Elusive Evil, Task Force SEAR #2 by JJ Samie Myles

Book description:

 Sometimes evil is so close you can’t see it.

Former NZSAS corporal Nik “Nikyboy” Te Koha is on vacation with his Task Force SEAR buddies in Indonesia when a suicide bomber targets a church. Triage efforts quickly morph into a full-blown mission, bringing Nik’s old demons knocking.

Terror has haunted Rina Soto from childhood, killing her family and fueling her passion to join Delta 77, a counter-terrorism unit. Convinced the recent attack wasn't a one-off, she sets out to hunt down the bombers with the help of an enigmatic Kiwi and his highly skilled team.\

Opposites attract; fighting the same enemy unites. Nik and Rina put their lives on the line to prevent more carnage, but another threat looms much closer. Can Rina's unwavering faith pierce Nik's darkness?

My review:
Myles is still a fairly new author in the Christian fiction world, with this being her second book in this series, and her third book total. But I would say she has quickly found her feet and is already churning out great novels worth reading.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but this second one was even better. Sometimes I think it takes a couple of books to get characters developed in a series like this with a team of very different people. And there was a lot more character development in this book. I loved Nik and Rina, but also enjoyed getting to know the other characters more. I am definitely looking forward to Ariel's story, whenever it comes out, but his brother's is next in the series. 

There was non stop action, suspense, and danger in this book. And I loved it. I enjoyed the banter and interplay between the team and the way they worked together. This book definitely entertained, but it also brought home the sober reminder that not everyone has the freedom to worship as we please here in the USA.

In addition to all of the other elements of the story, Myles did not shy away from a Christian message in the book, and the reminder that no badly how messed up we are - or think we are - God can redeem us and our past and make something of us. 

Special thanks to the author for an advance e-book copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

Elusive Evil releases December 19.

About the author:
JJ Samie Myles is always on the hunt for a thrilling adventure, be it in real life or the fictional realm. Having traveled the globe and interacted with people from all walks of life, she is equipped with an arsenal of story ideas. Her mission is to share the beauty of God’s light in a dark world and encourage her readers in their faith. JJ is fluent in savage banter, obsessed with the ocean, and loves to laugh.

Find more about JJ and her books at JJSamieMyles.com

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What’s in a Name? Guest post by Hannah Hood Lucero

   I discovered this author through the Avid Readers of Christian Fiction Facebook group back in April of 2024. I read the first book in her epic Sons of Vigilance Series on Kindle Unlimited, then immediately bought all 4 books in paperback. She had 5 books out at that point, and has since written 4 others plus a story for an anthology of pro-life stories. Her books are seriously epic. 

I asked her if she would write a guest blog post, whatever she wanted to write, and she graciously agreed, even though she is busy and her husband recently got back from deployment. Thanks Hannah. 

What’s in a Name? Guest post by Hannah Hood Lucero

As an author, I think about names a lot. I’m forever scrolling through baby name websites, trying to find unique and meaningful monikers that haven’t been overused by other writers, and which aren’t similar to other characters from my own works. It’s a bit exhausting, to be honest. 

When I was preparing to publish my debut novel and considering what my pen name should be, I asked my husband what he thought. Being a mysterious wallflower, his instinct is to consistently lean toward anonymity. As soon as he told me he wouldn’t use his real name, I had my answer. The social butterfly inside gasped. My whole spirit rejected the idea of a bookish alias. This rose, by any other name, would utterly and completely STINK! I earned an eye roll when my response was, “I’ll use my full name. Like, the entire thing.” And so, Hannah Hood Lucero (the author) was born.

Growing up, I hated my middle name—which I dropped upon filling out my marriage certificate. Most girls have something sweet like Elizabeth or Jane or Lynn. My parents went the family name route, and mine was Evans. It wasn’t until after I had my own kids that I began to appreciate the uniqueness and beauty of it. And when I started brainstorming characters, I jumped at the chance to make my debut main character a namesake. Evans Sutton became the level-headed teen I wish I had been, and she has popped up from time to time in other books.

I recently drew on the poor attitude of my younger self, writing an entire book about characters who want nothing more than to escape the attention their identities bring. In A Name to Remember, Isobel Lee is famous because of a national tragedy. Hank Olsen is infamous due to the sins of his family. Together, they come to realize that the only identity that matters is the one they have in Jesus. And they each face the question: Will I take the hand I’ve been dealt and rise to the challenge of living a life that glorifies God?

I am intrigued by the multiple instances in scripture, when people were given new names. Upon God’s covenant, Abram’s name changed to Abraham, father of a multitude. His wife, Sarai, became Sarah to designate her the mother of nations. When Jacob wrestled with God, he walked away as Israel, signifying his new status as a prince with God. Joshua (which means “the Lord saves”) was known as Hosea prior to being Moses’s successor. And, of course, we know that Jesus renamed Simon to Peter, he called James and John “sons of thunder”, and Saul—persecutor of Christians—became Paul upon his conversion.

What does your name mean? What do people think about when they see it pop up on a social media thread or email? When I see Mark’s posts and comments, I know a great book recommendation is to follow. My prayer is that my name makes people smile and think of faith-filled fiction, quippy banter, and characters worth remembering.

Find out more about Hannah and her books at HannahHoodLucero.com

A Killer In Texas, Elite Protectors #2 by Jessica R Patch

Book description:

 In the search for a murderer,

the hunter becomes the prey…

While guarding a person of interest in several homicides, bodyguard Libby Winters is attacked by the real serial killer. The Eye, as he’s known, has been stalking her for the past two months, and now he’s ready to make his next move. Determined not to repeat past mistakes, protection specialist Axel Spears vows to keep his partner safe and take down the man who murdered his wife. Caught in a perilous game of cat and mouse, can they unmask and bring down their deadly enemy…before they become the next victims?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Elite Protectors

My review:
   This book was a bit different in that one of the team trying to catch a killer was being stalked by that killer, and she had not told her team that until she was pretty much forced to.

 Patch has gotten a reputation of writing more thrillers than just suspense, and this book definitely leans more towards the thriller side. 

I have always liked series where there is a team that is in every book, with each character getting their own story, and that is what Patch is doing with this series. I read and enjoyed the first book in this series, but this one was even better, in my opinion. 

The author did a great job of building the suspense and drama while keeping the reader guessing as to who the Eye really was....and by the way, though it was very creepy, I loved the angle Patch played with the hymn. I admit I was totally surprised at the end when the bad guy was revealed. 

This was a great suspenseful read that brought back the team from the first book. 

Special thanks to the author for an advance e-book copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

A Killer In Texas releases December 30.

About the author:

Jessica R. Patch is a New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than thirty novels. Known for her pulse-pounding plots, emotionally charged characters, and signature twists, Jessica's stories explore themes of justice, resilience, and the unshakable power of hope.

Whether weaving inspirational stories of danger edged with romance or crafting chilling thrillers that probe the shadows of the human heart, Jessica delivers fiction that thrills while shining light in the darkest places.

She makes her home in Northwest Mississippi, where she enjoys life with her family, a good cup of tea, and dreaming up her next edge-of-your-seat story usually over tacos and queso.

Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.

Check out her website: JessicaRPatch.com

                                                   Book #1