Tag: Sleeman Susan

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.

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!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

ebook available to anyone, anywhere who has a .com (US) 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 Shadow of Deceit, 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.

He lost his memory…

Mackenzie Steele has been instrumental in keeping Steele Guardians afloat, working long hours for months. Nearing burn out, her family encourages her to take a vacation, and she reluctantly agrees. She needs solitude and quiet, and a vacation rental home in the Oregon desert is just the ticket. But she’s no sooner unpacked her bags when a man lands on her doorstep. A man who can’t remember his identity or why he’s there. All they know is that the name Owen seems familiar to him.

But will finding it bring a killer to her doorstep.

Mackenzie shouldn’t trust this man, but something about his earnestness draws her to him and she agrees to help him determine his identity. When her rental home is bombarded with bullets, she knows she’s accepted a task that could turn deadly, and she should walk away. But by this time, her deepening connection with the stranger keeps her firmly rooted at his die, and she can only pray that she won’t regret her potentially life-altering decision.

My Review:

First, who knew that there was a desert in Oregon? Not this Canadian, that’s for sure. So, great setting, including some wilderness adventuring. And we’re also introduced to a band of brothers who run an outdoor wilderness adventure business and I am heartily hoping that their inclusion might be a foreshadowing of a future series! Please, please, please!

But, I digress. Best opening line ever: “The body lying on the front porch wasn’t included in MacKenzie Steele’s vacation home rental.” Bwahahahaha! And we’re off and racing through pages of adventure and danger and toe-curling romance! And didn’t Susan Sleeman go and bewitch me by turning a not-so-favourite trope of mine into something dazzlingly clever?!

I think I might have to stop saying I’m not an amnesia trope fan now. It’s done so well, and with a fresh slant too which makes it all the more interesting. Loved MacKenzie’s reaction to meeting Owen and that she was smart and sensible about it (you have to read the book to find out what I mean.)

And then I was in sheer bibliophile delight all the way to the end as Sleeman delivered her iconic blend of family, faith, humour and suspense. And I loved all the investigative details — along with some exciting cameos from previous series.

I listened to the audible edition of Solid as Steele, narrated by Whitney Dykehouse (who does all of Susan Sleeman’s audio books and I love the giddy ‘home coming’ feeling I get when I start listening to a new book.)

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy — winner’s choice.

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Solid as Steele, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you leave an email in your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. I 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 announce don Saturday February 18 2023. Offer open to International Readers.