The Juliet Code (Freddie and Grace Mysteries #3) by Pepper Basham | Romantic Suspense Review

 

The Juliet Code

Freddie and Grace Mysteries #3

Pepper Basham

Romantic Suspense

Newlyweds Lord and Lady Astley Finally Reach Their Honeymoon Destination Only to Encounter a New Mystery in Need of Solving

Frederick and Grace Percy finally make it to Italy to enjoy a delayed honeymoon and explore the beauties of the historic city of Venice. To their surprise, their friend, Detective Jack Miracle, is also in the city, investigating a series of art heists starting at the house of eccentric millionaire, Laraby Covington. Drawn into a world of boat races, mysterious houses, and parties of the rich and unusual in Venice, Frederick and Grace learn of the existence of the Juliet paintings, (Renaissance paintings feature Shakespeare’s tragic heroine) rumored to hold a secret code to an underground vault of similarly treasured artwork assumed lost over the centuries. As Freddie and Grace are pulled deeper into the mystery and their beloved Detective Jack disappears, can they use their wits and work as a team to find the thieves and Jack before it’s too late?

My Thouhgts

What a fabulous series this has been. It began with The Mistletoe Countess and then continued with The Cairo Curse. Now we find ourselves at the conclusion of the series with The Juliet Code. I hate that we're at the end but what a fantastic adventure it has been.

This volume opens up as Freddie and Grace finally settle in to enjoying their honeymoon. They have traveled to Venice, Italy and are looking forward to a lovely time. Well that lasts for about half a day and then they are once again unwittingly drawn into solving a mystery. 

The fun part is that we finally get to meet the infamous detective, Jack Miracle. He's every bit as interesting as Grace has led us to believe. Just by chance *wink wink* Jack is in Italy to help solve the mystery of some missing paintings. Of course he happens to run into Freddie and Grace and the adventure begins.

I really can't recommend this book and whole series enough. Pepper Basham has a wonderful way of creating characters that you become attached to and she places them in situations that are an adventure for the reader. If her name is on the cover, I want to read the book.

Connect With The Author

www.PepperDBasham.com

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Disclosure

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

Countdown (Extreme Measures #4) by Lynette Eason | Romantic Suspense

Countdown

Extreme Measures #4

Lynette Eason

Romantic Suspense

A stalker out to finish what he started. A US Marshal who's vowed to protect.
And one woman determined to put the past in the past.

Flight paramedic Raina Price has been running so long it's hard to stop. To escape a dangerous stalker, she changed her name and disappeared, building a new life with the help of a friend from her time in juvie. It feels good to put her energies into saving people's lives, but because her stalker was never found, she's never stopped looking over her shoulder. And one can only run so far before the past finally catches up.

US Marshal Vincent Covelli's job is to hunt down fugitives and protect those who are assigned to him. When Raina is almost killed right in front of him, he vows to protect her at all costs--whether it's his job or not. Together they work to solve the mystery of Raina's past. But someone is out to make sure Raina doesn't live long enough to succeed.

READ AN EXCERPT

My Thoughts

I hate to see a series end but the good thing about this one is that it was captivating all the way through. I enjoyed getting to know each of the friends and looked forward to each of the stories as they unfolded.

Book four centers on Raina Price who is a flight paramedic. Like the others before her she has a past that intertwines with her friends. Danger follows her but so far she and her secret have been able to stay a step ahead. That is until this time.

Raina meets Vincent Covelli, a US Marshal, at one of the most frightening times of her life. He has nothing to do with her case but takes it upon himself to become her protector. The attraction between the two is palpable. 

I don't think I have a favorite in this series because they all were so good. But this last book was thrilling to read. The storyline was fast and intense. The romance was swoon worthy. What more could you ask for? Lynette Eason has delivered another amazing series. The one consolation about this being the last book of the series is a new series is surely in the works. Count me in on whatever it is.

I highly recommend Countdown if you enjoy Romantic Suspense. Technically there are enough details filled in that you can read this book as a stand alone. But why would you? Treat yourself and read the whole 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 from the publisher to facilitate my review.

 

Counter Attack (Pearl River #1) by Patricia Bradley | Romantic Suspense Review

Counter Attack

Pearl River #1

Patricia Bradley

Romantic Suspense

Her next move just might be her last

No sooner has Alexis Stone been sworn in as the interim chief deputy for Russell County, Tennessee, than a serial killer dubbed the Queen's Gambit Killer strikes again--this time in her hometown. Pearl Springs is just supposed to be a temporary stop along the way to Alex's real dream: becoming the first female police chief of Chattanooga. But the killer's calling card--a white pawn and a note with a chess move printed on it--cannot be ignored.

Pearl Springs chief of police Nathan Landry can't believe that his high school sweetheart Alexis (he refuses to call her Alex) is back in town, and he can't help wanting to protect the woman he never stopped loving. But as the danger mounts and the killer closes in, can Nathan come through on the promise he makes to himself to bring a killer to justice before it's too late?

READ AN EXCERPT

My Thoughts

I am not a chess player but I was intrigued by this new series from Patricia Bradley. I was left guessing the next move up until the very end. If this first installment is any indication, this is going to be a riveting series.

The main character is Alexis Stone. She grew up Pearl Springs where her beloved grandfather is the chief deputy of the Sheriff's department. Alexis' aspirations center on climbing the ladder at the Chattanooga police department. But through a series of events she finds herself temporarily taking her grandfather's place in Pearl Springs.

Pearl Springs is supposed to be a sleepy little community but a serial killer that has been dubbed the Queen's Gambit Killer has begun to prey upon the town. This puts Alexis and Nathan Landry, Pearl Springs Chief of Police, on high alert. Do they have what it takes to match wits with this serial killer?

I enjoyed all the maneuvering and plot twists that this story had. Patricia Bradley is on top of her game with this one. I had suspicions about several of the characters but truthfully I was stumped as to who the serial killer was until right before it was revealed. It is very well written and if you enjoy romantic suspense I think you'll be pleased with this book. 

Connect With The Author

www.PTBradley.com

Facebook | Twitter | BookBub

Disclosure

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

Cold Light of Day (Missing in Alaska #1) by Elizabeth Goddard | Romantic Suspense

Cold Light of Day

Missing in Alaska #1

Elizabeth Goddard

Romantic Suspense

Police Chief Autumn Long is fighting to keep her job in the quiet Alaska town of Shadow Gap when an unexpected string of criminal activity leaves her with a wounded officer, unexplained murders, and an attack on her own father. Despite her mistrust of outsiders, she turns to Grier Brenner, a newcomer who seems to have the skills and training Autumn needs to face this threat to her community.

Grier is in Alaska for the same reason many others are--to disappear--when Chief Long enlists his help. He emerges from the shadows and proves his mettle, but his presence in her life could be a deadly trap for them both. If his secret is exposed, all will be lost. And he's not sure even Autumn could save him.

READ AN EXCERPT

My Thoughts

If this opening salvo to the Missing in Alaska series is any indication of what's to come, we are in for a real treat. Cold Light of Day had me entranced from the very beginning. There's a prologue that sets the intensity level for the rest of the story. And let's just say that it's up there. 

After having read a few chapters I thought I knew how the prologue ties in to the rest of the story. But I was wrong. I hate being wrong but in this case it was a good thing. The truth was ten times better than what I had thought.

The main character is Police Chief Autumn Long and I was fascinated by her character. She has a lot of pluck about her. She's definitely one that runs towards danger rather than away. If you need someone to have your back she would be the one I would pick.

Grier Brenner is the mystery man in this tale. He arrived in the small little town of Shadow Gap just a short while ago. He came there to disappear. But when he sees someone in need of a rescue he can't help but give aid because that's just who he is.

The plot twists and turns are well written and keep the reader guessing as to the meaning and outcome right up until the very end. I'm excited to get my hands on the rest of the series. In the mean time if you haven't read anything else by Elizabeth Goddard I highly recommend any of her previous titles.

Connect With The Author

Photo Credit: Madeleine Coussens Photography

www.ElizabethGoddard.com

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Pinterest | Goodreads | Bookbub

Disclosure

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

 

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.

 

Sundown (Sky King Ranch #3) by Susan May Warren | Romantic Suspense Review

Sundown

Sky King Ranch #3

Susan May Warren

Romantic Suspense

He doesn't trust her . . . but he can't let her go it alone

Former Delta Operative Colt Kingston knows when someone is lying. He may not know the truth, but he sure doesn't trust Tae, the mysterious woman his family rescued from an Alaskan blizzard. Behind those beautiful blue eyes, Colt can tell there is a troubled--and smart--woman.

A few of her stories prove true--they found the crashed plane and the dead body inside. Still, her tale of survival seems too incredible to believe . . . until the thugs she claims to be hunting her across Alaska show up and threaten Sky King Ranch. Now Tae must disappear, along with her secrets.

Colt will have to track her down and earn her trust before it's too late. It'll take the entire family to save the world from disaster.

The epic conclusion to Susan May Warren's Sky King Ranch trilogy.

READ AN EXCERPT

My Thoughts

How do you like your romantic suspense? Do you like it to slowly build in intensity? Or do you like to dive right into the action? If it's the later then you are in for a real treat. This book (and the whole series) definitely hits the ground running. 

What a trip this series has been. We started in Alaska at the Sky King Ranch and then moved to Africa with the second installment. Sundown brings us back to the ranch in Alaska but quickly moves us to Florida. 

If you've read the first two books you've been introduced to Tae but so much of who she is has been a mystery. Her story has been ongoing in the background throughout the series, but with book three we get to find out all the details. And the details are frightening!

We also get to know the rugged bad boy Colt. We first met him in book two where he was literally getting the snot beat out of him. He returned home to Alaska to recover but trouble followed and recovery had to wait.

This was an intense ending to a fabulous series. In my opinion these are not stand alone books. While each book gives us the story of one of the brothers, there is an underlying story that involves Tae that stretches from book one to book three. It would be such a shame for you to miss the unfolding mystery by skipping the first two books. Treat yourself with all three!

Sky King Ranch Series

Sunrise

Sunburst

Sundown

Connect With The Author

www.SusanMayWarren.com

Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Disclosure

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

 

Targeted by Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, & Natalie Walters | Romantic Suspense Review

Targeted

Lynette Eason, Lynn H Blackburn, Natalie Walters

Romantic Suspense

Three women. Three men. Three unsuspecting targets.

Get ready for triple the thrills with three heart-stopping stories from your favorite romantic suspense authors!

In On the Run, IT Specialist Daria Nevsky is a highly skilled FBI agent with the ability to hack any computer. She must go on the run to find out who wants her dead--and Dr. Ryker Donahue refuses to let her do it alone.

In Deadly Objective, physical therapist Emily Dixon and Secret Service Agent Liam Harper are committed to keeping their relationship professional. But when the vice president's son enters the crosshairs of a killer, some lines will have to be crossed in order to keep him safe.

In Caught in the Crosshairs, there is no love lost between former Army PSYOPS officer Ari Blackman and CIA officer Claudia Gallegos after Claudia is implicated in the murder of a Saudi prince. But to prevent a coup that would put America at risk, they'll have to learn to trust each other--before it's too late.

READ AN EXCERPT

My Thoughts

I don't usually gravitate to novellas but once we start approaching the holiday season and my reading time becomes a bit more limited they are my go to choice. Targeted contains three separate stories from three of my favorite romantic suspense authors. 

Each story is fast-paced and easy to get through in one sitting. Even though my time was limited I found myself wanting to continue when I came to the end of each story. 

One of my favorite things about this book is that each individual story is pulled from a storyline in a current series. The main character in the novella is a side character in the series so it's fun to find out a little bit more about what's going on in the background of these series that I have completely enjoyed.

Do I think that you need to have read each individual series before you read this collection of novellas? Nope, nope, nope! Just pick it up and enjoy it. There might be subtle references that you don't recognize, but it will not matter in the least. Of course you know that I always think that if you can, read all the books!

Connect With The Authors

www.LynetteEason.com

Facebook | Twitter

Photo Credit: Mary Denman

www.LynnHBlackburn.com

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Instagram | Goodreads

Photo Credit: Emilie Hendryx Haney

www.NatalieWaltersWriter.com

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Pinterest | Goodreads | BookBub

Disclosure

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

 

Body of Evidence (Triple Threat #3) by Irene Hannon | Romantic Suspense Review

Body of Evidence

Triple Threat #3

Irene Hannon

Romantic Suspense

The dead don't give up their secrets easily

Forensic pathologist Grace Reilly has seen her share of unusual deaths in rural Missouri. But when she begins to notice a curious pattern in autopsies of older residents whose demises appear to be natural, she takes her concerns to Sheriff Nate Cox.

Nate is skeptical about the link Grace is seeing between the deaths, as well as her suspicions of foul play. But her persistence is compelling. And once they join forces to investigate, danger follows close behind. Because exposing the truth could destroy several lives--including Grace's.

Queen of inspirational romantic suspense Irene Hannon closes out her bestselling Triple Threat series with this gripping tale of secrets revealed and romance sparked.

READ AN EXCERPT

My Thoughts

Body of Evidence is the third book in the Triple Threat series and in my opinion it's the best of the three. This time the story is centered on the youngest Reilly sister, Grace, who is a forensic pathologist in rural Missouri. Her eventual romantic interest is the new sheriff, Nate Cox.

The two are drawn together when Grace begins to question a couple of deaths among the elderly in the community. As a result Grace becomes the target of an unknown perpetrator. The deeper she digs in the more dangerous things become.

The plot in this story is complex and obviously involved a massive amount of research on the author's part. I had no idea of who the murderer was until the author began to reveal the culprit. And when she did I was still astounded by the complexity of the situation.

Since the book is part of a series I'm often asked if it can be read as a stand alone title. On this one I would say yes you could but you will miss out on the references to past stories involving Grace's two sisters. However the main story is complete in this book. I would say read the whole series if you can but if not enjoy your time in this book. 

More In The Series

1. Point of Danger

2. Labyrinth of Lies

Connect With The Author

Photo Credit: © DeWeesePhotography.com

www.IreneHannon.com

Facebook | Twitter

Disclosure

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

 

Crossfire (Extreme Measures#2) by Lynette Eason | Romantic Suspense Review

Crossfire

Extreme Measures #2

Lynette Eason

Romantic Suspense

She's never lost a hostage. Surely she can manage to take care of her sister.

FBI special agent Julianna Jameson is a top-notch negotiator, but when her much younger sister, Dottie, needs a place to live while she finishes high school, Julianna's skills will be put to the test.

Former sniper Clay Fox left the army after a tragic incident that he can't get past. Until he can figure out what to do with the rest of his life, he's working as a resource officer at a school. Dottie's school.

When Julianna is called in to negotiate a courtroom hostage situation involving Clay's sister, he's impressed--and, if he's honest, a bit intimidated--by the calm, capable woman with the dark hair and blue eyes, and invites her to speak at the school.

But as the anniversary of a school shooting from Julianna's past approaches, it becomes clear that her perfect record is about to be tested and that Dottie is at risk. If Julianna and Clay can't figure out who's behind the attacks, more innocent people will die--and Dottie is next in line.

READ AN EXCERPT

My Thoughts

Lynette Eason has just added another fabulous read to her repertoire! Crossfire is the second book in the Extreme Measures series and it features Juliana Jameson, hostage negotiator, and Clay Fox, school resource officer. They are drawn together during a bizarre court house hostage situation. Juliana is of course the negotiator but Clay is only there because his sister is inside and one of the hostages.

As the story unfolds it becomes apparent that Juliana and her younger sister Dottie are being targeted by a deranged criminal. But who is behind it and why?  We're allowed to see events from the past that have been thrust into the present as a looming anniversary draws near. What's always thrilling with an Eason book is that you don't have all the pieces of the puzzle until the very end.

If you've never read a book from Lynette Eason this would be a good series to start with. It features interesting characters and complex plots that we have all become accustomed to. I have yet to be disappointed in any of her stories. In fact I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.  

Extreme Measures Series

Life Flight

Crossfire

Critical Threat

Countdown

Connect With The Author

Photo Credit: © Mary Denman

www.LynetteEason.com

Facebook | Twitter

Disclosure

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

 

Honor Bound (Love & Honor #1) by Hallee Bridgeman | Romantic Suspense Review

Honor Bound

Love & Honor #1

Hallee Bridgeman

Romantic Suspense

You can't override the heart

It may seem odd to seek peace by moving to a war-torn African country, but for medical missionary Dr. Cynthia Myers, it provided a way to escape a shallow life of unearned wealth, a philandering fiancé, and a father now square in the public eye as vice president of the United States. At least here she knows her work and life have meaning. But all that is thrown into chaos when she fails to save the life of a local warlord's mortally wounded son.

As part of the Army Special Forces A-Team on a mission to capture and subdue the warlord, Captain Rick Norton is compelled to use deadly force to save Cynthia's life. Enraged at the violence she witnessed and riddled with guilt that men died because of her, Cynthia doesn't want to like anything about Rick and his team--but an unexpected attraction is taking hold.

With two members of his team badly injured and rebels in hot pursuit, Rick will have to draw upon all his strength and cunning to get her out alive . . . because he's beginning to think that, despite their differences, they just may be able to make a life together.

READ AN EXCERPT

My Thoughts

This book has it all. Action-adventure, political intrigue, and of course some tension filled romance. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this story. I was skeptical at first because the book opens with a list of military terms and acronyms and then the first chapter is very military centric.

We're a military family so I wasn't put off by it, I was just expecting a more traditional romantic suspense type of book. I'm so glad I stuck with it because it turned out to be a fabulous read. The story starts in a remote part of Africa and eventually winds up in the United States. The journey between those two places is edge-of-your-seat drama that kept the pages flying by.

If book one is any indication, this is going to be a riveting series. No spoilers, but there are loose strings at the end of the book that I am sure will be tied off in books two and three. I am looking forward to reading both of those books.

If you enjoy a fast-paced story with life threatening situations this story is for you. If you enjoy a thrilling romance this story is also for you. I highly recommend you add this book and series to your reading list.

Connect With The Author

Photo Credit: Candace Sword Edwards

www.HalleeBridgeman.com

Disclosure

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

 

Dangerous Beauty by Melissa Koslin | Romantic Suspense Review

Dangerous Beauty

Melissa Koslin

Romantic Suspense

What is the price of freedom?

Liliana Vela hates the term victim. She's not a victim, she's a fighter. Stubborn and strong with a quiet elegance, she's determined to take back her life after escaping the clutches of human traffickers. But she can't stay safely in America--unless the man who aided in her rescue is serious about his unconventional proposal to marry her.

Meric Toledan was just stopping at a service station for a bottle of water. Instead, he becomes the key to Liliana's rescue. If he can keep his secrets hidden, his wealth and position afford him many resources to help her. But the mysterious buyer who funded her capture will not sit idly by while his prize is stolen from him.

READ AN EXCERPT

My Thoughts

If I had to describe this book with one word it would be riveting. From the opening lines I found myself completely engrossed in the story. We, the readers, join Liliana in her desperate flight for freedom from her traffickers. I believe I held my breath through most of the first chapter. To say that those first few pages were intense is an understatement. 

Entering into the mix is Meric Toledan who is to become Liliana's mysterious rescuer. But who is he and why is he interested in becoming a shield for Liliana against the very dangerous cartel?

Melissa Koslin has written a story that is unfortunately all too real. We see it in the headlines everyday. Dangerous Beauty gives us a look into the underbelly of the scourge of human trafficking. I would be remiss if I didn't add that this could very well be a trigger for some. 

The writing style is fabulous. It harkens back to old gothic novels but is very modern in subject matter. We have a damsel in distress and a mysterious, maybe even dangerous, hero to come to her rescue. If you begin this novel you really need to be prepared to be totally absorbed in the story. I read this in one big gulp.

Connect With The Author

www.MelissaKoslin.com

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Disclosure

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

 

Labyrinth of Lies (Triple Threat #2) by Irene Hannon | Romantic Suspense Review

Labyrinth of Lies

Triple Threat #2

Irene Hannon

Romantic Suspense

Danger awaits on a covert mission where few are who they seem to be.

When the daughter of a high-profile businessman disappears from an exclusive girls' boarding school, police detective Cate Reilly is tapped for an undercover assignment. It doesn't take her long to realize that beneath its veneer of polish and wealth, Ivy Hill Academy harbors dark--and deadly--secrets. But the biggest shock of all? The only man she ever loved is also working at the school.

Zeke Sloan has never forgotten Cate, but now isn't the best time for their paths to cross again. When their two seemingly disparate agendas begin to intertwine--and startling connections emerge among the players--the danger escalates significantly.

But who is the mastermind behind the elaborate ruse? And how far will they go to protect their house of cards?

My Thoughts

With the second book in the series the story also moves to a second sister in the trio. This time around the focus is on Cate. She's a detective in St. Louis and has been convinced to do just one more undercover assignment before she resumes her normal duties.

The assignment takes her to an all girls academy to uncover the circumstance surrounding a missing student. It just so happens that her old flame Zeke is undercover on a different assignment at the same academy. Could their cases be linked?

As usual with an Irene Hannon novel the story is intense with danger always seeming to lurk around the corner. And of course there's the element of rekindled romance that keeps wanting to push to the forefront. 

I always enjoy books by Irene Hannon and I recommend this book and series as a must read.

Disclosure

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