Tag: Romantic Suspense

Prowl

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

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

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

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

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

My Review:

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

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

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

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

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

Hooked + Giveaway

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

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

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

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

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

A Note From Kav:

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

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

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

Mark’s Review:

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

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

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

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

Canada – (from Kav) ebook copy

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Hooked,  leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday November 29 2025

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

Christmas K-9 Patrol

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

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

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

My Review:

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

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

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

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

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

Deadly Christmas Trap

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

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

My Review:

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

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

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

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

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

Trail of Mountain Secrets + Giveaway

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

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

My Review:

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

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

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

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

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

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook

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

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Trail of Mountain Secrets,  leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday November 1 2025

Final Approach

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

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

My Review:

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

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

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

Trail of Suspicion + Giveaway

Uncovering buried secrets
could be fatal for a K-9 and his handler.

When crime scene technician Aurora “Rory” James and her K-9, Moose, stumble upon a dead body in the woods, she finds herself fighting off a killer who wants to hide his crimes. Although she’s the criminal’s next target, Rory doesn’t want protection from Sergeant Asher Mitchell—the man who implicated her father in her mother’s disappearance years ago. But as the attacks escalate and they discover that a second body belongs to Rory’s missing mother, Asher realizes that the murderer will do anything to stop the police investigation. Can Rory and Asher catch the culprit before they become the next victims?

My Review:

Whoa – what a riveting romantic suspense! An emotional and thrilling story that finds reunited high school friends facing down a killer. Brilliant pacing with a nice rhythm between action scenes and more contemplative ones. And there’s lots of emotional angst in those down times because Rory and Asher didn’t part on the best of terms.

Asher has regretted the decision he made ten years ago that splintered their friendship. Rory has been nursing bitterness ever since. Getting deep into each of their perspectives made for a compelling read and their hard-won happily-ever-after that much more rewarding.

And then there’s the suspense. Pierce did an amazing job of peppering in all kinds of forensic and K-9 details which made the story even more fascinating and added an air of authenticity to the investigative side of the suspense. And the way the author used Rory’s forensic knowledge when she’s in dire danger was ingenious.

I really enjoyed listening to the audio book. Narrator Melissa Moran’s performance matched the energy of the story, from the action scenes to the romantic ones. A wonderful listening experience.

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – available in paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

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

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Trail of 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 October 4 2025

Double Protection Duty

When a toddler goes missing,
a K-9 team must move fast.

A family trip to the Wind Caves National Park quickly turns into a nightmare when K-9 officer Kenyon Graves discovers one of his twin boys has been abducted. Now Kenyon needs the help of his team and his longtime friend Raina McCord to save his toddler son. But the kidnappers are elusive—and intent on killing anyone who stands in the way of their sinister scheme. With threats closing in, time is of the essence to catch these criminals…before Kenyon and Raina pay the ultimate price.

My Review:

Who can resist a dedicated beagle K-9 officer? Especially one named Peanut! I love everything about these Love Inspired Suspense K-9 series, but especially the different dogs who come with their own unique personalities and human/dog bonding experiences.

Peanut’s partner, Kenyon is trying to get his life back together after years of trauma. His wife died leaving him a single parent to infant twins. He was shot in the line of duty, lost his memory and struggled through exhaustive rehab. His best friend Raina has been his rock through it all and now that things are finally settling into some kind of normal, he’s beginning to realize that he might have feelings for Raina that go beyond friendship. But before he can figure out what that means, danger hits way too close to home.

A kidnapped child. Multiple attacks that put Raina at risk. Suddenly everything Kenyon hold’s dear is in danger. This tense, action packed suspense featuring a friends to more romance kept me riveted right up to the last page.

This is the seventh novel in the ‘Dakota K-9 Unit’ continuity series but reads well as a standalone (has it’s own unique suspense plot) though there is more page time focusing on the gun smuggling ring with all the team because we’re getting close to the series’ grand finale. Eep!!! I can’t wait for ‘Final Showdown’s‘ release in October since there is some ominous foreshadowing at the end of this story. Plus it will feature the romance I have been waiting for! Eeeeppp! I’m so excited!

I happily listened to the audio book of ‘Double Protection Duty’ narrated by Marisa Blake whose performance added extra tension to the romance and desperation to the suspense. Really loved the way she brought this story to life.

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

Disappearance in Alaska + Giveaway

A kidnapper will stop at nothingto silence the only witness.

The last thing Ava Kindred remembers before being thrown off a cliff and left for dead in the Alaskan wilderness is witnessing her friend’s abduction. And when she’s saved by local police chief Mark Tremblay, she enlists his help to track down her friend. Except no trace of this woman’s existence can be found and their search only leads to dead ends. But they can’t deny that Ava’s life is in danger. With time running out and unknown enemies just steps behind, can they discover what really happened before Ava’s permanently silenced?

My Review:

Another compulsive romantic suspense from Elisabeth Rees! And this one has a kinda psychological thriller vibe that is so compelling! Ava’s desperation is palpable, her confusion heartbreaking and her struggle to find someone she can trust amps up the tension that much more.

Mark is a hyperviligent sheriff who finds uncanny parallels between Ava’s situation and the way his sister died. He’s struggling with grief and misplaced guilt and is determined he won’t fail Ava the way he did his sister. His journey towards acceptance and closure is so moving and provides a lovely inspirational component to the story.

The action and danger is nonstop and there’s an aspect of the suspense that makes it even edgier. (I can’t say more without posting spoilers and I’d never do that!) Just know this book is chockfull of compulsive page-turning goodness from start to finish!

Or, in my case, compulsive listening since I enjoyed the audio edition of ‘Disappearance in Alaska’ narrated by Jennifer Sun Bell. She captured all the tension and drama perfectly which made for a wonderful listening experience.

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – paperback, ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Disappearance in Alaska  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 20 2025

Dangerous Montana Inheritance + Giveaway

A shocking bequest
could cost her life.

Attacked on the property she unexpectedly inherited, Rose Balfour barely escapes with the help of former hostage negotiator Henry Walsh. Someone is determined to keep her from testifying at a loan shark’s murder trial. But when she does and the danger continues, Rose suspects there are answers in the house left to her. Teaming up with Henry, Rose uncovers surprising evidence and a powerful enemy determined to silence them. Not even Henry’s isolated ranch is a safe refuge. With their lives on the line and captors closing in, can Rose and Henry expose the web of secrets—before they vanish forever?

My Review:

I love a good inheritance story and this one is fantastic! Such a great backdrop for a suspense and this one gives all those edgy vibes and a heap of mystery. The opening scene is all heart-stopping action and sets the stage for all the tension and drama to come. And, mercy, but the pursuits are relentless and the danger increasing. Makes for an unputdownable kind of read.

Henry and Rose knew each other in high school, though this isn’t a second chance romance. They both struggled with challenging family situations and coped quite differently which leads to some perception problems in their current situation. It takes a bit of time for barriers to be dropped and trust accepted. They make a great team…when Henry isn’t being overbearingly protective and Rose isn’t being stubborn! The push/pull of their relationship adds an extra zip to the developing romance.

Treachery, betrayal and rising danger create chaos and uncertainty, drawing Henry and Rose closer as they struggle to solve an impossible mystery. Love the way they draw on their faith in God during the toughest times. A poignant reminder that no matter what we face, He is right beside us all the way.

I listened to the audio edition of ‘Dangerous Montana Inheritance’ narrated by Emma Lysy and enjoyed the way her performance brought this story to life. Made for a compelling listening experience.

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – available in paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

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

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Dangerous Montana Inheritance,  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 20 2025