FATAL CODE

 

The SNAP Agency Series, Book 2

 

by

 

NATALIE WALTERS

 

 

Fiction / Christian / Suspense / Romance

Publisher: Revell

Date of Publication: May 1, 2022

Number of Pages: 320 pages

 

Scroll down for the Giveaway!

 

 

 

 

In 1964, a group of scientists called the Los Alamos Five came close to finishing a nuclear energy project for the United States government when they were abruptly disbanded. Now the granddaughter of one of those five scientists, aerospace engineer Elinor Mitchell, discovers that she has highly sensitive information on the project in her possession–and a target on her back.

SNAP agent and former Navy cryptologist Kekoa Young is tasked with monitoring Elinor. This is both convenient since she’s his neighbor in Washington, DC, and decidedly inconvenient because . . . well, he kind of likes her.

Natalie Walters sucks you into the global race for space domination in this perfectly paced second installment of her SNAP Agency romantic suspense series.

 

 

AmazonBaker Book House | Christianbooks.com

 

Barnes and Noble | Other Revell Affiliates

Praise

 

Fatal Code is reminiscent of cold war spy thrillers and riveted me to the page as I rooted for Kekoa and Elinor to expose secrets, survive danger, and fall in love.” — Elizabeth Goddard, bestselling author of the Rocky Mountain Courage series

“Warning: once you pick it up, you won’t be able to put it down!” — Andrew Huff, author of the Shepherd Suspense series

“Enough suspense to make you need warm milk and a cozy blanket to calm you down.” — Jaime Jo Wright, author of The Souls of Lost Lake and the Christy award-winning novel The House on Foster Hill

 

 

 

 

 

 

Action-packed with loveable characters, swoony men, and despicable antagonists…a winning combination.

Not having read the first book in this series, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. But diving in I discovered a whole new world with a team of agents that had each other’s backs and complemented each other with their various skill sets. Kekoa is haunted by the death of his brother fourteen years ago. He blames himself and when you hear the whole story it might just break your heart. However, this causes problems within his family primarily because he thinks that everyone blames him for the accident. It takes some strong conversations with his father and family to realize that he has been blaming himself for something that was beyond his control.

I think I have found a new favorite character, Elinor! I love her nerdy geeky side especially when it comes to her t-shirts and jokes. They cracked me up throughout the whole book. I also appreciated the love for her grandfather and her interest in ciphers that he taught her so many years ago. While she isn’t trusting of everyone, she seems to be a little naive when it comes to other people and their motives. Luckily, The SNAP Agency is on her side, especially Kekoa. She won’t know it at first but he believes in her innocence despite what the data reveals.

There is a historical aspect that brings in Los Alamos and the Hydrogen bomb. While most of us might know a little bit about it, the details help expand our minds and imagine what the men went through creating a device that could destroy the world. These men went to great lengths to protect that knowledge but someone has discovered their secret and will obtain it at all costs. I was shocked when all of the pieces fell into place with who was involved and why. I never would have guessed and it is true that sometimes you can’t trust anyone around you.

Outside of the action piece, there is the romance between Kekoa and Elinor. It is not a fast-moving relationship and they take it very slow which I enjoyed because it is nice to see people getting to know one another before jumping into the deep end. But that could be because they both had a few things to work through before they could come together. They both bring different nuances to the relationship and it takes their interactions to a new level.

I could not put this book down and kept wondering what could possibly happen next, would Elinor figure out what her grandfather was hiding in his journals, and would Kekoa find forgiveness?

This book can be read on its own, but I would highly recommend reading the first book, Lights Out, to truly understand the SNAP team and their relationships with each other.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natalie Walters is the author of Lights Out, as well as the Harbored Secrets series. A military wife, she currently resides in Texas with her soldier husband and is the proud mom of three. She loves traveling, spending time with her family, and connecting with readers.

 

  Website  ◆  Facebook  ◆  Twitter

 

 Amazon  ◆  Goodreads ◆ BookBub

 

 InstagramPinterest

 

 

————————————–

 

GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!

 

 TWO WINNERS!

 

Each receive copies of Lights Out and Fatal Code!

 

(US only; ends midnight, CDT, 5/20/2022)

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

 

 

 

Visit the Lone Star Literary Life Tour Page

For direct links to each post on this tour, updated daily,

or visit the blogs directly:

 

5/10/22 BONUS Series Spotlight Hall Ways Blog
5/10/22 Review Jennifer Silverwood
5/11/22 Review StoreyBook Reviews
5/11/22 BONUS Promo LSBBT Blog
5/12/22 Excerpt Chapter Break Book Blog
5/13/22 Review The Plain-Spoken Pen
5/14/22 Deleted Scene 1 All the Ups and Downs
5/15/22 Deleted Scene 2 KayBee’s Book Shelf
5/16/22 Author Interview The Page Unbound
5/17/22 Review Shelf Life Blog
5/18/22 Top 9 List Boys’ Mom Reads
5/19/22 Review Bibliotica

 

 

 

 

blog tour services provided by

 

Posted in 4 paws, Review, Romantic Suspense on April 23, 2022

 

 

Synopsis

 

One moment, one choice can change a life forever.

Two years ago, Evgeny Yurlov’s dreams shattered on the stage of the Bolshoi Theatre. Without many options, he lands a job—far different from ballet—and returns to Moscow. There, he’s reunited with old friends—friends who need his help as government scrutiny intensifies on Grace Baptist Church.

Sasha Dvornikova isn’t the woman she once was, but Dmitri Rykov’s shadow is relentless. Reminders of her past lurk everywhere, and her sins have branded her undeserving of a man like Evgeny.

As mounting danger surrounds both the church and his job, Evgeny finds past struggles reignited, struggles that reach even Sasha. Amidst so much darkness, will Truth prevail, or will Evgeny’s choices destroy him—and those he loves?

 

 

Amazon

 

 

Review

 

This is the follow-up book to Unknown that features a tight-knit group of believers in Russia and their desire to spread the word of God and convert others into believers.

I enjoyed the first book and was looking forward to Evgeny’s story. Evgeny was a ballet dancer with Sofia (from Unknown) until his knee no longer allowed him to dance, and so he dived into the world of security. This seems like an odd choice, but he has the physique after years of ballet and he could hold his own. His new position brought him back to Moscow into a position that may or may not have been what he was expecting. He discovers he isn’t quite so sure after the first job he is sent on to recover a spy. His heart holds that all should be treated humanely, but let’s be honest, in the spy game all is fair in war including torture.

We also get to know Sasha better in this book. In the first book, she is the girlfriend of Sofia’s brother and one could say she is a golddigger, seeking an easier lifestyle. However, after his death, she realizes that perhaps that is not the life she wants and becomes a believer. She still struggles with her faith and believing she is good enough. This struggle is seen throughout most of the story. It is easy to see why it takes her a long time to accept her self-worth, but with the help of her friends, she learns to love herself and accept everything about herself, including her flaws.

This book felt heavier than the first one. I’m not sure why but there is a lot to get through including the government changing their rules and now allowing churches or evangelizing in public. However, this does not stop those involved with the church and they continue their mission to convert citizens to Christ. Evgeny is quite concerned for his friends and does what he can to make sure that they stay safe, including providing personal protection for what it is worth.

I did enjoy the details about the arm wrestling competitions and how it brings kids and others off the street and into a safer environment. I chuckled when Sasha finally agrees to learn how to arm wrestle and there is no better teacher than Evgeny.

The love story between Evgeny and Sasha is slow and I appreciated how the relationship was not rushed because there was a lot for Sasha to deal with before believing she was deserving of love.

This is a solid story and it is not a fast read. It took me longer to read this than most books due to the intricacies of the events in this story. We give this 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Vanessa Hall is an author, musician, and homeschool graduate. Most days, she is reading, writing, or practicing the violin—or trying to find time for all three pursuits. Currently, she is working toward gaining a degree in instrumental music education. Unknown is her debut novel. Above all, she is a sinner saved and held fast by the abounding grace of Jesus Christ.

 

Blog * Goodreads

 | 
Comments Off on Review – Unworthy by Vanessa Hall #christian #fiction #romanticsuspense
Posted in Crime, Romantic Suspense, Spotlight, women on April 4, 2022

 

 

Synopsis

 

What would you do if you carried a secret so deep, you can’t remember it?

After losing her parents and memory following a tragic accident, twenty-four-year-old Anastasia Hartford is trying to rebuild her life in NYC. When an anonymous note is left for her, and news of an inheritance reaches her, she decides to move to the one place that might just bring back her memories.

What she finds there are questions that lead to more questions…some so intriguing she can’t help but wonder if the mystery surrounding her new home is more than meets the eye. Just below the surface is waiting an unsettling truth that may set Anastasia free…or shatter her forever.

Sexy and charismatic Scott Josh McMillan knows what he wants. Having fought the hardest battle in his life, he isn’t about to let anyone in. When he meets Anastasia, he knows that it’s time to break his own rules. As both struggle to come to terms with their past, could love and healing blossom where hope was once lost?

 

 

Amazon USAmazon UKAmazon CA

 

Read for Free via Kindle Unlimited

 

 

About the Author

 

Jackie S. Steele has lived and studied in England. Her love for books began when she stumbled upon her first library. Today she still loves the smell of books, and curling up with a good novel, sipping coffee or green tea, and taking long walks.

Website * Twitter * Facebook

 

 

 | 
Comments Off on Spotlight – Under the Midnight Sky by Jackie Steele @AuthorJSSteele #romanticsuspense #womensfiction
Posted in 5 paws, mystery, Review, Romantic Suspense on February 18, 2022

 

 

Synopsis

 

Bree Thompson has suffered a tragic loss, one from which she’s afraid she won’t recover. Bree needs a drastic change; so that every time she turns around it doesn’t remind her of what she once had.

She drives to the east coast, determined to find what she thinks she needs in the sun and the sand.

Bree starts to believe it’s possible; she finds the perfect house on the water and a construction crew for her fixer-upper. One of them might even be able to mend her broken heart.

But that’s when the trouble starts…

Watching, waiting, someone’s lurking in the shadows to take it all.

 

 

Amazon

 

Read for free via Kindle Unlimited

 

 

Review

 

This book combines the best of a mystery, thriller, and romantic suspense novel which are all some of my favorite reads.

Bree is a broken woman having lost her family in a tragic accident. She is wary of others and this puts her at a disadvantage at times when it comes to potential relationships. Ryker has his own set of issues but falls for Bree almost immediately when she punches him after thinking he might be there to harm her. Not the best first meeting! But that event was a good basis for them to get to know each other over time and learn to trust each other. Of course, neither expected to have to deal with a stalker that wants back whatever Bree took from him.

The book starts off from the stalker’s POV and it sets the reader up for an intense read. We don’t know who this person is or why they have it in for Bree, and it will take until nearly the 2/3 mark to really get that answer, and even then, we still don’t know who it is just why they want to harm Bree. I did suspect the correct character for no specific reason but almost changed my mind and thought it might be another character, but it really didn’t fit. It may (or may not) be hard to determine whom to suspect because until closer to the end of the book, the stalker could have been someone we hadn’t met yet. So many possibilities.

I enjoyed the pace of the relationship that developed between Bree and Ryker. It wasn’t quick and allowed them to get to know one another better before becoming intimate. It was better that it developed slowly because of Bree’s baggage and Ryker’s playboy attitude.

I love the descriptions of Bree’s photographs because I could picture them in my mind. I loved how the author describes how she alters the photos to bring things more into focus, or blur the lines of other aspects of the image. I am amazed at what we can do with technology these days.

I really enjoyed this novel and it was hard to put down, I just had to know how the events were going to play out, find out if I was correct in my suspicions, and wonder if Ryker was going to remember he installed a certain app on Bree’s phone just in case. (you’ll have to read the book to discover what app I am referring to!)

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Melissa Roos was born and raised in Iowa and graduated from Iowa State University. She lives in Pennsylvania with her family. Melissa published her first book, a cozy mystery/romantic suspense in 2020, titled You Can Hide. Her second novel, In the Shadow of the Black Moon, is also in the same genre and was released in September of 2021.

 

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Instagram

 | 
Comments Off on Review – In the Shadow Moon of the Black Moon @MelissaRoos18 #mystery #romanticsuspense
Posted in Cozy, excerpt, mystery, Romantic Suspense on December 22, 2021

 

 

Synopsis

 

Bree Thompson has suffered a tragic loss, one from which she’s afraid she won’t recover. Bree needs a drastic change; so that every time she turns around it doesn’t remind her of what she once had.

She drives to the east coast, determined to find what she thinks she needs in the sun and the sand.

Bree starts to believe it’s possible; she finds the perfect house on the water, and a construction crew for her fixer-upper. One of them might even be able to mend her broken heart.

But that’s when the trouble starts…

Watching, waiting, someone’s lurking in the shadows to take it all.

 

 

Amazon

 

Read for free via Kindle Unlimited

 

 

Excerpt

 

He sat and stared out into the darkness, seething with anger. The moon was barely visible in the window next to him. A glass of whiskey in his hand, and a pistol in his lap. How did this happen? How could he have been denied? The one thing he wanted, the one thing he coveted more than anything, taken from him with the tip of a pen pressed to paper? With the swift movement of a hand, a name was signed and his life was altered, all because of a woman.

He glanced around the room disgusted and saw his pathetic existence contained within it. There were photos, discarded clothes, and empty bottles. The only thing of value to him in the room was his beloved collection of action figures from his favorite sci-fi thriller The Black Shadow.

Reaching for his favorite action figure, Kage Xyon, the main character of the movie, he examined it in the dim light. Kage’s hair was golden and his battle uniform was black with the moon emblem on his broad chest. He was a prince, a warrior, and the chosen one. He had everything and was everything he, himself, wanted to be, and just like Kage, he had it all taken from him by a woman.

Setting Kage back in his place, he decided right there and then he would not stand for it. Justice would be his.

He picked up a photo of her and scrutinized it. She was pretty but he saw past that to what she really was . . . cunning and manipulative. Bree Thompson . . . her name alone made him writhe with anger.

She thought she could get away with what was rightfully his but she was wrong. He felt a dark power well up inside of him. He would watch, he would wait, and when the time was right, he would take her and make her pay.

He propped the photo of her back up on the table, picked up the pistol that lay in his lap, put his finger on the trigger, looked down the barrel, and aimed it straight at her face.

 

***

 

She sat wrapped up in a blanket, knees tucked up to her chest. The air was cold. The wind was brisk. The early hour was still dark. Her eyes were heavy, so she let them drift closed. She let herself be lulled by the ocean’s melody. The night sounds of the ocean kept the nightmares at bay. When inside, she woke, drenched in sweat, heart racing, with the clash of metal ringing in her ears and the smell of gasoline and smoke burning in her nostrils.

Here, on top of the lifeguard stand, Bree relaxed and let the waves’ methodical rhythm carry away the devastating images. She half dozed, trying not to completely surrender to sleep, as she knew sunrise was coming soon. Bree tried to stay awake thinking of how wonderful yesterday had turned out.

After her breakdown, she had gathered her things, took out her camera, and wandered down the beach. Noticing a sailboat in the distance she had zoomed in. Its crisp, white sails were brilliantly set off against the bright cerulean of the sky and indigo ocean. Then she readjusted the lens as the water at her feet pulled away, tumbling a cornucopia of pebbles and shells. Her camera clicked off a dozen rounds as the sea foamed and rolled the debris. A few paces further, she caught a hermit crab in her lens as he quickly buried himself into a hole.

Through her camera, Bree had watched a couple of children holding hands charge into the surf only to scamper back giggling and squealing as the freezing water swept in. She captured them with sea spray showering down around them like a thousand diamonds as the setting sun behind them caught every droplet.

The day had been relaxing, and exactly what she needed.

She had her camera with her now in hopes of capturing her first east coast sunrise. She touched it in the darkness, to make sure it was close. Satisfied, she leaned back and tuned into the sigh of the waves, making her mind focus only on that, and nothing else.

 

 

About the Author

 

Melissa Roos was born and raised in Iowa, and graduated from Iowa State University. She lives in Pennsylvania with her family. Melissa published her first book, a cozy mystery/romantic suspense in 2020, titled You Can Hide. Her second novel, In the Shadow of the Black Moon, is also in the same genre and was released in September of 2021.

 

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Instagram

 | 
Comments Off on Excerpt – In The Shadow of The Black Moon by Melissa Roos @MelissaRoos18 #mystery #romanticsuspense
Posted in Book Release, excerpt, Romantic Suspense on December 1, 2021

 

 

Synopsis

 

With her own department working against her, Homicide Detective Alexandra Danvers is determined to bring child killer, Arthur Book, to justice, no matter the cost.

Police corruption specialist, Detective Xavier Knight, a man without a home, friends, or family, is asked to evaluate Lexi’s fitness for duty while undercover as her new partner. He fears his actual mission–investigate Lexi–could allow a monster to walk free.

Though holding tight to their own secrets, they launch a covert investigation into Arthur Book who could cost Lexi and Xavier their careers, and possibly their lives.

 

 

Amazon * Smashwords * Apple * Kobo * B&N

 

 

Excerpt

 

Lexi woke slowly. The familiar feel of her bed, the comforting smell of her laundry detergent lingering in the sheet pressed against her face, reassured her. I’m home. I made it home. Head pounding, mouth dry and tasting like a barroom floor–or how she imagined a barroom floor would taste–and with seven-hour- old whiskey roiling in her stomach threatening to reappear, Lexi opened her eyes. A man lay snoring beside her, his head down by her feet and his well-toned, hairy body sprawled on top of the sheets. They’d lost the duvet while tangling over it in the pre-dawn hours. Lexi remembered without embarrassment picking him up at the bar and bringing him home with her, the vigorous sex she’d semi-enjoyed but couldn’t remember his name. Bending a leg, she planted a foot in his cute behind and shoved him out of bed.

“Time to go, Romeo.” Lexi stifled a laugh at the distinctively female yelp as he tumbled to the floor. The sheet puddled around her lap as she sat, but she didn’t bother with false modesty. She reached for the water bottle she’d had the foresight to leave on her nightstand and watched with disinterest as her companion stood. Guzzling water, rinsing the taste from her mouth, she assessed. He was good-looking, athletically built, and a decent lay, but dumb as a stump if memory served. Lexi had no interest in learning more.

 

 

About the Author

 

When I was little I thought everyone had stories in their head. When I found out that wasn’t true and that only special people had stories to tell, I wanted to be one of the people who shared their stories with the world. Here I am, making my own dreams come true, one happily ever after at a time.

I’d love to have you visit with me at any of my virtual homes or write to me directly at beckyfladeauthor@gmail.com

 

Tirgearr Publishing  * BlogFacebookTwitterInstagram

 

Sign up for my quarterly newsletter

& be entered for a chance to win a free book (one winner per month)!

 | 
Comments Off on #NewRelease & Excerpt – Fall to Pieces by Becky Flade @beckyflade #romanticsuspense
Posted in 4 paws, Giveaway, mystery, Review, Romantic Suspense, suspense on December 1, 2021

 

 

Scattered Legacy: Murder in Southern Italy

 

Annalisse Series, #3

 

by

 

MARLENE M. BELL

 

 

Genre: Mystery / Romance

Publisher: Ewephoric Publishing

Date of Publication: November 4, 2021

Number of Pages: 352 pages

Scroll down for Giveaway!

 

 

 

 

To outsiders, the relationship between Manhattan antiquities assessor Annalisse Drury and sports car magnate Alec Zavos must look carefree and glamorous. In reality, it’s a love affair regularly punctuated by treasure hunting, high adventure, and the occasional dead body.

When Alec schedules a getaway trip to show Annalisse his mother’s Italian birthplace, he squeezes in the high-stakes business of divesting his family’s corporation. But things go terribly wrong as murder makes its familiar reappearance in their lives – and this time it’s Alec’s disgraced former CFO who’s the main suspect.

Accompanied by friend and detective Bill Drake, Annalisse and Alec find themselves embroiled in a behind-closed-doors conspiracy that threatens the reputation and legacy of Alec’s late father – linking him to embezzlement, extortion, and the dirty business of the Sicilian Mafia. The key to it all might be a gifted set of rosary beads where Annalisse can use her skills for appraising artifacts to uncover the truth. She leads Alec toward answers that are unthinkable—and events that will change their futures forever.

Scattered Legacy is the third in Marlene M. Bell’s thrilling Annalisse series, which weaves romance, crime, and historical mystery into addictive tales to instantly captivate fans of TV show Bones or Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code.

 

 

 

Amazon

 

Read for free via Kindle Unlimited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Murder, the Mafia, and Mayhem…that is what you can expect from this new novel in the Annalisse series from Marlene Bell. It is set in the picturesque country of Italy and I loved the descriptions of the towns and the sights. It is almost like being there myself…maybe someday.

Annalisse and Alec are planning a trip to Italy to relax and see some of his mother’s homeland. However, things don’t go quite as planned and they are dragged into helping solve a murder, determining if a past employee embezzled from the company, and uncovering the truth about an ancient rosary. I always enjoy following the research that characters do to uncover information about what is happening on their journey. In this case, it is researching Alec’s mother’s, Generosa, past. I know how it can be to go down a rabbit hole searching for your family ties. But this journey and research are not without some dangerous moments for Annalisse and Alec. There were some “heart in my throat” moments during some events wondering how it was going to turn out for this duo.

There are multiple storylines happening in this book and it kept me engaged as I tried to figure out how they were going to all tie together in the end. There are some surprises that I didn’t expect but maybe should have with some clues that were dropped earlier in the story. There is even a cat, Stella, that is a part of this picture and since both Annalisse and Alec are animal lovers, it isn’t surprising that they have a soft heart when it comes to her. I always enjoy Bill Drake’s involvement in their cases and this book is no different. He is smart and knows how to get the job done.

Annalisse and Alec have a strong relationship, but I feel like they both still keep secrets from each other. I can’t blame Annalisse for not taking their relationship further at this point; there are too many secrets still in play. She also tends to run from situations versus staying and waiting for the answer. While she might have some past issues that cause her to react this way, nothing is to be gained by running and not facing the truth. Perhaps she will learn how to stay and face the unknown because that is how you move a relationship to the next level.

The story is action-packed from the beginning to the end and what a cliffhanger that will leave you wanting more from the next book in this series. It will also give you a peek into a world that many of us can only imagine, the lives of the rich, famous, and powerful.  If you decide to pick up this book, make sure to read the first two books in this series. It will make a lot more sense when there are references to past events and other characters.

We give this book 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marlene M. Bell is an acclaimed artist and photographer as well as a writer. Her sheep landscapes grace the covers of publications such as, Sheep!, The Shepherd, Ranch & Rural Living, and Sheep Industry News. Ewephoric, her mail order venture, began in 1985 out of a desire for realistic sheep stationery. A color catalog of non-fiction books and sheep-related gifts may be requested on her website, Texas Sheep.

 

Marlene and her husband, Gregg reside on a wooded ranch in beautiful East Texas with their dreadfully spoiled horned Dorset sheep, a large and lovable Maremma guard dog named Tia, and Hollywood, Leo, and Squeaks, the cats who believe they rule the household — and do.

 

 ║ Website║ Facebook ║ Twitter ║

 

║ LinkedIn ║ Goodreads ║

 

║ Amazon Author Page ║

 

║ BookBub  ║ Blog ║

 

 

 

GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!

 

 

 THREE WINNERS (US ONLY):

1st SUPER GRAND PRIZE ($425 VALUE):

Patricia Nash leather bag; Extra Virgin Olive Oil from the Puglia Region of Italy;

Orecchiette Pasta from the Puglia Region; Weekly 2022 Engagement Spiral Calendar;

Silver/Gold Italy Coin necklace on 18” silver chain;

an autographed copy of Scattered Legacy; $50 VISA gift card.

 

2ND PRIZE & 3rd PRIZE – Signed copies of Scattered Legacy.

 

(US only; ends midnight, CST, 12/10/21)

 

 

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

 

 

 

Visit the Lone Star Literary Life Tour Page

For direct links to each post on this tour, updated daily,

or visit the blogs directly:

 

 

 

11/30/21 Review The Plain-Spoken Pen
11/30/21 Review It’s Not All Gravy
11/30/21 BONUS Promo Hall Ways Blog
12/1/21 Review StoreyBook Reviews
12/1/21 BONUS Promo LSBBT Blog
12/2/21 Review The Book’s Delight
12/3/21 Review Forgotten Winds
12/3/21 Review Julia Picks 1
12/4/21 Review Momma on the Rocks
12/5/21 Review Jennifer Silverwood
12/6/21 Review Rainy Days with Amanda
12/6/21 Review Book Fidelity
12/7/21 Review Bibliotica
12/7/21 Review The Clueless Gent
12/8/21 BONUS Promo All the Ups and Downs
12/8/21 Review Reading by Moonlight
12/9/21 Review Chapter Break Book Blog
12/9/21 Review Missus Gonzo

 

 

 

 

 

blog tour services provided by

 

 

 

Posted in Book Release, excerpt, Giveaway, Romantic Suspense on November 30, 2021

 

 

Synopsis

 

Family secrets and fresh romance collide in this heart-pounding Richter series installment by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee.

Jacqueline “Jax” Simon knows how to expose secrets: she’s a skilled operative with MacBain Security and Solutions. When Jax hears her parents are divorcing, she races to London to find out why. She’s determined to learn the truth, especially when her investigation uncovers why her parents sent her to Richter, the German military school that made her a fighter.

Andrew Craig collects Jax at Heathrow Airport as a favor. He’s heard she’s a handful, but he didn’t know she’s dangerously gorgeous too. His instant attraction could change his life…or end it.

Jax doesn’t want to fall for Andrew, but soon he’s worming his way into her life. Together, they infiltrate Richter to discover if it has returned to its covert purpose: training children to be spies and assassins and blackmailing parents to look the other way. As the attraction between the two intensifies, so do the secrets exploding all around them. How deadly are those secrets—and who will survive?

 

 

AmazonB&NBAMBook Depository

 

 

Excerpt

 

She placed a finger to her lips, a silent signal to stay quiet, and nodded toward the bathrooms. Without checking to see if he would follow, she turned away so that all Harry or her dad would see was her back if they looked.

“Good to see you again,” Jax heard him say before she turned to look at him.

“Imagine my surprise to see the cabbie drinking with my family.”

His eyes widened along with his smile. “That was your assumption.”

“That you didn’t correct.”

He rolled his eyes. “Technicality.”

“Who are you?”

He opened his mouth and she stopped him. “I’d avoid any technical lies this time around.” She glanced at her watch. “In about thirty minutes I’ll know just about everything there is to know about you down to your last credit card transaction. Choose your words wisely.”

“My credit card?”

“I’m waiting.”

Andrew shifted from one foot to the other, arms folded over his chest. “Harry, my friend, asked me to pick up his handful baby sister at the airport and then watch over her to make sure she didn’t show up unexpectedly at his flat and stumble on her father before he could talk to her.”

She tried to find a weakness in his story. “Oh.”

“Yeah, oh!” He moved aside so someone could walk past to the toilets. “Now, what are you doing here?”

“Confronting my father.”

“In a pub.”

“I went to Harry’s, but you guys were leaving.”

He took her elbow and moved her to the side as more people shoved past them. “Your confrontation will have to wait.”

“Why?”

“Gregory doesn’t know I know what’s going on.”

“What? Why?”

“He thinks I showed up to ask my friend to join me here.”

“Is that all you’re up to?”

Andrew looked at the ceiling. “A harmless beer or two.”

There was more to his story than that. “I’ll be sure and keep up the ruse.” She moved toward the bar.

“You’re staying?”

“I’m going to find out what’s going on with my parents, with or without them telling me.”

He grinned. “Like their credit card transactions?”

“Exactly.” She turned away. “And I’m not a handful.”

Her comment was met with a short laugh. “You passed out.”

“And woke up without pants on.” They made their way to her brother and dad, dodging other patrons en route.

“I thought you’d sleep better. I didn’t do any—”

“I didn’t say you did.” She stopped walking and turned to look at him. “Just don’t expect another peep show.”

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Catherine is a #1 Wall Street Journal, Amazon, and Indie Reader bestselling author. In addition, her books have also graced The New York Times and USA Today bestsellers lists. In total, she has written thirty-six beloved books that have collectively sold more than 8 million copies and have been translated into more than twenty languages.

Raised in Washington State, Bybee moved to Southern California in the hope of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full time and has penned The Not Quite seriesThe Weekday Brides seriesThe Most Likely To series, and The First Wives series.

 

 

WebsiteFacebookTwitterGoodreads

 

 

Click Here for the Giveaway

 

 

Posted in 5 paws, mystery, Review, Romantic Suspense on November 18, 2021

 

 

 

 

Synopsis

 

The past never sleeps.
The truth never dies.

Only Harlan MacKenzie can sense the troubled history of the Big Purple House. When he’s hired to restore the historical mansion, he doesn’t foresee the secrets—secrets that entangle his family in deceit and murder.

Phaedra is selling the house that has been in her family for decades. As her friends-to-lovers relationship with Harlan escalates, she puts her values on the line and chances losing him.

After a stranger comes to town, weaving her web of deception, hell-bent on correcting an old grievance connected to the house, dark revelations of the past implode the present. Harlan and Phaedra are thrown on a dangerous path, not only risking love but possibly their lives.

 

 

 

 

Amazon

 

Read for Free via Kindle Unlimited

 

 

Review

 

This mystery/romantic suspense novel intrigued me from the get-go. And as the story progressed, I was engrossed in the mystery of what happened in the 1920s to John Hershey and how did this stranger to town, Nora, fit into the picture? What did Harlan’s spiritual gifts bring to the table? I also loved catching up with some of the characters from the first book, but diving deeper into the lives of Harlan and Phaedra, friends since childhood but could there be more?

Harlan is restoring a home affectionately called the Big Purple House, or as it was originally named, Lilac End. However, he has some strange vibes in various parts of the house and that is part of the mystery to be solved. What happened in this house? And who is this Nora character that has shown up out of the blue expressing interest in this particular house? As the story unfolds, we learn bits and pieces of the history tied to the home and several characters. There were some surprises as more information was parsed out to the reader and it kept me up because I had to know if a certain object was found and how other events spurred the actions of characters in the present.

There is also a budding romance between Harlan and Phaedra; however, they both have different thoughts on what they wanted from a relationship and their differences might tear them apart.

I loved the diary entries mixed into the story because they gave us more history on some of the characters and the motives of others. There were some surprising revelations in the journal at the end and it did bring up a few questions for me that may never be answered since it is tied to the past. The various points of view gave the story depth and I could get into the heads of the characters and see the world through their eyes.

While I enjoyed the first book, Secrets of the Ravine, this one spoke to me and perhaps it is because I am trying to research my family and that is the main focus of this book. Either way, delightful book and you don’t have to read this series in order other than to have a better grasp on the main characters that make appearances in other installments.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Brenda Whiteside is the author of suspenseful, action-adventure stories with a touch of romance. Mostly. After living in six states and two countries—so far—she and her husband have decided they are gypsies at heart, splitting their time between Central Arizona and the RV life. They share their home with a rescue dog named Amigo. While FDW is fishing, Brenda writes.

 

Website * Facebook * Twitter

 

Instagram * BookBub * Goodreads * Amazon

 

She blogs and has guests: https://brendawhiteside.blogspot.com/

 

Posted in 5 paws, Christian, Giveaway, Review, Romantic Suspense, suspense on November 17, 2021

 

 

CROSSHAIRS:

 

Natchez Trace Park Rangers, #3

 

by

 

Patricia Bradley

 

 

Genre: Christian / Suspense / Romance

Publisher: Revell

Date of Publication: November 2, 2021

Number of Pages: 384 pages

 

 

Scroll down for Giveaway!

 

 

 

 

When evil just won’t quit, good must prevail

Investigative Services Branch ranger Ainsley Beaumont wishes the visit to her hometown of Natchez, Mississippi, was under better circumstances. When she arrived to investigate the murder of a pregnant teenager, she never imagined that she would become the killer’s next target–or that she’d have to work alongside an old flame.

After he almost killed a child, former FBI sniper Lincoln Steele couldn’t bring himself to fire a gun, which had deadly consequences for his best friend. Crushed beneath a load of guilt, Linc is working at Melrose Estate as an interpretive ranger. But as danger closes in on Ainsley during her murder investigation, Linc will have to find the courage to protect her.

The only question is, will it be too little, too late?

 

 

 

 

Patricia BradleyAmazon

 

Christianbooks.com │ Revell Affiliates

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series Spotlight on

 

Natchez Trace Park Rangers Series

 

By Patricia Bradley

 

 

 

Standoff by Patricia Bradley

Brooke Danvers wants to learn the truth about her father’s suspicious death, but she’ll need the help of Luke Fereday, a National Park Ranger and her ex-boyfriend. Keeping Brooke safe will take all of Luke’s skills, and falling in love with her will only complicate matters.

ISBN 9780800735739; Ebook ISBN 9781493423170; May 2020; Paper; $15.99

 

 

 

 

Obsession by Patricia Bradley

ISBN 9780800735746; Ebook ISBN 9781493428557; February 2, 2021; Paper; $15.99, Natchez Trace Park Rangers series, Book #2

A ten-year-old murder case. An obsessed stalker. Can Natchez Trace Ranger Samuel Ryker keep his colleague and one-time love Emma Winters from the clutches of a man determined to make her his own?

 

 

 

Crosshairs by Patricia Bradley

ISBN 9780800735753; Ebook ISBN 9781493431762; November 2, 2021; Paper; $15.99, Natchez Trace Park Rangers, #3 of 4

When ISB Ranger Ainsley Beaumont returns to her hometown of Natchez, Mississippi, to investigate the murder of a teenage girl, she doesn’t suspect she’ll become the murderer’s next target. Can former a FBI sniper—and Ainsley’s former flame—overcome his past mistakes on the job in order to protect her?

 

 

 

The 4th and final book in the series is scheduled to release in 2022!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This action-packed romantic suspense novel kept me engaged and wondering what could possibly happen next for Ainsley and Lincoln (Linc). This is also a second chance romance due to their romantic past, but will it be enough?

I love when authors create a strong female lead that isn’t simpering in the corner waiting on someone else to rescue her. Ainsley is just such a character especially since she works for the Park Rangers and totes a gun. I am pretty sure she can handle just about anything that comes her way. If not, then she does have a gun that might come in handy should the situation arise.

Normally when I start reading a series, I prefer to start with the first book. I was pleased to note that the first two books in this series are about different characters and this book can be read on its own. You might have an introduction to Ainsley from a previous book, but I don’t think that will detract from reading this series out of order or even this book as a standalone novel.

There are so many storylines that intersect in this novel. There are the diaries and the secrets that they hold and why some people do not want them to come out, someone is after Ainsley but we don’t know why (at first), Linc has his own demons to battle regarding the death of a friend. We even see Ainsley and Linc work on their relationship and get through past events that caused the friction between them.

There are many lovable characters including Gran and Cora, but there are also characters that you may not like such as Sarah and J.P. Sarah is a wannabe reporter trying to make her mark, and like many journalists, doesn’t know when to keep her mouth shut to not impede an investigation. J.P. is Ainsley’s father and on the road to becoming governor and tends to think anything negative will impact his gubernatorial race. Maybe it would, but sometimes the truth shouldn’t be hidden. While I didn’t love these characters, they did add depth to the story.

This book kept me up way too late but it was worth the loss of sleep! There were some twists I didn’t expect that made the book hard to put down until I knew the truth. I will be looking to check out the first two books and can’t wait to see what is in store for the final book due out in 2022.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patricia Bradley is the author of Standoff and Obsession, as well as the Memphis Cold Case novels and Logan Point series. Bradley won an Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award in Romantic Suspense, a Daphne du Maurier Award, and a Touched by Love Award; she was a Carol Award finalist; and three of her books were included in anthologies that debuted on the USA Today bestseller list. She is cofounder of Aiming for Healthy Families, Inc., and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. Bradley makes her home in Mississippi.

 

 

  Website  *  Facebook  *  Twitter

 

 

  Amazon  *  Goodreads  *  BookBub

 

 

GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!

 

 ONE WINNER:

Full Natchez Trace Park Rangers Series,

$25 B&N Gift Card, & Vinyl Cling Sticker!

(US only; ends 11/19/2021)

 

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

 

Visit the Lone Star Literary Life Tour Page

For direct links to each post on this tour, updated daily,

or visit the blogs directly:

 

11/09/21 Excerpt Sybrina’s Book Blog
11/09/21 BONUS Promo Hall Ways Blog
11/10/21 Review It’s Not All Gravy
11/10/21 BONUS Promo LSBBT Blog
11/11/21 Guest Post Forgotten Winds
11/12/21 Review Chapter Break Book Blog
11/13/21 Deleted Scene All the Ups and Downs
11/14/21 Author Interview The Adventures of a Travelers Wife
11/15/21 Review The Clueless Gent
11/16/21 Review Jennie Reads
11/17/21 Series Spotlight StoreyBook Reviews
11/18/21 Review Reading by Moonlight

 

 

 

 

 

blog tour services provided by