Book Review: Hold Your Breath (Search and Rescue) by Katie Ruggle

This is romantic suspense just as I like it: strong on suspense, convincing characters and a passionate, but not graphic, romance.

Hold Your Breath (Search and Rescue)
by Katie Ruggle

File Size: 1553 KB
Print Length: 386 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1492628174
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (April 5, 2016)
ASIN: B017HX13DA
Genre: Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

An Amazon Best Book of the Month!
“Sexy and suspenseful, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.”—Julie Ann Walker, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
“Chills and thrills and a sexy slow-burning romance from a terrific new voice.”—D.D. Ayres, author of the K-9 Rescue Series
In the remote Rocky Mountains, lives depend on the Search & Rescue brotherhood. But in a place this far off the map, trust is hard to come by and secrets can be murder...
When captain of Field County's ice rescue dive team, Callum Cook, meets new diver Louise "Lou" Sparks, his orderly existence is obliterated in an instant. Lou is a hurricane. A walking disaster. And with her, he's never felt more alive...even if keeping her safe may just kill him.
Lou’s new to the Rockies, intent on escaping her controlling ex, and she’s determined to make it on her own terms…no matter how tempting Callum may be. But when a routine training exercise unearths a body, Lou and Callum find themselves thrust into a deadly game of cat and mouse with a killer who’ll stop at nothing to silence Lou—and prove that not even her new Search and Rescue family can keep her safe forever.

Review:
Lou Sparks is a smart, strong minded young woman who chose to escape the control of her family by moving to a remote community in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. She is training on the Search & Rescue dive team where the divers work in freezing lakes instead of sunny, warm island waters of recreational diving. As the only woman on the team she has to work doubly hard to assert her independence and to gain the confidence and trust of the team.

Callum Cook is the strong, intense and obsessively controlled team leader who is struggling to maintain his control around this new, spontaneous team member. Although her exuberance is sometimes alarming to him, the rest of her he finds totally alluring.

There are other men in town who appreciate Lou’s beauty and strengths. During training Lou kicks up a submerged body making her feel invested in determining the identity of the victim and solving the murder. The local sheriff, Rob, is prepared to investigate and warns Lou not to ‘stick her nose’ where it doesn’t belong. Meanwhile, someone is out there who is stalking Lou. First it is ugly pranks like cutting her tires. Then the threats begin to escalate; even more so when the stalker realizes that Callum is stepping in to assert a protective mode over Lou.

I enjoyed the characters and plot in this from beginning to end. There are other male characters to tempt Lou and make the reader wonder. There is consistent action in the dive training even before real accidents and the stalker increase the suspense.

The romance develops with nice tension and no need to be graphic, which made me even happier with the author. The suspense element is the primary focus of the story with the add on of a nice, strong but sweet romance. This is just the way I like my romantic suspense and I will look to read more by Ms. Ruggle.

I received this title through NetGalley. It qualifies for my NetGalley challenge and H for Alphabet Soup.

Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Breaking the Story (Scottie's Adventures Book 2) by Ashley Farley

I like Ms. Farley’s straight forward, easy writing style.

Breaking the Story (Scottie's Adventures Book 2)
by Ashley Farley

File Size: 1091 KB
Print Length: 215 pages
Publisher: Leisure Time Books; 1 edition (March 17, 2016)
ASIN: B01B1U6E0M
Genre: Suspense, Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Passion, peril, and a scandal that will rock American politics.
Scottie Darden's life is a disaster. Her marriage has become toxic, and her career as a photojournalist has stalled out. To attract the attention of the main players in the news industry, she needs a standout story with a unique perspective. What she finds is a scandal that could turn the 2016 presidential election upside down. But before she can release her damaging images to the media, Scottie must uncover the truth behind the photographs. She turns to handsome mystery man Guy Jordan for help. When they join the campaign trail in search of answers, their investigation quickly becomes deadly.
Hop on board for a wild ride of adventure where desire ignites, lives are threatened, and secrets are revealed.

Review:
Scottie is strong minded, bright and a talented photographer. She has a creative but impulsive streak that gets her into trouble. She is currently hunting for the perfect photojournalist opportunity to catapult her career.

Scottie returns home from covering the Republican Convention to find her husband in bed with another woman. The marriage was on the skids anyway and she is better off kicking the cheating, dead weight out of her life. Still, it isn’t easy to walk away from an eight-year marriage and it puts her in a vulnerable position.

Scottie runs into a handsome stranger, Guy, she met at the airport and he lends her an ear. But Scottie isn’t ready for a fling and Guy doesn’t want to be the rebound guy.

Scottie tries to focus on her job by finding a way to get a unique, exclusive shot of the Democratic presidential candidate. Scottie manages to snap some potentially explosive images before she is chased away. She returns home to discover her apartment ransacked and realizes she has stepped into trouble again. She is unable to identify the man in the photos and calls Guy to see if he can help since he seems to be connected to the campaign scene.

Scottie and Guy set off to follow the campaign trail in hopes of spotting the mystery man again. Nothing develops along the professional path but things heat up between Scottie and Guy on a personal level. Then things heat up on a danger level when the FBI gets involved to help identify the man and confirm that he is dangerous. Suddenly the man they are hunting is after Scottie. He knows who she is and how to find her.

When Scottie learns that Guy hasn’t been totally truthful she pushes him away. She is glad that she always has her brother, Will, to call on for support. Scottie hopes the powerful man will leave her alone but she becomes even more of a target when the picture she took is leaked to the press.

This story moves quickly with an easy reading style and fast paced story. I like Scottie’s integrity and her strong relationship with her brother and parents although she struggles not to lean on them too much. I liked Guy and how he cares about Scottie. Her distrust is understandable but I was still hopeful for their relationship. The suspense is engaging but much of the detail I found to be on the unbelievable side.

Although I try not to be bothered by editing errors in ARC versions, I was distracted by a few that I thought were glaring. I hope they were cleaned up before the final version.

This is a fast read with engaging characters and suspense. I recommend it to readers who enjoy light romantic suspense with engaging characters.

I received this title through Caffeinated Book Reviewer and NetGalley for an honest review. This qualifies for NetGalley Challenge,  and "B" (tour book) on Alphabet Soup Challenge.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28793180-breaking-the-story

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/hy7whbx

Barnes and Noble: http://tinyurl.com/h6xn6xy

iTunes: http://tinyurl.com/j826qcc

Kobo: http://tinyurl.com/zfh4dzw

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Excerpt:

If only Scottie could find a way to get up close and personal to the senator. And they've photographed them every which way but naked. Sneaking into Caine's hotel room was out of the question, not that Scottie would ever consider taking images of her in the nude, but there was nothing wrong with sticking close to her in the hopes of capturing a candid moment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I first met Scottie in Merry Mary which is another book that readers of contemporary fiction might enjoy.

About the Author:
Ashley Farley is a wife and mother of two college-aged children. She grew up in the salty marshes of South Carolina, but now lives in Richmond, Virginia, a city she loves for its history and traditions.

After her brother died in 1999 of an accidental overdose, she turned to writing as a way of releasing her pent-up emotions. She wrote SAVING BEN in honor of Neal, the boy she worshipped, the man she could not save. SAVING BEN is not a memoir, but a story about the special bond between siblings.

HER SISTER'S SHOES—June 24, 2015—is a women's novel that proves the healing power of family.

MERRY MARY a heartwarming story of the powerful connection between a caring soul and an innocent child in need released October 15, 2015.

Social Media:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Tour Giveaway:

One winner will receive a 50.00 gift card to Amazon or Paypal. Open Internationally
Ends 3/31/16.

Entry-Form

Book Review: Extreme Honor (True Heroes) by Piper J. Drake

This has strong characters and a great blend of suspense, story and romance.
Extreme Honor (True Heroes)
by Piper J. Drake

• File Size: 848 KB
• Print Length: 336 pages
• Publisher: Forever (January 26, 2016)
• Sold by: Hachette Book Group
• ASIN: B00X47ZLZU

Genre: Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

HONOR, LOYALTY, LOVE
David Cruz is good at two things: war and training dogs. The ex-soldier's toughest case is Atlas, a Belgian Malinois whose handler died in combat. Nobody at Hope's Crossing kennel can break through the animal's grief. That is, until dog whisperer Evelyn Jones walks into the facility . . . and into Atlas's heart. David hates to admit that the curvy blonde's mesmerizing effect isn't limited to canines. But when Lyn's work with Atlas puts her in danger, David will do anything to protect her.
Lyn realizes that David's own battle scars make him uniquely qualified for his job as a trainer. Tough as nails yet gentle when it counts, he's gotten closer to Atlas than anyone else-and he's willing to put his hard-wired suspicion aside to let her do the same. But someone desperate enough to kill doesn't want Lyn working with Atlas. Now only teamwork, trust, and courage can save two troubled hearts and the dog who loves them both . . .

Review:
Lyn is a civilian dog trainer. She loves dogs and relates to them – usually better than to their human handlers or owners. She has developed her own business even through the discouragement from her military stepfather who has never really given her approval or loving support. They are always at odds yet he helped her get her latest contract to work with Atlas, a a Belgian Malinois military dog who lost his handler and is struggling to show interest in life. Lyn is determined to help Atlas but first she has to get past his current trainer, former military soldier, David Cruz.

Although Lyn’s initial approach to Cruz doesn’t work, the fact that Atlas responds to her does. Cruz slowly begins to gain respect for the pretty trainer as he sees progress in Atlas’ attitude. Cruz isn't sure of Lynn's motives and plans to challenge her. When he shows up at her hotel to find her under attack his attitude quickly shifts to protective mode.

Another attack at the kennel grounds makes it clear that someone is interested in keeping Lyn from working with Atlas. It appears that Atlas may be carrying secrets that someone is willing to kill to keep hidden. Now Cruz is even more determined to discover the secrets that surround Atlas.

I immediately liked the tone of this story. Lyn is a great character as a independent, smart professional who is vulnerable yet pushes back when under attack or trauma. David is a very honorable man who is willing to listen, provide truths and is reluctant to take advantage of a traumatized woman. There is lovely conflict and tension that builds to danger and suspense, and gentle, but clear attraction that builds to strong romantic love making that is sexy but not overdone. Atlas is a dog with personality that has to be drawn out and I enjoyed the addition of the dog training details, including the introduction of other handlers and dogs.

The story is told in third person with the point of view shifting between Lyn and Cruz. This gives good balance and good character depth. There is some background done through a form of “telling”, talking to the dog, but it worked for me and I had no problem with the presentation. The writing flows easily and I finished this in two days. I carried it around with me and read every chance I got as it was a book I didn’t want to put down.

This is the first time I have read this author but I am sure it will not be the last. I recommend this to readers who enjoy good romantic suspense – heavy on the story and suspense with a strong romance that doesn’t overtake the storyline.

I received this through NetGalley. It qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge, E on Alphabet Soup and TBR Triple Dog Dare.

Piper J. Drake (or "PJ") spent her childhood pretending to study for the SATs by reading every interesting novel she could borrow from the local and school libraries. She was introduced to the wonderful world of romance by her best friend and dove into the genre.

PJ began her writing career as "PJ Schnyder" writing sci-fi & paranormal romance and steampunk. She has recently received the FF&P PRISM award for her work as well as the NJRW Golden Leaf award and Parsec award.

Now, PJ is exploring the complexity of romantic suspense, incorporating her interests in mixed martial arts and the military into her writing.

 Connect with Piper at: Website | Facebook | Twitter |GoodReads | Amazon

Book Review: Fatal Judgment (Guardians of Justice Book #1): A Novel by Irene Hannon

I really liked this great suspense and romance.

Fatal Judgment (Guardians of Justice Book #1): A Novel

by Irene Hannon

• File Size: 1443 KB
• Print Length: 338 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0800734564
• Publisher: Revell (January 1, 2011)
• ASIN: B004DNWG2U

Genre: Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

U.S. Marshal Jake Taylor has seen plenty of action during his years in law enforcement. But he'd rather go back to Iraq than face his next assignment: protection detail for federal judge Liz Michaels. His feelings toward the coldhearted workaholic haven't warmed in the five years since she drove her husband--and Jake's best friend--to despair . . . and possible suicide.

As the danger mounts and Jake gets to know Liz better, he's forced to revise his opinion of her. And when it becomes clear that an unknown enemy may want her dead, the stakes are raised. Because now both her life--and his heart--are in danger.

Full of suspense and romance, Fatal Judgment launches a thrilling series featuring three siblings bound by blood and a passion for justice.

Review:
U.S. Marshall Jake Taylor has spent many years in law enforcement and is used to facing enemies to protect those he is assigned to. He is returning from assignment hoping to get some rest when he is called in to protect a federal judge. Not just any judge, but Liz Michaels, the widow of his best friend. Jake has some misconceptions that create an initial antagonism toward his charge. The longer he is around her the more he sees her actions seem to indicate that his views are wrong.

Liz lost her husband five years ago. Now her sister has been shot in the Judge’s home after seeking refuge from her sometimes violent husband. The spouse is always the first suspect but the investigation looks at others too. The authorities need Liz to back track through her files to locate someone who might be seeking revenge. When the killer slips through the protective detail to get to Liz, Jake realizes he has more to lose than just a charge.

This story has good romantic tension and suspense. I really liked Jake and Liz as the primary characters and Jake’s brother and sister add to the characters. The action is steady and I appreciated the faith based discussion between the characters. The romance develops with good chemical and emotional attraction that is fine without sexual scenes.

I have been eyeing this author and am glad I finally read one of her books. I will be glad to pick up more of her romantic suspense titles when given the opportunity. I recommend this book and author to those who enjoy strong characters and clean romance.

This is from my TBR shelf - 2012. It is the next to the last title for my 2015 TBR Pile Challenge.

Book Review and Giveaway: Double Exposure (The Justice Agency Book 1) by Susan Sleeman

I enjoyed this quick read romantic suspense.

Double Exposure (The Justice Agency Book 1)

by Susan Sleeman

• Series: Love Inspired Suspense
• Mass Market Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Love Inspired (June 5, 2012)
• ISBN-13: 978-0373444953

Genre: Inspirational, Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Photographer Jennie Buchanan unknowingly captures a drug-cartel meeting on film. And now she has become a killer's next target. Even worse, her only protection from the danger that threatens her life is the man who threatens her heart. Dodging bullets almost seems safer than facing the feelings stirred up by seeing former FBI agent and ex-boyfriend Ethan Justice again. Ethan vows to safeguard Jennie from the deadly men on her trail. And for a second chance at Jennie's love, he's willing to risk anything to expose the truth—about the drug smugglers, the past and the future together he still wants.

Review:
Jennie Buchanan came from a home of poverty and has learned to depend on no one but herself. She has focused her photography career on documenting the lives of poverty stricken children in other countries bringing their plight to the public eye to gain support of her charity foundation for those children. Jennie is scheduled to have a new gallery showing but suddenly the preliminary set-up is vandalized and she and gallery are threatened if she doesn’t cancel the show. The gallery owner calls in a former FBI agent, Ethan Justice and his family of private security agents. They may be the best available but Jennie is threatened now by her heart an memories as Ethan was her first love. She rejected and abandoned him many years ago rather than wait for his rejection upon learning secrets of her past.

Ethan always loved Jennie but was devastated by her rejection. Recently his fiancé called off their marriage so now he has been twice burned. He has no intention of putting his heart on the line again even as he struggles with the chemistry and rekindled feelings he has for Jennie. But his feelings won’t matter if he can’t keep her safe.

This short book is full of action from beginning to end. As enemies try to get Jennie’s film prints and negatives the attacks escalate from vandalism, snatch and grab tactics, and ransacked housing to shootings, arson and kidnapping. There is good chemistry between Jennie and Ethan and human feelings they have to manage. Jennie has to overcome a lifetime of guilt and inferiority insecurities while Ethan has to be willing to forgive and trust.

I like Ms. Sleeman’s easy style of writing that makes for quick reading. I enjoyed the brief prayers offered in times of need or thanks and the spiritual lessons portrayed through the growth of the characters. Some of those lessons are shared in creative descriptions or comparisons that worked very well and were woven in cleanly to fit the situation.

Hunter and Hope by Lenora Worth: There is a second, novella story shared in this volume. It is another second chance romance that is nicely handled in 40 or so pages.

I recommend this book to those who enjoy quick read, inspirational romantic suspense. There are a five brothers and sisters in the Justice family who are good characters and apparently will have stories of their own so this is a good place to start the series.

I won this in 2012 so it is from my TBR shelf.

ONE (gently read) personally autographed PRINT COPY GIVEAWAY

US Only

ENTRY FORM HERE

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For 3 Extra Bonus entries (a) comment on the review, OR

(b) Visit the AUTHOR'S WEBSITE and tell me something you learned or like there.

* This contest is open to US only for Print Copy.
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Winners will have 72 hours to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.