For fans of action, romantic suspense and coastal settings

The Crushing Depths by Dani Pettrey is non-stop action from start to finish. This is the second in the series, but probably could be read as a stand-alone (but if you follow me, you know I refuse to read a series out of order.) Someone is sabotaging an oil rig. An old curse surfaces as CGIS agents Mason Rogers and Rissi Dawson search for answers as the body count rises higher than the tides. Meanwhile Noah Rowley finds himself in an adventure of his own as he tries to protect Brooke from a stalker.

Mason and Rissi’s story dials up the emotional intensity as they share a very broken childhood together, but lost touch over the years after Rissi disappeared to flee the bad situation. Mason resurfaces in the prior book, The Killing Tide, and Rissi finds herself fighting old feelings. The two are paired up on the oil rig investigation and sparks fly. I loved Rissi from The Killing Tide, and her reconnection to Mason is filled with all kinds of romantic tension. Based on their shared past, their feelings don’t take long to surface.  And Noah also has a love interest of his own. But outside of the developing relationships, the storyline is quite complex and kept me hooked to the end trying to figure out not only the culprit but the motivation behind all of the attacks. The book does a great job of blending the romance with the suspense of all of the investigations the CGIS agents are working.

I highly recommend this series for romantic suspense fans. There’s just so much action and suspense packed into this novel along with characters readers will love.

Overall: 5 stars (I loved it, couldn’t put it down)
Suspense: 5 stars (Non-stop edge-of-your-seat suspense from start to finish)

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

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For fans of historical fiction, true crimes, and gritty dramas

The Green Dress by Liz Tolsma is part of the True Colors series. These stories are based on actual crimes in American history, and this novel focuses on the notorious Robinson family. One by one, family members die a slow and agonizing death. Harriet Peters, caregiver to the children and friend of the family, begins to realize that it’s way too coincidental that so many people in the same family all died the same way. She invites her own doctor, Michael Wheaton, to help investigate and keep the children safe from the mysterious illness that has taken the lives of so many.

This story is creepy! I read up on the historical events, and the author did a great job of bringing this story from the pages of the past and turning it into a suspenseful and intriguing story. This novel is gritty and dark, not a light read. There is a love story that develops to lighten the mood a bit. I’m usually not a fan of stories set in the 1800’s, but the author did a lot of research and the setting just adds to the macabre and nightmarish circumstances. It’s hard to believe this is based on real life! Also, by the time you understand why the title is The Green Dress, your head will be spinning.

Definitely check this novel out, especially if you like gritty true crime stories.

Overall: 5 stars (I loved it, couldn’t put it down)
Suspense: 5 stars (Non-stop edge-of-your-seat suspense from start to finish)

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

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For fans of FBI investigations, action and romantic suspense

My favorite kind of novel starts right in the middle of the action! The Traitor’s Pawn kicks off with an attempted abduction as Aubrey Grayson tries to make sense of why anyone would want to kidnap her. Aubrey’s long-lost friend from childhood, FBI Agent Jack Shannon, happens to be in town with an investigation of his own. Their paths cross as Aubrey realizes her connection to the FBI investigation. Aubrey’s involvement in the case becomes personal when she finds out why she’s the target.

I’m a fan of Lisa Harris. Her novels are always action-packed with lots of plot twists. I enjoyed the super-fast pace of The Traitor’s Pawn. The chemistry between the two main characters worked well, as they had been childhood friends that never wanted to wreck a friendship to take a chance on a romantic relationship. I liked the fact that Aubrey was in law enforcement and became part of the investigating team. While Jack felt protective, Aubrey held her own and I enjoy stories with strong female leads.

The story had a lot of depth while delivering plenty of intrigue. This gets a definite “must read” from me. It’s definitely a page-turner.

Overall: 5 stars (I loved it, couldn’t put it down)
Suspense: 5 stars (Non-stop edge-of-your-seat suspense from start to finish)

I received an ebook review copy of this book from Revell Publishing via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

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For fans of thrillers, FBI and crazy plot twists

What an incredible roller coaster ride! Dead End gives readers so many thrilling plot twists as Kaely Quinn finds herself in the worst possible predicament: facing her serial killer father in an attempt to locate a copy cat killer. Of course, Kaely is one of the most complex characters ever written. She deals with her emotions in the most unusual ways, but this case sends all of her senses spiraling out of control.

While the plot is complex, the characters are even more intricate. Kaely is complicated and at times dark, yet struggles with the fact that she’s human just like everyone else. She never dealt with her past and can’t justify her father’s horrific actions with the fact that he’s still her father. And Noah has waited for Kaely for three books now and in Dead End he watches her unravel as she tries to navigate her inner and outer worlds. But how can he help someone who won’t accept any help?

I’m a fan of this entire series. I recommend reading these in order so definitely start with Mind Games (it’s on Kindle Unlimited). But Dead End brings so much drama and tension with some surprising plot twists.  I highly recommend this series to any suspense fans – the plot twists and unique characters make this one of my all time favorites!

Overall: 5 stars (I loved it, couldn’t put it down)
Suspense: 5 stars (Non-stop edge-of-your-seat suspense from start to finish)

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

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For fans of spies, con artist, and high stakes missions

What a fun series! Picking up where The Gryphon Heist left off, Chasing the White Lion gives readers more action and excitement with Talia, Tyler and the rest of their mismatched crew of con artist and grifters.  If you like over-the- top action and plot twists, this novel is for you.

Chasing the White Lion has some pretty intricate and elaborate high stake cons. Talia teams up with Tyler again, not sure if she can trust him. The group tries to infiltrate a crime ring by conning their way up the ranks, which lands them in a life-or-death competition called The Jungle. And things definitely get crazy in the Hunger Games-style Jungle. Of course, they are up against the clock, working to rescue children from a human trafficking ring while trying to keep Talia alive after it’s clear that someone wants her dead.   

Things I love in a novel: action, suspense, super-quirky characters, intricate plots, spies and computer geeks. This story has all of my favorites – so definitely 5 stars from me. Definitely check out The Gryphon Heist first as you will want to read this series in order.

Overall: 5 stars (I loved it, couldn’t put it down)
Suspense: 5 stars (Non-stop edge-of-your-seat suspense from start to finish)

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For fans of political thrillers, intense suspense, and life or death situations

The Jerusalem Assassin is the third novel in the Marcus Ryker series by Joel C. Rosenberg. It would be helpful to start with the The Kremlin Conspiracy first so you can understand the characters and situations. But Ryker is back in action as he tries to protect the president during a trip to Israel. So many people plot against the peace summit that Ryker has his hands full with trying to figure out who is behind the latest terrorist group, Kairos, and how to stop their evil reign of terror.

The Jerusalem Assassin gives reader all of the high-speed thrills and somersaulting plot twist that the prior two novels contained. The author never shies away from taking on some big topics like terrorism and the Middle East. I’ve been a fan of the whole series, and this one has the same sense of urgency and danger as the prior two. Marcus Ryker makes the best action hero, always knowing the right way out of danger. I wished Oleg Kraskin had a bigger part in this novel, but he definitely makes an appearance or two.

I highly recommend the series to all of the action and suspense fans out there. You won’t be disappointed!

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Overall Rating: 5 stars (I loved it, couldn’t put it down)
Suspense Rating: 5 stars (Non-stop edge-of-your-seat suspense from start to finish)

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For fans of thrillers, police detectives, and plot twists

I’ve never read anything by Tom Threadgill, but now I’m his biggest fan. Collision of Lies is the novel we die hard suspense fans have been waiting for.

San Antonio police detective Amara Alvarez breaks up an arguing couple, only to find herself pulled into a three year old closed case, with nothing but a gut feeling and a random text message to fuel the investigation.

The cold case itself is twisted and complex. The suspense and mystery definitely kept me hooked and there was no lull in the action. The reader gets to tag along with Amara’s investigation and there are plenty of plot twist to keep readers guessing until the very end.

The characters are beyond quirky but it made them likable. Amara talks to her pet lizard, Larry, and works in property crimes, hoping for a chance on the homicide squad. Readers can really get behind her as she refuses to quit digging into a case that was deemed solved three years ago. Dr. Prichard, the ME, tells people the proper way to eat Tic-Tacs and always has a long-winded story to share. I still don’t know why they call Starsky “Starsky.”

The only downside to this book is that it ended with me wanting more. I can only hope for a sequel!

Overall Rating:
5 stars (I loved it, couldn’t put it down)

Suspense Rating:
5 stars (Non-stop edge-of-your-seat suspense from start to finish)

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For fans of military dramas, intense action, and conspiracy theories

Kings Falling by Ronie Kendig gives readers more of everything we’ve come to expect from her novels. More death-defying action, more amazing characters like Leif Metcalf and Iskra Torodova, more danger, and much more inner conflict. But note that this novel ends on a total cliff-hanger which will leave readers wanting…well, MORE!  

This is the second novel in the series, so readers need to pick up Storm Rising first to keep up. The story picks up with Leif, Iskra, and the rest of the team, now dubbed Reaper, as they try to stop assassination attempts that were predicted in the Book of Wars, not to mention that the book is missing. Leif struggles with his relationship with Iskra but also the thought that men are being “activated” and turned into mass murderers. Oh, and throw in a secret organization called the Armageddon Coalition which wants total world domination and you’ve got one action-packed, thrilling novel.  

If you loved Storm Rising, you’ll not be able to put down Kings Falling. I used to think I had a crush on Tox (from the prior series) but now it’s totally Cell. He’s kind of the behind the scenes guy trying to keep everything straight, while Leif and others on the team starts to come unglued. I don’t want to reveal too much, but this is a fantastic adventure filled with drama, action, suspense, and intrigue.  Clearly, I can’t wait for the next one. Because the ending of this one is leaving me hanging in mid air trying to catch my breath!

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Overall Rating: 5 stars (I loved it, couldn’t put it down)
Suspense Rating: 5 stars (Non-stop edge-of-your-seat suspense from start to finish)

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For fans of complex mysteries, drama, and small town settings

One Little Lie plops readers down into the middle of more than a decade old mystery. Jane Harper escapes from a cult with her father and manages to turn her life around and bury her past. She becomes police chief of Pelican Harbor, AL, but everything derails as several murders happen her first day on the job. To make matters worse, her father is the chief suspect, and she’s stuck with reporter Reid Betchol shadowing her for a documentary.

I’d classify this novel as a mystery. The plot is complex, with lots of characters that intertwine throughout the story. I didn’t see the ending coming and enjoyed the process of trying to piece the evidence together along side Jane. The “secret” is pretty obvious early on, and it’s interesting to see Reid deal with lies of omission and coming clean about what he knows and who he is. Also, Colleen Coble always has the best settings, and I loved the New Orleans style vibe of Pelican Harbor.

There was plenty of action and suspense to keep the story fast-paced. My only issue was the believability at times. The contrast of Jane from beginning to end didn’t resonate with me. I couldn’t figure out how she went from the past she had in the cult to become the police chief. It seemed like a stretch. The conflict from her past and present didn’t come out as much as I would have wanted. But overall, this is a great mystery and an intriguing read. I definitely recommend to suspense fans.

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Overall Rating: 4 stars (I liked it a lot and would definitely recommend)
Suspense Rating: 4 stars (lots of action and suspense to keep me intrigued)

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For fans of fantasy, epic battle scenes, and legendary characters

The conclusion of the Ravenwood Saga series has arrived. Be sure to start with book 1, Mark of the Raven. It’s a must to read these in order.

I will admit, the genres of fantasy and YA are hit or miss for me. Sometimes I love them and get wrapped up in the epic story lines of far away worlds with legendary characters. Other times I can’t get into the stories. But I loved the entire Ravenwood Saga for all its imagery, allegories, and characters.

The third installment picks up with Selene Ravenwood stepping up to protect all of the Great Houses from the impending encroachment of the Dominia Empire. Selene perfects her gift of dream walking, but prepares to face off against the Dark Lady and her mother.

I love watching the relationship Damien Maris and Selene grow. Of course, the intrigue of Selene’s dream walking builds in Cry of the Raven as she takes her rightful place as the head of Ravenwood, using her gift the way it was intended. There are plenty of epic battle scenes as the novel focuses more on some of the other Great Houses and their gifts as they all come together to fight the Dominia Empire.

I definitely recommend the entire series, especially if you are a fan of The Lord of the Rings series or Harry Potter series. The fantasy element is excellent and the story moves at a fast-pace to keep suspense-seekers like me hooked.

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Overall Rating: 5 stars (I loved it)
Suspense Rating: 4 stars (lots of action and suspense to keep me intrigued)

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