Tag: Romantic Suspense

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.

Hunting an Arsonist + Giveaway

A K-9 team in the crosshairs—
and in pursuit of the truth.

Forensic mechanic Helena Rutherford is investigating a serial arsonist targeting young women when her own house is set ablaze, trapping her inside. Officer Trevor Slate and his K-9 partner, Lark, arrive just in time to save her from the flames. But the discovery of her missing best friend’s bones among the ashes upends everything, drawing them into a puzzling cold case. With a dangerous killer on their tail, Helena and Trevor must unravel the mysteries of both cases…before she becomes the next victim.

My Review:

There’s suspense and then there’s Jessica R Patch’s brand of suspense which is on a whole other level of compelling! The way she uses words and phrases like weapons, delivering clipped descriptive sentences at a calculated pace. Ups the tension ten fold and I found myself gasping for breath right along with Trevor and Helena!

Unputdownable. Enthralling. Captivating. And every other descriptor you can think of. Oh and the way Patch describes fire! In a word – terrifying! It’s no wonder her arson investigator hero has a fear of fire with her writing him into scenes like that!

A wonderful blend of romance and suspense with plenty of ‘aha’ moments along the way. And the author did a great job of including the over-arcing series suspense elements in such a way that newbies to this continuity series would have no problem diving in here.

A stunning read…or, in my case, listen. Narrator Lisa Larsen did a great job of delivering all the tension and drama and did justice to Patch’s exhilarating pacing.

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 Hunting an Arsonist, 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 5 2026.

Twilight Tactics

FBI agent Collin Sullivan arrives at Broken Chains Ranch with Ollie Callahan–a foster teen and sole witness to a mob hit. The ranch, started by Collin’s cousin to provide a trauma recovery facility for veterans, should be a place he can keep Ollie safe until the trial. But what was meant as a peaceful haven becomes a battleground when armed attackers surround the property. 

Survival expert Elena Thompson teaches wilderness skills at the ranch and coaches Ollie in self-defense, but soon the series of attacks on the ranch escalates into a full siege. The question is, Who are the attackers after? Ollie, the young witness? Or Elena, with her mysterious past? Cut off from help by tech skills superior to their own, Collin and Elena fight to keep everyone alive as secrets and danger close in.

USA Today bestselling author Lynette Eason presents an action-packed start to a new series with twists and turns readers will never see coming.

My Review:

I’m gobsmacked. The way Eason builds the suspense throughout this book is phenomenal! So many intriguing elements and Elena’s backstory is a huge component of the plot that adds even more compelling layers. And the way Collin and Elena’s worlds collide increases the over all thrill of the read.

Argh, there’s so much I want to say but won’t for fear of spoilers but I know that if I mentioned just one of things I want to talk about, so many readers would flock to this story! But I won’t, ’cause that isn’t revealed in the book blurb. Picture me writhing in the bibliophile agony of wanting to share a favourite part of the book but unable to because there are people close by who haven’t read it yet. Excruciating!

We’re also given a third point of view, young witness in need of protection Ollie, who brings some youthful zest and poignant moments to the story. Honestly, the way this all plays out is absolute perfection. From connecting with the characters (and me yearning for their romance) to puzzling out the mysteries (yes there is more than one) and all the action scenes. Simply stunning! And if that wasn’t enough, the heartwarming celebration of grace seals the deal. Eason at her absolute best.

I listened to the audible edition of ‘Twilight Tactics’ and thoroughly enjoyed Emma Faye’s narration. She brought the story to life with her emotional performance. I hung on every word. Made for a compulsive listening experience.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US –  print or ebook  – 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 Twilight Tactics, 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 August 15 2026.

When the Silence Breaks + Giveaway

When intelligence analyst Sarah Ellison learns of a deathbed confession connected to her brother’s murder, she’s determined to protect her remaining family. Under further investigation, she discovers the disclosed information points to a decades-old government secret buried deep in the Cascade Mountains. With this knowledge, she heads to the Pacific Northwest looking for a guide who knows the mountains like the back of their hand.

Ryder Goodwin, a wilderness guide and former Navy SEAL, quit guiding for the family business after his father’s death in a tragic mountain accident. At first, Ryder refuses to help Sarah, but he sees the trouble chasing her, and he can’t stand by while someone brings danger to this small-town mountain community.

Ryder and Sarah gear up to climb the mountain in a race against time and a looming winter storm. With her brother’s killer closing in, their search for answers now shifts to a survival mission. Their only chance to make it out involves trusting each other and confronting the truth no one wants them to find.

Be swept away in a rush of adrenaline with USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard’s series opener set in the Pacific Northwest.

My Review:

So much intrigue! And gasp out loud moments! Seriously I was, “Gasp! Nooooooo!” and “Gasp! Whhhaaaatttt?” and “Gasp! Don’t do it…..” and “Gasp! I knew it!” all the way through which made for an immensely fun and thrilling read.

Loved the mystery surrounding Sarah’s backstory in comparison to Ryder’s which we learn earlier on. It made such a compelling contrast and I was itching to know Sarah’s ‘all’! Dreading it too because I could see the potential for conflict raising its ugly head. And, oh my goodness, the surprises kept coming!

The mountain setting is incredible. Honestly, the mountain felt like an important secondary character. Ryder’s connection with the varied aspects of nature and weather and the secrets the mountain holds added even more interesting layers to an already complex story. So, lots of hair-raising adventuring to accompany the spine-chilling suspense elements. Oh, and the mystery! Decades old and absolutely lethal! If you looked up ‘unputdownable’ in the dictionary, this book cover would be the definition.

‘When the Silence Breaks’ was another audio ‘read’ for me and Natalia Payne’s narration enhanced my over all enjoyment of the story. She knows how to emote tension and endless emotion through her portrayal of these characters. Made for a riveting listening experience.

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US –  paperback, ebook – 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 When the Silence Breaks, 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 August 8 2026.

Rodeo Witness Protector

While stopping an attack near the rodeo grounds, bullfighter and part-time deputy Daniel Sinclair is stunned to see his high school sweetheart attempting to save a stabbed undercover deputy. As a witness now in possession of crucial evidence about a narcotics investigation, new rodeo doctor Annie Davis needs Daniel’s protection—for her and her missing four-year-old daughter. And the stakes only grow higher when the girl’s babysitter is found murdered and the recovered child refuses to speak. To safeguard the targeted family, can Daniel uncover who is behind it all…before a drug ring silences them for good?

My Review:

Whoa! This is one twisty-turny suspense with enough romantical angst to keep a reader on edge right through to the end. And the child in peril element adds to a sensitive reader’s emotional turmoil! Riveting from start to finish.

I listened to the audio book and Tanya Saari did a wonderful job of capturing all the emotion and angst in her narration. Her performance added an extra thrill to an already exciting story.

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