Tag Archives: romantic suspense fiction

Spotlight on Romantic Suspense — The Puzzle Within

11 Jun

The Puzzle Within JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Puzzle Within by Gina Holder, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

The Puzzle Within

Title: The Puzzle Within
Series: The Game Masters #1
Author: Gina Holder
Publisher: Scrivenings Press LLC
Release Date: June 3, 2025
Genre: Romantic Suspense

FBI agent Arizona Powers is haunted by nightmares—fragments of a childhood kidnapping no one believes ever happened. Still recovering from a nervous breakdown, she accepts a protection assignment for Bridgette Van Sloan, the strong-willed teenage daughter of a U.S. ambassador who’s been receiving threats signed: Enigma.

Nick Trueheart, a former escape artist known as “Nick of Time” turned diplomatic risk analyst, is grieving the loss of his beloved wife—and obsessed with finding her killer. When assigned to Bridgette’s security detail, his biggest concern isn’t the threats—it’s the unstable agent with a vendetta against kidnappers.

When Bridgette disappears from an escape room, Nick and Arizona become entangled in a high-stakes puzzlehunt and a race against time. They must confront their own failures and unravel the secrets hidden within themselves to rescue Bridgette … and survive a madman’s twisted game. Because one thing becomes clear: Enigma’s real target is much bigger — and far more personal.

Excerpt

A buzzing sounded in the distance, and Ari swiveled toward the noise. A speed boat sliced across the surface of the lake. 

Toward the island. 

Toward them.

As it neared, Ari made out the figures of two people, burrowed in heavy winter jackets and stocking caps. The passenger held something against their shoulder. A rifle.

A sharp crack echoed off the mountains. 

“Get down,” Ari shouted and covered her head. She dropped to the ground, slamming her knees into the solid stone surface, wincing against the pain that shot through the bones.

Two more rounds rang out, then the hum of the motorboat faded, and silence prevailed once again. 

Ari moved her arms and raised her head, but the shooters had disappeared. She twisted her neck to evaluate Nick’s condition, finding him prostrate beside her, arms over his head.

She rose to her knees and called his name. When he didn’t respond, her hand found his shoulder. Blood seeped from a gash just above his right ear.

Oh, dear God. He’s been shot!



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


About The Author

Gina Holder

Gina Holder is a hybrid author and stay-at-home mom. She’s had an infatuation with books for as long as she can remember. She loves sharing uplifting messages from God’s Word and introducing readers to new and new-to-them authors on her blog. When she’s not writing, Gina enjoys playing the piano, cooking, reading, watching Hallmark mysteries, and solving “escape room” puzzles. She loves growing in her craft as an author. She published her debut novel in 2017. Gina lives in Wyoming with her husband and daughter.

Connect with Gina by visiting storiesbygina.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card, a signed paperback copy of The Puzzle Within, and a pair of wooden jigsaw puzzle earrings!

The Puzzle Within JustRead Tours blog giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 10, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 17, 2025. Winner 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

Spotlight on Romantic Suspense — Burning Hearts

6 Jun

Burning Hearts JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Burning Hearts by Lisa Phillips hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

Burning Hearts

Title: Burning Hearts
Series: Chasing Fire: Alaska #1
Author: Lisa Phillips
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Release Date: May 27, 2025
Genre: Romantic Suspense

RESCUE. DANGER. DEVOTION.

THIS TIME, THEIR HEARTS ARE ON THE LINE…

An original series created by bestselling authors Susan May Warren and Lisa Phillips.

She came to Alaska searching for her troubled brother…and found herself kidnapped by a dangerous militia.

Jamie Winters will risk anything to rescue her brother Tristan, even infiltrating the militia’s remote compound. But when she’s abducted, there’s only one man who can save her—Logan Crawford, the elite smokejumper she’s never stopped loving.

Yes, Logan relocated to Alaska’s Midnight Sun smokejumpers to find Jamie and win back her heart. So when he learns she’s been taken, of course he’ll stop at nothing to bring her home safe. But when he accidentally leads the team into the militia’s deadly trap, he’s in over his head…

And hunted.

Now wounded and on the run, Jamie and Logan must fight for their lives in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse. But the biggest risk of all is the sparks between them…and the terrible cost of a second chance at love.

Jumpstart your summer reading with this edge-of-your-seat journey of peril, faith, and finding the courage to love one last time in book one of the bestselling Chasing Fire: Alaska romantic suspense series.

Excerpt

Logan Crawford only slept well in two places. On the ground on the side of a mountain, with his pack for a pillow, or in a short takeoff and landing fixed-wing aircraft.

Smoke in the air.

Logan leaned back against his seat, the vibration so familiar now that he hardly rested when he couldnt hear the rumble of an airplane engine or feel the hard ground of the backcountry.

This was what hed been born to do.

Hed discovered in the last few years that he could fight fire anywhere, but he needed the rush of jumping. The flap of the parachute above him. There was nothing like the feel of falling through the air. Couldnt find that in a town like Last Chance County, fighting residential fires as part of a rescue squad with his twin, Bryce. Being back home had been great, but there was nothing like smokejumping.

I see the header! their spotter, Mark, called out down the plane. Then he trained his binoculars on the copilot window, his attention on their target while his long gray hair hung down his back.

Logan glanced at the cockpit, also occupied by the pilot, who was a retiree whod flown for JPATS for years. According to Neil, flying a bunch of rowdy smokejumpers wasnt so different from flying transports between judicial districts and correctional institutions for the US Marshals. Thankfully, Neil didnt have to fear for his life if something went wrong.

At least, not beyond the normal perils of being a wildland pilot.

The smokejumper boss, Jade Ransom, hefted herself out of her seat and went to speak with Neil and Mark. Shed been Logans jump boss at the end of last season in Montana and had moved back up here with her boyfriend Crispin in the offseason.

They werent the only ones whod come north.

Almost there, right?

Logan glanced at the smokejumper in the seat next to him. Orion Price was another one of the people he knew from Ember, Montana. A rookie smokejumper this year, and with his brown hair and blue eyes, the kid looked like a college student. Young, but not as young as one of their hotshots, Mack. Nervous?

Orion said, You ever look out the window of the plane and wonder why you thought this was a good idea?

No way. Nervous, but trying to hide it. You trained plenty for this and passed the qualifiers, Logan said over the drone of the plane engine. You wouldnt be here if you hadnt earned it by proving you can do the job.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Sunrise Publishing | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

More in this Series:

Burning Rivals Burning Escape Burning Secrets Burning Truth Burning Justice


About The Author

Lisa Phillips

Lisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over 90 books that span Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, independently published series romantic suspense, and thriller novels. She’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.

Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). As a worship leader for Calvary Chapel churches in her local area, Lisa has discovered a love for mentoring new ministry members and youth worship musicians.

Discover the exciting world of Last Chance County at www.lastchancecounty.com.

Connect with Lisa by visiting www.authorlisaphillips.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a paperback copy of Burning Hearts and a $10 gift card to the Sunrise Shop!

Burning Hearts JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 4, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 11, 2025. Winner 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 the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway


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

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Top 10 Tuesday — Animals on The Cover

27 May

Happy Tuesday! Today’s TTT topic is animal companions. I decided to feature books that have an animal on the cover. While some of the animals featured are companions, others are not, but do play a role in the story. I hope you find some new-to-you books to check out.

For animal companions, please visit That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top Books with Animals on The Cover

By Way of the Moonlight by Elizabeth Musser

Cold Case Pursuit by Dana Mentink

Darkness Calls The Tiger by Janyre Tromp

Ever Faithful by Karen Barnett

He Should Have Told The Bees by Amanda Cox

Prose And Cons by Amanda Flower

Sandpiper Cove by Irene Hannon

Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder by Valerie Burns

When Stone Wings Fly by Karen Barnett

Whiskers, Wreaths, and Murder by Kathy Manos Penn

Top 10 Tuesday — Travel Books

20 May

Happy Tuesday! Today’s TTT prompt is books featuring travel. Having done that a few times before, I have changed the topic up a bit and am listing books I have read for my upcoming trip to Maine. I love to read novels that are set in travel destinations. Do you ever do that? My list consists of the books I have read in the past couple of months plus some others I have read over the years. There’s a variety of genres too. I hope you find one to inspire you!

For more travel books, please visit That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top Books Set in Maine

The Blackout Book Club by Amy Lynn Green

A Christmas by The Sea by Melody Carlson

Clammed Up By Barbara Ross

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawson

Haven Point by Virginia Hume

The Inn at Ocean’s Edge by Colleen Coble

Memory Lane by Becky Wade

On A Summer Tide by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Saving Mrs. Roosevelt by Candice Sue Patterson

The Spy Coast by Tess Gerritsen

Top 10 Tuesday — I’ve Got A Preposition for You!

29 Apr

Happy Tuesday! Today’s TTT prompt is a title with the word ___ in it. I decided to go with not just a single word, but with a word group — prepositions! To make it even more fun, I wanted the titles to start with a preposition. It wasn’t as hard as thought it would be to come up with 10, so I stopped myself at a dozen! The books cover a variety of genres, so there should be something for you to love.

For more word-y book lists, please visit That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top Books with A Title Starting with A Preposition

Among The Innocent by Mary Alford

As Dawn Breaks by Kate Breslin

Before The King by Heather Kaufman

Between The Sea And Sound by Amanda Cox

In This Moment by Gabrielle Meyer

Into The Fire by Irene Hannon

Of Love And Treason by Jamie Ogle

On Moonberry Lake by Holly Varni

Over The Edge by Irene Hannon

Under Fire by Lynn H. Blackburn

Up From The Dust by Heather Kaufman

Within These Walls of Sorrow by Amanda Barratt

Spotlight on Romantic Suspense — Waylaid

14 Apr

Waylaid JustRead Blog Tour

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

About The Book

Waylaid

Title: Waylaid
Series: Windy City Westons #1
Author: Jerusha Agen
Publisher: SDG Words, LLC
Release Date: March 27, 2025
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Someone wants to kill her. She wants the killer to finish the job.

Spring Weston will do anything to rise in the ranks of pro cycling and prove she isn’t the one failure of the five Weston siblings. Anything except cheat. When she learns of doping on her cycling team, she’s determined to uncover the truth. But she can’t if she’s dead.

Sergeant Torin Cotter may not be the hero the public thinks he is, but he recognizes fear when he sees it. When he takes over the investigation of the collision that landed Spring in the hospital, he’s compelled to protect her from whatever danger she’s in, even though he knows he might fail. Again.

Spring’s faith in God isn’t enough to help her face the living nightmare she awakened to after the accident. But neither she nor the handsome sergeant see the greater threat that’s coming until it’s too late.

If they’re going to survive, Spring and Torin will not only have to confront their worst fears—they’ll have to find a reason to live.

Waylaid is the first installment in the thrilling Windy City Westons series that features five siblings who encounter danger and love in the city of Chicago.

Excerpt

“I don’t have much patience for cat and mouse, Miss Weston, so let me be blunt. Is someone threatening you?”

Spring felt the blood drain from her face and turned her head away with the foolish hope he wouldn’t see. Why did he have to ask such direct questions? She didn’t want to lie.

“I know whoever it is has probably told you that something bad will happen if you cooperate with the police. But I can make sure that won’t happen. I can protect you.”

The phone vibrated again.

She closed her eyes, the device heavy in her hand. The memory of the pain two nights ago pierced through her.

The texter had promised worse. She didn’t want to find out what that was.

“It’s not your job to protect me, Sergeant.” She met his gaze in time to see his green eyes cool. “I can’t help you with the case. I’ve told you all I can.”



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

More In This Series


About The Author

Jerusha Agen

Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. With a B.A. in English and a background in screenwriting, Jerusha is a speaker, writing instructor, and Fear Warrior who sounds the call to battle against fear in our everyday lives. Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats. You’ll often find her sharing irresistibly adorable photos of them in her newsletter and on social media.

Connect with Jerusha by visiting jerushaagen.com to follow her on social media, subscribe to email newsletter updates, find more of her thrilling, fear-fighting novels and get a free suspense story.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed paperback of Waylaid, a $25 Barnes and Noble gift card, and a Waylaid mug, notebook, and magnet!

Waylaid blog tour giveaway JustRead Tours

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 14, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 21, 2025. 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!

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Spotlight on Romantic Suspense — Collision Course

7 Apr

Collision Course JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Collision Course by Jorgia Yates, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

Collision Course

Title: Collision Course
Series: Hightower Security #1
Author: Jorgia Yates
Publisher: Jorgia Yates Inc.
Release Date: March 26, 2025
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Serve his country or rescue his wife?

Federal Air Marshal Reese Donovan has sacrificed everything he loves to keep another 9/11 from occurring again.

After living apart from his wife, Verity, for a year, the last thing he expects is harrowing news that will force him to examine where his loyalty lies.

While he’s been busy keeping the skies safe, Verity narrowly escaped a deadly explosion.

To add insult to injury, the trauma has left her suffering from selective amnesia.

Verity believes she and Reese are still happily married.

With his wife depending on him to fill in critical memories before the bomber strikes again, Reese must lie to Verity while placing his faith in the private security team he holds responsible for cementing the cracks in his marriage.

Unsure of who he can trust, and with time running out, Reese will face his greatest fear.

Prevent a terrorist attack or save the woman he still loves.

Excerpt

Verity

Up until the moment I opened the file and saw the contents, I don’t think it had sunk in that someone did try to end my life.

Reese might have said the words, but it wasn’t until I started reading the file before me that this stopped being about losing my memory and about how I’m still alive. Twelve people capable of some of the most hideous crimes imaginable, and they are all possible suspects in the attempt on my life. Why? I have no idea. All I can see is that a low explosive—something called nitrocellulose—was involved, and it was a controlled and slow autocombustion.

The file reads like something out of a murder mystery, with me as the unwitting victim. Everyone is calmly sitting there and chatting while I want to scream at them. My chest feels tight, and I can’t catch my breath. I look desperately at Reese, but he’s too busy eyeballing everyone else to notice me.

The only person looking in my direction is Axel, but when he mouths “Are you okay?” I nod weakly and try to distract myself by focusing on something else.

But what? I can’t remember anything else. I’d placed so much hope on the idea that bringing Reese here would be enough, but so far, I’m no better off than I was in the hospital. My husband might be with me, but I still can’t remember what I did for Hightower or why someone wanted me dead.

The meeting has snapped one memory free, though. I distinctly recall multiple debriefs surrounding jobs we worked alongside agencies, including the DOD, the CIA, and the FBI. That means we don’t just work in private security; we help put bad guys behind bars.

I wipe my sweaty hands on my jeans and swallow hard, hoping and praying that this is all a mistake and Silas is overreacting.

Because if he isn’t, the attempt on my life might just be the beginning.



PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | JorgiaYates.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

More in This Series


About The Author

Jorgia Yates

Jorgia Yates writes swoony Christian Romantic Suspense with protective heroes and courageous heroines who constantly find themselves in sticky situations they need to shoot or smooch their way out of.

After meeting as two awkward teenagers in the nineties, Jorgia married the man her soul loved, and they have been blessed with two cherished children on the spectrum.

Due to pesky physical disabilities, Jorgia is limited in what she can do outside the home, so she lives vicariously through her characters’ exciting adventures.

Connect with Jorgia by visiting jorgiayates.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.


Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a selection of confectionary from New Zealand, a paperback copy of Collision Course and a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Collision Course giveaway JustRead Tours blog tour

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 7, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 14, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Open internationally. 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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Top 10 Tuesday — Book Blanket Update

25 Mar

Happy Tuesday! I was not feeling the TTT topic today — DNF (did not finish) books. Didn’t we just post about that topic? I typically finish all the books that I start primarily because I am pretty picky about the books I choose to read — mood reading, favorite genres or authors, etc. So today I am posting an update about my 2025 book blanket. Below are the books I have recently read and the granny squares I have made to remember them by. And in good conscience, I have to confess that I may be choosing books based on pretty covers. 😉 Do you have any bookish projects going on?

For more on-topic bloggers’ lists please visit That Artsy Reader Girl.

2025 Book Blanket Update

Happy Release Day — Break My Fall

18 Mar

A very happy release day to Lynn H. Blackburn! The second book in her Gossamer Falls series, Break My Fall, is now available. I loved this book! In fact I think it’s my favorite from an already go-to author. Find out all about it below.

She’s determined to make an impact in her community. 
He’s determined to make sure she lives long enough to do it.

Dr. Meredith Quinn always planned to return to Gossamer Falls to practice dentistry. Now that she’s back home, she’s made it a point to offer clinics to children and adults in nearby underserved areas. Unfortunately, those same areas are known to harbor drug traffickers, and Police Chief Grayson Ward suspects that local law enforcement is looking the other way.

After too many losses, Grayson has closed off his heart. But with Meredith in his life, he feels his walls crumbling, leaving him exposed and vulnerable. To keep her alive, he must keep her close, but that makes it impossible for him to retreat and rebuild. 

Will she be the one who finally helps him emerge from isolation? Or will this force of nature leave him shattered?

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.

First Line Friday — Break My Fall

14 Mar

Happy Friday! I had the great pleasure of reading an early copy of Break My Fall by Lynn H. Blackburn. What a wonderful return visit to Gossamer Falls! This romantic suspense is easily my favorite of the series, and I’m looking forward to more to come. It releases next Tuesday, so get your pre-order in to your favorite bookseller.

Here’s the first line:

“No more peppermints, Mrs. Frost, or next time it’s a root canal.”

She’s determined to make an impact in her community. 
He’s determined to make sure she lives long enough to do it.

Dr. Meredith Quinn always planned to return to Gossamer Falls to practice dentistry. Now that she’s back home, she’s made it a point to offer clinics to children and adults in nearby underserved areas. Unfortunately, those same areas are known to harbor drug traffickers, and Police Chief Grayson Ward suspects that local law enforcement is looking the other way.

After too many losses, Grayson has closed off his heart. But with Meredith in his life, he feels his walls crumbling, leaving him exposed and vulnerable. To keep her alive, he must keep her close, but that makes it impossible for him to retreat and rebuild. 

Will she be the one who finally helps him emerge from isolation? Or will this force of nature leave him shattered?

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.