Review of Blind Trust by Natalie Walters

About the Book ~

She's risking her life. He's risking his heart. It's unclear which is more dangerous.

Lyla Fox knows she has a reputation at the SNAP Agency for being impulsive, but when she receives a threatening letter from a man she helped put in prison, she can't stop herself from going all in to find out why he's coming after her. Unfortunately, she's going to need the help of the one person who questions her choices more than anyone else.

Explosives and weapons specialist Nicolás Garcia agrees to help Lyla in order to keep her safe, but her recklessness continues to be a major concern, especially when her investigation into a conspiracy puts a target on her back. Dealing with bombs is dangerous. Working with Lyla is proving to be just as treacherous--to both the mission and his heart.

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

My Thoughts ~

Love is potentially (maybe? definitely!) a dangerous thing! Throw in some crazy bad guys, conspiracy theories, and an extra dose of snark, and you'll get Blind Trust by Natalie Walters!

Blind Trust was a fun ride! I enjoyed the suspense, the pacing, and even some twists I didn't see coming. A particularly suspenseful scene had me looking over my shoulder and jumping while reading! But most importantly, I had a great time with these characters! The SNAP team was so fun, and I loved their comradery and all the snarky comments. While there was some frustration towards Nic and Lyla at points, it was a good balance of tension. The way they moved from mutually frustrating to working through their issues to the va-va-vooms made for a satisfying story. Also, the rage room equaled epicness!

Speaking of working through their issues, I really liked how the author concluded Nic and Lyla's trust issues in Blind Trust! My heart ached for Lyla's hurt and fear that her value was fleeting, but I especially enjoyed how Nic's spiritual journey required him to own the different ways he was wounding Lyla due to his fear. The author's unique approach to their trust issues not only brought Lyla and Nic closer together but also to a place of loving people for who God created them to be instead of changing them or pushing them away. 

Four Stars ~ Blind Trust by Natalie Walters was a satisfying conclusion! Blind Trust could be read as a standalone, but the character dynamics will pack more punch if you've read the previous books. Blind Trust is the final book in the author's The SNAP Agency series, and I'm sad to see it end -- but hopeful for future books! 

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 girls. 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!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of Honor Bound by Hallee Bridgeman

About the Book ~

You can't override the heart

It may seem odd to seek peace by moving to a war-torn African country, but for medical missionary Dr. Cynthia Myers, it provided a way to escape a shallow life of unearned wealth, a philandering fiancé, and a father now square in the public eye as vice president of the United States. At least here she knows her work and life have meaning. But all that is thrown into chaos when she fails to save the life of a local warlord's mortally wounded son.

As part of the Army Special Forces A-Team on a mission to capture and subdue the warlord, Captain Rick Norton is compelled to use deadly force to save Cynthia's life. Enraged at the violence she witnessed and riddled with guilt that men died because of her, Cynthia doesn't want to like anything about Rick and his team--but an unexpected attraction is taking hold.

With two members of his team badly injured and rebels in hot pursuit, Rick will have to draw upon all his strength and cunning to get her out alive . . . because he's beginning to think that, despite their differences, they just may be able to make a life together.

For more information about Hallee Bridgeman and her books, check out her website here!

About the Book ~

If you're looking for a story that's equal parts romance and suspense, then add Honor Bound by Hallee Bridgeman to that mountainous TBR!

Military life and special ops had a big focus in Honor Bound! The author portrayed the ins and outs of military life and its procedures very well, and I didn't feel bogged down by those details. The setting in the first half of the book was very vivid -- so vivid that my fear of snakes has multiplied threefold! There was also a lot of action in the first half of the book, and the focus shifted mainly to Rick and Cynthia's relationship in the second half. I liked the idea of this style of pacing; however, I didn't connect to Rick and Cynthia the way I'd hoped.

Rick and Cynthia's faith played a big role in Honor Bound! I appreciated how the author showed that they could have different convictions regarding violence and differing callings about how to approach that, but that it didn't make either of them wrong. I also greatly appreciated how the author highlighted the need to see a professional who is trained in PTSD. However, I struggled with some abusive actions that were painted as honorable. Ultimately, you'll find a heartfelt message about loving people the way God has made them in Rick and Cynthia's journey.

Three Stars ~ Honor Bound by Hallee Bridgeman was a solid addition to the romantic suspense genre with a military focus to boot! Honor Bound is the first book in the author's Love and Honor series, but it could be read as a standalone. The author also has other books in her backlist for readers to enjoy.

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 girls. 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!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of The Deadly Shallows by Dani Pettrey

 

About the Book ~

A deadly attack.
A stolen weapon capable of immense destruction.
A painful secret that threatens to tear two hearts apart.

CGIS Agent Noah Rowley is rocked to the core when several of his valued team members come under fire on his Coast Guard base. He and his remaining team race to the scene and end the attack, but not before innocent lives are lost. Furious and grief-stricken, he vows to do whatever is needed to bring the mastermind behind the attack to justice.

Stunned by the ambush, Coast Guard flight medic Brooke Kesler evacuates in a helicopter carrying the only surviving gunman. The gravely wounded man whispers mysterious information to Brooke that immediately paints a target on her back.

As Brooke and Noah race to uncover answers, emotions between them ignite. Noah struggles to protect Brooke at all costs and to conceal the secret that prevents him from becoming what he longs to be--the right man for her.

Everything is at stake as a horrifying truth emerges. . . .

The attack wasn't the end game. It was only the beginning.

For more information about Dani Pettrey and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Having a craving for romantic suspense? Then check out The Deadly Shallows by Dani Pettrey!

The Deadly Shallows had an interesting premise and an almost nostalgic feel to it as it reminded me of an episode of NCIS or JAG -- and who doesn't enjoy a good episode punctuated with a race against the bad guys and the kind of character chemistry that's built through time and countless hours of binge watching? While the pacing felt slow from time to time, it did keep me asking questions. Also, there were two romances for the price of one!

The Deadly Shallows shows a faith journey that overcomes some of the worst offenses wrought by humanity. While not soulmate characters for me, I appreciated how the characters sought an authentic relationship with God. The way they each continued looking to God and His goodness in a world filled with such repugnant evil was and is always a compelling, gripping message.

Three Stars ~ The Deadly Shallows by Dani Pettrey is a solid addition to the romantic suspense genre! The Deadly Shallows is the third book in the author's Coastal Guardians series. I was able to read The Deadly Shallows as a standalone, but I think the character dynamics would be clearer if the series had been read in order. 

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!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of Sunburst by Susan May Warren

 

About the Book ~

When former Navy SEAL and lifelong bachelor Ranger Kingston is called upon to take part in a rescue mission to save his brother Colt from terrorists in Nigeria, he is shocked to find among the hostages a woman he could never forget.

Noemi Sutton was attempting to return a young girl to her family in Boko Haram territory when she and the girl found themselves taken hostage, along with several others. And while Ranger Kingston may be able to get the hostages away from their captors, he'll need Noemi's help if he ever hopes to get out of Nigeria alive.

Her solution? Pose as husband and wife. But when her uncle discovers the union, he insists on a traditional Nigerian wedding--which would bind Noemi to a man destined to break her heart. Worse, the trouble they're fleeing has found them--again. It's clear anyone around Noemi is bound to be caught in the crossfire. Including her potential new husband.

She'll need to figure out a way to leave the man she loves if she wants to save his life.

For more information about Susan May Warren and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Sunburst by Susan May Warren is the type of riveting, intriguing, on-the-run romantic adventure that I love to read! 

No one knows how to write an insta-love romance that's not only believable but also compelling quite like Susan May Warren! Seriously, the author has this trope down to a science, and Sunburst's romance blazed with the chemistry between Noemi and Ranger. Additionally, I really enjoyed how the author added in the fake marriage trope on top of that, and the traditional Nigerian wedding was fascinating! However, there was some messaging that could be potentially triggering to readers who've experienced betrayal trauma. The pacing was excellent! You couldn't get comfortable for long because the stakes kept rising, keeping me on the edge of my seat.

The spiritual messages contained in Sunburst were heart-wrenchingly beautiful! Ranger struggled with a perfectionist mindset dominating his sense of duty, while Noemi struggled with abandonment and doubting that God even noticed her. At the heart of it, their struggles boiled down to the same root: are you worthy, are you even enough, for God to love you? To rescue you? To have a good and perfect plan for your future? Spoiler alert: YES! Ranger and Noemi's journey illustrates this truth quite wonderfully!

Four Stars ~ Sunburst by Susan May Warren was a thrilling, romantic adventure! Sunburst is the second book in the author's Sky King Ranch series. While the overarching mystery will make more sense if the series is read in order, I didn't feel lost reading the series out of order. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series! 

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!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of Fatal Code by Natalie Walters

 

About the Book ~

In 1964, a group of scientists called the Los Alamos Five came close to finishing a nuclear energy project for the United States government when they were abruptly disbanded. Now the granddaughter of one of those scientists, aerospace engineer Elinor Mitchell, discovers that she has highly sensitive information on the project in her possession--and a target on her back.

SNAP agent and former Navy cryptologist Kekoa Young is tasked with monitoring Elinor. This is both convenient since she's his neighbor in Washington, DC, and decidedly inconvenient because . . . well, he kind of likes her.

As Elinor follows the clues her grandfather left behind to a top-secret nuclear project, Kekoa has no choice but to step in. And with danger closing in on all sides, Elinor will have to trust the man who has been spying on her to ensure her discoveries stay out of enemy hands--and she stays alive.

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

My Thoughts ~

If you're looking for a sweet romance, an intense suspense, and some hilariously bad puns all in one place, then look no further because Fatal Code by Natalie Walters has arrived! 

Fatal Code was a wildly fun ride, and I thoroughly enjoyed every twist! One of the things I loved most about Fatal Code was how the author made the characters come alive. Kekoa and Elinor were not flat, two-dimensional characters, but memorable, unique people! They had hopes, fears, wounds, strengths, failures, and hilarious quirks. Seriously, Elinor's puns were some of my favorite parts of the story! I also loved Kekoa's Hawaiian culture and the authentic way the author incorporated that into the story. It made them feel so real. Additionally, the action and drama moved at a good pace. I was trying to figure out how everything would fit together, and I was very satisfied with how the author concluded the suspense.

The spiritual journeys that Kekoa and Elinor took were just so beautiful! From the loving memory of Elinor's grandfather urging her towards freedom to Kekoa's struggle to give God his all -- complete and utter trust. While packaged in a fun story, the messages were just so achingly relatable. 

Five Stars ~ Fatal Code by Natalie Walters was an entertaining ride! Fatal Code is the second book in the author's SNAP Agency series, but it can be read as a standalone. I am looking forward to the next book in the series!

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!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

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!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of Never Miss by Melissa Koslin

About the Book ~

She saved his life. Now they're in a race to stop a deadly attack.

Former CIA sniper Kadance Tolle possesses a special set of skills and a rare pedigree. She comes from a family of assassins, and by saving Lyndon Vaile's life she risks being found by them. Despite the danger, Kadance feels compelled to help Lyndon discover who is after him and his incendiary research, which indicates that the Ebola virus is man-made and about to be weaponized.

With shadowy figures pursuing them and a mastermind watching their every move, Kadance and Lyndon scramble to stop an impending bioattack at the State of the Union address. When their warnings fall on deaf ears, it becomes increasingly clear that there's no one they can trust--except perhaps each other.

Strap in for a breakneck story that will have you up all night, hurtling toward the last page as the clock ticks and time runs out.

For more information about Melissa Koslin and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

If you never want to miss an intriguing and mysterious story that's equal parts suspense and romance, then check out Never Miss by Melissa Koslin!

Intriguing, mysterious, and unique are the words that come to mind after reading Never Miss. The setting, the characters' pasts, the pacing, the conflict -- all of this fell just outside of the normal tropes found in romantic suspense, and these unique differences drew me into this fast paced story! Additionally, I found the plot centering around Ebola to be relatable to the recent struggles the world has faced, and I applaud the author's unique take on a relatable struggle.

While there was instant attraction and connection (due to their similar quirks and the ways their respective minds processed the world around them), Kadence and Lyndon didn't fall prey to the trope of being instantly in-love, and trust and love for one another built over the course of their journey. However, some of the lingering emphasis on the physical attraction was a little difficult. The spiritual storyline subtly worked through their respective trust issues, satisfyingly concluding with Kadence realizing the truth that God had been by her side all along. 

Three Stars ~ Never Miss by Melissa Koslin is a gripping romantic suspense! Never Miss is a standalone, but I'm interested to see what the author will write next!

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!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!