Critical Threat (Extreme Measures #3) by Lynette Eason | Romantic Suspense Review

Critical Threat

Extreme Measures #3

Lynette Eason

Romantic Suspense

Working with the son of a serial killer? That's a first.

FBI Special Agent Grace Billingsley tracks serial killers, using her skills as a psychiatrist and behavioral analyst to get dangerous people off the street and safely behind bars. But prison psychiatrist Sam Monroe knows that just because a killer is incarcerated doesn't mean they're not a threat. His own father, Peter, is a serial killer--in prison but certainly not out of Sam's life, as much as he wishes he was.

When bodies start showing up with startling similarities to Peter's MO, Sam and Grace are both called in to consult. They've met before, and though Grace thought they'd made a real connection, Sam ghosted her. They'll have to get past the awkwardness and mistrust to solve this case--especially because it's about to get personal.

READ AN EXCERPT

My Thoughts

If you enjoy an intense story you've come to the right place with this book. Grace Billingsley is a special agent with the FBI and she's been tasked with helping to catch a serial killer. Grace is a psychiatrist and a behavior analyst and she uses those skills to come up with a profile as to who the possible killer could be. Along the way it becomes personal to her and the killer.

Sam Monroe is a prison psychiatrist that helps Grace and her team with the profile of the killer. Before long he is drawn into the case so much so that it endangers his family. To complicate matters both personally and professionally it just so happens that his own father is a convicted serial killer that was recently transferred to the prison where Sam works. Could this new serial killer be related to his father in some manner?

This was so well written. I stayed up way too late reading it because I just needed to know a little bit more before I could put the book down. There were complexities in the case that I didn't see coming but they made a huge impact on the overall story. You really can count on Lynette Eason for a nail biter of a story.

This is book three in the series and the connection between the books is a group of friends. Each book focuses on an individual and the rest of the friends pop in from time to time. With that in mind I think it is safe to say that this book can easily be read as a stand alone title. But of course I recommend that you treat yourself to the entire series!

Extreme Measures Series

Life Flight

Crossfire

Critical Threat

Countdown

Connect With The Author

www.LynetteEason.com

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Disclosure

I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.

 

The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz | Historical Romance Review

The Rose and the Thistle

Laura Frantz

Historical Fiction

In 1715, Lady Blythe Hedley's father is declared an enemy of the British crown because of his Jacobite sympathies, forcing her to flee her home in northern England. Secreted to the tower of Wedderburn Castle in Scotland, Blythe quietly awaits the crowning of a new king. But in a house with seven sons and numerous servants, her presence soon becomes known.

No sooner has Everard Hume lost his father, Lord Wedderburn, than Lady Hedley arrives with her maid in tow. He has his own problems--a volatile brother with dangerous political leanings, an estate to manage, and a very young brother in need of comfort and direction. It would be best for everyone if he could send this misfit heiress on her way as soon as possible.

In this whirlwind of intrigue, ambitions, and shifting alliances, Blythe yearns for someone she can trust. But the same forces that draw her and Everard together also threaten to tear them apart.

READ AN EXCERPT

My Thoughts

I love a well written historical fiction story. I especially enjoy it when it is full of Lords and Ladies and all things aristocracy. Add in the writing talent of Laura Frantz and I'm just over the moon.

All the delightful aspects are involved in this tale. The newly titled Lord Wedderburn is a mixture of brooding intrigue and rugged determination. He is thrust into the situation and is none to happy about it but he has such high esteem for his father that he chooses to honor his wishes.

Lady Hedley is the epitome of stoic grace as she is whisked away from her home to be delivered to a strange castle in Scotland. So much is different and she can't help but long for home but as Lord Wedderburn she also dearly loves her father and respects his wishes.

This is a fascinating time in history and I enjoyed traveling along with these two as they traversed the tricky situations and found common ground. If you enjoy historical fiction just go ahead and add this title to your list. You will not regret it.

Connect With The Author

www.LauraFrantz.net

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

Disclosure

I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.

 

Her Heart's Desire (A Season in Pinecraft #1) by Shelley Shepard Gray | Contemporary Fiction Review

Her Heart's Desire

A Season in Pinecraft #1

Shelley Shepard Gray

Contemporary Fiction/Amish

What happens when we allow our pasts to define our futures?

Mary Margaret Miller needs an escape from her small Amish community. She boards a bus, all alone, for a vacation in Pinecraft, Florida. Meeting Betsy and Lilly on the way, she's amazed to find two kindred spirits. They become fast friends and determine to have the best two weeks of their lives. For Mary, it starts when she meets Jayson Raber, a handsome and charming carpenter.

Jayson is taken with Mary from the get-go, but he has responsibilities back home in Kentucky--including a girl he's supposed to marry. And when someone from Mary's past shows up in Pinecraft, it seems like her perfect vacation is ruined. But that's nothing compared to what's coming when she realizes what Jayson has been hiding . . .

READ AN EXCERPT

My Thoughts

I have a friend that lived in Pinecraft for a time. I loved hearing about this idyllic place from her so when I realized that Her Heart's Desire is set in Pinecraft I knew I wanted to read it. I'm so glad I did because it was just as delightful as I had hoped.

The story centers around Mary Margaret Miller who has set out on a little getaway to Pinecraft. She's hoping for a bit of a respite from her miserable life at home. Mary Margaret is a bit of an outcast and because of that has become quite lonely. On the bus ride to Pinecraft she connects with two other Amish girls and they become fast friends.

For Mary Margaret this trip feels like a little slice of heaven. She's made new friends, she's found a guy she's interested in and he seems to return the interest. And there's a beach involved. What could possibly go wrong?

One of the main reasons that I enjoy books by Shelley Shepard Gray is that they are relatable. I'm not Amish but I know what it feels like to be ostracized. I know what it feels like to have your bubble burst. I think these feelings are pretty common to all of us at some point in our lives.

Her Heart's Desire is a beautiful story of facing what life throws at you and coming out stronger with your faith intact. I highly recommend it.  

Connect With The Author

Photo Credit: © The New Studio/You See Photography, Inc. 
www.TheNewStudio.net

www.ShelleyShepardGray.com

Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter

Disclosure

I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.

 

The Secrets of Emberwild by Stephenia H. McGee | Historical Romance Review

The Secrets of Emberwild

Stephenia H. McGee

Historical Romance

A gifted trainer in a time women are not allowed to race, Nora Fenton prefers horses to men. They're easier to handle, they're more reliable, and they never tell her what to do. After her father's passing, Nora is determined to save her struggling horse farm, starting with entering her prize colt into the harness races at the 1905 Mississippi and West Alabama Fair. If she wins, she may have a chance at independence. But when a stranger arrives and starts asking disconcerting questions, she suspects he may have other motives than unseating her in the training job that is rightfully hers.

Silas Cavallero will do whatever it takes to solve the mystery of his father's death--even if it means training an unwieldy colt for Nora, who wants nothing more than to see him gone. But when mysterious accidents threaten their safety and circumstances shrouded in secrets begin unlocking clues to his past, Silas will have to decide if the truth is worth the risk of ruining everything for the feisty woman he's come to admire.

READ AN EXCERPT

My Thoughts

Growing up I loved all things horse. I loved to ride them and care for them and in my spare time I read every book about them that I could get my hands on. Fast forward several years and I'm still a crazy horse lover and I'm still delighted to get my hands on a book that centers around horses. 

The Secrets of Emberwild checks all my horse loving boxes. Emberwild is a horse farm in 1905 Mississippi and is filled with beautiful offspring from Ember the prize stud for their farm. Nora Fenton has spent her entire life devoted to making her father's fledgling endeavor a success. But much to her horror shortly before her father's death he reveals that the whole thing is built on a lie. Nora has no idea what he's talking about but as the story progresses those words will come back to haunt her.

After the loss of his mother Silas Cavallero decides to set out on a journey to solve the mystery of his beloved father's death. That journey takes him to a small Mississippi town where his father was killed in a freak accident. Silas was about twelve at the time and has harbored doubts about the circumstances ever since. He takes a temporary horse trainer position at Emberwild and that's where he meets and clashes with Nora. 

The chemistry between the two just sizzles. I enjoyed watching their rocky relationship unfold. Not only is their relationship tumultuous but so are the circumstances surrounding the farm. This was a book that was hard to put down because each chapter ended with an urgent need to see what would happen in the next.

Stephenia McGee is a new to me author and I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style. At the end of the book there is a teaser for her next book. It sounds just as fascinating as The Secrets of Emberwild and I'm looking forward to diving in.

Connect With The Author

Photo Credit: MJHarper Photography

www.StepheniaMcGee.com

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Disclosure

I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.

 

The World's Longest Sock by Juliann Law | Children's Book Review

The World's Longest Sock

Juliann Law

Juvenile Fiction

Experience the world’s fiercest knitting competition in this lively book about community, cooperation, and two knitters who are determined to create the world’s longest sock.

In Chile, Nana Nina starts knitting a sock and forgets to stop, and soon it's won the world record for "Longest Sock”! When Chuck, a lonely lumberman in New Zealand who also happens to be knitting a very long sock, sees Nina’s news on the TV, he is determined to beat her world record. And he does! Thus begins a battle of the knittest to see who can hold onto the world record—for good. The world takes sides: Team Nina or Team Chuck. But will all the pressure cause them to unravel? This yarn about a competition out of control will charm the socks off readers of all ages and knitting abilities.

My Thoughts

What a fun little book! The story starts in Chile with Nana Nina who owns her own sock shop. In order to celebrate each sale she adds a new row to a sock and the sock just grows and grows. Eventually she's declared the world record holder for the longest sock.

Meanwhile Chuck in New Zealand has been happily knitting away during his quiet evenings at home. He's lonely and knitting helps pass the time. When he hears of Nina's accomplishment he decides to try for the record himself.

The story goes on to tell about the support of each individual's community of friends and family. The award goes back and forth until eventually the two are declared the winners of the longest PAIR of socks.

It's a fun way to talk about healthy competition and also how to come together to make something happen. The story is cute but I also have to mention how darling the illustrations are. This book would make a lovely addition to your family's personal library. I would even use it for a gift. 

Disclosure

I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.