Tag: Romantic Suspense

Deadly Conclusion + Giveaway

random retro read

In the thrilling conclusion of the “Deadly Secrets” series, dog trainer Keely Lambert breaks in Titan, a new shepherd, during a rescue mission to find little Conner Wells. Aided by childhood friend, Beau Gardner of the TBI and Conner’s uncle, Keely finds the boy deep inside Beaman Park.

But Conner is not all that Keely found. On the way back to the welcome center, she notices something sticking out of the dirt―the military dog tags of her father who disappeared more than two decades before.

The discovery sets Keely on a hunt to unearth her father’s killer, only to be thwarted by multiple setbacks…

Of note: I edited out the last paragraph of the synopsis found on Good Reads because it literally outlines major key points of the plot — major spoiler!! So don’t read it if you want to enjoy the plot twists as they come up during your read!

My Review:

published in 2022

A riveting conclusion to the aptly titled “Deadly Secrets” series. No worries if you haven’t read the first two books though, Deadly Conclusion reads very well as a standalone. There are some familiar faces from previous books that crop up in this one, but written in such a way that newcomers to the series won’t feel lost. And no spoilers, well other then the heroes and heroines of previous stories achieve their happily ever afters!

I love that the romance/suspense ratio is about fifty/fifty in this last book. Much more romance than the previous ones. Conner and Keely have a past (the teenage angst kind) but that is quickly sorted in a mature, we are a decade older and wiser kind of way that I appreciated. From there, renewed friendship grows into the hope of recapturing what they lost. Sweet and tender with plenty of friendly banter, their love story lightens the grim reality of the grittier suspense elements. Harris also creates an extra level of depth as both Conner and Keely grapple with real life faith issues that both challenge and convict.

Excellent tension building surrounding the cold case and the danger Keely faces. There’s a realistic sense of ‘hurry up and wait’ about the police procedural side of the investigation, which was refreshing and played into that aforementioned tension. And I loved the inclusion of the K-9s which always add an extra thrill to any suspense read (for me, anyway!)

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

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

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Deadly Conclusion 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 March 21 2026

Raging Waters + Giveaway

As the dam crumbles and water sweeps across the terrain, their battle for justice and survival is just beginning.

When Mackenzie Bardine’s brother Aaron was murdered in a drug deal gone wrong, she started a true crime podcast dedicated to exposing “Bullseye,” the drug kingpin responsible. But her protective heart has never let go of the blame she places on herself and Aaron’s best friend, Gideon Landry. On the run to the wilds of Washington to chase a recent lead, she meets none other than Gideon himself.

While conducting a wilderness survival class in remote Washington, Gideon never expected to cross paths with Mackenzie, and he’s certainly not interested in helping her after he’s already declined to participate in her vigilante podcasting. He carries a mountain of guilt about Aaron’s fatal choices, but not for the reasons she suspects.

As killers begin to circle Mackenzie, it’s clear to Gideon she’s in over her head, and in light of his troubled past with her brother, he can’t bring himself to ignore her perilous situation. Then a flood threatens the town, turning their investigation into a race to escape the raging waters and the wrath of a powerful kingpin who wants to sink them both.

My Review:

Another enthralling adventure/suspense from one of my fave authors. The addition of our hero and heroine battling the elements as well as relentless villains adds so much intensity to this romantic suspense. Mentink’s descriptions are phenomenal, made me feel cold and wet and bruised and ready to drop right along with Mackenzie and Gideon! This author is not always kind to her characters…at least, not until the very end, so you might want to grab a comfy blanket and a warm beverage before your curl up with ‘Raging Waters.‘ Just a friendly readerly recommendation. 🙂

Gotta love a wilderness survival expert hero who comes equipped with a Mary Poppins-esque backpack! As well as some personal history that’s adding extra weight to his load. I loved Gideon instantly…Mackenzie not so much. Her “stubborn, mercurial, maddening” personality took some getting used to. Obsession has clouded her judgement and she’s skirting the fine line between justice and revenge, but oh my, is her personal journey inspiring!

And that’s partly because of Gideon as he gently but unapologetically forces her to face some hard truths. These two have a history — non romantic — but the relationship was severed after the tragic death of MacKenzie’s brother. He was also Gideon’s best friend and these two dealt with their grief and the brutal reality of murder in very different ways.

Fast forward two years and their ‘chance’ meeting in the Washington wilderness triggers a series of events that throws them together no matter how hard Mackenzie tries to evade Gideon. Though reluctant, his innate protector radar is on full alert and he has every intention “to be a barnacle on her back” until the bitter end.

Action and adventure ensue and draw them together as they fight for survival and truth. All while a dangerous criminal king pin closes in. Buckle up for lots of tension and hair-raising, edge-of-your-seat moment, thankfully punctuated by Mentink’s trademark humour to relieve some of the stress.

A riveting addition to the “Elements of Danger” series (easily read as a standalone though) and now I’m wondering what’s next. Please say this series will continue!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – ebook or audible — winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Raging Waters 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 March 21 2026

Deadly Connection

random retro read

Will they uncover the secrets between them before it becomes deadly?

After fending off a would-be abductor, 27-year-old singer-songwriter Hannah Cassidy hides behind a car in the half-empty parking lot behind Pancake Pantry in Nashville. From there, she watches in horror as her attacker grabs another woman and pushes her into a nearby car. Within seconds, the vehicle speeds away.

TBI Special Agent Jake Matheson may have planned a quiet day off and a date with Shannon―the only name her online profile revealed―for an introductory lunch, but after pulling into a parking space on 21st Avenue South, he hears a scream. He races to the back of the building and finds a frightened young woman bent forward and gasping for breath.

Thrown together by uncanny circumstances and driven by the whys and what-ifs of secrets yet to be revealed, Hannah and Jake set out to find the connection between them before it becomes deadly.

My Review:

published in 2021

Fraught with danger, taut with emotion, ‘Deadly Connection’ takes off at a breakneck speed that set my heart racing. Gripping doesn’t begin to describe this romantic suspense!

The author is an expert at plotting and pacing, making her stories impossible to put down. I love the way she builds up the suspense with equal parts action/danger and police procedural. We even get some villain POV scenes which were eye-opening and gobsmacking!

Hannah and Jake’s developing relationship brings a nice respite from all that edginess. They are both cautious, even wary, and I loved watching them work through their own personal issues in order to be supportive to one another. Faith plays a part in their struggles, as Harris deftly weaves inspirational elements throughout their story.

A gripping romantic suspense that made an emotional impact.

Last to Fall + Giveaway

Bronwyn Pierce has poured everything into The Haven, her family’s exclusive mountain resort in Gossamer Falls. But when financial discrepancies surface and the numbers suggest something far darker than simple mismanagement, she’s forced to call on the one person with the skills to help Mo Quinn, a former Army Intelligence officer, her first love, and the last person she ever wanted to trust again. 

Mo has spent years avoiding the woman he once loved and the secrets that tore them apart. But when Bronwyn calls, he can’t walk away–especially when it’s clear someone wants her gone for good. As they dig deeper into the treacherous motives behind a blackmail scheme, their proximity reignites long-buried feelings neither of them is ready to face. And when the evidence points to an unexpected culprit, Mo faces an impossible trust the proof in front of him or trust his heart.

With danger closing in and no one else to turn to, Bronwyn and Mo must break years of silence to uncover who’s trying to destroy The Haven. They’ll have to risk everything–including their hearts–to expose the truth before it’s too late.

Lynn H. Blackburn skillfully draws you into a thrilling plot taut with gripping suspense and romantic tension that will have you turning pages long into the night.

My Review:

Seems like I’ve been waiting for Mo and Bronwyn’s story forever! I am totally invested in all the characters of this series but the author has been teasing us with Mo and Bronwyn from the very start. At least, it feels that way! And now it’s finally time for them to sort out their differences and see a way forward to a happily ever after…together! Only, of course, it isn’t quite that simple.

For starters they have been at odds for years after betrayal (on both their parts) severed their relationship while they were still in their teens. But they share this awesome found family made up of brothers/sisters/cousins of two feuding families so they can’t completely avoid each other. Ah – the delicious romantic tension that is finally released in this third Gossamer Falls novel. (Picture me doing my bibliophile happy dance all the way through to the end.)

So, third in a series which can be read as a standalone. The author does a really good job of involving multiple characters and sharing pertinent parts of the family dynamics so that it’s easy for Gossamer Falls newbies to follow BUT that comes with a few spoilers too. My recommendation is to read the books in order and bask in all the wondiferous glory that comes from Blackburn’s storytelling.

I really love the way the author develops both the romance and the suspense in ‘Last to Fall.’ It seems unhurried and yet every scene counts and builds on previous ones while foreshadowing catastrophic deception ahead. I was on the edge of my seat the entire read and sometimes, I honestly had to stop and take a breather – either to enjoy the respite of an especially tender scene or freak out over things I was putting together. (I was somewhat right, but not always and not about some important motives!)

Lynn H. Blackburn writes the kind of romantic suspense I adore! Gossamer Falls is a series I will definitely revisit – especially since I loved listening to Kate Forbes’ audio book narration. She’s become a familiar voice in my audio book collection and she’s particularly good at conveying the unique tension and pacing that comes with the romantic suspense genre.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

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

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Last to Fall, 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 March 14 2026

Cold Fury

Random Retro Read

Five years ago tragedy tore them apart… 

Forensic anthropologist Maggie Turner happily works as an assistant professor at her local university and lives a quiet life near campus. That is until Jackson Lockhart enters her classroom. Then a cyclone of emotions erupt as she remembers the tragedy that once tore them apart. She’s often thought of him, but they’d agreed never to see each other again and so far they’d kept their promise. But today…Jackson has a good reason for breaking his promise. Maggie’s life depends on it. 

Will it now bring them back together? 

In an ongoing investigation, Jackson has learned that university officials secretly videoed her classroom in a study on attendance. The recorder was supposed to run only during the class session, but it malfunctioned and recorded an entire week, which includes a shocking murder that has now put Maggie’s life in danger. Can Jackson unravel the lies surrounding this incident before the killer unleashes his fury on Maggie and takes her life?

My Review:

published in 2018

While Cold Fury is the third book in the Cold Harbor series, it can be read as a standalone. Sleeman does a super job of introducing the Blackwell Tactical members. Team building is something this author really excels at and I love the way she writes the camaraderie and banter. Great scenes that showcase the heart of these amazing men and women and makes each one lifetime friends material.

But — be prepared to have your heart skewered with Jackson and Maggie’s story. Their history is so devastating! They are both still overwhelmed by their past — burdened to the point of not being able to let it go.Though they are both successful in their chosen careers, they’ve closed themselves off from living life to the fullest. Their conversations are insightful and the way they grow in their faith is inspiring.

“God always gets things right and when we worry or question Him it’s like we think He’s gotten it wrong.” — “We thank Him for the good things and blame Him for the bad. God is consistent so we’re just tormenting ourselves by fluctuating as circumstances change.” (sorry I don’t have page references, but I was listening to the audbile version.)

And the suspense is action-packed and danger inducing! Absolutely love the details Sleeman has added to the various technical aspects of the story — from the forensics to the police procedural to the armed forces tactics the team use in their operations — all fascinating and add authenticity to the story.

I’m three books down with four more to go before I finish the series. I’m excited to get back to Cold Harbor and thrilled that I don’t have to wait long to do so. I have Cold Case in my sight-lines — Eryn’s story — double woot!!!!

Cold Terror

Random Retro ReRead

Forensic artist, Hannah Perry’s skills made her a valuable asset to the police… 
A young woman has been murdered. Her body unidentified. Her skull recently discovered by the police, and Hannah feels compelled to help find the killer. Even if she’s on a much-needed vacation on a secluded island with her young son. She could work on the reconstruction in the evenings while her son slept. But as the woman’s face takes shape, an assailant invades Hannah’s cabin and tries to end her life. Before he can permanently silence her, she and her son flee the island in a small boat. Trouble is, as they approach Cold Harbor, ocean waves capsize the boat, enveloping them both in cold terror. 

But it also makes her the next target. 
Former SEAL Gage Blackwell can’t believe his eyes as he plunges into the raging waters to rescue the pair. Owner of Blackwell Tactical—a law enforcement training facility and protection services agency—Gage pulls the woman he once loved from the angry ocean. When he learns of her attack, he vows to protect her while hunting down the killer. Alone and vulnerable, Hannah has to accept Gage’s protection—even if it means staying close to the man who’d once walked out on her without a backward glance.

My Review:

published in 2017

An exciting reread for me. I discovered this book back in 2023 and flew through it. Discovered the first three books of the Cold Harbor series on Audible Plus (thanks for the tip, Perrianne!) and I knew it was time to revisit this fave series.

A classic Sleeman romantic suspense. I love the way this author creates a cohesive team of captivating characters we get to follow through a whole series. The camaraderie, the banter, the friendships — all serve to anchor each story as the team supports the current hero and heroine. And you can always count on a buddy for some comic relief when things get tough!

After reading this first Cold Harbor book, I am officially a Blackwell Tactical groupie and I can’t wait to hear everyone’s stories! And since I’m late to the reading gate I get to read (or listen) to each book one after the other. Hooray for no delay times!

Hannah and Gage’s story starts off with nail-biting intensity and the tension doesn’t let up until the very end. Their second chance romance if filled with all kinds of angst as they dodge the bad guys and try to figure out who wants Hannah dead — and why! I listened to the audio version which upped the angst-factor since I couldn’t race ahead — an especially sweet kind of torture. 🙂

Lost Cause + Giveaway

Working together is a challenge…
Detective Burke Ulrich is known for his unyielding dedication to justice and his methodical approach to solving crimes. When a valuable family heirloom is stolen from a recluse’s rundown estate on Lost Island, Burke is called in to investigate. Despite the theft appearing straightforward, Burke senses there is more to the case, especially given the homeowner’s mysterious history. But when he can’t prove it or find the heirloom, his supervisor tells him to move on.

But catching a killer is their priority.
Enter former sheriff Abby Day, a sharp and resourceful Lost Lake Locator hired by the recluse to find the missing heirloom. Abby’s involvement immediately irritates Burke, who is wary of private investigators interfering in police work. However, as the investigation progresses, Burke and Abby uncover a complex web of deceit involving long-buried family secrets, and a string of unsolved crimes connected to the estate, ultimately uncovering a murder. Burke orders Abby off the investigation to protect her, but will she listen, or will she risk her life and a potential relationship with Burke to catch a killer?

My Review:

I absolutely love the way Susan Sleeman builds a team! The rapport, banter, professionalism, eclectic mix of personalities able to work together — all brilliantly developed and so much fun!!!!! Not only do we get to enjoy the ‘Lost Lake Locators’ in this third book in the series, but we get to interact with some of the gang from ‘Cold Harbor‘ as well. Woohoo! (No worries if you aren’t up to date on either series – all of Sleeman’s books read well as standalones too.)

‘Lost Cause’ has a delightfully unexpected treasure hunt kind of vibe going on. As well as an isolated island setting in a house with some very interesting twists! Made the reading experience so much more exciting!

And then there’s the romance, though I will say this one has more of a mystery/suspense focus. The romance is there, but it’s more of a slow burn. Both Abby and Burke are reluctant to get involved. They’ve worked together before, felt a connection but didn’t pursue it. Now they are faced with the same attraction and another inopportune time.

Love that they were upfront about their feelings right from the start and talked about how they were going to deal with it going forward. There’s all kinds of energy crackling around them, but both have trust issues and know it so they aren’t willing to act on anything. Such a refreshing approach to a romance, because, of course, their stubborn resistance dissolves by the end of the book!

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Whitney Dykhouse who does an amazing job with these characters. She’s become a familiar voice in my audible listening, largely thanks to Susan Sleeman’s novels. I enjoy the energy she brings to her narrations and the way she captures the personalities of all the characters.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Of note: Lost Cause is currently available on Audible Plus (Canada, anyway) for members. Not sure about the US.

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

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

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Lost Cause, 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 February 21 2026.

Tracing a Kidnapper’s Trail + Giveaway

Solving an abduction case
means a relentless K-9 manhunt…

When search and rescue worker Hunter Shelton and his bloodhound Libby are called to a crime scene, he discovers his ex-fiancée murdered and her young daughter missing—and he’s attacked. Soon, he realizes the little girl may have been taken by drug runners, and could possibly be his own child. With no one else to turn to, Hunter teams up with DEA Agent Marlee Price and her narcotics K-9, despite their rocky history. As they face escalating threats and uncover a rising body count, an old enemy from Marlee’s past resurfaces. Will they be able to rescue the child and bring dangerous criminals to justice before time runs out?

My Review:

Well, that was intense! Best clear your calendar and be prepared for a marathon read (or listen in my case.) And, speaking of the audio edition, what a stellar performance by Emily Sutton-Smith! Her voice is a perfect match for the intensity of this story and she really does justice to Marlee’s tough-as-nails, defiantly stubborn persona. A winning author/narrator combination that compelled me to keep reading (listening!)

Loved the complicated start to Hunter and Marlee’s relationship, which really began back in college. It’s a gritty enemies to more trope that gradually morphs into a wary truce and then hesitant friendship. There’s lots to unearth about their shared past that includes a significant look at the power of forgiveness.

A taut and emotional romantic suspense with some stunning plot twists that make this book impossible to walk away from until every final last detail is revealed!

My thanks to HarperCollins, 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 audio — winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Tracing a Kidnapper’s Trail, 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 February 7 2026.

Inheritance of Secrets

random retro read

“I didn’t do right by your mother. Find her and do what I never had the courage to do.”

Her father’s deathbed confession changed everything for Aspen Kincaid. The mystery of her mother’s disappearance was unsolvable, or so she’d believed.

Her dad had lied to her all her life.

After inheriting a house in New Hampshire—a house Aspen hadn’t known her father owned—she travels thousands of miles, desperate to fulfill his dying wish. But some residents of Coventry don’t want Jane Kincaid’s daughter digging into things they think should remain hidden forever.

Renovating the secluded old house on the mountain should be the next step in Garrett McCarthy’s contracting career, but Aspen’s arrival stirs up old animosities in Coventry that he’d known nothing about. All he wants is to complete the job, hoping it’ll open doors to new opportunities. But when he’s asked to keep an eye on Aspen’s activities, he feels he can’t refuse. How can he honor his beautiful, vulnerable client and remain loyal to the people who need his help?

Join Aspen and Garrett as they attempt to solve a thirty-year-old mystery–without becoming its latest victims.

My Review:

published in 2022

A thrilling romantic suspense with a Gothic flare. The unexpected inheritance of a secluded old house in a small town seething with secrets and Aspen’s arrival threatens revelations some folks want to keep buried. Cue the creepy mood music and buckle in for a compelling read.

Garrett is hoping renovating that old house will be the next step up in establishing a contracting career. He isn’t prepared for the malicious undercurrents that ricochet around the room whenever Aspen shows up in public. Stunned when he’s asked to keep tabs on her activities, Garret is torn between old loyalties and the unexpected attraction to the town’s lovely newcomer.

Eeeppp!! ‘Inheritance of Secrets’ is full of drama, mystery and page-turning goodness.

Every Deadly Suspicion + Giveaway

Thirty years after a federal agent and two suspects disappeared in the wilderness, the case is cold, and they’ve never been found. Now their suspected killer is about to go free. But is the truth really what it seems?

In Dry Oaks, California, Chief of Police Hanna Keyes has long believed her father, Joe, is a murderer, justly imprisoned for his crimes. When she’s told he’s dying and is being given compassionate release from prison, she wants nothing to do with him. But taking him in might be Hanna’s one shot at cracking the cold case of his alleged murders, so she reluctantly agrees to oversee his care.

Joe’s arrival in Dry Oaks seems to set off a chain reaction of crimes. Then an infamous true crime podcaster comes sniffing for information, and Hanna’s first love, Jared, shows up just when she needs distractions the least. As Hanna tries to convince Joe to reveal what he knows about the missing persons, evidence in the cold case surfaces at a suspiciously rapid pace . . . suggesting there’s more to the murders than people thought.

With Joe’s strength failing, Hanna and her colleagues look for answers, not only about the past but also about recent criminal dealings in Dry Oaks. As the puzzle pieces start to fit together, it becomes clear that there’s a sinister plot at work, far more wide-reaching than anyone suspected, and that someone is desperate to silence the truth at any cost.

My Review:

A tautly intricate Police Procedural that kept me guessing. The plot twists have plot twists and that includes in Hanna’s personal life as well! And this is where I need to mention that not only does that include a dreaded Love Triangle (yikes!) but we get both men’s points of view as well. Talk about giving romance loving readers heart palpitations!

I appreciate the authenticity Cantore brings to the policing aspects of this suspense. As a former police officer, her inside knowledge shows and makes the suspense that much more compelling. It’s a complicated mix of different cases, including a cold case involving her father. Emotions run high and Hanna struggles to find a balance between her personal life and her professional one.

Full of raw emotion, living out tough truths and grappling with the real meaning of forgiveness and grace – phew! – Hanna is on an unforgettable journey and I was with her every step of the way.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – ebook or paperback– winner’s choice

Canada – ebook or audio — winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Every Deadly Suspicion 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 31 2026.