Thursday, February 15, 2024

One Wrong Move (Jeopardy Falls #1) by Dani Pettrey

 


Taunting riddles.
A deadly string of heists.
Two broken hearts trapped in a killer's game.


Christian Macleod was pulled into a life of crime at a young age by his con artist parents. Now making amends for his corrupt past, he has become one of the country's foremost security experts. When a string of Southwestern art heists captures the FBI's attention, Christian is paired up with a gifted insurance investigator who has her own checkered past.

Andi Forster was a brilliant FBI forensic analyst until one of her colleagues destroyed her career, blaming her for mishandling evidence. She now puts those skills to work investigating insurance fraud, and this latest high-stakes case will test her gift to the limit. Drawn deep into a dangerous game with an opponent bent on revenge, Christian and Andi are in a race against the clock to catch him, but the perpetrator's game is far from finished, and one wrong move could be the death of them both.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Author Dani Pettrey is one of my favorites in the romantic suspense/Christian fiction genre.  I've loved reading her books over the years.  I know exactly what type of book I'm going to get every time and that's what keeps me coming back for more.

This is the beginning of a new series and this story really sets up all the players in not only this book but books to come.  At first all the people were overwhelming.  I had a harder time keeping them straight and I kept wondering if I had missed something from a previous book that would have helped me know all these people and who were but as the story progressed I settled in and became more comfortable.  

The backstory for both Andi and Christian unfolded bit by bit and I loved getting to know them and understand them more intimately.  The past and the present kept colliding as the two of them tried to solve mysteries and stay alive.  It was dangerous, exciting and engaging.  I was pulled in and by the end of the book, I couldn't read fast enough.  I just had to know it all!  Some things were resolved but other things were left open for future books.  That has me really excited for what's to come!!  Oh, and I love the cover for this book!  I think it's so cool.

Content:  peril, violence, mention of death and murder, kissing.  Christian fiction so mention of God, praying, faith.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Thursday, December 28, 2023

Forgettable in Every Way by Jennifer Peel

 


All it takes is one person to remember you.

A word of never fall in love with an Englishman in New York. If you do, chances are that he’ll captivate your soul and never let you go. Take me, for instance. For the last thirteen years, I’ve heard “So This Is Love” on repeat every time I think of Simon Harrison. If this is love, it kind of sucks. Especially given that Simon only ever saw me as his friend before proceeding to marry my supposed best friend. The worst part is that I thought for once in my life someone saw me. That he saw me. But I was wrong. So wrong.

Or was I?

Thirteen years ago, I made a colossal mistake without even knowing it when I let Jules Carmichael disappear from my life. I had no idea the woman I always thought of as my best mate could have been so much more if I’d only opened my eyes to see what was right in front of me. But now that I find myself divorced and face-to-face with the lovely creature again, she wants nothing to do with me, and it’s driving me mad. If she could only see that I’m not the daft younger man who let her slip away, I have a feeling we could have something unforgettable.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Oh Jules.  I see you.  I think you are smart, strong and all things amazing.  I absolutely love you.

Friends, I am so caught up in all the feelings right now.  This story will bring them ALL out of you.  We first meet Jules in My Ex-Mas Emergency as she and Callista become friends.  It was there that I decided that I wanted in that friend group too.  Yes, I want to be friends with fictional characters.  When you read about these two, you will see why.  They trust each other, they defend each other and they cheer each other on.  It's the best kind of friendship.

Jules has my heart.  I think it's because at times all of us feel unseen.  I know I have.  Maybe not to the degree Jules feels it but it's that human connection that this author is so good at.  It draws me into the story and makes me care.  I love when my emotions become invested.  It's the best feeling as a reader.

Okay, so here's a run down of some of the things I loved:

  • the cover 😍, the font and the colors
  • Jules secret job and the reveal
  • Jules learning to stand up for herself.  Her character arch is amazing.
  • bee sting scene!  😂
  • The Cinderella song references (and dang you, Cinderella. . .)
  • Callista's truth bomb.
  • "I'm going to chase you"
  • Jack.  So intuitive.  So sweet.
  • Simon owning that he was daft.  Repeatedly.  Jules needed that.
I want to re-read this book right now.  hahaha  Writing about it makes me want to wrap up in all those emotions again.  I also want to listen to this audio book in dual narration with the British accent for Simon!!  

I have BIG LOVE for this book.  Do I really need to say more?  BIG LOVE, people.  Big love.

Release date is January 4th!  Go pre-order now!

Content:  kissing.  Mild swears.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

From an Unknown Sender (Falcon Point Suspence #2) by Traci Hunter Abramson and Sian Ann Bessey + A Giveaway!

From an Unknown Sender JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for From an Unknown Sender by Traci Hunter Abramson & Sian Ann Bessey, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

From an Unknown Sender

Title: From an Unknown Sender
Series:
Falcon Point Suspense #2
Author:
Traci Hunter Abramson & Sian Ann Bessey
Publisher:
Covenant Communications
Release Date:
November 21, 2023
Genre:
Clean Suspense

After spending a busy holiday season putting drug smugglers behind bars, CIA operative Cole Bridger is looking forward to spending a quiet Christmas in Vienna with his girlfriend and fellow operative, Isabelle Roberts. But when Isabelle is tasked with investigating a string of suspect financial transactions and redirects a suspicious package to a museum in Amsterdam, she inadvertently places Cole’s cousins in the crosshairs of a drug smuggling ring. 

Lars and Marit have no desire to be drawn into the deadly dealings of the criminal underworld, but when Lars’s sister, Tess’s, life is placed in danger, they willingly join Cole and Isabelle in their efforts to uncover the mastermind behind the drug smuggling ring. Unfortunately, the two couples’ involvement does not go unnoticed. And though each step brings them closer to the truth, they also reveal a startling picture of greed and corruption at the center of a dangerous organization that will stop at nothing to retrieve what it has lost.

 Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble


It's easy to say that I love this series.  The whole of it.  It all starts with Heirs of Falcon Point so you must read that story first.  From there, you have these two featured authors writing The Danger with Diamonds and now From an Unknown Sender.  A.L Sowards is taking on the historical side with Codes of Courage based on the ancestor of one of the characters in these books.  (one of my favorite books this year!!)  

I love how this series is full of family, excitement, secrets, suspense and yes, danger.  It really kept my attention and had me hanging on to see what would happen next.  The character development was good, the relationship progression a little slower.  But Lars, Marit, Cole and Isabelle working together was so good.  They are friends and they are family.  They each of have strengths and connections is different places.  It was so much fun!!  I can't wait to see what comes next.

If you haven't started this series yet, grab Heirs of Falcon Point and start reading!  You are in for a treat!  If you've already started, carry on!  

Content:  death, peril, violence.  Kissing.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.


More Books in This Series

  The Danger with Diamonds


About the Authors

Traci Hunter Abramson  Sian Ann Bessy

Traci Hunter Abramson was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas as well as the skills needed to survive her children’s teenage years. She loves to travel and recently retired after twenty-six years coaching her local high school swim team. She has written forty-five best-selling novels and is an eight-time Whitney Award winner, including 2017 and 2019 Best Novel of the Year.

Connect with Traci by visiting traciabramson.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Sian Ann Bessey was born in Cambridge, England, and grew up on the island of Anglesey off the coast of North Wales. She left her homeland to attend university in the US, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in communications, with a minor in English. She began her writing career as a student, publishing several articles in magazines while still in college. Since then, she has published historical romance and romantic suspense novels, along with a variety of children’s books. She is a USA Today best-selling author, a Foreword Reviews Book of the Year finalist, and a Whitney Award finalist.

Sian and her husband, Kent, are the parents of five children and the grandparents of three beautiful girls and two handsome boys. They currently live in southeast Idaho, and although Sian doesn’t have the opportunity to speak Welsh very often anymore, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch still rolls off her tongue. Traveling, reading, cooking, and being with her grandchildren are some of Sian’s favorite activities. She also loves hearing from her readers. 

Connect with Sian by visiting sianannbessey.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.


Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each win a $20 Amazon gift card!

From an Unknown Sender JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 20, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 27, 2023. 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!

JustRead Publicity Tours

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Almost Like Being in Love by Sariah Wilson

 


A modern-day Ohio woman and a seventeenth-century Scottish laird fall in love at first sight in a magical holiday romance by Sariah Wilson, the bestselling author of The Chemistry of Love.

Maren Kelly and her friend Penny may be lost in the Scottish Highlands, yes. They may be caught in the blizzard of the century, sure. But despite their dire straits, Maren is going to honor her ailing mother’s wish for them to experience all the magic, mystery, and whimsy Scotland has to offer, even if she freezes to death trying. When they’re rescued by the dashing Duncan Campbell, who seems like he walked straight out of the seventeenth century, Maren is more than a wee bit bewildered.

Their shelter is Duncan’s castle in Highglen, a captivating village that feels somehow familiar…as does the laird himself. Brimming with holiday cheer and friendly, boisterous family members, Highglen is a safe haven in the frigid winter storm. Maybe it’s the carolers and the warm hearth—or Duncan’s comforting brogue and stolen kisses—but Maren feels as though she’s come home. And in Duncan, she may have found her long-awaited soulmate.

But is this a miracle that could last a lifetime?

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Ahhhh!!  I absolutely LOVE Brigadoon.  It's one of my all time favorite musicals and this book was one gigantic nod to the classic film.  If you have never seen Brigadoon, you might think that this story is unrealistic and the insta love might drive you nuts.  BUT.  If you have watched Brigadoon and loved it, then you are going to LOVE this story.  And also, if you haven't watched Brigadoon, you should.  It's magical and wonderful and lovely.  

This novella had tons of Scottish Christmas, New Year and wedding traditions.  It was full of family and friends, celebrating and being together.  That Duncan was swoony and had the BEST lines in the story.  SAAAAWOOOON!  Every time I would come across a nod to the film, I would smile because it seriously made me happy.

I loved being swept up into a magical story.  It was unrealistic, just like the movie, fluffy and romantic.  It felt like the perfect escape.  It was nostalgic and new at the same time.  I'm singing right along with Gene Kelly right now, It's Almost Like Being in Love.  🎵  I think I'll  go watch the show now. 

Content:  kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Friday, November 3, 2023

Six Missives (At Home In Brighton) by Rachael Anderson


Miss Michelle Ellington despises the founder of a competing school for young ladies. Already, he has lured away two teachers and seems intent on wreaking havoc upon her school, all while the headmistress is away. She’s never met the man, but the few missives they’ve exchanged have told her exactly the sort of person he is—an underhanded cad.

Sir Miles Wentworth made a promise to his dying father and is driven to succeed. He'd be well on his way if he could just entice the reputable Miss Ellington to leave her current position and work for him. Unfortunately, her frigid reply makes it clear that his school would be the last place she’d ever seek employment.

When the pair encounter each other as strangers one evening, they form an instant connection. Smitten by the mysterious woman, Sir Miles sets out to romance her. What he soon discovers, however, is that the woman he is falling more in love with every day is the same woman who would like to make mincemeat of him.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Every time I read a book by author Rachael Anderson I am reminded why I love her writing so much.  Her books draw me in and wrap me up in a gentle, sweet way.  

This story has so much banter.  I love witty banter!!  Chelle and Miles are both intelligent and independent.  They have an instant attraction but Chelle is keeping some distance and secrecy around herself.  Miles is pursuing her.  It made for some fun interactions.

Miles is so determined to prove himself to Chelle so she won't hate him.  He messed up.  He really did.  And then he bumbles so many things but his consistency and his kindness, not just to Chelle, but to everyone, is hard to ignore.  I simply adored Miles.  He tried so hard.

Things I loved:

  • dances on the beach
  • bunnies
  • a bundle of pencils
  • the boy with a dog named Lucifer
  • the talk with Chelle's dad
  • the ending
This is the second book in this series but these books can easily stand alone.  

Content:  kissing

- I read this book through Kindle Unlimited.

Friday, October 27, 2023

The Chad Next Door (Love in Sun City) by Dana LeCheminant

 


Torn between a quiet life and the chaos of unexpected love, Private Investigator Chad Briggs is set to find out if a snowstorm can melt his heart in Laketown. When Hope, the all too attractive—and far too young—woman next door, Chad’s life is thrown into a whirlwind he would rather not face, but he doesn’t have much of a choice.

Trying to navigate her new life after unexpectedly gaining custody of her dead sister’s kids, Hope knows she shouldn’t be interested in her much older neighbor, no matter how easy he is on the eyes. But when a snowstorm traps them together in one house, can they ignore the sparks between them?

With every reason to think a relationship is impossible, especially with the kids in the mix, they know a weekend fling isn't going to end well.

But their hearts didn't get the memo, and they might be in too deep to back out.


 I am loving this new series by author Dana LeCheminant!  This is technically the second book released in the series but they can be read in any order.  It's a group of siblings who basically fall in love at the same time.  Each book follows a different sibling.  I read (but didn't officially review) the first book, She Likes It, Hey Micah.  It was so good.

Chad is the oldest sibling in this group and has practically taken on the responsibility of caregiver/parent.  He loves his siblings fiercely and it's so admirable.  I love how rock solid and dependable he is.  He is a fixer.  A rescuer.  A protector.  And also, a bit grumpy.  haha

I loved the family dynamic with Hope and the children and then Chad too.  The journey of the relationships from the beginning to the end of the book is so satisfying.  My mama heart just wanted to love them all.  Oh!  And the dog.  I loved the dog.

So many fun troupes here!  Forced proximity, age gap, grumpy/sunshine.  The chemistry was off the charts.  I loved the attraction, the banter and the kissing.  Yum.  I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book!!

This book (and this series) is on KU if you have that.

Content:  kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Skye Fall (Pressley-Coombes #4) by Paige Edwards

 


Isla Montjoy has it all, a new career in nursing and a police officer boyfriend she adores―until she stumbles across proof of her boyfriend’s corruption. Determined to protect his secrets, he attacks her and leaves her for dead. But against all odds, she lives. On the run for two years, Isla’s life is far from assured as her would-be murderer doggedly tracks her across the UK, intent on silencing her forever.

On a climbing trip in the Scottish Highlands, Ben Pressley-Coombes encounters Isla, a beautiful woman who promptly pepper sprays him without warning or reason. After that rough start, Ben hopes never to lay eyes on her again―but fate has other ideas. Forced into an uneasy association that transforms into a deep-seated romance, the pair soon faces a deadly Isla’s relentless pursuer has discovered her hiding place. If she is to survive, she and Ben must outmaneuver the dirty cop and his treacherous plot to snare her.


Do you love romantic suspense books?  I sure do and this series is one of my favorites.  Throw in a marriage of convenience and forced proximity, and you have a winning combination.  This author really knows how to pack a punch with the suspense while building a romantic tension too.  From beginning to end this story was exciting and I had a hard time pulling myself away when life called.

Isla is so strong.  So courageous.  I don't think I could have survived the way she did.  I loved her caring and artistic side.  Isla also had fantastic instincts and such a drive to protect and care for not only herself but others around her.  The trauma and emotional battles she faced were immense and I was rooting for her safety, health and healing with my whole heart.

I loved traveling through countries and across continents.  I love the Pressley-Coombes family.  I loved that both Ben and Isla were dealing with a bit of mystery and it all ended to dramatically.  It was so good.  

This is the fourth book in this series.  I don't think you have to read them in order but I would recommend that you do.  It's just more fun that way.  

Content:  peril, violence.  Christian elements (talk of God, praying), kissing.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.