Tag Archives: Suspense

#BookReview: Traces of Guilt by Dee Henderson

24 May

Traces of Guilt

Traces of Guilt by Dee Henderson

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/25cw0BM

 

She’s turning up the heat on Carin County’s cold cases . . .

Evie Blackwell loves her life as an Illinois State Police detective . . . mostly. She’s very skilled at investigations and has steadily moved up through the ranks. She would like to find Mr. Right, but she has a hard time imagining how marriage could work, considering the demands of her job.

Gabriel Thane grew up in Carin County and is now its sheriff, a job he loves. Gabe is committed to upholding the law and cares deeply for the residents he’s sworn to protect. He too would like to find a lifetime companion, a marriage like his parents have. . . .

When Evie arrives in Carin, Illinois, it’s to help launch a new task force focused on unsolved crimes across the state. She will work with the sheriff’s department on a couple of its most troubling missing-persons cases. As she studies old evidence to pull out a few tenuous new leads, she unearths surprising connections. One way or another, she knows Gabriel Thane and his family will be key to the answers she seeks.

 

My thoughts:

Traces of Guilt is a well-crafted procedural! Dee Henderson populates this complex story with an extensive cast of characters and a myriad of details and descriptions. As multiple story lines converged, I puzzled through the cold case investigations alongside the characters and was surprised by several twists and turns. While Evie Blackwell’s crime-solving prowess is an integral part of the narrative, the Thane family was, for me, the heart of the story. I really enjoyed Traces of Guilt and am eager to read more Cold Case novels!

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: 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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#BookReview: The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder | Murder Mystery Prize Pack #Giveaway

14 Apr

The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder

The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder by Rachel McMillan

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

In 1910 Toronto, while other bachelor girls perfect their domestic skills and find husbands, two friends perfect their sleuthing skills and find a murderer.

Inspired by their fascination with all things Sherlock Holmes, best friends and flatmates Merinda and Jem launch a consulting detective business. The deaths of young Irish women lead Merinda and Jem deeper into the mire of the city’s underbelly, where the high hopes of those dreaming to make a new life in Canada are met with prejudice and squalor.

While searching for answers, donning disguises, and sneaking around where no proper ladies would ever go, they pair with Jasper Forth, a police constable, and Ray DeLuca, a reporter in whom Jem takes a more than professional interest. Merinda could well be Toronto’s premiere consulting detective, and Jem may just find a way to put her bachelor girlhood behind her forever—if they can stay alive long enough to do so.

 

My thoughts:

“A murder scene is no place for a proper lady.”

With a nod to Sherlock and Watson, McMillan’s bachelor girls Merinda and Jem reject the social expectations of the time and set their caps on professional careers. In an effort to launch their detective business, the intrepid sleuths scour the city in search of a murderer. Along the way, they find themselves in one adventure after another and encounter drama, danger, and romance.

The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder is cleverly crafted and told from multiple points of view that change at will. For me, this was a bit jarring at times and took some getting used to, as did the occasional use of footnotes. I appreciated the wit and humor, but was hoping for more depth to the story and its characters. Ray DeLuca was the character I enjoyed most, and I delighted in his and Jem’s story. While it was not quite what I was expecting, The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder is an imaginative and entertaining tale.

 

Meet best friends and flatmates Merinda and Jem, who launch their own Sherlock Holmes-esque consulting detective business in 1910 Toronto in Rachel McMillan’s The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder. The deaths of young Irish women lead Merinda and Jem deeper into the mire of the city’s underbelly. Merinda could well be Toronto’s premiere consulting detective, and Jem may just find a way to put her bachelor girlhood behind her forever–if they can stay alive long enough to do so.

Rachel is celebrating the release of The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder with a Murder Mystery Prize Pack giveaway (details below) and an author chat party on April 28!

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One grand prize winner will receive:

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 4/28. The winner will be announced at The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Rachel and other readers, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

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RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 28th!

 

Rachel McMillan

Rachel McMillan is a keen history enthusiast and a lifelong bibliophile. When not writing or reading, she can most often be found drinking tea and watching British miniseries. Rachel lives in bustling Toronto, where she works in educational publishing and pursues her passion for art, literature, music, and theater.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

 

 

The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder

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 The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder.  

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#BookReview: Tailspin by Elizabeth Goddard

31 Mar

Tailspin

Tailspin by Elizabeth Goddard

Purchase a copy:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook

Nothing can stop Sylvie Masters from scuba diving to find her mother’s downed plane—except possibly the hit man determined to keep the truth from surfacing. When brave bush pilot Will Pierson comes to her rescue, she knows she can still reach her goal, but she needs his help. Will wants answers about the crash, too, especially since his mother was the missing plane’s pilot. He’ll be the hero Sylvie needs, but can he ever trust her? Sylvie is shrouded in secrets that keep leading her back to Mountain Cove. Secrets someone will kill for. Will may protect her, yet no one can persuade her to end her search…not even a killer.

 

Quote- Tailspin

My thoughts:

Tailspin is an adrenaline-fueled adventure! Aptly titled, Goddard sends her characters into a tailspin again and again as they race to uncover buried secrets while trying to stay alive. Just as the tagline promises, love and danger collide in this fast-paced story. Sylvie and Will’s journey is filled with drama, danger, and suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat. I really enjoyed this exciting tale and look forward to the next Mountain Cove adventure!

Tailspin is the fifth stand-alone book in the Mountain Cove series. Fans of romantic suspense are sure to enjoy this story, as well as its predecessors.

 

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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

 

Tailspin

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

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#Giveaway: Sister Dear by Laura McNeill

26 Mar

Sister Dear

Sister Dear by Laura McNeill

Add Sister Dear to your Goodreads Want To Read list!

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?

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.

 

Sister Dear Giveaway- Pinterest

To celebrate the upcoming release (April 19) of Sister Dear, Laura McNeill is giving away 3 signed copies!  Click here to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway!  The giveaway (US/CA only) ends April 10th.

 

Laura McNeill

Laura McNeill is the author of CENTER OF GRAVITY. When she is not running, reading or drinking coffee- she is hard at work on her next book. Look for SISTER DEAR on 4/19/16.

Connect with Laura:
Website | Twitter | Facebook

 

Sister Dear Giveaway (1)

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#BookReview: Annabel Lee by Mike Nappa

23 Mar

Annabel Lee

Annabel Lee by Mike Nappa

Fourteen miles east of Peachtree, Alabama, a secret is hidden.
The secret’s name is Annabel Lee.

She doesn’t know why her enigmatic uncle has stowed her deep underground in a military-style bunker. He’s left her with a few German words, a barely controlled guard dog, and a single command: “Don’t open that door for anybody, you got it? Not even me.”

Miles away in Atlanta, private investigator Trudi Coffey is visited by a mysterious older man calling himself Dr. Smith. He’s been trailing a man for a decade–a man she met through her ex-partner Samuel Hill–and the trail has led him to her office. The last thing Trudi wants to do is to contact Samuel. But it will take both of them to unravel this mystery–before it’s too late.

 

My thoughts:

Annabel Lee is a thrilling and chilling story! From the very beginning, I was enthralled and eagerly turned the pages to find out what would happen next. This gripping suspense boasts unique and memorable characters, a fast-paced story line, and twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat.  Annabel Lee was my first Mike Nappa novel, but it certainly won’t be my last. I can’t wait to continue the Coffey and Hill series!

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

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Guest Post + #Giveaway: Mary Alford

3 Mar

I’m happy to welcome Mary Alford to Buzzing About Books!
Thanks so much for visiting with us today, Mary, and for graciously offering a copy of Rocky Mountain Pursuit to one of my readers! 

Guest Post- Mary Alford 

The Dance

A few years ago, my oldest granddaughter was certain she wanted to be a dancer after she watched Angelina Ballerina. Unfortunately, for the dancing world that has since changed many times over.

I was about my granddaughter’s age when I read my first Nancy Drew mystery and knew that I wanted to create stories when I grew up. That was it. Career settled. Life put into place. If only it were that easy. At the time, I had no idea I was about to embark on the dance of a lifetime.

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Just like dancing, writing requires a lot of discipline and training.

First, you must learn the proper steps: There is nothing scarier than sitting in front of a blank computer screen for the first time and trying to write…something. It’s a huge leap to go from reading inspirational romantic suspense to actually writing it. When I wrote my first story, I had no idea all the intricate steps involved in creating a suspense story, but I wrote, I read about my craft, and I found a great network of seasoned authors who willingly shared their knowledge.

Practice, Practice, Practice: It you don’t use it you lose it. In other words, to improve as a dancer or a writer, you have to work through all the self-doubt and times when life gets in the way.

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In the beginning, writing was a trial and error experience for me. I confess I tried other genres in the process before I came back to my first love, inspirational romantic suspense. Some wise author once told me, write what you enjoy reading and then perfect it. In other words, if you don’t read contemporary romance, then don’t try to write it.

Submitting a manuscript the first time can be a frightening experience. After you’ve polished and perfected your baby, it’s time to send it out into the world and let it stand on its own. And that’s just the beginning. You wait and wait until one day you receive news about your baby. Only it’s not what you were hoping. The dreaded rejection letter arrives and it feels as if someone slugged you in the stomach hard. This wasn’t what I expected. To quote my granddaughter, “Now what”? Well, some rejection letters are form letters. Those you file away. Others have comments from the editor who reviewed it. Those you can gain little pearls of wisdom to help you along your way…but you have to put aside your hurt feelings and listen. You can’t take it personal. Publishing is a business. A very hard one at that.

It’s finally Showtime! What do you mean I’ll be dancing by myself?

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For me, ten years of writing came down to five minutes in the spotlight. In 2012, I entered the Speed Dating Contest that editor Emily Rodmell hosted and I was one of the lucky ones who got an appointment to chat with Emily. On the day of the pitch, I was on vacation in Colorado. At our cabin, internet service is nonexistent. I could have given up and said, well, that’s it, better luck next time, but I didn’t. My husband and I drove into the small town of Pagosa Springs where I did the entire chat on my laptop in the parking lot of the Ace Hardware Store.

Emily was kind enough to request a synopsis although I was so nervous she probably didn’t understand anything I told her. I promptly sent the synopsis out to her. Then she requested the first three chapters followed by the full manuscript. With each request, I tried not to get my hopes up.

Forgotten Past

In December 2012, Emily called. To this day, I can’t tell you what she said to me other than that she wanted to buy FORGOTTEN PAST for Love Inspired Suspense. It was a surreal moment. One that still hasn’t fully sunken in yet. It’s a great feeling to have your dream become a reality and even greater to hold your book in your hands.

But Would There Be A Second Dance? For most authors who have been published, selling the second book can be even more daunting. For me, the answer to that question was yes, there would be a second dance.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN PURSUIT is available now!

Rocky Mountain PursuitEveryone believes agent Jase Bradford is dead—everyone but Reyna Peterson. Only he can protect her now that someone wants the information her CIA husband died to secure. As the one member of their spy team not killed, Jase must remain in the shadows. Yet when Reyna leads the enemy right to his mountain refuge and blows his cover, Jase risks his life for hers. As his best friend’s beautiful widow scales the walls around his heart, whether out of loyalty or love, he makes it his duty to secure her safety. But when their pursuers trap them in the snowy Colorado mountains, will it become his final mission?

Available at:
Harlequin, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other fine booksellers

 

MAlford- 4

So to quote Garth Brooks’ famous song, The Dance, “I could have missed the pain, but I’d have had to miss the dance”.

And what a dance it is.

What about you? What dreams are dancing around in your head? Whether it is becoming a published author or something else, I’d love to hear how you’ve overcome the obstacles along the way to your Showtime?

I’ll be giving away a signed print copy of ROCKY MOUNTAIN PURSUIT, my second Love Inspired Suspense, to one random person who comments. Thanks for stopping by! ~ Mary

Giveaway- Rocky Mountain Pursuit

GIVEAWAY DETAILS – (US only) 

Thanks to Mary’s generosity, one lucky reader will win a signed copy of Rocky Mountain Pursuit!

To enter the giveaway:
Leave a comment below, and be sure to include your email address. The giveaway ends Tuesday, March 8 at midnight CST, and a winner will be chosen and announced on March 9th.

To earn additional entries:
Follow this blog, Buzzing About Books, 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.
◦US residents, 18 and older, are eligible to enter.

 

Mary AlfordMary Alford is a Texan whose debut novel, FORGOTTEN PAST is now available at Love Inspired Suspense.  When Mary’s not dreaming up people in dangerous situations and writing them down, she’s also a mom, wife, grandmother, avid reader, a proud geek-girl.  For occasional updates and news about upcoming publications, please go to the contact form on her website and subscribe to her newsletter!

Author links:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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#Giveaway: COLD SHOT by Dani Pettrey

25 Feb

Cold Shot

COLD SHOT by Dani Pettrey

Purchase links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping

In college, Griffin McCray and his four best friends had their lives planned out. Griffin and Luke Gallagher would join the Baltimore PD. Declan Gray would head to the FBI, and Parker Mitchell would go on to graduate school as a crime scene analyst. But then Luke vanished before graduation and their world–and friendships–crumbled.

Now Griffin is a park ranger at Gettysburg, having left life as a SWAT-team sniper when a case went bad. The job is mostly quiet–until the day he captures two relic hunters uncovering skeletal remains near Little Round Top. Griffin just wants the case to go away, but charming forensic anthropologist Finley Scott determines that the body is modern–a young social justice lawyer missing since spring–and all evidence points to the work of an expert sniper.

When FBI agent Declan Gray takes over the case, past and present collide. Griffin soon realizes he’ll need to confront some of the darkest days of his life if he–and those he cares about–are going to escape a downward spiral of murder that crosses continents.

 

My thoughts:

COLD SHOT is a great romantic suspense! This first book in an exciting new series by beloved author Dani Pettrey introduces readers to a cast of complex and intriguing characters. I really enjoyed getting to know this band of brothers and am eager to learn more about them as the series progresses.

I loved Griffin and Finley and their romantic chemistry! Struggling with issues from their pasts, it was great to experience their emotional and spiritual journeys as the story unfolded. COLD SHOT enthralled me from beginning to end as murders, investigations, and a tangle of twists and turns kept me guessing.

I am really excited about the adventures that await in this new series! As much as I loved the McKenna family from the Alaskan Courage series, I have a sneaking suspicion that I just might love the “brothers” of Chesapeake Valor even more. We’ll see!  

 

Giveaway- Cold Shot

GIVEAWAY DETAILS – (US only)
Thanks to the generosity of Dani Pettrey and Bethany House Publishers, one lucky reader will win a print copy of COLD SHOT!

To enter the giveaway:
Leave a comment below, and be sure to include your email address. The giveaway ends Tuesday, March 1 at midnight CST. The winner will be drawn, emailed, and announced on March 2nd.  If the winner does not claim their prize within 3 days, another winner will be drawn.  

To earn additional entries:
Follow this blog, Buzzing About Books, and/or share the giveaway via social media. 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.
◦US residents, 18 and older, are eligible to enter.

 

DaniSpring2016

Dani Pettrey is the acclaimed author of the brand new romantic suspense Chesapeake Valor series, as well as the well-loved Alaskan Courage series which includes her bestselling novels Submerged, Shattered, Stranded, Silenced, and Sabotaged. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland, where they enjoy time with their daughters, son-in-law, and super-adorable grandson.

Author Links:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

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#BookReview: Cold Shot by Dani Pettrey | Chesapeake Valor Prize Pack #Giveaway

16 Feb

Cold Shot

Cold Shot by Dani Pettrey

Purchase links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping

In college, Griffin McCray and his four best friends had their lives planned out. Griffin and Luke Gallagher would join the Baltimore PD. Declan Gray would head to the FBI and Parker Mitchell would go on to graduate school as a crime scene analyst. But then Luke vanished before graduation and their world–and friendships–crumbled.

Now Griffin is a park ranger at Gettysburg, having left life as a SWAT-team sniper when a case went bad. The job is mostly quiet–until the day he captures two relic hunters uncovering skeletal remains near Little Round Top. Griffin just wants the case to go away, but charming forensic anthropologist Finley Scott determines that the body is modern–a young social justice lawyer missing since spring–and all evidence points to the work of an expert sniper. When FBI agent Declan Gray takes over the case, past and present collide. Griffin soon realizes he’ll need to confront some of the darkest days of his life if he–and those he cares about–are going to escape a downward spiral of murder that crosses continents.

 

My thoughts:

Cold Shot is a great romantic suspense! This first book in an exciting new series by beloved author Dani Pettrey introduces readers to a cast of complex and intriguing characters. I really enjoyed getting to know this band of brothers and am eager to learn more about them as the series progresses.

I loved Griffin and Finley and their romantic chemistry! Struggling with issues from their pasts, it was great to experience their emotional and spiritual journeys as the story unfolded. Cold Shot enthralled me from beginning to end, as murders, investigations, and a tangle of twists and turns kept me guessing.

I am really excited about the adventures that await in this new series. As much as I loved the McKenna family from the Alaskan Courage series, I have a sneaking suspicion that I just might love the “brothers” of Chesapeake Valor even more. We’ll see!

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

 

chesapeake valor prize pack

Bethany House Publishers is celebrating the release of Cold Shot with a Chesapeake Valor Prize Pack Giveaway!  Enter here!!

 

Dani Pettrey

Dani Pettrey is the acclaimed author of the romantic suspense series Alaskan Courage.  She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland, where they enjoy time with their daughters, son-in-law, and super-adorable grandson.

Author Links:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

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Friday Freebie

12 Feb

Freebie Graphic- BuzzingAboutBooks.com

 

River of Danger

River of Danger by Alexa Verde

Kindle

Dallas reporter River Montenegro returns to her hometown, Rios Azules, in south Texas to aid her father, a constantly recovering alcoholic. After the notorious Smiling Killer strikes close to her home — and her own neck, River grudgingly accepts help from her childhood friend and first love, who unknowingly crushed her heart.

When his formerly awkward school buddy is being stalked and attacked, local newspaper editor and town favorite Jacob Forrester decides to protect River. Falling for River, who blossomed into a confident, beautiful woman, Jacob is also eager to take their friendship to a different level. But River always made it clear she wouldn’t stick around.

Scarred and scared, River has fled to the big city lights once. But she’s stronger now. The homegrown killer better be prepared because not all Rivers run…

River of Danger is a prequel to the Secrets of Rios Azules Series, followed by Book 1, Color of Danger. The series is set in Rios Azules, a small Texas town where rivers and emotions run deep, and the richest family in town has a fine taste for food, jewelry, and murder. 

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