Review: Don't Cross the Blue Line

Don't Cross the Blue Line by Susan May Warren
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Rating 4.25

I loved how the authors wrote this story, it felt like the main characters had a conversation with the readers and that we could see some internal thoughts and feelings which we do not always are able to see.

Everly and Beckett clearly had a lot of chemistry, but also a lot of past history between them which caused a wall and wrong assumptions.

This story flowed easily. The danger the characters were in during their shut in in the mall showed how well they could work together finding their way out of the situation. Like most of us, they could only see the future when they realised what from their past was holding them back. Expectation we sometimes put on our shoulders weighing us down, past hurt which makes us place barriers around our hearts.

I don’t know much about hockey, but the writing made me feel like I was there on the ice with the players.

This was fun but also with a dash of suspense.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Review book 1: The Not So Neutral Zone


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About the book:

What happens when you discover your anonymous pen pal is the hockey player you've been secretly writing a book about—and you're trapped in a mall with thieves?

⭐ A Secret Identity Hockey Romance That Will Steal Your Heart ⭐

Everly Hart has mastered the art of hiding. As E.J. Hartley, she writes heart-pounding thrillers. As Sutton Blake, she pens sweet hockey romances about players who are valued for who they are, not just what they achieve. Both identities are secrets—especially from her father, Blue Ox Assistant Coach Hart.

Her current project? Blue Line Redemption—a romance about Beckett 'Blue Line' Benson, the disgraced center she can't stop thinking about. He's her ultimate book boyfriend. Her muse. Her fantasy hero. And he has absolutely no idea.

But there's one reader who truly sees her work. For six months, Beckett has been writing thoughtful fan mail to Sutton Blake's publisher address. The scandal-plagued hockey star finds solace in her stories about heroes who matter for who they are, not what they do. If only someone could see him that way in real life.

When a charity gala elevator malfunction traps them in darkness, Everly and Beckett are devastatingly honest with each other—without exchanging names. He confesses about 'this romance author I'll never meet' who makes him feel seen. She realizes with growing he's been writing to ME.

Weeks later, a blizzard locks them in an abandoned mall during a charity event. Awkward? Yes. Survivable? Maybe. Until thieves break in for a heist. Suddenly Everly's thriller-writer brain kicks into overdrive as they dodge criminals, hide in the old rink, and bicker their way through escape attempts. It's hilarious. It's terrifying. It's definitely not the meet-cute either of them planned.

As danger escalates and secrets spill, they must outsmart thieves, survive a Minnesota blizzard, and decide if they can trust each other—and their feelings.

This swoony contemporary romance He Falls FirstBook Boyfriend Come to LifeAnonymous AdmirerDual Secret IdentitiesSnowed‑In Forced ProximityRomantic Suspense ShenanigansBig Reveal SceneEpic Public Grand GestureIf you love hockey romance with heart, secret identities with danger, and book boyfriends who come to life while dodging bad guys, Don't Cross the Blue Line will have you laughing, swooning, and cheering.

One-click now and fall for your new book boyfriend!

Review: Guardian

Guardian by Jennifer Chastain
My rating:💛💛💛💛
‘The Lord is my shield and buckler, my strong tower.’ That’s who God is. He’s our refuge when times get tough. He wants us to come to Him, to rest and find strength in His presence.”

Guardian takes us right back in the middle of the action where the US Marshalls are trying to protect their witness from danger and attacks, while trying to figure out who is behind it all and how it links back to the Shadow Syndicate.

The author did not hold back on the true danger of being in witness protection, with having to say goodbye to loved ones, always feeling like you have to look over your shoulder and where loss is experienced.

The connection between the characters felt honest and flowed naturally and we get to fill in more of the holes with regards to the Shadow Syndicate plot which links right back to book one in the series.

I experienced some heart pounding moments, hoping that things will end up good, sad when things didn’t and overall enjoyed my time back with the Heroes of Renegade.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Review book 1: Renegade

Review book 2: Warrior

Review book 3: Protector

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About the book:

★ When your past refuses to stay buried, love becomes your strongest weapon. ★

Aubrey Richardson survived a killer's vengeance once. She won't get a second chance.

After twenty years of hiding, Aubrey finally has everything she's dreamed of—a job she loves with the US Marshals, a reunion with her estranged family, and most importantly, the love of Deputy Ethan Butler. But when a federal prisoner transport plane crashes outside of Renegade, Aubrey realizes her nightmare isn't over. Someone from her past has found her, and this time, they're not just coming for her—they're targeting everyone she loves.

The past never forgets. And it never forgives.

Ethan Butler has faced down killers, survived ambushes, and protected countless witnesses, but nothing has prepared him for this. When the woman he loves becomes the target of a methodical killer with a twenty-year grudge, Ethan must navigate a deadly game where every move could be their last. The attacks are personal, calculated, and designed to destroy not just Aubrey's life, but her faith, her sanity, and everyone she holds dear.

As bodies pile up and the killer's true identity emerges from the shadows, Aubrey faces an impossible continue running and let innocent people die, or stand and fight against an enemy who knows her every fear, her every weakness, her every secret.

When love means risking everything, how far will you go?

From deadly snipers to midnight chases through Colorado's mountain wilderness, Aubrey and Ethan race against a killer who's had two decades to perfect their revenge. But when the final confrontation forces Aubrey to choose between her own survival and saving the lives of everyone in Renegade, she'll discover that sometimes the greatest guardian isn't the man with the badge—it's the God who's been protecting her all along.

Perfect for fans High-stakes romantic suspenseFaith-tested-by-fire storylinesAlpha protective heroesStrong heroines overcoming traumaSmall-town secrets with deadly consequencesUS Marshal romanceFound family bonds tested by fire
Trauma and Healing Faith Under Fire Protective Love Trust and Betrayal Divine Protection Courage in Crisis Second Chances Found Family Love Worth Fighting For

Book 4 in the Renegade County series by Jennifer Chastain, created by Susan May Warren and Lisa Phillips. Complete story where danger meets desire and love conquers all!

Get ready for the most dangerous—and romantic—installment yet in the series readers can't stop talking about.

Review: Find Me in the Lyrics

Find Me in the Lyrics by Christina Miller
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Find me in the Lyrics were a sweet story about learning how to discern God’s purpose for your life from what others expect from you, or what you think they demand from you.

I did find Miss Dahlia’s protectiveness over Ariel a bit overbearing and too much for how old Ariel is. I understand that it was necessary when she was younger, but it seemed that Miss Dahlia sometimes expected Ariel to be the grown up she is, and other times still saw and treated her as a little girl.

Caleb’s struggle between his head and heart were honestly portrayed. His struggle with managing his grumpy grandpa were understood more as events from the past were revealed. They had to learn to let go from past hurts to move forward in their relationship.

Caleb and Ariel were able to find closure on the past, heal strained relationships and step forward in their purpose in life and love for music.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*


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About the book:

She tried to find her own voice and failed. He buried his melody in grief. Together, they might write the lyrics to a whole new life.

A country star who's never been "just Ariel." A guitarist who traded his music for a hotel ledger. One summer that changes everything.

Ariel Sullivan has sold out arenas, won awards, and built a career most artists only dream of—but always as half of "Miss Dahlia and Ariel." When she secretly records a solo album and it's rejected, she's left questioning everything. A month on the tiny Michigan island where she was born might give her space to figure out who she is without the spotlight.

She didn't expect to find answers in a crumbling hotel. Or in him.

Caleb Kennedy should be on tour with his Christian rock band, not dealing with burst pipes, displaced guests, and a grandfather who won't let him into the locked parlor wing. But family duty called, and Caleb answered—even if it meant burying his music along with his grief.

When Ariel walks through his doors, she's an inconvenience. When she offers to help save the inn in exchange for his help reimagining her band, she becomes something more a reason to pick up his guitar again.

Late nights at the antique piano. Jazz duets in a forbidden room. A harmony that feels like it was always meant to be. But with careers pulling them in different directions and secrets surfacing from both their pasts, they'll have to Is love worth the risk of starting over?

A heartwarming musician romance about finding your voice, healing old wounds, and discovering that the best love songs are written by two hearts in perfect harmony. Ideal for fans of Denise Hunter, Becky Wade, and Nashville.

About the author:

Christina Miller writes inspirational romance filled with faith, family, and small-town charm. A longtime

lover of history, jazz, and small-town life, she delights in creating stories about flawed people finding grace, second chances, and happily-ever-afters.
When she’s not writing, she can be found reading vintage novels, playing piano at church, or walking country roads near her home. She’ll probably have a cup of hot herbal tea close at hand—along with a notebook full of new story ideas.

Review: Find Me at the Table: Enemies to more, a cooking competition, and the man whose career she accidentally destroyed.

Find Me at the Table: Enemies to more, a cooking competition, and the man whose career she accidentally destroyed. by Andrea Christenson
My rating: 💛💛💛

Find me at the Table will take readers on a journey with cooking with a chef and a food critic who has a secret.

Though you would think the focus will be on the food, it is actually focused on the characters, their hopes, dreams, struggles and the theme of forgiveness. So if you go in expecting a book highly focused on food, cooking and ingredients, you will be disappointed. There was a good balance between details on the food and the interaction between the characters.

The story flowed very easy and fast and before I knew it I was 60% done with the story. Zach and Ava were easy to connect with and there was a scene which was very well written that as the reader, I felt the emotions and rawness between the characters.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*


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About the book:

She ruined his career with one review. Now they have to cook together.

A food critic who can't cook. A chef who can't let go. One cooking competition that changes everything.

Ava Harper writes restaurant reviews that can make or break careers—but she's hiding a secret that would destroy her own. The daughter of celebrity chefs never learned to cook. When her editor forces her to compete in Jonathon Island's Flavor Fest, she's not just out of her depth. She's partnered with Zach Sullivan, the chef whose restaurant her review accidentally ruined.

This should be a disaster.

Zach has nursed his grudge for years. He's blamed Ava for every setback, every failure, every sleepless night. Now he's stuck in a dead-end job under a tyrannical chef, and his only shot at redemption means working alongside the woman he's spent years resenting.

The problem? She's nothing like he expected.

Between burnt garlic bread, sabotaged flour, and the watchful eyes of celebrity judges, Zach and Ava discover that the truth behind that fateful review isn't what either of them believed. As old wounds finally come to light, they'll have to Is forgiveness worth the risk? And is love the recipe they've both been missing?

A charming enemies-to-lovers romance about second chances, secret-keeping, and discovering that the sweetest dishes are made with grace. Perfect for fans of Denise Hunter, Becky Wade, and Hallmark cooking competition movies.

About the author:

Andrea Christenson lives in the Minneapolis suburbs with her husband and two daughters. When she is not busy homeschooling her girls, she loves to read anything she can get her hands on, bake bread, eat cheese, and watch Netflix--though not usually all at the same time. Andrea's prayer is to write stories revealing God's love.

Review: Achilles

Achilles by Ronie Kendig
My rating: 💛💛💛💛💛

Where I missed the military feel in the action in the previous book, Achilles was forefront and center with that action and banter.

As the reader, I felt the turmoil within Achilles with his search for his father, but also feeling alone and tired during this journey. His desire for the truth kept him going even when he had all reason to give up.

Cove was strong - emotionally and headstrong in her drive to prove her father innocent. She provided Achilles with some breathing time at the moments where his journey would have consumed him.

Achilles learned that not everything is just as you assume and sometimes you need to take the time to consider the situation of other parties involved.

I loved every action and banter scene and felt that the author did a great job of penning all the emotions and fears of the characters throughout this story.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Review book 1: Atlas

Review book 2: Apollo

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About the book:

She needs his skills to survive. He needs her secrets to uncover the truth.

For two years, Dillon Jacobs has refused to accept his father's death. He's chased every lead across multiple continents—burning bridges and risking everything to prove Max Jacobs is still alive.

Cove Galtieri is fighting her own impossible battle. Desperate to clear her father's name of corruption charges that threaten to destroy their family legacy, she's gathering evidence to prove the man who raised her isn’t the monster the world claims.

After Dillon's hunt intersects their paths in Paris, their worlds soon collide again in gunfire and chaos at the Galtieri estate in Italy. But that collision becomes a Dillon's missing father and Cove's accused father were photographed together in Yemen. The evidence Cove has been gathering contains clues Dillon desperately needs.

Two quests. One conspiracy. A partnership forged in fire.

Every ally could be an enemy. Every clue could be a trap. Racing across international borders—from Italian vineyards to Greek islands to the dangerous ports of Yemen—Dillon and Cove must navigate a deadly game where trust is a luxury they can't afford and love might be the most dangerous weapon of all.

Discarded Scions
Book 1: Atlas
Book 2: Apollo
Book 3: Achilles

About the author:

Also see: Author Discovery: Ronie Kendig

Ronie Kendig is an award-winning, bestselling author who grew up an Army brat. After thirty years of

marriage, she and her hunky hero are adventuring on the East coast, a short train ride from NYC with their retired military working dog and their Stealth Golden. Ronie’s degree in psychology has helped her pen novels of raw, broken characters.

Since launching onto the publishing scene, Ronie’s Rapid-Fire Fiction has hit the CBA Bestseller List, won the prestigious Christy Award, the RT Reviewers' Choice Award (twice), the HOLT Medallion, the IRCA, and FamilyFiction’s Readers’ Choice Awards.

Ronie loves people and helping other writers through speaking, workshops, and/or mentoring. Find Ronie at www.roniekendig.com, on Facebook (www.facebook.com/rapidfirefiction) , Twitter (@roniekendig), GoodReads, and Instagram (www.instagram.com/kendigronie ).

The Targeted: Book review and JustRead Tour

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Targeted by Cara Putman, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Targeted 

Series: Secrets to Keep #3 

Author: Cara Putman 

Publisher: Kregel Publications 

Release Date: May 19, 2026 

Genre: Romantic Suspense 

Can she protect her gym students before her past catches up? 

When Chloe Ainsworth's older sister reappears after fourteen years, she brings with her the news that Chloe's abuser is back in town. Chloe is a coach at her childhood gym and fiercely protective of her young gymnasts. She won't allow them to suffer the way she did, but she's desperate for an ally—one who can help her make her case. 

 Law student Dare Shepherd works at the local legal clinic, where he meets Chloe and hears her out. He believes her case but can't get the clinic director on board. As he learns more about her story, he finds himself bound by a deepening personal care for Chloe. 

They band together in search of answers, and suddenly the stakes skyrocket. It's clear they're onto something, but will they be able to find the answers before it's too late? 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

My review:

Targeted handled a very difficult subject, which not everyone has the courage to tackle, but Cara Putman provided a story with the right amount of detail to give the reader an idea of what happened without giving too much to make readers uncomfortable.

The legal side of the story was also done in such a smooth way that you could understand the process but did not feel overwhelmed with all the legal jargon. The romance was also in the background which I appreciated considering the subject matter and the focus of the plot.

The mystery and suspense had a slow build with the intensity climaxing at the end.  The author also added twists and murder at the right moments. Some of the twists you sort of suspected as the story unfolds and details were provided to the reader, and others totally pulled your feet out from under you.

“....that didn’t matter. If people leave her or let her down. God never would. He promised that, and his promises were true. Always.”

I loved the remembrance that God is always with us and that no matter what challenges we face or seasons we are in, He is with us, always.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

More Books from this Series:

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About the Author

Cara Putman is a professor, an attorney, and an award-winning, best-selling author of more than forty novels, including the Cornhusker Dreams series, the Hidden Justice series, and The Vanished.

Connect with Cara by visiting caraputman.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of The Targeted and $20 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 20, 2026 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 27, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Review: Not Precisely Mr. Knightley

Not Precisely Mr. Knightley by Carolyn Miller
My rating: 💛💛💛

So, I have not read Emma, which I can gather is which this story is loosely based on. Maybe if I had, I would have had a better connection and appreciation for our lead lady EJ. But I really struggled to find any connection point with EJ. I just felt she was just too materialistically focused and too easily drawn into that world.

I totally felt Jordan’s frustration to help EJ keep her focus right. His realisation that he cannot do what only God can was his peace in his turmoil of feelings.

Emma-Jane did redeem herself and turn into a lovable character at the end. But maybe a little too late for this reader to form a connection with her.

I enjoyed the first book a lot more. I will read the last book in the series, but mostly because I want to see what will happen with Elinor and Katie!

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Book 1: Not Exactly Mr. Darcy


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About the book:

Can the Matchmaker Find True Love?
Emma-Jane (EJ) Bennett and Jordan Knight are longtime best friends who codesigned the immensely successful dating app, Dream Match. Success starts to go to EJ's head when she gets caught up in the famous and money-hungry social circles and starts dating the son of a TV mogul. But Jordan's feelings have grown from friendship to more. He determines to protect her by exposing Eric Churchill for the two-timer he is, finally agreeing to attend a function with her at the Sydney Opera House. But his best intentions go awry when EJ is embarrassed and runs for the security of home, small-town roots, and The Silver Teapot Café, feeling like Jane Austen's chastised Emma--only without her Mr. Knightley.
Don't miss book 1 in The Silver Teapot series, Not Exactly Mr. Darcy

About the author:

Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of romance, Carolyn loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. Her bestselling, award-winning Regency and contemporary novels are stories that offer hope, heart, and a twist of Aussie humour. Connect with her at www.carolynmillerauthor.com where you can find our more about her books, and sign up for her newsletter to be the first to know her book news.