clear Cassie is in danger, she’s forced to accept the help of her ex-boyfriend, Detective Donovan Bledsoe, to find the culprit and keep her safe.

In Perilous Obsession by Natalie Walters, teacher Lahela Young becomes the target of someone with a twisted obsession of righting a wrong. The first person she turns to is her good friend Briggs Turner. Briggs may have left his career as a police officer, but he still has the instinct to protect–especially for Lahela.

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 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 Greenville, SC.

Lynn H. Blackburn loves writing romantic suspense because her childhood fantasy was to become a spy, but her grown-up reality is that she’s a huge chicken and would have been caught on her first mission. She prefers to live vicariously through her characters and loves putting them into all kinds of terrifying situations while she’s sitting at home safe and sound in her pajamas!

Lynn lives in South Carolina with her family. You can stay up-to-date by signing up for her newsletter at her website and following her on social media @LynnHBlackburn.

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.

Book Review: Cornered

18 Nov

Sometimes I am just in the mood for a quick-paced, suspense-filled story to escape to. Cornered, the 3-author novella collection checked all my boxes! I can’t recommend enough this book authored by Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, and Natalie Walters. Find out more about the book and my thoughts below.

Prepare for three times the thrills with these nail-biting page-turners from your favorite romantic suspense authors!

In In the Dark by Lynette Eason, accountant Steph Cross is cleaning out a coworker’s desk after her untimely death when she finds cryptic notes that lead her to believe her friend’s car accident was no accident at all. Detective Tate Cooper is determined to help her crack the case before someone else gets hurt. But can he protect the woman who has so quickly laid claim to his heart?

In Downfall by Lynn H. Blackburn, chef Cassie Quinn gets an offer she can’t refuse: to fill in as chef at an exclusive mountain resort. But when the kitchen is destroyed and it becomes clear Cassie is in danger, she’s forced to accept the help of her ex-boyfriend, Detective Donovan Bledsoe, to find the culprit and keep her safe.

In Perilous Obsession by Natalie Walters, teacher Lahela Young becomes the target of someone with a twisted obsession of righting a wrong. The first person she turns to is her good friend Briggs Turner. Briggs may have left his career as a police officer, but he still has the instinct to protect–especially for Lahela.

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 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 Greenville, SC.

Lynn H. Blackburn loves writing romantic suspense because her childhood fantasy was to become a spy, but her grown-up reality is that she’s a huge chicken and would have been caught on her first mission. She prefers to live vicariously through her characters and loves putting them into all kinds of terrifying situations while she’s sitting at home safe and sound in her pajamas!

Lynn lives in South Carolina with her family. You can stay up-to-date by signing up for her newsletter at her website and following her on social media @LynnHBlackburn.

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.

My Impressions:

In busy times of my life (like right now) I crave fast-paced suspense. Cornered, a 3-novella collection from Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, and Natalie Walters checked all my boxes! With stories inspired from my favorite series by these authors, this collection combined intriguing plots, characters to love, and inspirational themes. If you are a fan of any of these authors, you are in for a treat! Each novella contains a twisting/turning plot that keeps the characters and readers on their toes. I never knew just where the next threat would come from or just whodunit. I love when I can’t quite figure out just what is going on. In addition to the puzzles, the characters are realistically drawn and relatable. Finding a place and purpose in which to fit is a universal theme. These stories are clean too, but there’s plenty of sizzle between the main characters. Romance fans will find much to love. I really didn’t have a favorite among these novellas — each was supremely satisfying. The bad guys always get caught and the main characters have a HEA.

So if you are looking for a fun book that you can read this holiday season, then I recommend Cornered. Be careful though, once you start each novella you are not going to want to put them down. 😉

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(Thanks to Revell for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Top 10 Tuesday — Destination Titles

12 Nov

Happy Tuesday! Today’s TTT prompt is Destination Titles (books with the names of places in their titles). I didn’t anticipate how quickly I could come up with 10 books! My list includes books with cities in the title. The cover art reps the cities as well. Take a close look at A Shadow in Moscow‘s cover! I have a variety of genres and time periods represented — I hope you find one to love!

For more virtual travel, check out That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top Destination Titles

The Berlin Letters by Katherine Reay

The Cairo Curse by Pepper Basham

Embers in The London Sky by Sarah Sundin

The Last Train to Key West by Chanel Cleeton

The Librarian of Saint-Malo by Mario Escobar

Meet Me in Monaco by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb

The Paris Betrayal by James Hannibal

A Shadow in Moscow by Katherine Reay

Surviving Savannah by Patti Callahan

The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt

First Line Friday — Cornered

8 Nov

Happy Friday! I don’t know about you, but at this time of year I want to read mystery/suspense. There’s just something about getting dark earlier that makes me want to snuggle in with a great whodunit. Cornered, a 3-novella collection by Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, and Natalie Walters fits the bill. It releases soon — November 19 — so I am going to feature the first lines of each story for the next 3 Fridays.

Here’s the first line of In The Dark by Lynette Eason:

The September sun had barely risen over the mountain town of Lake City, North Carolina, casting a warm, golden glow that filtered through Stephanie Cross’s kitchen window.

Prepare for three times the thrills with these nail-biting page-turners from your favorite romantic suspense authors!

In In the Dark by Lynette Eason, accountant Steph Cross is cleaning out a coworker’s desk after her untimely death when she finds cryptic notes that lead her to believe her friend’s car accident was no accident at all. Detective Tate Cooper is determined to help her crack the case before someone else gets hurt. But can he protect the woman who has so quickly laid claim to his heart?

In Downfall by Lynn H. Blackburn, chef Cassie Quinn gets an offer she can’t refuse: to fill in as chef at an exclusive mountain resort. But when the kitchen is destroyed and it becomes clear Cassie is in danger, she’s forced to accept the help of her ex-boyfriend, Detective Donovan Bledsoe, to find the culprit and keep her safe.

In Perilous Obsession by Natalie Walters, teacher Lahela Young becomes the target of someone with a twisted obsession of righting a wrong. The first person she turns to is her good friend Briggs Turner. Briggs may have left his career as a police officer, but he still has the instinct to protect–especially for Lahela.

Spotlight on Romantic Suspense — Terminal Danger

28 Oct

Terminal Danger JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Terminal Danger by Jerusha Agen, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

Terminal Danger

Title: Terminal Danger
Series: Guardians Unleashed #5
Author: Jerusha Agen
Publisher: SDG Words, LLC
Release Date: October 24, 2024
Genre: Christian romantic suspense

This woman and her K-9 are being hunted.

Exactly as she planned.

When a busload of schoolchildren disappears, Phoenix Gray knows the kidnapper is the unidentified serial killer she’s spent her life trying to catch. This time, she’ll find the killer and bring him to justice no matter what it takes. She and her Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency join the search for the hostages, but they aren’t the only ones who want the criminal captured.

Callum Ross, an FBI agent who specializes in catching serial criminals, is about to resign. But not until he finds one last culprit, the killer behind a famous twenty-year-old crime Callum vowed to solve.

Despite the FBI agent’s uncanny understanding of her psyche, Phoenix refuses to be distracted from her goal. When the serial killer turns into the cat instead of the mouse, Phoenix thinks she’s ready. But will she need the God she rejected to achieve the justice she’s given her life to obtain?

Excerpt

She had never seen such a competent man not care if he wasn’t in charge. Even when she, a woman, was taking the lead over him. Such an attitude could signal a lack of confidence. But he clearly had confidence in abundance. He would be intimidated by her if he were unsure of himself, as many people were. Like they did, he would recoil from her or challenge her to cut her down to his size. He clearly felt he had nothing to prove. 

What had made him such a unique man? Full of confidence and skill with no ego to match it. Possessing a rare comfort in his own skin. A contentment and calm that defined him at all times, even though he appeared to genuinely care about the children and understand the danger.

But his knowledge of her background, coupled with the occurrence that had just taken place—the moment when he may have seen much more than she’d intended, much more than anyone ever had—that made him one of the most dangerous men of her acquaintance.

She would not let him get that close again. And she would make him forget what he had seen.



PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy Directly From the Author | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More Books in This Series

Hidden Danger Covert Danger


About The Author

Jerusha Agen

Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes romantic suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats, often while reading or watching movies.

Connect with Jerusha by visiting jerushaagen.com to find more of her thrilling, fear-fighting stories, follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed paperback of Terminal Danger, a Terminal Danger mug, $25 Barnes and Noble gift card, Terminal Danger magnet, plus more swag!

Terminal Danger JustRead Tours blog tour giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 28, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 4, 2024. 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