Suspense Fiction Review: Critical Threat (Extreme Measures Book #3) by Lynette Eason

What it’s About:

FBI Special Agent Grace Billingsley tracks serial killers, using her skills as a psychiatrist and behavioral analyst to get dangerous people off the street and safely behind bars. But prison psychiatrist Sam Monroe knows that just because a killer is incarcerated doesn't mean they're not a threat. His own father, Peter, is a serial killer--in prison but certainly not out of Sam's life, as much as he wishes he was.

When bodies start showing up with Peter's MO, Sam and Grace are both called in to consult. They've met before--and though Grace thought they'd made a real connection, Sam ghosted her. They'll have to get past the awkwardness and mistrust to solve this case--especially because it's about to get personal.

My Thoughts:

If you’re a fan of shows like Criminal Minds you’ll like this book. I’m not a fan of those types of shows, I prefer a little milder show like NCIS, but I will say this story kept me reading. Grace is a tough lady determined to find a serial killer. Sam, whose dad is a serial killer is right on her heals trying to protect her. Eason’s characters have depth and insight as they chase down the evil man who is taking lives. She also layers in how such horrific events affect so many. If you enjoy thriller suspense, you’ll want to read book three of the Extreme Measures series.  I received a free copy of the book with no expectations. The opinions here are mine.

Introducing Tanya Eavenson

I'm happy to introduce you to Tanya Eavenson 

and her To Gain a Bodyguard books 1 & 2.

To Gain a Bodyguard - Book One

Undercover ICE agent Madi Reynolds has spent years infiltrating a human-trafficking ring, but when her life is threatened, she is forced to walk away and advised to leave the country. Undeterred, she continues her plan to attend her brother’s Christmas wedding, with her partner assigned as her bodyguard. But after seeing Brice care for her niece, she finds it's more than her life that needs protecting. Is there really any defense for the heart?

War Veteran and ICE agent Brice Johnson has been defending his country and American lives for as long as he can remember. Now, he faces the biggest assignment of his life--protect the woman he loves. He's never been one to run from a fight, but when an old flame butts in expecting a second chance with Madi, and crippling visions of war call out to him, he begins to wonder if surrender is an option after all.

To Gain a Bodyguard - Book Two

Undercover ICE agent, Brice Johnson, fell in love with his partner, but the fight to control his PTSD drove him to leave her and his assignment.

Deep undercover, ICE agent Madi Reynolds’ identity is blown, and she is involved in a hit-and-run meant to kill. Lucky to be alive after her vehicle was forced off the mountain, she finds herself in a wheelchair and facing an unknown future.

Even though the men responsible were tracked down and brought to justice, Brice’s gut tells him Madi is still not safe. Details of the investigation aren’t adding up. In secret, Brice moves to Helen, Georgia, across the street from Madi. But how long can he stay in the shadows when seeing her struggle day in and day out bombards him with memories of their happier days.

Unable to forgive himself for Madi’s accident, Brice vows to protect her, but is it enough? Is he enough?

Take a "Look Inside" & Purchase To Gain a Body Guard

Romantic Suspense Review: Body of Evidence (Tripple Threat series, book 3) by Irene Hannon

What it’s About:
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 elderly 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.

My Thoughts:
Irene Hannon has written another excellent suspense as she’s tied up her Tripple Threat series. In Body of Evidence, youngest sister, Grace, has come across the suspicious deaths of elderly people, and she’s determined to find out the truth. Sheriff Cox is a kind-hearted and loyal officer, new to the job. I love the sparks that fly between the two and the dynamic of Grace and her two sisters. Warning: Grace is a forensic pathologist and there are autopsies described, which are important to the story. As in any suspense, I’m trying to figure out who is behind the threats. Hannon writes so well I didn’t figure it out until the end. If you enjoy romantic suspense, you won’t want to miss this one or books one and two in the Tripple Threat series. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Romantic Suspense Review: Deception by Patricia Bradley

The Story:
After being forced to kill an FBI agent gone rogue in self-defense while working in the violent crimes unit for the Investigative Services Branch, ranger Madison Thorn is comfortable with her move to the fraud and cyber division. At least numbers don't lie. So she's less than thrilled when a white-collar crime investigation in Natchez, Mississippi, turns violent. She could also do without being forced to work with former-childhood-enemy-turned-infuriatingly-handsome park ranger Clayton Bradshaw.

When a woman who looks just like Madison is attacked on the same night Madison's grandfather is shot, it becomes clear that there is something much bigger going on here and that Madison herself is in danger. Madison and Clayton will have to work together--and suppress their growing feelings for one another--if they are to discover the truth before it's too late.

My Thoughts:
If you enjoy romantic suspense, I recommend this series set in Natchez Mississippi. Deception is book three in the Natchez Trace Rangers series and can be read as a stand-alone, but the series is so good! I especially enjoyed this one. Madison is a tough lady who focuses on her work, but has a soft spot when it comes to her grandfather. Clayton is an officer with flaws and a big heart. As the two of them work to solve a crime against her grandfather, secrets unfold in unexpected ways as more crimes come to light. Bradley is a top-notch suspense writer. If you enjoy Colleen Coble, you’ll love Patricia Bradley’s books. I received a free copy of this book with no expectations. My opinions are my own.

Romantic Suspense: Edge of Dusk (An Annie Pederson Novel Book 1) by Colleen Coble

What it’s About:
Even though secrets lie off the coast of Rock Harbor, the truth will set Annie Pederson free—if it doesn’t kill her first. Return to the beloved town of Rock Harbor in the first installment of a new series by bestselling suspense author Colleen Coble.

Nine-year-old Annie Pederson’s life changed the night her sister was kidnapped. The two had been outside playing on a dock, and Annie never forgave herself for her role in her sister’s disappearance. Twenty-four years later and now a law enforcement ranger, Annie is still searching for answers as she grieves a new loss: the death of her husband and parents in a boating accident.

But Annie and her eight-year-old daughter, Kylie, aren’t the only people in the town of Rock Harbor whose lives have been marred by tragedy. While managing the property around the Tremolo Resort and Marina she inherited, Annie discovers a dead body floating in the cold Superior surf and begins to work with the sheriff’s office to tie the death to a series of other mysterious reports in the area.

At the same time, her first love, Jon Dustan, returns after nine years away, reigniting the town’s memory of a cold case he’d been suspiciously linked to before he left to pursue his orthopedic residency. For the sake of her investigation and her heart, Annie tries to stay away. But avoiding Jon becomes impossible once Annie realizes she is being targeted by someone desperate to keep secrets from the past hidden.

In this new series, bestselling romantic-suspense author Colleen Coble returns to one of her most beloved towns, where familiar faces—and unsolved cases—await.

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed going back to Rock Harbor and thought the appearances of characters from Coble’s other Rock Harbor books was a great addition to the story. Coble’s layering of emotion, experience, and determination creates depth in the characters and makes the story more intense. Lots of mystery and uncertainty make Edge of Dusk a true page turner, and without giving anything away, the ending makes me want the next book in the series now. The setting is beautiful, yet full of mystery, like another character added to the story. If you enjoy romantic suspense, you’ll want to read Colleen Coble’s Edge of Dusk. I’ve never read a Coble book I didn’t like. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Suspense Book Review: Among the Innocent by Mary Alford

Book Description:
When Leah Miller's entire Amish family was murdered ten years ago, the person believed responsible took his own life. Since then, Leah left the Amish and joined the police force. Now, after another Amish woman is found murdered with the same MO, it becomes clear that the wrong man may have been blamed for her family's deaths.

As Leah and the new police chief, Dalton Cooper, work long hours struggling to fit the pieces together in order to catch the killer, they can't help but grow closer. When secrets from both of their pasts begin to surface, an unexpected connection between them is revealed. But this is only the beginning. Could it be that the former police chief framed an innocent man to keep the biggest secret of all buried? And what will it mean for Leah--and Dalton--when the full truth comes to light?

USA Today bestselling author Mary Alford keeps you guessing as two determined souls plumb the dark depths of the past in order to forge a brighter future--together.

My Thoughts:
If you like the television show, Criminal Minds, you would enjoy Among the Innocent. From my viewpoint, the book has too much graphic violence, and I struggled with being in the protagonist's point of view because he is so deranged, however, the story line is interesting and compelling, and the faith thread is strong. I finished reading the story because I wanted to know what happened to Leah and Dalton. The emotion Alford writes into her characters goes deep and the story line intense. If you enjoy feverishly suspenseful stories with romance, this may be the book for you. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fiction Suspense Review: Malicious Intent by Lynn H. Blackburn (Defend and Protect Book 2)

Description:
Dr. Ivy Collins, founder and CEO of Hedera, Inc., is ready to begin clinical trials of her company's cutting-edge prosthetic. Her work has been heralded by government, medical, and advocacy groups and everyone hopes the device will be a success. Well, almost everyone. Someone is trying to sabotage Hedera and the launch, but to what purpose--and how far will they go to get what they want? 

Meanwhile, U.S. Secret Service Agent Gil Dixon can't believe he's finally been reunited with Ivy, his childhood best friend. Now that he's found her again, Gil intends to spend the rest of his life with her. But it will take all his skill to uncover the truth in time to save Ivy's life's work, her own life, and the innocent lives caught in the crossfire.

Perfectly balancing chilling suspense and uplifting romance, award-winning author Lynn H. Blackburn delivers a story of revenge, greed, and overcoming that you won't want to put down no matter how late it gets.

My Thoughts:
Blackburn always brings the action and intensity. Gil and Ivy knew each other as children and vowed to never part, but circumstances tore them away from each other. Now they meet again under extenuating circumstances. The threats toward Ivy force Gil to protect her, whether she wants him to or not. I love that the story brings out how greed and revenge can destroy a person's heart and how good wins over evil. Gil and Ivy's story is sweet and intense and the friendship of all the agents is uplifting and encouraging. If you enjoy suspense, Blackburn is for you. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fiction Suspense Book Review: A Stranger's Game by Colleen Coble

Book Description:
This gripping new novel from USA TODAY bestselling romantic suspense author Colleen Coble will leave you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

 A wealthy hotel heiress.

Even though Torie Bergstrom hasn’t been back to Georgia since she was ten, she’s happy to arrange a job for her best friend at one of the family properties on Jekyll Island.

A suspicious death.

But when Torie learns that her best friend has drowned, she knows it is more than a tragic accident: Lisbeth was terrified of water and wouldn’t have gone swimming by choice.

A fight for the truth.

Torie goes to the hotel under an alias, desperate to find answers. When she meets Joe Abbott and his daughter rescuing baby turtles, she finds a tentative ally.

The more Torie and Joe dig, the more elusive the truth seems. One thing is clear: someone will risk anything—even more murder—to keep their secrets buried.

My Thoughts:
Gripping is right. Coble is a master at writing suspense that keeps you reading and sticks with you after the story ends. Torie takes on her own undercover assignment, even though she's not law enforcement. Joe, without knowing her true identity, helps Torie search for the reason her best friend died; all while protecting his daughter. I enjoyed A Stranger's Game and the twists and turns that finally led to the killer. Colleen Coble's writing wraps you in the story and leaves you breathless by the end. If you enjoy great suspense, you'll want to read A Stranger's Game. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Christian Suspense Book Review: Labyrinth of Lies by Irene Hannon (Triple Threat Book 2)

Book Description:
When the daughter of a high-profile businessman disappears from an exclusive girls' boarding school, police detective Cate Reilly is tapped for an undercover assignment. It doesn't take her long to realize that beneath the veneer of polish and wealth, things are not as they seem at Ivy Hill Academy. But the biggest surprise of all? The only man she ever loved is also working at the school.

Zeke Sloan has never forgotten Cate, but now isn't the best time for their paths to cross again. When their two seemingly disparate agendas begin to intertwine--and startling connections emerge among the players--the danger escalates significantly. But who is the mastermind behind the elaborate ruse? And how far will they go to protect their house of cards?

Queen of romantic suspense Irene Hannon invites you to scale the heights of human folly and plumb the depths of the human heart in this second gripping book in the Triple Threat series.

My Thoughts:
Cate is done with undercover work, but her boss says one more time. Zeke is done with travel for the DEA, but he has one last job. Oh, and did I mention Cate and Zeke were once in love? The two come together, quite by accident or is it providence? Cate's character is strong and determined, Zeke has a kind and brave heart. In the midst of discovering the head of the biggest drug runners in St. Louis, the two must sort out their feelings toward each other. Well written and intriguing, Hannon delivers another edge of your seat suspense. The all-girls school was an unusual setting and added an interesting twist to the story. I was happy to continue on the journey of Cate and her sisters. If you enjoy suspense and romance, you'll want to read Labyrinth of Lies. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Romantic Suspense Book Review: Three Missing Days by Colleen Coble (Book #3, Pelican Harbor series)

Book Description:
Book Three in the gripping romantic suspense series from USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble.

A chilling murder.

Chief of Police Jane Hardy plunges into the investigation of a house fire that claimed the life of a local woman as well as one of the firefighters. It’s clear the woman was murdered. But why? The unraveling of Jane’s personal life only makes the answers in the case more difficult to find.

Her son’s arrest.

Then Jane’s fifteen-year-old son is accused of a horrific crime, and she has to decide whether or not she can trust her ex, Reid, in the attempt to prove Will’s innocence—and whether she can trust Reid with her heart.

Her stolen memories.

Three days of Jane’s past are missing from her memory, and that’s not all that has been stolen from her. As she works to find the woman’s murdered and clear her son’s name, finding out what happened in those three days could change everything.

My Thoughts:
I’ve read all three books in the Pelican Harbor series, and this one is so, so good. Colleen Coble never disappoints as she delves into mystery and romance. Jane’s son is accused of murder—as mother and Chief of Police—she must find the real killer with the help of his dad, Reid. Coble twists and weaves unexpected elements, as well as familial ties, into this excellent third book. Pelican Harbor, a charming place to live, goes through some tough times along with Jane as she races to right the wrongs in her small town. Colleen Coble does a beautiful job setting up the story and creating the atmosphere. Love the description woven into her prose. This book can now be pre-ordered. If you enjoy romance laced with suspense, you’ll love Three Missing Days. If you haven’t read One Little Lie or Two Reasons to Run, I recommend you pick them up to get Jane’s whole story. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fiction Suspense Review: Silent Shadows (Harbored Secrets Book #3) by Natalie Walters

Book Description:

Pecca Gallegos moved to the tiny town of Walton, Georgia, to protect her son and escape the dangerous lifestyle that once defined her. When a series of strange circumstances evolve into threats, Pecca finds herself confiding in an unlikely ally--her stubborn patient.

Army veteran Colton Crawford is desperate to recover from the undiagnosed disorder that is ruining his life, and his instincts are on high alert when threats against his nurse and her son force him to take action. But Colton's involvement only ramps up the danger when he uncovers a family secret revealing that whoever is after Pecca is closer--and more deadly--than they realized.

With this suspenseful new story, Natalie Walters welcomes you once more to Walton, Georgia, where everyone knows your name--but no one knows your secret.

My Review:
Silent Shadows is a great suspense story. I enjoyed the interaction between Pecca and Colton and the friendship that developed between Colton and Maceo, Pecca's son. I also liked the older veterans who rehabbed with Colton. They reminded me of my dad. There are surprises and twists I didn't expect. The small town setting where the people are supportive and kind create the perfect community for Pecca and Maceo to start over. The thread of romance adds a sweet touch. I haven't read the first two books, but picked up on their stories in this one. They sound intriguing, also. If you enjoy suspense with a twist, pick up Silent Shadows. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fiction Suspense Review: One Little Lie by Colleen Coble

Book Description:

It started with one little lie. But Jane Hardy will do everything in her power to uncover the truth in this gripping new romantic suspense. 

Jane Hardy is appointed interim sheriff in Pelican Harbor, Alabama, after her father

retires, but there's no time for an adjustment period. When her father is arrested for theft and then implicated in a recent murder, Jane quickly realizes she's facing someone out to destroy the only family she has.

After escaping with her father from a cult fifteen years ago, Jane has searched relentlessly for her mother—who refused to leave—ever since. Could someone from that horrible past have found them?

Reid Bechtol is well-known for his documentaries, and his latest project involves covering Jane's career. Jane has little interest in the attention, but the committee who appointed her loves the idea of the publicity.

Jane finds herself depending on Reid's calm manner as he follows her around filming, and they begin working together to clear her father. But Reid has his own secrets from the past, and the gulf between them may be impossible to cross—especially once her father’s lie catches up with him.

My Review:
Once I figured out who all the characters were, I enjoyed the story line. I found the premise interesting, as Colleen explored the devastation a cult can cause, especially when someone has kept up a lie. As I read the story, I found myself rooting for Jane. She'd had too much to deal with and too many loose ends. Some she didn't even know about. At first, Reid annoyed me, but he proved to be a good guy. As the mystery tied to the cult unravels, the suspense escalates and makes for an interesting ending. You'll enjoy the twists and turns that run along beside the mystery. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Suspense Fiction Review: Deadly Intentions by Lisa Harris

Book Description:
Research scientist Caitlyn Lindsey is convinced that someone is taking out her team one by one. First, a friend and research partner was killed in a home invasion. Three months ago, her boss died in a suspicious car accident. Four days ago, another partner supposedly committed suicide. And now Caitlyn herself has miraculously survived a hit-and-run. Afraid for her life with nowhere to turn, she reaches out to one of the victim's husbands, Detective Josh Solomon.

Though initially skeptical about Caitlyn's theory, Josh soon realizes that the attack that took his wife's life was anything but random. Now the two of them must discover the truth about who is after Caitlyn's team--and what their end game is--before it's too late.

My Review:
Deadly Intentions is a tangle of good intention and deadly risk. Well written with great tension, I second guessed myself as I read and tried to decide who was good and who was evil. I like the character Caitlyn, she's brave even when she shouldn't be, and Josh is the perfect partner in this fast-paced, nail-biter. The romantic element in the story is perfectly paced. If you enjoy great suspense, you'll find it in Lisa Harris's books. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.