Shadow of Ice Island ~ Review

Shadow of Ice Island

The King's Spies #1

By Jill Williamson

This book is just SO good. I love the banter between the characters as they try to break into the prison on Ice Island. Cole Tanniyn's uncle is being held there, framed for a crime he didn't commit. Now Cole has to figure out how to get in undetected, not get caught, and get out. But when Mistel Wepp manages to follow him into danger after being told she wasn't supposed to, their plans are quickly altered to include her as Cole's cousin. Never mind that they look nothing alike. (Okay, I take that back, they both have two eyes, noses, two hands... Well, you get the picture.) Passing for cousins seems a stretch, especially with both having feelings for the other. But Mistel is correct, Cole, Kurtz, and those helping them need Mistel and her talent for grabbing attention and creating a distraction.

I love how the blood-speaking of the author's previous series continues on in this one. This book captured my attention and kept me up WAY too late and getting up WAY too early just because I needed to know what was happening next and if they could get out of their latest unplanned trouble. Highly recommended reading for teens and adults.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

What happens when a reluctant spy discovers his greatest mission is protecting the woman who stole his heart?

Cole Tanniyn thought his days of danger were over when he traded his sword for a lute. But when the king sends him north as an undercover minstrel to investigate mysterious disappearances from the infamous Ice Island prison, Cole's carefully ordered world changes—especially when Mistel Wepp, the fiery-haired songstress he's falling for, secretly follows him into mortal peril.

She was supposed to stay safe. He was supposed to stay focused. Neither of them expected to fall this hard.

Posing as traveling performers with Kurtz, a gruff former prisoner seeking justice, Cole and Mistel must navigate dangerous taverns thick with secrets while their fake "cousin" relationship becomes increasingly difficult—especially when every shared glance and gentle touch threatens to reveal their true feelings. But when Cole's personal quest to visit his imprisoned uncle becomes entangled with a deadly conspiracy, and Mistel's bold curiosity lands her in trouble, everything changes.

Now Cole must choose: the mission that could free an innocent man... or the woman he loves.

As a web of corruption reaches the highest levels of power, and villains from Cole's traumatic past close in, he faces an impossible choice. With Mistel's life in danger and dark family secrets threatening to surface, Cole must find the courage to fight for love—even if it means defying orders and confronting the demons of his past.

Perfect for fans of the sweet romance and swashbuckling adventure, this story weaves together tender love, heart-pounding action, and the kind of connection that transforms two hearts.

Because sometimes the greatest adventure is finding someone worth everything

Romance tropes readers adore:
• Sweet forbidden love (fake cousins!)
• Protective hero who'd do anything for her
• Brave heroine who stands by his side
• Tender moments stolen in secret
• "I'll keep you safe" devotion
• Adventure that brings hearts together
• That perfect first "I love you"

Continue the beloved Blood of Kings adventures today!

Scoundrel of Claymore Keep ~ Cover Reveal

 Today I'm taking part in the cover reveal for Jill Williamson's

The Scoundrel of Claymore Keep
This is the second book in The King's Spies series.

He was framed for murder. 

She refuses to back down. 

Together, they'll uncover a conspiracy that threatens to destroy everything.

THE SCOUNDREL

Kurtz Chazir isn't looking for redemption—he's hunting for revenge.

Thirteen years in prison for a crime he didn't commit taught him three things: trust no one, question everything, and never forgive the woman who destroyed his life. Now free and working as one of the king's spies, Kurtz has a chance to track down Careeanne Nariel, the seductress who framed him for King Axel's assassination.

But first, he must lead a team into Barth, a city shrouded in supernatural darkness where magic and conspiracy intertwine.

His mission: find a missing land warden and expose a trafficking ring selling innocent women. The catch? He has to do it while pretending to be a singing minstrel.

Kurtz may be many things, but a performer isn't one of them.

THE WARRIOR

Zanna tan Quelle doesn't take orders well—especially from arrogant former prisoners.

A half-giant soldier with more combat experience than patience, Zanna is assigned to Kurtz's team to provide protection. What she gets instead is endless bickering, impossible decisions, and a man who thinks he knows everything.

He's stubborn. Reckless. Infuriating.

And somehow, he's the only person who sees past her warrior's exterior to the woman beneath.

When their undercover mission goes sideways and ancient blood magic resurfaces, Zanna finds herself fighting battles on two fronts: against the black knights closing in, and against the unwanted feelings stirring in her heart.

THE CONSPIRACY

Duke Falkson's fortress holds dark secrets—human trafficking, demonic altars, and a thirteen-year-old murder conspiracy.

As Kurtz and Zanna infiltrate the nobility's inner circle, they discover the truth runs deeper than either imagined. The black knights aren't just soldiers—they're part of a network stretching across the kingdom. The missing women aren't lost—they're enslaved. And the darkness covering Barth isn't natural—it's powered by blood sacrifice.

When Zanna is captured inside Claymore Keep and Kurtz must choose between his quest for vengeance and saving the woman who's become everything he never knew he needed, he'll learn that some battles aren't won with swords.

They're won on your knees.

Available to preorder for a special prerelease price of $4.99 at
 https://sunrisepublishing.myshopify.com/collections/the-kings-spies

and from other retailers, including Amazon: https://books2read.com/scoundrelofclaymorekeep

PERFECT FOR FANS OF:

• Enemies-to-lovers romance with scorching tension
• Action-packed fantasy with sword-wielding heroines
• Inspirational fantasy grounded in faith
• Found family and loyal friendships
• Telepathic bonds and forced proximity
• Undercover spy missions
• Justice, redemption, and second chances

SERIES READING ORDER:
Book 1: Shadow of Ice Island
Book 2: Scoundrel of Claymore Keep
Book 3: Coming Soon

Tracing a Kidnapper's Trail ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for 

Tracing a Kidnapper's Trail by Katy Lee, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Tracing a Kidnapper's Trail 

K-9 Search and Rescue #18 
By Katy Lee 

Hunter Shelton's made mistakes in the past and he is filled with regrets about what he should have done differently. But he's turned his life around and hopes that his changed heart is a reflection of that change. But when he is called to a crime scene his past is there waiting for him. His ex-fiancée is the victim and her daughter is missing. Donna is dead and Nancy Sue may be in the hands of drug runners. But to find Nancy Sue before it is too late, Hunter reaches out to Marlee Price, who blames Hunter for the death of her brother. But Marlee is the best, and only the best has a chance at saving one little girl from these dangerous people.

Yeah, Hunter has a load of guilt he's dealing with, and this case bringing back old feelings and memories. But he has a job to do, and that includes keeping DEA Agent Marlee Price and her K-9 partner, Gustav, alive. It's hard to do with a bounty on their heads, but Hunter refuses to not be there for Marlee in her hour of greatest need. If only she could see past the anger and bitterness of the past.

This is a story of second chances and the healing power of accepting the redemptive power of God's love. But like everything, unless we accept the offered gift, we cannot enjoy the freedom it gives our heart and soul.  

As this is an offering from Love Inspired Suspense, you are assured of a book with a satisfying ending and content that won't leave you cringing. Hunter and Marlee are flawed and have to deal with the choices they have both made, but the story offers hope even at their darkest, most desperate hour. 

I was provided a complimentary copy with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.       

P.S. 

I will admit some of the subject matter was more disturbing than most LIS books I have previously read, but I believe it was handled in a sensitive way that did not offend.

                                             

About the Book

Title: Tracing a Kidnapper's Trail 
Series: K-9 Search and Rescue #18 
Author: Katy Lee 
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense 
Release Date: February 24, 2026 
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Solving an abduction case  

means a relentless K-9 manhunt… 

When search and rescue worker Hunter Shelton and his bloodhound Libby are called to a crime scene, he discovers his ex-fiancée murdered and her young daughter missing—and he's attacked. Soon, he realizes the little girl may have been taken by drug runners, and could possibly be his own child. With no one else to turn to, Hunter teams up with DEA Agent Marlee Price and her narcotics K-9, despite their rocky history. As they face escalating threats and uncover a rising body count, an old enemy from Marlee's past resurfaces. Will they be able to rescue the child and bring dangerous criminals to justice before time runs out? 

 From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub | Other Places to Buy

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About the Author

#1 Publishers Weekly, best-selling author Katy Lee writes character-driven romantic suspense that thrills and inspires her readers, keeping them coming back for more. She is a multi-award winner and nominee for the Rita Award, the Daphne du Maurier Award, Holt Medallion, and Selah Award, celebrating excellence in mystery and suspense. Katy lives in Utah's beautiful, rugged mountains and is also a special education teacher. She runs a literary nonprofit called Story Haven Writers, helping people write their healing stories from trauma. Keep up with Katy and her latest news, including her monthly newsletter, "Novel Ideas" at www.KatyLeebooks.com.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 VISA gift card with a plush Bloodhound and a matching signed bookmark!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 24, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 3, 2026. 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!

Whispers in the Snow ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for 

Whispers in the Snow by Heidi Eljarbo, 
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Whispers in the Snow 

Heartwarming Christmas 
By Heidi Eljarbo 

This was a cozy, sweet read featuring Cornelia Gran, a frustrated amateur detective who is inspired by the writings of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.  

I loved how this book is set in Norway and that it would have been during the time that my great-great-grandparents were still living there.   

Cornelia is supposed to be looking for a husband, sort of. But she is of a mind that she is not going to marry just to be married. No, only love will tip her to accept a proposal of marriage, and the town she is living in has no one to tempt her heart into fluttering. Instead, she fills her days with reading books, magazines, and newspapers. If she finds something to spark her curiosity, she is ready to investigate. 

When an article sparks Cornelia's curiosity about an abandoned home, she decides to investigate and find the long-gone owners. But soon, Cornelia's investigation leads to the discovery of a "ghost" related to the house. Then, strange men take an interest in the same house as Cornelia, and Cornelia finds that her life and anyone connected to the abandoned house is in danger. 

This book is an easy read and isn't at all graphic. I would have no issue recommending this book to tweens or my grandmother because of content. I would also love additional stories featuring Cornelia Gran and her sleuthing.

I was provided a complimentary copy with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book

Title: Whispers in the Snow 
Series: Heartwarming Christmas 
Author: Heidi Eljarbo 
Publisher: independently published 
Release Date: ‎ January 27, 2026 
Genre: Cozy Historical Mystery Romance

Of course, a young woman in Norway during the late nineteenth century can be a successful amateur sleuth, and goodness knows, Cornelia’s days are always more exciting when she can devote her time to resolving a local mystery. 

Cornelia Gran is a dedicated daughter, friendly and kind; although, she has an exorbitant amount of curiosity. She devours Arthur Conan Doyle’s magazine articles and tries to follow the fictitious Sherlock Holmes’s investigative examples, but her fascination with solving puzzles always gets her into mischief. 

Each morning, Cornelia reads the newspaper, looking for a conundrum to solve. Searching for clues—and then chronicling her discoveries—thrills her. She certainly finds those activities more entertaining than taking her grandmother’s advice and attending one Christmas ball after another in search of a husband. 

But chaos and danger turn Cornelia’s quiet days upside down when her attempt to find information about the owner of a nearby abandoned cottage takes her into dangerous territory. As winter winds rattle the windows and swirl snowdrifts against the doors, she faces off with a ghost, gets in trouble with the police, and finds herself staring down danger without thinking of the consequences. In the middle of it all, she meets Simon and is captivated by his charm, good looks, and personality. 

Meanwhile, a real killer is after her, and he won’t stop until he gets information she doesn’t have! Christmas, with all its cheery festivities, hygge, and family traditions, has never been more threatened. Cornelia must call on all her investigative skills, not only to stop the ruination of her family’s holiday, but also to make certain Simon and his aunt keep what belongs to them. And maybe, just maybe, the amateur sleuth will discover the meaning of true love.  

Set in a fictitious town in Norway in 1891, this cozy historical mystery is perfect for those who enjoy curious and determined women sleuths, clean and wholesome romance, and the discovery of buried secrets in an abandoned house.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

More in This Series

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About the Author

 

HEIDI ELJARBO grew up in a home full of books, artwork, and happy creativity. She is the author of historical novels filled with courage, hope, mystery, adventure, and sweet romance during challenging times. She’s been named a master of dual timelines and often writes about strong-willed women of past centuries. 

After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She lives with her husband on a charming island and enjoys walking in any kind of weather, hugging her grandchildren, and has a passion for art and history. 

Her family’s chosen retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summer and ski the vast white terrain during winter. 

Heidi’s favorites are her family, God's beautiful nature, and the word whimsical.

Connect with Heidi by visiting heidieljarbo.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a paperback copy of Whispers in the Snow and The Relic Thief, plus a $10 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 23, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 2, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. No shipping restrictions. 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!

Last to Fall ~ Review

Last to Fall
Gossamer Falls #3
By Lynn H. Blackburn

In Last to Fall, we finally get to the heart of Mo and Bronwyn's story and why they haven't been speaking to one another for YEARS! In the previous Gossamer Falls books, we were given hints that they had once been close and may still harbor feelings for each other, but we didn't know why. 

This is definitely a second-chance romance book that may not have happened if Bronwyn's family hadn't been trying to get rid of her. And not get rid of as in an extended vacation. Nope, someone wants her gone permanently, and the Pierce family will never be the same once the dust settles in this high-tension read. 

This was a page-turner from the opening sentence, and it never let go of my attention. I may have been tempted to forego sleep just to find out what happened next. I totally love the Quinn family; they are such a stark contrast to Bronwyn's family. The Pierces are just awful, and nothing throughout this series has convinced me that any of them would be worth getting to know, with the notable exception of Bronwyn.

I loved how the book gave me glimpses into the past so I could understand how Mo and Bronwyn got to where they weren't speaking to one another, to the consternation and frustration of Mo's family. 

This book can be read as a standalone, but it is best read in series order to get the lay of the land. This book definitely has lots of suspense as Mo, Meredith, Cal, Gray, and the rest of the Quinn clan try to keep Bronwyn alive long enough to figure out where the threat against her is coming from. And there are suspects aplenty to keep one guessing.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the Book:

She's caught in a deadly game. He's the only one who can help her win.

Bronwyn Pierce has poured everything into The Haven, her family's exclusive mountain resort in Gossamer Falls. But when financial discrepancies surface and the numbers suggest something far darker than simple mismanagement, she's forced to call on the one person with the skills to help her: Mo Quinn, a former Army intelligence officer, her first love, and the last person she ever wanted to trust again.

Mo has spent years avoiding the woman he once loved and the secrets that tore them apart. But when Bronwyn calls, he can't walk away--especially when it's clear someone wants her gone for good. As they dig deeper into the treacherous motives behind a blackmail scheme, their proximity reignites long-buried feelings neither of them are ready to face. And when the evidence points to an unexpected culprit, Mo faces an impossible choice: trust the proof in front of him or trust his heart.

With danger closing in and no one else to turn to, Bronwyn must break years of silence with Mo to uncover who's trying to destroy The Haven. They'll have to risk everything--including their hearts--to expose the truth before it's too late.

The finale to Blackburn's Gossamer Falls series is an exhilarating romantic suspense novel packed with tension. This gripping read will hook fans of the family rivalry, bodyguard, small town, second chance romance, and forced proximity tropes.

Deadly Currents ~ Review

Deadly Currents

Hidden Bay #3

By Elizabeth Goddard

Cressida Dane is trying to complete the book her father was researching when he was killed. She has his notes, at least most of them, and Hidden Bay is next on her list. But hidden danger awaits and she is soon being protected by Braden Sanders, a county detective, who has his own closely guarded secret.

But the danger that hunts Cressida is of the deadly variety and could be tied to her own father's death. Worse, whoever is behind the attacks on Cressida seems determined to not only stop her research but to end her life. The question is why? Why would someone care about research concerning lost ships? As Cressida and Braden search for answers the danger only grows as do their feelings for one another. But Braden knows once Cressida learns the truth, she'll never forgive him.

This book opens with the danger present, and it slowly builds throughout the story leaving one in doubt as to the identity of just who is out to stop Cressida and why. And we finally get to know more about the secretive Evelyn Monroe! Get ready for the unexpected. I know I didn't guess what the enticement of the Specter's Bounty was. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

USA Today Bestselling Author Elizabeth Goddard Presents a Gripping Thrill Ride

Investigative journalist Cressida Dane arrives in Hidden Bay after a worldwide journey to finish her late father's manuscript on shipwrecks. As she tries to discover the story behind the "ghost ship" Specter's Bounty, her only lead is a name her father left behind--Evelyn Monroe. As Cressida uncovers more about the ship, she quickly realizes that her research has placed her in the crosshairs of dangerous forces.

County detective Braden Sanders is in Hidden Bay for one reason--to get his niece lifesaving medical treatment. To do that, he is assigned to protect Cressida from a revenge-driven enemy. Together, Braden and Cressida dig deeper to discern the myth from the facts surrounding the Specter's Bounty.

But more is brewing under the surface than they could ever imagine. Entangled in secrets, they must unravel the past before the current sweeps away their future.

Praise for the Hidden Bay Series
"A thrilling ride, perfect for devouring in one sitting."--Lynette Eason, bestselling and award-winning author, on Storm Warning

"Fans of Lynette Eason and Nancy Mehl will love this thrill-a-minute ride from Goddard."--Library Journal on Storm Warning

Brace yourself for Elizabeth Goddard's final adrenaline-inducing installment in the Hidden Bay series. This clean romantic suspense combines maritime mystery with protective hero romance that readers of Dani Pettrey and Nancy Mehl will enjoy.

Eye of the Mind ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 

Eye of the Mind by Sara Davison, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Eye of the Mind 

By Sara Davison 

Be careful, little eyes, what you see...

Jules Adler is less than thrilled when her two BFFs set her up on a date through a dating profile. They think she needs to get out and find someone. Well, her date is anything but stellar, and if she never sees Dante de Marco again, it will be too soon. At least until she witnesses a murder and needs the police. Yup, that date was with a police officer. 

Dante didn't want to go out on a date, but his sisters pushed him into it. And charming is not what he's going for. But when his date ends up witnessing a murder and is seen by the killer, well, he has a major guilt trip. Because Jules can't identify the killer, she can't visualize his face. And now the killer is toying with her. She's the mouse to his feral cat.

But as Jules and Dante work together to keep Jules and those she loves alive, they work on discovering who the killer is. And just maybe they'll realize that they should have given the other a chance on that not-to-be-forgotten awful first date.

This was an intense read as Jules and Dante come face-to-face with a killer who can only be described as pure evil. To survive, they will need to lean on more than their own strengths and skills. This is a book of second chances, faith, and suspense. 

This was a well-written book that pulled me into the story from the first line. Highly recommend for those who want intense suspense without all the gory details or foul language, who want their main characters to be flawed and yet followers of Christ.  

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book

Title: Eye of the Mind 
Author: Sara Davison 
Publisher: Independently Published 
Release Date: December 17, 2025 
Genre: romantic suspense (with thriller elements)

She can't picture his face. 

But he knows hers. 

Firefighter Jules Adler suspects her blind date with Officer Dante de Marco will not go well. When she witnesses a violent crime, the night goes from bad to worse fast. 

Dante, the police sketch artist, is tasked with getting enough details from her to draw the killer. If only Jules could visualize the man’s face. 

She and Dante are forced to spend a lot more time together than either would like, trying desperately to come up with a likeness. The problem is, with a ruthless psychopath closing in, that time is about to run out. 

For fans of fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat suspense, slow-burning romance, humor, and deep issues of faith.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Also Available

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About the Author

Sara Davison is the author of numerous romantic suspense series. A finalist for more than a dozen national writing awards, including the Christy Award, Davison is a HOLT Medallion, Cascade, and two-time Carol Award winner for romantic suspense. She lives in Ontario with her husband, Michael. Like every good Canadian, she loves coffee, hockey, poutine, and apologizing for no particular reason. 

Get to know Sara better and subscribe to her short, monthly newsletter at ontheedgesuspense.com.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a paperback copy of Eye of the Mind plus a $25 Amazon card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 10, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 17, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN 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!