Tag: Romantic Suspense

Track of Courage + Giveaway

A hijacked plane. A pursuing killer. And a K9’s instinct to help them make it out alive.

Pop Singer Keely Williams’s search for her biological mother in Alaska has been painfully unsuccessful. Now she just wants to escape this wild frontier and never look back. But when her plane is hijacked, she’s suddenly plunged into a race against not only an Alaska blizzard but also a killer who’s on her tail. 

After a career-ending injury, ex-cop Dawson Mulligan has only one friend–Caspian, the stray dog he adopted. Dawson just wants to figure out how to get his life on track, but during a flight home to Copper Mountain, he spots a downed plane and stops to help. Except when his not-a-rescue dog runs off into the woods and discovers the trail of a missing survivor, it’s up to the former cop to stage a rescue.

But Dawson has no idea he’s being pulled into a deadly pursuit, or that Caspian is more than he seems. There might be redemption and second chances waiting for both Dawson and Keely if they have the courage to face their wounded pasts and fight for their future. 

Join master storyteller Susan May Warren for a propulsive ride through the Alaskan wilderness, where love might be the riskiest–and most rewarding–adventure of all. 

Prepare to experience edge-of-your-seat action combined with heart-stirring romance and heroic K9 companions in this exhilarating romantic suspense that will thrill fans of Lynette Eason and Elizabeth Goddard.

My Review:

Whoa! When you’re reading a Susan May Warren novel keep in mind that it ain’t over until it’s over! My whiplash has whiplash after all those plot twists! Be forewarned, this is the the kind of compulsive read that’s hard (impossible) to put down!

While this author excels at writing riveting action scenes, she’s also brilliant at creating stories with emotional depth and unapologetic spirituality. I’m not sure which I enjoy more — having my tummy tied in knots because of physical danger or the emotional kind! Makes for a thrilling read either way!

And such relatable characters (Dawson and Keely’s fraught romance had me in tears at the end.) But there are also cameos from some favourite heroes and heroines from previous series. Warren expertly weaves them into the story in such a way that it’s not confusing for newbie readers. Mind you, if you are an avid Warren fan, you will thrill on repeat all the way through to the end. Love the homecoming feel that brings to the story.

And the Alaska wilderness setting is a character all on its own. Stunning descriptions engaged all my senses and I came away feeling a bit frostbitten a time or two. Helped that I read ‘Track of Courage’ during a blizzard. Talk about perfect mood reading!

I listened to the audio edition narrated by Brian Hutchison and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. As a rule, I prefer female narrators mostly because I find male narrators have a hard time creating the right tone of voice for female characters. They either all sound grandmotherly or cartoonishly dramatic. Not so in this case. Hutchison manages to soften his voice in such a way that it’s evident a woman is speaking without creating a high-pitch falsetto that’s hard to take seriously. So a five star performance and I’m adding him to my ‘optimum listening experience’ list for future reference.

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – ebook or audible — winner’s choice

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Track of Courage, 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 January 10 2026.

Hunting a Killer + Giveaway

Digging up past secrets puts a K-9 team in the line of fire.

During an investigation into a series of homicides, FBI agent Finn McDaniel is unexpectedly attacked, and a blow to the head leaves him with amnesia. Left for dead, he’s discovered by cadaver dog Cipher and her handler, search and rescue specialist Jordyn Williams — who is also Finn’s missing sister’s best friend. As Finn and Jordyn work to recover his crucial memories, they unearth evidence that links his sister’s disappearance to the killings. When the body of the latest victim is found, can they stop the murderer from striking again…or will their pursuit place them directly in the enemy’s crosshairs?

My Review:

I’m a cautious fan of the amnesia trope because — love it when thoughtfully plotted and abhor it when the story relies on trite cliches. Happy to say Sarah Varland did an amazing job incorporating Finn’s amnesia into this story. Believable, intriguing and whoa, but did it ever add to the suspense! That opening scene when he…ack, I can’t say what happens but…yikes, I was on tenterhooks for the rest of the read. Well played, Sarah Varland, well played indeed.

I love a good K-9 story and cadaver dog Cipher is a devoted floof with stellar instincts. Her human search-and-rescue partner is pretty nifty too. And brave. Searching the wilderness for human remains takes grit and stamina and Jordyn has both in spades. But a routine search morphs into chaos when Cipher leads her to an unconscious Finn. And then things get really complicated.

Loved the edginess to both the suspense and the romance. Finn and Jordyn have both struggled in the aftermath of his sister’s (her best friend’s) disappearance and that makes for a messy reunion. So lots of emotional stuff to work out while they try to figure out if the current missing person is related to their cold case. Absolutely riveting from start to finish!

I listened to the audio edition of ‘Hunting a Killer’ expertly narrated by Cindy Kay. I’ve added her to my ‘must listen’ narrator list. I love the way she breathes life into a story and conveys emotional tension with her voice. Makes for an incredibly great listening experience!

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Please note: this book doesn’t release until January 27 so the winner will have to be patient and accept an IOU until then. 🙂

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – paperback, ebook or audible — winner’s choice

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Hunting a Killer, 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 January 10 2026

Detecting Deadly Threats + Giveaway

With ruthless criminals closing in,
this K-9 is on a mission to defend.

Amateur photographer Lauren Hollander narrowly escapes a kidnapping attempt—moments before a disastrous earthquake rocks her small town, destroying her store. She’s saved from the rubble by Zachery Kimball and his search and rescue K-9, Ranger. Someone is determined to get to Lauren—but who, and why? Is it tied to her brother’s criminal past? Or are the culprits after the pictures on her camera? Under Zach and Ranger’s protection, Lauren races to discover the truth behind all the attacks. But as the danger escalates, can they survive long enough to untangle the mystery that’s putting their lives on the line?

My Review:

I love a good K-9 hero in a romantic suspense and Ranger fits the trope perfectly. He’s trained in search and rescue but his side hustle seems to be protection!

Carol J. Post delivers thrilling intensity from the earth shattering (pun intended) opening scene through all the hair raising ones that follow. I love it when I’m kept on the edge throughout the read and the author delivered that in both the suspense and the romance departments. I had so many questions! So many theories (that got wilder, the deeper I got into the story!) I was totally off base on so many accounts, but it was fun trying my hand at armchair sleuthing. Love the way the romance gradually builds in the midst of the chaos, providing sweet pockets of respite from all that intensity.

I listened to the audio edition of ‘Detecting Deadly Threats‘ narrated by Emma Lysy . She is becoming a familiar voice and I appreciate the talent she brings to every performance. From characters to pacing, Lysy captured the heart of the story which increased my enjoyment of this compelling romantic suspense.

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – paperback, ebook or audible — winner’s choice

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Detecting Deadly Threats, 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 December 20 2025

Out of Time + Giveaway

For historical anthropologist Cara Tucker, the chance to spend a sabbatical semester on a remote country estate–with full access to its vast library and centuries-old journals–is a dream come true . . . until a series of strange incidents begin to turn her dream into a nightmare. Someone, it seems, does not want anyone diving into the past and unearthing old ghosts.
  
Sheriff Brad Adams has seen his share of suspicious activities during his law enforcement career, but what’s happening at the isolated estate is out-of-pattern in his quiet, rural Missouri county. Beset by danger, Cara and Brad work together to try to untangle the clues. But when the peril turns lethal, the situation takes on a new urgency, and their mission is Find out who is behind the string of menacing incidents before the perpetrator strikes another deadly blow.  
  
Hannon presents another page-turning thriller in Out of Time where danger lurks in every shadow.

My Review:

Eeeeppp!!! So excited that my audible copy of the third book in the ‘Undaunted Courage‘ series finally arrived! There was a delay in the audio book release so I had an extra two months to anticipate. It was excruciating, but so worth it because Therese Plummer’s narrations amplify my enjoyment of Irene Hannon’s stories. Her performance delivers all the emotion and tension and taut action scenes in such a captivating way. And all the characters have distinctive voices. That Hannon/Plummer combination held me enthralled once again. Well worth the delay!

So, a romantic suspense with a whole lot of heart and nuggets of faith threaded throughout. Exactly what I’ve come to expect from this author’s novels. Characters with emotional depth and the kind of mystery with enough suspects to make things interesting and plenty of twists along the way. Kept me on the edge of my sleuthing armchair! And the romance has a gentle, slow build that was so satisfying to read!

‘Out of Time’ brings the ‘Undaunted Courage’ series to an outstanding close.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – ebook or audible — winner’s choice

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Out of Time, 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 December 20 2025

Prowl

Prowl, the second book in USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble’s Sanctuary series (following Ambush), delivers exactly what her fans the ideal blend of suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat with just the right amount of romance. Perfect for fans of Laura Dave, Allison Brennan, and Dani Pettrey.

When a worker at the Sanctuary is discovered dead in the tiger enclosure, authorities assume the big cat killed her. But when the autopsy shows she was killed by a lethal dose of anesthetic delivered by a tranquilizer gun, suspicion falls on Blake Lawson, co-owner of the Sanctuary. Blake has his hands full trying to clear his name as well as get the Sanctuary finances back in the black. When a soil test turns up traces of rare earth, he’s even more puzzled. Is someone trying to run them out of business to get to whatever is under the ground?

Meanwhile, wildlife veterinarian Paradise Alden is determined to find the brother she only recently learned even existed. When the results of the DNA test she ran mysteriously disappear from her portal before she can read them, she realizes someone must not want her to know the truth. A break-in at her new apartment is alarming, but she tries to pass it off as someone trying to scare her away. She refuses to turn tail and run when she is desperate for answers.

For Blake, the only solid ground is his relationship with Paradise, and he longs to propose–but how can they even think about starting a life together with so many forces working against them?

Colleen Coble’s Prowl combines gripping suspense with closed-door romance and includes intriguing mysteries from both the past and present, sabotage and danger, second-chance romance, found family, and themes of overcoming pain and how the past doesn’t have to define you.

My Review:

What a gripping continuation of the Sanctuary series! A delicious mix of mystery and suspense along with eerie stalker vibes. Love the maturing relationship between Paradise and Blake. They’ve come a long way since the first book but still struggle to let go of control on opposing issues. He’s determinedly protective while she’s fiercely independent. I enjoyed watching them lovingly battle it out to find a middle ground.

The wildlife sanctuary setting and the challenges it is facing provides such a compelling backdrop to the drama of the suspense. So many plot twists and side threads kept me on edge and gasping out loud in places. And that stalker vibe? Seriously creepy!

Definitely a series that needs to be read in order due to the continuation of some of the suspense, Paradise’s family history and, of course, the romance. Plus it was such a joy to meet up again with some of the favourite secondary characters we met in the first book.

I listened to the audio edition narrated by Karen Peake. I enjoyed her performance, especially they way she infuses each character with their unique personalities and she is particularly talented at creating believable children’s voices which is a huge plus. This one is a great option for audio book connoisseurs looking for a compelling ‘read’.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson, Zonervan Fiction Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.

Hooked + Giveaway

Lexi Martin thought the Outer Banks would be a refuge—an escape from her anxiety and the ache of long-distance love. A place of peace carried in on the familiar Hatteras tides.

But then the messages begin. An anonymous admirer. Photographs taken too close for comfort. Someone is watching. Someone who always seems one step ahead.

At the same time, an old friend steps back into her life. His steady presence stirs up the past, forcing Lexi to face memories she thought she’d buried.

Danger escalates and now Lexi is caught between a secret relationship, a stalker in the shadows, and her brother’s best friend. As the secrets multiply and fear threatens to consume her, she questions who she can really trust and whether she can rediscover the faith she’s long abandoned.

Because the stalker isn’t just watching anymore—he’s setting the hook.

A Note From Kav:

Eeeeppp!!! Debut Author Alert!!! Mark contacted me with the info that his niece is releasing her first romantic suspense novel and I am thrilled to be a part of the reader welcoming committee! Stephanie Sanders’ novel debuts on December 2 and has a prestigious endorsement:

“Hooked by Stephanie Sanders lives up to its title. The compelling suspense and relatable characters reeled me in and left me gasping with surprise. Highly recommended! Don’t miss this debut by an outstanding new suspense author.”
– COLLEEN COBLE, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author.

I haven’t read Hooked yet but you bet I will once the paperback becomes available in Canada. In the meantime, Mark has graciously agreed to review the book and host a US giveaway and I’ll host a Canada/International giveaway so stay tuned!

Mark’s Review:

This is a book I am excited to review. It is the debut Christian suspense novel by my oldest niece. I admit to being a bit nervous when I read it. What if it wasn’t that great…..how would I handle that?

But my worries were needless. Stephanie has written a great suspense novel that will leave the reader anticipating the next book in this proposed trilogy.

Hooked is a stalker story, and I love a good stalker story. In addition to the great suspense aspect of the book, the author addresses anxiety, which is something the heroine of the story deals with.

A secret possessive boyfriend, an overprotective older brother, a former crush, and a creepy stalker all combined make this a must read. I am already anticipating the next book in the series.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – Mark is offering two giveaways – winner’s choice of paperback or ebook

Canada – (from Kav) ebook copy

International –(from Kav) ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Hooked,  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 November 29 2025

Two help tally entries, please include your country in your comment or email.

Christmas K-9 Patrol

The holidays take a threatening turn…
in these riveting Dakota K-9 Unit novellas.

With a bounty on tech analyst Cheyenne Chen’s life, officer Jack Donadio and his K-9 partner safeguard her from hired assassins in Lynette Eason’s Deadly Christmas Trap. Only, when their hideout is discovered, they must uncover the mastermind—and a lethal holiday plot. And in Lenora Worth’s Dangerous Holiday Manhunt, a snowstorm traps US Marshal Lorelai Danvers on Drake Corbin’s ranch—where a dangerous fugitive is hiding. But can she trust Drake to help her catch a murderer…when his secrets make them a target?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

My Review:

‘Deadly Christmas Trap‘ is Classic Eason. She manages to pack so much into this novella that it has the same kind of impact as one of her full-length novels. There’s depth in characterization and an intense plot that kept me engaged right through to the end and I consumed it all in one compulsive listen!

Cindy Kay is a veteran audio narrator and it shows in the way she delivers Cheyenne and Jack’s story with intensity and emotion. A thoroughly enjoyable and attention grabbing performance.

Lenora Worth’s ‘Dangerous Holiday Manhunt’ is an intense, gripping, edge-of-your-seater. I don’t think I breathed until the final takedown! Love how capable and dedicated and no-nonsense Lorelai is and her Australian Sheepdog K-9 partner certainly earned his stripes! Drake is just as dedicated since he has a personal vendetta with the villain and though he’s also capable, emotions tend to cloud his judgement. Love the way this hero and heroine wrangle their way through problems and set backs with grudging respect and a definite spark of romance.

I enjoyed listening to Callie Beaulieu’s narration. She’s become a familiar voice in my audio book ‘reading’ and always delivers a captivating listen.

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

Deadly Christmas Trap

The holidays take a threatening turn…
in this riveting Dakota K-9 Unit novella.

With a bounty on tech analyst Cheyenne Chen’s life, officer Jack Donadio and his K-9 partner safeguard her from hired assassins in Lynette Eason’s Deadly Christmas Trap. Only, when their hideout is discovered, they must uncover the mastermind—and a lethal holiday plot.

My Review:

Classic Eason. She manages to pack so much into this novella that it has the same kind of impact as one of her full-length novels. There’s depth in characterization and an intense plot that kept me engaged right through to the end and I consumed it all in one compulsive listen!

Cindy Kay is a veteran audio narrator and it shows in the way she delivers Cheyenne and Jack’s story with intensity and emotion. A thoroughly enjoyable and attention grabbing performance.

This novella comes at the tail end of the Dakota K-9 Unit multi-authored continuity series but it can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone. While members of the team do play supporting roles, this is very much Jack and Cheyenne’s story – a friends to more romance that has been percolating on the back burner for months. It takes a diabolical villain and a few near death experiences to shake some romantical sense into this hero and heroine which makes for an exhilarating read!

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

Side note for blog followers: ‘Deadly Christmas Trap’ is part of a two novella collection releasing in paperback at the end of November (Christmas K-9 Patrol, which includes a novella written by Lenora Worth.) I’ll be reviewing that book next week. It looks like Christmas K-9 Patrol is being released in paperback, ebook and audio editions while each novella is also being released independently as an audio book. Kinda strange but also interesting. 🙂

Trail of Mountain Secrets + Giveaway

A case of mistaken identity.
A K-9 to the rescue.

Park archaeologist Violet Hoyt’s wilderness search for a missing family’s remains takes a deadly turn when a gunman mistakes her for someone else. The discovery of a grave of skulls reopens a cold case, and someone is determined to keep the truth hidden. With the help of K-9 handler Maverick Shaw and his human-remains-detector dog, Wolf, Violet must find the final family member—and evade the masked man who has targeted her. Soon Violet learns a shocking secret. She has a presumed dead twin sister who may still be alive, and now they’re both in danger. Can Violet and Maverick expose a conspiracy before this Christmas becomes their last?

My Review:

A thrilling game of cat and mouse through the snowy Alberta wilderness is just the kind of adrenaline rush of a read I was looking for as I hunker down for the first winter storm of the season. Talk about atmospheric inside and out!

Turner knows how to plot a tense suspense and this one holds more than a few surprises. I had my suspicions about suspects and accomplices but only one of them came true. Love when a suspense keeps me on my toes all the way through to the end!

I enjoyed the ‘kinda’ second chance romance aspect of Violet and Maverick’s love story. They were friends in college, though both were harbouring secret crushes, but a tragic incident shattered their world before either could make a move. Now, years later, they meet again in a high stakes situation and it’s time to face the past and look toward a future…if they can just evade Violet’s lethal stalker!

As always, the K-9 aspects of the story thrilled me. Wolf is a human-remains detection dog but easily doubles as a fearless protector and comfort cuddler too! Plus he has some nifty tricks he gets to show off during the course of a tense few days which made the take-down scenes all the more exciting!

I enjoyed listening to the audio edition of ‘Trail of Mountain Secrets’ and Lenor A. Woodworth’s engaging narration added an extra dimension to my enjoyment of this riveting romantic suspense.

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook

Canada – paperback, ebook or audible — winner’s choice

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Trail of Mountain Secrets,  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 November 1 2025

Final Approach

The suspect list is growing…
Can this K-9 team unmask a killer?

Investigating a gun smuggling ring leads ATF Special Agent Daniel Slater to a murder victim’s house—and right into a drive-by shooting. With his K-9 partner, Dakota, he helps save crime scene investigator Aurora Martin from flying bullets. But there are no clues as to why Aurora is a target. Suspecting a case of mistaken identity, Daniel insists she will be safe hiding out at his home—until gunmen infiltrate the property. Now, to protect Aurora, Daniel must hunt down their attacker. But can he catch the culprit in time…or will this case be Aurora’s last?

My Review:

Woohoo! Epic takedown and superb ending to the Dakota K-9 multi-authored eight book series! Loved the way everything all comes together in ‘Final Showdown’ – and what an apt title! I’m totally a fan of a Great Dane K-9 officer! Dakota is equal parts committed guardian and fierce protector. And the instant attraction between Daniel and Aurora satisfied my romance loving heart. They are thrown together under extraordinary circumstances and there’s some fun snark (courtesy of Aurora) and banter and a whole lot of intrigue and danger before they can even dream of a happily ever after.

I’ll be honest and say that I do feel this story reads best if you are familiar with a few of the earlier books since it brings almost the whole team together as they finally bring a difficult case to a successful close. You could read it as a standalone but I think you’ll appreciate this ‘grand finale’ so much more if you have been with the team for at least part of the journey.

I really enjoyed listening to the audible edition narrated by Sharon Schnaubelt. She did a great job with all these characters and keeping pace with the exhilarating plot!