The Lazarus Protocol, Division Zero Special Ops Series Book #1 by Lisa Phillips

 

Book description:

A suspicious death in Washington, ruled an accident.

A team dispatched into hostile territory.

A covert agent, bruised and hunted, but very much alive.

The CIA saved Stephanie-Jo’s life. Now she owes them her soul, and there’s no way out. When a private black-ops team becomes her only chance at survival, the mission shifts to a battle of wills. These men answer to no government, only to each other, and they’re hunting the same device she’s been sent to secure. Steph’s handlers don’t accept failure. She has to complete the mission—or die trying.

Adam Helton was declared dead by the Army years ago. Now he leads a team racing the clock to retrieve sensitive technology from a hostile zone, unaware of what will be unleashed if they fail. He’s always risked everything, but this time the stakes are different. Caught between the loyalty he lives by and the oath he swore a long time ago, Adam must risk it all if any of them are going to make it out intact.

With a ruthless group of true believers closing in and an enemy who always seems one step ahead, Division Zero faces its greatest test yet. Every thread they pull in this global conspiracy only reveals another, placing them squarely in the crosshairs as they race to stop an ally from making a catastrophic mistake.

The greatest threat isn’t always the one coming for you.

Sometimes it’s the one standing beside you.

*The new action-packed espionage thriller series from Lisa Phillips features a deadly conspiracy that stretches across the whole series, plenty of threads to keep you reading late into the night, and happily ever afters in each book.*

My review:
  I was excited to see a new series starting by Lisa Phillips, and the description of the series sounded awesome. This first book comes in at 405 pages, and I still devoured it in one day. It is an amazing start to what promises to be an amazing series. I absolutely love special ops fiction, and Phillips did a smash up job on this book that starts her new series. 

By the way, she published a 2-story novel that sets this series up, Home and Family, which isn't necessary to read before this book, but I would recommend. 

Phillips created a great cast of characters in this book, and I found myself liking the good guys and cheering them on. This story takes the reader all over the world: The USA, France, Switzerland, and I think another country or two. The author always indicates at the beginning of each chapter where the action is taking place. 

And there is a lot of action. And drama. And spies and bad guys. I found myself more impressed with this author's writing than ever before. There is a lot that happens in this book...there is page after page of non stop drama and action, and it isn't always easy to know who the bad guys are. Or aren't.

I am already really into this series, and the next book isn't out til November. November!! But time does go too fast at my age, so it won't be that long.

This is a 5 star read full of intrigue, spies, drama, globe hopping, and awesome likable characters laying their lives on the line. And a castle with a butler named Winston. 

I definitely recommend. And man, I love the covers. 

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

The Lazarus Protocol is available now in paperback, and releases in eBook on August 19.

About the author:
Lisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense, independently published series romantic suspense, and thriller novels. She’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.

Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Lisa is a worship leader, tea aficionado, and dog lover of two crazy Airedales. Check out her website: AuthorLisaPhillips.com

                                                                  Prequel

Book #2, releasing November 25, 2026

Book #3, releasing March 3, 2027

Book #4, releasing June 9, 2027

Fatal Finale, Erin Delaney Mysteries #3 by Nancy Mehl

 

Book description: 

They'd started back to the house when they heard a male voice behind them. Then a shot rang out.

"Run!" Kaely said.

When bestselling author Erin Delaney's novel gets picked up for a movie deal, she eagerly awaits her friend Kaely Quinn-Hunter's arrival in Tennessee before they head to California to observe the film's production. However, when Kaely does not arrive at the scheduled time and Erin can't reach her by phone, her concern grows.

A cryptic phone call from Kaely's kidnapper confirms Erin's worst fear--she has exactly six days to save her friend's life by solving his twisted clues. The message comes with a warning: Contact the police or FBI, and Kaely dies. But Erin works for the Sanctuary Police Department, and Kaely's husband is with the FBI, putting her in an impossible situation. As Erin races against time, she's forced to crack the kidnapper's chilling puzzle before it's too late.

My review: 
  This is a book I have been looking forward to reading, and it definitely did not disappoint. Maybe the author is just getting better, but I feel this is her best series yet. If you are familiar with Mehl's books, she wrote a series between 2018-2020 titled the Kaely Quinn Profiler Series. Mehl did something I think is really cool. She brought the main female character from that story, Kaely Quinn-Hunter, into this series as a secondary character. 

And in this book, Kaely gets kidnapped. 

I used to be a nail biter, but this book about made me regress. Man, was it suspenseful. The author went back and forth between where Kaely was being held and Erin's house, where she, Kaely's FBI husband Noah, and police chief Adrian were frantically working to solve the kidnapper's clues in time to save Kaely. You know that the chances of her surviving are great....the author would never kill off a main character.....unless you are Sara Davidson :)

But it was a fun suspense-filled ride to the climatic part of the book. I have gotten to really like the characters. The thing with a series like this where the same characters are in the whole series, is the author has more time for character development and does not need to rush that, and she did an excellent job on developing these characters. I hate to see them go, but maybe she'll pull them into a future series. 

This is a definite 5-star book, and the best book in the trilogy, though all 3 are masterpieces of Christian suspense/thrillers. 

And not only did the author write an awesome story with awesome characters, the book was full of a Biblical message of hope and faith in God's deliverance. I did read this book in one sitting, and enjoyed every single page. 

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

About the author:

Nancy Mehl lives in Missouri, with her husband Norman, and her puggle, Watson. She's authored over fifty books and is currently at work on a new FBI suspense series for Bethany House Publishing. 

All of Nancy's novels have an added touch - something for your spirit as well as your soul. "I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing," Nancy says. "It's a part of me and of everything I think or do. God is number one in my life. I wouldn't be writing at all if I didn't believe that this is what He's called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan especially for your life, and there is nothing you can't overcome with His help." 

You can find out more about Nancy by visiting her Web site at: www.nancymehl.com. She also is active on the Suspense Sisters: www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com and on FaceBook.

Check out the first two books in the series, and they do need read in order:

                                                                Book #1

Book #2

 

Part of Your World, Once Upon a Time In Texas #2 by Karen Witemeyer

 

Book description:

She saved him from the sea. He awakened her heart. Now a villainous scheme threatens to destroy them both.

Seawater runs through Muriel Quinn’s veins—a fact that has long concerned her father, who desires his youngest daughter to abandon the waves and embrace the respectable life expected of a grown woman. Yet even when banished from her beloved sea, Muriel feels its pull upon her soul. Drawn to the shore, she witnesses a boating accident and dives in to save a man from drowning. As she brings him back from the brink of death, a dream stirs to life in her heart.

Despite his family's wealth and social standing, Zane Erickson pursues a career in architecture, having no interest in cementing a match with any of the bridal candidates his mother foists upon him. Until a mysterious beauty saves his life and vanishes before he can learn her name. Determined to find her, he is stunned when the matchmaker his mother hired arrives with the very woman who has haunted his dreams. But he soon learns there are darker forces than romance at work in this meeting.

Entangled in a blackmail scheme that grows more deceitful and dangerous by the day, Zane and Muriel must fight not only for their love, but for the lives of those they hold dear.

My review:
This is the 5th Westernized version of a fairy tale Witemeyer has written. She did three in the Texas Ever After Series for Bethany House Publishers, and this is the second in her Once Upon a Time In Texas Series for Hope and Light Publishing.

  I have enjoyed every book. Witemeyer excels at turning fairy tales into more modern Westernized stories without overdoing the similarities.

  Part of Your World is a retelling of The Little Mermaid, a story I am completely unfamiliar with. I did read a plot summary after reading this book, and can see similarities from that...such as Muriel rescuing Zane from drowning in the sea.

As with all of her books, Witemeyer created some great likable characters - and of course a couple not so likable ones. Zane made a great hero of the story, and Muriel a great heroine. Then there is Fletcher, the 10 year old nephew of Muriel, Zane's Grandpa Clem, and others, who all add to a great story in their own way.  

There is a villain of course - an evil female character. There is an element of suspense in the story, with a 10 year old boy in danger and shenanigans on the beach at one point. And this is a romance, so there is that, which was well done. Witemeyer came up with a great plot that kept me reading til the great ending. I truly loved and enjoyed this book, and was happy to see Zane and Muriel get their happy ending. 

The book does have some true history in it, which the author references at the end of the book that I found interesting. 

The author again has shown she can write a great historical novel that is worth reading. 

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

About the author:
For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Voted #1 Readers' Favorite Christian Historical Author in 2023 by Family Fiction Magazine, Karen is a multiple award-winning author and a firm believer in the power of happy endings. She is an avid cross-stitcher, tea drinker, and family board game player who makes her home in Abilene, TX with her heroic husband who vanquishes laundry dragons and dirty dish villains whenever she's on deadline. Learn more about Karen and her books at www.karenwitemeyer.com.

                                 Once Upon a Time In Texas #1 (Beauty and the Beast)

Texas Ever After #1 (Snow White)

Texas Ever After #2 (Cinderella)

Texas Ever After #3 (Little Red Riding Hood and Sleeping Beauty)

Book recommendation: A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham

 

Yeah, I actually did it. Me, a guy who is a confirmed bachelor read a rom-com. That is romantic comedy for those who don't know. 

And it was an amazing read. I laughed a lot. At one point I had just taken a bite of my lemon Outshine Bar when I laughed out loud, and choked on said bar.

Someone on social media said this book has depth. And it may sound odd to say that about a book like this, but it is true. The book is filled with hilarious zingers, one liners, and banter that is pure genius. 

And there is something towards the end of the book that tests the whole town. Not giving any spoilers, but not everything is happy in the book. But it has a great ending. 

I posted my thoughts and mini review in the fiction group that I am in, and the author thanked me, and said she saw a bumper sticker a few years ago on a guy's car that said "Real men read Austen." So maybe a guy reading this book is not that odd.

Pepper Basham is an amazing author. Her books span a few genre's, including the awesome Freddie and Grace Mysteries...which has a 5th book coming out next month: The Bachelor Spy, which I already preordered. I highly recommend her books. 

My review of A Brewed Awakening: 

"Yeah, this is a ROM-COM, and yeah, I am a guy....but man, what a great story. I laughed out loud so many times while reading it, and it was hard to put it down and go to bed...but I had actually fallen asleep after resting my head against the back of my couch.

The comedy and zingers/banter in this book is pure genius, yet as someone else said, the book has depth. I loved the characters, plot, the food and recipe descriptions, the setting. This book deserves more than 5 stars. It is 100% awesome. If you have never read one of Basham's books, this would be a great one to start with."

And I would be remiss to leave off a description of the book: 

Daphne dreams of Mr. Darcy. Finn serves up pints and rock music. Can opposites attract when a tea shop princess meets her pub-owning rival? Perfect for fans of Courtney Walsh and Emma St. Clair.

In the charming mountain town of Wisteria, North Carolina, Daphne Austen clings to tradition like cream to a scone. She's built her life--and her late grandmother's tearoom, Tea Thyme--around all things English: delicate china, Jane Austen novels, and the comforting predictability of routine. The only thing threatening her perfectly ordered world? The loud, aggravatingly handsome Brit opening a pub next door.

After his ex-wife broke his heart and his business partner nearly destroyed his career, Finn Dashwood packed up his six-year-old daughter and left England behind. He's looking for a fresh start, and the last thing he needs is a fussy, tea-obsessed neighbor criticizing his every pint and playlist. It doesn't matter that she's ridiculously kind (to everyone else) and that his daughter is utterly fascinated by her. Finn's heart is not open to being broken again.

But disagreements turn into prank wars and then a competition when a high-profile wedding needs a last-minute caterer. The townsfolk are thrilled--Wisteria hasn't seen this much excitement since the county fair lost a goat.

When the wedding demands both sweet and savory fare, Daphne and Finn are forced to put down their swords and pick up their serving trays. Between burnt pastries, brewing tempers, trending hashtags (#SipsAndSpats, anyone?), and one very adorable little girl, rivalry soon gives way to reluctant friendship--and maybe something that feels suspiciously like chemistry.

Can a tea shop princess and a pub owner with a past mix their lives as seamlessly as clotted cream and jam . . . or will their differences keep them steeped in rivalry forever?

Fall headfirst into a romance that's as sweet as scones and as lively as a pub singalong. Early readers are raving about the laugh-out-loud humor, irresistible chemistry, and swoony, kisses-only romance that makes A Brewed Awakening impossible to put down. Grab your copy today and discover a charming enemies-to-lovers story brewed with heart, humor, and small-town magic.

About the author:
Pepper Basham is a best-selling author who writes romance “peppered” with grace and humor. Writing both historical and contemporary novels, she loves to incorporate her native Appalachian culture and/or her unabashed adoration of the UK into her stories. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the wife of a fantastic pastor, mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus. Her twentieth book, The Cairo Curse, came out in February. Next up is Positively, Penelope, the sequel to her bestselling novel, Authentically, Izzy. She loves connecting with readers and other authors through social media outlets like Facebook & Instagram. 

You can learn more about Pepper and her books on her website at www.pepperdbasham.com 

Tracking the Taken Child, Colorado K-9 Unit #2 by Sharon Dunn

Book desciption:

 A little girl has vanished…

Can a K-9 team find her?

Preschool teacher Lydia Caldwell’s peaceful day in the Rockies becomes her most harrowing nightmare when she’s pushed over a mountain ledge and her three-year-old daughter is abducted. Lydia must now entrust her life and her child’s fate to K-9 Officer River Jameson and his yellow Lab partner, Frankie. As the danger escalates and the trail grows colder by the second, River and Frankie work tirelessly to track down the kidnapper. Is the culprit Lydia’s ex…or is someone from her past seeking revenge? Will River’s skill and Frankie’s instincts save an innocent child—and protect Lydia from the elusive criminal targeting her?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Book review:
This is the second book in the multi-author seven book series Colorado K-9 Unit. The main plot of the series is an investigation into young pregnant teen girls being kidnapped, then then killed after delivering their babies, which disappear. 

Dunn focuses part of her book on that plot, and brings in the other law enforcement individuals working on that case. The main focus of the book is the abduction of Lydia's daughter and Officer River Jameson and his K-9's efforts to find the girl and catch the kidnappers. 

I really enjoyed this book. You know ahead of time from the book description that three year old Elsie is going to be kidnapped, but it is still a dramatic and suspenseful moment when it happens. 

The author does a great job of meshing the plot line for the whole series and the one for the book as River pushes himself to work on both crimes, getting a little help from his fellow law officers on the kidnapping.

Dunn also does very well on portraying the anguish of a mother dealing with the kidnapping of her child. 

The romance angle was handled nicely, and did not seem rushed. 

I admit I had my suspicions of who was behind the kidnapping, and I was correct, but the author didn't make it obvious. 

Dunn did an excellent job on this second book in the series, and it left me eager to read the next book, coming out in May by Terri Reed.

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

About the author:
Sharon Dunn started writing when she was pregnant with her oldest child. He is now 33 years old. She has written cozy and humorous mysteries along with over thirty romantic suspense novels. Her books have won awards and frequently appear on the USA and Publisher's Weekly bestseller lists. She is a widow who lives next to a park with her cat Sparky. She has three adult children. When she isn't writing, she loves going for walks, doing puzzles, reading and meeting up with friends. 

Check out her website for more about Sharon and her books: SharonDunnBooks.net

    Book #1

Book #3, coming May 26

Book #4, coming June 30

Book #5,  coming July 28

Book #6, coming August 25

Book #7, coming September 29

Collateral Damage, Hightower Security #6 by Jorgia Yates

Book description:

 He’ll protect her.

Or die trying.

Dr. Ava Morrison dedicates her free time to helping soldiers recover from the invisible wounds of war. But when a patient's flattery turns to obsession, she realizes too late that he isn’t just in need of medical intervention—he’s a loaded weapon, and she’s the one in his sights.

An isolated safe house.

24/7 close protection.

Silas Hightower swore he’d never work a "lone wolf" op again—not after the last one ended in blood. But when a special forces-trained predator targets Ava and his team is out of reach, he’s facing his worst-case scenario: alone, cut off, and shielding Ava from a hunter anticipating his every move.

Guard her at all costs.

Stay frosty.

Don’t fall in love.

My review:
The first book in this series, Collision Course,  came out a  little over a year ago. It was Yate's first published novel, and it caught my attention immediately. I took a chance on that new author, and am glad I did. 

 This is the sixth and final book in the series, and I am a little sad to see it end. But it ended with a great and hard to put down read. Silas is the head of Hightower Security, and finally gets his story in the last book of the series. This book had more character development of him, and gave the reader a chance to know him better. 

I think Dr Ava Morrison was in a previous book - I can't remember her, but one of the team constantly refers to her as "Dr Barbie", and she and Silas seem to know each other. I liked both she and Silas a lot as the main characters, and enjoyed the romance that they both fought at first. 

Collateral Damage is basically a stalker story. A great stalker story. Yates does a great job of weaving a suspense and drama filled story that kept me on the end of my seat until the great and satisfying conclusion. Sad to see the series end, but I am looking forward to what this author comes up with next. 

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

Collateral Damage releases May 14 in e-book, but is available now in paperback.

About the author:

Falling in love shouldn’t be this dangerous—but Jorgia Yates wouldn’t have it any other way.

She writes Christian Romantic Suspense with protective heroes, courageous heroines, and a faith that holds strong when everything else falls apart.

Jorgia married her teenage sweetheart (after a very awkward meet-cute in the 90s), and together they’re raising two amazing children on the spectrum.

Living with chronic illness means her world is a little smaller—but her imagination is anything but. So while real life includes rest, resilience, and lots of grace, her characters chase danger, dodge bullets, and fall hard for the kind of love that protects—body and soul.

Check out her website for more about Jorgia and her books: JorgiaYates.com

Go here to get a free prequel to the series, Covert Risk: Free book. 

The rest of the series:

                                                                   Book #1

Book#2

Book #3

Book #4

Book #5

Witness Safeguard Mission, Canine Defense #4 by Carol J Post

 

Book description:

A family in a killer’s crosshairs.

A K-9 determined to defend.

When Nicole Woodard and her young sister witness their father’s murder by an unknown assailant, Nicole knows they’re next on the killer’s hit list. Now they must rely on Officer Braydon Feldman and his K-9 partner, Caesar, for protection. The killer will stop at nothing to silence the sisters and keep the crime hidden. But what could their father have been involved in that got him killed? With attacks coming from all sides and dangerous family secrets being exposed, can Braydon and Nicole stay alive long enough to uncover the truth before the killer strikes again?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

My review:
   Despite my not being a dog lover, I always enjoy these K-9 stories, especially suspense ones. This author has done several, and I have enjoyed each one. Including this newest novel of hers. It is the fourth in a series, but they are all stand alone stories.

  Witness Safeguard Mission starts out with the suspense and drama on the fourth page of the actual story, and does not let up until the bad guys are caught and stopped. I believe kids add a lot to the story, and seven year old Maddy certainly added a lot to this one. When on the run from bad guys, a  young child adds a whole new angle of suspense, danger,  and drama, and that was the case in this book.

  I did really like the main characters. Nicole has set aside - at least temporarily - her plans job-wise to help care for her little sister. Braydon ends up cutting his vacation short to protect the two sisters and puts himself in the bad guys' crosshairs and inconveniences himself a lot. 

  There were some tense moments along the way. Even though as a reader you know there is going to be a happy ending and the bad guys are going to lose in the end, Post did a great job of making that journey very suspenseful and drama and danger-filled. The book did have a great ending, including in the romance departmet. 

 I was suspicious of one person early on. Very early on. I am proud of myself for being right, and that character did kind of make up for it in the end. 

 Loved this non stop suspenseful novel. 

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

Witness Protection Mission releases April 28.

About the author:
Carol J. Post is a New York Times bestselling author of fun and fast-paced Christian romance and Christian romantic suspense stories. Her books have won several awards and been nominated for two RITA® awards and an RT Reviewers’ Choice Best Book Award. She is also a popular speaker, presenting workshops on a variety of craft topics.

Carol especially enjoys research trips, which usually involve camping, with some hiking, kayaking and bonfires thrown in when possible. She also loves playing the piano and writing songs with her musical husband. Her two grown daughters and grandkids live too far away for her liking, so she now pours all that nurturing into taking care of two sassy cats—Ziggy and Ziva—who also love camping and are known to occasionally take over her blog with their “It’s Zaturday!” posts.

Check out her website for more about Carol and her books: CarolJPost.com

The rest of the series:

Book #1

Book #2

Book #3

Book #5, coming September 29