Tag: Romantic Suspense

Deadly Badlands Pursuit + Giveaway

A K-9 team has a witness to defend…and a murderer to track.

When Deputy US Marshal Gracie Fitzpatrick checks on a government witness, she unexpectedly walks into an ambush at Cameron Holmes’s ranch. She and her K-9 partner, Bane, fight off the assailant—but to protect Cameron, they must escape into South Dakota’s treacherous Badlands. Tracking dangerous enemies is what Gracie does, and Cameron’s life in witness protection has left targets on his back. With a killer waiting in the shadows, Gracie and Cameron must work fast to uncover the truth about who wants him dead…if they want to stay alive.

My Review:

A heart-in-throat page turner from the get go. Stover has an incredible gift of mixing intensity with humour which adds a unique zest to this romantic suspense. And Gracie’s sassy sarcasm and indefatigable spirit brings an upbeat vibe to even the direst situations.

She arrives at Cameron’s ranch for a routine wellness check and winds up with way more than she bargained for. Fighting off an unknown assailant and trying to gain the confidence of a surly and understandable, wary government witness is the ‘perfect’ way to end a long day. And things are only about to get a whole lot worse.

Loved the way the relationship develops in the midst of relentless danger. Both Gracie and Cameron have pasts that make it hard for them to trust easily which brings a bit of suspense into their romance. Will they or won’t they? How can they possibly with a future that only seems to hold uncertainties? Loved the twists and turns and the way the author wrapped things up by the end.

Goodness, I haven’t even mentioned Bane yet. Belgian Malinois and dedicated K-9 officer, there’s nothing Bane can’t track and he’s not bad to have in your corner during a fight either!

This is the second book in the Dakota K-9 Unit multi-authored continuity series but can easily be read as a standalone. There’s some great interaction with her team and now I’m excited to get to know each of them better when they have a chance to star in their own stories.

I listened to the audio edition narrated by Mac Fowler who did a wonderful job bringing distinctive voices (and attitude) to every character. The ease she brings to her performance makes for a comfortable and satisfying listen.

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

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 Deadly Badlands Pursuit,  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 April 26 2025.

Trail of Threats

An arsonist at large…a K-9 team in the line of fire.

Single mom Sadie Owens’s fear of being watched is confirmed when her home is set ablaze—while she and her son are trapped inside. Officer Rocco Manelli and his arson dog arrive in the nick of time to make a rescue. But as attacks persist, it’s up to Rocco to keep Sadie and her three-year-old safe from a criminal with a lethal agenda. Can he keep a vengeful arsonist from scorching a deadly path through Elk Valley—before Sadie and her son become the next victims?

My Review:

The sixth book in ‘Mountain County K-9 Unit’ continuity series published in August 2024. The audio books are just releasing now.

So enjoyed Courtney Patterson’s animated narration of ‘Trail of Threats.’ The writing is phenomenal as is, but Patterson’s interpretation of these characters amplified my reading pleasure all the more. Love that so many more Love Inspired novels are being made available in this format!

Breath-snatching suspense with the kind of drawn out tension that keeps a reader on her toes right to the very end. The heart-in-throat gripping opening scene sets the stage for compelling creepy-ish suspense that gave me all the nervy feels (in a good way!)

I just read the fifth book in this series a few weeks ago where Rocco played a significant secondary role so it was fun to get his complete story here. Having said that, this works wonderfully well as a standalone novel as well.

Rocco’s connection to Sadie, and the way their relationship plays out is so believable and full of emotion… and quite a few laughs courtesy of sassy Sadie. Not to mention some flirty banter. Ohhhh, and don’t get me started on the toe-curling scenes artfully interspersed throughout! A fantastic blend of romance and suspense where both keep you on the edge all the way through.

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

Montana Abduction Rescue

Kidnappers out for vengeance. Can a K-9 team stop them?

Following the death of a crime boss he put behind bars, Ian Carpenter leaves witness protection—and runs right into an ambush. To escape assailants bent on revenge, he turns to his former handler, US marshal Meadow Ames, and her K-9 partner. But the stakes grow higher when Ian’s cousin is abducted. With threats closing in, can they rescue a kidnapped teen…and stop the criminals for good?

My Review:

This is the fifth book in the Love Inspired ‘Mountain K-9 Unit’ multi-authored series published in July 2024. It has recently been made available in audio format much to my delight. Even though this is the fifth book, it reads well as a standalone. While there is a romantic suspense plot unique to this story, there is also an over-arcing investigation that plays out through all the books. All the authors do a great job of catching readers up on the secondary suspense plot without detracting from the primary one.

Jodie Bailey knows how to build suspense through a delectably taut plot line full of unexpected twists. The inciting incident drew me in and set the tone for the rest of the story. It was a great way to immediately get deep into the psyche of both Ian and Meadow – a kind of baptism by fire into their personalities and motivations.

They have a professional history which was cut off when Ian went into the wit-sec programme and I really enjoyed watching their relationship warily take shape amidst all the chaos and danger. I especially appreciated the unique connection they have. I don’t want to say more for fear of spoilers – let’s just say there’s some nice role reversal on stereotypical suspense plot lines.

I really enjoyed Shannon Hemmings audio narration. She brought these characters alive and her performance added to the sense of danger and emotion evident in the story.

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

Unforgotten + Giveaway

Even though Bethanne Hostetler has found some peace eight years after an attempted assault and the accidental death of Peter Miller, she is still haunted by the memory. When her Englisher cousin, Candace–who has just been crowned Miss Crittenden County–reveals that she has a stalker, all of Bethanne’s old fears come rushing back.

Jay Raber had once been Peter’s best friend, and the fact that he did not protect Bethanne that fateful night has haunted him ever since. To make matters worse, she continues to avoid him–even as he continues to love her. Jay can only hope and pray that one day Bethanne will see the person he is today and not the boy he used to be.

As Candace’s stalker becomes bolder, Officer Ryan Mulany becomes her escort to various events. He knows he should only think of Candace as a job, but the more time they spend together, the harder it gets to maintain professional distance. And when everyone’s worst fears are realized, all four must work together to prevent another tragedy before time runs out and another innocent person is hurt. From New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray comes this emotionally taut story of learning to forgive, trust, and love despite the pain of the past.

My Review:

This classic Shelley Shepard Gray novel delivered on all my expectations. She has a distinctive storytelling style that I find so easy to lose myself in. Opening one of her books feels so welcoming and familiar. I think it’s the way she builds a community and fills it with solid secondary characters who play important roles in the over all story.

Love the way the author weaves two romances around a common theme while delivering a compelling suspense full of stalkerish vibes. Candace and Bethanne are cousins – one English, one Amish – both women facing challenging situations.

For Bethanne, the struggle to come back from an assault years ago has been a long, emotional battle. For Candace, her recent popularity after being crowned Miss Crittenden County has emboldened a stalker to take action. Their stories overlap especially as the suspense amps up. Brilliant pacing kept me on edge as I switched back and forth between Candace and Bethanne’s POVs, along with their dedicated heroes.

Sweet romance with emotional depth, a gentle but significant faith message and the thrill of suspense kept me engaged (literally read in one sitting) from start to end.

Of note: This is the second book in a series though I can’t find a series title. But the first book is ‘Unforgiven’ and there are some common characters shared in both ‘Unforgiven’ and ‘Unforgotten’. I also have a feeling that the first book might have introduced some of Bethanne’s back story. Having said that, I haven’t read ‘Unforgiven’ and had no issues picking up this book. I’ll definitely be backtracking and also keeping an eye out for the third book, ‘Unshaken’ after reading the brief sneak peek at the end of this one.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

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 Unforgotten,  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 April 12 2025.

Dangerous Arson Trail + Giveaway

Can an officer and his K-9 partner catch a criminal with a deadly plan?

Emergency dispatcher Darcy Lane is abducted and left for dead in a burning house by a vengeful copycat of an arsonist she helped identify years ago. K-9 officer Lucas Harper, the man who once broke her heart, rescues her just in time. Staying one step ahead of a culprit proves nearly impossible, but Lucas will risk everything to keep Darcy safe. With the clock ticking, can they identify who’s terrorizing her…before the cold-blooded killer’s long-awaited revenge is complete?

My Review:

Canadian author. Canadian setting. What’s not to love? Always excited to find a story set on my home turf.

Oh my goodness — the tension! Black skillfully builds it up to an explosive conclusion and I was on the edge of my seat all the way through. Perfectly paced, action and danger bookend the romance and it all increased my anxiety!

Love that Darcy and Lucas have a muddled history, it adds a delicious knot of strain to their situation. Gotta love a complicated romance that seems doomed from the start…even though both hero and heroine can’t shake a resurgence of feelings that seem impossible to fulfill. Especially with Darcy being targeted by an unknown assailant. The perfect setup for a stellar romantic suspense.

‘Dangerous Arson Trail’ is the third book in ‘Unsolved Case Files’ series but can easily be read as a standalone novel. I enjoyed meeting up with this cold case team again. The author does a great job of creating a cohesive team of eclectic characters and I’m eager to learn more of their stories as the series progresses.

I listened to the audio edition of this book courtesy of Harlequin Audio and Net Galley and really enjoyed Noni Alley’s narration. She conveyed all the edgy emotion realistically which really helped me connect to the characters and situations they were dealing with. A compulsive non-stop listening experience for me.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

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 Dangerous Arson Trail,  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 April 12 2025.

Searching for Justice + Giveaway

A cold-case reopened. A K-9 in pursuit of the truth.

When a teen goes missing from the same place where her own foster sister disappeared, K-9 handler Brynne Taylor is on the case…until she’s caught in a lethal trap. Someone doesn’t want her or her Saint Bernard, Fergie, snooping around, and they’re willing to kill to keep their secrets. Saved by rancher Jace Jackson, Brynne reluctantly accepts the single father’s help solving both cases. But they’re under fire every dangerous step of the way—and eluding this killer may be as impossible as outrunning Brynne’s past…

My Review:

Wow! This is the 15h K-9 Search and Rescue book from Love Inspired Suspense and I hope they keep them coming. I’m always on board for good K-9 mystery and this one is fantastic. How could it not be with Fergie leading the way?! A St. Bernard who has a lot to prove along with human partner, Brynne, since they are the newest hires in this small Texas town. Especially since Brynne has history that seems to be all tangled up in the latest missing teen case.

I really enjoyed the way Queen strikes a balance between the romance and the suspense. The Second Chance trope plays out realistically. Past traumas – especially for Brynne – make things extra challenging. Loved the way the past is gradually merged into the present and there were so many ‘aha’ moments that made the suspense even more thrilling for me…and left me on tenterhooks regarding the happily ever after outcome. I knew it was coming…this is a Love Inspired novel, after all…but just how satisfactorily would it be wrapped up? Splendidly, I’d say!

I listened to the audio edition narrated by Cyndi Stark. Her performance complimented these characters and drew out the tension at just the right moments. An excellent listen that I’d recommend to audio ‘readers’ like me.

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

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 Searching for 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 March 15 2025.

Deadly Revenge + Giveaway

Deputy Jenna Hart has only been working in her sleepy hometown of Pearl Springs for seven months when city officials begin to be targeted by a killer. Twenty years ago, the construction of a dam caused people to lose their land to eminent domain. That wound has not healed with time, and someone bearing a grudge is clearly set on revenge. With the former mayor of Pearl Springs now running for the US Senate, Jenna will have to call in backup to ensure his protection.

That’s where Agent Maxwell Anderson comes in. He and Jenna used to work together in the Chattanooga Police Department, and there was even a smoldering fire of attraction. Now they team up to track down the killer before a big political rally that promises to bring not only the former mayor into the crosshairs but hundreds of civilians as well.

As the sparks of romance reignite and the threads of the investigation get tangled when another suspect comes into play, Jenna and Max will have to draw on all of their skills to stay alive and prevent the wave of disaster poised to hit the community of Pearl Springs. The question is, can either of them fully trust that the other has their back?

My Review:

Phew! A gripping police procedural that turned this into an unstoppable read. Absolutely love the investigative aspects to this suspense. It’s the focus of the plot though there is also a creepy undertone simmering in the background. Sent delicious chills up my spine a time or two. And when it comes time for action, it explodes off the page in a breath-snatching fury. I’ve just now managed to get my heart rate down.

Max and Jenna worked together before in another police department and there was definitely a smouldering attraction between the two until…well stuff happened. Fast forward a few years and they have both experienced enough grief in the romance department to be wary of rekindling an old flame. The tension between these two is palpable from the onset – equal parts awkward and anticipatory. All while they’re grappling with a complicated case that seems to stretch into the past.

‘Deadly Revenge’ is riveting on so many levels. Love the way the author develops the relationship between Max and Jenna. It’s slow and measured and built on respect. And believably sidelined (most of the time) in deference to the case they are working on. And there are so many intricate layers to the suspense plot that kept me on the edge of my seat and frantically trying to put the pieces together before Max and Jenna did. I was right…some of the time…but wrong a lot more. Love when a suspense gives my mind a good workout!

This is the third and last book in the Pearl River series but works fine as a standalone. We do get to see a lot of Alex (heroine from book one) as a secondary character though, in her role as sheriff. And there’s a wonderful epilogue that brings all the series’ heroes and heroines together for one final ‘hurrah’ for readers.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

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 Deadly Revenge, 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 March 15 2025.

Hiding the Witness + Giveaway

Rescuing a child makes a killer’s target.

Racing into a burning cabin to search for survivors, firefighter Diana Cameron stumbles upon an unconscious child—and two bodies with bullet wounds. When a sniper targets their narrow escape, Diana has no choice but to team up with bodyguard Chase Mitchell to keep the little girl safe. Uncovering the identity of the murder victims is the only way to find the killer. But as they’re chased by gunmen into the mountain wilderness, can they protect a tiny witness from the unknown…when the truth is more sinister than they imagined?

My Review:

Whoa – what a compelling romantic suspense! I listened to the audio edition, and I have to say that narrator Alexis Vandom’s performance increased my appreciation of the storytelling that much more. The way she delivers the dialogue – especially when Diana and Chase are sniping at each other — just brilliant! She draws out the tension, infuses emotion into these characters and just made the story more engaging for me. Excellent narration.

And the story? Phew! High-octane intrigue from the get go. Excellent pacing. Even though the danger is relentless and Chase and Diana face endless obstacles, the author creates enough breathing space for a believable relationship to develop. And that sweet little girl they are protecting adds a poignant touch to the story. As does the inspirational thread the author has deftly woven throughout – even in the midst of uncertain peril.

I need to read more of Deena Alexander’s novels, including catching up on her backlist because it looks like this book is part of a series featuring Chase’s private security team. (No worries though – it reads well as a standalone.) But I’m intrigued now that I’ve met the whole gang and I need to know all their stories.

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

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 Hiding the Witness, 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 March 8 2025.

Storm Warning + Giveaway

Haunted by a half-forgotten past, former army photographer Remi Grant is working at an isolated storm-watching lodge on the rocky Washington coast when she receives a mysterious puzzle piece. The puzzle piece may be the catalyst to unlock a disturbing incident she struggles to remember–the event that sent her into hiding. But with heavy storms rolling in, she has to focus on the present, not get caught up in the past.

When a mysterious man at the lodge saves her life–twice–Remi becomes suspicious and confronts him. After a catastrophic event in his own life, former military pilot Hawk Beckett is trying to get some perspective at the suggestion of his former commanding officer. Faced with the fiercest storm to hit the coast in a decade, Remi and Hawk are forced into survival mode. But they’re not alone at the lodge.

Someone doesn’t want Remi to remember what happened–and they will stop at nothing to see her dead.

My Review:

I’m gobsmacked, discombobulated and I think my blood pressure is permanently spiked after reading (er, listening to) this engrossing, unputdownable, incredibly compelling romantic suspense. Five bazillion stars into infinity!

Remi and Hawk are a powerhouse team, though it takes them some time to reach that conclusion! Love the pacing of their romance; their hair-raising meet cute; Remi’s reluctance to trust; Hawk’s mysterious past; Remi’s forgotten memories; the danger closing in on them….Wow, just Wow, wow, wow!

And then there are the startling revelations slowly exposed throughout the story. Gasp-out-loud ‘aha’ moments that left me shaken. And suspicious. And anxious to figure out the who, what, where, why and how of the suspense. It got to the point where I began to suspect everyone of nefarious purposes. And, mercy, once all was revealed…well, that’s why I’m gobsmacked and discombobulated.

Thrilled that this if the first in her Hidden Bay series, which may just turn out to be her best yet!

I listened to the audible edition, narrated by Chloe Peiffer who did an amazing job conveying the tension and desperation and emotional angst in this story. Would totally recommend the audio book to people who enjoy a good listen as much as they enjoy a good read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

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 Storm Warning, 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 March 1 2025.

Ambush + Giveaway

She’ll do anything to uncover the truth of her parents’ murder–even work alongside the man who once broke her heart.

Paradise Alden’s childhood in Nova Cambridge, Alabama, was idyllic until the night her parents were murdered. Since then life has left her scarred. The abuse she suffered in the foster care system, her first love’s betrayal, and the jaguar attack that nearly destroyed her career have led to an unshakable distrust–in men, in God, and maybe in even in herself.

After fifteen years, returning to her hometown is a last resort to finding her life again. She’s hoping the wildlife refuge where she’s accepted a veterinarian job will be the perfect place to heal from her recent traumas and unlock her memories about the night her parents died. But on the day she arrives at The Sanctuary, a body is discovered on the grounds. And soon, a series of deadly events threatens not only her future but the man who, despite all odds, still makes her pulse stutter. Arson, a shooting, a break-in, and multiple instances of animals being freed from their enclosures all point back to him, but Paradise knows Blake Lawson isn’t responsible. Not the man who has been helping his mother manage The Sanctuary these past six months and care for his stepbrothers in the wake of their father’s death . . . even if his betrayal years ago cost her everything.

Someone dangerous is lurking beneath the town’s moss-draped trees, and Paradise refuses to let another murderer disappear into the shadows.

My Review:

Whoa! I’ve read a ton of Colleen Coble’s books (not all, but a lot) and this one might be my absolute favourite. I just loved everything about it. The way the suspense elements are evenly paced out – intense all the way through without being completely overwhelming. I was on edge, waiting for the next ‘thing’ to happen but still able to enjoy the quieter, thoughtful moments with these characters. And the emotional fireworks too, of course!

A second chance romance sparks from doomed puppy love fifteen years earlier. Both Blake and Paradise have coped with their share of trauma through the ensuing years, but they are stronger for it. And even more stubborn! Clashing wills, gnarly reckonings, and oh my heart hurt so much for Paradise when all is revealed! But they are soon united in their quest to save the wildlife refuge from an unknown threat.

And that sanctuary setting! Such an exciting backdrop for the story. It added even more intensity to the plot and was peppered with intriguing insights into the animals and their habitats and a very creative way to up the danger too!

Coble is a master at character development – and not just with the hero and heroine. Every secondary character is fleshed out in a memorable way and kept me emotionally engaged all the way through the read. Sometimes happy feels (Blake’s mother and little brothers…sooooo cute!); sometimes seething with rage (there’s one character in particular…) and the whole gamut in-between. I love feeling my way through a story and I did that with this amazing read. In a word: unputdownable.

I was blessed to listen to the audio edition of ‘Ambush’ and was thrilled with Karen Peakes’ performance. She brought distinctive voices to all the characters – especially loved the way she portrayed the little boys – and the way she used her voice to build tension was phenomenal. Highly recommend this audio book.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson, Zondervan Fiction Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of ‘Ambush’.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

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 Ambush, 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 February 8 2025