Lethal Target By: Janice Cantore

Back of the book

Police Chief Tess O’Rourke thought she’d taken care of her small town’s drug problem last year. But now Rogue’s Hollow residents are up in arms over a contentious vote on legalizing the sale of marijuana within city limits. And when an eighteen-year-old is found dead of a possible overdose, Tess wonders if the local pot farms might be involved and begins to fear that a new, deadlier drug supply chain has cropped up. As tempers flare and emotions boil over, Tess faces the possibility of losing the town’s support.

With her relationship to Sergeant Steve Logan on shaky ground, Tess could really use a friend, and she feels drawn to Pastor Oliver Macpherson’s quiet presence. But the anger she holds over her father’s death prevents her from embracing his faith and finding peace.

Battling storms within and without, Tess is shocked when a familiar face from her past shows up in town to stir up more trouble. And his threats against Tess may prove lethal.

My Thoughts

I normally shy away from reading book sequels (especially if I liked how the first book ended), and yet I found myself picking up Lethal Target because Janice Cantore is a fabulous author.  The writing is excellent and the tension and suspense is palpable throughout the entire novel, so be prepared.  Tess continues to be a strong character and Oliver plays a much larger roll than in the first book and he was easy to like.  BUT, being a sequel that picks up 6 months after Crisis Shot, you must read that first, because so much of this book is just a continuation of Crisis Shot.

Things Left Unsaid By: Courtney Walsh

Back of the book

Lyndie St. James is thrilled that her best friend, Elle, is getting married but unprepared for the emotional storm of the wedding week and returning to her childhood summer home of Sweethaven. The idyllic cottage community harbors some of her best—and worst—memories. It’s not only the tragic death of her childhood friend Cassie that has haunted her for ten years, it’s the other secrets she’s buried that have kept her from moving on.

But Lyndie isn’t the only one with secrets.

Cassie’s mother, father and brother, still struggling with the loss, have been drifting further and further apart. And Elle herself, the last to see Cassie alive, carries an impossible burden of guilt. Now reunited, each of them has a choice: to reveal the truths of that night or continue to live in its shadow. That means embarking on a personal journey of the heart—to escape the darkness and all its regrets and to finally come to terms with the past and, especially, with each other.

My thoughts

Walsh's novels always make you think about your life and make you ask how could I improve or what should I do different. Things Left Unsaid is by far the most profound, thought provoking, and emotional novel I have read by Walsh.  Things Left Unsaid is beautifully written, with wonderful dialog but it's the in-between that sets it apart.  The inner turmoil, thoughts, and personal discoveries that put this book at the top of my reading list.  Lyndie, Elle and Tucker (Cassie's brother) are all stand out characters but it's Karen (Cassie's Mother) that binds this novel together.  Another 5 star novel that everyone should read.

Stratagem By: Robin Caroll

Back of the book

A High-Stakes Simulation Adventure Leaves Grayson Thibodeaux the Prime Suspect. . .for Murder

Deep in the gritty underbelly of New Orleans, psychologist Grayson Thibodeaux loses everything when his wife leaves him to climb her company’s corporate ladder. He buries himself in his job of creating mind-bending adventure games for businesses as team-building explorations. When his ex-wife’s company hires Grayson’s to create an elaborate game, he doesn’t see how things can get worse. Until she dies during the course of the game he created…making him the prime suspect for murder.

My Thoughts

Fantastic!!  Everything about this books is spot on.  The plot is original, well thought out, and executed smoothly.  The characters are perfect, their personalities not only helped move the story along in a seamless way, but also mold the mystery.  Lastly the writing style, most of Stratagem is interviews that the detectives make and a few chapters of dialog.  Every interview twisted the story and yet helped the pieces align.  It wasn't until the last chapter that everything fell into place and that to me is the perfect thriller.

Burden of Proof By: Diann Mills

Back of the Book

Reeling from a negotiation gone wrong, FBI Special Agent April Ramos is caught off guard when a frazzled young woman shoves a crying baby into her arms, then disappears. Worry for the child’s safety quickly turns to fear when a man claiming to be the girl’s father abducts them at gunpoint. April puts her hostage negotiation skills to use to learn more about who she’s dealing with: Jason Snyder, a fugitive accused of murder.

As Jason spins a tall tale about being framed for the killing of his business partner, April must sort through his claims to find the truth. A truth that becomes all the more evident after April overhears a conversation between Jason and the local sheriff and realizes something more sinister may be happening in their small town of Sweet Briar, Texas. But aligning herself with a known fugitive to uncover the burden of proof could cost April her job . . . or worse, her life and the lives of other innocent people.

My Thoughts

Burden of Proof is by far one of the hardest books for me to understand. The first few chapters were so packed with information and people that I almost put it down, but I'm happy that I stuck it out.  Once I got people figured out, well at least who they all were; it became a fast paced book full of twist and turns.  True to Diann Mills writing I always felt I knew who was good and bad but over and over was proven wrong.  Buy the book, trug through the first few chapters of information, and then enjoy, I know I did!

Hidden Among The Stars By: Melanie Dobson

Back of the book

The year is 1938, and as Hitler’s troops sweep into Vienna, Austrian Max Dornbach promises to help his Jewish friends hide their most valuable possessions from the Nazis, smuggling them to his family’s summer estate near the picturesque village of Hallstatt. He enlists the help of Annika Knopf, his childhood friend and the caretaker’s daughter, who is eager to help the man she’s loved her entire life. But when Max also brings Luzia Weiss, a young Jewish woman, to hide at the castle, it complicates Annika’s feelings and puts their entire plan—even their very lives—in jeopardy. Especially when the Nazis come to scour the estate and find both Luzia and the treasure gone.

Eighty years later, Callie Randall is mostly content with her quiet life, running a bookstore with her sister and reaching out into the world through her blog. Then she finds a cryptic list in an old edition of Bambi that connects her to Annika’s story . . . and maybe to the long-buried story of a dear friend. As she digs into the past, Callie must risk venturing outside the safe world she’s built for a chance at answers, adventure, and maybe even new love.

My Thoughts

Melanie Dobson has once again written an emotionally gripping novel bridging the gap between WWII and the present.  With smooth writing and an amazing plot Hidden Among The Stars is a heavy novel but well worth reading.  Every time I read a book by Melanie Dobson I am touched by the challenge faced by those in the WWII era and an equal level of awe at what others did to help those who suffered.  Definitely a novel worth reading and one that will give you a view to the past you could never imagine.

A Secret To Die For By: Lisa Harris

Back of the Book

Psychologist Grace Callahan has no idea that she has a secret--one worth killing for. But when she finds out one of her clients has been murdered, she quickly realizes that the computer security specialist wasn't simply suffering from paranoia.

Detective Nate Quinn has just been cleared for active duty after a bombing killed eighteen people, including his partner, and left him dealing with PTSD. His first case back on the job involves the murder of Stephen Shaw, and his only lead turns out to be an old friend, Grace Callahan--and her life is in grave danger. Someone believes Shaw gave his psychologist information before he died. Information they are willing to kill for.

With her signature pulse-pounding suspense, Lisa Harris takes readers deep into the heart of fear in this race against the clock.

My Thoughts

From the first page to the last A Secret To Die For never slows down.  With a few twist and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat, and with each character introduction another piece seems to fall into place.  I liked the plot of the story but must admit some of the details went over my head.  At first details were easy to understand and then all of a sudden ‘expert level’.  And while I wished I understood some parts better, the book was still entertaining, and a great thriller that everyone can enjoy.

An Hour Unspent By: Roseanna M. White

Back of the Book

Once London's top thief, Barclay Pearce has turned his back on his life of crime and now uses his skills for a nation at war. But not until he rescues a clockmaker's daughter from a mugging does he begin to wonder what his future might hold.

Evelina Manning has constantly fought for independence, but she certainly never meant for it to inspire her fiancé to end the engagement and enlist in the army. When the intriguing man who saved her returns to the Manning residence to study clockwork repair with her father, she can't help being interested. But she soon learns that nothing with Barclay Pearce is as simple as it seems.

As 1915 England plunges ever deeper into war, the work of an ingenious clockmaker may give England an unbeatable military edge--and Germany realizes it as well. Evelina's father soon finds his whole family in danger--and it may just take a reformed thief to steal the time they need to escape.

My Thoughts

An Hour Unspent is fantastic and a joy to read.  Barclay has always been the strong quiet background character so I wasn't sure how he would hold up being front and center.  Yet just a few pages into An Hour Unspent changed everything.  Barclay is entertaining, kind and his scenes were just simple and perfect.  Evelina is a little standoff'ish but perfectly written and as the book went on she became fascinating.  Yet the one character that really pulled the book together is her father, his personality and the relationship he built with Barclay made this book perfect.

More Than Meets The Eye By Karen Witemeyer

Back of the Book

Many consider Evangeline Hamilton cursed. Orphaned at a young age and possessing a pair of mismatched eyes--one bright blue, the other dark brown--Eva has fought to find her way in a world that constantly rejects her. Yet the support of even one person can help overcome the world's judgments, and Eva has two--Seth and Zach, two former orphans she now counts as brothers. 

Seeking justice against the man who stole his birthright and destroyed his family, Logan Fowler arrives in 1880s Pecan Gap, Texas, to confront Zach Hamilton, the hardened criminal responsible for his father's death. Only instead of finding a solitary ruthless gambler, he discovers a man not much older than himself with an unusual family. When Zach's sister, Evangeline, insists on dousing Logan with sunshine every time their paths cross, Logan finds his quest completely derailed. Who is truly responsible for his lost legacy, and will restoring the past satisfy if it means forfeiting a future with Evangeline?

My Thoughts

Every once in a while you need a Hallmark movie type book, with nothing to crazy to keep you guessing.  Karen Witemeyer is the author I turn to for this and More Than Meets The Eye is a perfect example of why.  Evangeline and Logan are both great characters and even though Logan has built his life around vengeance against Zach, you never get that vibe.  All in all I would suggest this as a perfect smooth novel when you aren't in the mood for anything intense.

Called To Protect By: Lynette Eason

Back of the Book

For the past year, Chloe St. John has been working as a K-9 cop with her German shepherd partner, Hank. After being dumped by her fiancé for another woman, Chloe has decided that Hank is just about the only male she likes. She's over the whole romance thing and focuses her attention on doing her job. Because a serious case of human trafficking with connections to her missing cousin just landed in her lap.

When US Marshall Blake MacCallum's daughter goes missing, he's ordered to kill the judge he's protecting and tell no one about his daughter's disappearance or she will die. Blake races against the clock to rescue his daughter while Chloe and Hank are asked to be a part of the task force assembled to bring down the traffickers. Chloe finds herself attracted to the silent, suffering man, but thanks to her previous bad judgment, she wonders if she can trust him. And can Blake trust himself around this firecracker of a woman?

Bestselling author Lynette Eason warns readers to buckle in for a fast and furious ride that will have their hearts pumping from the very start.

My Thoughts

 Lynette Eason has such a talent for writing books with enough detail to give you the chills.  If you read the description you may think (as I did), not another novel about human trafficking.  I suggest you put that thought out of your mind as Eason has once again written a novel like no other.  While what happens to the girls that are sold is mentioned, it isn't dwelt upon in a way that would drag the novel down.  I was enthralled at the effort that goes into finding girls that have gone missing and Called To Protect will not only give you insight into that effort, it will show you a different side of human trafficking no other book does.

Dead Drift By: Dani Pettrey

Back of the Book

Burning debris littering the ground . . . smoke pluming in the acrid air . . . this is just the beginning if he fails.

Seven years ago, operative Luke Gallagher vanished to become part of an elite team set on capturing a deadly terrorist. When Luke returns to face those he left behind, their help becomes his only hope of stopping his target's latest threat of an attack that would shake America to its core.

Private investigator Kate Maxwell never stopped loving or looking for Luke after he disappeared. But she also never imagined he left her or his life by choice. Now he's back, and together they must unravel a twisting thread of secrets, lies, and betrayal, all while on the brink of a biological disaster. 

Will they and their love survive, or will Luke and Kate become the terrorist's next mark?

My Thoughts

If after reading the final paragraph in Blind Spot and you are debating reading the final book of the Chesapeake Valor series you need to read it again.  Pettrey has such a talent for writing fascinating plots, quality characters and sweet romance.  She writes the best 'final chapter' or final novel in a series better than any other author I have read.  Dead Drift is a prime example of that, with so many things to wrap up and smooth out this novel never felt rushed, and as the end approached nothing was left unfinished.  

With the final novel available now is a great time to read the entire series again.

The Wounded Shadow By: Patrick W. Carr

Back of the book

The kings and queens of the northern continent lay siege to the Darkwater Forest, desperate to contain its evil. But rumors of gold and aurium have lured deserters and the desperate into its shadow, creating a growing army held in its sway. Desperate after the death and dissolution of their greatest ally, Willet and the Vigil seek the truth of what lies at the heart of the evil they face. They delve the mind of an old enemy and find an answer far worse than they could have imagined. 

Danger stalks the cities of the north, striking at the rulers of the kingdoms. As Willet and the rest of the Vigil seek to find answers, the group is scattered with an ever-growing darkness around them. Will they discover a path to keep their land safe, or will an ancient evil reclaim the world it once called its own?

My Thoughts

Have you ever had someone "suggest" a book, author, or theme that you have never thought of reading but you found yourself purchasing.  Or, you thought you ordered one book yet ended up with something entirely different?  When The Wounded Shadow showed up in my mail box I realized that is exactly what happened to me, but if I get a book I read it.  Never mind it is the 3rd and final novel in a series or that it is a genre I have never read.  While finding myself in this predicament the stars aligned that Patrick Carr was the author of my misorder.  

The Wounded Shadow is an entertaining novel. It took me a few chapters to figure things out but I soon found myself engulfed in the plot.  Carr writes fantastic dialog I felt like I was journeying with Willet and the Vigil through the entire book.  If you are looking to try a new author and maybe branching out and reading a new genre then Patrcik Carr should be your author of choice and The Darkwater Saga should be where you start. 

Justice Betrayed By: Patricia Bradley

Back of the book

It's Elvis Week in Memphis, and homicide Detective Rachel Sloan isn't sure her day could get any stranger when aging Elvis impersonator Vic Vegas asks to see her. But when he produces a photo of her murdered mother with four Elvis impersonators--one of whom had also been murdered soon after the photo was taken--she's forced to reevaluate. Is there some connection between the two unsolved cases? And could the recent break-in at Vic's home be tied to his obsession with finding his friend's killer?

When yet another person in the photo is murdered, Rachel suddenly has her hands full investigating three cases. Lieutenant Boone Callahan offers his help, but their checkered romantic past threatens to get in the way. Can they solve the cases before the murderer makes Rachel victim number four?

My Thoughts

 Patricia Bradley has written some amazing plots over the years, but the plot in Justice Betrayed is one of the best.  I loved having the Elvis Impersonators involved and learning about their groupies, plus the culture behind Elvis week.  It truly took this novel to the next level.  Rachel Sloan was a hard character for me to get behind, because she always had a hidden plan and ideas.  On the other hand I loved Boone Callahan, and his straight forward, justice for all attitude.  

Justice Betrayed is an interesting, entertaining, and fun novel to read.  I cant wait to read it again.

Just Let Go By: Courtney Walsh

Back of the book

For Quinn Collins, buying the flower shop in downtown Harbor Pointe fulfills a childhood dream, but also gives her the chance to stick it to her mom, who owned the store before skipping town twenty years ago and never looking back. Completing much-needed renovations, however, while also competing for a prestigious flower competition with her mother as the head judge, soon has Quinn in over her head. Not that she’d ever ask for help.

Luckily, she may not need to. Quinn’s father and his meddling friends find the perfect solution in notorious Olympic skier Grady Benson, who had only planned on passing through the old-fashioned lakeside town. But when a heated confrontation leads to property damage, helping Quinn as a community-service sentence seems like the quickest way out—and the best way to avoid more negative press.

Quinn finds Grady reckless and entitled; he thinks she’s uptight and too regimented. Yet as the two begin to hammer and saw, Quinn sees glimpses of the vulnerability behind the bravado, and Grady learns from her passion and determination, qualities he seems to have lost along the way. But when a well-intentioned omission has devastating consequences, Grady finds himself cast out of town—and Quinn’s life—possibly forever. Forced to face the hurt holding her back, Quinn must finally let go or risk missing out on the adventure of a lifetime.

My Thoughts

An absolute must read!!  Grady is passionate and self absorbed, yet Walsh has written him in such amazing fashion that I found myself rooting for him to succeed.  Quinn seems so simple on the surface but has layers of self doubt that she must deal with.  True to Courtney Walsh form, Just Let Go is entertaining with amazing dialog and wonderful side characters.  Walsh finds a way to entertain and make you evaluate your life.  As I turned the last page on Quinn and Grady's story I thought of ways to improve my own life and Just Let Go.  

Storm Front By: Susan May Warren

Back of the Book

A tornado has destroyed a small Minnesota community and among the missing are not only a group of students but PEAK Rescue team leader Chet King. Ty Remington will stop at nothing to rescue his mentor, not even when the girl he loved--and lost--walks back into his life. But Brette needs his help more than he knows, despite her stubborn determination to push him away. And when he gets a second chance, loving her just might cost him more than he can imagine.

A blogger for Vortex Storm Chasers, Brette Arnold didn't expect her adventures to land her in the same place as Ty, the guy who she walked--no, ran--from over a year ago. She had her reasons--good ones. The kind that tell her that falling for him again would only lead to heartache. But Ty isn't the kind of man to give up--not on the missing students, or on her.

Life and love hang in the balance in Susan May Warren's breathless story of holding on to hope during a deadly summer of storms.

My Thoughts

To say Susan May Warren has written the perfect novel might seem a bit too much, but this was as close to perfection as I think you can get!  Ty has always been such a thought out, kind and easy to relate to character so to have him in the lime light made this book flow.  Brette was the perfect opposite with deep physical and emotional wounds she hasn't dealt with.  This is the 5th novel in the Montana Rescue series and is NOT a stand alone.  Do yourself, and this book, a favor and go back and at least refresh yourself on what has been happening with the PEAK Rescue  team.  It will not only make the novel more enjoyable but you will not be confused as characters weave in and out through the novel.  

A Chance At Forever By: Melissa Jagears

Back of the Book

In early 1900s Kansas, Mercy McClain, determined to protect Teaville's children from the bullying she experienced as a child, finds fulfillment working at the local orphanage and serving on the school board. When Aaron Firebrook, the classmate who bothered her more than any other, petitions the board for a teaching position, she's dead set against him getting the job.

Aaron knows he deserves every bit of Mercy's mistrust, but he's returned to his hometown a changed man and is seeking to earn forgiveness of those he wronged. He doesn't expect Mercy to like him, but surely he can prove he now has the best interests of the children at heart.

Will resentment and old wounds hold them back, or can Mercy and Aaron put the past behind them in time to face the unexpected threats to everything they're working for?

My Thoughts

A Chance At Forever is an entertaining novel with a smooth plot filled with loved, forgiveness and self reflection.  Mercy McClain was not one of my favorite characters due to her grudge holding and overall immaturity, yet if she had been any different the story would not have had the same effect.  Aaron on the other hand is outstanding, his character has depth and really helped pull me into the story and kept me reading.  If you are a fan of Melissa Jagears, this book should be on your reading list.

The Heart Between Us By: Lindsay Harrel

Back of the Book

Megan Jacobs always wished for a different heart. Her entire childhood was spent in and out of hospitals, sitting on the sidelines while her twin sister Crystal played all the sports, got all the guys, and had all the fun. But even a heart transplant three years ago wasn’t enough to propel Megan’s life forward. She’s still working as a library aide in her small Minnesota hometown and living with her parents, dreaming of the adventure she plans to take “once she’s well enough.” Meanwhile, her sister is a successful architect with a handsome husband and the perfect life—or so Megan thinks.

When her heart donor’s parents give Megan their teenage daughter’s journal—complete with an unfulfilled bucket list—Megan connects with the girl she meets between the pages and is inspired to venture out and check off each item. Caleb—a friend from her years in and out of the hospital—reenters her life and pushes her to find the courage to take the leap and begin her journey. She’s thrown for a loop when Crystal offers to join her for reasons of her own, but she welcomes the company and the opportunity to mend their tenuous relationship.

As Megan and Crystal check items off the bucket list, Megan fights the fears that have been instilled in her after a lifetime of illness. She must choose between safety and adventure and learn to embrace the heart she’s been given so that she can finally share it with the people she loves most.

My Thoughts

If you are expecting a simple heart warming novel about a bucket list and a heart transplant patient then you will be pleasantly surprised.  While those two simple themes do exist in The Heart Between Us, this novel is so much more than that.  I LOVED this book, Megan is so well written and Crystal equally so.  What got me the most was some of the underlying struggles the twins had, as one was healthy and the other not.  By far one of the best researched, developed and written novels I have read.

The Saturday Night Supper Club By: Carla Laureano

Back of the Book

Denver chef Rachel Bishop has accomplished everything she’s dreamed and some things she never dared hope, like winning a James Beard Award and heading up her own fine-dining restaurant. But when a targeted smear campaign causes her to be pushed out of the business by her partners, she vows to do whatever it takes to get her life back . . . even if that means joining forces with the man who inadvertently set the disaster in motion.

Essayist Alex Kanin never imagined his pointed editorial would go viral. Ironically, his attempt to highlight the pitfalls of online criticism has the opposite effect: it revives his own flagging career by destroying that of a perfect stranger. Plagued by guilt-fueled writer’s block, Alex vows to do whatever he can to repair the damage. He just doesn’t expect his interest in the beautiful chef to turn personal.

Alex agrees to help rebuild Rachel’s tarnished image by offering his connections and his home to host an exclusive pop-up dinner party targeted to Denver’s most influential citizens: the Saturday Night Supper Club. As they work together to make the project a success, Rachel begins to realize Alex is not the unfeeling opportunist she once thought he was, and that perhaps there’s life―and love―outside the pressure-cooker of her chosen career. But can she give up her lifelong goals without losing her identity as well?

My Thought

The Saturday night Supper Club is a fascinating novel showing the snowball effect of peoples words and actions when social media gets involved.  What I found most interesting about the novel is that the editorial that ultimately ended Rachel's career had nothing really to do with her as a chief or otherwise.  Nither Alex or Rachel could imagine what his simple editorial could do to both of their careers and how quickly things can spin out of our control.  I loved how Laureano addresses issues we have in our fast passed, social media frenzied society in an entertaining and thought provoking way.  Definitely a book worth reading!

High Treason By: Diann Mills

Back of the Book

When Saudi Prince Omar bin Talal visits Houston to seek cancer treatment for his mother, an attempt on his life puts all agencies on high alert. FBI Special Agent Kord Davidson is the lead on the prince’s protective detail because of their long-standing friendship, but he’s surprised—and none too happy—when the CIA brings one of their operatives, Monica Alden, in on the task force after the assassination attempt.

Kord and Monica must quickly put aside interagency squabbles, however, when they learn the prince has additional motives for his visit—plans to promote stronger ties with the US and encourage economic growth and westernization in his own country. Plans that could easily incite a number of suspects both in the US and in countries hostile to Saudi Arabia. Worse yet, the would-be assassin always seems to be one step ahead of them, implicating someone close to the prince—or the investigation. But who would be willing to commit high treason, and can Kord and Monica stop them in time?

My Thoughts

I am always impressed with Mills ability to not only shock me with her unique plots full of great twist, but also with the amount of detail she puts into her books.  High Treason is full of such detail as Kord and Monica deal with a Saudi Prince, his family, and all their beliefs about women and the rules around them.  Not once did the book ignore the complexity of the Saudi culture to make the investigation esier.  An amazing novel that is definitely worth reading.

Out of the Ashes By: Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Wiidhouse

Back of the book

After the death of their father, Collette and Jean-Michel Langelier are no longer tied to post-war France. While his sister dreams of adventure, Jean-Michel is hoping to finally escape reminders of the horrors he faced in the war. When Jean-Michel receives an unexpected invitation for them to visit Alaska and the Curry Hotel, it seems an opportunity for a change he needs. 

Katherine Demarchis is a young widow who does not grieve the dangerous husband she was forced to marry. Now she just wants to retreat to a quiet life, content to be alone. First, though, she's agreed to accompany her grandmother on a final trip, but never expects to see a man from her past. 

Katherine and Jean-Michel once shared a deep love that was torn apart by forces beyond their control. Reunited now, have the years changed them too deeply to rediscover what they had? And when Jean-Michel's nightmares return with terrifying consequences, will faith be enough to heal what's been broken for so long?

My thoughts

I have been a long time fan of Peterson's writing and after reading the first novel in the series have been looking forward to Out of the Ashes.  True to Peterson style, this novel has amazing writing, wonderful dialog and great knowledge of the area and the struggles of the times.  I enjoyed the love story between Jean-Michel and Katherine, it showed the kind of lasting love two people can share.  I must admit I did hope for a little more depth like the first novel has, but Out of the Ashes is a wonderful clean love story.

Oath Of Honor By: Lynette Eason

Back of the Book

Police officer Isabelle St. John loves her crazy, loud, law-enforcement family. With three brothers and two sisters, she's never without someone to hang out with--or fight with. And she knows they'll be there for her when things get tough. Like when her partner is murdered and she barely escapes with her own life.

Determined to discover exactly what happened, Izzy's investigation sends her headfirst into a criminal organization, possibly with cops on the payroll--including someone from her own family. With her dead partner's handsome homicide detective brother Ryan shadowing her every move, Izzy's head is spinning. How can she secure justice for her partner when doing so could mean sending someone she loves to prison? And how will she guard her heart when the man she's had a secret crush on for years won't leave her side?

With her signature fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat action, Lynette Eason invites readers into a captivating new series where justice is a family affair.

My thoughts

Oath Of Honor is intense, with twist and turns only Lynette Eason can develop.  Isabelle and Ryan are fantastic characters and the perfect introduction into the Blue Justice series.  While many first books in a series seem to bombard you with character introductions over the first few chapters, Eason slowly introduces each character as their expertise is needed in the story.  Full of depth, passion and chilling intensity Oath Of Honor is a must read.

Troubled Waters By: Susan May Warren

Back of the Book

Billionaire Ian Shaw can have everything he wants--except a happy ending. Or at least that's what it feels like with his fortune recently liquidated, his niece, Esme, still missing, and the woman he loves refusing to speak to him. In fact, he doubts she would date him even if they were stranded on a deserted island.

Despite her love for Ian, Sierra Rose knows he has no room in his life for her as long as the mystery of his missing niece goes unsolved. The only problem is, Sierra has solved it, but a promise to Esme to keep her whereabouts secret has made it impossible to be around Ian.

When the PEAK chopper is damaged and Sierra lacks the funds to repair it, Ian offers a fundraising junket for large donors on his yacht in the Caribbean. But the three-day excursion turns into a nightmare when a rogue wave cripples the yacht and sends the passengers overboard. Shaken up and soaked to the bone, Ian finally has a chance to test his theory when he and Sierra do indeed find themselves washed up on a strange, empty shore.

It will take guts and gumption for the PEAK team to rescue the duo. But it will take a miracle to rescue Ian and Sierra's relationship.

My Thoughts

The much anticipated story between Ian and Sierra is finally here as the 4th installment in the Montana Rescue Series.  My first suggestion is to go back and have a little refresher on the characters from the last books because Troubled Waters just starts at a run and never slows down.  With twists and turns in so many relationships it was sometimes hard to keep up, yet I loved every page of it.  Sierra is still so loving and Ian is still trying to control the world. It makes you wonder if it will ever be possible for them to meet in the middle.  Loved, loved, loved this novel and so will you!!  Again, remember to refresh yourself before diving in and enjoy.