kavlovestoread

Guarded by the Hero

His job is to protect her, not to fall in love with her.

Heath Mitchell learned his security skills during his time in the US Marine Corps. After spending his first few years in the civilian world as the head of security for the Freedom Ridge Resort, he’s ready to branch out and help form a security firm. Things are just getting off the ground when he meets his sister’s friend. When a hit and run breaks into their meeting, she becomes his first client instead of his girlfriend.

Claire Odom has grown accustomed to a quiet life in the small town of Freedom. The perils of her past seem long gone until they resurface when she meets Heath. Determined to protect her, he becomes her full-time bodyguard. His good looks and the security he brings make it hard for her to remember he’s only there because she hired him.

Heath and Claire grow closer as they fight to outrun their unknown enemies. Loyalties are broken, and unlikely alliances are formed as the quiet town of Freedom bands together to protect their friends this Christmas season. But is their new found love just a reaction to the fear or was it always meant to be?

Return to Freedom, Colorado and enjoy the faith, friendships, and forever-afters of the Heroes of Freedom Ridge in this Christian Christmas romance.

My Review:

published in 2021

Sigh. Yes, this is me swooning over another bodyguard romance. I do so love a damsel in distress kind of read, especially set during the holidays. Yes, I know that sounds strange…kinda creepy really, but there you have it. So this one ticked all the boxes for me.

‘Guarded by the Hero’ is the seventh book in the multi-authored ‘Heroes of Freedom Ridge’ series but it reads fine as a standalone. All the books do — they share the same town and a host of secondary characters. And some of those characters get their chance to shine in their own books. It’s fun to see some of that overlap, but it’s not necessary to fully enjoy each story. I’ve only read 4 out of 18 (!)

I found Claire really relatable — she has suffered a traumatic past (and I love the way the author gradually lets her readers into exactly what happened!) She’s a contradictory mix of fear and grit, which made for an emotional read. She’s a survivor trying her best to overcome her past until it feels like her past is about to catch up with her.

Enter Heath — ex-Marine, a skilled bodyguard starting up his own security firm. He also happens to be Claire’s best friend’s brother. And Heath’s sister isn’t afraid to try her hand at a little holiday matchmaking, especially since it’s looking like Claire could use a security detail!

This is mostly a contemporary romance but there is a hint of suspense thrown in. The threat is real, and Heath and his team are on the case which keeps our hero and heroine in close proximity at all times. Which, of course, leads to romance. Happy sigh! Along with some lovely festive touches. And a surprising twist at the end which left me with a bit of reader whiplash! All in all, a delightful holiday romance.

Rainbow’s End

Can a reclusive artist help a man who’s lost and adrift find his way home?

Broken, empty, and alone after a cross-country search for answers, Keith Michaels takes refuge with reclusive artist Jill Whelan after a sudden squall strands him on Orcas Island. But while she offers him a place to wait out the storm, she wants nothing more to do with the stranger who’s invaded her turf. Yet Keith finds unexpected solace on her isolated property, and his one-night stay turns into an extended visit after he agrees to take on a project that is near and dear to her heart.When a little boy in need enters their world, Jill and Keith join forces to help him. And along the way, might they also reconnect with life—and find healing, hope, and love at Rainbow’s End?

In this RITA award finalist novel, bestselling author Irene Hannon pens an unforgettable story that tugs at the heartstrings and demonstrates the power of love to transform lives.

My Review:

Perfect for fans of the author’s ‘Hope Harbor’ series.

‘Rainbow’s End’ was originally published in 2007 but the author has recently re-issued this timeless love story. Perfect timing for me since I missed it the first time round. And I was thrilled to find a copy on audible narrated by the amazing Therese Plummer. Sheer bibliophile bliss!

And what a story! The inspirational theme of defeating darkness with “grace and grit” infuses hope into every scene, including those fraught with despair and fear. Hannon tackles some tough topics as she takes her characters on a path toward healing…and the kind of happily ever after they thought they could never have.

Beautifully written. The kind of storytelling that makes both characters and setting come alive in a memorable way. And I got all kinds of ‘Hope Harbor’ vibes — in fact, this book made me homesick for that fictional place! I can’t help thinking that ‘Rainbow’s End’ might have been the spark way back when that grew into the phenomenal HH series. It’s definitely just as satisfying. Now I’m eager to explore more of the author’s Encore editions — and happily they are also all available on audible.

Target Acquired + Giveaway

Tough-as-nails Kenzie King has finally earned her place as a tactical medic on a SWAT team. But not everyone on the all-male team accepts her. Rumor is, she didn’t get the position because of what she could do but because of who she knew. Which means she has to work harder and longer than anyone else to prove herself.

Cole Garrison is a man with deep faith who is finally ready to settle down and build a family of his own–if he can find the right person, that is. Kenzie sure has set off his interest meter, but trouble seems to follow in her wake. Since she joined the team, someone has begun to ambush and pick off team members, one by one.

It’s all hands on deck to discover the culprit and end the killing. Can Kenzie and Cole put aside their differences and work together as a team? Or will their budding attraction be snuffed out by a sniper’s bullet?

As you’ve come to expect from bestselling author Lynette Eason’s stories, this tightly wound plot unfurls at breakneck speed and will leave you breathless.

My Review:

Totally gripping. Tension in the suspense, in the romance, in Kenzie’s personal life — all of it had me on the edge of my seat straight through to the end of ‘Target Acquired.’ (And what an apt title!)

Have you ever seen the TV show ‘Flashpoint’? It was a Canadian police procedural (2008-2012) featuring the day-to-day lives of a SWAT team that also included only one female member. Well, this novel made me nostalgic for that show. It has the same intriguing mix of personal life experiences with high octane SWAT callouts. And Eason builds it to an exquisite fever pitch of excitement. Seriously, the way she weaves everything together makes for exceptionally good reading.

I especially enjoyed the team dynamics…well, maybe ‘enjoyed’ isn’t quite the right word since Kenzie is having a hard time with some of the team’s male prejudices. They feel like her female presence is messing with their precious brotherhood dynamics. Grrrr. But she’s tough and relentless in her determination to carve out a place on the team.

And that resolve doesn’t diminish, even when she becomes a target. Lots of complicated emotional layers to delve through. Kenzie hasn’t had an easy life. Love the way Cole champions her. He’s fair and open-minded, though keeping the team working as a cohesive whole is testing his leadership skills.

And the suspense! Oy — current cases, a cold case, the attacks on Kenzie and the team — it all seems like a chaotic mess…until the author oh so cleverly begins pulling everything together and then — kapow — mind blown, gaping gobsmacked and reeling in stunned stupefaction. Just the way you want to see a suspense wind up.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of the Target Acquired, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday October 19 2024.

The Gentleman’s Confession + Giveaway

Inexperienced in love, Jemma seeks help from her best friend, Miles, unaware that he has secretly loved her for years.

Brookeside, England, 1822

Jemma Fielding has always considered herself an independent woman, but to honor her beloved grandmother’s dying wish, she makes a promise that she will marry and fall in love. To fulfill her promise, she turns to the Matchmaking Mamas Society for assistance and is paired with the charming Mr. Bentley. Though he is everything Jemma could hope for in a match, she is clueless about how to win his heart. Desperate to make a good impression, she seeks guidance from her dearest friend, Miles Jackson, a humble rector with a talent for understanding matters of the heart.

However, Miles’s secret affection for Jemma has spanned years, and teaching her to love someone else threatens to betray his own heart. Trapped by his own selfless nature, Miles fears he will never be more than a humble rector in her eyes.

Even as he gives Jemma lessons in love, Miles grapples with the challenge of convincing her that Mr. Bentley may be a perfect gentleman but he is not the perfect match for her. Will Miles’s advice in romance jeopardize their years of friendship, or will it reveal the attraction that has quietly blossomed between them, proving that this time, the Matchmaking Mamas may have made a mistake? Miles must decide if he’s brave enough to confess his feelings to Jemma before she is whisked away forever.

My Review:

Squuuueeeealllll!!! I’m in Regency heaven! Well, if you can call being rapturously tortured by a kinda/sorta love triangle heaven. It isn’t usually for me but…oh…my…word!!!!!!! Miles as the silently besotted friend, forced to assist Jemma in her bid to make herself fall in love with another man. Gasp! My emotions were in tatters for most of the book .

I have a certain fondness for brooding heroes, though I will confess wanting to throttle Miles on more than one occasion during the course of this read. He’s his own worst enemy — being all noble and vicar-ish. Bwahaha! So much of his misery is caused because he doesn’t take action so situations spiral out of control and it sent me into a tizzy of the vapours. I so needed my fainting couch to see my way safely through to this happily every after.

And while it might sound like the dreaded LT is all angst…it isn’t really because it’s obvious that Jemma and Mr. Bentley are not a good match. And, the author has written some truly hilarious scenes that make this more of a lighthearted read. Plus, I could clearly see ahead of a few of the plot twists so that provided me with a comforting safeguard and upped by bibliophile bravery so I could soldier on.

And then, oh….my….THUD…when Miles finally makes his move! Toe-curls and swoons ensued and I was one very happy reader.

I thoroughly enjoyed listening the audio edition of this novel. Mary Jane Wells and James Joseph’s performances were stellar! They captured all the angst and the humour to perfection.

Of note: This is the third book in the ‘Matchmaking Mamas’ series but can easily be read as a standalone. I haven’t read the other books…yet…and I had no problem jumping into the series here.

My thanks to the publisher, Dreamscape Select and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of the The Gentleman’s Confession, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday October 19 2024.

Christy Awards Finalists 2024 – Historical Fiction

What are the Christy Awards?

The Christy Award is destined to nurture creativity and quality in the writing and publishing of fiction written from a Christian worldview and showcase the diversity of genres. These 2024 finalists are books published in 2023.

How does this giveaway work?

You select ONE of the Historical Fiction finalists you would like to receive if your name is drawn. Mention the title in a comment. If you win that’s the book that will be sent to you. Easy Peasy. Here are the finalists. (I have provided links to my reviews of the books I have read.)

IMPORTANT TO NOTE:

Giveaway details may vary with each book (print, ebook only or winner’s choice of either, plus audible options for Canadians.) Edition availability will be noted in bold after the title/author/publisher of each entry. ALSO NOTE: Giveaway is for US and Canada OR ebook international if you have US Kindle account.

Appalachian Song by Michelle Shocklee – Tyndale House – Winner’s Choice of paperback or ebook – Bertie Jenkins has spent forty years serving as a midwife for her community in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. Out of all the mothers she’s tended, none affects her more than the young teenager who shows up on her doorstep, injured, afraid, and expecting, one warm June day in 1943. As Bertie and her four sisters tenderly nurture Songbird back to health, the bond between the childless midwife and the motherless teen grows strong. But soon Songbird is forced to make a heartbreaking decision that will tear this little family apart.

Thirty years later, the day after his father’s funeral, Walker Wylie is stunned to learn he was adopted as an infant. The famous country singer enlists the help of adoption advocate Reese Chandler in the hopes of learning why he was abandoned by his birth parents. With the only clue he has in hand, Walker and Reese head deep into the Appalachian Mountains to track down Bertie Jenkins, the midwife who holds the secrets to Walker’s past.

For fans of historical and Southern fiction comes a poignant story of love and sacrifice set in the heart of Appalachia, from award-winning author Michelle Shocklee.

https://kavsbestreads.ca/2024/03/04/appalachian-song-giveaway/

The Foxhole Victory Tour by Amy Lynn Green – Bethany House, Baker Publishing Group – Winner’s Choice of paperback or ebook – In World War II, worlds collide when performers across the United States unite to tour North Africa in a USO variety show.

Vibrant and scrappy Maggie McCleod tried not to get fired from her wartime orchestra, but she can’t keep from speaking her mind, so an overseas adventure with the USO’s camp show seems like the perfect fresh start. Wealthy and elegant Catherine Duquette signs with the USO to leave behind her restrictive life of privilege and to find out what happened to the handsome pilot whose letters mysteriously stopped arriving.

The two women are joined by an eclectic group of performers–a scheming blues singer, a veteran tap dancer, and a brooding magician–but the harmony among their troupe is shattered when their tour manager announces he will soon recommend one of them for a new job in the Hollywood spotlight. Each of the five members has a reason to want the contract, and they’ll do whatever is necessary to get it. As their troupe travels closer to combat in Tunisia, personal crises and wartime dangers only intensify, until not only their careers but also their lives are on the line.

The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt – Revell, Baker Publishing Group – Winner’s Choice of paperback or ebook – On a golden August morning in 1939, sisters Antonina and Helena Dąbrowska send their father off to defend Poland against the looming threat of German invasion. The next day, the first bombs fall on Warsaw, decimating their beloved city and shattering the world of their youth.

When Antonina’s beloved Marek is forced behind ghetto walls along with the rest of Warsaw’s Jewish population, Antonina turns her worry into action and becomes a key figure in a daring network of women risking their lives to shelter Jewish children. Helena finds herself drawn into the ranks of Poland’s secret army, joining the fight to free her homeland from occupation. But the secrets both are forced to keep threaten to tear the sisters apart–and the cost of resistance proves greater than either ever imagined.

Shining a light on the oft-forgotten history of Poland during WWII and inspired by true stories of ordinary individuals who fought to preserve freedom and humanity in the darkest of times, The Warsaw Sisters is a richly rendered portrait of courage, sacrifice, and the resilience of our deepest ties.

https://kavsbestreads.ca/2023/12/12/the-warsaw-sisters-giveaway/

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday October 19 2024 (after 12 pm) REMEMBER TO CHECK GIVEAWAY EDITION AVAILABILITY FOR EACH TITLE!

Conversations with Kav – Bell Pepper Romance?!

I was recently scrolling through my Instagram feed and I came across a post announcing an upcoming November Clean/Closed Door Romance promotion. First — I love they have coined the phrase ‘Bell Pepper Romance’ to describe these romances. I’ve always been uncomfortable with defining books as ‘clean’, ‘wholesome’, ‘sweet’ etc. Makes them sound so…well, ‘meh’. Like there won’t be any substance to the stories which is so far from the truth as these kinds of romances often deal with difficult subject matter, have emotionally layered characters and complex plots. So, Bell Pepper Romance is not only fun, but perfectly compliments its sister, ‘Spicy Romance.’ I really hope this trend catches on.

Anyway, the definition of a Bell Pepper Romance is no sex on the page and no swears….except for bible swears? I’ve never heard that term before and wonder if any of you have? I’m assuming it means words found in the bible that are generally considered as ‘mild’ cuss words? Like um, well, the other word for donkey or h-e-double hockey sticks (true confession, I’m super conservative about language as you can tell by my inability to even spell the words out here! 🙂 )

So, this got me thinking — what does ‘clean’ actually mean to you? Just the absence of physical intimacy and no crude cursing in a story? Because, that’s not what I am looking for when I am reading Christian Fiction (especially!) or a Bell Pepper Romance.

For example, if you take the biblically acceptable h-e-double hockey stick word and turn it from a place name noun into an exclamation, then it becomes swearing as far as I’m concerned. I recently read a contemporary rom/com which used that word as a form of cussing a few times and it totally took me by surprise. Enough that I won’t be reading any other books by that new-to-me author. I mean, if you’re only going to use the word a handful of times, why even bother? Surely there are other ways to show a character’s shock, dismay or other strong feeling.

And don’t get me started on using the Lord’s name in vain — another bible word that is all to often used as a curse word. I stopped reading a Historical Romance author I loved when I noticed this kind of profanity creeping into her stories more and more. I finally DNFed one where a number of male characters kept using the Lord’s name in vain…as if that was somehow an acceptable ‘clean’ alternative to coarser language. Now, this is a secular author, so totally understandable that she is fine with that type of language in her books, but it’s just not content I want to read.

So, tell me, am I too conservative? Could some of these milder examples of swearing be more acceptable in some regions/countries than in others? Or am I just a prude? (I won’t be offended if you say I am.)

And how do you source out your really, truly ‘clean’ (for lack of a better word) contemporary and historical romances? Any recommendations? I’m excited to have chance to discover new authors and books during this special November promotion…just not sure how I can avoid the ‘bible swears’.

Stay tuned for details on the Bell Pepper Romance Bookstagram Event in November!

October Giveaway – Week Two

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!

Winners will be contacted if they left their email address, otherwise it’s up to the winner to contact me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca (please note it’s ca as in Canada, not com.) From time to time a winner and I do not connect so I have a one month time frame on giveaway wins. If I haven’t been able to reach you within 30 days of your win, it will be forfeited. This has happened a few times now, so please, DON’T BE SHY — CONTACT ME IF YOU DIDN’T LEAVE AN EMAIL OR IF I HAVEN’T BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN REACHING YOU!

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK:

Please remember to check giveaway details (paperback, ebook, either/or, gently read etc.) each day as they will vary and check for the ‘+ giveaway’ notice added after the title . Titles without that addition are review only.

SUNDAY

I’m starting a new feature on the blog — Conversations with Kav – (catchy, right? she says, rolling her eyes) Anyway — just a place for us to chat about bookish topics if anyone is so inclined. 🙂 Sometimes there will be giveaways, sometimes there won’t. It will just depend on the topic of the day. Hope to see you there! Otherwise my inner book nerd and I will carry on by ourselves. Bwahaha!

A Merry Little Murder Plot

‘Tis the season in Briar Creek, and this year festivities become fatalities in the newest Library Lover’s Mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of Fatal First Edition.

During the most wonderful time of the year, famous author Helen Monroe arrives in Briar Creek to be the writer in residence, but her “bah humbug” attitude excludes her from the many holiday celebrations the town residents enjoy. To try to spread some Christmas cheer, library director Lindsey Norris invites the new writer in residence to join her crafternoon club. Helen politely refuses and when an altercation happens between Helen and another patron, Lindsey begins to suspect the author has been keeping to herself for a reason.

Another newcomer, Jackie Lewis, reveals she’s visiting Briar Creek to be near Helen because she believes they are destined to meet. Having dealt with a stalker in the past, Lindsey feels compelled to tell Helen about Jackie, as she suspects that Helen is unaware her “number one” fan is in town.

When Jackie’s body is later discovered in the town park beneath the holiday-light display with a copy of Helen’s latest manuscript in her hand, the reclusive novelist becomes the prime suspect in the murder of her self-proclaimed mega-fan. Helen’s frosty demeanor melts when Lindsey offers her help, and now the librarian and her crafternoon pals must prove the author innocent before “The End” becomes Helen’s final sentence.

My Review:

The ‘Library Lover’s Mystery’ series is one of my all time favourites. The books include the perfect blend of cozy and mystery along with a couple of delightful romances. And this book, #15 (!) showcases all the things I love about this series. So, yes, it’s best to read the books in order due to the phenomenal character growth and relationship developments. Plus the small town vibes are all kinds of sweet perfection — not to mention the library programming! I so want to be a Crafternooner!

There’s a wonderful mix of holiday, humour and mystery in ‘A Merry Little Murder Plot’ (clever title, by the way.) As Library Director, Lindsey has her hands full with a number of unexpected developments at this most wonderful time of the year…like a dead body. Because nothing says Merry Christmas quite like murder and mayhem! Bwahahaha!

Love the way the author fleshes out the secondary characters. There are layered complexities to each of them, which makes armchair sleuthing both fun and challenging. And, goodness, but did she ever get my emotions fired up as I was drawn into the mystery. Love, love, love becoming wholly immersed in a story and it’s so easy to do that when Jenn McKinlay is doing the writing.

Loved the sweet romantical bits included in this story. Not over done, so if you’re not a romance fan, you won’t mind a bit. But, I live for those tender little nods to a certain couple’s happily ever after so I was blissfully happy. Merry Christmas to me!

I enjoyed listening to the audio edition of ‘A Merry Little Murder Plot’. Narrator Allyson Ryan does such a fantastic job creating distinctive voices for these characters and she’s part of the reason I choose to listen to the books in this series rather then read them. It’s a special kind of homecoming when I settle in to start a new audiobook and hear her voice coaxing me back to Briar Creek.

My thanks to Dreamscape Media and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

A Not So Holiday Paradise + Giveaway

Things you bring on a desert island…

1) Sunscreen, obviously. Because these Irish freckles of mine will burn, baby, burn, and lobster red is not a great color on me.
2) An extra dose of my seizure meds, just in case.
3) A backpack full of snacks, including but not limited to a canteen of Dr. Pepper, a box of mini Christmas cookies, and granola bars—the gross crumbly kind, not the chocolate chip kind, because I’m trying to be healthy.
4) Sunglasses, so that when I inevitably wind up staring at my brother’s best friend—who I haven’t seen in years—no one will be able to tell. I’ve been in love with him forever, but it would never work out; he lives on a literal island, while I’m still in grad school. It can’t hurt to look, though, right?
5) Also bug spray.

My packing list is all well and good for a quick port excursion as part of my family’s Christmas cruise. But when the cruise ship leaves me behind, with only the contents of my bag and my brother’s best friend to keep me company? Well, I’ve got problems—especially since I’m going to run out of medicine soon. And I don’t think they make sunscreen strong enough to block the sparks that are growing between Beckett and me…

My Review:

This was my second Gracie Ruth Mitchell book and I’ve just finished another one because…new favourite author alert! Scrambling now to read through her back list. Love her unique brand of humour and the way she delivers believable characters with realistic backstories and then plops them into the middle of comedic mayhem. So. Much. Fun.

So we have Molly heading out on a Christmas cruise with her family and they meet up with her brother’s best friend who is working in the Virgin Islands. Of course, things go awry and Molly finds herself stranded with Beckett…in paradise. Eeeeeppp!!! But there are complications — of course!

Molly has had a secret crush on Beckett forever. He’s never seen her as anything but his best friend’s kid sister. Until she steps off the ship and rocks his carefully curated world. She’s not ‘Baby O’Malley’ any more but he doesn’t do relationships and her brother has warned him off so…

Eeeeppp — major grumpy/sunshine trope with a whole lot of heart. Loved Molly’s POV — all sass and snark punctuated with poignant introspection. And Beckett is the classic introverted grump. Talk about clashing personalities! But Molly is up to the challenge of getting Beckett to crack a smile now and again. The banter is priceless and I love the way the romantic tension slowly builds as the story progresses. Toe-curling perfection.

I really appreciate the epilepsy representation in this story. Molly’s overall attitude and the way she views herself, especially regarding how her condition could affect a potential relationship with Beckett, was so raw and real and emotional. The author really put her heart into developing Molly’s character and it shows. Brilliantly done.

And look no further then Beckett for book boyfriend material…even if his attention is given grudgingly at first. There’s no denying the sizzling attraction he feels for Molly, though he gives it an epic try! Which leads to some great comedic moments. But, oh my…when he gets all intensely tender and protective…be still my heart. Thud!

I listened to the audio edition of ‘A Not-So Holiday Paradise’ and thoroughly enjoyed the performances of Rylee Kuberra and John Rogers. They nailed Molly and Beckett’s personalities and increased my appreciation for these characters and their story. Highly recommend the audio edition of this book.

My thanks to the Dreamscape Select and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY

ebook copy available to anyone with a US Kindle account (.com)

Canadians will have a choice of receiving an Amazon.ca gift card towards the purchase of an ebook OR an audible copy. Winner’s Choice.

If you would like a chance to win an ecopy of A Not-So Holiday Paradise, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday October 12 2024.

Over the Edge + Giveaway

Trauma survivor Lindsey Barnes hasn’t fully recovered from the ordeal that almost took her life, and now she’s in the middle of another crisis. Not only is she the sole witness in a high-profile murder case, but someone is also pushing her to question her sanity.

Police detective Jack Tucker doesn’t know what to make of her story, especially when her elusive enemy leaves no evidence behind to lend credence to her claims. Yet the more he gets to know the appealing personal chef, the more he’s convinced someone is targeting not only her sanity, but her life.

And unless they can figure out who is behind the campaign to undermine her credibility, a murderer could slip away–leaving more than one body in his or her wake.

With her signature spellbinding style, the bestselling and award-winning “queen of inspirational romantic suspense” (Library Journal) delivers another riveting tale that will keep you turning pages long into the night.

My Review:

Whoa! That was just…I don’t even have the words. Spellbinding? Thrilling? Compelling? Unputdownable? Those all might be true but they are so inadequate to describe how I feel about this book.

I mean, the way Hannon incorporated a creepy mind games factor into the suspense plot was diabolical! And upped the tension and my engagement to such a level that this became a compulsive read (well, listen) for me. (True confession: I might have notched the audio speed up to 3x at the climatic end just to see it through asap and then I backtracked and listened to it again at my regular speed — once I caught my breath and got my heart rate back down to normal.)

This author’s writing is pure magic. The way she delves into complex back stories — not only of her main characters but secondary ones as well– is phenomenal. She makes me care about all of them to the point I feel like they are real people and worry over every little detail of their lives. Keeps me totally invested in the story.

And the (shudder) glimpses into the villain’s point of view — the way she slowly adds small details that might possible be clues to their identity — masterfully done. Kept me on tenterhooks all the way through. I had my suspicions and ended up with three possible suspects…and one of them was kinda sorta right, but not really. Ha! You’ll just have to read this book to understand how that can even be possible.

I listened to the audible edition of ‘Over the Edge’ because: narrator extraordinaire, Therese Plummer. Her stellar performances are not to be missed. She is often the deciding factor between buying a paperback or an audio book for me. And she makes relistening to my fave authors’ stories that much more enticing.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of the Over the Edge, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday October 12 2024.