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 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!

Review of Network of Deceit by Tom Threadgill

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. But reality sets in quickly when her first case, the suspicious death of a teenager at a crowded local water park, plunges her life into chaos.

As the investigation moves forward, Amara finds herself stalked online by cybercriminals who uncover her personal life in frightening detail. With few leads, she's forced to resort to unconventional methods to find the killer and prevent 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 justice served and lives protected.

For more information about Tom Threadgill and his books, check out his website here!

My Thoughts ~

Detective Amara Alvarez is back in Network of Deceit by Tom Threadgill! You will be flipping the pages late into the night with this one!

As Amara adjusts to life as a bona fide homicide detective, she's essentially relearning key aspects of what it means to be a good cop. I thoroughly enjoyed this fresh approach to the typical cop story. Additionally, I think the author's writing style is what sets Network of Deceit apart in the suspense genre. The author doesn't skip every mundane detail in the investigation. The result is not boredom, rather total immersion into the building investigation, mystery, and action. Amara's mind is also always moving, processing, and thinking. Not only do I love this in fiction, I find it so refreshingly authentic in crafting a realistic character! 

Network of Deceit held many surprises! First and foremost, the suspenseful plot itself. While the answers to the homicide investigation broke my heart, the suspense and mystery were excellently crafted and included truly surprising twists!  Furthermore, the spiritual message is subtle, yet very thought provoking. The struggle of how we balance our time with our responsibilities -- and the guilt that often accompanies this struggle -- as well as the line of right and wrong in a world that needs justice will stick with readers long after that last page.

Four Stars ~ Network of Deceit by Tom Threadgill is a thrilling, excellently crafted suspense! Network of Deceit is the second book featuring Detective Amara Alvarez, but the mystery can be read as a standalone. However, please be aware that there is a breast cancer thread that could be a possible trigger to readers.

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 The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus by Jaime Jo Wright

About the Book ~

Welcome to Bonaventure Circus,
where misfits go to hide.

In 1928, the Bonaventure Circus has become a refuge for many, but Pippa Ripley was rejected from its inner circle as a baby and is no longer content to leave the reason for that rejection unquestioned. When she receives mysterious messages from someone called the "Watchman," she is determined to find him and the connection to her birth. As Pippa's search leads her to a man seeking justice for his murdered sister and evidence that a serial killer has been haunting the circus train, she must decide if uncovering her roots is worth putting herself directly in the path of the killer.

Decades later, an old circus train depot's future hangs in the balance--it will either be torn down or preserved for historical importance, and its fate rests on Realtor Chandler Faulk's shoulders. As she dives deep into the depot's history, she's also balancing a newly diagnosed disease and the pressures of single motherhood. When she discovers clues to unsolved murders of the past, Chandler is pulled into a story far darker and more haunting than even an abandoned train depot could portend.

For more information about Jaime Jo Wright and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus by Jaime Jo Wright is the perfect read for a cozy autumn night -- spooky and full of faith! 

When I saw that part of this spilt-time novel was set in the late 1920s, I knew I NEEDED to read this story as soon as I could get my greedy little hands on it -- and the author did not disappoint my Roaring Twenties heart with Pippa's side of the story! The author wonderfully balanced the glitz and glam of the Roaring Twenties with the wonder of the circus. However, the contemporary piece of Chandler's tale proved to be just as enthralling! I was immediately swept into the small town with its dark history -- which brings us to the multiple mysteries. No spoilers, but I loved how the author kept me guessing! I loved how the author surprised me even when I was sorta, kinda right...ahem, okay...I was wildly guessing. Bottom line is that I loved each reveal that shocked me to my reader core! Bravo! 

Both Pippa and Chandler struggled with their self-image and identity, and the spiritual message layered into these complicated topics gripped my heart! The author's loving approach to physical qualities that are demeaned and ridiculed, the sensitive look at autoimmune diseases, and the mental chains that hold a person captive when they hold themselves to impossible standards was froth with piercing conviction, grace, and the feeling that the readers themselves are seen, understood, and loved. Through Pippa and Chandler's journeys, readers will be encouraged to settle their identity in their heart through the One Who gives us an identity in His steadfast love.

Five Stars ~ The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus by Jaime Jo Wright is a thrilling romantic suspense that is the perfect fall read! The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus is a standalone, but the author has other suspenseful stories in her backlist.

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 Nine by Rachelle Dekker

 

About the Book ~

Some secrets can't stay hidden

Zoe Johnson has spent most of her life living in the shadows, never drawing attention to herself, never investing in people or places. But when a wide-eyed, bedraggled teenager with no memory walks into the diner where Zoe works, everything changes.

Against her better judgment, Zoe, who has been trying to outrun her own painful memories of the past, finds herself attempting to help a girl who doesn't seem to have any past at all. With little warning, they must follow the only sure thing they know: a woman hundreds of miles away, will either save them . . . or be the last person to see them alive.

For more information about Rachelle Dekker and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Nine by Rachelle Dekker should be on the to-be-read pile of every devoted suspense reader! I am increasingly picky about suspense novels, and Nine contains everything I look for in a thrilling novel! Bravo!

Seriously, that suspense! Okay, I promise there will be no plot spoilers -- I wouldn't want to take the thrill of this journey away from any reader. I loved the balance of pace and character development. Additionally, Nine contains an intensity that I've found in only a handful of authors. It's an intensity that pulls you into the story world, glues you to whatever seat you can find, and burns your eyeballs because you don't dare blink! 

When the suspense and mystery ends on that final page, the truths exposed in the story will stay with its readers for a lifetime! The spiritual message revolves around identity, a message the author has a gift for unveiling, restoring, and edifying within her novels. Nine explores choosing a new identity, no matter how dark, broken, or manipulated your past may be. Rewriting your program. Choosing freedom. Choosing love. Through the intense moments of testing that each character faced, readers will be strengthened for the identity battles we face every day!

Five Stars ~ Nine by Rachelle Dekker is an edge-of-your-seat suspense! Nine is standalone with ties into The Girl behind the Red Rope, but it is not necessary to read The Girl behind the Red Rope before reading Nine.

Possible triggers ~ violence, death, abuse, abduction, torture. 

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!