Showing posts with label Romantic Suspense. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Silent Menace

After the exposure of her deceased husband’s criminal activity, CPA Hailey Nieland struggles to move on with life as a single mother raising a hearing-impaired toddler in a seemingly hostile small town. When she gains a major client, she hopes the extra income will be just what they need . . . until she begins finding anomalies in the accounts.

No one should trust their life to a bodyguard who can’t protect himself, much less his client. At least, that’s what Peter Lewis believes after his failed mission. But leaving his former career behind is much harder than he expected--especially when someone begins targeting an accountant who works in the office building he’s now responsible for. As threats against Hailey escalate, they must work together to overcome their fears and expose a criminal mastermind before Hailey becomes the next victim.

Review:

Single mom, Hailey Nieland, is really good at her job as an accountant; so good that she finds herself caught up in a dangerous and life threatening situation. Someone doesn’t want her to reveal what she has discovered. I loved the fast-paced, action-filled story as Hailey and former bodyguard, Peter Lewis must get to the bottom of who is trying to silence Hailey before its too late.

The twists and turns the story has throughout it kept me engaged from start to finish. I loved that there was more to the story than just escaping perils. Hailey has an adorable deaf toddler and Peter has caring grandparents that you’d love to meet. These characters added depth to the story and made me feel there is even more at stake in keeping Hailey and Peter safe.

If you are a fan of clean romantic suspense this would be a great book for you to read. This is the third book in the Kinkaid series, and while it does have characters from the other two books in it, you can definitely read it as a standalone.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

The Bookshop of 99 Doors

In 1910, Minnie Tipton finds herself beset by the onslaught of superstitions that envelope the Pennsylvania mansion her father bought. Convinced the house is haunted by the vengeful spirit of a Civil War captain, and worried by her father's rapidly worsening illness, Minnie delves into the home's dark past in an effort to help bring him peace. Yet the lingering impact of the war and the gruesome tale of murder she uncovers only foster more fear and threaten to unravel Minnie's own sanity.

In the present day, Triss Bellamy eagerly steps into the role of bookshop manager in the mansion-turned-museum boasting ninety-nine doors. But Triss's dream job turns into a nightmare when havoc breaks loose with the arrival of her brother's team of self-proclaimed paranormal investigators. Their determination to find a rumored one-hundredth door--a dangerous portal to the madness long said to plague the mansion--results in calamity, leaving Triss no choice but to unravel the truth or watch her brother slip forever beyond her reach.

Review:

No one can really compare to Jaime Jo Wright when it comes to Gothic dual time novels. Once again she has created two stories that intertwine and leave me wondering, “How does she do it?”. I enjoyed the mystery and was quite pleased with myself in determining who the villains were in each story. There is a faith thread in which the characters must determine where God is in their story, which I thought was very good.

addictions, infidelity

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a gifted copy of the book. All opinions are my own.

Sunday, April 5, 2026

Staged Evidence

When Tessa Seidel delivers costumes to a Manhattan television studio late at night, she expects an empty set—not a murder scene. After stumbling upon a woman’s body and nearly being attacked by a man fleeing the scene, Tessa escapes with no idea who to trust—and a fear that the killer knows who she is.

Desperate, she runs to a friend’s beach house in the Hamptons, where Broadway playwright Parker Sawyer is retreating to finish his next script. But he knows danger when he sees it and offers to shelter Tessa, even when they find out she is being accused of committing the murder.

Back in Manhattan, CIA operatives Kimber Seidel and Brandon Hale realize Tessa is being framed. But with a powerful suspect manipulating the investigation, clearing Tessa’s name won’t be easy.

If they can’t unravel the truth in time, Tessa won’t just be the prime suspect—she’ll be the next victim.

Review:

Tessa Seidel finds herself unwittingly entangled in a murder and doing everything she can to have the people she trusts clear her of any suspicions and being charged. I love how there are so many people willing to investigate and find the murderer when Tessa can’t do anything herself. It was pure genius how Parker uses his play writing skills to communicate with his uncle and Tessa’s sister while they are in seclusion. The attraction and developing romance between Parker and Tessa helped move the story along and provided a dynamic to the case.

If you enjoy romantic suspense and figuring out mysteries, this is a book for you.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher though NetGalley. A positive review was not required.

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

The Liar's Treasure

Camille Abernathy ignored rumors of The Liar’s Treasure and her family’s connection to it . . . until someone put a target on her daughter’s back. Growing up in New Orleans, such tall tales were as common as beignets and gumbo. But when Camille’s teenage daughter, Cass, posts pictures of a centuries-old diary her uncle gave her, she unwittingly attracts dozens of treasure hunting fanatics who are convinced Cass and the diary can lead them to a valuable cache.

To keep her daughter safe, Camille enlists the help of Speranza, a secret society always ready to help women in need. Together, they set out on a globe-trotting journey to find The Liar’s Treasure while also investigating a suspicious death related to Camille’s childhood friend. The deeper they dig, the more they suspect it’s all connected.

Chasing clues from New Orleans to Italy to the Bahamas, Camille and her friends receive unexpected assistance—and unwanted competition—from a handsome treasure hunter from Camille’s past. Then Cass is kidnapped, and finding the treasure truly becomes a matter of life and death.

Review:

Cassie Abernathy unwittingly has made herself a target when she posts on social media about an old journal that she received from her uncle. Camille, Cassie’s mom, must keep her safe because treasure hunters and guardians of the secrets of the journal will stop at nothing to keep the treasure.

Lucien Broussard’s family has been associated with Camille’s family for centuries and the two of them even went to the same high school. So, it’s no surprise that he and Camille are on a race to find the treasure. Will they work together or will Lucien go on his own to retrieve the treasure for his own? Seeing their relationship change added depth to the story and put a smile on my face.

I loved the fast-paced and action-filled story of discovering clues as to the journal’s location. The secret women’s Speranza Team had a feeling of Mission Impossible with the ingenuity and resources of its members. You never knew where around the globe the next clue would take Camille and her “sisters”.

danger

suspense

Book of Days

faith thread

shoelace bracelets

killers

historical clues

clean romance

I recommend this for readers of romantic suspense. You’re sure to be swept along in the adventure of locating missing pieces of the treasure, thwarting villains, and rescuing people. It is the second book in the Speranza series, but it can be read as a standalone.

Favorite quote:

“… we have to put feet to our faith. Faith is easy when you’re standing on familiar ground.”

I received a copy of the book through the Launch Team Geek and NetGalley. I was not obligated to write a positive review.

Friday, March 6, 2026

Bridge of Betrayal

Sometimes it takes a small deception to uncover the truth.

England, 1954

Anna Lang lost everyone she loved during the Second World War—except her cherished music teacher, Esther Haymann. When Miss Haymann dies under suspicious circumstances and rumors of suicide swirl, Anna doesn’t want to believe them. Her doubts intensify when she catches a stranger rifling through Miss Haymann’s papers, claiming a link between her death and that of renowned scientist Alan Turing.

Arthur Cavendish, a former prisoner of war in Korea, can’t completely escape the nightmares of combat and captivity. Nor can he forget that Dr. Turing’s advice once saved his life, so Arthur is determined to get to the bottom of his associate’s alleged suicide, even if it involves trespassing and danger.

When a suspicious fire nearly kills Arthur and Anna, they form a reluctant alliance to clear their mentors’ names. From shadowy corners of seaside resorts to the guarded gates of a secret government agency at Hanslope Park, Anna and Arthur chase elusive clues—and wrestle with their growing attraction for each other. With divergent goals and hidden secrets, a future together seems unlikely. Yet as more and more pieces of the puzzle fall into place, a sinister pattern unfolds, and they find that their hearts are not the only things at risk. Uncovering the truth might cost them their lives.

Review:

I loved this action-packed finale to the Falcon Pointe series that has been one of my all-time favorites. Anna Lang and Arthur Cavendish team up to uncover what actually occurred in the deaths of their mentors. Right away they are swept up into a dangerous situation when a fire breaks out at the school where Anna had been a student. It’s a race against time and potential killers as they try to unravel clues to a bigger mystery that neither Anna nor Arthur realized.

Things I loved:

maps

dual POV

military vet/ POW

concert pianist

danger

spy gadgets

secret messages

political intrigue

clean romance

historical details

Anna has had a hole in her heart since she was separated from her family during WWII. As she and Arthur grow to know one another, she is lovingly challenged to move forward and enjoy the life she has been given. Arthur was just the man who could help her since he knew from experience what the war had done to him. I loved the combination of suspense, the race against time, and the tender romance that made me not want to put this book down.

While this amazing story can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading this in order of the series to enjoy the story to its fullest. You’ll want to learn about the other members of this remarkable family.

I received a complimentary copy of the book with no obligation to write a positive review.

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Last to Fall

She's caught in a deadly game. He's the only one who can help her win.

Bronwyn Pierce has poured everything into The Haven, her family's exclusive mountain resort in Gossamer Falls. But when financial discrepancies surface and the numbers suggest something far darker than simple mismanagement, she's forced to call on the one person with the skills to help her: Mo Quinn, a former Army intelligence officer, her first love, and the last person she ever wanted to trust again.

Mo has spent years avoiding the woman he once loved and the secrets that tore them apart. But when Bronwyn calls, he can't walk away--especially when it's clear someone wants her gone for good. As they dig deeper into the treacherous motives behind a blackmail scheme, their proximity reignites long-buried feelings neither of them are ready to face. And when the evidence points to an unexpected culprit, Mo faces an impossible choice: trust the proof in front of him or trust his heart.

With danger closing in and no one else to turn to, Bronwyn must break years of silence with Mo to uncover who's trying to destroy The Haven. They'll have to risk everything--including their hearts--to expose the truth before it's too late.

Review:

You’d think that being part of a family business the members would look out for and support each other, but Bronwyn Pierce’s family is based upon greed, jealousy, and undermining others to get ahead. As CEO of The Haven, Bronwyn must discover if her suspicions of illegal activities are correct. When she finds herself in danger of her life, she calls upon Mo Quinn, the man she promised herself she’d never talk to again (maybe even upon pain of death?) to help her look into the finances of the company.

I loved the boldness Bronwyn had as she faced her family at their board meeting. It was like she was walking into a lion’s den filled with hatred and suspicion. I was cheering for her as she served notice that she was going to put an end to the corruption that was taking place in The Haven. It took an inordinate amount of courage to do that!

This was more than just a romantic suspense book. It was also about restoring a broken relationship, letting go of past hurts, and choosing to forgive. Bronwyn’s found family was the b.e.s.t! They loved her through all her past mistakes. It took a bit of loving nudging from them and some humility on her part to reconcile with Mo. But, oh, the joy and freedom she discovered when she did so was so satisfying to read.

I recommend readers of romantic suspense to read this high-stakes story. This is part of the Gossamer Falls series, and while it can be read as a standalone, you’ll enjoy the book to its fullest if you have read the previous ones.

I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of the book provided through the author, Revell and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Forged in Shadows

He had a dark secret. He took it to his grave…

With the help of her K9 partner, Koda, widowed airport security officer Demi De Luca is committed to keeping her passengers safe as they fly. But when she overhears a mysterious phone call, she soon finds out that the real threat might be closer than she ever expected.

As founder of his family’s private security company, Gabriel Forge knows his mission in take the lead, hold the line, and never let anything–or anyone–get in the way. Not his faith. Not the beautiful girl from his childhood he thought he’d never see again. And certainly not an unruly German Shepherd puppy determined to eat his freshly polished shoes.

As dangerous forces begin to collide, Gabe and Demi must figure out the truth together, or watch from the ground as everything goes up in smoke.

Serve. Protect. Redeem.

Forge Brothers Security is a clean and Christian romantic suspense series. Each book is a standalone and can be read in any order. Tropes for Forged in Shadows include infertility rep, type A hero, adorable dogs, and a thrilling race against the clock.

My Review:

There is a high-stakes event that is going to take place at the North Star International Airport and widowed TSA agent Demi De Luca and her K9 partner, Koda, are assigned to find out the plan and stop it before it happens. Childhood friend, Gabe Forge, quickly becomes involved when Demi discovers a fleeing intruder in her home and turns to him for help. Since he is head of his own security company it should be easy to keep Demi safe, shouldn’t it?

Hold onto your seat because you are going on a wild ride as the past collides with the present that will affect the future. I love how storylines intertwine and keep you turning the pages.

Things to love:
the dogs
Forge family
mystery
suspense
danger
faith thread
clean romance

This is part of the Forge Brothers Security series, and I have read every one of them. It can be read as a standalone, but I love seeing the brothers make an appearance. This book ends with a cliffhanger, so I can’t wait to read what is going to happen next.

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Track of Courage

Description:

A hijacked plane. A pursuing killer. And a K9's instinct to help them make it out alive.

Pop singer Keely Williams's search for her biological mother in Alaska has been painfully unsuccessful. Now she just wants to escape this wild frontier and never look back. But when her plane is hijacked, she's suddenly plunged into a race against not only an Alaskan blizzard but also a killer who's on her tail.

After a career-ending injury, ex-cop Dawson Mulligan has only one friend--Caspian, the stray dog he adopted. Dawson just wants to figure out how to get his life on track, but during a flight home to Copper Mountain, he spots a downed plane and stops to help. Except, when his not-a-rescue dog runs off into the woods and discovers the trail of a missing survivor, it's up to the former cop to stage a rescue.

But Dawson has no idea he's being pulled into a deadly pursuit, or that Caspian is more than he seems. There might be redemption and second chances waiting for both Dawson and Keely if they have the courage to face their wounded pasts and fight for their future.

Join master storyteller Susan May Warren for a propulsive ride through the Alaskan wilderness, where love might be the riskiest--and most rewarding--adventure of all.

Review:

I hate the cold and certainly blizzard-like conditions, but Susan May Warren’s books that are set in Alaska keep me coming back for more. Her books are well written, packed with action, danger, and romantic relationships that the outdoor elements provide suspenseful scenes and a glimpse into the tenacity of the people who live there. The story of Dawson and Keely was one that has several layers with not only the plot of criminals on the loose, but also deeper stories of adoption and trusting God.

Be sure to read the author’s notes. It was so interesting to see that Ms. Warren had drawn from her personal experiences to write this amazing story.

I loved this story and highly recommend reading it if you like Christian romantic suspense. While this is the first book in the Call of the Wild series, there are characters from past books who are a part of this story. It makes it all that richer because it is like reuniting with old friends and seeing what they are doing.

I received a copy of the book from Revell and NetGalley, but I was not obligated to write a positive review.

Saturday, November 8, 2025

Defending You

About the Book

Book: Defending You

Author: Robin Patchen

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release Date: October 14, 2025

She stumbled onto a deadly secret. The man she once wronged is the only one who can keep her alive.

Cecilia “Cici” Wright has built a life she loves as a jewelry appraiser. But when her latest find—a priceless ruby necklace—links to decades-old murders in her hometown of Shadow Cove, Cici becomes the target of ruthless killers. Forced to flee for her life, she must rely on the man she humiliated in the most shameful moment of her life.

Asher Rhodes puts his Navy SEAL training to good use as a bodyguard for high-paying clients. Keeping his emotions locked away is the secret to his strength. But Cici Wright isn’t just a client—she’s the girl who scorned him, the last woman in the world he ever wanted to see again. Having her close churns up all the reasons he once loved her. Protecting her means facing not just the killers chasing them but the wounds she left behind.

Cici and Asher find themselves in a deadly game of cat and mouse, where trust is their only weapon and attraction their greatest vulnerability. With time running out, they must overcome their painful history and work together to defeat their enemies—before it’s too late.

Don’t miss Defending You, book 7 in Robin Patchen’s Wright Heroes of Maine series. Packed with heart-pounding suspense, sizzling romance, and unforgettable characters, you won’t be able to put this one down.

Review:

If you like action and a heart pumping pace, you’ll want to read the story of Cici Wright trying to stay ahead of ruthless killers. But, they always seem to know where she is and she will only survive with the help of Asher Rhodes. I loved the mystery and danger that they find themselves in throughout the story. There is a mastermind behind the robbery of a valuable necklace, and you are caught up in who it is that is calling the shots.

Things to love:
danger
action
high school friends
second chances
romance
faith thread

This is the seventh book in the Wright Heroes of Maine series. While you do not need to read the previous books; I think you’d enjoy seeing the characters that appear. After all, it is the Wright family and not only siblings, but extended members too.

I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy romantic suspense. I am looking forward to what happens next!

I received a copy of the book. All opinions are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Robin Patchen is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of Christian romantic suspense. She grew up in a small town in New Hampshire, the setting of her Coventry Saga books, and then headed to Boston to earn a journalism degree. Working in marketing, she discovered how much she loathed the nine-to-five ball and chain. After relocating to the Southwest, she started writing her first novel while homeschooling her three children. The novel was dreadful, but her passion for storytelling didn’t wane. Thankfully, as her children grew, so did her writing ability. Now that her kids are adults, she has more time to play with the lives of fictional heroes and heroines, wreaking havoc and working magic to give her characters happy endings. When she’s not writing, she’s editing or reading, proving that most of her life revolves around the twenty-six letters of the alphabet.

More from Robin

Meet Cici Wright: The Relatable Heroine of Defending You

There’s nothing I love more than crafting a heroine who feels like a friend—someone to root for, cry with, and cheer on as she faces impossible odds. In Defending You, the seventh book in my Wright Heroes of Maine series, that heroine is Cici Wright. She’s a jewelry appraiser with a sharp eye for gems, a heart full of courage, and a quiet struggle that I think many of us can relate to: the need to prove she matters.

A Woman on a Mission

Cici Wright is the middle daughter of five girls, and if you’ve read the earlier books in the series, you know her older sisters, Alyssa and Brooklynn, have come through some difficult times—and proved themselves not just capable but heroic.

When we meet Cici in Defending You, she’s doing what she loves: traveling from city to city and gazing into some of the world’s most precious gems. But beneath her confident exterior lies a woman who feels the weight of her sisters’ accomplishments and wonders if she’ll ever measure up.

Who hasn’t felt the pressure to prove themselves—whether to family, friends, or even their own inner critic? Cici’s journey begins when she discovers a long-lost necklace tied to a decades-old crime. Her decision to protect it sets off a chain of events that thrusts her into danger, forcing her to confront not just external threats but her own insecurities.

Strength in Vulnerability

What I love most about Cici is how her strength shines through her vulnerability. She’s a woman who loves beauty, who finds joy in the sparkle of a well-cut diamond, and who’s suddenly caught in a deadly game with rules she’s never learned. Despite her lack of training, Cici manages to keep herself alive long enough to get help.

Cici’s resourcefulness proves that heroism doesn’t always come from training or experience; sometimes, it’s born from sheer determination and a refusal to give up.

Enter Asher Rhodes, the bodyguard tasked with keeping her safe. Their history—his high school crush was crushed by the most humiliating moment of his life—adds layers to their dynamic. I loved writing their reunion, which is filled with tension, a little humor, and a slow-burn romance that I hope will leave you swooning.

Cici’s not afraid to call Asher out when he’s being overbearing—which she thinks is pretty much all the time. But she learns to trust him…for the most part.

A Journey We All Understand

For Cici, the story is about more than surviving danger; it’s about discovering her own worth. She starts desperate to distinguish herself, to be seen as more than the other Wright sister. By the end, she’s learned that her value doesn’t come from outshining others but from embracing who she is—flaws, fears, and all. It’s a journey I think many of us can relate to, whether we’re chasing a career goal, navigating family expectations, or simply trying to find our place in the world.

As I wrote Cici’s story, I thought about the readers who’ve told me they see themselves in my heroines. Cici’s not perfect—she’s stubborn, a little impulsive, and sometimes lets her pride get in the way. But she’s also fiercely loyal, quick-thinking, and willing to risk everything for what’s right. She’s the kind of heroine who reminds us that courage doesn’t mean being fearless but acting despite the fear.

Join Cici’s Adventure

Defending You is a story of heart-pounding suspense, a romance that sparks amidst danger, and a heroine who discovers her own strength when it matters most. If you’ve ever felt the need to prove yourself or wondered if you’re enough, Cici Wright’s journey will resonate with you. And if you love a good mix of action, mystery, and a love story that grows through trust and second chances, I think you’ll fall for Cici and Asher as much as I did.