Intriguing, Romantic & Suspenseful (Lindy@ A Bookish Escape)
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My Thoughts:

Breathe Into Me, by Sara Fawkes, was a fast-paced, enjoyable read.  This is the first full length story that I have read of Ms. Fawkes' and I am a fan!  She knows how to hold her readers interest, and I was engaged in this story the whole way through.  Breathe Into Me is about Lacey St. James, and the story is told mostly from her perspective.  The only father that she's ever know, died, and her life got turned upside down.  Her stepfather adopted Lacey when she was 3, and she had been taught that he was her father.  When he dies, her mother moves them in with her maternal grandmother.  Lacey's life falls apart, as her mother becomes an alcoholic, and her grandmother abuses her.  Lacey tries to protect her little brother, Davvy, and works two jobs to contribute to the household.

Unfortunately, Lacey is involved in an abusive relationship with, Macon, a man who thrives off Lacey's fear and pain.  One night at bar, Lacey is rescued by Everett, a good-looking and quiet guy that keeps to himself.  Lacey and Everett start to forge a friendship, and begin to develop an emotional connection.  However, both Lacey and Everett hide dark secrets from their past.  Macon is stalking Lacey, and her grandmother is determined to ruin her life.  Everett become her safe haven, but when she learns about his past, she wonders if she really ever knew him at all.

I loved how the relationship between Lacey and Everett developed slowly.  They became friends first, and really developed an emotional connection.  The attract,  and sexual tension was there, but there was also so much more.  They shared their secrets, memories, and dreams for the future with one another.  Their relationship was definitely a slow burn.  The more time they spent together, the more I wanted them to find happiness together.  Everett was just as broken as Lqcey, but he hid his pain.  He was such a stand up person, and I loved how he bent over backwards to help Lacey, and showed her how to empower herself, so that she could change her life.

Along the way, we met various secondary character, but two really stood out to me.  Cherisce was an older bartender who had experienced a tough life.  She related to Lacey, and became a good friend and mentor.  I loved Cherisce!  She was tough as nails, ballsy, and loyal.  She took Lacey under her wing, and gave her advice.  She had dealt with men like Macon in her past, and I loved a scene that involved her shotgun and a few choice words for the scumbag!  Cherisce is the kind of friend you want in your corner, and she was a "what you see is what you get" kind of gal!  Clare was also a great character.  She was quiet, reserved, and very sweet.  She was always there to talk to, and stood up for Lacey in her own way.  I enjoyed the secondary love story between Clare, and her boss Andrew, and would like to see them get their own story.

The pacing of the story was fast and steady, and the plot never got dull!  The story mainly revolved around Lacey's character growth.  She had to learn her worth, stand up for herself, and learn to create her own destiny.  We also got a great love story and romance between her and Everett.  The plot dealt with the excitement and beauty of real love, secrets revealed, and the malicious intent of Lacey's ex-boyfriend, her grandmother, and a fair weather friend.

My Rating:

I give, Breathe Into Me, by Sara Fawkes, 3.5 Intriguing, Gripping, Romantic, Suspense-Filled Stars!  This is a super fast read, and it never has a dull moment!
177052
Lynette Eason's first book in her "Deadly Reunions Series", When the Smoke Clears, was one of my favourite romantic suspense novels in 2012, so I have been greatly looking forward to getting my hands on the next installment.

When A Heart Stops was everything I hoped for and more! I found it to be a mesmerizing read, one that sizzled with suspense and had me devouring the pages at top speed. Serena Hopkins is a fabulous character, a strong woman who confidently moves in her world of being a medical examiner, and yet someone who has a tender side looking for someone who will love her the way she is. The cat and mouse game that Serena and Dominic are drawn into with the serial killer is expertly played out in the pages of this story, keeping me guessing about what would happen next. And yet that plot line is nicely balanced with the relationship that unfolds between them as well, one handled with just the right dose of romance. As with the first book in the series, the term "romantic suspense" shouldn't keep the male readers from diving into this book, as I found myself enjoying every moment of this book. The writing is crisp, the characters are interesting and believable, and the suspense kept me glued to the pages. Add in a dose of faith, and you've created just the right formula for an entertaining evening spent with a good novel.

One warning though. After reading this book, you may not want to sleep with your light off. The suspense in this novel is just that good. Don't say I didn't warn you.

I give this book my highest recommendation, and 5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
1574568
Another great book by Sharon Kleve!
The combination of romance and suspense makes a delightful and captivating read. The characters of Lucy, a florist,  and Arden, her DEA boyfriend, are engaging and adding in a few furry friends - her Siamese cats - makes a great story. Looking forward to the next book in the series!
3845575
GUNNING FOR THE GROOM is an intriguing mystery full of action, suspense, and romance.  Debra Webb and Regan Black introduce their female protagonist, Francesca (Frankie) Leone, who is trying to clear her fathers name.  The authors give Frankies backstory including details of her injuries incurred while on a Seal covert operation and her estranged relationship with her mother.  Webb and Black introduce their male protagonist, Aidan Abbot, a former Interpol agent and now working for the Colby Agency in Chicago.  Readers follow Frankie to Chicago to meet with Victoria Colby-Camp to discuss evidence given that implicates her mother in the destruction of her fathers career and his suicide.  The storyline gains momentum when Victoria agrees to investigate the evidence and send Aidan with Frankie to visit her mother in Seattle.  Frankie accepts the idea of working with Aidan in the investigation of her mother.  She talks Aidan into going undercover as her fianc.

Both authors work together to create support characters providing their backstories and the roles they play and the continuing story development.  They keep readers interest adding several subplots that change the storys direction including the planning of the make-believe wedding and Aidans development of romantic feelings for Frankie.  The authors maintain the intense investigation of Frankies mother and her partner with each new answer creating more questions for Frankie and Aidan.

The storylines action intensifies when there are attempts of both Frankies and Aidans lives.  Webb and Black create twists and turns and as events unfold their readers are on the edge of their seats holding their breath.  Both authors continue development of their characters supplying readers with insight to an identity of the antagonist and their reasons for their actions.  The dynamics behind the wronging of Frankies father are now only part of the investigation.  Webb and Black place readers on Frankie and Aidans shoulders as they uncover an ongoing conspiracy involving Frankie, Aidan, and her mother. GUNNING FOR THE GROOM creates a story full of suspense, romance, and family values with a dramatic ending.  A must read earning a five-star ranking.

In exchange for an advance copy of GUNNING FOR THE GROOM, I have agreed to write a fair and honest review.
4339601
I thoroughly enjoyed this romantic suspense from Irene Hannon. It is the first in her Men of Valor series and I am already looking forward to the next one!

I thought this was a pretty creative story that had some interesting twists. The villain is definitely smart and creativesomeone I would not want to make mad! I really enjoyed the way the book was narrated. The reader is able to see things from the perspective of the two main characters, who are in law enforcement, but every few chapters we get a peek into the mind of the perpetrator of the crime.

The growing attraction and eventual romance between Lisa and Mac was fabulous! The author really knows how to intersperse the suspense with great romantic tension. Another very fun part of the book was meeting Macs brothers. I enjoyed the dynamics between the three of them.

Buried Secrets was a great story that I did not want to set down and I definitely recommend it to fans of romantic suspense.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. These opinions are my own.
2028210
Get lost in a terrific Romantic Suspense! Lie Catchers is a captivating story with twists and turns set against the exotic backdrop of a small town in  Alaska inhabited mostly by people of Nordic descent. The main character Liv is a flawed everywoman who has a strange obsession that she's hidden all her life and when her talent becomes key in helping to solve a string of murders and crimes, she has to come clean to reveal her weird ability. Something I found particularly interesting in this novel, besides the inner workings of small town life where the women rule the roost while the men fish, was a heroine who is deeply ashamed of what sets her apart from everyone else. Liv was written with finesse and sympathy by Anderson and I found myself rooting for her from page 1, like the heroine in Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.
Anderson has crafted a well plotted crime time line that fits together beautifully and keeps the readers engaged throughout as well as a sexy romance that in thwarted at every turn. Both Liv and Parker fight to keep their feelings in check while working on the murder case, sometimes indulging in moments of weakness.
Before writing this review, I indulged in reading Anderson's low star reviews to see what readers didn't like. People who don't like cuss words seem to like to review and I believe swearing might be involved in Lie Catchers. One woman did not like Liv but didn't appear to read the full book and another said there was too much romance and not enough suspense. Don't let the one stars deter you if you like Romantic Suspense and need a page turner to keep you up at night.
I can see why the prestigious AMAZON ENCORE has picked up this novel to 're-publish' under their name. Lie Catchers is written well, the intricate plot works beautifully and the characters jump off the page like they are telling you the story themselves. I loved this book and now am dying to get to Alaska, no pun intended.
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I haven't been in a romantic suspense mood as of late, which is never good when they pop up on my review schedule. Dangerous to Know is the third romantic suspense on my schedule this month and even though the last two were great, I was worried that my hesitancy for the genre would color my opinion of the book. Fortunately, this was not the case. Despite a rather complicated beginning in which a case assignment was handed down through multiple channels  with enough names being given that I actually had to read the passage twice  Ryder has penned a novel that sucked me right in and kept me up late trying to reach the end before sleep claimed me.

What made Dangerous to Know unlike most military-based romantic suspense novels Ive read was the level of conspiracies that were taking place. As much as I would love to believe that the events that occurred were complete fiction  sensationalized even  the existence of national and international investigative agencies suggest that they are well within the realm of possibility. Considering the secrets being sold and how easy it was for the person responsible to frame an innocent person  someone who trusted him as if he were family  freaks me the heck out. This made the treasonous aspects of the story eerily realistic to me. The romance part was off-the-charts hot because the spark between Mercer and Zoe was such that they both had a hard time resisting the other (even if Zoe didn't realize she had the same effect on Mercer as he had on her). Much like Zoe, I would have had a very, very, very difficult time trusting what they had was real considering how they started. Unlike Zoe, I wasn't raised with a military mind set, so Im not sure I would have ever given Mercer the chance she gave him once his deception was discovered. But thats what makes the book interesting  Zoe was able to acknowledge the extremes of military service and decide if the promise of Mercer outweighed their beginning.

If I could, I would give Ryder a standing ovation for the final showdown scene between Zoe, Mercer, and the traitor. As I read it, I could actually visualize the action sequence playing out in slow motion on a movie screen. It was that good!!! That scene alone is worthy of five stars, but when combined with the conspiracies (yes, plural), the action, the sizzling sex, and the lust-driven romance (no hearts and flowers here), it all made Dangerous to Know a book I will reread. It also left me ready for the next book in the series, not only to find out which of our Unbroken Heroes is next up for love (Bram, maybe?), but also to find out where the conspiracy will lead the team because not all of the questions were answered in this installment. Well done, Dawn Ryder, I do believe you have solidly knocked me out of my romantic suspense doldrums.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
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Wow! This first book I've read by Robin Patchen makes me anxious to read the first two books in the series! The suspense is gripping, unputdownable, and ranks right up there with some of the best authors I've read.

When former FBI agent Garrison Kopp receives word that his son, Aiden, is being rushed to the emergency room, he expects to learn anything but what he does - his son took some drugs at a party and got hold of some bad acid. Already reeling from this news, he's unprepared to hear that all indications point to this not being the first time Aiden was using. In fact, Aiden has all the indicators of being an addict. Desperate to get him away from the "friends" who obviously led him astray, Garrison calls his beautiful friend Samantha and asks to rent one of her vacation cottages.

Samantha Messenger would do anything for her friends, even brand new ones like Garrison. Anything, that is, but leave the safe cocoon she's built in her home community. A trauma several years ago has trapped Sam with panic attacks any time she tries to leave town. As she gets to know Garrison better and they fall for one another, can she begin to see that the God who led her out of her terror is still there for her today?

When Aiden's best friend brings danger to their doorstep, will he fall back into addiction? Will Sam walk away to keep her cocoon intact? Will Garrison give up on both?

Robin Patchen found a way to make me see that Aiden's addiction was not just some weakness in his character. It snuck up on him and stole so many things from him including his relationship with his dad. Thank you Ms. Patchen for giving your readers a glimpse into what it might be like to parent an addict and hope for those who are that they might be able to find a way out.

Readers who love romantic suspense will devour Generous Lies. The romance is just the right amount and the suspense that swirls throughout will keep you up trying to finish "just one more chapter"! I definitely recommend this one and, while it was perfect as a standalone, I plan to go back in the near future and read the first two in the series. This one was that good!
3096344
Thin Ice was another good romantic suspense read from Irene Hannon. I liked the main characters, especially Lance. I found the mystery interesting and the ending was CRAZY.

The figure skating aspects were intriguing and I liked how you never knew what was going to happen next. I was definitely surprised by a certain thing that happened in the story, but I won't say what to avoid spoilers.

I love how this series is about three brothers: book one, Mac; book two, Lance; and book three, Finn. I have loved getting to know these brothers and cannot wait to read the last book when it releases.

Overall, I really enjoyed Thin Ice and recommend it if you enjoy romantic suspense.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
2717109
Reluctant Burglar is a wonderful mix of romance and suspense and kept me turning pages, rooting for both hero and heroine, right up until the end. The "who-done-it" factor held plenty of twists and turns, and I was happily kept in suspense, not figuring out the mystery too soon.

I've had a glimpse of Jill Nelson's work in the past, but this book went beyond my expectations - a compelling read!

I look forward to reading the next in this series and will definitely keep an eye on this author.
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This is the first time that I read something by this Author. Because of all the hype, I downloaded a copy - I am glad that I did.

First off, the writing was excellent - no errors whatsoever!

**Spoiler Alert**

Daniel & Laura go on a vacation - one last schindig before getting married & having kids. Both of them are at the prime of their lives so sooner rather later, to start a family.

They meet Ion & Alina on the train & while Daniel & Laura take a nap (in an illegal compartment), they are robbed, ending up in them being chucked off the train. Alina is also thrown off the train. The three of them search for a nearby town for help.

Alina takes a potty break & ends up missing - so Laura & Daniel search for her & stumble upon a house in the Forest.

Okay I was really intrigued to find out WTF happened in that house - my goodness, I was on the edge of my seat!

It was brilliant - the plot kept me glued, I didn't want to put it down - I ended up with a #BookHangover after reading the last word.

Only one thing kept me from giving it 5 stars - I had goosebumps leading up to discovering what happened in the house. I was slightly disappointed - I wanted more. Their encounter was over before it begun - I wanted more than just them running away. It was sad that Alina went through *that* ordeal but I WANTED MORE!!!

Other than that, I love this Author! He is now my new favourite "go to Author".

Already downloading more of his books :)
4366262
Ellie and Jack have been married for nine years and life is fantastic. They are a couple who are seriously in love with one another. And they were ready to start a family together. They were the picture perfect couple. Then suddenly things started going off-kilter-- Ellie starts getting disturbing texts from a mysterious phone number, a phone number she doesnt recognize so she just up and blocks that phone number and deletes the texts. Ellie thinks everything is now ok but then several months later, the texts start back up and they are more vicious and threatening in nature. By now, she tells Jack about the texts and she lets her husband know she thinks she is being stalked. Who could be doing this to her? OH trust me, you want to read this romantic suspense read in order to find out because I don't want to give any spoilers away. There is plenty of romance, passion, action , intrigue and suspense to keep things interesting! The characters will definitely keep things interesting as well in this romantic suspense. If you love romantic suspense, mysteries, thrillers and erotic romance then you will definitely love Anonymous by L.P Dover

My Rating:  4.6 stars *****
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."
3257042
This was my first book by this author and I loved it. Not your usual romantic suspense, which is why I absolutely loved it. Romance, intrigue, mystery, good vs evil, and a lot more kept me turning pages and reading until 3 AM. The main characters, Jett and Haven, were skillfully brought to life by the author.
1559243
What an awesome contemporary romantic suspense must read!! I enjoyed reading this & didn't want to put it down when I had to :o ... Can't wait for the next book and hopefully more beyond that one :D
3826145
This is one of the best romantic suspense books that I've read lately. In no way did I figure out who the murderer was, which is a huge plus when I'm recommending a suspenseful book to others. The romance was well done also and I found the main characters so much fun to read about as they started their relationship.

The characters are well done, complex and interesting, as well as relatable. I don't think I've read any other books by this author, but I will be checking out her other novels now. If you like a book that will leave you on the edge of your seat while still exploring the romantic lives of the characters, this is a good one for you. I'd highly recommend this.
2929095
Oh wow! Where has this series been hiding in my kindle?
This is a great romantic suspense centered around a couple that is genuinely easy to like. The author does an excellent job of weaving the mystery and romance elements together.
Ella and Gabe are easy people to root for and hope they get the happy ending they deserve. The secondary cast is fairly small, but what we get to know them a little bit. I am definitely looking forward to getting to know Gabe's brothers.
2671341
Wonderfully suspenseful and romantic! Love the characters!