Deadly Charade by Lynette Eason and Kelly Underwood

Title:  Deadly Charade

Author:  Lynette Eason and Kelly Underwood

Narrated by:  Cynthia Farrell

Publisher: Recorded Books

Length: Approximately 10 hours and 33 minutes

Source: Thank you to @lynetteeason, @bestinsuspense, @revellfiction, and @greatreadsbookpromo for the gift copy of the physical copy of Deadly Charade. Audiobook purchased from Audible.

What is your favorite story involving a treasure hunt?

FBI Special Agents Kira Miller and Bryce Lambers are going undercover as a newlywed couple to break into a suspected Russian crime ring.  As Kira finds her feelings growing for Bryce, the mystery and adventure deepens.  Will they crack the crime ring while also finding the hidden treasure?

My thoughts on this book:

·       I liked how Bryce’s late grandpa and his journals figured into the mystery.  His grandpa was a great man who helped to raise him, and he also was obsessed with finding hidden treasure.

·       There was great chemistry between the leads, Kira and Bryce.  I enjoyed reading their developing relationship and love for each other.

·       The audiobook was interesting, and I enjoyed the accents that the narrator used.

·       I enjoyed the suspense and action in the story.  The story kept me engaged and guessing until the end.  Romantic suspense is one of my favorite genres and this was a great example of it.

·       There were great faith elements in the story as Kira finds her way back to God.

·       Bryce was neglected as a child and Kria was an orphan.  They both have trust issues and must work through them.

·       I love a good treasure hunt story.  I don’t want to go into detail and wreck the plot, but I did greatly enjoy the treasure hunt in this book.

·       This is the first book in the FBI New Recruits series.

·       The mystery was inspired by the real-life mystery of the Amber room which I had not heard of before.  Once I heard of it in this book, I did some online sleuthing, and I am intrigued.

·       The story started slowly, but it was really intense through the end.

·       The genres included:  romantic suspense, fake marriage, action, mystery, contemporary, treasure hunt, inspirational, and Christian.

Overall, Deadly Charade by Lynette Eason and Kelly Underwood as an entertaining romantic suspense story with a treasure hunt and crime ring. I enjoyed it!

Three Steps Behind by Dani Pettrey

 

Do you prefer series or standalone books?

Thank you to @authordanipettrey, @bethanyhousefiction, and @greatreadsbookpromo for the gift copy of Three Steps Behind.

Harper has returned from a humanitarian trip oversees in Syria where she was held captive and almost killed.  Many of her friends didn’t make it.  She has returned to the United States and protection from a private investigator, Deckard MacLeod.  She has only just arrived when she discovers that her friend Taylor has died.  Did her friend die naturally in her early 30’s?  Something doesn’t seem right and so Harper and Deckard start to investigate.  Will they find out what happened to Taylor?

My thoughts on this novel:

·       This book starts off with a bang.  The first chapter was exciting and terrifying and really pulled you into the story.

·       This is the third book in the Jeopardy Falls series.  I had a hard time getting into the story at first.  It seemed like character overload, and I wasn’t really sure what was going on.  If I had read the other book in series, I would have hit this story running.  It was an entertaining story once I got into it, so I think I need to go back and read the first couple of book.

·       This was a clean read with kisses only. There are some triggers such as kidnapping, childhood trauma, missing family, murder, etc.

·       I would classify this read as a romantic suspense thriller.  It was very action-packed.

·       I loved Deckard.  He is devoted to his siblings.  He really supported Harper through her trials and healing.

·       There was also a second romantic suspense storyline between Deckard’s estranged sister, Bristol, and Aubry.  It was entertaining as well.

·       The book ended on a cliffhanger that set up book 4.  I need to read the first two books in the series as I wait for book 4!

Overall, Three Steps Behind by Dani Pettrey was an action-packed romantic suspense story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Twilight Tactics by Lynette Eason

 

Dawn or twilight?  Which do you prefer?  I am not a morning person and will always prefer twilight!

Thank you to @lynetteeason, @revellfiction, and @greatreadsbookpromo for the gift copy of Twilight Tactics.

FBI agents Sully Sulivan and Piper Whitaker are taking are care of and hiding 14-year-old witness Ollie Callahan.  Ollie witnessed a mob hit and is being hid until the trial.  As each of their locations has been compromised, Sully hopes that Broken Chain Ranch, which is the home of an old cousin and friend, will be a safe place.

Maya runs Broken Chain Ranch as a miliary vet retreat, a place where veterans can heal from PTSD and gain tools to deal with their lives.  Her friend and fellow vet, Elana, teaches wilderness skills at the ranch.  Elena bonds with Ollie but has secrets of her own. When the ranch comes under attack, is it Ollie or Elena the mysterious attackers are after?

My thoughts on this novel:

·       This was an action-packed book that you can’t put down!

·       This was a contemporary romance suspense novel.

·       It was a clean read and Christian.

·       Twilight Tactics was the first in the new series, Soldiers in Shadows.  I can’t wait for the next book.

·       I really liked the relationships between characters such as Sully and Ollie, Elena and Ollie, and Sully and Elena.

·       This book also investigated the dark world of prepper and cult lifestyles.  How can you get out of such a situation?

·       The overall theme of the book was that you can be broken, but you can take control of your life, heal, and have a fresh start.  I liked this theme.

·       Ollie is an orphan that has been shuffled through foster care and has experienced things that no teen should have experienced.  I really felt for her.

·       This book is set in the rural Tennessee mountains.

·       It was told through multiple point of views: Elena, Sully, and Ollie.

·       This story was fast paced and kept from on the edge of my seat from the first page through the end.

Overall, Twilight Tactics by Lynette Eason is an action packed contemporary romantic suspense novel with great characters that kept me on the edge of my seat.  It was a great start to a new series.

Shattered by Dr. David Jeremiah and Sam O’Neal

 

Title:  Shattered

Author:  Dr. David Jeremiah and Sam O’Neal

Narrated by:  Roger Wayne

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Length: Approximately 10 hours and 58 minutes

Source: Purchased from Audible.com with a physical book review copy from @drdavidjeremiah @thomasnelsonfiction @TLCBookTours.  Thank-you!

What is the last action-adventure book that you’ve read or one that you would recommend?

Shattered starts right where book one, Vanished, ended and tells the story of what happens for the first three year after the rapture. The story continues to follow Dr. John Haggerty as he seeks vengeance for the loss of his wife and daughter.  It also follows Abigail who recognizes her own failures and has turned to Christianity. She is gathering the Christian believers still left that are now turning to God.  As the Antichrist takes over, will Abigail and John be able to stay true to God?

My thoughts on this novel:

·       This book was an action-packed thriller.

·       The book contained a lot of Biblical prophecy and interpretation of the prophecies.

·       It has a different take on the rapture and prophesies than the popular Left Behind series and is worth reading to see this different story.

·       This is Book #2 is the Vanished series.  I enjoyed Book #1, Vanished.  You should read this series in order to know what is going on.

·       It was interesting to ponder in this book after the rapture when so many have disappeared, how will the world react?

·       It was an interesting look into misinformation and how evil can use misinformation to tell people that it was not the rapture.  People are already conditioned to listen to false information and believe it.  It’s a sad, but true commentary on our current state of affairs in the world and how it can be used for evil.

·       It was an intense story and not a happy one.

·       It was an exciting audiobook to listen to.  I liked the narrator’s voice.

·       This book ends on a cliffhanger.

Overall, Shattered by Dr. David Jeremiah and Sam O’Neal was an exciting end of the world thriller.

 

Vanished by Dr. David Jeremiah with Sam O’Neal

What is the last action-adventure book that you enjoyed?

John “Haggs” Haggerty is the leader of a special military unit in charge of stopping pandemics before they spread.  After COVID-19, deadly disease is on the rise as is famine, wars, and earthquakes.  Haggs’ best friend, Caleb, is sure it’s a sign of the approaching rapture, but Haggs isn’t so sure.  Haggs relationship with his wife has fallen apart, but he is trying to rebuild his relationship with his daughter, Sonya.  Will he be able to be a better person and repair his relationships while also helping the world as it falls apart?

My thoughts on this novel:

·       This was a very readable, intriguing action-adventure story.

·       This is the first in a new series.  I am looking forward to the next book.

·       I loved the characters in this book, especially Haggs, Sonya, and Caleb.

·       I enjoy end times fiction.  If you liked the Left Behind series, you would enjoy Vanished.

·       A lot happens in this book.  It is very action packed and fast paced.

·       Haggs has past pain from the death of a child and abuse as a child from his alcoholic father.  He works through this pain and finally tells the story to Sonya of what happened to her brother.

·       Haggs hires Sonya has an Italian translator. While father and daughter can now spend more time together, it also puts her in danger.

·       There is a great discussion of faith as Caleb and Sonya are believers and try to talk to Haggs about his faith.

·       Genres:  Christian apocalyptic thriller, adventure, suspense, inspirational.

·       There are great book discussion questions at the end for a book club to use.

 Overall, Vanished by Dr. David Jeremiah with Sam O’Neal was a riveting Christian apocalyptic thriller with great characters and story.  I am looking forward to book two!

Book Source:  Thank you to @drdavidjeremiah @thomasnelsonfiction @tlcbooktours for the review copy of this novel as part of the TLC Book Tour.

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

 

What book would you like to see a prequel for?

It’s the fiftieth annual Hunger games and Haymitch Abernathy has been selected from District 12.  As part of the 50^th anniversary celebration, they are selecting twice as many children from each section, so District 12 is sending four tributes this year.  Haymitch wants to get back to his beloved girlfriend, mom, and brother, but he also wants to take down the Capital and the Hunger Games.  Will he succeed?

My thoughts on this novel:

·       Sunrise on the Reaping was an entertaining action novel reminiscent of the first two books at the Hunger Games series.  It was very readable!

·       I do wish there would have been more differences to make this book more unique like the Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

·       I liked the cameos of characters from the original novels that popped up such as Plutarch, Mags, Wiress, and Effie.

·       Haymitch loves Lenore Dove, a descendant of Lucy Grey (not explained how), but their romantic relationship isn’t fully developed.

·       This story explains why Haymitch breaks down and is the way he is.  It would have been interesting to tell the story of his life between the games and mentoring Katniss. 

·       I liked the new character of Masilee.  She is a wealthy mean girl from District 12 who shows her humanity and spunk during the games.

·       This story will make an entertaining movie.

Overall, Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins is an enjoyable story very similar to the first two Hunger Game novels.

Book Source:  Preordered from Amazon.com

Drowning by TJ Newman

 

Title:  Drowning

Author:  TJ Newman

Narrated by:  Steven Weber and Laura Benanti

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Length: Approximately 7 hours and 43 minutes

Source: Review Copy from Simon & Schuster Audio.  Thank you @simonandschuster #BookClubFavorites for the free books!

 What is your worst disaster related fear? Mine is of being trapped underwater . . . which makes Drowning by TJ Newman the perfect book to play into my fears.

Six minutes after takeoff from Hawaii, Flight 1421 crashes into the Pacific Ocean.  As the crew and passengers attempt to escape from the plane, engineer Will Kent realizes that they have a better chance of surviving by staying in the plane.  Together with his daughter Shannon, and 10 other people, they end up trapped inside a plane, underwater, perched on a sea cliff.  Will they survive?

Will’s wife, Chris, is a professional diver and underwater welder/construction worker.  After the death of their other young daughter, Will and Chris have not been able to keep their relationship on track.  On the verge of divorce, Chris is annoyed at Will for insisting on traveling with Shannon on her trip to California.  Once she finds out what has happened, she is intent on being part of the rescue.  Will Chris be able to help her husband and daughter?

Drowning is a dual narrative novel with Will and Chris narrating alternate chapters.  I enjoyed Steven Weber and Laura Benanti’s narration as Will and Chris in the audiobook.  Steven had a very distinctive voice which I enjoyed.

Drowning is the perfect adventure novel for a drive – I couldn’t stop listening to it!  I had a lot of driving for work this month and this audiobook kept me very entertained.  It is basically like an action movie, with a riveting plot and great characters.  Plus, I always love reading about #engineersinfiction.  Will may use the line “I’m an engineer!” followed by another life saving tip for the passengers.  Dubious at first, they finally realize it’s best to follow the advice of the engineer.

I really liked how the accident made both Will and Chris separately evaluate their lives and put things into perspective.  What is the most important thing for their family?  Do they still love each other?  I also liked the stories of all of the other passengers.  Even though it was an action story, several characters did give me a good laugh.

I read and enjoyed Falling by TJ Newman last year.  If you enjoyed Falling, you will definitely enjoy Drowning.

Double or Nothing by Kim Sherwood (Bibliolifestyle Book Tour)

 

Thank you, Partner @bibliolifestyle @williammorrowbooks for the review copy of Double or Nothing by Kim Sherwood.

What is your favorite James Bond movie?  I love Sean Connery as James Bond, but some of the 1970’s films such as The Man with the Golden Gun are fun.  I love the campy humor.

Double or Nothing is definitely more in the vein of the modern James Bond movies.  I don’t want to spoil the plot of this one so I’m going to use the publisher’s synopsis to explain:

SYNOPSIS:

“I spy … a brilliant thriller! Double or Nothing is a clever and utterly compelling addition to the Bond canon.” —Jeffery Deaver, author of Carte Blanche, a James Bond novel

The start of a brand-new trilogy following MI6’s Double O agents with a license to kill, that blows the world of James Bond wide open!

James Bond is missing…

007 has been captured—and perhaps killed—by a sinister private military company. His status unknown. MI6 holds out hope that their most lethal agent will find his way home. But in the meantime, the rest of the Double O division has a job to do.

Meet the new generation of spies…

Johanna Harwood, 003. Joseph Dryden, 004. Sid Bashir, 009. They represent the very best and brightest of MI6. Supremely skilled, ruthless, with a license to kill, they will do anything to protect their country.

The fate of the world rests in their hands…

Tech billionaire Sir Bertram Paradise claims he has developed new cutting-edge technology capable of reversing climate change and saving the planet. But can his grandiose promises be trusted, and are his motives as altruistic as they appear? The new spies must uncover the truth because the stakes could not be higher; for humanity… and for James Bond himself.

Time is running out.

My review:

While I am a fan of the James Bond movies, this is the first novel I have read in the James Bond universe.  He is not a character in this book, but the three double Os are searching for him. This book was action packed and a thrilling story.  I liked that the story did have climate change in it.  The book definitely was trying to diversify the James Bond world.  New characters were introduced while old characters such as Moneypenny reappeared.  Q is now a supercomputer which was an interesting twist.  The book ended on a cliff hanger, and I do want to read what happens next. 

I did have a hard time getting into this novel.  The different viewpoints made the story disjointed.

This book was published on April 11, 2023.

A Blizzard of Polar Bears by Alice Henderson

 

Have you read any good thrillers lately?  Do you like books with non-stop action or books with slower thrills?

 A Blizzard of Polar Bears is a follow up to last year’s novel, A Solitude of Wolverines and starts right where the last book ended.  That being said, A Blizzard of Polar Bears also works as a standalone novel.  I would recommend reading A Solitude of Wolverines first if you can.

 Alex Carter is a wildlife biologist just finishing up a wolverine study in Montana.  She is hired for an exciting new polar bear study in Manitoba Canada.   She starts work and is excited to be making a difference studying the effects of climate change on polar bears in the artic.  After the first few days of great work, things start to go wrong with the study. Someone breaks into the lab, takes all of their data, and steals their samples.  Their helicopter pilot is hired by someone else.  Then the group realizes that they themselves have become the hunted.  Who is after them?  There is a lot of suspicious activity happening in this small town.

 I really enjoyed the wildlife biology and climate change aspects of this novel.  I find them intriguing and interesting; I am an environmental engineer for my career.  I work in the water field and not with wildlife so it’s interesting to see the science and how research is performed.  Just like with a Solitude of Wolverines, A Blizzard of Polar Bears has nonstop action as the plot progresses.  It’s kind of like an environmental action thriller.  It would be a big blockbuster movie with lots of explosions.  I find it highly entertaining, and I read this book in one day.

 One item I really loved was that the mysterious man that seems to be following Alex around in A Solitude of Wolverines, actually meets with Alex and works with her in A Blizzard of Polar Bears.  What is his back story?  Why is he following Alex around?  Will Alex be able to warm him back up when he falls into freezing cold water in the wilderness?  Ha!!!!  I feel like every snow set movie or book has a warming up scene in it.  Do you have a favorite movie or book with this type of lifesaving scene?

 Overall, A Blizzard of Polar Bears is a very entertaining wildlife ecology thriller.  I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

 Book Source:  A Review Copy from William Morrow.  Thank-you! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.