"TARGET ACQUIRED" BY LYNETTE EASON - NEW RELEASE PREVIEW REVIEW

"Target Acquired" by Lynette Eason

🔍Book Blurb:

Tough-as-nails Kenzie King has finally earned her place as a tactical medic on a SWAT team. But not everyone on the all-male team accepts her. Rumor is, she didn't get the position because of what she could do but because of who she knew. Which means she has to work harder and longer than anyone else to prove herself.
  
Cole Garrison is a man with deep faith who is finally ready to settle down and build a family of his own--if he can find the right person, that is. Kenzie sure has set off his interest meter, but trouble seems to follow in her wake. Since she joined the team, someone has begun to ambush and pick off team members, one by one.
  
It's all hands on deck to discover the culprit and end the killing. Can Kenzie and Cole put aside their differences and work together as a team? Or will their budding attraction be snuffed out by a sniper's bullet?

The book blurb and cover seen above came from Amazon.com, where you can sample the prologue and first 2 chapters.

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Released just last month (August, 2024), Target Acquired is Lynette Eason's newest book. This is the second book in the Lake City Heroes series, of which I believe each book can be read as a standalone.

I just previewed the first pages of this book and here are my thoughts.

The Prologue is set in an overcrowded mental hospital in North Carolina, in the summer of 1947, such an interesting and eerie setting!

Eliza, a new patient asks, "Who was screaming all night long? Such wretched screaming. My ears are still ringing with it." To which her nurse replies, "It's just the way of this place. You'll learn to ignore it." - Not sure I could ever get used to that! So creepy! And something about how 22-year-old Eliza ended up in this hospital and her treatment is very suspicious. I'm very interested in learning more about this!

Chapter One is set in the same location, present day, and follows a SWAT team on a mission to save lives in an intense hostage situation. At this point I'm guessing Sergeant Cole Garrison is going to be my favorite character in this book.

After finishing Chapter Two, I'm enjoying the prose, feeling connected to some of the characters, and really wondering how the present day will be tied to the 1947 scene.

I'll be posting my full review of Target Acquired on Goodreads and other platforms as soon as I finish it.

Note: I received a free digital ARC copy of this book from Revell via NetGalley, for which I am SO grateful, and these are my honest thoughts.

"HIDDEN IN THE NIGHT" BY ELIZABETH GODDARD - NEW RELEASE PREVIEW

Note: I do not like seeing identifiable people on book covers, especially faces.

"Hidden in the Night" by Elizabeth Goddard

🔍Book Blurb:

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.

The book blurb and cover seen above came from Amazon.com, where you can sample the first 4+ chapters.

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Released this month (June, 2024), Hidden in the Night is Elizabeth Goddard's newest book. This is the third and final book in the Missing in Alaska trilogy, of which each book can be read as a standalone.

This book opens just prior to Chapter One with the official Alaska State Troopers' Creed, which I absolutely LOVE! This drew me in immediately, and the first two chapters did not disappoint. Quality writing, pacing, and intrigue in this book make it easy to keep turning its pages. I can't wait to learn the fate of Ivy Elliott and the missing girl and manuscript she's looking for!

If you're a fan of thrilling suspense with a good clean love story on the side, I highly recommend checking out this book and the other works of Elizabeth Goddard, one of my favorite authors.

I'll be posting my full review of Hidden in the Night on Goodreads and other platforms as soon as I finish it.

Note: I received a free copy of this book from Revell, for which I am SO grateful, and these are my honest thoughts.

NEW RELEASE... "CRITICAL ALLIANCE" BY ELIZABETH GODDARD

 

"Critical Alliance" by Elizabeth Goddard

Book Blurb:

Mackenzie Hanson's special set of skills opened the door to a successful career as a professor of cybersecurity at a Michigan university, allowing her to put her criminal past behind her. But when a long-ago partner in crime delivers a cryptic message about her father's tech company being under cyberattack, she heads for Montana to secure exposed assets, close security breaches, and hopefully save lives.

Diplomatic Security Services special agent Alex Knight is back home in Montana to decompress from a mission gone wrong. But even as he's trying to relax, he's drawn into another mystery, complete with suspicious deaths, lethal threats, and whispers of espionage that all have one thing in common--a beautiful cybersecurity expert with a dark past.

When the situation turns deadly, Alex and Mackenzie will have to work together to find the answers they need--before someone silences Mackenzie for good.

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My Initial Thoughts:

#CriticalAlliance by #ElizabethGoddard was released Tuesday, July 5th, 2022 and is the third and final installment of the Rocky Mountain Courage series. I am currently reading this book and could tell within its beginning pages that I am going to love it! Goddard is such a talented story teller and paints scenes with the perfect amount of description to bring the story to life in my mind, and the mysteries and writing style makes it easy to get lost in the story and keep reading page after page without abandon. This has become one of my favorite authors in the last two years!

Please let me know if you'd like to buddy read any of this author's books with me. 🙂

Thank you so much @revellbooks for including me in this book launch and gifting me a copy of this book! 💛

Credits: The book blurb and cover photo seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com.

"MALICIOUS INTENT" BY LYNN H. BLACKBURN

"Malicious Intent" by Lynn H. Blackburn

Book Blurb:

Dr. Ivy Collins, founder and CEO of Hedera, Inc., is ready to begin clinical trials of her company's cutting-edge prosthetic. Her work has been heralded by government, medical, and advocacy groups and everyone hopes the device will be a success. Well, almost everyone. Someone is trying to sabotage Hedera and the launch, but to what purpose--and how far will they go to get what they want? 

Meanwhile, U.S. Secret Service Agent Gil Dixon can't believe he's finally been reunited with Ivy, his childhood best friend. Now that he's found her again, Gil intends to spend the rest of his life with her. But it will take all his skill to uncover the truth in time to save Ivy's life's work, her own life, and the innocent lives caught in the crossfire.

Perfectly balancing chilling suspense and uplifting romance, award-winning author Lynn H. Blackburn delivers a story of revenge, greed, and overcoming that you won't want to put down no matter how late it gets.

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My Initial Thoughts:

I'm so grateful to have received a free ARC copy of this newly released (March, 2022) book from it's publisher! These are my honest initial thoughts of "Malicious Intent."

At first glance, I love this book's cover and romantic suspense genre! Having read its first two chapters, I am already getting a good sense that I am going to enjoy this book! Its beginning pages do a great job setting the scene described in the blurb, starting with an intense situation that has left me wanting to know more about the characters and their stories. Being the second book in the Defend and Protect series, I am temporarily setting this book aside to return to once I've read the first book in the series.

This author comes highly recommended to me by my friends with similar reading interests, and I can't wait to read more of Blackburn's work!

My ⭐ Rating: TBD

Credits: The book blurb and cover photo seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com.

"LABYRINTH OF LIES" BY IRENE HANNON

Labyrinth of Lies by Irene Hannon

🔍Book Blurb:

When the daughter of a high-profile businessman disappears from an exclusive girls' boarding school, police detective Cate Reilly is tapped for an undercover assignment. It doesn't take her long to realize that beneath the veneer of polish and wealth, things are not as they seem at Ivy Hill Academy. But the biggest surprise of all? The only man she ever loved is also working at the school.

Zeke Sloan has never forgotten Cate, but now isn't the best time for their paths to cross again. When their two seemingly disparate agendas begin to intertwine--and startling connections emerge among the players--the danger escalates significantly. But who is the mastermind behind the elaborate ruse? And how far will they go to protect their house of cards?

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🔍My Thoughts:

Here's a newly released book by one of my favorite authors, Irene Hannon. I have been a fan of hers since I first read her Private Justice trilogy in May-June of 2017, after which I vowed to read all of her books.

Labyrinth of Lies is the second book in the Triple Threat romantic suspense series, which I am currently reading. Like the first book, the opening chapters of Labyrinth of Lies grabbed and held my attention, just as I expected with an author I love so much. I now can't wait to read the rest of this book and the third book in its series upon its release.

Note: I received a free copy of this book from Revell, for which I am extremely grateful, and these are my honest thoughts.

Credits: The book blurb and cover seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com.

"PRESENT DANGER" BY ELIZABETH GODDARD

"Present Danger" by Elizabeth Goddard

🔍Book Blurb:

Former FBI Special Agent Jack Tanner is working as a detective in Montana when he comes across a body in the national forest during a search and rescue mission. He's committed to finding the killer, even if it means working alongside his old flame, US Forest Service Special Agent Terra Connors.

When Terra discovers that the murder victim had ties to a powerful and dangerous trafficker of archaeological artifacts, the investigation takes a deadly turn--one that hits too close to home. As Terra fears she lacks the courage to face what comes next, Jack is more determined than ever to protect her. But he's failed her before. And if he fails this time, it will cost them far more than just their hearts.

Join bestselling and award-winning author Elizabeth Goddard as she plunges you into a web of deceit made of hidden crimes, open threats, and long-buried family secrets in this gripping first book of an explosive new series.

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🔍My Thoughts:

I have been a fan of Elizabeth Goddard's since I read her Uncommon Justice trilogy in July of last year, after which I vowed to read all of this author's books.

Present Danger is a great start to the new Rocky Mountain Courage series. Just as I expected it would, this book pulled me in and held my attention from the very first chapter, with exciting action, mysteries that kept me guessing, and wonderful character development with characters I loved reading about. I now can't wait to read this book's sequel coming out later this year! 

Note: I received a free copy of this book from Revell, for which I am extremely grateful, and these are my honest thoughts.

Credits: The book blurb and cover seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com.

"UNKNOWN THREAT" BY LYNN H. BLACKBURN

"Unknown Threat" by Lynn H. Blackburn

🔍Book Blurb:

US Secret Service Special Agent Luke Powell is lucky to be alive. Three of his fellow agents have died in unusual circumstances in the past ten weeks. Luke is devastated by the loss of his friends and colleagues, and his inability to locate the killer feels like a personal failure. He's an expert at shielding others, but now the protectors are in need of protection.

FBI Special Agent Faith Malone is driven to succeed and confident in her ability to solve every case she's assigned. She's been put in charge of the investigation into the unprecedented attacks, and with Luke's life in danger, the stakes have never been higher. But it's hard to know how to fight back when you don't know who the enemy is.

As more agents are targeted, Luke and Faith will have to work together to bring a killer to justice and prevent any more names from joining their fallen brothers and sisters on the Secret Service Wall of Honor.

Award-winning author Lynn H. Blackburn pulls out all the stops in this brand-new romantic suspense series that will have you holding your breath one minute and swooning the next.

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🔍My Thoughts:

I just read the first chapter of this newly released (March, 2021) suspense/thriller fiction book and I get the feeling I’m going to love it! Unknown Threat opens with just enough details, mystery, intrigue, and action to spark my interest in learning more about the characters and what on earth could be happening. Also, the writing has great readability, pacing, and clarity. I am really looking forward to finishing this book and will update this post when I do.

Note: I received a free copy of this book from Revell, for which I am extremely grateful, and these are my honest thoughts.

My ⭐ Rating: TBD

Credits: The book blurb and cover seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com.

"POINT OF DANGER" BY IRENE HANNON

 "Point of Danger" by Irene Hannon

🔍Book Blurb:

Hate mail was one thing. This was quite another.

Radio talk show host Eve Reilly is used to backlash from her pot-stirring on-air commentary and interviews. But now it seems a disgruntled listener is resorting to more than angry words to express their displeasure. When a suspicious package arrives on her doorstep, Eve turns to law enforcement for help.

Police detective Brent Lange can’t find any evidence to link the string of unsettling incidents that follows, but he’s convinced they’re connected. As the harassment grows more menacing, it becomes clear someone wants Eve’s voice silenced—permanently.

But unless he can track down her elusive foe, the gutsy woman who is willing to take risks for what she believes—and who is swiftly winning his heart—may not survive.

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🔍My Review:

The catchy 1st line of Ch. 1: “The package was ticking.”

Irene Hannon became a favorite author of mine with the books in her "Private Justice" trilogy, which are quite different from "Point of Danger."

This book has a strong focus on conservative political views with its main character, Eve, hosting a radio talk show highlighting some of the most controversial subjects of today's right and left winged groups. This made the suspense and dangers in this book feel very real and current, which I found both stressful and inspirational to read.

I love this author’s writing style and really enjoyed the way the characters and plot were developed in this book, with great pacing, and gripping surprise twists that kept me guessing and made it difficult to put this book down.

I now look forward to reading the next book in this “Triple Threat” series.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Revell/Baker Publishing Group and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review, for which I am very grateful.

My ⭐ Rating: 4 stars

Credits: The book blurb and cover seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com.

"THE RED RIBBON" BY PEPPER BASHAM

"The Red Ribbon" by Pepper Basham

I am so grateful to Barbour Publishing, @justreadtours, and NetGalley for sending me free physical and digital copies of “The Red Ribbon” by @PepperBasham to read and help promote! It has made me very happy to be a part of the launch team for this true crime mystery novel! 😊

Published October 1st, 2020, this is the eighth book in the amazing "True Color" Series -- a collection of historical stories that can each be read as a standalone, with themes of romance and true American crime.

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🔍 Book Blurb:

An Appalachian feud blows up in 1912...

In Carroll County, a corn shucking is the social event of the season, until a mischievous kiss leads to one of the biggest tragedies in Virginia history.

Ava Burcham isn’t your typical Blue Ridge Mountain girl. She has a bad habit of courtin’ trouble, and her curiosity has opened a rift in the middle of a feud between politicians and would-be outlaws, the Allen family. Ava’s tenacious desire to find a story worth reporting may land her and her best friend, Jeremiah Sutphin, into more trouble than either of them planned.

The end result? The Hillsville Courthouse Massacre of 1912.

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I very much look forward to reading this book, and will update this blog with my review when I do. 😊

"TWO REASONS TO RUN" BY COLLEEN COBLE

 Welcome to the Takeover Tour for Two Reasons to Run by Colleen Coble, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Two Reasons to Run
Series: The Pelican Harbor Series book 2
Author: Colleen Coble
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: August 4, 2020
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Gripping romantic suspense from USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble.

A lie changed her world.

Police Chief Jane Hardy is still reeling from the scandal that rocked her small-town department just as she took over for her retired father—the man who wrecked her life with one little lie. Now she’s finally been reunited with her presumed-dead fifteen-year-old son, Will, and his father, documentarian Reid Bechtol.

A crisis looms. 

When a murder aboard the oil platform Zeus exposes an environmental terrorist’s plot to flood Mobile Bay with crude oil, Jane and Reid must put their feelings for each other behind them and work together to prevent the rig from being sabotaged. 

A killer targets her son. 

Then the terrorist puts her son Will’s life on the line. Protecting him could be the common ground they need . . . but then ghosts from the past threaten to ruin Jane and Reid for good. 

She’s got plenty of reasons to run. But what if she stays?

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

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Colleen Coble is a USA TODAY bestselling author and RITA finalist best known for her coastal romantic suspense novels, including The Inn at Ocean’s Edge, Twilight at Blueberry Barrens, and the Lavender Tides, Sunset Cove, Hope Beach, and Rock Harbor series.

CONNECT WITH COLLEEN: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

 

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of One Little Lie plus Two Reasons to Run by Colleen Coble!

 

Be sure to check out each stop on these tours for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight September 17, 2020 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 24, 2020. 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.  For our giveaway rules and policy, click HERE.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

  

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

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

"THE HOUSE ON FOSTER HILL" BY JAIME JO WRIGHT

"The House on Foster Hill" by Jaime Jo Wright

Synopsis:

Kaine Prescott is no stranger to death. When her husband died two years ago, her pleas for further investigation into his suspicious death fell on deaf ears. In desperate need of a fresh start, Kaine purchases an old house sight unseen in her grandfather's Wisconsin hometown. But one look at the eerie, abandoned house immediately leaves her questioning her rash decision. And when the house's dark history comes back with a vengeance, Kaine is forced to face the terrifying realization she has nowhere left to hide.

A century earlier, the house on Foster Hill holds nothing but painful memories for Ivy Thorpe. When an unidentified woman is found dead on the property, Ivy is compelled to discover her identity. Ivy's search leads her into dangerous waters and, even as she works together with a man from her past, can she unravel the mystery before any other lives--including her own--are lost?

My Review:

Wow! The House on Foster Hill is my favorite kind of escape! This is, without a doubt, one of the best mystery/suspense books I’ve ever read, largely due to the author's amazing writing style. This story is quite gripping from beginning to end, and one that will undoubtedly stay in my thoughts for some time. I really enjoyed its dual-time mysteries, interesting characters, and overall eerie atmosphere. Also, this book's cover is gorgeous and fits its story perfectly!

“Death had a way of creeping up on a soul, and Ivy Thorpe was determined that when it visited her, she would not be surprised…”

My heart really went out to Ivy — the main character in 1906 — with the sudden and unexpected loss of a loved one, feeling so alone in and misunderstood by the world around her, and being stalked and preyed upon by a mysterious and evil man. Kaine — the main character in present day — is dealing with the same types of experiences. I love the ways in which these two women are connected over time, and how they both evolve throughout their stories.

The only problem I had with this book is that I have a difficult time reading about anything having to do with human sex trafficking and/or rape, which is in this book, however, I really appreciate that this is minimal with no real detail given of these criminal acts. Overall, the crime in this book is creepy, but clean.

As what I believe is Jaime Jo Wright’s debut novel, The House on Foster Hill proves she is a masterful storyteller, and I will gladly read any book she ever writes!

My ⭐ Rating: 4.75 stars (rounding up to 5 stars)

Note: I gratefully received a free digital copy of this book from its publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Other Credits: The synopsis seen in this post is courtesy of Amazon.com.

"ACCEPTABLE RISK" BY LYNETTE EASON

"Acceptable Risk" by Lynette Eason

Synopsis:

Sarah Denning is a military journalist with the Army in the Middle East when her convoy is attacked and she's taken hostage. When former Army Ranger Gavin Black is asked by his old unit commander--Sarah's imposing father--to plan an extremely risky rescue, he reluctantly agrees and successfully executes it.

Back in the US, Sarah is livid when she's discharged on a false psychiatric evaluation and vows to return to the Army. Until she learns of her brother's suicide. Unable to believe her brother would do such a thing, she puts her plans on hold and enlists Gavin to help her discover the truth. What they uncover may be the biggest story of Sarah's career--if she can survive long enough to write it.

My Review:

"Acceptable Risk" is a military/romance/suspense fiction book that is well written with intense scenery, giving great detail on subjects I find difficult to read at the moment, including gruesome war/terrorist attacks, as well as serious depression, anxiety, and suicide.

In its opening chapter, a woman named Helen Craft is suffering from severe PTSD after experiencing unspeakable war crimes resulting in the death and dismemberment of many children at an orphanage. As a doctor on the scene, Helen did all she could to save the surviving children, but many of them died of their injuries anyway, resulting in 60+ child deaths. This causes Helen to lose her will to live, and she commits suicide, right in front of her sister.

This scene was gut-wrenching to read.

The second chapter opens with Sarah Denning sitting in an Afghani prison cell, "fighting the fear that had been her constant companion" since the previous day—when the Taliban attacked the school where she was a guest teacher, and captured her with plans to "use her and kill her."

The terrorist attacks, at least in the beginning of this book, seem to be primarily targeting children, which is quite disturbing.

With all that has been going on in the world recently, and the steady bombardment of negative news, I can't bring myself to read a book like this right now. That being said, from what I did read of this book, it appears to be very well written and Lynette Eason seems to be quite a good storyteller, so I will keep this book on my shelf to revisit some time in the future.

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and NetGalley in exchange for my honest thoughts, for which I am very grateful.

Other Credits: The synopsis and cover image seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com.

THE "UNCOMMON JUSTICE" TRILOGY BY ELIZABETH GODDARD

The "Uncommon Justice" Trilogy by Elizabeth Goddard

Book #1 / "Never Let Go"
My ⭐ Rating: 4 stars

Synopsis:

"As a forensic genealogist, Willow Anderson is following in her late grandfather's footsteps in her quest for answers about a baby abducted from the hospital more than twenty years ago. The case may be cold, but things are about to heat up when someone makes an attempt on her life to keep her from discovering the truth.

Ex-FBI agent--and Willow's ex-flame--Austin McKade readily offers his help to protect the woman he never should have let get away. Together they'll follow where the clues lead them, even if it means Austin must face the past he's spent much of his life trying to forget. And even if it puts Willow's tender heart at risk."
Former Green Beret Heath McKade is a reserve deputy in an understaffed county who has been called in to protect Harper, a childhood friend he is surprised to see back in the area. When Harper learns that the sheriff's department can't find any evidence of the murder she witnessed, she is determined to do what she can to see that justice is done. What neither Harper nor Heath could know is how many explosive secrets from the past will be exposed--or how deeply they will fall for each other."

Book #2 / "Always Look Twice"
My ⭐ Rating: 5 stars

Synopsis:

"At the advice of her therapist, homicide survivor Harper Reynolds has traded her job as a crime scene photographer for a more peaceful life taking photographs of the natural world. But her hopes for a life surrounded by the serenity of the outdoors are dashed when she inadvertently captures a murder being committed in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She flees the scene in fear--and loses the camera.

Former Green Beret Heath McKade is a reserve deputy in an understaffed county who has been called in to protect Harper, a childhood friend he is surprised to see back in the area. When Harper learns that the sheriff's department can't find any evidence of the murder she witnessed, she is determined to do what she can to see that justice is done. What neither Harper nor Heath could know is how many explosive secrets from the past will be exposed--or how deeply they will fall for each other."

Book #3 / "Don't Keep Silent"
My ⭐ Rating: 4 stars

Synopsis:

"Investigative reporter Rae Burke will do anything to find her missing sister-in-law, even if it means facing Liam McKade, a man who almost lost his life saving hers. A former DEA agent, Liam thought he could find peace at his Wyoming ranch, but he just doesn't feel at home anywhere anymore. When the reporter who blew his cover on an important investigation inserts herself back into his life, he's less than thrilled. But Rae's keen investigative skills have led her down the right path--and directly into the dragon's mouth--leaving Liam no choice but to protect her. As the danger increases, the past they both tried to flee catches up to them, along with the feelings they once had for each other."

My Review:

I recently received a copy of book #3 / “Don’t Keep Silent” from its publisher in exchange for my reviewing it, for which I am incredibly grateful! This made me read the whole "Uncommon Justice" trilogy, in order, and I really enjoyed it! These books are so packed full of suspense and intrigue, from beginning to end! They were a great escape from reality and I had a difficult time putting them down!

With serious criminals and crimes taking place, I really appreciate that the author kept these books clean, without any profanity, sexual content, or real detailed violence.

More of my thoughts for each of these books can be found at Goodreads.

Note: The synopses seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com. 

"THE BUTTERFLY RECLUSE" BY THERESE HECKENKAMP

"The Butterfly Recluse" by Therese Heckenkamp

My Synopsis & Review:

Following traumatic events, Lila has become a recluse, sheltering herself in a home away from other people, where she finds solace in raising and photographing butterflies. She maintains her own private butterfly garden and sells her butterfly photographs online. She is also earning a college degree online, and does all of her shopping online, doing all she can to never leave her little sanctuary… until a stranger shows up and her life begins to change in many unexpected ways.

This story has heartbreaking, heartwarming, funny, romantic, and suspenseful scenes, stirring up an array of emotions. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book, especially the shocking plot twist at the end that I never saw coming!

My ⭐ Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Notes: You can find my review of this book on Goodreads, here.

Credits: The book cover seen in this post is courtesy of Amazon.com. I received this book from its publisher via BookSirens in exchange for my honest review, for which I am very grateful. Also, if any of you would like to learn more about this author and her books, check out her website, ThereseHeckenkamp.com.

"THE KILLING TIDE" BY DANI PETTREY

"The Killing Tide" by Dani Pettrey

Synopsis:

When one Coast Guard officer is found dead and another goes missing, Coast Guard Investigative Service special agent Finn Walker faces his most dangerous crime yet. His only clues are what little evidence remains aboard the dead officer's boat, and the direction the clues point to will test Finn and the Guard to their limits.

When investigative reporter--and Finn's boss's sister--Gabby Rowley arrives, her unrelenting questions complicate an already volatile situation. Now that she's back, the tug on Finn's heart is strong, but with the risks she's taking for her next big story, he fears she might not live through it.

Thrown together by the heinous crime, Finn and Gabby can't ignore the sparks or judgments flying between them. But will they be able to see past their preconceptions long enough to track down an elusive killer, or will they become his next mark?

My Review:

The opening line in this book really grabbed my attention.

So this was how she was going to die….

The Killing Tide has all sorts of dangerous criminals posing a threat to the main characters from the very beginning. This book contains many of the things I love most about Dani Pettrey’s Submerged (one of my favorite books)—interesting family and friendships, action and adventure, thrilling suspense and mystery, an exciting water/dive rescue theme, and a cast of brave heroes and heroines.

Sadly, I feel the main characters of this book (Gabby and Finn) are lacking depth, making it difficult to get invested in them. Their romance is also quite superficial and a bit too heavy for my liking, with more of a focus on physical/sexual attraction than their personalities or internal traits. After finishing this book, I felt like I didn't really know or care too much about these two characters and found myself a lot more interested in the side characters.

Dani Pettrey is one of my favorite authors, and while I didn't love The Killing Tide, I enjoyed reading it and look forward to the next book in the Coastal Guardians series. I’m especially interested in finding out more about the secondary characters, Noah Rowley and Rissi Dawson.

On a side note, the cover of this book is amazing!

My ⭐ Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Note: You can find my Goodreads review of "The Killing Tide" with my highlights here. 

Credits: The book cover and synopsis seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com, and if any of you would like to learn more about Dani Pettrey and her books, check out her website, DaniPettrey.com.