Hunting Justice, Elite Guardians: Savannah book #2, by Sami A Abrams

Book description:

 A dark secret puts them in the crosshairs of a relentless killer…

Ex-detective and current Elite Guardian Noelle Burton survived a horrifying attack by a serial killer as a child. Now, determined to put the scars of her past behind her, she’s intent on helping the Elite Guardians set up shop in her hometown of Savannah, Georgia. More, she’s wondering if her friendship with Dr. Jonah Harris, an ex-ER doctor turned medical examiner, might be more. But he has his own demons to fight—namely guilt over the death of his wife.

So, maybe not.

Meanwhile, Jonah can't ignore the growing desire he feels for Noelle. If only he knew he wasn’t going to destroy their friendship…

And then, tragedy strikes—the sudden death of a colleague rocks his world, and Jonah knows that there's more to the incident than meets the eye. In fact, he may have been the intended target. Now he needs Noelle…not just as a friend, but as a protector.

Noelle will have to protect Jonah, while not letting their friendship spark into something more, and Jonah will have to unravel the threat that stalks him. Clues lead them down a dark path, revealing unsettling connections to a series of unsolved crimes. And when they stumble upon the chilling possibility of a serial killer lurking in the shadows, all Noelle’s nightmares come back to life.

Then the unthinkable occurs—the killer strikes again, targeting someone close to them. Noelle and Jonah race against time to expose the truth and capture the killer…and when their friendship becomes something deeper, it’s clear they have everything to lose.

My review:
  There are a couple of things about this book that I really like. Well, more than a couple, but two things that stick out: The guy in the story is the one in trouble and needing protection. (Though the girl is too at one point). The second: the two main characters already know each other and are friends. So slight spoiler, not really a spoiler: this is a friends to lovers romantic suspense novel. 

 This book takes off with a big bang...literally....within the first few pages, and then is non stop action and suspense as someone keeps trying to take out Dr Jonah Harris, and Noelle and her team try to protect him. And to make everything more interesting, the author tosses in a cold case turned not so cold that involves Noelle.

Noelle and Jonah were both awesome characters. He is a a former ER doctor turned medical examiner, suffering from guilt for not being able to save his wife. Noelle has a painful past that she covers up until it catches up to her.

Hunting Justice is one of those books that is pretty much non stop suspense and running from the bad guy as he constantly tries to take out the good doctor to keep him silent. The tie-in with what happened to Noelle several years ago made for an awesome plot. 

This is a romantic suspense novel, so there is romance. As I stated before, Jonah and Noelle were already good friends at the beginning of the book, so this was not one of those "boy meets girl and falls in love amid all the danger" books. Jonah and Noelle were already leaning that way, but hindered by his guilt and her scars. It was fun watching them finally get to where they admitted it to each other and themselves. A favorite quote from the book. Jonah has just kissed Noelle, and she said it took her breath away. He replied "Then it is a good thing I am a doctor." :)

 I love these books, and am glad they are doing this other series. I definitely recommend this book, along with the others. 

Special thanks to the publisher 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.

About the author:
Award-winning, bestselling author Sami Abrams grew up hating to read. It wasn’t until her 30’s that she found authors that captured her attention. Now, most evenings, you can find her engrossed in a Romantic Suspense. In her opinion, a crime and a little romance is the recipe for a great story.

She lives in Northern California, but she will always be a Kansas girl at heart. She has a love of sports, family, and travel. However, a cabin at Lake Tahoe writing her next story is definitely at the top of her list.

If you love romantic suspense, go to Sami's website and sign up for her newsletter to get the inside scoop at samiaabrams.com 

Check out the other two books in the series:

                                                                   Book #1

Book #3, coming October 15, 2024

   

New and Notable author: Hannah Hood Lucero

   

1I had never even heard of this author til last week. Her books sounded really good, and I almost bought the first one in paperback....but since they are on Kindle Unlimited, decided to try #1 that way. 

  And I loved it. I immediately bought all 4 in paperback to celebrate something, and waited until they came to read the other three. And I just finished #4 a few minutes ago.

 The series is titled Sons of Vigilance. There are four books total, and the author has one other book that is young adult. 

 This series is about 5 brothers: Connor, Declan, Rian, Liam, and Kael Flynn. They are Irish, and all red haired....or gingers, the term the author uses a lot.

 When the series starts, Connor, the oldest, is married. He appears in all of  the books, but does not have his own book.

 The first book is about Kael, the second about Rian, the third about Liam, and the last about Declan.

 These books are really good. Amazing, even. They are romantic suspense, and the plots and characters are all exceptional. And something the author excels at is something I love in books: banter between the characters. And believe me, there is a lot of banter between the 5 Irish - ginger - brothers. I smiled a lot, and laughed out loud a lot. 

 This is a series and author I highly recommend. 

Book #1: Already In the Kudzu

A suspenseful story of love, loss, and redemption.

A series of bad choices culminated in the worst day of Jamie Moreno’s life. Although she narrowly escaped her abusive boyfriend, he left her drowning in guilt over unspeakable secrets. Now, seven years later, she’s rebuilt a meaningful but lonely existence—and then one telephone call shatters her peace as her past threatens to destroy everyone she loves.

Staff Sergeant Kael Flynn is no stranger to standing between innocence and the evil men who seek to destroy it. On the cusp of trading in his combat boots for a quiet life, his final mission leaves him with a debt he can never repay. When he uncovers his fallen friend’s plan to keep a young woman safe, he sees a chance to do right by his fellow Marine. The last thing he anticipated was falling in love with the mysterious J. Moreno.

Will Jamie’s tormentor prove to be the one Kael can’t defeat before it’s too late?

Book #2: Beau On the Bayou

A romantic suspense that showcases beauty found in the midst of struggle.

Laurelin Dedeaux Holt’s deep roots and robust family legacy serve her well on the day her world comes crashing down. She needs the tenacity of a Mississippi live oak when her husband’s secret life leaves her a widow and single mother. After months of picking up the pieces, Laurelin finds unexpected hope for her future, but Ethan’s enemies have other plans for her.

Rian Flynn’s singular focus is building his career—until the day Laurelin Holt blows into his life with her cynical humor and spellbinding eyes. Soon he must face his own buried fears with vigilance and determination as he treads the murky waters surrounding this rebel disguised as a Southern belle.

With vengeful drug lords, a faceless serial killer, and the ghosts of Laurelin’s past lurking in the shadows of the Gulf Coast, will Rian and Laurelin grow stronger together or be ripped apart by trouble as relentless as galeforce winds?

Book #3: Crossfire At the Precipice 

Heading home in high spirits after securing a career-building business deal, Cynthia Sumrall encounters a grumpy—and handsome—ginger. What begins as two strangers traveling in the same direction soon spirals into dangers and uncertainties that leave Cynthia floundering. +

A few chance meetings shatter all her preconceived ideas about what she wants and leave her questioning everything she believes about God’s purpose for her life.

 Liam Flynn is dutifully going through the motions until a tenacious redhead shakes up his mundane world with her sunshiny personality and adorable southern drawl. For the first time in his life, Liam wants something for reasons other than pleasing his family and rising above the stigmas attached to his questionable past. Real happiness seems within his reach until tragedy strikes and Cynthia disappears. 

Will Cynthia and Liam be able to navigate through the headwinds of hard realities to find purpose and belonging together, or will the turbulence of fear and loss prove too much for their already tattered souls?

Book #4: Dereliction of the Heart

She's running from her past. He's avoiding his future.

Claire Bryant hasn’t set foot in North Carolina since the day she ran from the darkness that stole her innocence and buried her dreams. Now on the verge of embracing the career she’s spent the past eight years building, she receives a telephone call that sends her racing back to her hometown with her precocious young daughter, wishing she’d come sooner and hoping she’s not too late.

Even with the family watchword of vigilance, Declan Flynn knows his career as an Air Force Pararescue Jumper carries a high likelihood that someday he won’t return home. But he begins to rethink his confirmed bachelorhood when he meets a stranded and stressed mother-daughter duo at the Charlotte airport. Ever ready to be the hero, Declan finds Claire highly resistant to his charms but in great need of a friend.

Back in Brevard, old enemies, lost love, and shadowed memories haunt Claire at every turn. As long-buried secrets come to light, her self-reliance and resilience are no longer enough to protect her family. Faced with unthinkable losses, can she trust the handsome young medic to be there when she needs him most? Can she face the life she threw away to embrace the life she’s always wanted?

   These books have very strong Christian and Biblical themes. The author tackles some tough issues, and her characters struggle in different areas with God and believing in Him and his love.

  This series ranks high in the all of the series I have read. I am just sad there aren't more books in the series. 

 And while I am at it, I may as well mention the young adult book, which I have not read yet. The characters in it make appearances in a couple of the books in the above series.

Cathey's Creek Road

A tenacious girl.

A sulky boy.

Bluegrass and dubstep find a brand new beat.

Evans Sutton was twelve years old when an accident left her scarred inside and out. For five years, insecurity has chipped away at her spirit, threatening to dismantle her once-unshakable faith. Can she find a way to see beyond her fears and imperfections to the God-given beauty within?

Abandoned by his father and unprotected by his mother, Gabe Miller has felt adrift for most of his life. With no hope of ever finding peace, he finds himself in a North Carolina cornfield with blood on his hands. Only an unexpected encounter with a beautiful yet exasperating stranger cascades color into his world of gray. Can Gabe shed his armor of bitterness before pride destroys his future?\

As Evans and Gabe’s friendship grows, the broken pieces of their souls begin to fit together, opening them up to the potential for deeper wounds than before. Does healing or heartbreak await them at the top of Cathey’s Creek Road?

There is beauty to be found in the waiting.

About the author:

HANNAH HOOD LUCERO is a wife, mom of three, Army veteran, and self-proclaimed word-slinger. While it is the brackish waters of the Mississippi Sound that flow through her veins, western North Carolina holds her heart. Her love for storytelling is the fruit of a lifetime of cultivation in the vibrant cultures of the Gulf Coast and the Blue Ridge Mountains. She currently resides in South Mississippi with her husband and three children on their ten-acre homestead. They have one dog, thirteen chickens, and at least fifty species of mosquitos, depending on the month of the year. When she isn’t in the garden, at the stove, or homeschooling, she can be found at her computer—just follow the sound of frenetic typing. Her motto is, “Draft, edit, read, repeat.”

Check out her website: HannahHoodLucero.com

Searching for Evidence, Canine Defense #1 by Carol J Post

Book description:

 With his K-9 partner’s help, can he save an innocent life?

K-9 officer Jared Miles stumbles upon a crime scene on his day off and believes Kassie Ashbaugh is the victim of a random attack. However, as threats on her life continue, he realizes that Kassie is in grave danger. Her father's abandoned boat suggests foul play, and Jared suspects someone is after Kassie for something her missing father is hiding. Can Jared unravel the mystery before unknown enemies catch her?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

My review:
  I am not a fan of dogs, but for some reason I always enjoy a story where dogs are used by police, military, or search and rescue. So even if I didn't know the author was a great writer, the dog on the cover would have drawn me in. But I have read several of her books, and she never disappoints.

 This is a book that has everything you need for a great story: a great and likable hero and heroine, a cute little boy, family drama - major family drama, a police dog, suspense, and even a match-making grandma. :)

 There is a lot going on in this book. Things start happening in the first few pages with an attack on a boat, then there are several more attempted attacks throughout the book as our hero and heroine try to find out what the bad guys are after. There are a couple surprises, though I was not too surprised by the one...I had my suspicions.

 And of course there is romance. Match-making Grandma's first success story. Jared lost his wife in a hit and run two years before, and that with his guilt over the accident has him dragging his feet, but this is a romantic suspense novel, so you know it will all work out in the end. Right?

 It was a book that kept me on the edge of my seat til the very end, and I enjoyed every minute of it. 

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

Coming May 21, 2024.

About the author:

From medical secretary to court reporter to property manager to owner of a special events decorating company, Carol's résumé reads as if she doesn't know what she wants to be when she grows up. But one thing that has remained constant through the years is her love for writing. She started as a child writing poetry for family and friends, then graduated to articles and finally novels.

Carol lives in sunshiny Central Florida and writes fun and fast-paced inspirational romance and romantic suspense. Her books have received a 2016 Royal Palm Literary Award and been nominated for a 2016 RITA® award and a 2014 RT Reviewers’ Choice Best Book Award. She is also a popular speaker, presenting workshops on a variety of craft topics. Besides writing, she enjoys sailing, hiking, camping—almost anything outdoors. Her two grown daughters and grandkids live too far away for her liking, so she now pours all that nurturing into taking care of a fat and sassy black cat and a highly-spoiled dachshund. 

 Check out her website: CarolJpost.com

Just for the Summer by Melody Carlson

Book description:

 If you lived in a different place and had a different job, couldn't you have a different life?

Ginny Masters manages a popular boutique hotel in Seattle and manages it with aplomb. But the daily challenges and irritations of a fast-paced job and a demanding boss are starting to get to her.

Jacqueline Potter manages her grandfather's fishing lodge in Idaho because it was the only job she could find after graduating with her hospitality degree. She's grateful for the work but longs for a more sophisticated and cosmopolitan life she's just not going to find in this backwoods town.

The solution to both their problems seems obvious. Just for the summer, they'll swap jobs and lifestyles--and even love interests. But they'll soon find that there's more to finding happiness than just switching up the scenery.

My review:
   Melody Carlson is best known  - at least to me - for her Christmas novellas she has been writing every year for a long time. This may be the first book of hers that I have read that is not Christmas. And I liked it.

 If a guy can use the word, it was a cute story. And I liked the characters. Most of them. Jacqueline wasn't the easiest person to like, though I felt badly for her at times. 

 Ginny had her moments, but turned out to be the most likable of the two. 

 Then there are the guys. Adrian and Ben were totally different, but very likable characters...though Adrian needed to stand up to his mom and tell her the what for. Ben definitely won out on the best of the two. 

 Setting: Of the two settings, the fishing lodge won hands down. In fact, I found myself wishing I lived at a place like that. Just not in Idaho.

 There is not a ton of romance, but there is some. And a lot of problems could have been solved with some communication. But then that would have made the book too short.

 There wasn't a lot of Christian content, but it was a great entertaining read. 

Overall, this was a great read that entertained while also showing that change can be good, and that we don't have to stay where we are if we are unhappy. Though the chance to trade jobs and locations with someone is not something most of us can do.

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

About the author:
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than 250 books with sales of more than 7.5 million, including many bestselling Christmas novellas, young adult titles, and contemporary romances. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, her novel All Summer Long has been made into a Hallmark movie, and the movie based on her novel The Happy Camper premiered on UPtv in 2023. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at MelodyCarlson.com.

Just for the Summer is available from Revell Publishing, part of the Baker Publishing Group.

  
  

Yukon Wilderness Evidence, Crisis Rescue Team #5 by Darlene L Turner

Book description:  

Solving a cold case could rob her of her future.

When skeletal remains are uncovered in the Yukon forest, forensic botanist Keeley Ash is called to the crime scene—and ends up abducted. She never expects her ex, paramedic Brett Ryerson, to come to her rescue, or her gathered evidence to be linked to a cold case. And when their son—who Brett never knew existed—is kidnapped, they’ll stop at nothing to save him and outrun the hunters determined to silence Keeley.

From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.

My review:

  I love the cover of this book, and this is one time you can judge a book by its cover. It is definitely a great and suspenseful read. 

 The book does not have a slow gradual start, but jumps right into the action and suspense in the first couple of pages, and does not let up til the end. And the author did a great job on keeping the "why" under wraps til the end. 

 Early on in the book, you know there is a woman behind the bad guys, but I was surprised when her identity was revealed. 

 I have always enjoyed stories that had a surprise baby or kid. Not sure why, but I do. Though it is unusual in a Christian book for that surprise kid to come from a one night stand, it was a cool addition to the story, and showed how much Brett and Keeley had changed. And MJ was an awesome and likable character. The scene where he and his grandfather met was awesome. And emotional. 

 Brett and Keeley were also great and likable characters. Her mom....not so much. (Is it bad that I was surprised to find she was a Christian? :) )

 Turner has again spun a great suspense novel set in Canada that kept me on the edge of my seat, and made me want to read past my bedtime, and a book that had a great ending. 

 This is a Love Inspired Suspense novel, which is shorter than a trade paperback novel, but the author packed a lot into those pages. 

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

About the author: 

Darlene L. Turner is an award-winning, best-selling author and lives with her husband, Jeff in Ontario, Canada. Her love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders.

Check out the other books in the Crisis Rescue Team Series. All are stand alones.

                                               Coming September 24, 2024

Set In Stone, Treasures of the Earth #2 by Kimberley Woodhouse

 

Book description:

A dangerous scheme could bury their long-held dreams forever. . . .

From the time she was little, Martha Jankowski has been digging in the dirt, much to the dismay of her mother. Now she dreams of being a paleontologist and is determined to make her parents proud by uncovering the next big discovery. When Martha finds what she hopes to be a fully intact dinosaur skeleton--one that could win her an acclaimed exhibit--she learns another team is competing against her and could steal her chance at being recognized for this momentous discovery.

Paleontology student Jacob Duncan has fulfilled his dream of digging for dinosaur bones at last. In a race against time, he and his team are bent on unearthing a complete skeleton to claim a museum exhibit with their names on it. But when Jacob meets their charming competitor Martha and uncovers foul play within his team, love and danger grow hand in hand until a menacing ruse threatens to destroy it all.

My review:
  I was intrigued and slightly dubious about a Christian fiction series about dinosaur digs, but figured this author could pull it off. She definitely showed that she could in the first book, and here we are with the second, enforcing the fact that she can indeed pull it off.

 I'll be honest. I had trouble liking Martha for a lot of the book. I had an on again off again like with her. (If that statement makes sense.) :) She did have more than her share of troubles, and redeemed herself in the end. Or should I say, was redeemed in the end...

 Jacob was an awesome and likable character throughout the book, and held to his convictions and faith throughout everything he faced. I did mutter out loud at one point "You should have told her buddy..." (Yeah, I talk out loud sometimes when reading)

   The dig stuff was interesting, as was the lectures Martha and Jacob attended, but what really made this book was the suspense and drama that was more prevalent than most of Woodhouses' historical novels. The addition of a Pinkerton detective was an added bonus for me...I am fascinated by anything Pinkerton.

 There is a lot of subterfuge and mysterious deaths throughout the book, and I was pretty sure I knew who the guilty party was. Man, was I wrong. The author was rather devious and did a very good sleight of hand type thing. She had me focused on one person, and I was sure that they were the guilty party. Then BOOM!...she showed her other hand, and I was shocked. So shocked, I talked out loud again and said "OK, I did not see that coming!"

 I am still feeling surprised and impressed. 

 Suspense is my favorite genre', and the author filled my need for that in spades in this book. Yeah, the dinosaur dig stuff was interesting, but she wowed me with the suspense, especially at the identity of the white glove person.

 Last, but not least: One thing I appreciate about this author is the fact that she does not shy away from putting Christian content in her books. There is always discussion about Biblical truths, there are always Scriptures quoted and discussed, and her characters always struggle and grow in some way spiritually. More authors need to be like that.

 The book had a great ending, and was a great way to spend part of my day off. :)

About the author:
Kimberley Woodhouse is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than twenty-five books. A lover of history and research, she often gets sucked into the past and then her husband has to lure her out with chocolate and the promise of eighteen holes on the golf course. She loves music, kayaking, and her family. Her books have been awarded the Carol Award, Holt Medallion, Reader's Choice Award, Selah Award, Spur Award, and others. A popular speaker/teacher, she's shared with over 1,000,000 people at more than twenty-five hundred venues across the country. Married to the love of her life for three decades, she lives and writes in the Poconos where she's traded in her hat of "craziest mom" for "coolest grandma."

Find more about her and her books at  KimberleyWoodhouse.com 

                                                                 Book #1

Book #3, coming September 2024

Lethal Danger, Guardians Unleashed #4 by Jerusha Agen

Book description: 

 This K-9 team is trained to eliminate threats. This threat could eliminate them.

Being a loner is getting old. Jazz Lamont still can’t fit in at the Phoenix K-9 Agency, and she’s losing her best friend. At least providing security with her K-9 partner at the Tri-City Fair will mean revisiting the only place where she once belonged. But a series of accidents threatens her beloved fair and puts lives at risk.

Thriller author Hawthorne Emerson suspects foul play after the first “accident.” Moonlighting as fair security to investigate the death of his sister’s boyfriend, he’s eager to find the truth. He doesn’t expect the task to lead him to the cult he escaped.

Finding the culprit behind the sabotage is personal for Jazz and Hawthorne. But someone else has a personal stake, too. Someone who wants Jazz dead. When everything she thought was true is dismantled, can Jazz risk trusting others—including God—to survive?

My review:
   I am so glad I gave this series and author a try. I absolutely love this series, and was happy to see this book was finally coming out.

  I think the first book will always be my favorite - it is called the prequel, but it is technically the first book. It was published first, and by a different publisher than the rest of the books, so I am guessing that is why it gets called the prequel instead of book #1.

 But this book almost topples that one as my favorite. I have come to see Agen is a great author, but she really pulled out the stops for this 4th (5th?) book. 

 First off, the two main characters: Jazz, K-9 handler, non-Christian, who has been in all of the books since she is part of the team, and Hawthorne, confirmed bachelor, Christian, and author of thriller books...and Jazz' favorite author. And they meet in an exciting adrenaline-rush way.

 Both are complex, but likable characters. Because of how she was raised, Jazz feels like a loaner, unlovable, and doesn't even feel she belongs with her team. Hawthorne doesn't want to be tied down, or trapped by relationships.

 And the book had a great plot. The book centers around a fair that has been in the town for several years. Hawthorne is there to try to uncover the truth about the death of his little sister's boyfriend. Jazz is there as part of security, but quickly becomes the target of whoever is causing mayhem at the fair.

 Toss in romance and a cult for good measure, and you have the makings of a great romantic suspense novel.

 I absolutely loved this book. It was full of drama and suspense, and was a very difficult book to put down. (Foolish man that I am, I started it before work, and had to put it down. Would have been bad to call off from my car in the hospital parking lot.)

 I had a suspect fairly early in the book - at least halfway - and am happy to report that I was right. In fact, I was screaming inwardly at one point to Jazz "it is a trap don't do it!". :)

  Of course one thing that makes a series like this so enjoyable is having a team or other group of people that are in all of the books and come together to help protect and support. And of course that happened in this book. Jazz finally realized she was considered part of the team just as much as the others, and was valued by them......and by God.....and of course, by her favorite author. 

 I appreciate that the author doesn't shy away from a Christian message, and shares it through struggles of her characters. 

 The book had a great ending, and one of the last spoken statements had me chuckling out loud. Jazz, to Hawthorne: "There's something I have been wanting to ask you ever since we met."

 To find out the thing she asked to cause him to laugh (and anyone who reads the book), you will have to read the book. :)

 The books could be read as stand alones, as they don't make much  - if any - reference to what happened in previous books, but I would personally recommend reading them in order, as it does have references and appearances of the boyfriends/fiance's from the other books. 

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

About the author:

Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.

With a B.A. in English and a background in screenwriting, Jerusha is a speaker, writing instructor, and Fear Warrior who sounds the call to battle against fear in our everyday lives.

Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats. You’ll often find her sharing irresistibly adorable photos of them in her newsletter and on social media.

Get a free suspense story from Jerusha and find more of her thrilling, fear-fighting novels at www.JerushaAgen.com.

Check out the rest of the series:

Prequel: Rising Danger 

Book #1: Hidden Danger 

Book #2: Covert Danger 

Book #3: Unseen Danger 

And coming October 2024: Book #5:  Terminal Danger