Safeguarding the Witness ~ Review with Excerpt

Safeguarding the Witness
The Protectors
By Laurie Winter

Kayla Swartz’s return to Snowberry, Montana, was a last-minute trip after a call from her estranged father. Her little sister is in need of someplace to stay. And Kayla answered the call, but when she arrives, her father has been murdered. 

Worse, the killer was looking for something - stolen jewels. Could her father's old ways have again gotten him into trouble? Trouble that he couldn't get out of this time. 

But Nicholas Galanis, Kayla's high school boyfriend, claims that her father had changed. But after years of living under the shadow of her father's ill reputation, she has a hard time believing he could have changed. And when someone makes a threat against Kayla and Olive, Kayla turns to Nicholas for help. Their lives depend on staying one step ahead of the killer. And this killer isn't going to back off until he gets what he thinks Trevor Swartz gave to his daughters. 

In Safeguarding the Witness, Nicholas and Kayla have to deal with their shared past - one that resulted in their plans for the future going completely off-track, and Kayla was the one everyone blamed. 

This book is part of the Love Inspired Suspense series, and as such, you know that you will get a clean read without getting the story lost in a lot of graphic details. The story opens by jumping right into the action. Something was very wrong. How could this not draw you in? What was wrong? And not only was it wrong, but it was very wrong. And from here, it just ups the tension and builds to the climax. This is not to be missed if you are a fan of Love Inspired Suspense or Christian Romantic Suspense.

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

Title: Safeguarding the Witness
Series: The Protectors
Author: Laurie Winter
Publisher: ‎ Inspirational The Protectors Collection (Love Inspired Suspense)
Release Date: April 25, 2023
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

 

A treasure worth killing for…  

 

Unless the bodyguard can protect them 

 

Kayla Swartz’s return to Snowberry, Montana, has been a living nightmare. She found her estranged father murdered, and unless she retrieves some missing jewels, Kayla and her three-year-old sister could be next. With nowhere else to turn, Kayla entrusts their lives to bodyguard Nicholas Galanis. But is hiding at a remote cabin in the mountains their best chance to survive…or the perfect opportunity for an ambush?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop/IndieBound | BookBub

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About the Author

Multiple award-winning author Laurie Winter is a true warrior of the heart. Inspired by her dreams, she creates authentic characters who overcome the odds and find true love. She keeps her life balanced with jogging and binge-watching true-crime shows. When not pounding the pavement or the keyboard, she's enjoying time with her family, who are scattered between Wisconsin and Michigan. Laurie has three kids and one fantastic husband, all who inspire her to chase her dreams.

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

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Excerpt

Kayla raced outside after Nicolas but couldn’t react quickly enough. The blast caught her off guard, knocking her off the front stoop. She tumbled down the stairs and landed on a patch of brown grass. Her ears rang, and she pressed her hands over them to muffle the sound. She blinked, trying to soothe the sting of tears.

Nicolas! her mind screamed. He’d been close, too close. If he was hurt—or worse… Kayla halted her anxiety-producing theories. She pushed herself back onto her feet. Her vision narrowed in on Nicolas’s large form sprawled on the front lawn. He’d always seemed indestructible to her. Please let him be okay.

The front door swung out, and Detective Reimer sprinted out, barking orders into her cell
phone. She skidded to a stop by Kayla. “Are you hurt?”

Kayla shook her head. “No. Nicolas was near the blast.” 

“Emergency services are on their way. Stay here.” Detective Reimer left Kayla with firm instructions before heading to Nicolas.

Nicolas would be all right. He had to be. The alternative clawed inside her.

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JustRead Tours 

Tastes Like Murder ~ Review

Tastes Like Murder

A Fiona Quinn Mystery #4

By C.S. McDonald

Fiona Quinn is the maid of honor at a murder, not that murder was on the schedule. Nope, it was supposed to be a wedding for Fiona's cousin. But when the rehearsal goes wrong and the bride ends up dead, Fiona is suspect number one. This time her "Kindergarten Teacher" persona doesn't protect her. Yikes!! 

Even worse, Fiona handled the murder weapon. It was all innocent, of course. But then it goes viral, and everyone is quick to question just what hides behind her Kindergarten Teacher façade. Double Yikes!!! 

I really enjoyed this book. The pacing was excellent, and the various family members/suspects make for an exciting who-did-what-to-whom to the very end. And, yes, it was a well-played game up to the very end, and only the smallest of clues will offer the answers that they seek. 

And then there are Fiona's home parents there for the wedding. With an armload of Yorkies to harass her nosy neighbor and her mom, Nancy taking on her own investigation into the murder, well, it won't get boring. 

I listened to the audio version of this, and the narration was excellent. The book was narrated by Maren Swenson Waxenberg and was well presented. At 4-3/4 hours, this was the perfect quick listen as I was able to enjoy it over a week of commute time. 

This was most definitely a cozy mystery, and I would have no qualms recommending it to any reader over twelve years of age. I love Fiona's reaction when she is referred to as a ""Kindergarten teacher." And then there is Grandma Evelyn, still up to her antics in Fiona's house and always worth a smile or two. This is one to add to your Summer TBR list though maybe not at the beach.

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

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Book Details:

Book Title:  Tastes Like Murder:  A Fiona Quinn Mystery #4
Author:  C.S. McDonald
​Category:  YA Fiction, 202 pages
Genre:  Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  McWriter Books
Release date:  Nov 23, 2017
Content Rating:  G (The Fiona Quinn Mysteries are for everyone--adults love the books, and they are appropriate for teens and tweens too!)

About the Book:

The bridesmaid dresses are ruffles and ruffles of ugly, one bridesmaid is trying to micro-manage…well, pretty much everything, and the bride-to-be is a total bridezilla! Wedding bells will soon be ringing, but as usual, Fiona is a bridesmaid and not a bride. As the maid of honor, how can Fiona keep the volatile pre-wedding festivities running smoothly? 

The problem is abruptly solved when the bride drops over dead at the elegant wine-tasting wedding rehearsal. Yikes! Who poisoned the wine? The suspects are lining up, and Fiona finds herself at the top of the list! Double yikes! It’s a vintage murder case for Fiona, Detective Landry, and the gang. Cheers!

Join Fiona and the gang for a hot whodunit on the sandy beaches of Presque Isle, Pennsylvania!

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BUY THE BOOK:
Audible ~ Amazon
Add to GoodreadsGoodreads

Meet the Author:

For twenty-six years C.S. McDonald’s life whirled around a song and a dance. Classically trained at Pittsburgh Ballet Theater School, The Pittsburgh Dance Alloy, and many others, she became a professional dancer and choreographer. During that time, she choreographed many musicals and an opera for the Pittsburgh Savoyards. In 2011 she retired from her dance career to write. Under her real name, Cindy McDonald, she writes murder-suspense and romantic suspense novels. In 2014 she added the pen name, C.S. McDonald, to write children’s books for her grandchildren. In 2016 she added the Fiona Quinn Mysteries to that expansion. She decided to write the cozy mystery series that everyone, including teens and tweens, can read and enjoy. Presently, the Fiona Quinn Mysteries includes nine books with a tenth slated for 2021. The books are also available on audio, narrated by Maren Swenson Waxenberg.

Cindy’s newest venture is The Owl’s Nest Mysteries. Once again, she has set her cozy mystery in Pittsburgh and the female protagonist, Alexa Owl, is much different from Fiona Quinn. The Owl’s Nest Mysteries has a little grit, a little time travel, a little romance, and a whole lot of cozy!

Ms. McDonald resides on her Thoroughbred farm known as Fly by Night Stables near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Bill, and her poorly behaved Cocker Spaniel, Allister. 

Connect with the author:  Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook ~ Instagram

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Waves of Murder ~ Review

Waves of Murder
A Fiona Quinn Mystery #3

By C.S. McDonald

Summer is here, and kindergarten teacher Fiona Quinn has her summer all planned out. Until her mother, Nancy Quinn volunteers her to edit a series of books for famous romance author Wyla Parkes! Yikes!!! And she has to spend 6 weeks at Presque Isle, Pennsylvania, to do the editing. Double Yikes!!!

Romance isn't Fiona's genre of choice, but she can't very say "No," when her mother promised six weeks of her summer for this project. Fiona is stuck, but at least the location is nice - and it comes with access to a private beach.

Unfortunately, it comes with access to a private beach where dead bodies start turning up, including her Summertime boss Wyla Parkes. What's she going to tell her mother???? 

Soon Fiona and her detective boyfriend are working on finding a killer. There's a steak dinner at stake. As Fiona and Nathan put everything together, they have to wonder if the cases are related or if someone is taking advantage of the situation.

I really enjoyed this book. The pacing was excellent, and the various suspects make for an exciting who-did-what-to-whom to the very end. And, yes, it was a well-played game up to the very end, and only the smallest of clues will offer the answers that they seek. 

And then there are some amusing scenes at Fiona's home when Nathan checks it out while she is gone. Let's just say that the late Grandma Evelyn is up to some shenanigans that will leave Nathan scratching his head and wondering just what is going on in Fiona's house while she's away.

I listened to the audio version of this, and the narration was excellent. The book was narrated by 

• Maren Swenson Waxenberg and well presented. At just over 4 hours, this was the perfect quick listen as I was able to enjoy it over a week of commute time. 

This was most definitely a cozy mystery, and I would have no qualms recommending it to any reader over twelve years of age. I love Fiona's takes whenever anyone refers to her as a ""Kindergarten teacher." This is played out several times throughout the book and always elicits at least a smile, if not a laugh. This is one to add to your Summer TBR list though maybe not at the beach.

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

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Book Details:

Book Title:  Waves of Murder:  A Fiona Quinn Mystery #3
Author:  C.S. McDonald
​Category:  YA Fiction, 190 pages
Genre:  Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  McWriter Books
Release date:  Apr 11, 2017
Content Rating:  G (The Fiona Quinn Mysteries are for everyone--adults love the books, and they are appropriate for teens and tweens too!)

About the Book:

School's out for the summer!

Kindergarten teacher Fiona Quinn is looking forward to spending some quality time in her yard and with her boyfriend, Detective Nathan Landry. However, Fiona's plans get squelched when her mother volunteers her to edit a manuscript for famous romance author Wyla Parkes.

What's so bad about that? The author insists Fiona must work on the manuscript at her beach cottage on Presque Isle - three hours away from her yard and Nathan. Spending six weeks in an adorable cottage on a private beach doesn't really seem all that bad until people start turning up dead - beginning with the author! Fiona's summer of sun and sand is instantly transformed into a murder investigation. Can Fiona and Nathan crack the case, or will the murderer get away on a wave of deceit?

Join Fiona and the gang for a hot whodunit on the sandy beaches of Presque Isle, Pennsylvania!

---

BUY THE BOOK:
Audible ~ Amazon
Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

For twenty-six years C.S. McDonald’s life whirled around a song and a dance. Classically trained at Pittsburgh Ballet Theater School, The Pittsburgh Dance Alloy, and many others, she became a professional dancer and choreographer. During that time, she choreographed many musicals and an opera for the Pittsburgh Savoyards. In 2011 she retired from her dance career to write. Under her real name, Cindy McDonald, she writes murder-suspense and romantic suspense novels. In 2014 she added the pen name, C.S. McDonald, to write children’s books for her grandchildren. In 2016 she added the Fiona Quinn Mysteries to that expansion. She decided to write the cozy mystery series that everyone, including teens and tweens, can read and enjoy. Presently, the Fiona Quinn Mysteries includes nine books with a tenth slated for 2021. The books are also available on audio, narrated by Maren Swenson Waxenberg.

Cindy’s newest venture is The Owl’s Nest Mysteries. Once again, she has set her cozy mystery in Pittsburgh and the female protagonist, Alexa Owl, is much different from Fiona Quinn. The Owl’s Nest Mysteries has a little grit, a little time travel, a little romance, and a whole lot of cozy!

Ms. McDonald resides on her Thoroughbred farm known as Fly by Night Stables near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Bill, and her poorly behaved Cocker Spaniel, Allister. 

Connect with the author:  Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook ~ Instagram

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Recruit of Talionis ~ Review

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Recruit of Talionis by C.J. Milacci, 
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

 Recruit of Talionis

 Talionis Series #1

 By C.J. Milacci

 The Recruit of Talionis is an intriguing read. Set sometime in the future,  the world as we know it has been drastically altered by something known as the Demise, and it is in this environment that we are introduced to Bria Averton. Bria is seventeen years old when her life is altered when she is stolen away from her home to an unknown city known as Talionis. 

 What is Talionis? And why she was brought there along with hundreds of other teens is foremost on her mind. All too soon, Bria learns that she is to forget her past and willingly serve Talionis and its ruler, Commander Demetrius Ark, without question. Following rules has always been a thing with Bria, and she isn't about to willingly and blindly serve her captors as they try to turn her into the perfect soldier. But her captors know things about her that they shouldn't, and they are more than happy to use any means possible to force her compliance.

But those who rule and control Talionis don't know Bria and her determination to escape and warn her family of this unknown threat to them. 

This is a harsh world. Punishment for failure or disobedience is severe, and kindness is vulnerability to be leveraged. Welcome to Talionis! This is definitely a dystopian read at its best. Survival is paramount, and betrayal is to be rewarded.

This is an action-packed read that is sure to engage. I will admit I found this to be a book I didn't want to put down. The characters are well-developed, and there are a few I really dislike (I mean, I really, really dislike them). There are a couple characters I can't get a good read on - are they evil? Are they sympathetic to the plight of the recruits? And then there is our small group of recruits determined to resist and not lose themselves to Talionis. Truly an excellent read that is a must-read, in my opinion. I love how it ended so that one knows more is to come. 

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.

Support the Kickstarter campaign to bring book two, Fugitive of Talionis, to print.

Kickstarter campaign for Fugitive of Talionis (Talionis Series #2)

About the Book

Title: Recruit of Talionis
Series: Talionis Series #1
Author: C.J. Milacci
Publisher: Fayette Press
Release Date: November 3, 2022
Genre: Young Adult Sci-Fi Dystopian

"Forget where you came from. Forget the life you knew. You are now recruits of Talionis!"

A teen with a dark past. A secret military force that kidnaps new soldiers. Can she survive as a Recruit of Talionis? 

America has fallen. Seventeen-year-old Bria Averton grew up in a small town of survivors near the ruins of Portland, Maine. It’s all she’s ever known — until she’s kidnapped along with hundreds of other teens and brought to the city of Talionis. A city no one knew existed. 

The soldiers tell them the intense trainings are for the good of the survivors, and Bria resists being forced into a new life as a recruited soldier. But she soon finds the dangers in the city are greater than she imagined. 

Escape is impossible, and Bria fears drowning in the evil of the city… and the guilt from her own past. But can she find hope, even here?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound | BookBub

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About the Author

CJ Milacci has found creating to be therapeutic in the chaos of life. Writing is her favorite way to create, and she seeks to take her readers on a grand adventure that begins with a single word. As a referee, she is always relearning the hard lesson that it’s impossible to make everyone happy, and she’s discovered that stories can be found anywhere, even on a lacrosse field. She is passionate about crafting stories of good overcoming evil, finding hope in the midst of seemingly hopeless circumstances, and true acceptance. Always willing to get real about hard issues, C.J. also enjoys the cheesiest of puns. She loves deep conversations, yo-yos, rollerblading, and finding reasons to throw a dance party. She chats about writing, her faith, and the hope found in Jesus, bubble tea, and other fun adventures online (@cjmilacci) and at cjmilacci.com.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a print copy of Recruit of Talionis with swag and a $15 Amazon gift card!

The full tour schedule is linked below. 

The giveaway begins at midnight on March 27, 2023, and 

will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 3, 2023. 

The winner will be notified within 2 weeks of the close of the giveaway 

and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of the prize. 

US only. 

Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

The 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!

Rescuing Her Ranch ~ Review

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Rescuing Her Ranch by Lisa Jordan, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Rescuing Her Ranch 

Stone River Ranch #1 

By Lisa Jordan

Macey Stone has always loved her childhood home, but an incident drove her away years ago. But now she needs to come home; her future is up in the air. But when she helps out her sister by caring for her former BFF's daughter she never expected it to turn into something a little more permanent.

Cole Crawford betrayed her in high school, and she left home and never looked back. Cole has regretted not speaking up when Macey needed him. And with Macey back in town, he's determined not to hurt her again. But with his uncle determined to get a prime portion of her family's land, that might be difficult. 

As Macey and Cole work together, old feelings are rekindled. But the old sting of Cole's betrayal all those years ago, combined with the fact he works for the very man trying to steal her land, makes Macey more than a little leery of Cole and his motives.

Cole is caught between his feelings for Macey, his friendship with the entire Stone family, and the needs of his daughter. Can he do what is right without losing everything? 

Rescuing Her Ranch is the first book in the Stone River Ranch series, and if this book is any indication, it will be an enjoyable reading experience. As this is a Love Inspired offering, you are assured that this will be a clean read with a satisfying ending. Both Cole and Macey are stubborn, and at times they are their own worst enemy. Cole has allowed himself to be belittled by his uncle, and Macey has allowed past grievances to influence her current view and response to various situations.  Overall a fairly good read that is a good snow day diversion.

About the Book 

Title: Rescuing Her Ranch 

Series: Stone River Ranch #1 

Author: Lisa Jordan 

Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired 

Release Date: January 24, 2023 

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

A fight for her future… Might not be the one she thinks. 

Returning home after losing her job, Macey Stone agrees to care for the daughter of old friend Cole Crawford. Then she discovers that Cole’s uncle’s company wants to bulldoze her family’s land. Seeing the devoted dad with his child soon has her falling for the enemy. But can she choose between saving Stone River Ranch…and helping the man who’s stolen her heart? 

From Love Inspired: 

Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub

Also Available

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About the Author

Heart, home and faith have always been important to Lisa Jordan, so writing stories with those elements come naturally. Happily married for over 30 years to her real-life hero, she and her husband have two grown sons. Lisa enjoys family time, good books, and creative time with friends.

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

 

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Rescuing Her Ranch, a set of handmade cards, and a $20 Amazon gift card!

The full tour schedule is linked below. 

The giveaway begins at midnight on February 28, 2023, 

and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 7, 2023. 

The winner will be notified within 2 weeks of the close of the giveaway 

and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of the prize. 

US only. 

Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

The 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!

 

Fraser ~ Review

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 
Fraser by Susan May Warren, 
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Fraser
The Minnesota Marshalls #1
By Susan May Warren

Fraser Marshall's life is ruined. At least his career is on the line if he can't recover from his injury. Fraser needs to be saving the world, playing his part, but for now, he's stuck at the Marshall family home watching over the family's winery until he gets the call.

Creed, the youngest Marshall, is in trouble and needs help now. There is just one problem, Creed is in Europe, and he's on the run from a murderer. Well, make that two problems; he's on the run with Princess Imani, and (well, three problems) he's been accused of kidnapping said princess. 

If you're from Minnesota, which Fraser and Creed are, now is the time to say UFF-DA; just saying. And Princess Imani's personal bodyguard is tracking them down. And Pippa Butler takes her job very seriously; she's the type to taser you first and then ask questions.

Fraser is the first book in The Minnesota Marshalls series, and like most of Susan May Warren's books, it is part of something bigger. There is an undercurrent of danger with ties to Russia and rogue CIA operatives, and they've now turned their eyes on the Minnesota branch of the extended Marshall family (read the Montana Marshalls series for more of this tangled mess), specifically Fraser and Creed, and can I just say uff-da again, because this is a big international mess that they have landed in the middle of. And, of course, having to try to play the part of hero has made both Marshall men see the women who've managed to get caught in this major-to-do as something extra special. (Much to Pippa and Fraser's consternation because, hey, they both have people to protect, lives to save, jobs to do, etc.)

Overall anyone who has read any of Susan May Warren's recent books (or series) is sure to come across a familiar character or two (or three). And as Fraser has been working with Jones, Inc. yes familiar faces are definitely about to be called in for some help when things go from bad to worse. 

Almost from the get-go, there is drama and ever-mounting suspense as Fraser and Pippa work to find out what's going on and to find Creed and Imani before the killer finds them. Were they just in the wrong place at the wrong time, or is something bigger going on? Until they can answer these questions none of them will be safe. I love how many familiar faces from her previous series are in this book. If you haven't read any of Susan May Warren's books before, you can still enjoy this book with its references to other books. It's like making a new friend who makes references to incidences in their past. You can still enjoy them and slowly learn more about who they were before you met them. 

This made for a great after-a-long-day-at-work-escape with the only problem being I wanted to keep reading all night long, because who wouldn't want to know if they escape, and Pippa and Fraser can locate Creed and Imani? Okay, so maybe this isn't the best read before bed, but it grabbed my attention, and I just had to know what was going to happen next. There is nothing graphic to give you nightmares, but there is suspense and romance that combine in an intriguing balance. Overall I have no problem recommending this to others who love reading contemporary Romantic Suspense (a touch more of both than the Love Inspired Suspense books but nothing over the top).

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

Title: Fraser 

Series: The Minnesota Marshalls #1 

Author: Susan May Warren 

Publisher: SDG Publishing 

Release Date: February 14, 2023 

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Fraser Marshall is pretty sure his career as a Spec Ops fighter is over. Yes, he’s gone into private security, working for Jones, Inc, but his last gig ended with him wounded and taken captive. And those wounds just won’t heal. The last thing he wants to do is stick around his family’s winery pressing grapes. But what choices does he have?

The answer comes via a panicked phone call from his kid brother, Creed. 

Help, Fraser. I’m in over my head… 

Yeah he is, because he’s run away with a princess, with her bodyguard hot on the trail. And said bodyguard, Pippa Butler is going to hunt them down, no matter the cost. 

Even if she has to join forces with a bossy, arrogant former American SEAL. But Pippa has her own set of lethal skills, and if Fraser gets in the way, she’ll leave him on the side of the road. Still, maybe he’s not a terrible side-kick. He is handsome, and he makes her laugh… 

No, no, bad Pippa! She has no room for a man—an American—in her life. And Fraser hasn’t ever considered slowing down. Even if Pippa has him wondering if there is a different future ahead. 

But there’s more to the story than a Romeo-and-Juliet runaway romance. Princess Imani has seen a murder, and the perpetrator isn’t going to let her get away. Will Fraser and Pippa find the couple first? 

And if they do, can they work together to keep them safe? 

It’ll be tough if their hearts get in the way…

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | IndieBound | BookBub

Also Available

 

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About the Author

With nearly 2 million books sold, critically acclaimed novelist Susan May Warren is the Christy, RITA, and Carol award-winning author of over ninety novels with Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill, and Summerside Press. Known for her compelling plots and unforgettable characters, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic-suspense, thrillers, rom-com, and Christmas novellas. With books translated into eight languages, many of her novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA's Inspirational Reader's Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. She’s a three-time RITA finalist and an eight-time Christy finalist.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Fraser and $10 Susan May Warren Store gift card!

The full tour schedule is linked below. 

The giveaway begins at midnight on February 21, 2023, 

and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 28, 2023. 

The winner will be notified within 2 weeks of the close of the giveaway 

and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of the prize. 

US only. 

Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

The 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!

 

The Last Chance Cowboy ~ Book Spotlight with Excerpt

Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for 

The Last Chance Cowboy by Jody Hedlund, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Last Chance Cowboy 

Series: Colorado Cowboys #5 

Author: Jody Hedlund 

Publisher: Bethany House Publishing 

Release Date: February 14, 2023 

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

With danger drawing ever closer, their only hope of saving their futures lies in each other.

As a midwife, Catherine Remington is successful in bringing new life into the world, but she's failed one too many times in finding true love. When she's accused of a murder she didn't commit, she's forced to flee to Colorado to honor a patient's dying wish by delivering a newborn infant to his father. 

The repentant prodigal Dylan McQuaid is finally back in Fairplay. As sheriff, he's doing his best to prove to the town he's a changed man and worthy of their trust. When a woman shows up with an infant son he didn't know he had, Dylan is left with only complicated choices on what to do next. 

Having grown attached to Dylan's son, Catherine doesn't want to part ways with the infant, but what she doesn't bargain for is how easily she'll fall for the charming sheriff, or how quickly the past will catch up with her and put their love and lives in danger.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Christianbook | BookBub

More Books In Series

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Excerpt 

“What’s a fine lady like you doing in this establishment at this time of day?” His words were

hard and biting, almost as if she’d imposed upon him with her presence.

“As a matter of fact, I’ve been here all night assisting one of the young women during her time

of travail.”

He cocked his head, his brows lifting.

“I’m a midwife. I’ve been here delivering a baby.”

“Well, it’s a good thing you stepped into the hallway when you did, isn’t it, boys?” Rocky

directed his question toward two men standing just inside the open doorway above the dead

body. They stepped over Stretch until they were both positioned behind Rocky, arms crossed

and staring at her.

She’d noticed the men with Rocky on occasion. Perhaps they served as his guards or his

servants. Either way, she wouldn’t let them intimidate her.

“Young lady,” Rocky said, “I’ll need you to testify to the police and the judge on my behalf, let

them know Stretch came after me and that I was left with no choice but to shoot him or lose

my life.”

Had Stretch provoked him? She glanced at Stretch’s crumpled body. There wasn’t a weapon in

sight. Blood poured out of the open wound in his bare chest, forming a dark puddle on the

floor. “I’m sorry, Mr. Kenna, but I can’t testify to that end—”

“Sure you can. You were right here.” He straightened his suit coat as though his business was

finished. “You saw everything just the way I said.”

He wanted her to lie for him? So he could get away with murder? Well, if he didn’t already

know, he was about to learn that she was a woman with as much integrity as her father. “No,

actually, I didn’t see Stretch do anything to harm you.”

Rocky started down the hallway toward her, and his men followed on his heels. Their footsteps

tapped a dangerous rhythm. If he could kill Stretch, what would stop him from killing her?

The Last Chance Cowboy • Jody Hedlund

Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group © 2022 used by permission

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About the Author

Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of over 30 historical novels for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards, including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Awards. Jody lives in Michigan with her husband, busy family, and five spoiled cats.

Connect with Jody by visiting www.jodyhedlund.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive the full paperback set of the five books 

in the Colorado Cowboys series!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. 

The full tour schedule is linked below. 

The giveaway began at midnight on February 22, 2023, 

and goes through 11:59 PM EST on March 1, 2023. 

The winner will be notified within 2 weeks of the close of the giveaway 

and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of the prize. 

US only. 

Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

The giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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

With Me in the Storm ~ Review

Welcome to the Blog Tour for 

With Me in the Storm by Karen E. Ingle, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

With Me in the Storm 

By Karen E. Ingle

She made a mistake, she trusted the wrong person and is trapped in a world she doesn't control. The man she trusted now controls her life and she is a commodity. If she doesn't end the life of her unborn baby today she will pay for it - possibly with her life.

Reaching out for help will take a courage she had lost years ago. And starting over even more. And admitting the mistake she made to the people who knew and cared for her before she turned her back on all that she had, almost impossible to imagine. The ugliness that she has been part of could turn them against her. 

With Me in the Storm is a book that takes the reader into the life of someone who has been caught in the web of trafficking. Lies, manipulation, and a cycle of abuse have trapped Maddie in a life she doesn't want to live. But knowing what she has been a part of makes her feel as if she has no choice but to continue living it, all the while trapped in the web she unwittingly allowed herself to be drawn into when she was at a low point in her life.

What Maddie has been caught in is not portrayed on the page but rather alluded to so the true depth of humiliation and cruelty isn't graphically portrayed. But the reader gets an idea of what she has been through as she slowly reveals just how low her misplaced trust has taken her. But we also are offered a glimpse of how those who she left behind have suffered from her mistake.

This book looks at difficult topics - sex trafficking, drugs, abortion- and offers hope to those who have been trapped in it. But there needs to be a hand ready to reach out and offer help to those who want to escape. I found it interesting how Maddie was living life amongst others who looked with envy at the life they thought she was living. Maddie was controlled and manipulated into thinking she was optionless. In a way, her unwanted pregnancy saved her life, it gave her the chance to get away from her abuser - her handler. But leaving this life behind is more than walking out a door and this book does address that and just how difficult it truly is.

The story while difficult, is presented in a way so that the reader is drawn into it. This is a Romantic Suspense but it is also a story of second chances and new beginnings. It also offers hope that it is never too late to change. But it also warns one of the far reaching tendrils of the darkness that have trapped so many within its grasp. Overall I'd say this was a well-written story that entertains while sharing a difficult message that all should be aware of because anyone could easily find themself in a similar situation because of a single choice or misplaced trust. In my opinion this book, though written for an adult audience, could be read by teens who are in need of the cautionary warning this book offers. This would also make a great community read because there can never be too much awareness. 

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.

** Of note there are contacts in the back of the book to help people to get help or aid others in the effort to stop trafficking. **                                                                                                                                   

About the Book

Title: With Me in the Storm 

Author: Karen E. Ingle 

Publisher: Trilogy Christian Publishing 

Release Date: September 19, 2022 

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

If she escapes her past, can she survive the storm to come?

Maddie's California dream-turned-nightmare is a perfect storm of abuse, trafficking, and unwanted pregnancy. She sees only one way out, until a network of strangers offers a solution that could save her life and her baby's. 

But escaping back to Minnesota hinges on Chris, the fiancé she rejected for the drug dealer who now owns her. After all she's done, is it too much to hope Chris will perform this generous act of love? 

And what if love isn't enough to protect Maddie when a deadlier storm closes in? 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound

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About the Author

Karen Ingle admires women’s resilience and courage that emerge when faced with a pregnancy that rocks their world. As a freelance writer, she has interviewed such women, met them, and served them. She’s also rubbed elbows with the gutsy people who care deeply enough to support women in their journeys out of dark despair into bright hope. Now Karen is weaving those true stories into the compelling novel, With Me in the Storm, and others still to come in her Rumors of Light series.

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

 

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed paperback copy of With Me in the Storm, 

$10 Amazon gift card, notecard, sticker, handmade bookmark, 

and a packet of "Maddie's favorite hot cocoa mix"!

The full tour schedule is linked below. 

The giveaway begins at midnight February 20, 2023, 

and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 27, 2023. 

The winner will be notified within 2 weeks of the 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!

 

Detecting Secrets ~ Review with extras

Welcome to the Blog Tour for

Detecting Secrets by Sami A. Abrams, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Detecting Secrets 

Deputies of Anderson County #3 

By Sami A. Abrams 

Charlotte Bradley is a therapist who has made helping pregnant teens a priority, she wants to be there for the ones who have no one. But when one of the girls she's been helping disappears, something more sinister is revealed. But the question is, what.

Sheriff Dennis Monroe wants answers too, and he's convinced Charlotte and her SAR K-9 partner Theo can help him find them. Hopefully before it is too late and before more girls go missing.

Detecting Secrets opens with the suspense already in full action, and it doesn't let up as the story progresses. Sheriff Monroe is busy fulfilling his duties as both sheriff and dad, and now he has to keep Charlotte safe too. Charlotte is doing her best to hold it all together, but this case is bringing back old memories. Memories that are more than a little uncomfortable as they are from a low point in her life. 

Overall this is a fairly good read. Charlotte and Dennis have a few issues that they seem to get hung up on, and until they can work their way through them, they'll be obstacles getting in their way. So in some ways, this book has two aspects - a mental one and the case. And the conclusion is definitely unexpected, so whatever you do, don't skip ahead to the end!

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

About the Book

Title: Detecting Secrets 

Series: Deputies of Anderson County #3 

Author: Sami A. Abrams 

Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense 

Release Date: February 21, 2023 

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

 

Tracking the scents of the missing might 
be the only way to save them. 

Partnered with her air-scent dog and Sheriff Dennis Monroe, marriage and family therapist Charlotte Bradley is desperate to put an end to a black-market baby smuggling ring in Anderson County. Who is kidnapping the pregnant girls she counsels and taking their babies? As Charlotte searches for answers, she and Dennis must dodge gunfire and deadly attacks. But the sinister agenda they uncover just might include her. 

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith. 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | BookDepository | Christianbook | IndieBound | BookBub

Other Books In Series

  

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About the Author

Award-winning, bestselling author Sami Abrams grew up hating to read. It wasn’t until her 30’s that she found authors that captured her attention. Now, most evenings, you can find her engrossed in a Romantic Suspense. In her opinion, a crime and a little romance is the recipe for a great story.

She lives in Northern California, but she will always be a Kansas girl at heart. She has a love of sports, family, and travel. However, a cabin at Lake Tahoe writing her next story is definitely at the top of her list. Connect with Sami by visiting samiaabrams.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

 

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will receive a copy of Detecting Secrets 

(print US only, ebook international) 

and a $10 Amazon gift card!

The full tour schedule is linked below. 

The giveaway begins at midnight on February 14, 2023, 

and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 21, 2023. 

The winner will be notified within 2 weeks of the close of the giveaway 

and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of the prize. 

US only print. 

Ebook international. 

Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

The 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!