Framed in Death Valley ~ Review

Framed in Death Valley

Desert Justice #1

By Dana Mentink

They were married for less than six months, and already their marriage was over. "For better or worse" went out the window when the worse happened, and Laney's heart has once again been broken by someone she trusted it with. Beckett Duke coming back is out of the question; she just wants him out of her life.

He needed to protect Laney no matter what it cost him personally. As long as she was tied to him, her life and livelihood were in danger. Divorce was the only answer. But before he disappears from her life forever, he needs to be sure she is safe from the threats to her life. 

Beckett's life fell apart when he was framed for murder. He never did it, but almost everyone is convinced he did it. When you are tried and convicted in the court of public opinion, what chance do you have of changing anyone's judgment? Worse, the killer might be back determined to keep him from finding evidence that proves his innocence. And Laney might get caught in that determination to stop him.

Framed in Death Valley is a well-paced read that will keep the reader guessing at just who the guilty party truly is. There are suspects aplenty but no clear motive as to why Pauline was murdered or why Beckett was framed. This is a clean-read suspense, no graphic murder scenes, perfect if you want suspense that doesn't give you nightmares. And being a Love Inspired Suspense read you know there will be a satisfactory outcome or at least the promise of one.

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:

Love Inspired Suspense: Courage and optimism unite on the pages of Love Inspired Suspense. Find strength and determination in stories of faith and love in the face of danger.

A killer who will stop at nothing…

Framed for a murder he didn’t commit, firefighter Beckett Duke gave up on everything—including his marriage to spirited Laney Holland. That is until Laney’s life is threatened. Knowing the real killer is still at large, Beckett now has one purpose: protecting the woman he loves…and their unborn child. But sometimes, an innocent man’s second chance comes with a deadly price.

From Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Desert Justice

Book 1: Framed in Death Valley

The Earl's Lady Geologist ~ Review with Giveaway

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 

The Earl's Lady Geologist by Alissa Baxter, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

The Earl's Lady Geologist

The Linfield Ladies Series #1

By Alissa Baxter

Cassandra Linfield has vowed to never marry, she is dedicated to her pursuits of scientific endeavors, and collecting fossils is a most unladylike pursuit. She has other reasons to avoid marriage but this is the one she shares when asked. When her aunt insists that Cassy have a Season before she comes into her majority she finds herself off to London leaving Lyme and its fossils behind.

Adapting to the restrictions of London after the freedoms she enjoyed in Lyme are further complicated when the Earl of Rothbury, Edward, spots her partaking in a reading at the Geological Society. Little does he know just what ties Cassy has with the Society. Even more troublesome her behavior could reflect badly on his younger siblings who are Cassy's cousins.

When Cassy's illustrative talents come to light the Earl asks her to provide illustrations for his upcoming paper which is to be soon presented before the Geological Society. As they work together they come to a friendship of sorts. But when the topic of marriage comes up Cassy is adamant that she will never marry, nor be a wife of convenience. 

The Earl's Lady Geologist brings the reader into a world that is on the verge of change. The pursuit of scientific discovery, women breaking from the expected, and finding love. But nothing is ever easy and in this delightful book this is more than amply exhibited as Cassy, Edward, and her Linfield cousins try to find their place in the world. If you want an enjoyable escape from the everyday and desire clean-reading this book is just what you are looking for. 

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: The Earl's Lady Geologist
Series: The Linfield Ladies Series
Author: Alissa Baxter
Publisher: Vinspire Publishing
Release Date: February 28, 2021
Genre: Clean Regency Romance

Cassandra Linfield is a lady fossil collector who declares she will never marry as no man will ever take her studies seriously. When circumstances force her to travel to Town for the Season, Cassy infiltrates the hallowed portals of the Geological Society from which she has been banned. She is horrified when she comes face to face with her nemesis, the infuriating Earl of Rothbury. 

Lord Rothbury is a gentleman-geologist with a turbulent romantic past. After a youthful disappointment, he vows never to fall in love again and makes the decision, instead, to seek out a convenient wife when he returns to England from his geological travels abroad. 

Brought together by their close family ties, Cassy and Rothbury collaborate on a geological paper and discover a powerful attraction. Marriage, however, is the one subject they cannot agree upon. But when Cassy’s life is threatened, the two realize that love matters more than their objections.

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

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alissa Baxter wrote her first Regency romance, The Dashing Debutante, during her long university holidays. After traveling the world, she settled down to write her second Regency romance, Lord Fenmore's Wager, which was inspired by her time living on a country estate in England.

 

Alissa then published two chick-lit novels, The Truth About Clicking Send and Receive (previously published as Send and Receive) and The Truth About Cats and Bees (previously published as The Blog Affair). 

Many years later, Alissa returned to her favorite time period and signed a three-book contract with Vinspire Publishing for her Linfield Ladies Series, a trio of Regency romances that feature women in trend-setting roles who fall in love with men who embrace their trailblazing ways... at least eventually. 

Alissa currently lives in Johannesburg with her husband and two sons. She is a member of The Beau Monde - Regency Fiction Writers.

CONNECT WITH ALISSA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

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

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight March 2, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 9, 2021. 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 the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Network of Deceit ~ Review

Network of Deceit

Amara Alvarez #2

By Tom Threadgill

Amara Alvarez is now where she wanted to be - San Antonio's Homicide Division, and she has her first case. There is nothing concrete that the water park death was a murder but one little detail makes it suspicious and Amara has a feeling. But she had no idea that this case would upend her life and it couldn't come at a worse time for her personal life.

As the rookie in Homicide, her previous case's media following has just added to the newbie (aka noobie) atmosphere. She's determined to see the case through on her own. But the deeper she digs the more layers she discovers. Instead of answering questions, she seems to get more questions that need answers. Getting answers and justice for Zach Coleman is not going to be easy. And when your most compelling evidence has yet to be discovered you know you've got your work cut out for you. She may have to remember one small piece of advice if she hopes to get the answers she wants - everybody lies.

This is the second book featuring Amara Alvarez and it can easily be read as a standalone without any difficulty if you have not yet read Collison of Lies. This book takes the reader into a world most don't know much about. Amara gets a crash course in cybersecurity as her first case introduces her to cyberstalking. Have to say it gives one a warm, fuzzy feeling about one's online usage/presence. (NOT!) Overall, I'd say this was a good read. There are some unexpected twists that I can honestly say I did not see coming. If you are looking for suspense to add to your tbr list this one would make a good choice.

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

About the Book:

She's following her instincts.

They're following her every move.

After her rescue of nearly fifty kidnapped children made international headlines, Amara Alvarez gets what she's worked for: a transfer to San Antonio's Homicide Division. Reality sets in quickly, though, as her first case, the suspicious death of a teenager at a crowded local water park, brings chaos to her personal life.

As the investigation moves forward and she increases the pressure on the suspects, Amara finds herself under attack by cybercriminals. Her every move is being potentially watched online, and she's forced to resort to unconventional methods to find the killer. With few leads, she fights to keep her first murder investigation from ending up in the cold case files.

Tom Threadgill is back with another riveting page-turner featuring the detective who is willing to put everything on the line to see that justice is served and lives are protected.

When Twilight Breaks ~ Review

When Twilight Breaks

By Sarah Sundin

Evelyn Brand is determined to get THE story, the story that will show she is just as good as her male colleagues. There is just one thing standing in her way, well two, her boss and one of her colleagues. She knows that if she is allowed to write her words will wake up America to the threat that is Nazi Germany. But the world is tired of war and America is still caught in the clutches of the Great Depression.  To get the story that will speak to the world is not easy as Germany only wants their truth going out into the world, and German truth is not what she has been witnessing.

When she is given an assignment that introduces her to Peter Lang, an American who has fallen under Germany's spell of prosperity and order, she is less than thrilled with his German enchantment. But Peter's past has him looking at what he wants rather than what is - until reality comes crashing in around him. 

Evelyn and Peter couldn't seem more opposite if they had tried, yet they were drawn to one another. As German propaganda draws its ever-tightening noose around them, they must work together if they have any hopes of leaving the country behind and getting home alive.

I have to say, I was drawn into this book from the opening scene. The characters are so real that one can't help but be pulled toward them. I like that this book is a standalone title, no waiting for the next book. Though I wouldn't mind more with Peter and Evelyn if truth be told. This would make an excellent book club selection if you are looking for a historical fiction title. In my opinion, this is the best work of Sarah Sundin that I have read. I have no qualms recommending When Twilight Breaks to any and all readers 12or 13 years and up.  

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:

Munich, 1938. 

  Evelyn Brand is an American foreign correspondent as determined to prove her worth in a male-dominated profession as she is to expose the growing tyranny in Nazi Germany. To do so, she must walk a thin line. If she offends the government, she could be expelled from the country--or worse. If she fails to truthfully report on major stories, she'll never be able to give a voice to the oppressed--and wake up the folks back home.

  In another part of the city, American graduate student Peter Lang is working on his Ph.D. in German. Disillusioned with the chaos in the world due to the Great Depression, he is impressed with the prosperity and order of German society. But when the brutality of the regime hits close, he discovers a far better way to use his contacts within the Nazi party--to feed information to the shrewd reporter he can't get off his mind.

  As the world marches relentlessly toward war, Evelyn and Peter are on a collision course with destiny.

  This electric standalone novel from fan-favorite Sarah Sundin puts you right at the intersection of pulse-pounding suspense and heart-stopping romance.

Obsession ~ Review

Obsession

Natchez Trace Park Rangers #2

By Patricia Bradley

Emma Winters is passionate about her work and in her desire to locate her brother Ryan. Ten years ago Ryan disappeared after being named a prime suspect in a murder. Ten years ago she broke up with Sam Ryker. And now Sam is back working the Natchez Trace the same as Emma.

Someone is tampering with the site of Emma's historical investigation of a slave graveyard. And they are willing to kill to do it. Unfortunately, Emma's brush with death brings her face-to-face with Sam Ryker. Sam never got over Emma and seeing her again after all these years hasn't changed his feelings for her, but he doesn't want to risk having her break his heart all over again.  

But when someone seems to be targeting Emma it quickly becomes obvious that she may have a stalker. But the question is who. And even more to the point if she does is it tied to her historical work and the tampering? Or is it something else entirely?

Obsession is an excellent read, one in which we as the reader are allowed a glimpse into the minds of Emma, Sam, and the perpetrator.  Such a contrast in personalities! And as to the perpetrator's true identity, we are given an abundance of potential suspects who could be guilty. Obsession is so well written that we are not given any clear path to follow in identifying the guilty party so we like the characters are truly scrambling to pull the pieces together both it is too late. Bravo! I can't wait to read the next book in the Natchez Trace Park Rangers series. I have to admit this book was another can't-put-it-down-must-read-it-until-the-end book! 

I was provided with 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:

Natchez Trace Ranger and historian Emma Winters hoped never to see Sam Ryker again after she broke off her engagement to him. But when shots are fired at her at a historical landmark just off the Natchez Trace, she's forced to work alongside Sam as the Natchez Trace law enforcement district ranger in the ensuing investigation. To complicate matters, Emma has acquired a delusional secret admirer who is determined to have her as his own. Sam is merely an obstruction, one which must be removed.

Sam knows that he has failed Emma in the past and he doesn't intend to let her down again. Especially since her life is on the line. As the threads of the investigation cross and tangle with their own personal history, Sam and Emma have a chance to discover the truth, not only about the victim but about what went wrong in their relationship.

Award-winning author Patricia Bradley will have the hairs standing up on the back of your neck with this nail-biting tale of obsession, misunderstanding, and forgiveness.

Abducted in Alaska ~ Review with Giveaway

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for the Abducted in Alaska by Darlene L. Turner,

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Abducted in Alaska

By Darlene L. Turner

Could her night get any worse? After receiving news that has shattered her world Hannah Morgan finds herself caught up in a case unlike any she has ever before had to deal with. Working the Canadian border as a patrol officer has its moments but never before have the stakes been so high. Not only is Hannah's life in danger so is the young boy she found out in the cold.

Gabe escaped from his captors hoping to bring help to the rest of the boys held with him. Victims of child traffickers and forced into hard labor escape was their only hope. But those who took Gabe want him back and they are more than willing to sacrifice anyone or anything that gets in their way. And Hannah is most definitely in their way.

When a call for help bring Canadian Police Constable Layke Jackson to the scene of an attack he jumps into action. He's been tracking these traffickers and the case has just become very personal for him. Keeping Hannah and Gabe safe is imperative to his case and to rescuing nephew.

But someone is working against Hannah and Layke. Somehow their every move is known. With no one but each other to trust their mission has just gotten much more complicated. Can they find the answers they need before it is too late? The clock is against them.

This a jump-into-the-action book that will hold the reader's attention from cover to cover. I've never before read the author's work so I went in with no expectations and thoroughly enjoy the reading experience. Hannah and Layke both come into the book with a lot of baggage that has shaped them and is still controlling their lives. Their fears and doubts are affecting their relationships with those around them and especially with one another. TRUST. They both are worried about trusting others with their deepest fears and hurts. But sometimes the heart has other plans and trust is all they have left - they just need to put it in the right person - God.

Do you love page-turning excitement, a touch of romance, and no graphic anything in your books? Well, you have found that and more in Abducted in Alaska. So sit back and enjoy some Love Inspired 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: Abducted in Alaska

Author: Darlene L. Turner

Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense

Release Date: March 1, 2021

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Protecting a child…
could cost them their lives. 

Saving a boy who has escaped his captors puts Canadian border patrol officer Hannah Morgan right into the path of a ruthless child-smuggling ring. Now with help from police constable Layke Jackson, she must keep the child safe. But can they rescue the other abducted children and bring down the gang…all while protecting a little boy and keeping themselves alive?

PURCHASE LINKS*: 

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | 

IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Darlene L. Turner’s love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message.

Darlene won the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense twice and an ACFW Genesis award. She’s represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. Her debut book, Border Breach, released in April 2020 with Love Inspired Suspense. She has two books releasing in 2021: Abducted in Alaska (March) and Lethal Cover-Up (August). 

Darlene met her husband Jeff at the turtle races in Ontario, Canada. She loves flavored coffee and plaid shirts. You can connect with Darlene on her website where there’s suspense beyond borders. 

CONNECT WITH DARLENE: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a prize package including a Bible study book, swag, and a $25 Amazon gift card!

The full tour schedule is linked below. 

The Giveaway began at midnight February 23, 2021 

and will run through 11:59 PM EST on March 2, 2021. 

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

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

US/CAN only. 

Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Celebratory Giveaway ~ 8000 Visitors in February

To celebrate over 8500 monthly visitors to

Blooming with Books during the first

20 days of February, I'm celebrating with

a Book Bundle Giveaway!

The Giveaway will consist of 2 book bundles. 

Book Bundle #1 will include the following 

Love Inspired Suspense titles

 Deadly Connection by Lenora Worth

 Explosive Situation by Terri Reed

 Tracking a Kidnapper by Valerie Hanson

and Cold Case Pursuit by Dana Mentink

Book Bundle #2 will include the following 

Love Inspired Suspense titles

 Under Suspicion by Sommer Smith

 and Cave of Secrets by Shannon Redmon.

Giveaway Rules:

Open to US residents with a US Postal mailing address.

Must be 18 or older to enter.

Contest runs from February 22, 2021 at 12:00am to February 28, 2021 at 11:59pm.

Two winners will be chosen to win one of two Love Inspired Suspense Book Bundles.

Winners will be contacted at the close of the contest. 

Winners will have 72 hours to respond to the email.

If winners do not respond an alternate winner will be picked from the remaining entries.

a Rafflecopter giveaway