Tag: Romantic Suspense

Mad Dog + Giveaway

In the next eight seconds, he will achieve everything he ever thought he wanted.
Or he will die.

Four years ago, Maddox “Mad Dog” Holt walked away from a life with the woman he loved to pursue rodeo success. Winning the championship failed to quench the drive to achieve more, so he entered the highly secretive and extremely dangerous underground X Games. Then a devastating tragedy forces him to choose between taking one last ride—the one that could see him crowned King of the X—and being there for his three-year-old niece.

Mad Dog has faced this choice before. Will he make the right one this time?

With deadly pursuers on their trail, Maddox fights to save the people he cares about the most as everything he has worked so hard for slips from his fingers. It might take losing all he has for him to finally understand what is truly important. When he does, will it be too late to get back everything—and everyone—he chose to leave behind?

My Review:

“He had eight seconds to live. Maybe less.” How’s that for an intriguing opening? And then what follows! Break neck action and a desperate escape courtesy of the girl he left behind!

Woohoo – this is the definition of a page-turner – I read ‘Mad Dog’ in one sitting because there just wasn’t a good place to leave off! There’s a second chance romance with a lot of hurt that needs forgiving, the sweetest little three-year-old sprite (Maddox’s niece) to watch over, and more than one posse of bad guys in hot pursuit. Oh, and a few plot twists to keep things interesting!

Love the way Davison blends action and intrigue with tender family moments and poignant romantic ones. Maddox and Tory make an indomitable team as they face demons from their past…and present. Love the faith elements the author has deftly woven into the story. Never heavy handed but they spark hope, even in the dark times, and shine a light on the importance of living a God entered life.

What a compulsive read! And the first in the new “Seconds to Live” series (isn’t that a deliciously ominous series title?) Tory has some brothers I wouldn’t mind learning more about. 🙂

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy available to any reader anywhere so – YAY – an international giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Mad Dog. 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 24 2026.

The Black Sheep’s Redemption

Random Retro ReRead

Danger lurks in every corner in bestselling author Lynette Eason’s spine-chilling story in the Fitzgerald Bay series 

Everyone in Fitzgerald Bay—except his law-enforcement family—is convinced Charles Fitzgerald murdered his children’s nanny. Condemned by public opinion, his only hope for a replacement nanny to take care of his two-year-old twins is newcomer Demi Taylor. But Demi has problems of her own…starting with amnesia. She doesn’t remember who she is, doesn’t know where she’s from—and has no idea why she always feels like someone is watching her. Is she in danger because of Charles? Or has someone sinister from her old life found her yet again?

My Review:

published in 2012

Woohoo — this was a blast from my reading past. An early Lynette Eason novel, among the first that I read by her — and they just released an audio edition so, of course, I couldn’t resist. Especially not after listening to the sample! What a way to leave a reader hanging! Here’s my review from back in the day:

Prepare yourself for a nail-biting read. The action is fast, the suspense thick and the romance exciting — all the markers of a runaway best-seller. Eason barely gives her readers a chance to catch their breath before she hits them with another tense scene and then another and another. It is so full of cliffhangers it’s a wonder I have any nails left at all! And yet, in classic Eason style, she has successfully woven an credible love story into the suspense threads, which makes this a dream of a read for a romantic suspense lover like me!

High Exposure + Giveaway

The riveting start to an adventure-driven romantic suspense series from a debut author

Determined travel blogger Julia Stevens is on her final assignment in snowy Silverberg, Colorado. She’s running from her past-and God-but the charm of small-town life brings little comfort when she’s face-to-face with the winter sport that killed her skiing. Upon her arrival in town, she discovers a dead body and is compelled to research the situation, give justice to the man’s story, and kick off her new career in journalism.

Cade Haskins is back home after a failed mission and his subsequent retirement from the DEA. His father’s declining health has pushed Cade to prioritize family, and he helps at the historic Silverberg Hotel on his dad’s behalf. When Julia shows up at the hotel, Cade becomes her local contact. He quickly realizes she has a knack for sniffing around where she shouldn’t, and he attaches himself to her side.

With the local death connected to a meth ring, Julia’s investigation has unknowingly put a target on her back. As the danger increases and she begins to learn more about Cade and his family, she finds herself trusting the God she was running from. And Cade? He doesn’t want to get dragged back into DEA work, but it seems like he may not have a choice if he wants to protect Julia . . . and his growing attraction to her.

“Debut author Kelly Borjas raises the bar with High Exposure. It’s a fast, twisty romantic suspense, set in the snowy Colorado mountains, that blends high tension with a satisfying, hard-won romance.”

My Review:

Astonishingly good. Like unputdownable, emotionally-on-edge, desperately-needing-to-know-everything-now kind of good. I’m pretty much gobsmacked and addlebrained so I’m wrestling with what to write in this review.

Exquisite storytelling – measured words and phrases that paint vibrant images and bring scenes to life. Characters with complex backstories resulting in deep emotional layers that are s-l-o-w-l-y uncovered. Inspiring faith elements that make a reader think. A complex suspense plot with enough twists and turns to rob an avid reader of her very last breath! A romance built on substance but it takes work! And plenty of agonizing moments when I wanted to just lock Cade and Julia in a room together and make them talk it all out! I was soooooooo emotionally invested in their romance! (And them surviving long enough to figure things out.)

What an amazing debut novel. Heart-stopping suspense with plenty of hair-raising action and that love story – epic!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US –  ebook

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 High Exposure. 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 10 2026.

Alaskan Survival Threat + Giveaway

Gunmen in pursuit…and there’s nowhere to hide.

Park Ranger Helena Nikolaou’s assignment takes a deadly turn when she sees a body drop from a helicopter—and she suddenly comes under fire. Ambushed on a remote Alaskan island, she’s saved by US Coast Guard rescue swimmer Cody Hannigan. Only, the assailants won’t give up easily. With danger trailing their every move, Helena and Cody are forced through unforgiving terrain to retrieve evidence linked to a sinister conspiracy. But as they fight to stay one step ahead of killers determined to silence them, one wrong move could cost them their lives.

My Review:

A phenomenal romantic suspense full of the kind of tension and urgency that makes for a gripping read. And it starts out with a heart-stopping opening scene that grabs a reader’s attention. Love the Alaskan wilderness setting which becomes a character all on its own.

Not to mention the spunky park ranger heroine who has a very interesting backstory which contributes to her wariness when it comes to peopling. Cody is the exact opposite – his winning smile and outgoing personality make friends wherever he goes…and also helps him accept Helena’s reticent nature with good humour. Really love the way they compliment each other and how their different strengths balance out under pressure. Their romance develops as they learn to to trust one another …and God…in every situation.

This is the kind of romantic suspense I adore — intriguing setting (hello, remote Alaskan island!), smart, professional and interesting MCs, and a complex mystery that surprised me in the end.

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya. She has a real talent for using her voice to create tension in the action scenes that makes them just a wee bit edgier which is all kinds of fun. And I love the energy she brings to each character. I feel like she is able to capture their personalities perfectly. I always know I am in for an excellent listening experience when I see her name listed on the cover of an audiobook.

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 Alaskan Survival Threat. 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 10 2026.

Witness Safeguard Mission

A family in a killer’s crosshairs.
A K-9 determined to defend.

When Nicole Woodard and her young sister witness their father’s murder by an unknown assailant, Nicole knows they’re next on the killer’s hit list. Now they must rely on Officer Braydon Feldman and his K-9 partner, Caesar, for protection. The killer will stop at nothing to silence the sisters and keep the crime hidden. But what could their father have been involved in that got him killed? With attacks coming from all sides and dangerous family secrets being exposed, can Braydon and Nicole stay alive long enough to uncover the truth before the killer strikes again?

My Review:

What a heartbreaking and hair-raising opening scene! Carol J. Post catapulted me right into the middle of Nicole’s devastating chaos and I was immediately emotionally invested in her story. There’s tension and danger at every turn but she has a fighting chance with Braydon and his K-9 partner on her side. Loved that German Shepherd Caesar does double duty as emotional support for Nicole’s traumatized little sister too. Gotta love a diversified canine!

A compelling romantic suspense that strikes a nice balance between the romance and the suspense. I loved how open Braydon was to helping Nicole even though he’s on vacation. Their ‘chance’ encounter in the National Park sets them on an unforgettable journey that kept me compulsively listening to Emma Lysy’s captivating narration. She delivered just the right amount of tension and drama ,infused with the occasional touch of humour, to really bring this story to life. I thoroughly enjoyed my listening experience and can honestly recommend the audio edition of ‘Witness Safeguard Misson’.

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

Coordinates of Death + Giveaway

A police officer will do anything to catch the serial killer that got away—even if it means playing a deadly game in the icy wilderness.

Sweetwood Falls, Yukon, has seen too much terror for one small town. Corporal Aurora Hunt still blames herself for not catching the Shadow Box Killer before five women lost their lives. The killings stopped two years ago, and her colleagues believe the murderer is dead. But Aurora isn’t convinced.

A chilling discovery on a winter’s morning confirms her fears. The crime scene is all too familiar—a woman’s mutilated body, and beneath it, a box containing a gruesome souvenir. But this time, there’s a special message, daring Aurora to play a game that will lead her into the wilderness to try and save the next victim.

Canadian Watcher Squad survivalist Kordell Greene is part of the past that Aurora has tried to put behind her. He’s also the only person equipped to guide her through this deadly terrain. But somehow, the killer knows all their secrets. Solving cryptic clues as they battle the elements, Aurora and Kordell must confront dark truths they’ve withheld, even from each other. And always, the Shadow Box Killer is one step ahead, drawing them deeper into a twisted game where the slightest mistake may be their last.

My Review:

Whoa! This was waaaaaayyy out of my comfort zone but I was completely mesmerized just the same. Turner writes ‘creepy’ with flare and I’m still shuddering over some scenes. I might be compulsively checking my windows and doors for awhile yet. lol

Having said that, the author has an uncanny way of writing thriller details without the over-the-top descriptions usually found in this kind of book. Though, fair warning to gentle readers like me who have vivid imaginations – sometimes just the hint of something is enough to send my my mind into overdrive so proceed with caution. Also, content warning in particular for something in the heroine’s past that is quite horrific.

Loved the Canadian Yukon setting with the occasional sojourn into Alaska. And a top-notch survivalist hero makes for a compelling romantic interest. Kordell and Aurora were friends in their teens during a troubling time and their bittersweet reunion is fraught with emotion, both past and present. Adds all sorts of tension to the plot, especially with the secrets they have buried.

The villain is psychological horror story level and the taunting and treachery is diabolical. Shudder. It’s a miracle Rory kept her sanity through it all…and I mean that literally since her faith is her support even when its at its most tenuous. The moving inspirational thread around forgiveness is both challenging and hopeful.

A gritty, compulsive read but definitely not for the faint of heart. I actually listened to ‘Coordinates of Death’ narrated by Lenor A. Woodworth, which might have made it creepier. Something about the villain’s voice whispering right in my ear was unsettling! Woodworth’s talent for delivering creepy ambiance through her performance could be considered disquieting, but utterly riveting as well!

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US –  ebook

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 Coordinates of Danger, 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 September 19 2026

Uncovering Explosive Secrets

A killer wants revenge.
A K-9 team stands in his way.

FBI Agent Austin Drake is ambushed at a fall fair moments before a bomb detonates. For Austin, this is no random act—it’s a personal message, especially since the attacks mirror the work of a criminal he put away years ago. Detective Melody Rust and her K-9 partner are on the scene to help, but it quickly becomes clear this is just the beginning of a targeted assault. With a toddler son to protect, Austin must work with Melody to unmask an enemy with a lethal agenda, before everyone becomes collateral damage.

My Review:

A blockbuster, action-packed opening scene sets the tone for this exhilarating read. I enjoyed the fall setting too – the story takes place in October – and it’s always fun to have your fictional friends enjoying the same season you are!

Austin and Melody come together at the crucial time in an exhaustive investigation into a villainous baby selling ring. Only something doesn’t jive at their first explosive meeting and they soon begin to suspect that another criminal has them on his radar which complicates things no end.

The suspense unique to this 7th Colorado K-9 Unit book is full of twists and nail-biting scenarios as well as expertly woven into the series suspense plot which is rapidly coming to a grand finale in book 8 — eep, I can’t wait! As with all the books in this series, ‘Uncovering Explosive Secrets’ can be read as a standalone. Black does an excellent job of bringing new readers up to speed with the nearly year long investigation details without burdening Austin and Melody’s story in any way.

Loved the way their romance developed – hesitant, wary, both with reasons to resist their attraction. I especially appreciated Austin’s personal struggles. The author shines a light on the immense emotional toll fighting crime can take on dedicated law enforcement personnel.

I listened to the audio edition of this book and enjoyed Angie Hickman’s narration. She did a great job balancing the emotion and tension in the story. It’s amazing how much a narrator’s performance plays into creating an atmosphere that matches the author’s storytelling style.

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

Missing in New Mexico + Giveaway

Cracking a cold case

has this lawman under fire…

Sheriff Joaquin Fuentes stumbles upon a desert car crash in New Mexico, rescuing Luann St. John from the smoking wreckage—but this was no accident. Someone sabotaged her vehicle to stop her from uncovering the truth about a twenty-year-old plane crash tied to her father’s disappearance and diamond smuggling accusations. As danger closes in, Joaquin is determined to protect Luann, even as they’re hunted at every turn. With secrets unraveling and a killer lurking, the truth could clear her father’s name—or drag Joaquin and Luann into a deadly grave.

My Review:

Please note: this book releases on September 25 so there will be a bit of a wit until you get your book.

Really stunning storytelling. The way the author builds the suspense while developing the relationship between Joaquin and Luann is so well done. The words just flow, the scenes fly by and I was utterly captivated. There’s wonderful pacing in the heart-in-throat action scenes. And the romance…blissful sigh! Joaquin is a toe-curling example of swoonworthy hero material. Love the way he tenderly but persistently looks out for Luann right from the start. And the delicious way they are drawn together made my romantical heart so happy!

I enjoyed the unusual setting (why aren’t more books set in New Mexico?) The author captured the unique geography and culture which brought another dimension to the story. I do so love a good armchair travelling read!

Well, listen in my case, as I enjoyed Caroline Turner Cole’s narration. Her performance brought these characters and their exploits to vivid life which made for an entertaining listening experience. Would definitely recommend this audio book to discerning listeners.

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 audio — winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Missing in New Mexico, 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 September 12 2026.

On the Edge of Trust + Giveaway

Sometimes the closer you get to justice, the deadlier it becomes.

When decorated FBI undercover agent Scott Sinclair suffers a gunshot wound in his right arm, the injury threatens his future career in the field. He is determined to regain his former job by training himself to use his left hand, and failure is not an option–especially when he’s unofficially pulled into an investigation.

Tori Mitchell is a passionate crime reporter and podcaster who has dedicated her life to seeking justice. Her relentless pursuit of the truth has freed a wrongfully convicted man from prison, making Tori an enemy of the true killer. When her nephew is accused of a different murder, nothing can stop her from getting involved and clearing his name.

Soon after Tori and Scott reconnect on the case, shots are fired, leaving them to wonder which of them has been targeted. As the investigation intensifies, so do the threats and the sparks between them, but Tori’s doubtful if she can extend grace and trust to Scott. They’ll have to combine their skills and rely on their growing relationship to outsmart the killer.

My Review:

Gripping right from the tense opening scene that was a little bit confusing and a whole lot intriguing. Then it was all about racing through plot twists and shouting warnings at characters (who didn’t listen) and gasping out loud a time or two…or three etc. I’d definitely put ‘On the Edge of Trust’ in the unputdownable category.

So many complexities. From the emotional layers in the characterization to the compelling mystery(ies.) There’s a cold case and a new case and Tori finds herself enmeshed in both.

She’s in danger, Scott is in protection mode and a tentative teenage friendship from a decade ago starts to develop into something new and exciting only they both have reasons to hold back. Scrumptious romantic tension as they figure things out. Tori in particular has some difficult issues from her past she needs to deal with. So frustrating, but exciting too as I anticipated their eventual happily ever after.

Bradley includes significant faith threads around trust which makes the title so significant. (I do so love a pertinent title tie-in!) All in all an incredibly edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense that delivers a dynamic read…or in my case, listen. I thoroughly enjoyed Elise Arsenault’s dramatic narration. She brought these characters to life and infused a sense of thrilling tension throughout her performance.

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 On the Edge of Trust, 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 September 12 2026.

Collision Course

random retro read

His country or his wife.
He can’t protect both.

Federal Air Marshal Reese Donovan walked away from the woman he loved to protect the country he swore to serve. But when his estranged wife, Verity, survives a deadly bombing and wakes up believing they’re still together, Reese is thrust into the most dangerous mission of his life.

The next attack is imminent.
The enemy is closing in.
And Verity is caught in the crosshairs.

Now, to keep her breathing, Reese must hide the truth, play the devoted husband she believes he still is, and rely on a security team he barely trusts.

As threats close in and the clock ticks down, he’s faced with an impossible choice:

Stop a terrorist.
Or save the only woman he’s ever loved.

My Review:

published in 2025

Whoa! Traumatizing opening scene, but once I got past that I was intrigued and completely invested in Reese and Verity’s story. The suspense is peppered with action-packed scenes and puzzling out the mystery elements kept me on the edge all the way through the read.

This is is the first book in the ‘Hightower Security’ series and my introduction to Jorgia Yates. I’ll definitely be reading more. I love the way we’re introduced to the whole team but are given just enough information about each member to pique our interest…and keep a reader eager for future books!

Loved this reunion romance fraught with emotional trauma and the tentative hope of redemption.