Cold Vengeance

 

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Cold Vengeance by Nancy Mehl hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Cold Vengeance 

Series: Ryland & St. Clair #3 

Author: Nancy Mehl 

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 

Release Date: July 16, 2024 

Genre: Romantic Suspense 

When a renowned crime podcaster vanishes without a trace, former FBI behavioral analysts turned private investigators River Ryland and Tony St. Clair are called upon to track her down. As they wade through the evidence she left behind, they unearth a startling connection--she may have discovered the existence of an unknown serial killer, and he will stop at nothing to carry out a deadly plan. 

As the pair delves deeper, they soon find themselves the target of a relentless enemy determined to silence them. With their lives--and hearts--on the line, can they confront the evil that threatens them before it consumes them both? 

USA Today bestselling author Nancy Mehl brings her Ryland & St. Clair series to an explosive close with a pulse-pounding story where the stakes are high and silence is deadly.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

More Books from this Series:

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About the Author

Nancy Mehl is the author of more than fifty books, a Parable and ECPA bestseller, and the winner of an ACFW Book of the Year Award, a Carol Award, and the Daphne du Maurier Award. She has also been a finalist for the Christy Award. Nancy writes from her home in Missouri, where she lives with her husband, Norman, and their puggle, Watson.

Connect with Nancy by visiting NancyMehl.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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My Review 

I have enjoyed River and Tony, the two main characters of this series and seeing their relationship grow throughout. They not only make a great investigative team, but a terrific couple.They have each other’s back and want the best for each other. 

The disappearance of April, a cold case podcaster, leads River and Tony to not only to try and locate her but also to review all of the cases she was investigating. This was interesting and unique to the story since they helped solve the majority of them based upon the work that April had previously completed. What happened to April and who was behind her vanishing provided an unexpected twist. 

The killer who has been after River and Tony is lurking in the background.  It was interesting to see River facing her fear of confronting the killer again. Her faith was strong and really helped her to be able to overcome that which has haunted her. There were some tense moments that I wasn’t sure what was going to be the outcome.

If you are a fan of Christian romantic suspense, I highly recommend reading this series. You will want to read the other two books in the series before reading this one since it is a continuation. 

 

I voluntarily reviewed this complimentary copy of the book provided by the publisher, NetGalley, and Just Read Tours. All views are my opinion in which I was not required to write a review.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive the complete paperback set of the Ryland & St. Clair series and a $15 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight July 24, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on July 31, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

To Have and to Scold

 About the Book: 

Dallas Olivia Cardon is moments away from being crowned senior wedding planner at the big-city firm of her dreams when a misunderstanding leads to her getting fired.

Rushing off to lick her wounds at her new job in Willow Cove, Dallas figures a few months on the beach couldn’t hurt as she tries to rebuild her portfolio and her reputation. She even meets a hot, flirty guy on her very first day in town. Maybe this temporary position might actually be a little enjoyable?

Maybe not.

Beck Billingsly is Willow Cove’s most eligible bachelor, but he’s not interested in settling down. His past has taught him that commitment equals heartbreak. He only wants to run his hometown construction company, serve the people he grew up idolizing, and play too much beach volleyball.

So when a case of mistaken identity ends up putting him at odds with the new event planner, he finds her no-nonsense, git ‘er done personality frustrating.

Unfortunately, they have to figure out how to build a seaside event center for the wedding of the year without killing each other. Even more unfortunately, their verbal spars leave him wanting more, and he cannot get her out of his head.

It just may be impossible for him to let her go.

My Review: 

You are sure to love and laugh with the opening of this book. Prince Harry, the llama, once again escapes his enclosure and greets newcomer, Dallas Cardon, to Willow Cove. Dallas is here to redeem her reputation as a wedding planner after her huge wedding cake mixup in Atlanta. This small coastal town with all of its amazing people is just what Dallas needs gain back her confidence.

Beck Billingsley has been hurt in his last relationship and is not looking to start again. But, when Dallas has to work with him and his construction company on the new wedding venue, it’s going to be hard to hold to his resolve. As the deadline approaches for the mansion to be completed and the first wedding scheduled, Beck and Dallas find their relationship growing and developing in ways neither one of them expected.

Things to enjoy:
pets
dual POV
professional hugger
beachfront mansion
the Death List
volleyball lesson
wedding beach fiasco

This is the third book in the Sweet Coastal Kisses series. It can be read as a standalone, but you'll enjoy reading the other books. There are characters from the other two books that are in this story, and it's nice, but not necessary, to know their backstory.

I voluntarily reviewed this complimentary copy of the book. All views are my opinion in which I was not required to write a review.

The Lady Glass

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Theresia Dvorak has nothing left of her parents—nothing save her dowry, a priceless crystal vase stolen and sold by her own stepmother. Theresia will do anything to secure what is rightfully hers—even assume a false identity and steal her future back. When she gains entrance to a house party and has a memorable run-in with the handsome naval captain Rolland Reese, her mission is compromised. She swore never to trust an Englishman again, but when he makes a daring proposal she cannot refuse, she must work side by side with him if either of them is to achieve their aim.

Rolland is stunned when his homecoming from the war takes a decidedly deadly turn. The quickest solution is to throw a house party and invite all the suspects. With the stakes incredibly high, Rolland must root out the killer before they turn their sights to the next potential victim: his own father. The mysterious Theresia is undoubtedly the most suspicious of his guests, but against all odds, he finds himself risking everything to protect her. As Rolland unravels a tangle of clues, he faces the greatest threats of all: a heart of fire and a future as fragile as glass.

AUTHOR BIO

Anneka R. Walker is a best-selling author of historical and contemporary romance. With humor and an abundance of heart, she crafts uplifting stories you won't soon forget. She is the winner of the Swoony Award, the LDSPMA Praiseworthy Award, and various chapter contests. Her books have received praise from Publishers Weekly, Historical Novel Society, Midwest Book Review, and Readers Favorite. She graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in English and history and hopes to never stop learning. She is a blessed wife, proud mother of five, lover of Jesus, connoisseur of chocolate, and believer in happy endings.

MY REVIEW 

This Cinderella retelling is like no other that I have read. I loved it! Theresia Dvorak was sent away from her home and has now returned to claim her dowry, the prized glass vase her father made for her. But, her evil stepmother has made underhanded dealings and the vase is no longer at the house. Theresia’s only hope in getting it back is to attend a house party that she hasn’t even been chosen as a guest. 

I loved the fun and original twists on the fairy tale. One of my favorites was how Theresia loses her slipper. You will have your heart racing as Theresia meets Rolland on her quest to find her family heirloom. You are sure to laugh throughout the story as they spar with words. Having spies in the story was something I enjoyed that added mystery and intrigue.

I highly recommend readers of all ages to choose this book. It is a standalone, but there are also two other books that are in the series. Here are some additional things to love:

 

Spunky FMC

Thwarting a thief

Benevolent godfather

Gypsies

Climbing trellises

Banter

Humor

Secrets

Crumbling ruins

Thank you to AustenProse for the opportunity to participate in the book tour. I received an advanced reader copy of this book and was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Prodigy and the Diamond

About the Book: 

When love is won by virtue of a wager, who knew it could be lost within ten days?

Oliver Fernley is a musical prodigy. After a few years of tutoring pupils on various instruments, Oliver has decided his current course has amounted to very little. He needs a change. A night out with friends at Whites seems to be the ticket to break him out of his mundane life. A wager or two seems harmless until he is deep in his cups and freely spending beyond his means.

According to the gossip columns, Hannah Anderson is the season’s diamond. The debutante to watch, emulate, and befriend. Her identical twin sister is overlooked due to scarring after a misfortunate accident and her awkward exuberance for finding a match. To bolster her sister’s confidence, Hannah enters a wager to prove that any man would take his leave for the countryside if faced with the same faux pas, even if it was Society’s proclaimed diamond.

The rules are simple. First, the other party cannot know about the wager. Second, there are only ten days to triumph. Oliver must win Hannah’s heart. Hannah must embarrass Oliver so he will leave town. But in the game of love, nothing is as it seems, and these two wagering enthusiasts find themselves fooled.

My Review: 

I have loved every one of the stories in the Fernley Family series, and this was a perfect way to end it. The secrets, the wagers, and the unexpected romance between Oliver and Hannah. I loved the ways that Hannah tries to get Oliver to stop pursuing her. I laughed quite a few times at her clumsiness and the unforgivable faux pas at the croquet match.

Things to love:  

The Fernley family

Sisters’ love

Humor

Horse rides

Defending Hannah’s honor

Sword fight

A scandalous ball

Hannah’s Ballad

Tribute to Father Fernley

Favorite quote: “Mistakes will always be made. It is admitting fault and then setting things right that will be remembered.” I highly recommend this and all of the other books in this series. Oliver and Hannah’s story can be read as a standalone too. They are clean and wholesome romances that readers of all ages will enjoy. I received a complimentary copy of this advanced reader copy through Book Sirens. I am leaving this review voluntarily. 

When Secrets Come Calling

 

About the Book:

When former University of Alabama and Titans wide receiver Dax Carpenter learns his father is accused of a forty-year-old robbery and murder, he turns to the only person he trusts to discover the his ex-girlfriend, Caitlin Fitzhugh.

Caitlin, a cold-case specialist with the Alabama State Division of Investigations, wants nothing to do with the case nor Dax. Not only is the evidence against Dax’s father already condemning, she can’t risk having her heart broken—again.

Caitlin’s boss, however, ignores her arguments, and she begrudgingly takes the consult, convincing herself she can keep the case and her past with Dax separate. But unlike her, longings and memories don’t follow orders. While she lends her skills to the Gulf Shores Police Department in the search for the truth, Dax fends off a possibly career-ending social media hit—leading him to question everything he knows about his father and himself.

As the secrets of both their pasts unfold, they discover whether Dax’s father truly robbed and murdered a man forty years ago but also why Caitlin ended their relationship. Secrets that could drive a wedge between them, forever.

My Review: 

This is a story of a second chance at love for Dax and Caitlin. What brings them together is not something that either one of them would have wanted when Dax’s father risked accused of crimes from 40 years ago. It was nice to see that while bad things do happen, good can come from them. Letting go of the past was freeing and the best thing Caitlin could do for herself and Dax.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through the Launch Team Geek. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.

Rocky Mountain Journey

About the Book

Book: Rocky Mountain Journey (Sisters of the Rockies: Book 3)

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 18, 2024

Masquerading as a man, Faith Collins embarks on a perilous journey through the untamed wilderness of the Rocky Mountains in search of the Peigan Blackfoot woman who once saved her father’s life. She joins a group of trappers who may be able to lead her to the place the woman is hiding, but keeping Faith’s identity a secret proves more difficult than she imagined.

Grant Allen is searching for his younger brother, who was separated from him when their parents died many years ago. After receiving word that his brother went west to the Rockies, he unites with a group of trappers, hoping they can lead him to his brother’s location. Soon Grant realizes there’s a woman hiding among the men, and he’s determined to find out who she is, what she’s hiding, and how he can keep her safe in this country of wild animals and even wilder men.

In this rousing conclusion to her Sisters of the Rockies series, Misty M. Beller embarks on an adventurous journey where loyalty, love, and sacrifice intertwine amid the unforgiving frontier.

 My Review: 

Get ‘er done Faith Collins made a deathbed promise to her father to return an heirloom necklace to the Blackfoot woman who saved his life many years  before. I admired her courage and determination to strike out on her own since none of her sisters were able to help find her. She didn’t let anything stand in her way to keep her word. 

I enjoyed the relationship that developed between Faith and Grant Allen. When Faith disguises herself as a man to join a group of trappers, and Grant discovers her real identity he was admirable in allowing her to continue her quest. As long as he could protect her. The dangers they face will keep you turning the pages and anticipating a happy ending for them. 

Things to enjoy: 

Spunky FMC

Adventure

Dangerous men

Faith of the characters

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley and Celebrate Lit. All views are my opinion. I was not required to write a positive review.

Click here to get your copy!

 About the Author

Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.

More from Misty

A HEROINE DISGUISED AS A MAN

I love a heroine in disguise! It’s one of my favorite tropes, but I don’t often get to write stories with that plot. It adds so many fun and funny moments to the storyline. J

In Rocky Mountain Journey our heroine goes undercover as a “man” to travel with a group of trappers so she can reach her destination safely. Numbers meant a better chance of survival back in those days. I love that Grant, our hero, was the only man in the trapper group who looked close enough at the young “man” riding with them to realize things weren’t what they seemed at first glance.

One challenge that definitely arises in a story where the heroine is pretending to be a man is the development of the romance between her and the hero. In this case, Faith was pretending to be her (fictitious) brother Frank. Grant had met Faith in an earlier chapter before she took on the disguise, and he immediately noticed the resemblance between “Frank” and the woman whose memory still lingered with him, even days later. Every time he looks at “Frank” while they’re traveling with the trappers, he recalls the memory of Faith by the waterfall…and the attraction to that woman grows a little more every time. What a shocking surprise when he discovered she’s riding just ahead of him on the trail the entire time!

I pray you love Faith’s stint “in disguise” in Rocky Mountain Journey! J

Blessings!

Misty

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 18

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, June 18

Life, Love, Writing, June 19

Book Looks by Lisa, June 19

Wishful Endings, June 20

Lighthouse Academy Blog, June 20 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Texas Book-aholic, June 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 22

Devoted To Hope, June 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 23

Happily Managing a Houeshold of Boys, June 23

Betti Mace, June 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 24

lakesidelivingsite, June 25

Books You Can Feel Good About, June 26

Mornings at Character Cafe, June 26

Life on Chickadee Lane, June 27

Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 27

Cover Lover Book Review, June 28

For Him and My Family, June 29

Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 29

Holly’s Book Corner, June 30

Blossoms and Blessings, June 30

Lily’s Corner, July 1

Pause for Tales, July 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2c068/rocky-mountain-journey-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Hudson Collection

 

About the Book: 

Step into the beguiling world of 1926 New York and discover the power of resilience, friendship, and love from award-winning author Jocelyn Green.

Elsa Reisner's lifelong dream of working as an ornithologist at the American Museum of Natural History is fading as the job begins to drain her passion. But fate takes an unexpected turn when she is assigned to catalog the bequest of a recently deceased patron whose Gothic country mansion holds secrets and treasures waiting to be discovered.

As Elsa delves into her task, she forms an unlikely bond with the estate's delightful gardener and her daughter, as well as an architectural salvage dealer who still bears scars from the Great War. Together, they embark on a thrilling treasure hunt for a missing relic intended to safeguard the servants' futures before the estate is sold. At the same time, Elsa's body seems to betray her with new symptoms from a childhood disease that isn't through with her yet.

With the brooding veteran and her handsome colleague joining the search, Elsa must navigate the tangled web of secrets and hidden motives along with the changing state of her health. As her deadline looms ever closer, will she be able to secure a new life for her friends before the estate slips from their grasp?

My Review: 

Author Jocelyn Green has written a world from the 1920’s filled with such rich detail that I wish I could visit the mansion she described along the Hudson River. Choosing a the profession of an ornithologist for the main character, Elsa Reisner, was interesting. I loved the rambling home of a reknown millionaire and his wife, and the task that Elsa is given to catalog and retrieve the birds from their collection. I am familiar with many of the birds that are described and loved learning more about them as well as new ones too. 

The misperception of how Elsa’s family felt about her contracting polio and its aftereffects caused her to see things in a different manner. I loved that she was courageous and spoke with her parents about what took place. I can imagine how freeing it was for all involved to confess their feelings and move forward in their relationship. 

There are so many wonderful characters in this story. Luke, the wonderful, caring, and protective man. I wish everyone had a person in their life like him. He was the perfect match for Elsa. Danielle, a child with autism who could see things in a way that was uniquely her. Tom, a man who was carefree and loving and recovering from the horrors of war. 

The topic of eugenics is part of the story and shows the devastation that it creates. I loved how many of Ms. Green’s characters would be labeled as imperfect but how distinctive each one of them is. I could see the tapestry of  each of them fitting into Elsa’s life.

Other things to love:

Treasure hunt

Mystery and Danger

Faith of characters

Things aren’t always what they seem

Restoration

I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical fiction. It can be read as a standalone even though it is part of the On Central Park series.  I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley and Austen Prose. All views are only my opinion. I was not required to write a positive review.