Jack ~ Review

Jack

Minnesota Kingstons #1

By Susan May Warren

He is returning home for Boo, his little sister's wedding. For the last ten years, he's been trying to ignore what could have been the biggest mistake, make that regret, of his life. But it's all good. He's forgotten all about Harper, and she's sure to not be at the wedding. 

Okay, he's been running, but it has shaped him into the man he is today. He's a tracker. Sure, the pay is good, but the satisfaction of helping others drives him. Now, Harper is asking him to help her find an MIA bridesmaid. This is so bad, Boo's perfect wedding is threatened, and Harper needs his help. Jack can't help himself; he has to help, but he works alone and makes no promises.

But this is Harper, and she's not about to sit back while Jack works. Nope, she's in this, and Jack will just have to accept her help. But the deeper they dive into the mystery, the closer danger comes. And it could leave them dead.

As with all of Susan May Warren's books, there are ties to previous books and series. Just enough to whet one's appetite for another book, but not enough to detract from a story that can be enjoyed on its own. This book offers hints about what's to come in the series, but the story itself does not end in a cliffhanger. If you want romance, suspense, and a good dose of family drama Jack is waiting to be added to the top of your TBR pile.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

There's Trouble in the North...

Meet Jack, a tracker with a past he’s trying to escape the first epic book of the Minnesota Kingston series by USA Today bestselling author Susan May Warren.

Her secret blew apart his life—and now she needs his help? If only he could say no…

Ten years should be long enough for Jack to forget the girl-next-door, his kid sister’s bestie and the woman—no, girl—who derailed his life. Now, he sort of likes his loner world as a missing person’s tracker. Well, mostly. But of course, when he returns home for his sister’s wedding, there she is…
Nope, not forgotten at all.

Of course Jack the Grump has shown up for his sister’s wedding, and by the way he looks at Harper, um, clearly her sins aren’t forgiven. So what—she’s sooo over her best-friend’s brooding, dark oldest brother. Really.

Then a bridesmaid goes missing.

And sure, Harper is a journalist who knows how to sniff out truth, but the clock is ticking and there’s only one person who can help…Perfect. No problem. She’s not going to fall for her childhood crush again. Promise.

Yes, Jack can admit that Harper’s not the girl he used to call Pigtails anymore. She’s all grown up…but he’s not going to get burned again. Still, what’s a guy going to do?

So, find her missing friend, get the bride down the aisle and ditch town before they find themselves in over their heads…or worse.

Dead.

Jack is a best friend’s brother, childhood crush, grumpy-to sunshine, sweet but sizzly romantic suspense about second chances and finding the family you always wanted…

Tropes:

• Second Chance at Love
• Unrequited Love
• Return to hometown
• Grumpy/Sunshine
• Secrets
• Boy/Girl Next door
• Kissing only

The Minnesota Kingstons
Book1: Jack
Book 2: Conrad
Book 3: Doyle
Book 4: Austen
Book 5: Steinbeck

A Noble Protector ~ Review

A Noble Protector

Cornerstone #8

By Madisyn Carlin

Varrick Landreth, along with his brothers and sister, has been betrayed. He is dying and left to do so in utter agony. When his sister seeks out an outcast young woman for aid, Varrick is anything but pleased. He is the family's protector and he doesn't know this stranger who could endanger Elissy. 

But this stranger in the Dead Woods has sought this refuge after being betrayed and left for dead. Gwen Yesen fears what offering her aid will mean if she is seen. Those who sought her death will never be satisfied until she meets the fate of her parents. But Gwen is the only one who can help Varrick and his brothers find the cure they seek. 

A Noble Protector is a non-magical retelling of the Wild Swans. I loved how various elements of the original fairytale were reworked to remain in the story but in an entirely plausible real-world way. The betrayal that both Varrick and Gwen faced is seen after the fact, but the repercussions are far-reaching and guide the actions of both throughout this original retelling.

I highly recommend this book for tweens and up. It is well-written and offers a wide range of feelings—despair, fear, hope, determination, love, and so much more. This book does have moments of violence but nothing graphic, just enough to set the mood for the utter hopelessness of their situation, before hope is offered. There is a definite faith element running throughout that gives hope during the darkest moments and which is appreciated.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

She’s an outcast. He’s a dying prince. Together, they may be the kingdom’s last hope.

Outcast princess Gwyn Yesen has resigned to live in anonymity for the rest of her life. When her only friend, the princess of the land unintentionally granting Gwyn safety, needs help, Gwyn knows she must assist—even if it risks revealing who and what she really is.

What would you do to save your family? That's the question dying prince Varrick Landreth find himself answering. Willing to do anything to save his brothers and sister, he finds himself joining forces with a suspicious woman keeping too many secrets.

As death nears and time runs out, Gwyn and Varrick must work together to save the royal family before usurpers and schemers enact their final, deadliest plan. But secrets have a way of being revealed at the worst time, and soon Varrick finds himself not only fighting for his family and kingdom, but being forced to choose Gwyn’s fate.

A Noble Protector is a New Adult Christian fantasy Wild Swans retelling and is Book #8 in Cornerstone Series. 

Each book can be read as a standalone.

Squire of Truth - Now Available

 Jill Williamson's return to the land of The Blood of Kings

with Squire of Truth, 

the first book in The Blood of Kings: Legends series

from Sunrise Publishing.

About the Book:
Cole Tanniyn, squire to the soon-to-be king, has journeyed far from his days as a stray stable boy in a distant mountain village. Haunted by the echoes of past failures on the battlefield, he seeks solace in music, hoping to find belonging among fellow musicians. His quest leads him to Mistel Wepp, a spirited songstress determined to forge her own path on stage.

For too long, Mistel has been bound by a past of confinement and control. Now on her own, she toils tirelessly to make her mark, but the struggle to earn a living in a world that fails to appreciate her talents proves exhausting. When she connects Cole with the future king and discovers he’s a skilled lutist, she sees an opportunity to change her future.

When a heinous crime leaves Mistel’s roommate dead, she turns to Cole for help. Despite his inexperience as an investigator, Cole vows to uncover the truth. Together, they delve into the dark alleys of Armonguard, uncovering a sinister web of secrets and sorcery that threatens the kingdom. As their journey unfolds, their shared love of music catches the attention of the king, who commissions them to compose a song for his upcoming wedding, offering a glimpse of normalcy amid adversity. Can Cole and Mistel prevail against enemies wielding dark magic? Or will they become the next casualties in a deadly game of power?

Coming Soon ~ A Garden of Fairy Tales

 Series Announcement

A Garden of Fairy Tales

a multi-author collection of

Fairy Tale retellings

is coming this Spring...

Spring is Coming...

A GARDEN OF FAIRY TALES features:
Bleeding Heart by Kendra E. Ardnek,
Daylily by Madeline Kersbergen,
Snapdragon by Sarah Beran,
Carnation by Yakira Goldsberry,
Peaflower by Jessica A. Tanner,
Forget-Me-Not by J.F. Rogers,
Golden Lotus by Meagan Myhren-Bennett,
and Lilac by Madisyn Carlin.

Spring has sprung with these eight swoony sweet retellings. 

Each novella finds its happily ever after amidst 

themes of rebirth, hope, and new life. 

Each book is fully independent, 

and they can be read in any order.

Cover reveals coming soon!

My book Golden Lotus is available for

preorder on Amazon for

a special precover release price of $0.99

Preorder Golden Lotus with this link

Ambush on the Ranch ~ Review

Welcome to the Blog Tour for  

Ambush on the Ranch by Tina Wheeler, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Ambush on the Ranch
Red Rock Country #3
By Tina Wheeler

 

Janel Newman doesn't know why someone was chasing her, much less trying to kill her. And she has no idea who the killer is. All Janel knows is that she lost two days worth of memories, memories that may hold the answers she seeks.

 

Zach Walker is on the trail of a killer when he comes across Janel fleeing from a gunman. When it becomes obvious she is being targeted, he offers to provide protection to Janel and her twin sister Karla at his family's ranch. But even the presence of all three Walker brothers and their law enforcement ties isn't a deterrent to the person or persons after Janel.

 

This is a read that jumps into the suspense from the opening page and continues throughout, keeping the reader wondering just happened to make Janel a target. This is a story about family and trust at its core. This book is perfect for people who want to read suspense and romance that is clean and without graphic details.This was a quick read with good pacing that did not get bogged down in excessive details. It was overall a good read.

I was provided a complimentary copy with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book

Title: Ambush on the Ranch
Series: Red Rock Country
Author: Tina Wheeler
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: December 24, 2024
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Seeking ranch refuge… with lethal threats at every turn. 

After running for her life through the forest, art gallery owner Janel Newman wakes up in the hospital with no memory of the past forty-eight hours. A car bomb and masked gunman make it clear she must’ve seen something she shouldn’t have. When she's forced to hide at deputy sheriff Zach Walker’s family ranch along with her twin sister, secrets are uncovered, and a murderous conspiracy is revealed. With ruthless criminals dogging their every step, will Janel and Zach be able to thwart these villains’ plan to silence Janel for good?  

Purchase Links: Goodreads | Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

Also Available

 

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About the Author

Tina Wheeler is a Publishers Weekly Bestselling Author and retired teacher. Although she grew up on the edge of the desert in Arizona, her favorite place to plot a new story is on a balcony overlooking the ocean. She enjoys spending time with her large extended family, brainstorming with writing friends, discovering new restaurants, and traveling with her husband.

Connect with Tina by visiting authortinawheeler.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon digital gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 6, 2025, and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 13, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Tracking the Missing ~ Review

Tracking the Missing

K-9 Search and Rescue #13

By Sami A. Abrams

Tori Campbell's camping trip with her teenage son goes wrong when their campsite is attacked. With three missing teens and someone trying to silence her permanently she has to turn to her late husband's best friend Michael Lane for help. 

Never one to ask for help, Tori has no choice when she fears for the life of Joey and his two friends. But why would someone attack their campsite during the night? Using his former contacts in the DEA Michael soon has answers, but they only increase the need to find the boys as soon as possible because as long as they are all in this Indiana wilderness the danger won't diminish.

Both Tori and Michael are both dealing with feelings of failure as they search for Joey and his friends. Michael has the added guilt of letting Tori down after failing to fulfill his promise to Ryan. Tori feels she has failed because she couldn't do it all on her own. Both have to come to terms that they are human and need to rely on God and His strength. 

This book provides suspense and danger without graphic violence, while offering inspirational moments and faith elements throughout. And big points because there is a dog involved, books are always better with dogs.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

A search for three abducted teens—and a K-9 on the case.

After surviving a vicious attack in the woods, Tori Campbell awakes to her worst nightmare—her son and his two friends are missing. She calls the one person she knows she can trust, her late husband’s best friend, former DEA agent Michael Lane. Together with his search-and-rescue K-9, they must track the boys and figure out who took them—and why. Only, the Indiana wilderness is full of dangers beyond their abductor. Can Michael and Tori find the teens…even if it means falling into a sinister trap?

From Love Inspired Suspense: 

Courage. 

Danger. 

Faith.

K-9 Search and Rescue

Book 1: Desert Rescue by Lisa Phillips
Book 2: Trailing a Killer by Carol J. Post
Book 3: Mountain Survival by Christy Barritt
Book 4: Search and Defend by Heather Woodhaven
Book 5: Following the Trail by Lynette Eason
Book 6: Dangerous Mountain Rescue by Christy Barritt
Book 7: Wilderness Hunt by Lisa Phillips
Book 8: Alaskan Mountain Search by Sarah Varland
Book 9: Alaskan Avalanche Escape by Darlene L. Turner
Book 10: Tracking Stolen Treasures by Lisa Phillips
Book 11: Alaskan Wilderness Rescue by Sarah Varland
Book 12: Lethal Mountain Pursuit by Christy Barritt
Book 13: Tracking the Missing by Sami A. Abrams
Book 14: K-9 Alaskan Defense by Sarah Varland
Book 15: Searching for Justice by Connie Queen

Happy New Years!

 Wishing you a Happy 2025!