Collateral Damage by Lynette Easton

Lynette Easton is a master with words that immediately immerses you in the time frame, mind set and heart of her characters.  Collateral Damage is no exception.  This story takes place after Asher and Brooke have left their army careers behind.  But when PTSD seems to be overtaking Asher’s life he decides to seek help from a counselor.  Brooke has dedicated her post military career to helping others, especially with PTSD, even though she has some issues of her own.  From this seemingly innocent start Asher and Brooke are thrust into a murder mystery when  dead body is found in her office.  Finding out why becomes more perilous than anything they could have expected especially when it becomes clear that Brooke was the intended target.  Fighting past their own fears, regrets and doubts Asher and Brooke work together to solve the mystery and in the process form a bond tighter than any they have known before.

I received this book free from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

The Way of the Brave by Susan May Warren

The Way of the Brave by Susan May Warren

Two stories collide to create an explosive, dramatic romantic suspense thriller.  Orion, suffers from PTSD following a failed mission in Afghanistan.  Little does he know that his life is about to intersect with Jen, a former member of his team that he hasn’t seen in years.  Jen suffers from guilt, feeling responsible for the failed mission and specifically for the injuries Orion sustained.  The intense emotional impact of their “reunion” and what follows makes for an unforgettable story.  This book is much more than a 2^nd chance at love tale however.  It shouts with intrigue at ever turn.  As Orion delves into mysteries and hints of a cover-up his PSTD escalates and so does the danger.  He is determined to get to the absolute truth no matter what the cost.  Jen adds a twist he didn’t expect, but he finds out that maybe that isn’t so bad after all.  This is the first book in a new series by author Susan May Warren.  It ends leaving you feeling content and yet at the same time yearning for more.

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

Always Look Twice by Elizabeth Goddard

Thrilling from page one to the end!  This book is packed and I mean jam packed full of suspense, mystery and action.  And the icing on the cake?  There's a lovely little romance thrown in for good measure.  It is not often that the second book in a series outshines the first book but in this case I say it is so.  Goddard outdid herself with this one.  I could not put this book down.  She formed a fascinating backstory to the current time story that keeps you guessing along with main character Harper Reynolds.  It is not necessary to read book one in the Uncommon Justice series to enjoy this book.  Each book can be read standing alone but I can tell you I can hardly wait for book 3 in the series to come out.  Although this story does contain a murder mystery it does not deal with gruesome or graphic details.  The romance is also sweet and "clean".  This is an all around winner.

I received this book free from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

Unscripted by Davis Bunn

Unscripted starts out with Danny jailed for a crime he didn't commit.  But from there he rapidly is freed from jail by a mystery person.  But the thrust of the story is a movie he makes with a young teen, Emma.  It is more the story of Emma's journey through grief and anger which parallels Danny's emotional journey.  As Emma works through her emotions Danny becomes more entrenched in his.  His lawyer Megan take s a personal interest in him and longs for Danny to be freed from his turmoil.  The making of the movie takes up most of the book but through the movie script we see insights into Emma's life and Danny's that lead them both to the point of confrontation with themselves and what they will do with the rest of their lives.

I was given this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

Dark Ambitions by Irene Hannon

Don't let the title throw you off.  Although this is a novel about solving a crime it is not gruesome and does not dwell on violence or gore.  Instead it is suspenseful with clever twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.  If you like a good mystery this will be a perfect read for you.  Irene Hannon is a multi-talented author who can write equally well about romance as she can about suspense.  The relationship she builds between characters makes them come alive on the page.  She draws you into their lives through their thoughts and feelings.  Through their eyes we experience the the frustrations and triumphs of the investigative team.

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

A Distance Too Grand by Regina Scott

Set in the rugged Western frontier this story’s heroine is Meg, an unconventional young woman especially for her times.  Trained by her late father in the art of photography she longs to carry on his legacy.  When she lands a job with an army expedition group she little expected to see her lost love Ben.  This book is full of beautiful descriptions as seen through the eyes of Meg, Ben and the expedition group viewing God’s wonders for the first time.  Scenes such as what we now know as the Grand Canyon are described and marveled at.  There is also a feeling suspense throughout the book with Ben’s secret mission and Meg’s unescapable feeling of being watch.  Add to this the spark that still exists between Meg and Ben and you have a great tale of mystery, intrigue, history and romance.  

I received this book free from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

All Manner of Things by Susie Finkbeiner

This is the first book I've read by Susie Finkbeiner and it was a very positive experience.  Finkbeiner created a tale that was multifaceted.  Historical information delivered in a riveting story that made it hard to put the book down.  Emotional and relational dilemmas that give the reader a lot to think about long after the last page of the book is read.  Annie, the heroine of the story is a young woman on the brink of discovering herself.  Right when it seems life is steady and stable several things happen.  Her long lost father re-enters into her life.  Her older brother joins the army and is sent to Vietnam.  A newcomer to town  also catches her eye even though the racial tensions in town cause many to murmur against their budding friendship.  As Annie navigates the complex emotions in her own heart as well as the social ramifications of her choices she learns to to rely on God in a deeper way.

I received this book from the publishers and was not required to write a positive review.