Tag: Walters Natalie

Better Watch Out + Giveaway

An accidental meet-cute, a case of mistaken identity, and a bucket-list of Christmas activities befitting a Hallmark movie make this holiday romantic adventure the perfect Christmas read.

Leave the candy canes, take the pepper spray! 

Nothing screams Christmas like a week spent ice skating, visiting Santa, and sharing a kiss or two under the mistletoe. Frannie Frost has crafted the perfect bucket list of romantic activities to surprise her boyfriend in the most magical place at Christmas time—New York City. When he unexpectedly becomes her ex, her plans are derailed leaving her with a choice. Wallow in self-pity at Christmas time or take matters into her own hands. 

Former NHL defenseman turned personal protection agent, Andrew Bishop, loves his job—when things go as planned—but Frannie Frost is definitely not part of the plan. Still, when her brother, the man who saved Andrew’s life last year, asks him to deliver his sister safely to the airport, he can’t say no. 

The only problem? Frannie isn’t leaving. She’s determined to make the most of her trip by checking off a bucket list of cliché Christmas actives that would make even Santa’s elves jealous. Andrew’s content to let her go until he learns that Frannie’s been mistaken for his client and thrust into the midst of danger. 

Better Watch Out is a sweet romantic holiday adventure that gives you all of laughs of a rom-com while adding a touch of suspense. Tropes you’re sure to love include the new girl in the city vibe, stranded at Christmas, under the mistletoe, forced proximity, and a touch of enemies to lovers. Enjoy this romantic adventure that’s sure to make your holidays merry and bright.

My Review:

A rom/com with a sideline of suspense. But, really it’s the Christmas-themed, comedy-infused romance that takes centerstage here. And I loooovvvvveedd it!!! From the hearty guffawing meet cute through all the awkward, quirky moments. Frannie is all wide-eyed, small town Southern charm to Andrew’s jaded big city persona. What a contrast and it opens the way for some great comedy as well as touching, feel-good scenes. A lethal combination.

Oh — and speaking of Andrew — former hockey player, now a personal protection agent, working with a company of ex-NHLers turned body guards. THUD! I sure hope this is the start of a series because the office camaraderie is hilarious and now I need to know all these guys’ stories. And see them each get their happily ever after too, of course!

Christmas is practically its own character in this novel. The author does an amazing job of vividly describing holiday traditions in New York City as Frannie plays tourist to the nth degree and Andrew plods along. He’s kind of a grump at the start, but Frannie’s yuletide enthusiasm soon works its charm and he gets on board with the holiday magic. Just in time to send me into swooning tailspins and loop-de-loops!

For fans of the author’s ‘Harbored Secrets’ series: you’ll be thrilled to discover that Vivian and Ryan (Deadly Deceit; Book 2) play a secondary role here. They are always off page but we get their input via phone calls and text messages since Frannie is Ryan’s little sister. Can we say ‘Over protective brother syndrome’?! That brings a whole other line of comedic action to the story.

An absolute-must-read 2023 holiday release!

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)

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Better Watch Out, 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 25, 2023

Targeted + Giveaway

Random Retro Re-read

Three women. Three men. Three unsuspecting targets.

Get ready for triple the thrills with three heart-stopping stories from your favourite romantic suspense authors!

In On the Run, IT Specialist Daria Nevsky is a highly skilled FBI agent with the ability to hack any computer. She must go on the run to find out who wants her dead — and Dr. Ryker Donahue refuses to let her do it alone.

In Deadly Objective, physical therapist Emily Dixon and Secret Service Agent Liam Harper are committed to keeping their relationship professional. But when the vice president’s son enters the crosshairs of a killer, some lines will have to be crossed in order to keep him safe.

In Caught in the Crosshairs, there is no love lost between former Army PSYOPS officer Ari Blackman and CIA officer Claudia Gallegos after Claudia is implicated in the murder of a Saudi prince. But to prevent a coup that would put America at risk, they’ll have to learn to trust each other — before it’s too late. 

My Review:

published in 2022

Three headliner romantic suspense authors join forces to deliver a trifecta of edge-of-your-seat suspense reads with intrepid heroes and heroines who keep things interesting. Because heightened emotions lead to romance and the toe-curl/danger combo kept me turning pages. And rooting for three happily-ever-afters…once justice is served, of course.

Of note: each novella relates to a series but can easily be read as standalones, so no worries if you’re not up to date. ‘Targeted’ provides the perfect opportunity to sample these authors’ storytelling styles and get a feel for their series.

Each story involves plenty of action and danger and just the right amount of romance to keep things interesting. These authors excel at pacing and plotting and manage to deliver fully fleshed out characters and well developed plots despite the shorter word count (each novella is about 120 pages.) I can’t pick a favourite because each of these heroines and their heroes are completely captivating! 

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback copy and open to any reader, anywhere in the world — so, yay, another International Giveaway!

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Targeted, 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 easier for me to spot. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday October 28 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

Blind Trust + Giveaway

Lyla Fox knows she has a reputation at the SNAP Agency to impulsivity, but when she receives a threatening letter from a man she helped put in prison, she can’t stop herself from going all in to find out why he’s coming after her. Unfortunately, she’s going to need the help of the one person who questions her reckless choices more than anyone else.

Explosives and weapons specialist Nicolas Garcia agrees to help Lyla in order to keep her safe, but her recklessness continues to be a major concern, especially when her investigation into a conspiracy puts a target on her back. Dealing with bombs is dangerous. Working with Lyla is proving to be just as treacherous — to both the mission and his heart.

Natalie Walters closes out her SNAP Agency series with a ban with this nail-biting story of a deadly government conspiracy, an unlikely couple, and an ending that will leave you breathless.

My Review:

I’m gobsmacked into speechlessness — maybe — over this grandest of all grand finales! I mean, if you have to end a series, this is the way to do it. There are so many moving parts, and references that reach all the way back to the prequel.

I’ve read the entire series in order, but I think you could jump in here, though you’d miss some of the fun of the ever evolving team dynamics. Don’t get me wrong, they are hilarious and touching in Blind Trust, but if you’ve been with the gang from the very start they are that much more. The banter and teasing are off the charts and kept me grinning even in the tense times. And though this third book is all about Lyla and Nicolas, Kekoa has to be my favourite character. He takes over every scene he’s in. The man doesn’t know how to do subtle and Walters gives him the chance to shine once gain. 🙂 This is me, Cheshire grinning.

Another plus for reading the series in order is that we’ve had two books worth of watching and wondering about Lyla and Nicolas. Are they friends? Or enemies? Frenemies? For sure they are two stubborn people who clash wills at every opportunity. But I could feel the undercurrents sizzling below the surface right from the start and that tension has been mounting and I love how Walters finally brings them together in this epic series conclusion.

The suspense is tense and dramatic and kept me riveted. So many pieces to pull together and there were some jaw dropping moments along the way. My heart rate might not ever be tickety-boo again! Political intrigue, lots of danger with a high stakes end game.

I enjoyed listening to the audible version of Bind Trust. Morgan Hallett did a wonderful job of breathing life into these characters.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Blind Trust, 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 22, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.