Minutes to Die (Homeland Heroes #2) by Susan Sleeman

 

Title: Minutes to Die (Homeland Heroes #2)

Author: Susan Sleeman

Pages: 384 pages

Release Date: August 4, 2020

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Bethany House

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     It’s the intel every agent fear—terrorists have been smuggled into the country, intent on unleashing the most deadly attack since 9/11. With the threat imminent, FBI Agent Kiley Dawson and ICE Agent Evan Bowers are charged with taking down this terrorist cell. The only problem is Kiley blames Evan for the death of her former partner, and she can barely be in a room with him. But with millions of lives on the line, she has no choice.

     If it wasn’t or a bad call Evan made, Kiley’s former partner would still be alive, and Evan has to live with that guilt for the rest of his life. When he starts falling for her, the agent’s death seems an impossible obstacle—but it’s also the last thing he needs to think about. At the terrorist plot targets Kiley’s family, the two are pushed to the breaking point in a race to save countless lives.

My review:

     This is a very intense romantic suspense novel!

     I love both of the main characters in this book. Kiley and Evan are incredibly well developed. They both have things from their past that make it difficult for them to work together. There is self blame and unforgiveness that needs to be worked through. I loved seeing both of them as they progressed through the journey in the midst of the very dangerous case that they are working on that needs their full focus.

     The plot of the case is amazing! It has so many twists and turns that kept me sucked in. I was fascinated by all of the different people of interest that Kiley and the rest of the team were trying to track down to find the actual terrorists involved in their case. The amount of details that were included in the case and the activities each agent was handling was fantastic. It was very apparent that the author did a lot of research before and during the writing of this book.

      This marvelous book is getting a 5 star rating from me. I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. 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.*

Seconds to Live (Homeland Heroes #1) by Susan Sleeman

Title: Seconds to Live (Homeland Heroes #1)

Author: Susan Sleeman

Pages: 368

Release Date: December 3, 2019

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Bethany House

Format: Paperback (also available in eBook)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     When cybercriminals hack into the US Marshals’ Witness Protection database and auction off witnesses’ personal details to the highest bidders, the RED Team led by FBI Agent Sean Nichols begins a high-stakes chase to find the hacker. But before he can even get started, the first witness is targeted and barely escapes with her life. Sean believes Phantom, an obsessed hacker who previously outwitted the top minds in the field, is behind the attack, and Sean needs this witness’s help, as she’s the person who has come closest to discovering Phantom’s identity.

     Trouble is, she’s a witness under the care of US Marshal Taylor Mills, and Sean is reluctant to work with the captivating marshal who knows his deepest secrets. But Phantom claims he knows where the witness is hiding and will kill her, so to stop the hacker, Sean and Taylor must work through their personal pain and learn to trust each other. . . . The seconds are ticking down before someone dies.

My review:

     This is an incredible romantic suspense!

     I love the strength and dedication to their jobs that both Sean and Taylor exhibit. They are very well developed and easy to connect with. They each have issues from their past that make it hard to trust. 

     Trusting and forgiving are the two areas that are discussed throughout the book. These are great areas for all of us to mature in and I love it when characters in books are going on emotional journeys that are so relatable.

     The plot is intricately woven and kept me on my toes trying to figure it out. There was an amazing twist near the end of the book that totally floored me.

     This wonderful book is getting 5 stars from me. I am highly recommending it. I can’t wait for the next book to come out.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book 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. 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.*

Taken in Texas (McKade's Law #4) by Susan Sleeman

Title: Taken in Texas (McKade’s Law #4)

Author: Susan Sleeman

Pages: 224

Release Date: February 5, 2019 

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense

Format: Paperback (also available in eBook)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     A cowboy protector from her past.

     Working her first case as deputy sheriff with her ex-boyfriend, Detective Cord Goodwin, Kendall McKade is determined to track the kidnappers—even if it makes her a target. Desperate to find the abducted victim, his aunt, Cord must keep Kendall safe. . .while also caring for his recently orphaned nephew. Teaming up threatens to rekindle Cord and Kendall’s relationship, but first they must solve a life-threatening mystery.

My review:

     This romantic suspense novel is an incredible adrenaline rush!

     I loved this final visit to Trail’s End Ranch. It was great seeing what is going on with the main characters from the first 3 books now that their lives have settled down. I’m so happy that Kendall got her own story. She has been so helpful in the previous books. Now I know what happened that made her decide that she was going to remain single.

     It was also wonderful getting to know Cord and his nephew Lucas. They are dealing with so much pain and heartache. They were definitely in need of the loving McKade family coming around them to help them deal with things.

     The journeys that Kendall, Cord, and Lucas have to take to learn to let go of things and trust God were fantastic. I was able to learn some things along with them.

     The plot of the mystery was thrilling. It kept me guessing throughout the book. I had to take a few breaks to calm down because I was so caught up in it.

     This fantastic book is getting a 5 star rating from me. I am highly recommending it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book 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. 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.*

Cold Fury (Cold Harbor #3) by Susan Sleeman

Title: Cold Fury (Cold Harbor #3)

Author: Susan Sleeman

Pages: 303

Year: 2018

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Edge of Your Seat Books, Inc.

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.

About the book:

     Five years ago tragedy tore them apart…

     Forensic anthropologist Maggie Turner happily works as an assistant professor at her local university and lives a quiet life near campus. That is until Jackson Lockhart enters her classroom. Then a cyclone of emotions erupt as she remembers the tragedy that once tore them apart. She’s often thought of him, but they’d agreed never to see each other again and so far they’d kept their promise. But today…Jackson has a good reason for breaking his promise. Maggie’s life depends on it.

     Will it now bring them back together?

     In an ongoing investigation, Jackson has learned that university officials secretly videoed her classroom in a study on attendance. The recorder was supposed to run only during the class session, but it malfunctioned and recorded an entire week, which includes a shocking murder that has now put Maggie’s life in danger. Can Jackson unravel the lies surrounding this incident before the killer unleashes his fury on Maggie and takes her life?

My review:

     This is an incredible romantic suspense novel!

     It was wonderful to return to visit the team at Blackwell Tactical. I loved getting a look at how life is progressing for the main characters from the first two book in the series. In this story though Jackson Lockhart steps into the spotlight. His pas is revealed along with some things that helped form his character. All of the characters in this book are very well developed and presented in a way that I can just picture them in my mind’s eye while reading.

     It was great getting to know Maggie, Jackson’s lost love. They are both holding deep heartache from a tragedy that tore them apart. I thoroughly enjoyed the emotional journey that they each took. They had to learn how to trust God with their pain and move past it.

     The plot for this book is fantastic. It is filled with lots of twists and turns. I was fascinated by the details given about the tactical ops the team carried out.

     I am giving this wonderful book a 5 star rating. I am highly recommending it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book 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. 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.*

Christmas Hideout (McKade Law #3) by Susan Sleeman + A GIVEAWAY

Title: Christmas Hideout (McKade Law #3)

Author: Susan Sleeman

Pages: 224

Release Date: November 1, 2018

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense

Format: Paperback (also available in eBook)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion. 

About the book:

     Cowboy lawmen make the best protectors.

     A McKade Law novel.

     Fleeing from her dangerous ex-boyfriend, on-the-run single mother Nicole Dyer takes refuge in a cabin—and is discovered by the ranch owner, Deputy Matt McKade. It’s easy to fall for the handsome lawman and his kind family, but staying at the ranch endangers them all. When everything Nicole loves comes under direct fire, can Matt keep her—and her heart—safe?

My review:

     This is an incredible adrenaline rush romantic suspense novel!

     I loved this third visit to Lost Creek and the McKade family. The story stands alone but we get an update on the main characters from the previous books in the series.

     In this wonderful book Matt steps up and takes the lead trying to catch the man threatening Nicole Dyer. The characters are so well developed that I felt like I could just step into the main house at Trails End Dude Ranch for a visit with good friends.

     The plot was fantastic! I was caught up in it from the very beginning. The danger had me holding my breath a number of times. I couldn’t wait for Nicole to finally be out of danger.

     Both Matt and Nicole had definite emotional journeys to go on before the end of the book. The need to grow in their trust of God was a huge part for each of them.

     There is a delightful little girl thrown in. Her antics kept making me smile just as much as it did all of the McKades.

     I am giving this wonderful book a rating of 5 stars. I’m highly recommending it.

Giveaway Information:

     Susan Sleeman graciously provided a second signed copy of this book for me to giveaway. Leave a comment on this post and you will be entered to win this wonderful book. Please include in your comment your email address so that I can contact you if you are the winner. Suggested format: debbie (at) yahoo (dot) com

     I will leave it open for one week. Next Friday, December 28, 2018, I will use Random.org to draw the winner. I will then send an email to the winner to get their mailing address. I will give them 3 days to contact me before drawing another winner. I plan to mail the book out within a week of receiving the address. After confirming the winner I will announce their name here on my blog in a comment on this post.

     Good luck.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book 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. 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.*

Rodeo Standoff (McKade Law #2) by Susan Sleeman

Title: Rodeo Standoff (McKade Law #1)

Author: Susan Sleeman

Pages: 224

Release Date: May 1, 2018 (eBook) / May 8, 2018 (paperback)

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense

Format: Paperback (also available in eBook)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.

About the book:

     The rodeo arena is always treacherous. Now it’s deadly…

     It’s no accident Deputy Tessa McKade is trapped with an angry bull ready to trample her to death. She quickly realizes that McKade law is no longer enough to keep her safe—and it’s her rescuer, Braden Hayes, who stands in as her bodyguard. As they seek to stop a would-be killer, Braden will have to use all his professional skills to guard Tessa’s life.

My review:

     This is an absolutely incredible romantic suspense novel!

     I LOVE the two main characters! I felt captivated by Tessa. She is such a strong woman, but she has some definite vulnerabilities. I actually found myself telling her what she needed to do at one point. Not just in my head but out loud. If she had only listened to me she would have avoided some difficulties too.

     The McKade family is one that I would thoroughly enjoy having as neighbors and friends. The way they support and care for each other is great.

     The plot of this story is fantastic. There are plenty of plot twists and suspects to keep the reader engaged and guessing.

     I was fascinated by all of the details given about rodeos. I have never been to one and I really have no interest in going. I do appreciate having an understanding of how a bull rider hangs on, the prep work they do and so on. I also liked getting a look into the mental preparations that barrel racers have to do. 

     This is a wonderful book and I am definitely giving it a rating of 5 stars. I am highly recommending it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book 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. 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.*

Kill Shot (White Knights #2) by Susan Sleeman

Title: Kill Shot (White Knights #2)

Author: Susan Sleeman

Pages: 336

Release Date: February 6, 2018

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Publisher: FaithWords

Format: eBook (also available in Paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.

About the book:

     Suspense and romance combine in Susan Sleeman’s thrilling new novel about an FBI agent who must team up with a beautiful therapist to stop a killer with a deadly new weapon.

Some fears haunt you forever….

     As the ballistics and weapon’s expert for the FBI’s special task force nicknamed the White Knights, Rick Cannon has known the Department of Defense was developing self-steering bullets. Rick fears these smart bullets—which have one hundred percent accuracy that can turn even a novice into a lethal sniper—would eventually end up in the hands of the wrong people. But since the ammunition was still in the development stage, he figured they had plenty of time before that happened. He was wrong. Dead wrong.

Until they become reality.

     When a homeless vet is killed with a smart bullet, it’s clear that the ammunition has been stolen, and the knights are called in to find the thief and stop the killings. But they aren’t the only ones desperate to find the killer. Therapist Olivia Hobbs is well known for her success in counseling military veterans with PTSD. When she discovers one of her clients moments after he is murdered, she becomes both the FBI’s prime witness, and suspect.

     Despite the mutual attraction that immediately sparks between them, Rick can’t—no he won’t—let Olivia interfere with his investigation. But when the sniper trains his rifle on her, Rick must recall all the skills he learned as a Marine sniper to make sure the next bullet fired isn’t a kill shot that takes Olivia out.

My review:

     This is an amazing adrenaline rush!

     I loved both of the main characters in this book! Rick and Olivia are so well developed that I was able to really connect with each of them. They each have hang ups that made it easy to just see them as real people. It was comforting to me that Olivia, the therapist that was able to help others sort out their problems, had a ton of problems when it came to dealing with her own family.

     I loved getting to know more about the members of the White Knights team. Seeing how they interact with each other was great. They are the rough and tough protectors. Yet at the same time they had personal vulnerabilities, making them very human.

     The plot of this story was so intense that I was sucked into the story and I knew that I wouldn’t be able to let it go without finishing it. I HAD to find out who had the smart bullets and why they were killing the people that they were.

     This wonderful book is getting a 5 star rating from me. I am definitely highly recommending it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book 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. 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.*

Cold Truth (Cold Harbor #2) by Susan Sleeman

Title: Cold Truth (Cold Harbor #2)

Author: Susan Sleeman

Pages: 301

Year:  2017

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Edge of Your Seat Books, Inc.

Format: eBook

Note: I received a free copy of this eBook from the author. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.

About the book:

     Want to play a game…

     When research chemist Kiera Underwood receives a cryptic phone call about her twin brother that she can’t decipher, she tries to contact him to no avail. Her twin sense tingles, warning her that something is wrong. When he doesn’t return her call, she heads to Cold Harbor to find him. But when she arrives in town to discover the door to his house ajar and he’s no where to be found, she races to the lab where he works as a chemist to look for him.

     Solve the puzzle and save your brother…

     Kiera’s not prepared when Blackwell Tactical operative and former Army Ranger, Cooper Ashcroft intercepts her and delivers her a second shock of the day. Someone stole a deadly biotin that her brother had synthesized. The main suspect? Her brother, and Blackwell Tactical was hired to hunt him down.

     Despite the evidence staring her in the face, Kiera knows her brother is innocent and sets out to prove it even though the best way to do so is by teaming up with Coop. As romantic attraction flares between the two of them, and she learns that he’s not been completely honest with her, she’s faced with the toughest decision of her life. Can she trust Coop with not only her heart, but with her brother’s life?

My review:

     This is an intricately woven romantic suspense novel!

     The main characters are extremely well developed. They both have issues with trusting others that keep cropping up and causing friction between them. I love the fact that the main characters from book one appear in supporting rolls in this story. We have a chance to peak in and see how their lives are progressing.

     The plot is fantastic. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing, and turning pages.

     I’m looking forward to seeing what comes up in future books in the series for the rest of the Blackwell Tactical team. I love this type of series because each book is a stand-alone story and yet they give us more chance to see the different characters.

     This wonderful book is getting a 5 star rating from me. I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book 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. 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.*

Holiday Secrets (McKade Law #1) by Susan Sleeman

Title: Holiday Secrets (McKade’s Law #1)

Author: Susan Sleeman

Pages: 217

Release Date: December 5, 2017

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense

Format: Paperback (also available in eBook)

Note: I received a free copy of this book from the author. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.

About the book:

DEADLY HOLIDAY REUNION

     When his ex is thrust into the crosshairs of a deadly syndicate, FBI agent Gavin McKade will do whatever it takes to protect her. Even work the case with his stubborn sheriff dad. Gavin’s holiday homecoming isn’t exactly warm and fuzzy, but he must set aside the past to make sure Lexie Grant survives. As if protecting Lexie from professional killers isn’t difficult enough, the unlikely reunion has rekindled their complicated romantic connection. But if Gavin can’t untangle Lexie from this dangerous web, the blurring line between duty and love may not matter…because this Christmas could be their last.   

My review:

     An outstanding romantic suspense novel!

     I love this new cast of characters for this series! They are incredibly well developed. I’m really looking forward to learning more about the McKade family as the series progresses. 

     Both Lexie and Gavin are burdened down from past wounds. I wanted so badly to see them each let go of the pain and move on with their lives. They needed to learn how to forgive and trust God.

     The plot really kept me guessing. I was completely amazed when the truth was revealed.

     This is a fantastic start to a new series. I’m really looking forward to reading the next book when it comes out. I am giving this wonderful book a rating of 5 stars and highly recommending it.    

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book 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. 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.*