Tag: Romantic Suspense

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

Escaping the Wilderness + Giveaway

On the run through the mountains—
with only each other to trust.

Amanda Cotton’s privileged life takes a harrowing turn when her grandfather’s dying wish places a target firmly on her back and she’s attacked by unknown assailants. Rescue comes in the form of widowed outdoorsman Boone McGregor, but the threat is just beginning. Unable to trust local law enforcement, they flee across the rugged Montana mountains. As they evade deadly enemies and navigate harsh terrain, they must put aside their differences to survive. But when a family secret is exposed, danger is closer than they imagined and more than just their lives is at stake…

My Review:

Carrie Stuart Parks’ ability to create sensational suspense plots is unparalleled. Her second Love Inspired Suspense novel has as much depth and complexity as her longer ones and I am a HUGE fan! This one is a classic page turner (or avid listener, in my case.)

Amanda is tough and sarcastic and sometimes even caustic. Boone is a born protector and epic ‘mountain man’ survivalist. Sparks ignite when these two collide under desperate circumstances…and then the fun really begins (for us readers, anyway.)

Great banter and tons of snappy dialogue heat things up and kept me grinning, even in the midst of danger! There’s plenty of dramatic action to keep a reader totally immersed in the story. The plot twists even have plot twists! And a certain loyal Bernese Mountain dog adds just the right amount of warm fuzzy to soften the story (though Cookie is a fierce protector too!)

I listened to the audio book in one sitting, party because Samantha Desz’s narration is so captivating. She brought an extra edge to Amanda’s snarky sarcasm that was so much fun to listen to. And the emotion she put into the tense actions scenes was incredible. Highly recommend the audio edition of ‘Escaping the Wilderness.’

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 Escaping the Wilderness,  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 13 2025

Over the Line

Random Retro Re-Read

“You have something we want. We have something you want.”

Gabriella has never forgiven her former fiancé, homicide detective Eli Cavazos, for breaking her heart. Then a man she’s never met shows up at her restaurant, a bullet in his chest and her brother’s name on his lips. Gabby soon realizes this man is connected to a powerful ring of criminals who know far too much about her. Against her better judgment, Gabby turns to Eli for help in finding her brother. When she receives a cryptic text from her brother’s cell phone, she realizes she is in deep and may be dragging Eli down with her.

With her brother nowhere to be found and pain from her past threatening to overwhelm her, Gabby wonders how she will make it through this unexpected quest unscathed—or alive. Taking us into the heat of Laredo, Texas, the secrets of a gun-smuggling ring, and the tensions on both sides of the border, Over the Line will keep you guessing until the last page.

My Review:

published in 2021

This was a fun reread…well, re listen. I needed a standalone novel for a reading challenge and I remembered enjoying some of Kelly Irvin’s. Now I have to revisit the others too. I think I like her suspense more than her Amish novels. 🙂

Whoa! What an intense, complicated, adrenaline-rush of a read! Power. Greed. Corruption. And a desperate race to find Gabriella’s brother…while avoiding capture or death! And the dynamics between Gabriella and Eli — oh la la! Gabriella is still carrying a major grudge after their break up but Eli is so penitent and besotted and all together droolworthy! While Gabriella is super intense and annoyingly stubborn and in-your-face opinionated and not shy about letting Eli know exactly how she feels about him. It broke my heart. And his. So there’s angst in their romance and plenty more in the suspense which makes for a riveting page turner.

Lost Truth

A vulnerable reporter. A hidden truth.
Lost Lake Locator Hayden Kraus is thrust into a high-stakes investigation when he’s hired to investigate the disappearance of a prominent local figure. The case quickly unravels into a complex web of deception, corruption, and danger. As Hayden delves deeper, he crosses paths with Cadence Vaughn, a fearless and resourceful investigative journalist determined to uncover the truth behind her father’s mysterious murder—a case she believes is connected to the current investigation.

And an investigator pushed to extremes.
Despite initial friction, Hayden and Cadence realize they need each other to expose the powerful forces at play. As they piece together clues, they uncover evidence pointing to a sinister cover-up. The threats escalate, and they face increasing danger, but the bond between them strengthens. When they have to risk everything to bring the truth to light will that include risking a future together too?

My Review:

Look at me, keeping up with Susan Sleeman’s latest series! (I still have two to catch up on, I think.) This is the second book in the Lost Lake Investigator series but can easily be read as a standalone, though there is a bit of carry over with characters and a few plot points. No book one spoilers though.

I so enjoy the way this author builds up a team. Hayden’s investigative team is made up of an eclectic mix of law enforcement talent. They’ve formed a ‘found family’ bond and that comes with all the good natured ribbing you’d expect, along with a more serious ‘I’ve got your back’ moments.

Lots of action along with some cunning investigative work keeps the plot moving forward at a steady pace. Punctuated with lovely snippets of romance sprinkled generously throughout.

I love the way Sleeman develops Hayden and Cadence’s relationship. She’s strong-willed and opinionated and completely fixated on exposing her father’s murderer. He’s working a parallel case that makes it beneficial for them to work together…as long as they can tamp down the sizzling tension between them. Lovely balance between their working dynamics and the personal, getting to know you moments.

And mercy, but there are some riveting, heart-in-throat action moments that bring resolution to the suspense and clear the way for some serious romancing. Makes for a thrilling escape read. I’m excited now to continue on with the series and get the personal back stories for all the team.

Detecting Concealed Evidence + Giveaway

Sniffing out the enemies requires a K-9’s help.

A panicked call sends detective Chase Wolfe and his search-and-rescue bloodhound, Tank, racing right into the path of his neighbor—who’s just barely escaped an abduction. But Pilar Alonso has no idea who’s after her or why. Now she must rely on Chase to keep her safe while they work together to track down the unknown assailants targeting her. Only, their investigation reveals layers of a much more sinister agenda, and danger is rapidly closing in. Drawn into a web of deceit, can they untangle the mystery…before they’re permanently silenced?

My Review:

An outstanding Romantic Suspense with Mentink’s unique blend of action and humour. Riveting all the way through. And Tank is a furry wonder of floof and drool and good intentions. His extraordinary sniffer is often all that stands between Chase and Pilar and danger. Plus, he lives up to his name in spectacular ways!

Love the enemies to more vibe going on with the romance. Nothing like upping an already tense plot with some emotional trauma! And the action scenes are spectacular. Couldn’t quite catch my breath until the very end. Big sigh of relief and bookish glee!

I still get giddy every time I see a Love Inspired Suspense book in audio format and Abby Craden did a wonderful job narrating ‘Detecting Concealed Danger.’ She brings the right amount of tension to the harrowing scenes and is great with dialogue, infusing humour and warmth in all the right places. As well as stark terror and sheer frustration. Craden manages to capture the full gamut of emotions that bring these characters to life.

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 – available in print or 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 Detecting Concealed Evidence,  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 16 2025

Final Approach + Giveaway

Air Marshal Kristine Duncan is not on duty when a hijacker attempts to seize control of the plane she and her friends are on as they head out on a much-needed vacation. Jumping into action and aided by FBI Special Agent Andrew Ross, Kristine thwarts the attack and the plane lands safely. But as the investigation into the incident gets underway, Kristine and Andrew are confused at every step. Nothing about the investigation goes as it should, and each layer they peel back just reveals another layer of perplexity.

As the two work together to navigate a web of deception, blame, and personal reckoning, they find there’s more to this story than meets the eye–and more to love and admire about each other. They’ll have to put their skills to the test–and their hearts on the line–to unravel the truth and ensure that justice prevails.

USA Today bestselling author Lynette Eason is back with another edge-of-your-seat thrill ride as she brings her popular Lake City Heroes series to a shocking and satisfying close.

My Review:

Whoa – be prepared to experience a rush of adrenaline on repeat all the way through to the end of this compulsive romantic suspense! I’m still feeling the after shocks and trying to put all the pieces together because this is one complex, twisty, turny plot with lots of players.

It starts with the whole Lake City Heroes gang on a flight headed on vacation. Well, technically, Kristine is performing one last U.S. Air Marshalling duty and then she’s free to join her friends for some rest and relaxation…until the hijacker. Unlucky for him he’s on a plane with the creme de la creme of law enforcement and, though tense, the takedown is inevitable.

But what seems to be the end suddenly becomes a beginning as Kristine and Andrew are thrown into a maze of contradictory and confusing puzzles. I honestly had no idea what was going on (a deliberate ploy on the author’s part) which made the suspense plot so engaging. How are certain events connected? Who are the targets? And why?

The chaos of the case becomes entangled with the engaging backstories of our hero and heroine which serves to amp up the tension all the more. And then we reach a pivotal point leading to a succession of ‘aha’ moments that left me breathless and Kristine in grave danger. Oh, and three cheers for a blockbuster, stand-up-and-cheer climax! Such a thrill of a read!

This is the fourth book in the author’s ‘Lake City Heroes’ series and all the former heroes and heroines are included in this enthralling series send-off so it might be a bit overwhelming for new ‘Lake City Hero‘ readers. ‘Final Approach’ can still be read as a standalone, I think, just be prepared to to be a bit confused in the first couple of chapters. Things will soon sort themselves out as Kristine and Andrew take centerstage.

I enjoyed listening to the audio edition of this book, narrated by Lauren Pedersen.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

Canada – 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 Final Approach,  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 16 2025