Critical Threat

Author: Lynette Eason

Series: Extreme Measures #3

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: January 3, 2023

The third installment in the Extreme Measures series is another romantic suspense that will give readers exactly what they have come to expect from this genre.

Grace Billingsley works as a psychiatrist and behavioral analyst to help track down serial killers. When a new killer shows up with the same MO as a serial killer that’s been behind bars for years, prison psychiatrist Sam Monroe is pulled in to help with the case. Sam is the son of famed serial killer Peter Ramanos and is the one that turned his father into the authorities when he found evidence of him being a killer. Sam and Grace end up working together and quickly make a connection. Sam doesn’t want to get involved with anyone because of his father and tries to keep his feelings for Grace from growing. The more they investigate the case, the harder it is to stay away from each other and the more danger they find themselves in.

Lynette Eason has continued to craft a great series in book three as Critical Threat. I have been a fan of her writing for a long time and know I’m going to get a great story. For me though I was slightly disappointed with this one; right when it seemed the action was getting good and tension was going to be at its highest things just fizzled out. I had so much hope for how it was going to go, and it just didn’t reach it for me. I had a harder time connecting with the characters as quickly as I normally do with her books, but I just felt a little let down with this one. That’s not going to turn me off her books though; I will still quickly grab up the next one that comes out looking for edge of my seat suspense and hope that this one was just a fluke that it didn’t hit the mark with me. I recommend to readers looking for a light romantic suspense that will be a quick read not requiring much thinking.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Her Heart’s Desire

Author: Shelley Shepard Gray

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: January 3, 2023

What a fun story to kick off the New Year!

Mary Margaret Miller has always had trouble connecting with people, especially in her small Amish community. So, she decides that she needs to get away and selects a bed in breakfast in Pinecraft, Florida, which will be much more pleasant than her snowy Ohio home. On the bus ride, she meets two other girls that she begins to connect with. When bad weather delays the trip in Georgia, they share a motel room, and their friendship deepens as they even stay at the same bed and breakfast in Pinecraft. While there, they encounter two Amish men and a romance ensues, but appearances do always hold the truth as Mary Margaret will soon discover.

Amish fiction is not my usual go to genre, but this one was a good read. With chance encounters and romance, it took the edge off some cold weather while I read (especially being set in Florida). While an enjoyable read, it also featured some valuable lessons concerning forgiveness, especially when it is difficult to do so after you’ve been hurt.

I recommend this book to people who like Amish fiction, contemporary romance, and an overall good story.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

The Great Age Reboot

Authors: Michael F. Roizen, M.D., Peter Linneman, Ph.D., & Albert Ratner

Publisher: National Geographic

Release Date: September 13, 2022

Interesting ideas and concepts for how aging will look in the near future.

Imagine if you will, in the not-so-distant future, genetic engineering will make breakthroughs that will allow people to live to near 150 years of age. Dr. Roizen and his colleagues take readers though a history of the average life spans over the past few generations and makes some pretty bold predictions on how aging may look very different in the near future, say around 2030. He provides guidance on lifestyle choices including food and nutrition, exercise, and finances to try to help people understand how this can be achievable, but also has the caveat that human beings don’t always make the best choices so it will end up being mostly personal on how you can achieve it.

Definitely an interesting concept to think about possibly not only living to 100 years of age but possibly to 150. The biggest question is how would the average person be able to pay for this possibility? The short answer is that medical care would essentially have to be socialized, be accepted (key concept), and then shift from reactive to proactive care to become affordable. Additionally, people will need to work much longer (till 90) to have enough money saved up in retirement to make it to 150 if they start in their early twenties. And since your life choices will make you a healthier, more productive human being, the overall productivity will increase across the county and the GDP will increase so that more tax can be collected, thereby increasing social security measures.

It was an interesting read that I will be watching over the next seven years to see how this might play out.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Awesome Titles for 2023

Happy New Year! Hope you got some great reading in last year and can’t wait for everything to release this year! Here are just a few of the titles that we can’t wait to read!

Critical Threat

Lynette Eason

Revell Publishing

January 3, 2023

Romantic/Suspense

Everything is just Beginning

Erin Bartels

Revell Publishing

January 23, 2023

Contemporary

Under Fire

Lynn H. Blackburn

Revell Publishing

March 7, 2023

Romantic/Suspense

No More Secrets

Kerry Lonsdale

Lake Union Publishing

March 14, 2023

Contemporary/Suspense

Her Deadly Game

Robert Dugoni

Thomas & Mercer

March 28, 2023

Suspense/Thriller

The Vanishing at Castle Moreau

Jaime Jo Wright

Bethany House Publishing

April 4, 2023

Time-Slip/Suspense

Broker of Lies

Steven James

Tyndale House Publishing

April 11, 2023

Suspense/Thriller

The Libyan Diversion

Joel C. Rosenberg

Tyndale House Publishing

May 16, 2023

Suspense/Thriller

The Wayward Prince

Leonard Goldbert

St. Martin’s Press

July 11, 2023

Mystery

The Inheritance Games Series

Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Little Brown Books

September 1, 2020

2022 Top Reads

It’s new year’s eve and what better way to celebrate than sharing our top picks for 2022. Any of these make your favorite list?

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold

Read the full review.

The Souls of Lost Lake by Jaime Jo Wright

Jaime Jo Wright is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. I was slow to pick up her books because she writes part of her stories in the past and historical fiction has not been one of my top go to genres. But when you write in the way Jamie Jo Wright does, it doesn’t really matter if it is past, present, or future; the story is so good it takes time out of the equation and puts the reader deep within the story. I am finding with each of her books that I read it is better than the last and The Souls of Lost Lake is no exception.

Read the full review.

The Girl Who Could Breathe Underwater by Erin Bartels

Erin Bartels has become one of those authors that I read every book she writes without even reading the synopsis or looking at the cover. The stories are just that good and the tension and internal conflict her characters have intensifies with each story. The Girl Who Can Breathe Underwater is no exception to either tension or conflict.

Read the full review.

The Local by Joey Hartstone

I love a good legal thriller and Hartstone definitely delivered a fantastic story. As a fellow Texan, I have friends who are patent lawyers in Marshall, so it was fun to pick their brain while I read this story to get an idea of what goes on. The book centers more on the criminal case of the murdered judge instead of patent law, which probably makes the book move faster and get readers more engaged.

Read the full review.

Upgrade by Blake Crouch

If you pick up a Blake Crouch book, you know that you are going to be in for a wild ride that will likely result in sleepless nights while reading the book and after reading the book because you keep thinking about it for months. Upgrade was no exception to his formula. However, he changed tactics a bit and strayed from his usual focus on quantum entanglement to human gene modification. He has also moved from being more current day to a time of a dystopian world after disasters.

Read the full review.

Willow by Ronie Kendig

Ronie Kendig is really amazing me with this new series. I have enjoyed her writing for years, but this is my favorite series of hers by far. The way she has written the characters in these books have hooked me faster than most authors have ever been able to and kept me glued to the pages with all the feels for what is happening. I am deeply invested with the characters both from Stone and now Willow.

Read the full review.

Life Flight by Lynette Eason

With each new book, Lynette Eason has shown that she is a powerhouse when it comes to romantic suspense and is leaving others far behind. I keep saying each new book is her best, but it is true, and Life Flight is leaps and bounds ahead of her others. Some books have the ability to make a movie play out in my mind while I read, but those are few and far between. Life Flight was a great movie in my mind that I hated to see it end. The book started with the kind of action you see in the climax of most others that then peters off for the rest of the pages. But here it never petered out or slacked in any way, even to the last pages I never once felt the tension let up.

Read the full review.

Dark Angel by Brian Andrews & Jeffrey Wilson

There is a lot to unpack within the pages of this novel, but for me, it was well written with a fast plot, characters I wanted to see succeed and a lot of moments that left me with some good questions to ponder about life, spiritual matters and so much more. This is a book that will leave readers thinking about more than just the work of fiction.

Read the full review.

2022 Top Young Adult Fiction

We’re all a little young at heart, so it’s not surprise that we still enjoy YA Fiction! Check out our top picks for the year!

Top Pick: Court by Tracy Wolff

I must give Tracy Wolff a hand, it is hard to write a book over 700 pages and keep the reader interested and even aching for more after turning the last page. Plus, the woman must write like a fiend with the next two coming out later this year also, insert happy dance! This series came to my attention last year and I have been hooked since. If you are fan of teen fantasy, especially books such as Twilight, Hunger Games and even Harry Potter, you will love these.

Read the full review here.

Order your copy today!

Runner-Up: Kelcie Murphy and the Academy for the Unbreakable Arts by Erika Lewis

Kelcie Murphy starts out fast and doesn’t let up; this is the exact right kind of book I look forward to recommending to young readers looking for fantasy, magic, adventure and a great story. I loved the way Kelcie used all the hardships she went through to bring out the strength she needed to prove to herself and others she belonged.

Read the full review here.

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Runner-Up: Nine Liars by Marueen Johnson

Read the full review here.

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2022 Top Time Slip Reads

We didn’t see as many time slip novels this year, but of those we did, three really stood out!

Top Pick: The Souls of Lost Lake by Jaime Jo Wright

Read the full review here.

Order your copy today!

Runner Up: The Master Craftsman by Kelli Stuart

This is one of the best books I’ve read all year! Not only was the historical fiction portion of the story super interesting, but the present-day mystery and treasure hunting aspect took the whole book to another level. I couldn’t decide which of the two stories that I wanted to read more and they pretty well blended altogether. Such a great story for anytime of the year.

Read the full review here.

Order your copy today!

Runner Up: The Premonition at Withers Farm by Jaime Jo Wright

Each new book always proves me wrong in thinking she can’t top the last one; somehow, they get better and better. The feel of this one hit me hard, Molly was such a fantastic character and once she was at the farmhouse, the story enveloped me in such a tight hold there was no way I was getting out of it. I sat down and devoured this book in a weekend, had I not had responsibilities like taking care of my two children, it probably would have been read in a single sitting.

Read the full review here.

Order your copy today!

2022 Top Romantic Suspense

Our next genre has no shortage of picks to choose from, but only a few can make the cut. Any of these your favorites?

Top Picks: Stone & Willow by Ronie Kendig

I love the way Ronie Kendig writes, but some of the military thrillers I have read are very detailed and deep. This one was a little more laid back but also filled with tension at all the right places to keep the story moving. I read this one very quickly and enjoyed all aspects of it. This was one of those rare books I was able to see play out as a movie in my mind while I was reading it.

Read the full review here.

Order your copy today!

Runner Up: Life Flight by Lynette Eason

Read the full review here.

Order your copy today!

Honorable Mention: Malicious Intent Lynn H. Blackburn

The tension was high from the very beginning and kept the pace throughout which made for a great and fun read. It will be hard for the next book to top this one, but I am not going to say impossible, I have learned not to underestimate Blackburn and her ability to surprise me with a story.

Read the full review here.

Order your copy today!

Honorable Mention: The Epic Story of RJ and York by Susan May Warren

If you have been a fan of Susan May Warren’s Montana Marshall series, you are familiar with RJ and York and their relationship. This series is going to make readers very happy seeing this fun couple go through all kinds of obstacles just to be together. These books have non-stop action with tension in all the right places and the right amount of humor between the characters to keep the story moving along. Fans of the Marshalls will not want to miss out on this one.

Read the full review here.

Order your copy today!

Nine Liars

Author: Maureen Johnson

Series: Truly Devious #5

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Release Date: December 27, 2022

When it clicks, it clicks; that’s how it works for Stevie Bell and that’s what works in these novels! This is a great addition to a fun-filled series. Loved every page!

Stevie Bell is taking her detective skills abroad to try and solve a murder mystery from the 90’s. Her boyfriend, David, has been studying in London and invites Stevie for a visit. When she arrives, she learns of a cold case from his friend Izzy whose aunt was there when two of her friends were murdered. In 1995, nine friends who met at Cambridge University go to a country house and play hide-and-seek leaving two of them murdered with an ax. No one was ever charged, and the friends went on with their lives until Stevie arrives and starts investigating. Things start to get intense as Stevie uncovers clues and the gang must keep in touch with Ellingham Academy to stay with the schedule that has been approved for them. As she gets closer to uncovering what really happened, things start to fall apart for Stevie and she doesn’t know what to do next.

Stevie Bell and the Truly Devious series gets better with each book. I have found myself loving the mysteries and fun dynamics of these stories. I have only one negative about these books, there is an aspect of LGBTQ throughout them all. As an adult reading these I can deal with but with this being marketed as young adult I don’t like that aspect advertised to younger readers. The story is fantastic, the characters are true to how I would see them acting in the progression of each book and the mysteries unfold beautifully. Not only is Stevie dealing with the case to solve but also trying to deal with the aspect of her boyfriend being in London and how things have changed in their time apart.

So many great aspects of this story that kept the pages turning quickly and hard to put down. Stevie Bell is the new age Nancy Drew and the cases she keeps coming across call to her and with the help of her friends she can help solve cases that no one else has been able to solve. My favorite thing about this series is the way they are so different from many of the other books I have read. So many books these days are a formula and the same old thing, these books are very different and entertaining. The story is mostly told from the point of view of Stevie but also at times shows what happened in the past, this back and forth helps with the story and for the reader to understand. I recommend this book to adult readers who love a good mystery with great characters and fun stories. I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

2022 Top Contemporary Fiction

We hope that everyone had a great Christmas and were gifted all the new books you wanted! If you still hunger for more, check out our top picks for Contemporary Fiction!

Top Pick: The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold

The Extraordinary Death of Mrs. Kip is just that, an extraordinary book, especially when you realize this is a debut book. Sara Brunsvold has written a delightful new story that is going to be in the running for one of my favorite books of the year. This book hit me in all the right places and even had me wiping away a tear or two towards the end, not something that happens often when reading.

Read the full review here.

Order your copy today!

Runner Up: No More Lies by Kerry Lonsdale

If you enjoyed No More Words, then you will love this book even more. I was initially expecting a continuation, but this is a retelling of the same time period from Jenna and Josh’s perspective. So, readers know the elements of what happened to Lily, but now get to read about it firsthand and understand how the characters became who they are today. Needless to say, Lonsdale placed plenty of intrigue throughout the pages to keep her readers hooked through the full story. There are references to events in the first book that readers may need to go back and enjoy again to get the full effect.

Read the full review here.

Order your copy today!

Honorable Mention: The Local by Joey Hartstone

As a fellow Texan, I have friends who are patent lawyers in Marshall, so it was fun to pick their brain while I read this story to get an idea of what goes on. The book centers more on the criminal case of the murdered judge instead of patent law, which probably makes the book move faster and get readers more engaged. Hartstone did a great job of setting up the scene quickly and bringing characters in to connect with readers.

Read the full review here.

Order your copy today!

Honorable Mention: Among the Innocent by Mary Alford

Normally a book on Amish fiction would not be one I eagerly pick up to read, but I’m happy to say Among the Innocent was so much better than I expected. Mary Alford crafted a story set within the Amish community that was engaging, suspenseful, delightful, and more.

Read the full review here.

Order your copy today!

Honorable Mention: Shaped by the Waves by Christina Suzann Nelson

Christina Suzann Nelson always manages to craft characters who are hurting, yet strong willed, and make them become a reader’s best friend while trying to help them work out their problems. I have been a fan of many of her books and this is an excellent addition to the collection. The main character within the pages is my favorite character from any book this year!

Read the full review here.

Order your copy today!