Tag Archives: Contemporary fiction

#BookReview + 3 Book #Giveaway: Smoke and Mirrors

23 Jun

Smoke and Mirrors

Smoke and Mirrors

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/28QhYn7

Eight brand new, never before released contemporary romantic suspense novellas from today’s bestselling Christian authors in one anthology collection!

THE LONG VIEW by Connie Almony: J.T. MacGregor is ex-FBI and training with terrorists. When his former boss makes an unusual request, J.T. wonders about his motives and how he can use them to his advantage. Destiny Long is no stranger to her father’s covert world of catching terrorists, but who is he after now? When J.T., the man behind the one kiss she will never forget joins a fitness club owned by a suspected member of ISIS and he’s found praying head-first into a tasseled rug, she wonders what side of the war on terror is J.T. MacGregor really on.

TAKEN by Sally Bradley: Cam Winters has never talked about his past, about life before he became a Christian. Jordan Foster knows that Cam’s a strong, caring man–a man she can see herself with. But he refuses to ask her out for fear of what her brother, one of his closest friends, might say. So Jordan takes things into her own hands. When Cam admits to sharing her feelings, the two fall quickly in love–just as that past that Cam won’t ever talk about returns for Cam and those he loves. A group which now includes Jordan.

ON THE ROPES by Hallee Bridgeman: Doctor Ruth Burnette is placed in witness protection after witnessing a Russian mafia execution. Just a week before the trial, Victor Kovalev finds her. Memories of planning her wedding with Victor are wiped clean by the vision of his father executing three men. Does he want to help her survive to her testimony, or is he trying to stop it all together?

OUT OF CIRCULATION by Heather Day Gilbert: When Russian mobsters threaten small-town librarian Katie McClure, she is forced to accept an offer of protection from Manhattan bodyguard Ace Calhoun. As they race the clock to find a long-hidden bank stash, Katie discovers too late that Ace might be the wrong man to trust with her life…and her heart.

DANGEROUS ALTERNATIVE by Kelli Hughett: Summer in Southern California doesn’t get any hotter than this. When Levi Boulter agrees to work for the FBI behind the scenes in Hollywood, he never plans on becoming an operative working to thwart a plan to assassinate the President’s wife—or on keeping a deadly secret from Mahari, the love of his life. When Mahari is kidnapped, Levi makes the gamble of his life in order to save her. Will Levi’s secret divide them forever, or will they come together in time to stop an assassination?

IDENTITY THEFT by Alana Terry: After losing her fiancé in a devastating accident, Lacy meets Kurtis, an Alaska state trooper, and his delightful four-year-old daughter who would love nothing more than to make Lacy her new mom. Things could be perfect, except Lacy can’t shake the nagging suspicion that her fiancé isn’t dead like the police reports claim. All she wants is closure, but as she seeks out real answers, she discovers how deadly the truth can actually be.

OBSESSION by Rachel Trautmiller: A surge in crime has left two homeless women dead and Detective Amanda Nettles’ Alzheimer’s-riddled mother as the prime suspect. As his wife embarks on a dangerous game of hide-and-seek with a remorseless serial killer, FBI Agent Baker Jackson Robinson knows he can’t sit idly while the city of Charlotte destroys Amanda’s career a second time. Is her near decade-long obsession with protecting her hometown bigger than the needs of her family? Or are they one and the same?

SCENT OF DANGER by Alexa Verde: To find her missing sister, small-town cop Maya Hutchinson risks her life by posing as her glamorous twin. Under escalating attacks, Maya accepts protection from dashing senator’s son Connor McNamara. Cop turned PI, Connor McNamara has his own secret mission and is forced to choose between family loyalty and love. When the scent of danger draws near, will Connor and Maya survive long enough to forgive and accept each other?

 

My thoughts:

With a shared theme of hidden identity, these eight stories boast engaging characters and intriguing story lines. I was pleased to discover several authors I hadn’t read before and delighted to read more from those I had previously enjoyed. There were some stories I enjoyed more than others in the anthology, and Scent of Danger and Dangerous Alternative were my favorites.  Smoke and Mirrors is a great collection and a recommended read for fans of romantic suspense!

 

Giveaway- Smoke and Mirrors

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Alexa Verde has graciously offered to give away 2 e-copies of Smoke and Mirrors and an e-copy of one of her books, winner’s choice! 

To enter the giveaway:
Leave a comment below, and be sure to include your email address. The giveaway ends Monday, June 27 at midnight CDT.  3 winners will be chosen and announced on Tuesday, June 28.

To earn additional entries:
Follow this blog and/or share the giveaway. Be sure to let me know what you’ve done to earn additional entries! This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

Contest Rules:
◦No purchase is necessary.
◦Odds of winning are based on number of entries.

 

About the Author:

Alexa Verde fell in love with writing at age eight when she penned her first poem. After publishing 200 short stories, poems, and articles in the five languages she speaks, Alexa has turned her creative passion to writing novels. Her May 2014 debut inspirational romantic suspense, COLOR OF DANGER, is the first in her Secrets of Rios Azules series—set in a fictional small Texas town where rivers and emotions run deep and the richest family in town has a fine taste for food, jewelry, and murder.

Visit Alexa online: Website, Facebook, Goodreads

 

Smoke and Mirrors

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

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#BookReview: Jilted by Varina Denman | Sweet Summertime #Giveaway

22 Jun

Jilted

Jilted by Varina Denmna

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/237iWMF

Lynda Turner has struggled with depression since her husband abandoned her and their young daughter fifteen years ago.

Yet unexpected hope awakens when a local ex-convict shows interest. As long-hidden secrets resurface, Lynda must fight for her emotional stability and for a life where the shadow of shame is replaced by the light of love.

Jilted tells of a woman who has lost the joy of living, a man determined to draw her back toward happiness, and a town that must—once and for all—leave the past where it belongs. It is a gentle reminder that all things can work together for good.

 

My thoughts:

Once again, Varina Denman deftly tackles tough topics as she brings the residents of Trapp to life and shares Lynda Turner’s journey. Fans of this series are sure to delight in the opportunity to revisit this west Texas town and the characters they’ve come to know through the first two books, Jaded and Justified. Although Jilted can be read as a stand-alone story, reading the trilogy in order will offer a greater understanding of the characters and their stories.

I enjoyed delving deeper into Lynda’s story and appreciated the inspirational messages it offered. While the novel’s pacing is a bit slow, it does befit the nature of the narrative. Jilted is a well-written and satisfying conclusion to the Mended Hearts series!

 

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Celebrate the release of Varina’s Jilted by entering to win a $50 gift card.

One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A copy of Jilted to kick off a summer of reading
  • A $50 Kohl’s gift card to make your summertime sweet

The giveaway ends on July 1st. The winner will be announced July 5th on Varina’s website.

 

Varina Denman

Varina Denman is author of the Mended Hearts series and a native Texan. She spent her high school years in a rural town and now writes stories about the struggles women face in similar small town settings. She and her husband live near Fort Worth, where they enjoy spending time with their five mostly grown children.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

 

Jilted

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own. Click here to read what other bloggers are saying about Jilted.

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#BookReview: Medical Judgment | E-Reader #Giveaway

14 Jun

Medical Judgment

Medical Judgment by Richard Mabry, M.D.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1PjHaAz

Dr. Sarah Gordon lost her husband and daughter. Now she’s about to lose her life.

After losing the two people she loved the most, Sarah Gordon doesn’t think life could get worse. But, after a fire in her garage is ruled an arson, she begins to realize someone is after her—and that person wants to see her dead. But first, they want to see her suffer.

Her late husband’s best friend, Kyle Andrews, and a recovering alcoholic detective, Bill Larson, are trying to solve the mystery before it’s too late, and they’re both trying to win her heart, too. Not only does Sarah feel torn between two men, she also feels as though she cannot trust anyone.

With creepy threats that become more and more sinister, Sarah finds herself in constant fear, but even the best home alarm technology won’t protect her. Who is doing this, and why are they after her?

 

My thoughts:

If you enjoy medical drama laced with suspense, Medical Judgment just might be what the doctor ordered!

Recovering from the tragic loss of her family, Dr. Sarah Gordon finds herself the target of harassment. As the threats escalate, she begins to suspect those around her and is unsure who to trust. I am a fan of medical dramas, and while the medical elements were not as prevalent as I hoped, they were present and engaging. The elements of intrigue and suspense were woven through the narrative and several characters came to mind as possible perpetrators. Although I would have liked more depth of story, Medical Judgment was enjoyable and kept me guessing until the end.

 

Join Richard in celebrating the release of Medical Judgment by entering to win an e-reader!

medical judgment - 400

One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A copy of Medical Judgment
  • A Kindle Fire HD 6

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on June 21st. The winner will be announced June 22nd on the Litfuse blog.

medical judgment - enterbanner

 

Dr. Mabry

Dr. Richard Mabry is a retired physician who writes “medical suspense with heart.” His novels have won multiple awards: a semifinalist for International Thriller Writers’ debut novel; finalists for the Carol Award, Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, and Romantic Times’ Reader’s Choice Award; and both finalist and winner of the Selah Award. He and his wife live in Frisco, Texas.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

 

Medical Judgment

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.  All thoughts expressed are my own.  Click here to read what other bloggers are saying about Medical Judgment.

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#BookReview: Deception by Elizabeth Goddard

13 Jun

Deception

Deception by Elizabeth Goddard

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/1Uwdahd

Jewel Caraway thought she’d left her mistakes in the past—but then her past arrives at her door. Though she’s thrilled to reunite with her estranged sister, something about her sister’s new husband makes Jewel uneasy. Does he know her secret? Is he the one behind the growing list of attacks against her? And if he is involved…does that mean her sister is, too? With nowhere else to turn, Jewel must rely on police chief Colin Winters—the first man to make the widow question her resolve to never love again. But will he stay by her side when her guarded secrets are revealed?

 

Deception graphic

My thoughts:

Elizabeth Goddard delivers another action-packed adventure in Deception! The drama unfolds quickly in this fast-paced story, and danger lurks around every corner. I really enjoyed the intrigue of Jewel and Colin’s story; it kept me turning the pages as I puzzled over secrets and suspects. I also enjoyed the vivid imagery of the Alaskan wilderness and the inspirational threads that were woven through the narrative. Deception is an exciting tale and a recommended read for fans of romantic suspense!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

 

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Elizabeth Goddard is an award-winning author of eighteen romance and romantic suspense novels, including the romantic mystery, The Camera Never Lies—winner of the prestigious Carol Award in 2011. After acquiring her computer science degree, she worked at a software firm before eventually retiring to raise her four children and become a professional writer. A member of several writing organizations, she judges numerous contests and mentors new writers. In addition to writing, she home schools her children and serves with her husband in ministry.

Connect with Beth:
Website | Facebook | Twitter

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#BookReview: The Quieting by Suzanne Woods Fisher

30 May

The Quieting

The Quieting by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1UpvPxH

The Stoltzfus family faces serious problems, both in the church and at home. Everyone in the community expects minister David Stoltzfus to fix things–fast. But David doesn’t work fast. He prefers to wait for God to work in individual hearts. However, even he is left wondering if the solution to their most pressing problem might be a Quieting.

When David’s mother arrives, uninvited, more upheaval is in store. She has matchmaking plans for everyone in the family, including David and her eligible granddaughters–and especially for David’s niece Abigail. When Abigail stumbles onto a curious connection during her genealogical research, it could help David solve one problem–but will it create another?

 

My thoughts:

The Quieting is a great story! Suzanne Woods Fisher welcomes readers back to Stoney Ridge in this second installment of The Bishop’s Family series. While The Quieting continues a story line that began in Book 1, The Imposter, it can easily be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel.

As problems continue to plague the church and community, David Stoltzfus struggles to find the right solutions. I really enjoyed David’s journey, as well as the relationship that developed between his niece Abigail and Dane Glick. Fisher brings this story to life with memorable characters, an engaging plot, and wonderful wit and wisdom. I delight in spending time in the quaint community of Stoney Ridge and look forward to returning as the series continues!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

 

The Quieting graphic

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#BookReview: Silence in the Dark

27 May

Silence in the Dark

Silence in the Dark by Patricia Bradley

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/25mzQrW

Bailey Adams is running for her life . . . again.

When Bailey Adams left Logan Point two years ago she thought she was getting away from her problems. Running into her ex-fiancé Danny Maxwell was not part of the plan–neither was being chased through the city by the local drug cartel, the Calatrava. Now despite her best efforts, Danny is her only chance of escaping the people chasing her and getting back to Logan Point safely. Can Bailey find the strength to face what’s coming? And in the midst of the chaos, can she keep herself from falling in love with her rescuer all over again?

 

My thoughts:

Silence in the Dark is an intriguing tale! Patricia Bradley takes readers from Mexico to Mississippi in a fast-paced story of suspense and second chances.

The action and adventure start on the first page and continue until the very end! The diverse cast of characters kept me engaged, and I enjoyed the relationships that developed as the story unfolded. While fans of the Logan Point series are sure to enjoy Bailey and Danny’s story, this novel can also be enjoyed independently of its predecessors.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

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#BookReview: Sins of the Past

25 May

Sins of the Past

Sins of the Past: A Romantic Suspense Novella Collection

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1XUEr2j

In Dee Henderson’s “Missing,” a Wyoming sheriff is called to Chicago when his elderly mother goes missing. Paired with a savvy Chicago cop, the two realize her disappearance is no accident, and a race against the clock begins.

Dani Pettrey returns to Alaska with “Shadowed,” introducing readers to the parents of her beloved McKenna clan. Adventure, romance, and danger collide when a young fisherman nets the body of an open-water swimming competitor who may actually be a possible Russian defector.

Lynette Eason’s “Blackout” delivers the story of a woman once implicated in a robbery gone wrong. The loot has never been found–but her memory of that night has always been unreliable. Can she remember enough to find her way to safety when the true culprit comes after her?

 

My thoughts:

Sins of the Past is a great collection! These three beloved and bestselling authors have shared engaging stories “where the past will not stay buried” and “danger will never go away”.

“Missing”- Dee Henderson kept me guessing with this novella, puzzling more over the “why” than the “who”.

“Shadowed”- I loved Dani Pettrey’s Alaskan Courage series, so I was delighted to learn more about the McKenna parents and their journey.

“Blackout”- Lynette Eason captivated me with this nail-biting suspense!

I am a fan of each of these authors, so enjoying them together in one book was a real treat! Each of their stories is uniquely told and boasts intrigue, adventure, and romance. I thoroughly enjoyed Sins of the Past and recommend this collection to fans of romantic suspense!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

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#BookReview: Someone Like You | 5 Book #Giveaway

23 May

Someone Like You

Someone Like You by Victoria Bylin

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1TPfW3k

A brand new Christian, Julia is busy trying to run her own business, spend time with her widowed mother, and raise her young son, Max, despite his father’s less-than-ideal influence on him. When a big account from her event-planning business sends her to the Caliente Springs resort, she’s shocked to come face-to-face with Zeke Monroe, the resort’s general manager and her college sweetheart.

With his faith in tatters, Zeke Monroe is determined to keep the historic Caliente Springs resort running despite financial difficulties. But when Julia walks back into his life, he can’t ignore the feelings she stirs up. As they work together on an important client’s dream wedding, the fate of the resort soon depends on their success. When Zeke and Julia are pushed to their limits both personally and professionally, will their history put up walls between them or bring them together?

 

My thoughts:

Someone Like You is a heartwarming story! Zeke and Julia are former college sweethearts who unexpectedly cross paths again. Although these two have a history, will they be able to enjoy a future together?

With likable characters, real-life drama, and sweet romance, Someone Like You is a story of second chances. I delighted in Zeke and Julia’s journey and loved the charm of Caliente Springs. It was a pleasure to visit this picturesque resort and get to know the people (and animals) that live and work there. I must say, Ladybug is an entertaining character who just might deserve a story all her own. 😉

Victoria Bylin infuses humor and heart into her novels, and I look forward to reading more!

 

Click the image below to enter to win a copy of Someone Like You—five winners will be chosen!  The winners will be announced June 1 on the Litfuse blog!

Someone Like You Giveaway

 

Victoria Bylin

Victoria Bylin writes contemporary and historical romances known for their realistic, relatable characters. Her work has finaled in contests such as the Carol Awards, the RITAs, and the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award. A native of California, she and her husband now make their home in Lexington, Kentucky.

 

Someone Like You
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.  All thoughts expressed are my own.  Click here to read what other bloggers are saying about Someone Like You.

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#BookReview: Her One and Only | Porter Prize Pack #Giveaway

18 May

Her One and Only

Her One and Only by Becky Wade

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1NrA4cO

After ten years in the NFL, super star Gray Fowler is accustomed to obsessive fans.

But when Gray starts receiving death threats from a stalker, his team hires an executive protection agency to guard him until the culprit is caught. Dealing with bodyguards 24/7 is a headache, especially when one of them is a young, beautiful woman. How can a female half his size possibly protect him better than he can protect himself?

Dru Porter is a former Marine, an expert markswoman, and a black belt—none of which saved her from disaster on her last assignment. In order to rebuild her tarnished reputation, she’s determined to find Gray’s stalker and, since relationships between agents and clients are forbidden, avoid a romantic attachment between herself and the rugged football player with the mysterious past.

Yet every secret that leads Dru closer to the stalker also draws her closer to Gray. As the danger escalates, they’ll survive only if they can learn to trust their lives—and their hearts—to one another.

 

My thoughts:

Her One and Only is a charming romance! Humor and heart are hallmarks of Becky Wade’s writing, and fans are sure to delight in her fourth and final book of the Porter Family series.

While there were times I would have liked more showing and less telling, I did enjoy Dru and Gray’s story. The chemistry between these two is palpable and really ignites as their relationship develops. I enjoyed their emotional and spiritual growth and appreciated the unique plot elements and the thread of suspense that is woven through the story. Letting go is the theme that carries through the novel, and it seems especially fitting as this concludes the Porter Family series.

Her One and Only is a great culmination of this beloved series!

 

Meet Dru Porter, former Marine, expert markswoman, and black belt—who also happens to be assigned as a bodyguard to star NFL tight end Gray Fowler. Don’t miss the final Porter family novel by Becky Wade, Her One and Only. Gray starts receiving death threats from a stalker, and Dru is determined to find his stalker. Every secret that leads Dru closer to the stalker also draws her closer to Gray. As the danger escalates, they’ll survive only if they can learn to trust their lives—and their hearts—to one another.

Join Becky in celebrating the release of Her One and Only by entering to win her Porter prize pack and $100 cash card giveaway!

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One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A copy of Her One and Only
  • A $100 cash card
  • Follow Your Heart tote bag
  • 24 oz Tervis Wonder Woman Tumbler
  • The Blind Side DVD
  • Necklace with star charm
  • Porter Family navy jersey
her one and only - prize collage

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on May 31st. The winner will be announced June 1st on the Litfuse blog.

her-one-and-only-enter

 

B. Wade
Becky Wade is a native of California who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and now lives in Dallas. A favorite among readers of Christian contemporary romance, Becky has won a Carol Award, an Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, and an INSPY Award.

 

Her One and Only
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.  All thoughts expressed are my own.  Click here to read what other bloggers are saying about Her One and Only. 

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#BookReview: Sister Dear by Laura McNeill

10 May

Sister Dear

Sister Dear by Laura McNeill

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/24TOGXK

Convicted of a crime she didn’t commit, Allie watched a decade of her life vanish — time that can never be recovered. Now, out on parole, Allie is determined to clear her name, rebuild her life, and reconnect with the daughter she barely knows.

But Allie’s return home shatters the quaint, coastal community of Brunswick, Georgia. Even her own daughter Caroline, now a teenager, bristles at Allie’s claims of innocence. Refusing defeat, a stronger, smarter Allie launches a battle for the truth, digging deeply into the past even if it threatens her parole status, personal safety, and the already-fragile bond with family.

As her commitment to finding the truth intensifies, what Allie ultimately uncovers is far worse than she imagined. Her own sister has been hiding a dark secret—one that holds the key to Allie’s freedom.

 

My thoughts:

All Allie Marshall wants is a fresh start. But when dark secrets refuse to stay buried, will her chance at a new life be shattered forever?

Sister Dear is a unique and compelling read! Laura McNeill draws readers into this intriguing story and keeps them turning the pages until the very end. Written from multiple points of view, the narrative twists and turns as information surfaces and secrets are revealed. A well-written and cleverly crafted tale, Sister Dear will appeal to fans of suspense and psychological dramas.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.  All thoughts expressed are my own.  Click here to read what other bloggers are saying about Sister Dear.

 

Laura McNeill

Laura McNeill is a writer, web geek, travel enthusiast, and coffee drinker. In her former life, she was a television news anchor for CBS News affiliates in New York and Alabama. Laura holds a master’s degree in journalism from The Ohio State University and is completing a graduate program in interactive technology at the University of Alabama. When she’s not writing and doing homework, she enjoys running, yoga, and spending time at the beach. She lives in Mobile, AL with her family.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

 

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