V. Joy Palmer: December 2021

Friday, December 10, 2021

Review of Lights Out by Natalie Walters

About the Book ~

CIA analyst Brynn Taylor developed a new program to combat terrorism, and she invited members of foreign intelligence agencies to America to foster cooperation between countries. Now one of them, Egyptian spy Remon Riad, is missing.

Jack Hudson has been working for the Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency (SNAP) for almost nine years and takes the lead in hunting down the missing spy. But he isn't at all pleased to find out Brynn is involved. It's hard to trust a woman who's already betrayed you.

Every lead they follow draws them dangerously deeper into an international plot. Kidnapping, murder, explosions, poisoning--the terrorists will do anything to accomplish their goal of causing a digital blackout that will blind a strategic US military communications center and throw the world into chaos.

Can Brynn surrender control to a man who doesn't trust her? And can Jack ever get over what she did to him? The fate of the world--and their hearts--hangs in the balance.

For more information about Natalie Walters and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

If you're looking for a romantic suspense that will have you huddled around a lamp as you read late into the night, then check out Lights Out by Natalie Walters!

Lights Out is a fun, fast-paced read! I really liked how the author paced the action and information to keep you guessing. Additionally, I liked how the author included short chapters not only from the villains but also from the pawns in their nefarious scheme. While private agencies such as SNAP have been explored in the genre before this, I liked the author's unique spin and the comradery of the team. Additionally, this was a really interesting approach to cyber terrorism.

Brynn and Jack's complicated history left them with a lot of trust issues. While Jack had to work through the fear of trusting Brynn and opening himself up to pain again, Brynn's trust issues ran deeper. The way terrorism had devastated her family had resulted in a life poured into service without any relationships to fight for...a lonely life with root causes that she had to confront. Ultimately, Brynn's heart-tugging spiritual journey took her to a place of complete trust and surrender in God no matter the storm.

Four Stars ~ Lights Out by Natalie Walters is a thrilling romantic suspense! Lights Out is the first book in the author's new SNAP Agency Series, and I'm looking forward to reading the next book!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

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Monday, December 6, 2021

Review of After She Falls by Carmen Schober

About the Book ~

She's always had that fire in her. She just needs to find it again.

Strong-willed Adri Rivera nearly achieved her goal of being a professional mixed martial artist, but then she fell in love with a man who knocked all the fight out of her. When their abusive, tumultuous relationship finally comes to a head, Adri flees with their young daughter to her small hometown in the mountains of Pennsylvania. There, she must face the people she left behind and put her broken life back together again.

A hardened Max Lyons can't believe Adri is back in town after abruptly cutting him and everyone else off years ago. Despite the distance that grew between them, he feels compelled to help her regain her independence and offers her a job at his gym. But regaining each other's trust is another matter, made even more complicated by the lingering spark between them. As Adri dares to pursue her dream again, she trains for a big tournament with Max's help, but they'll both have to confront their own doubts in order to rise victorious.

For more information about Carmen Schober and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

After She Falls by Carmen Schober is a winner to add to your shelf!

I'm going to say this right off the bat...I have never been into the Rocky movies. However, I really enjoyed the MMA setting in After She Falls! You don't need to be a diehard fan or MMA expert to read and enjoy the story. Additionally, the author did a really great job writing the fight scenes; they weren't overly complicated, and I could see everything play out in my mind's eye. And as someone with Hispanic/Latino blood, I am always thrilled to see similar characters in fiction!

I appreciated the slow-and-steady spiritual journey Adri and Max took as they grappled with faith, forgiveness, making mistakes, and persevering. Readers will walk away with a sense of determination to apply to their own underdog fights, whether those are personal, spiritual, or professional.

I do want to note that there are triggers in After She Falls, especially pertaining to partying, abuse, sexual objectification, and lust. I applaud the author for writing an authentic story that doesn't shy away from these issues, nor would the overall message have packed the same punch if this had been watered down. However, these things could be very triggering, so readers should be aware of their mental state. While I wouldn't have been able to read this in the past, I'm very glad I got to experience Adri and Max's story now!

Four Stars ~ After She Falls by Carmen Schober is a unique and fresh addition to the Christian Fiction market! After She Falls is a standalone, but I'm looking forward to reading the author's next book!