Seagrass Secrets + Giveaway

He’s her best friend. She’s the woman of his dreams.

Firefighter Colby Morris needs answers. After discovering a dead body, he then learns his best friend’s address was in the man’s pocket. He’ll do anything to keep Emmy safe—yet he wants to keep his heart safe also. That’s why he’s never told Emmy he’s in love with her.

Emmy Sutherland is trying to make amends after she hits a man with her truck while driving in a torrential downpour. When the island’s clinic floods, she has no choice but to let the stranger stay at her inn. But recent events on Cape Corral have her feeling apprehensive. 

Events continue to escalate, leaving Colby and Emmy scrambling to find answers. But as more secrets are uncovered, more danger arises. Can Colby and Emmy discover the truth? Or will their feelings get in the way—endangering not only their lives but their lifelong friendship?

My Review:

published in 2020

Playing catch up with this series and am enjoying reading the books fairly close together…I can almost see how some readers wait until they have an entire series before diving in. Not that I’ll ever have the patience or fortitude to do that when I read new releases. I gobble them right up and happily/unhappily wait for the next book, even if it’s a year on the horizon. But it’s kinda fun to binge read a catch-up series. 🙂

So, Saltwater Cowboys — they aren’t full time cowboys. The heroes all hold different law enforcement / emergency worker type full-time jobs. But they all cowboy up to take care of the wild horses on their island. There’s an angst inducing background plot that is threatening the horses’ habitat which, hopefully, will reach a satisfactory conclusion by the sixth book. It’s driving my anxiety levels up in the meantime because I’m a softie when it comes to animals and the environment.

Having said all that, you could easily read these books out of order. This is #4 and it was fun getting a glimpse into previous heroes/heroines futures. And, of course, to swoon and angst over Colby and Emmy. Best friends since grade school — yay, I so enjoy a friends to more trope! Colby clued in years ago that he was in love with Emmy but he’s been afraid to destroy their wonderful friendship so has stayed quiet. So we have a tortured lovelorn hero and a clueless heroine (in the beginning.)

Love the way Barritt develops their romance — the insecurities and fears of letting go of something sure for the uncertainty that comes with a chance at love. And, be still my heart, Colby!!! My heart hurt for him, but then there came a point when I just wanted to shake some sense into him before he did something drastic and…let’s just say it’s a rocky road to this happily ever after.

And the mystery…I was so flummoxed. The whole read I was: What. Is. Happening?! And why is Emmy involved? She’s lived her whole life on the island? This doesn’t make sense! But there are clues…very cleverly laid out for an astute reader to notice. Ha, more so in hindsight for some of them. But, I did have my suspicions about…well…something…and I was proved right so I feel somewhat vindicated. Like maybe I don’t have to turn my armchair sleuthing badge in quite yet.

I listened to the audio edition of Seagrass Secrets (and my, are there a lot of secrets!) and enjoyed Stacey Glemboski’s interpretation of these characters very much. Excited to dive into the next one very soon.

Cape Corral Keeper + Giveaway

They agreed to marry. But they never agreed to fall in love.

When Cape Corral Fire Chief Dillon McGrath saves a woman wearing a wedding dress from drowning, he knows he’ll have a great story to tell the guys at the station later. He never expected to get personally involved in the woman’s plight to stay alive.

Gracie Loveland had no choice but to run only moments before saying “I do” to her manipulative fiancé. Staying would have ultimately meant her death at the hands of the cruel man. Desperation, along with a dormant feistiness, surfaces as she fights to survive.

Only one plan might keep Gracie safe and help Dillon preserve the island’s wild horses. The idea seems crazy, but Dillon and Gracie can think of no other options. However, a foe from Gracie’s past is closing in, determined to get what he wants regardless of whose life he destroys in the process.

My Review:

published in 2020

Eeeeppp! Epic Marriage of Convenience story! With suspense! It really doesn’t get better than this!!!

From the nail-biting opening scene that left me with a ton of questions to the hair-raising conclusion — I was enthralled! And the meet-cute is equal parts angsty and funny which sets the tone for the whole book.

Love the way the author handled the marriage of convenience angle and the way Dillon and Gracie work their way from adversaries to lovers. All while trying to thwart a vile villain!

Oh — and hello — cowboy alert! And an island full of wild horses for them to protect. Hence the series title: Saltwater Cowboys. This is the third book in the series though it can easily be read as a standalone, but, trust me, you’ll want to read all these cowboys’ stories!

I enjoyed listening to the audio edition narrated by Stacey Glemboski courtesy of Chirpbooks and am getting ready to download Seagrass Secrets (#4) ’cause I just can’t stay away from this beautiful island and all that cowboy allure!

Cold Case Revenge + Giveaway

A kidnapped child. An unsolved cold case. 

This K-9 is on the trail.

When his three-year-old daughter goes missing, Nick Rossi fears he’ll relive his sister’s disappearance from twenty-five years ago. Only this time officer Ruby Orton and her K-9 partner, Pepper, rescue the child. But as the kidnappers escalate to murder and target Nick, Ruby knows there’s more behind the abduction. Together, can they find the connection with a decades-old cold case…before the past turns deadly?

Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit

My Review:

Okay…first things first…How about that cuteness overload cover?! If that doesn’t sell books, I don’t know what will! Of course, the fact that Cold Case Revenge is the sixth book in the Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit continuity series had me placing a preorder on Audible regardless of how cute the cover art.

In case you’re new to the concept of a continuity series: It’s a multi-authored series (in this case, 8 books) where there’s an over arcing suspense plot that is being gradually progressed through each book. However, each individual story also has it’s own complete suspense and romance plot so you’ll get the satisfaction of complete closure while you wait for some of those series’ threads to get tied up. And each author does a marvellous job of keeping readers current with the series suspense development in a way that catches new readers up while providing a nice refresh for loyal Pacific Northwest K-9 followers. And all make exceptional reads.

I do love a good cold case mystery and this is definitely that! Plus there’s a current mystery involving the kidnapping of Nick’s daughter and subsequent attacks against Nick and his ranch. K-9 Officers Ruby (human) and Pepper (dog!) are assigned to the case and, well, it isn’t exactly love at first sight, but there is some lovely romantic tension as well as the edge-of-your seat kind that comes with escalating danger. Really nice balance between the two and lots of sweet moments with little Zoe that had me happy sighing and swooning over her devoted daddy.

Love the wilderness settings in this series — lots of the action takes place in National Parks — it adds that much more ‘umph’ to the action scenes! Eager to read the next two books but I’ll be bereft come December without any more to look forward too. Hopefully Love Inspired Suspense has another K-9 continuity series in the works for 2024!

Cold Case Contraband + Giveaway

Exposing hidden secrets could prove lethal.

Within minutes of investigating a cold case murder, officer Carmen Hollis is shot at and rescued by a local teacher and single dad. Saving local cops isn’t undercover Special Agent Jonah Drake’s mission, but as threats to Carmen escalate, he can’t turn away. When his drug investigation and her cold case collide, secrets won’t stay hidden. Not when someone wants Carmen dead.

My Review:

An impressive opening scene, filled with just the right amount of suspense and danger provides a thrilling meet-cute for this hero and heroine. And the story just keeps getting better from there.

Bullard strikes a nice balance between the high-octane scenes and the getting-to-know each other scenes. Enough danger and suspense to keep me on edge punctuated by some lovely restful interludes filled with fun, family…and romance. Jonah’s daughter is an adorable scene stealer, as is Carmen’s foster pup.

And the mystery surrounding the suspense — phew! There’s a cold case and a current case and Carmen’s family drama and they all kept me on my toes and second guessing all my foregone conclusions. My sleuthing armchair got a real workout before everything wraps up by the epic epilogue!

Kidnapped in the Woods + Giveaway

To solve a kidnapping case, they will become the hunted.

Firefighter Pat Ryan is stunned when he hears gunfire and two strangers crash through his door. An anonymous tip led journalist Rachel Davenport to a ramshackle cabin, where she helped an abducted teen escape. With Pat and his K-9 rescue dog’s help, they go on the run with deadly kidnappers in pursuit. But with innocent lives at stake, Rachel and Pat must battle foes and fears to live through the night. 

My Review:

Eeeeep Alert!!! This is a read-in-one gulp kind of suspense so clear your calendar and settle in for an edge-of-your-seat ride.

The opening scene is so intense!!!! I could hardly breathe and then, the way the plot unfolds is so well balanced. Yes, there are hair-raising scenes and lots of chilling chases but there’s also some quality heart-to-heart time that let me catch my breath and fall in love with these characters. Including Shadow the K-9 search and rescue wonder dog. I do so love a Bernese Mountain dog hero!!!! 🙂

An exciting romantic suspense that made me all kinds of bibliophile happy. Plus, it’s set in the winter so all that cold snow was a refreshing relief from our stifling heat. The next best thing to experiencing milder temperatures in real life.

Seeking Justice + Giveaway

Walking the line between danger and love!

Cold case justice!

When Joy Munson confronts Detective Tarin Finnegan about reopening her brother’s case, she doesn’t expect to be shot at by an unknown assailant. And when the gunman strikes three more times in less than twenty-four hours, she and Tarin are forced to accept the truth. Her brother hadn’t committed suicide, he’d been murdered.

Tarin’s promise to keep Joy safe isn’t easy to keep. It seems as if the gunman knows their every move. Unwilling to trust anyone but his family, Tarin and Joy go completely off-grid. Uncovering the truth is just as difficult as ignoring their mutual attraction. Will they find justice for Joy’s brother, and a possible future for themselves, before it’s too late?

My Review:

published in 2021

Eeeeppp — I do so love a good cold case suspense! And I’m still in a tizzy over discovering this series that features nine (yes NINE) siblings who all work as various types of first responders, hence the series title, Finnegan First Responders. These guys and gals are all about service — both to their God and their community. And in this second book (which could easily be read as a standalone) it’s Detective Tarin Finnegan’s time in the spotlight.

A street confrontation with a woman determined to get justice for her brother ends with bullets flying and Joy seems to be the target. A closed case turns into a cold case as Tarin tries to balance the investigation while keeping Joy safe.

Love the dynamics between this hero and heroine. Joy is spunky and determined and pushes her way into Tarin’s heart despite his attempts to keep her at arm’s length. As in the first book in this series, this is very much an insta-love romance, so if that isn’t your jam, this isn’t the book for you!

There’s a nice balance between investigative work and the romance and, of course, lots of lovely Finnegan family shenanigans to enjoy! I got an extra kick out of cameos from characters from the author’s LIS Callahan Confidential series as well.

I’m so enamoured with the Finnegan First Responders series that I’m leaping right into book three immediately. I’ll be enjoying all the books in audio format and was pleased to discover them on sale on Chirp.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

ebook available to anyone, anywhere who has a .com Kindle account

US — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada — paperback or ebook (via a gift card to Canadian Amazon) or audible (.ca)

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Seeking Justice, 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 12 , 2023.

Countdown + Giveaway

A stalker who wants to finish what he started. A US Marshal who’s vowed to protect his charge. And one woman who is determined to put the past in the past.

Flight paramedic Raina Price has been running so long it’s hard to stop. To escape a dangerous stalker, she changed her name and disappeared, building a new life with the help of a friend from her time in juvie. It feels good to put her energies into saving people’s lives, but because her stalker was never found, she’s never stopped looking over her shoulder. And one can only run so far before the past finally catches up.

US Marshal Vincent Corelli’s job is to hunt down fugitives and protect those who are assigned to him. When Raina is almost killed right in front of him, he vows to protect her at all costs–whether it’s his job or not. Together they work to solve the mystery of Raina’s past. But someone is out to make sure Raina doesn’t live long enough to do it.

Countdown is the breathless conclusion to USA Today bestselling author Lynette Eason’s thrilling Extreme Measures series.

My Review:

This was one of my anticipated reads and it did not disappoint! An Audible preorder, downloaded on release day and then I was in romantic suspense heaven! Great narration by Sara Shekells — she did all four books in the Extreme Measures series and I liked that continuity. (FYI: The books can all be read as standalones.)

I’ve enjoyed the glimpses I’ve seen of Raina in the earlier books so I was excited to finally discover her full story. And — mercy — what a heart-hurting, stomach-churning time we had of it! And that was just her personal story arc! I appreciated the raw honesty in her struggle to trust God in the hard places. She feels abandoned and alone, despite being surrounded by friends, and once you’ve delved into her past, you’ll be able to understand why. Eason tackles the tough question: why does God let bad things happen to good people? Raina and Vince have some very candid conversations that I could relate to.

This is a friends to more romance and I loved the substance that brought to their relationship. Vince has always wanted to move the relationship along but Raina has been consistently keeping him at arms’ length, so there’s a bit of unrequited love here too. Obviously, Raina has her reasons for fighting the attraction and all that is explored realistically as the story progresses.

And Vince! Happy swoony sigh! He’s an alpha hero only with brakes. 🙂 He’s protective, but just short of bossy and the way he pursues Raina…be still my heart. Careful deliberation, utmost respect, never pushing beyond what she is willing to offer. But he’s steadfastly by her side all the way, and she needs to see those traits in him in order to let go of the baggage she’s been carrying around for much too long. Vince is one gem of hero!

Of course, the suspense is topnotch — can’t expect anything else from an Eason novel! It’s complex and compelling and layered in mysteries. I was challenged and intrigued all the way through.

A resounding conclusion the the Extreme Measures series!

Fugitive in Hiding + Giveaway

Framed and on the run…with killers on their trail.

When her brother is set up for a murder he didn’t commit, the last thing Naomi Pearson wants to do is turn to her bounty hunter ex-husband for help. But she knows Connor Ryan is her best option to bring Jared home safely after he disappears. When the criminals come after Naomi too, will Connor’s protection keep her alive long enough to find her brother?

Range River Bounty Hunters

My Review:

Fugitive in Hiding opens in an adrenaline rush frenzy and doesn’t really let up until the very end. Loved the pacing, the complicated plot twists, the surprise ending (!!!!!) and especially the Reunion Romance. I had heart palpitations all the way through.

So, Naomi and Connor were married once upon a time — a teenage love story that took a wrong turn. But now, twenty years later, they’re both older and wiser and, most importantly, have found faith, which is going to make all the difference in the possibility of a second chance. Their romance is emotionally charged and realistically portrayed and I was invested from that opening scene.

This is the fourth (and sadly) the last book in Night’s Range River Bounty Hunters series and, though it reads well as a standalone, I enjoyed meeting up with all the characters that have made this series so memorable. And absolutely love the glimpse into the intricacies of the bounty hunting profession. Such a unique spin for a romantic suspense series. I’m eager to see what Jenna Night has in store of us next!

Shadow of Deceit + Giveaway

When returning to her past threatens her life and a murder occurs…

When Mia Blackburn returns to Shadow Lake to inherit her uncle’s property, she doesn’t expect a threatening warning before she even reaches the rustic resort. And when a fire traps her in the burning barn that very day, she fears she won’t get out alive. Just in time, Ryan Maddox, her ex-boyfriend and Shadow Lake Survival owner, rescues her from the deadly blaze. She’s thankful for his rescue, but after their tumultuous breakup, he’s the last person she wants to see. Will she be the next victim?

Despite the threatening warning and her residual feelings for Ryan, Mia won’t let anyone scare her from the rustic resort before she fulfills the terms of her uncle’s will and inherits the property. Ryan insists on keeping a close eye on her, and soon Mia feels safer and closer to Ryan than ever before. Yet the threats haven’t stopped, and soon Mia’s inheritance includes a murder, and she could be the next victim.

My Review:

Eeeepppppp!!!! Squeeeealllll!!!!! Squeeeaaapppp! This is me shrieking like a banshee while I perform my New Release Happy Dance. And not just any new release — a Susan Sleeman first book in a new series release!!! I can’t even….

The Shadow Lake Survival series features six men (eep, that means six books!) who are either ex-military or ex-law enforcement and work as a team to run a wilderness survival camp, which is all kinds of cool. The Maddox brothers own the company and, if you’ve read any books in the author’s previous series, Steele Guardians, you’ll already be acquainted with Ryan, Russ and Reid.

I do so love the way Sleeman creates that bond of brotherhood, complete with teasing and banter and kidding around. Of course, theses brothers (and their friends) are also quick to lend a hand when needed – no matter how dangerous or dastardly the situation. In Shadow of Deceit, it’s Ryan who needs the support — both emotionally and physically — as he finds himself embroiled in his ex-girlfriend’s tumultuous return.

Mia has come back to Shadow Lake in order to fulfill the terms of her uncle’s will. The last person she want to see is the man she walked away from a decade ago. (Oy, Mia, you stomped all over my bruised heart before you finally learned to trust again!) But, Ryan is more concerned about keeping Mia safe than hashing out their past. At least, that’s what he keeps telling himself. 🙂

So, be prepared for an emotional Reunion Romance with just the right amount of angst and humour and swoony moments. Sleeman does an excellent job of balancing Ryan and Mia’s love story with the suspense. Mia is under siege from an unknown assailant who has some very creative ways of warning her off. I had fun trying to figure out the who and the why and love the way the tension slowly built towards the spectacular conclusion. I was on tenterhooks all the way through.

I listened to the audible edition of Shadow of Deceit, expertly narrated by Whitney Dykehouse. She does all of Susan Sleeman’s audio books and it’s a great partnership!

Critical Error + Giveaway

One decision changed his life. 

Nathan Hollister nearly died in a war zone and the experience made one thing crystal clear—breaking off his engagement was a terrible mistake. He arrives at his ex’s ranch to make amends, but gunfire erupts before he can. 

Someone wants her dead. 

Cassie Miles is used to being abandoned, first by her mother and then Nathan. But when an attempt is made on her life, she can’t protect herself and the horses she’s rehabilitating. Accepting Nathan’s help is the only answer.   

A hazardous mission. 

Nathan won’t let anyone harm Cassie. Convincing her to give him a second chance, however, is impossible. As the danger creeps closer, the risk heightens. One critical error could cost Nathan everything…again. 

My Review:

published in 2021

An emotional edge-of-your-seater!

Though this is the second book in the ‘Triumph Over Adversity’ series, it reads really well as a standalone. The books are based around ex-military friends who bonded in the VA hospital and are now easing into civilian life. Shannon has captured the kind of brotherhood that continues beyond enlistment which is a huge draw for me. These guys are facing real challenges, both personal and through the dangerous situations they find themselves in. And, keep in mind, romance can be every bit as scary as a stalker! Just saying’. 🙂

So, we have reunion romance with a rescue horse ranch for a setting! Can it get any better than that? Well, actually, yes it can when you throw in some edgy suspense full of gasp-out-loud, cringe-and-duck moments!

Nathan arrives at Cassie’s ranch to serve up some humble pie. What he did back in the day…oy…Nathan, you had to work hard to regain my trust! Cassie is still mad and hurt and unforgiving and he gets that. He’s never stopped loving her but he isn’t hoping for a second chance. He just wants to make things as right as they can be but before he can even begin grovelling, he’s swept into a frantic scene of gunfire and mayhem.

Once he discovers that Cassie is battling an unknown assailant who has been relentlessly harassing her…well, Nathan appoints himself her bodyguard. Anyone enjoy the forced proximity trope? I sure do and this one plays out beautifully.

Intense. Breathtaking. Pretty much unputdownable…or unstoppable since I listened to the audio edition courtesy of Chirp. An exciting marathon ‘read’ that was over all too soon. Luckily there are more books in the series for me to binge on!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

ebook available to anyone, anywhere who has a .com Kindle account

US — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada — paperback or ebook (via a gift card to Canadian Amazon) or audible (.ca)

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Critical Error, 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 5, 2023.