The Puzzle Within ~ Review

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 

The Puzzle Within by Gina Holder, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

The Puzzle Within 
The Game Masters #1 
By Gina Holder 

Ari (Arizona) Powers has this last chance to prove she isn't crazy. But when the young woman she's assigned to protect is kidnapped, Ari finds that her life is on the line as the kidnapper lures her and the analyst assigned to the protection detail into a dangerous game.

Nick Trueheart isn't an agent and isn't sure why he's been assigned to protect the teenage daughter of an ambassador. But when Bridgette disappears from a locked escape room, he'll have to rely on his past to help him understand what's going on.

Ari and Nick find themselves facing a deadly foe who seems bent on vengeance. The deeper they dig, the more puzzling the case becomes. And time is not on their side. But when they discover links to their pasts, they realize that more than Bridgette's life is in danger.

The Puzzle Within delves into the power of memory, taking readers on an intense race against time. This book is filled with suspense and a determined villain. Several unexpected twists definitely kept me from figuring out who Enigma was and what the endgame was. There is a faith element that runs throughout as both Ari and Nick struggle to make sense of the case, each other, and their own painful pasts. A good and engaging 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: The Puzzle Within 
Series: The Game Masters #1 
    Author: Gina Holder 
    Publisher: Scrivenings Press LLC 
    Release Date: June 3, 2025 
    Genre: Romantic Suspense

FBI agent Arizona Powers is haunted by nightmares—fragments of a childhood kidnapping no one believes ever happened. Still recovering from a nervous breakdown, she accepts a protection assignment for Bridgette Van Sloan, the strong-willed teenage daughter of a U.S. ambassador who's been receiving threats signed: Enigma. 

Nick Trueheart, a former escape artist known as "Nick of Time" turned diplomatic risk analyst, is grieving the loss of his beloved wife—and obsessed with finding her killer. When assigned to Bridgette's security detail, his biggest concern isn't the threats—it's the unstable agent with a vendetta against kidnappers. 

When Bridgette disappears from an escape room, Nick and Arizona become entangled in a high-stakes puzzle hunt and a race against time. They must confront their own failures and unravel the secrets hidden within themselves to rescue Bridgette … and survive a madman's twisted game. Because one thing becomes clear: Enigma’s real target is much bigger — and far more personal.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Scrivenings Press | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

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About the Author

Gina Holder is a hybrid author and stay-at-home mom. She’s had an infatuation with books for as long as she can remember. She loves sharing uplifting messages from God’s Word and introducing readers to new and new-to-them authors on her blog. When she’s not writing, Gina enjoys playing the piano, cooking, reading, watching Hallmark mysteries, and solving “escape room” puzzles. She loves growing in her craft as an author. She published her debut novel in 2017. Gina lives in Wyoming with her husband and daughter.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card,
a signed paperback copy of The Puzzle Within,
and a pair of wooden jigsaw puzzle earrings!

Full tour schedule linked below.
The giveaway begins at midnight June 10, 2025,
and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 17, 2025.
Winner 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!

Novel Threat ~ review

Novel Threat

Pen and Dagger #1 

by Traci Hunter Abramson

Kimber Seidel works on the financial aspects of cases for the CIA. She dreams of someday being an author, but for now, she is content with being a writer who dreams of someday. But now her dreams are about to become part of a CIA operation. Kimber never expected to discover the guy she sat next to on a plane, working at the publisher the CIA is investigating. Yikes!

Brandon Hale was ready to quit the CIA and start using his college education in publishing. But when his last meeting with an informant goes wrong, Brandon finds himself leaving the life he wanted behind for an undercover op in New York at Monroe Publishing.

Soon, the two find themselves being forced together by their employers. Not a hardship when they hit it off during their flight from London to Washington. Of course, at that time, neither realized the other worked for the CIA. Now they are caught up in the intense publishing world with its expectations of marketing, glad-handing, social media, and networking. All Kimber and Brandon want to do is stop the terrorist who is threatening both London and the United States. And there is a clock counting down somewhere that they are in a race against.

This is a clean read that keeps the romance and language family-friendly. While there is violence with several deaths, the descriptions are not graphic. You may develop an aversion to elevators, but that is entirely up to you. 

This was an intense read that I enjoyed as an audiobook. Tim Campbell's narration was well-paced and executed. With a run time of just under 9 hours, it made for an excellent commute listen for a week. Novel Threat is the first book in the Pen and Dagger series, and I look forward to book two.

About the Book:

In a world of covert codes, two CIA operatives must infiltrate a New York publishing house, where every word on the page could be a weapon.

Brandon Hale, a seasoned CIA case officer, contemplates walking away from the covert world of espionage behind to embark on a quieter path in publishing. But his plan takes an abrupt turn when a critical source within the Labyrinth terrorist organization is assassinated, leaving behind a cryptic message about a New York publishing house. Rather than submitting his resignation, Brandon finds himself going undercover at Monroe Publishing to stop the next terrorist strike against the US.

Kimber Seidel, a CIA finance officer with secret aspirations of becoming a novelist, enjoys a serendipitous encounter with a handsome book lover like herself on her way home from London. Though she cannot reveal her true employment to her new friend, Brandon Hale, she can’t deny the instant spark that ignites between them. When Kimber’s manuscript is unexpectedly shopped to Monroe Publishing as a pawn in the CIA’s counterterrorism plot, Kimber must navigate the intersection of her literary dreams and her covert life as well as her deepening connection with Brandon.

Though each decoded message is leading Brandon and Kimber closer to the truth, it is also leading them into the line of fire, where the stakes are higher than anyone ever imagined.

Waylaid ~ Review

Waylaid
Windy City Westons #1
By Jerusha Agen

Spring Weston is a rising star in the world of cycling, and she's determined to be the best. But when she learns the truth about the team she's on, she doesn't want anything to do with it. But before she can decide what she will do, her whole life is shattered. She's the victim of a hit-and-run accident. 

Spring is officially the Weston family failure. Her father's biggest disappointment. She'll never ride a bike again. No, she's trapped by her broken body. If only the driver had killer her, then she would have at least not been left to endure her father's disgust and the pity of others.

 

Sergeant Torin Cotter has let people down too many times. He knows the feeling of such failure. When he is asked to take over the investigation of Spring's case, something just feels off to him. He can tell Spring is holding something back and that she is scared. Torin will discover the truth and do all he can to help Spring. 

 

When his own past comes into play during his investigation, Spring may offer the only hope to overcome his pain. If only he could offer her the same. But he refuses to allow himself to connect with Spring. It's all about surviving until he learns the truth about his wife. 

 

When a killer comes after Spring, Torin is determined to protect her, while Spring is more concerned about anyone losing their lives for her.   

Waylaid is the first book in the Windy City Westons series. The Weston family siblings are focused on helping Spring overcome and conquer her depression over the fallout of the hit-and-run that left her paralyzed. I found it interesting how the family dynamics played out throughout this book. They had differences when it came to matters of faith, but they were all about loyalty to one another. No one messed with one of their own without the others rallying around them. The dynamics between the Westons came across as authentic and believable. This was an excellent and engaging read that kept me up way too late reading. The suspense was way too tempting. I wanted to know who and why, and it was definitely not what I was expecting.

 

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

 

About the Book:

Someone wants to kill her. She wants the killer to finish the job.

Spring Weston will do anything to rise in the ranks of pro cycling and prove she isn’t the one failure of the five Weston siblings. Anything except cheat. When she learns of doping on her cycling team, she’s determined to uncover the truth. But she can’t if she’s dead.

Sergeant Torin Cotter may not be the hero the public thinks he is, but he recognizes fear when he sees it. When he takes over the investigation of the collision that landed Spring in the hospital, he’s compelled to protect her from whatever danger she’s in, even though he knows he might fail. Again.

Spring’s faith in God isn’t enough to help her face the living nightmare she awakened to after the accident. But neither she nor the handsome sergeant see the greater threat that’s coming until it’s too late.

If they’re going to survive, Spring and Torin will not only have to confront their worst fears—they’ll have to find a reason to live.

 

Break My Fall is Coming Soon

Break My Fall by Lynn H. Blackburn is about to be released.

Don't miss this new addition to her Gossamer Falls series!

Break My Fall ~ Review

 

Break My Fall

Gossamer Falls #2

By Lynn H. Blackburn

 

Dr. Meredith Quinn just wants to make a difference. Her dentistry practice in Gossamer Falls is doing just that, especially with her mobile clinic that allows her to travel to those most in need of her services. But her practice has put her in danger, and she's upset some very powerful people. Worse, she's outside Police Chief Grayson Ward's jurisdiction when she's visiting her patients, so he cannot keep her safe.

 

Grayson is determined to keep Meredith safe. But he refuses to allow her to get too close. He's lost too many people already, and he refuses to add one more to his list. Now if he could just get his heart to listen to reason. But the deeper Meredith sinks into the quagmire that has surrounded her, the more he fears losing her forever. 

But to get out of this alive, both must put aside their fears and work together. And they just may need to call in the Quinn family for a little extra help.

 

This is the second book in the Gossamer Falls series, and it continues the backstory that has the area more than a little concerned - increased drug trafficking in the area. This time, the focus is on Meredith and Grayson, with several of the characters from Downfall and Never Fall Again taking prominent supporting roles throughout. Break My Fall is a well-paced read, though there are times one would like to shake some sense into both Meredith and Grayson with their determined stubbornness. Overall, a good read if you are a fan of romantic suspense looking for your next title.

 

You can enjoy this book as a standalone title if you have not read the previous title! You can catch up later.

 

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

 

 

About the Book:

 

She's determined to make an impact in her community.
He's determined to make sure she lives long enough to do it.

Dr. Meredith Quinn always planned to return to Gossamer Falls to practice dentistry. Now that she's back home, she's made it a point to offer clinics to children and adults in nearby underserved areas. Unfortunately, those same areas are known to harbor drug traffickers, and Police Chief Grayson Ward suspects that local law enforcement is looking the other way.

After too many losses, Grayson has closed off his heart. But with Meredith in his life, he feels his walls crumbling, leaving him exposed and vulnerable. To keep her alive, he must keep her close, but that makes it impossible for him to retreat and rebuild.

Will she be the one who finally helps him emerge from isolation? Or will this force of nature leave him shattered?

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!

Cornered ~ Review

Cornered

  By Lynette Eason, 

          Lynn H. Blackburn,

              and Natalie Walters

This is a fun and engaging chance to explore the writings of three different authors. They have created three stories for this collection that are set in their established series. However, reading their previous works is not required to enjoy these new offerings. This is a great way to introduce yourself or a friend to a new author (or two or three).

In the Dark is by Lynette Eason, and gracious tension runs high as Steph Cross deals with the fallout of her coworker's death when she cleans out her desk and finds a hidden notebook. If you see DANGER flashing bright red, you are there. On the plus side, she meets Detective Tate Cooper, who seems interested in her. First, she'll have to survive the person or persons intent on keeping what she found hidden. The question is why and who. Time to cue the Jaws theme. (No sharks were involved in this story, but that music is so dramatic!)

In Lynn H. Blackburn's Downfall, a long-held family feud comes into play when Cassie Quinn fills in for the local mountain resort. The other family owns the resort, and Cassie is dealing with a lot of baggage when someone suddenly decides to make it personal. With the kitchen trashed, the police are called in, and of course, the lead detective is the ex-boyfriend who broke her heart. Ugh!!! Donovan Bledsoe knew he was in trouble. Yes, he broke up with Cassie but never kicked her out of his heart. Keeping her safe is now the only between him and asking for a second chance. If they can figure out why she's become a target, they may discover who is determined to shorten her life. The feud between the two families has never been violent before. Could something have changed? A pulse-pounding climax is coming your way with this one! 

Natalie Walter's Perilous Obsession is more than a little scary for Lahela Young. Lahela finds herself getting empty phone calls (the scary kind that you know someone is there, but they say nothing). She asks for help from Briggs Turner. As a former police officer, she knows he can help her and offer advice. But things get worse as whoever is watching her ratchets it up. Soon, it is no longer a nuisance but a danger. Lahela doesn't want to leave Texas and her new friends behind, but would returning home to Hawaii be safer, or will she just bring the danger with her?  This story links to The SNAP Agency series. (Must read!!!)

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:

Prepare for three times the thrills with these nail-biting page-turners from your favorite romantic suspense authors!

In In the Dark by Lynette Eason, accountant Steph Cross is cleaning out a coworker's desk after her untimely death when she finds cryptic notes that lead her to believe her friend's car accident was no accident at all. Detective Tate Cooper is determined to help her crack the case before someone else gets hurt. But can he protect the woman who has so quickly laid claim to his heart?

In Downfall by Lynn H. Blackburn, chef Cassie Quinn gets an offer she can't refuse: to fill in as chef at an exclusive mountain resort. But when the kitchen is destroyed and it becomes clear Cassie is in danger, she's forced to accept the help of her ex-boyfriend, Detective Donovan Bledsoe, to find the culprit and keep her safe.

In Perilous Obsession by Natalie Walters, teacher Lahela Young becomes the target of someone with a twisted obsession 

of righting a wrong. The first person she turns to is her good friend Briggs Turner. Briggs may have left his career as a 

police officer, but he still has the instinct to protect--especially for Lahela.

Guarding Truth ~ Review

Guarding Truth
Elite Guardians: Savannah #3
Lynette Eason presents

  Kelly Underwood

Juliette Montgomery thought she had left the life of an army ranger behind when she was injured and received an unsettling diagnosis. But when a young girl hires her to guard her Uncle Caleb, Juliette's past is about to collide with her present.

Caleb Styles never saw Juliette after he saved her life. Juliette walked away from the army and Caleb because of the decisions of that day. But Caleb always thought of Jules as the one who got away. He was confused by her decision to leave without a single word. 

But with a group of cyber terrorists threatening Caleb and his niece Ivy, Juliette can't say no to a protection detail that may, in a small way, repay all that Caleb lost when he saved her. 

This is a fast-paced read from the beginning. Juliette is driven to succeed in everything she does, while Caleb is more laid back as fits his abilities as a coder and cyber security analyst. But when Caleb's niece is targeted by the increasingly volatile anarchist cyber terrorists Juliette and Caleb must learn to change their thinking and work as a team to stop the threats. If they can't they will die.

Juliette is an interesting character she's drive to fulfill a role she feels she has to fill. When she doesn't act she feels as if she's failed. She has trouble with the team mentality that the Elite Guardians need to have to do their best. When we get deeper into the book her motivations become clear, which is actually rather sad. I'm not saying wasn't good at what she did but her reasons removed her from the equation of her own life and its choices. 

This was a good read and perfect for an October release with October being Cyber Security Month. I liked how there were second chances throughout the story. This was a great ending to this cycle of Elite Guardian books. The characters were relatable even if their exact circumstances were outside my personal experiences. I like how each of these books is complete in and of itself and able to be read as a standalone title. Fans of Love Inspired Suspense should enjoy this book as it is similar just a bit longer. But no over-the-top graphic violence, romance, or language proving that you can have suspense that reads clean!

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.

Safety. Secrets. Sacrifice. What will it cost these Elite Guardians to protect the innocent?

The truth might destroy them both…

The one thing that Former Army Ranger turned elite bodyguard Juliette Montgomery regrets is never telling fellow soldier Caleb Styles her true feelings. But how could she? They were co-workers, and then the guy went and saved her life. And that turned out to be the one thing that cost them their relationship.

So Juliette has moved on, trying to forget Caleb—and her feelings.

Caleb hasn’t forgotten her either. But he has no idea she now lives in Savannah, Georgia…especially since his life is full as guardian of his niece, Ivy, after her parents were killed.

And then he discovers that his brilliant niece’s computer skills have attracted a notorious hacker group. More, when Ivy tracks the hackers, she endangers Caleb’s cyber-security company.

Enter his need for the Elite Guardians.

The last—very last—person Juliette thought she’d see again is Caleb Styles, let alone be assigned to protect him. And now, suddenly, the very last thing she needs is to let her heart take over. She must protect them both—which means ignoring…or trying to ignore—the attraction between them.

Caleb never understood why Juliette walked away from him…but he can’t deny that his feelings for her never died. Except maybe she doesn’t share those feelings because her only goal seems to be protecting Ivy. And, it’s probably for the best. After all, they need all their wits about them to find the hackers and unravel their plans.

And then they discover the hackers’ true intent—and it becomes a race against time. But it too late to protect their hearts from the truth?

An electrifying blend of suspense, chemistry, and unbreakable bonds, this romantic thriller is a must-read for fans of the Elite Guardian series.

Fractured Memories ~ Review

Fractured Memories

Badge of Honor #1

By Lynn Shannon

When she was fifteen years old, Felicity Capshaw witnessed the murder of a dear friend. She has no memories of the incident. Now, she is a Texas Ranger, and she's returned to her hometown to reopen the cold case that has haunted her for years. Partnering with Detective Noah Hodge, Felicity hopes that they'll finally be able to get answers to Brooke's murder.

But it soon becomes apparent that someone wants to keep the past and its secrets buried, and they are willing to kill again. If only Felicity could remember what her mind locked away all those years ago. Because if she doesn't remember soon, she may become another victim of an elusive killer.

Fractured Memories is an action-packed Romantic Suspense read. The characters have depth, and the reader is quickly drawn into the story. There is peril and violence/murder, but nothing graphic. I have no hesitation in recommending this book to teens and tweens looking for something different from their typical young adult reading selections. Overall, this is a good read; perfect for fans of Love Inspired Suspense.

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

Enter the Instagram Giveaway at https://www.instagram.com/p/DA5MyaVtekI/ Giveaway ends at 11:59 p.m. on October 15, 2024.

Series: Badge of Honor #1

Release Date: September 27, 2024

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

What she can’t remember will kill her…

As a teen, Texas Ranger Felicity Capshaw witnessed a murder. The traumatic incident—and the accompanying amnesia—has affected her entire life. She reopens the cold case, but the investigation is cut short when she’s assaulted and nearly killed.

Detective Noah Hodge is no stranger to loss. He’s buried his parents and his wife. All he wants is to raise his daughter and keep his hometown safe. When the killer targets Felicity, Noah commits to protecting her, even though each second in her presence makes him question why he’s locked away his battered heart.

As Felicity’s memories return, the threats escalate. Can Noah help her uncover the truth? Or will the killer silence her forever?

Coming Soon ~ Cornered

 Cornered 

by Lynette Eason, 

Lynn H. Blackburn, and Natalie Walters

is coming to a shelf near you on November 19, 2024!

Preorder from Baker Book House for 40% off

the MSRP and FREE shipping!

About Cornered

In In the Dark by Lynette Eason, accountant Stephanie Holton is cleaning out a coworker’s desk after her untimely death when she finds cryptic notes that lead her to believe her friend’s car accident was no accident at all. Detective Tate Cooper is determined to help her crack the case before someone else gets hurt. But can he protect the woman who has so quickly laid claim to his heart?

In Downfall by Lynn H. Blackburn, disillusioned chef Cassie Quinn is picking up the pieces in her hometown of Gossamer Falls. When an opportunity to fill in as chef at an exclusive mountain resort comes her way, she can’t refuse. But when someone in the cutthroat kitchen staff takes things too far, Cassie will need the help of Detective Donovan Bledsoe to find out who is behind the threats if she’s ever going to find true peace—or true love.

In Perilous Obsession by Natalie Walters, teacher Lahela Young has finally settled into her new life in Texas when she starts getting disturbing phone calls in the middle of the night—and the distinct feeling that someone is watching her. Former detective Briggs Turner steps in to help the intriguing Hawaiian woman, but this web of obsession is far more tangled than either of them realize. Who is the real threat? And how will Briggs face the future if he loses Lahela?

Midnight Clear ~ Review

Midnight Clear

Guardians Unleashed Prequel

By Jerusha Agen

 

I always enjoy getting the background info and Midnight Clear gives just a glimpse of that in this Guardians Unleashed prequel novella. It is a short story set at Christmas and a not-so-sweet occurrence happens.

Marion Ainsley, who trains and takes in unwanted dogs, finds herself hosting (not by choice) an undercover cop and a baby.  Her holidays and her life, in general, are fairly solitary other than her maybe friend Phoenix Gray. Yes, THE Phoenix Gray, of the Guardians, and she's as mysterious as ever in this book.

But Marion has resigned herself to a life without a family of her own. She knows what she looks like and that people can't see beyond her outer appearance. So, she is totally baffled by this stranger who entered her life because of a Minnesota snowstorm. 

This will be a Christmas unlike any she has ever experienced, not just because her life is in danger.

This is a page-turner that fans of the Guardians Unleashed series will want to read yesterday. This gives one more piece of the puzzle that is Phoenix Gray.

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:

Her worst fear is another Christmas alone.
Until she isn’t alone.

Christmas is supposed to be a happy time. Marion Ainsley is determined this holiday will be everything it’s never been for her. She’s placed gifts under the tree for the dogs in her shelter, Forever Home, and watched every romantic Christmas movie she can find. All she’s missing is a person to love her despite the scars that have driven her into hiding.

Her dream of a real Christmas crumbles when a blizzard moves in, bringing more than snow. She finds a man half-buried on her property. And he’s holding a baby.

The unexpected visitors are being chased by enemies far more frightening. People who will stop at nothing to get what they want.

Will Marion’s mysterious friend, Phoenix Gray, and an undercover police officer be able to keep her safe? Or will this Christmas be her last?

 

Hidden in the Night ~ Review

Hidden in the Night
Missing in Alaska #3
By Elizabeth Goddard

Ivy Elliot is the one Nolan Long let get away. But when the opportunity arises to maybe win her heart, everything is put on hold when she turns up in Alaska, hunting for a rare manuscript by Jack London.

But Ivy isn't the only person interested in this manuscript. In fact, someone is willing to kill for it. And when a young woman goes missing while in possession of the manuscript, Ivy's short stint in Alaska becomes longer. She can't turn her back on a young woman in need of help. 

When an attack leaves the Alaska State Troopers down an officer, Nolan's vacation is postponed. And as Ivy and Nolan continue investigating, they start to find unexpected links in their cases. Is it just a coincidence, or is something more sinister at play?

Hidden in the Night is the third and final book in the Missing in Alaska series, and it is full of page-turning suspense as the clock, the weather, and a determined killer work against them. Will Ivy and Nolan have a chance at determining the future where their hearts are concerned? Or will a killer end their romance before it begins?

This is an all-nighter, so plan on reading over a weekend and let everyone know you will be unavailable for the foreseeable future. Set your cell phone on silent, grab your favorite drink, snuggle into your reading corner, and delve into the frozen Alaska wilderness; I highly recommend reading the first two books before starting Hidden in the Night, though the title can be read as a stand-alone title.   
                                                                                                                                                                        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:

In this breathtaking race for the truth,

Not everyone will get out alive.

At the behest of her ailing mother, former FBI special agent turned rare-book collector Ivy Elliott arrives in Alaska to secure an unpublished Jack London manuscript kept secreted away for decades. But when she arrives, she learns the manuscript is gone--taken by the granddaughter of the woman who possessed it. Ivy sets off in pursuit, not just to save the manuscript but to save the vulnerable girl, who was previously trafficked and has no idea what she's getting herself into.
 
Joining forces with Alaska State Trooper Nolan Long, Ivy must battle a blizzard, sabotage, and the worst of an Alaskan winter as the search goes on. But every answer they find only raises more questions--and the danger to their lives and to the missing girl may only be the tip of the iceberg.
 
Don't miss this breathtaking race for truth set amid the glorious--and deadly--Glacier Bay from USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard.

Hunting Justice ~ Review

Hunting Justice 

Elite Guardians: Savannah #2

By Sami Abrams 

     and Lynette Eason

Dr. Jonah Harris has just been handed a problem and it could get him killed. Wanting to protect the memory of his mentor Jonah reaches out to his best friend Noelle Burton. Jonah needs her discretion and her her skills as an ex-detective and her connections as an Elite Guardian. What he never expected was that by helping him she was putting herself in danger too.

Noelle has been keeping a secret. A big one, one she knows will keep her from ever finding love and the family she's always dreamed of having. And now her past is about to intersect with a series of dark crimes. Crimes that someone is intent on staying hidden in the shadows.

But Jonah and Noelle will have to face their pasts and the pain they hold if they hope to stop a killer before it is too late. And maybe by confronting their demons they may have a future they never thought possible.

This is the second book in the spin-off series Elite Guardians: Savannah. This book offers all the suspense and twists one came to expect and appreciate from the previous series Elite Guardians and Elite Guardians Collection. The story is engaging and leaves one wondering at times what's next as the danger ratchets up throughout until the conclusion.

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.

---

Available to purchase at: Sunrise Publishing Amazon 

About the Book:

A dark secret puts them in the crosshairs of a relentless killer…

Ex-detective and current Elite Guardian Noelle Burton survived a horrifying attack by a serial killer as a child. Now, determined to put the scars of her past behind her, she’s intent on helping the Elite Guardians set up shop in her hometown of Savannah, Georgia. More, she’s wondering if her friendship with Dr. Jonah Harris, an ex-ER doctor turned medical examiner, might be more. But he has his own demons to fight—namely guilt over the death of his wife.

So, maybe not.

Meanwhile, Jonah can’t ignore the growing desire he feels for Noelle. If only he knew he wasn’t going to destroy their friendship…

And then, tragedy strikes—the sudden death of a colleague rocks his world, and Jonah knows that there’s more to the incident than meets the eye. In fact, he may have been the intended target. Now he needs Noelle…not just as a friend, but as a protector.

Noelle will have to protect Jonah, while not letting their friendship spark into something more, and Jonah will have to unravel the threat that stalks him. Clues lead them down a dark path, revealing unsettling connections to a series of unsolved crimes. And when they stumble upon the chilling possibility of a serial killer lurking in the shadows, all Noelle’s nightmares come back to life.

Then the unthinkable occurs—the killer strikes again, targeting someone close to them. Noelle and Jonah race against time to expose the truth and capture the killer…and when their friendship becomes something deeper, it’s clear they have everything to lose.

Don’t miss this gripping story of resilience, trust, and the power of love in the exhilarating second book of the Elite Guardians: Savannah.

Hidden Mountain Secrets ~ Review

Hidden Mountain Secrets

Tunnel Creek #3

By Kerry Johnson

A mysterious death.

    A secluded mansion.

        This investigation could be fatal…

Brielle Holt was just supposed to handle the dispersal of the estate's antiques. Instead, she finds herself the target of a killer and she has no idea why. She'll need the help of Lucas Scott, CSI agent, and childhood friend if she hopes to stay alive long enough to figure out why. And she is not crushing on her former teenage crush, nope absolutely not, well maybe just a little. (He did save her life.)

Lucas is back in Tunnel Creek investigating a suspicious death. When his case seemingly crosses with the attack on Brielle, he is more than willing to help protect his best friend's little sister. What he didn't expect was to have feelings for her, a BIG NO-NO. She's his best friend's little sis, and he knows Jasper would object. 

But as the danger draws closer and the killer remains just out of reach Lucas will do everything to keep Brielle safe. He can't lose another woman he loves on his watch.

Hidden Mountain Secrets is a clean Romantic Suspense offering from Love Inspired Suspense. There isn't graphic anything so no late-night sleeplessness from nightmares just the excuse of one more chapter. After all one needs to know the who and why behind the attacks on Brielle. And whether or not Lucas and Brielle have the chance at a tomorrow together. Overall a good read, that, though this book 3 in a series, can easily be read as a standalone title.

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. 

⇒ Instagram Giveaway – (1) winner will receive a copy of the book and a $30 Amazon gift card!

TO ENTER

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⇒ VISIT each Instagram-hosted post of this tour for more entries. Schedule at @justreadtours. (US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics. Instagram is not affiliated with nor responsible for this giveaway. The giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on May 21, 2024.)

Purchase Links – LoveInspired.com    Amazon

About the Book:
Release Date: May 21, 2024
Genre: Romantic Suspense (Clean)

A mysterious death. 

A secluded mansion.

This investigation could be fatal…

Antique dealer Brielle Holt uncovers more than just priceless relics when she overhears a secret that puts a target on her back. Caught in the crosshairs of a deadly family feud, Brielle has nowhere safe to hide…until CSI agent Lucas Scott steps in to protect her. With assailants following their every move, Lucas and Brielle must stay one step ahead of someone desperate to hide the truth…and bury them with it.

Flashpoint ~ Review

Flashpoint
Chasing Fire: Montana #1

By Susan May Warren

SECRETS. BETRAYAL. SACRIFICE.

THIS TIME, THEY’RE NOT JUST FIGHTING FIRE.

The Hollywood heartthrob and the firefighter with a secret…

Emily Micah is determined to finally prove herself as a firefighter with the elite Jude County Hotshots wildfire team. But when she reacts rather than following proper protocol she finds herself assigned to the movie set of Drifters, to hopefully prevent any more special effect fires. No pressure there! 

And of course, Storm Spenser being on the set is just an added bonus. And she won't go all crazy fangirl on him, even if she is (or rather was) in one of the exclusive fan clubs when she was younger. And when Spenser asks for her help with the child actor on the set, what's a girl to say but YES! 

Storm is trying to rebuild his acting career. After a crazed stalker derailed him, he needs to make a comeback soon and this film could make or break his career. But a series of accidents threatens not only the film but the lives of those on the set. 

Flashpoint is the first book in the Chasing Fire: Montana Series. With the land a tinderbox one mistake, one spark could become an inferno. And when evidence points to something other than an accident these heroes will need to be prepared for anything. 

This is a fast-paced read that draws one into the action from the beginning. The main characters Emily and Storm are dealing with the demons of their pasts as they try to find their place. Emily hasn't found where she fits yet. And Storm needs to rediscover where he belongs - the family ranch or in front of the camera. But more than fire threatens them, and they'll have to be prepared for what's coming. 

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.

Available to purchase at https://amzn.to/44eZeVw 

About the Book:

SECRETS. BETRAYAL. SACRIFICE.

THIS TIME, THEY’RE NOT JUST FIGHTING FIRE.

An original series created by bestselling authors Susan May Warren and Lisa Phillips.

The Hollywood heartthrob and the firefighter with a secret…

Rookie firefighter Emily Micah is determined to prove herself as a new recruit to the elite Jude County Hotshots wildfire team. Assigned to the film set of The Drifters, Emily’s mission is to protect the cast and crew from the special effects that could ignite the tinder-dry Montana forest and start a wildfire.

If only her favorite actor—TV star Spenser Storm—wasn’t getting in her way.

What could go wrong?

Haunted by the memory of a rabid stalker, former child TV star Spenser Storm is hoping to revive his career, but he’s torn between the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and the life of a cowboy on his family’s ranch in Montana. It doesn’t help when he sees the movie that’s supposed to launch his future is going up in flames.

And then there’s beautiful and brave Emily Micah, who not only saves his life, but seems to understand him, maybe better than she should.

As an arsonist threatens the film production, seemingly with the goal of destroying the movie entirely, Spenser realizes he’ll stop at nothing to protect his future and the woman now stealing his heart.

But Emily harbors a secret…one that could destroy the flame between them. And when it comes out, it could cost them everything, and ignite an inferno that could destroy all of the northern Montana forest.

Chasing Fire: Montana Series, Book One—Flashpoint—delivers a thrilling and emotional rollercoaster ride that will leave you breathless, yearning for more, and eager to dive into the next chapter of the thrilling series.

Lethal Danger ~ Review

Lethal Danger

Guardians Unleashed #4

By Jerusha Agen

Someone is targeting the fair Jazz Lamont loves, and she'll do everything she can to stop them. The Tri-City Fair has been an important part of her life for the majority of it, a place she can call home.  And someone is determined to destroy it and the people who frequent it.

As part of the additional security, Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency is trained to stop and eliminate the threats that are threatening this year's fair. When an accident causes a visitor to panic, Jazz and security guard Hawthorne Emerson jump into action to save the visitor's life. Later Jazz is surprised and thrilled to learn that the guard who assisted with rescue is none other than her favorite author! Of course she crushes!

But Hawthorne is dealing with his own demons from the past, which seemingly have links to the accidents and threats surrounding the fair. 

Before everything wraps up, both Jazz and Hawthorne will have to put aside their pasts and the influence it has on their present. If they don't, they may not live to see tomorrow.

This is the fourth book in the series and it certainly doesn't disappoint. It is a contemporary Romantic Suspense read, but at its heart it is a story of family, friendship, trust, and letting go of the past. Both Jazz and Hawthorne struggle with "family" and "friendship". They've allowed the past to keep both at arm's length and added 5 more feet just to be safe. And they've blinded themselves to the fact that some of their pain is their own doing. 

This is wonderful blend of suspense and human nature that presents in a completely satisfying read. Not to be missed. Though part of a series one can enjoy this book as a standalone title.

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 Books:          

This K-9 team is trained to eliminate threats. 

This threat could eliminate them.

Being a loner is getting old. Jazz Lamont still can’t fit in at the Phoenix K-9 Agency, and she’s losing her best friend. At least providing security with her K-9 partner at the Tri-City Fair will mean revisiting the only place where she once belonged. But a series of accidents threatens her beloved fair and puts lives at risk.

Thriller author Hawthorne Emerson suspects foul play after the first “accident.” Moonlighting as fair security to investigate the death of his sister’s boyfriend, he’s eager to find the truth. He doesn’t expect the task to lead him to the cult he escaped.

Finding the culprit behind the sabotage is personal for Jazz and Hawthorne. But someone else has a personal stake, too. Someone who wants Jazz dead. When everything she thought was true is dismantled, can Jazz risk trusting others—including God—to survive?


Lethal Danger continues the thrilling story of the elite Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency that began with Hidden Danger (Guardians Unleashed, #1). (Each book can stand alone or be read as a series of installments.)