Review: Aftermath

Aftermath by Lisa Harris
My rating: 💛💛💛

This was a good conclusion to the series.

I liked how the characters had to face emotions they might have ignored in order to survive all the challenges when the grid was down.

Review of Prequel 

Review book 1: Survival  

Review book 2: Hunted

Review book 3: Frequency

Review book 4: Deception

Review book 5: Shattered 



View all my reviews

About the book:

What happens when the lights come back on?Some had called the attacks on the country by the Realm a second civil war, and Chase Beckett agreed. What he’d seen first-hand had turned into the largest and most destructive conflict on US soil since that era. Not only had the organized group behind the damage taken down the grid and infostructure, they’d also continued to raise havoc across the country.But just because the good guys had finally won and the power was finally coming back on, didn’t mean that the chaos that had erupted across the country had vanished. No. That was going to take time. And for the McQuaid family, it was going to take everything they had to survive the lights coming back on.

About the author:

LISA HARRIS is a Christy Award finalist for Blood Ransom and Vendetta, Christy Award winner for

Dangerous Passage, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 (Blood Covenant) and 2015 (Vendetta) from Romantic Times.

She has almost forty novels and novellas in print. She and her family work as missionaries in southern Africa. Lisa loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari. Visit Lisa’s website to learn more.

Review: Blind Trust

Blind Trust by Natalie Walters
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Rating 4.5

Blind Trust makes a 360 turn and connects it all with the Novella Initium, so if you have not yet read that novella, it might be good for the full picture to read the novella before picking up Blind trust.

I flew through this story. The plot with twists and turns created a nail-biting suspense, but it was the underlying chemistry between Lyla and Garcia, and Lyla’s tendency to run first and think later, which made me flip the pages as fast as I could.

Lyla’s insecurities of really belonging and being loved for her impulsive self was such an integral part of her actions. Readers got glimpses of who she was behind her bubbly bold personality. Garcia with his serious tough exterior had also so much more to give readers.

Kekoa still remained a favourite character and some of the banter in this book had me in smiles a lot.

I am sad to say goodbye to the Snap Agency, but Natalie Walters stepped it up with her second series and I am expecting more great stories from her in the future.

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

Review of Prequel: Initium 

Review book 1: Lights out

Review book2: Fatal Code


View all my reviews

About the book:

Lyla Fox knows she has a reputation at the SNAP Agency for impulsivity, but when she receives a threatening letter from a man she helped put in prison, she can't stop herself from going all in to find out why he's coming after her. Unfortunately, she's going to need the help of the one person who questions her reckless choices more than anyone else.

Explosives and weapons specialist Nicol�s Garcia agrees to help Lyla in order to keep her safe, but her recklessness continues to be a major concern, especially when her investigation into a conspiracy puts a target on her back. Dealing with bombs is dangerous. Working with Lyla is proving to be just as treacherous--to both the mission and his heart.

Natalie Walters closes out her SNAP Agency series with a bang with this nail-biting story of a deadly government conspiracy, an unlikely couple, and an ending that will leave you breathless.

About the author:

Also see:  Author Discovery: Natalie Walters

My world revolves around GIJOE and our three adult (or almost adult) children who keep my life anything but predictable. Our boots hit the ground wherever the Army sends us but home is when we’re all together no matter the zipcode. My passion is writing stories where adventure meets love and share my belief that life rooted in purpose is a story worth telling.

The Bookworm Tag

 

The (very simple) Rules:

-answer the questions 

-make up new ones 

-tag people

I was tagged by The Edge of the Precipice .

And here are the questions:

1.  If you had to go into the witness protection program, and they gave you the option of moving inside a book, where would you like to go?

So difficult!  Maybe the Montana Marshall series...then I will have a lot of bodyguards.

2.  Have you ever claimed to have read a book you actually hadn't read?

Yes, but because I really thought I did.  I went back and read it though.

3.  What author have you read the most books by?

This one is difficult to get the exact number, especially since Goodreads deleted this function, but I would have to say Karen Kingsbury, Terri Blackstock, Colleen Coble, Susan May Warren and Lynette Eason.

4.  Do you ever buy fun bookish merch like mugs, shirts, artwork, etc?

No

5.  Do you usually read only one book at a time, or do you have several going at once?

In the past, I used to only read one book at a time.  Now I will have at least 4 books going at once:

    1. Non-fiction - any format

    2. Paperback - with two small kids I only read this at night just before my bed time and usually consist of books I purchased years ago. And also if our lights are on!

    3. Kindle - this is my main format of reading, so most of my reading is spend on this       format. 

    4. Audiobooks - since we can't get rich from just reading all day, I do have a day job, and listen to audiobooks while doing a lot of those boring no brainy tasks.

6.  Are you a mood reader, or do you plan out your reads?

Both - In the past, I was more of a mood reader, but since discovering Goodreads and review programs, I plan my month based on the review books.  But I will still select my next book from my monthly TBR pile based on my mood and have squeezed in new ARCs between my plans because I wanted to read those ASAP.

7.  If you could meet the author of your favorite book and ask them one question, what would you ask them?

Susan May Warren  - how do you keep track of all your stories, plots and characters?

SMW has so many projects going and her characters overflow a lot from prior series, plus she is involved in various other projects via her publishing group Sunrise Media!

8.  Have you ever tried a new food or drink because you read about it in a book or story?

Yes. when I worked for 4 months in the US, there was a few things I tried, especially Starbucks.

9.  Have you ever named a pet after a book character?

No.

10.  What book are you reading right now?

A few 😊

So, here is some bookworms I would like to get to know better:

Cindy's Corner

Christian Bookshelf Reviews

The Bashful Bookworm

The Rustic Reading Gal

Danielle's Writing Spot blog

Elza Reads

Here are my questions to you:

1.  What are your earliest book memory?

2.  What was your favourite book as a child/teen?

3.  Have you ever watch the movie after you have read the book and felt disappointed? Which book was that?

4.  Which book is sitting in your TBR which you were excited to read, perhaps pre-ordered, but years passed, and you still must open the cover?

5.  If you could spend a day in an authors’ mind, which author would that be?

6.  When you try a new author, but that book was a miss, do you give them a second chance or move on?

7.  Do you did-not-finish books?

8.  Did you have a book crush?

9.  Do you have comfy treats or drinks you enjoy while reading?

10.  What are the next 5 books you are planning on reading?

Review: Fatal Code

Fatal Code by Natalie Walters
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Rating 4.5

Faith requires trust.

This story had suspense, danger, fun, sweet romance and depth with Kekoa struggling with an event from his past and learning to let go and give it to God.

Ever since I closed the cover on book 1, I was looking forward and excited for Kekoa's story and I was not disappointed. The fun, Hawaiian guy from book one was back, but there was also so much more to him - not only did we see his fun humour again, but we could also see his struggles and regrets. I loved the scene with him and his dad in Maryland, it was such a deep and crucial event for Kekoa.

It wasn't through his own strength that he could let go, it was by leaning into the strength of the One so much bigger than the the hurt and the pain.

Elinor was a great fit to Kekoa and found herself in a mystery without realising she is in it. I liked how the author gave the reader inside information so we could see things before the characters got to that conclusion.

The suspense element was milder than book one, but it grew in intensity as the story developed and there was a few scenes which made me gasp, hold my breath, and scared for the characters.

Now, to get to see what is the story between Lyla and Garcia!

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

Review book 1: Lights out 

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About the book:

In 1964, a group of scientists called the Los Alamos Five came close to finishing a nuclear energy project for the United States government when they were abruptly disbanded. Now the granddaughter of one of those five scientists, aerospace engineer Elinor Mitchell, discovers that she has highly sensitive information on the project in her possession--and a target on her back.

SNAP agent and former Navy cryptologist Kekoa Young is tasked with monitoring Elinor. This is both convenient since she's his neighbor in Washington, DC, and decidedly inconvenient because . . . well, he kind of likes her.

As Elinor follows the clues her grandfather left behind to a top-secret nuclear project, Kekoa has no choice but to step in. When Elinor learns he has been spying on her, she's crushed. But with danger closing in on all sides, she'll have to trust him to ensure her discoveries stay out of enemy hands.

Natalie Walters sucks you into the global race for space domination in this perfectly paced second installment of her SNAP Agency romantic suspense series.

About the author:

Also see:  Author Discovery: Natalie Walters

My world revolves around GIJOE and our three adult (or almost adult) children who keep my life anything but predictable. Our boots hit the ground wherever the Army sends us but home is when we’re all together no matter the zipcode. My passion is writing stories where adventure meets love and share my belief that life rooted in purpose is a story worth telling.

Review: Without Warning

Without Warning by Lynette Eason
My rating: 💛💛💛💛💛

This is the second time I've read (or listened in this case) to this story, and again I was in for a thrilling ride.

There was a lot of detail which I forgot, some I remembered, but found myself again on the same journey with solving the mystery and the person behind the murder.

I always enjoy Lynette Eason's Suspense and this story was no exception.

*I listened to this on Scribd.*

My review from the first read in 2019:

Wow wow wow - fast pace, page turning suspense sums this one up!

I loved this book. The suspense was great and had me reading whenever I could. I was so glad that my little boy had bad nights, because I could sit and read :-). The action was never ending and the action at the end kept me up till past my bedtime.

I guessed who it was early on, and also correctly guessed the person helping the culprit, but the mystery around the motive kept me guessing until it was revealed.

I loved Katie, Daniel and Riley. These characters is probably my favourite of the series. But I still have 2 books left so we will see. I loved how the interacted and related to each other. They are characters which in real life I would have loved spending time with.

Looking forward to getting to know Maddy and Haley.

Review book 1: Always Watching

        

View all my reviews

About the book:

Taut Writing and Breakneck Pacing That Will Keep Readers Up All Night

Katie Singleton, a partner with the Elite Guardians Protection Agency, stumbles upon her next assignment quite by accident. Spotting blue lights at a familiar restaurant, she stops to investigate, only to discover that owner Daniel Matthews has become the target of someone who will go to any lengths to put him out of business.

Daniel might be concerned, but he's not convinced that a bodyguard--and a female one at that--is necessary. A new attack and his niece's urgings are enough to make him reconsider. He and Katie must figure out who's behind the intimidation and threats--before a would-be killer strikes again.
Witty dialogue and a simmering attraction will have readers flying through this tension-laced thriller. Eason exercises complete control of her readers' emotions as they race through the pages to discover the truth.

About the author:

Also see Author Discovery: Lynette Eason

Lynette Eason grew up in Greenville, SC. She graduated from the University of South Carolina, Columbia, and then obtained her masters in education from Converse College. Author of twenty inspirational romantic suspense books, she is also a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). In 1996, Lynette married "the boy next door" and now she and her husband and their two children make their home in Simpsonville, South Carolina."

Top Ten Tuesday: Best Books I Read In 2021

 Join in the Top Ten Tuesday fun! Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

I have read so many books in 2021 (about 150), so how do you select the top 10?  There is so many I would recommend!  But lets try (okay, and yes, I will cheat a bit here and there by highlighting series as well 😊):

1.  The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone Series

By far the best series I've read this year! Series Discovery Post

2.  The Bowers Files - The New York Years Series

Finally read and Loved this series about serial killers.  This series was published later, but is the prequel series to the Patrick Bowers Files (see nr 3 below).  Series Discovery Post

3.  The Patrick Bowers Files Series

This series, and the prequel is great on audio as well.  Series Discovery Post

4.  Come back to Me

Time Travel was a new genre I tried in 2021 and totally enjoyed it.  Review

5.  When Twilight Breaks

I absolutely Loved this Historical fiction.  Review

6.  Montana Marshall Series

This series was great and needs to be read in order! Series Discovery Post

7. Lights Out

I've enjoyed this author's first series.  But this new series started at a higher standard! Review

8.  Saving Mrs. Roosevelt

Another great historical fiction I really enjoyed.  Review

9.  Danger Never Sleeps Series

Lynette Eason never disappoints me and this series was another 5-star one! Series Discovery Post

10.  Redeeming Love

I've reread this one a few times and it always remains a great read! Review

11.  To Treasure an Heiress

I loved this one, all thanks to Sheridan! Review

12.  Stone

Waited for this one for over a year and was not disappointed.  Review

Top Ten Tuesday: Books to Read If You Love Suspense/Romantic Suspense

 

 Join in the Top Ten Tuesday fun! Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

If you have followed my blog or reviews on Goodreads for a while, you will know my favourite genre is Suspense/Romantic suspense.  So, if you also enjoy books which keeps you on the edge of your seat, here is some of my 10 top favourites (I tried to select one per author):

1.  If I Run

Make sure you have all the books in this series.  One of the best series by this author.

2.  Without Warning

Book 2 was my favourite, but this whole series is awesome!  I mean, it is not every series which has females as the personal bodyguards. 

3.  The Escape

A series about US Marshalls.

4.  Knox

Loved this series.  Siblings fighting/or running away from danger together.

5.  Without a Trace

This book introduced me to a genre I did not know existed and is know my all time favourite genre!

6.  Nightshade

Oh wow, Ronie Kendig is in a league of her own with her military suspense.

7.  Lights Out

This brand new series should not be missed by fans of romantic suspense...Plus, it deals with the CIA.

8.  Beneath the Surface

I enjoyed this series about investigators who is part of the recovery dive team.

9.  Cold Shot

I loved this suspenseful series which included a great group of friends.

10.  Present Danger

This is a new to-me-author, but I'm enjoying her romantic suspense.

Review: Lights Out

Lights Out by Natalie Walters
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

I enjoyed Natalie Walters' first series, Harbored Secrets, but early on in this book I realised she upped her level of writing.

If you have read and loved this author's first series, you will not be disappointed. This book also includes emotionally broken characters who are steady in their faith, in search of answers, which I've come to love from the first series.

“There's going to be chaos and bad stuff happening in the world, and I believe we're called to take a stand against it. But when our trust lies in the control we think we have, we're saying we don't trust the One who is completely in control and completely good.”

But on top of that, the suspense and action was intense and kept me guessing. And if you are like me, who enjoy the focus on the suspense side more than the romance, this book will be to your liking.

All the members of the SNAP agency grabbed my attention, all for their unique qualities, and I liked Jack and Brynn, but Kekoa stole my heart. He is such a different and interesting characters and some of his antics and interruption tendencies had me laughing. I can't wait for his story in book 2.

“I'm living with Captain Turkey Burger, remember? His refrigerator is like that weird aisle at Whole Foods.”

The plot had it's own ending, so if you are not like me (OCD-Series needs to be read in order), you can read as a stand alone, but since this is book 1 of the series, I would jump in straight away to get to know the team and be ready for Kekoa's book coming in 2022.

If you are a fan of Lynette Eason, Terri Blackstock and Susan May Warren, be sure to pick up a copy of this book.

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

Review of Prequel: Initium 

View all my reviews

About the book:

CIA analyst Brynn Taylor developed a new program to combat terrorism, and she invited members of foreign intelligence agencies to America to foster cooperation between countries. Now one of them, Egyptian spy Remon Riad, is missing.

Jack Hudson has been working for the Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency (SNAP) for almost nine years and takes the lead in hunting down the missing spy. But he isn't at all pleased to find out Brynn is involved. It's hard to trust a woman who's already betrayed you.

Every lead they follow draws them dangerously deeper into an international plot. Kidnapping, murder, explosions, poisoning--the terrorists will do anything to accomplish their goal of causing a digital blackout that will blind a strategic US military communications center and throw the world into chaos.

Can Brynn surrender control to a man who doesn't trust her? And can Jack ever get over what she did to him? The fate of the world--and their hearts--hangs in the balance. 

About the author:

Also see:  Author Discovery: Natalie Walters

My world revolves around GIJOE and our three adult (or almost adult) children who keep my life anything but predictable. Our boots hit the ground wherever the Army sends us but home is when we’re all together no matter the zipcode. My passion is writing stories where adventure meets love and share my belief that life rooted in purpose is a story worth telling.

Book Spotlight Fridays! Survival and Lights Out

 

Book Beginnings and Friday56

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your e-reader and share a non-spoiler sentence or two.

Spotlighting the start of two new series this week.  Both is suspenseful and I have I expectations for this series.

Survival

About the book:

Welcome to Shadow Ridge, where Longmire meets Jericho.

A dead body. A missing suspect. A town fighting for survival.

In today’s world, law enforcement agencies across the country rely on forensic tools, DNA testing, and crime labs. But what if that technology was suddenly no longer available? No one in the small, west Texas town of Shadow Ridge knows what took down the power grid, or when it’s going to be back up, but everyone knows exactly where they were the moment it went down. And now, with no electricity, no internet, and no modern technology, the men and women responsible for keeping the town safe are going to have to learn how to fight crime all over again.

When one of the men in charge of storing food for the town of Shadow Ridge is found murdered execution style, it’s up to Jace McQuaid to find the killer. What he discovers is a group of organized raiders who are stealing supplies and selling them on the black market—and the survival of the town depends on stopping them.

Morgan Addison’s estranged brother, Ricky, shows up at her house demanding weapons and confirming her fears that he’s a part of the outlaws. Tensions are raised further when Ricky kidnaps her son to ensure his safe passage out of town. Jace must find a way to save Noah and ensure the survival of Shadow Ridge.

~Survival is book one in the new Fallout series. Each novel contains a standalone mystery, but there are overarching stories that tie together the entire series.

*************************************************************

Book Beginnings

Garrett McQuaid looked up into the barrel of the gun and knew at that moment he was going to die.

Friday 56

No, Shadow Ridge couldn't be where he settled down permanently.  Someday this would all be over and he could go back to living his life.  But what if his father was right?  What if closing his heart to love ended up costing him everything?

My thoughts so far

Really liking this.  What would you do if you can't buy food and depend on electricity?  This one has some action and mysteries which I'm looking forward to solve.

*************************************************************

Lights Out

About the book:

CIA analyst Brynn Taylor developed a new program to combat terrorism, and she invited members of foreign intelligence agencies to America to foster cooperation between countries. Now one of them, Egyptian spy Remon Riad, is missing.

Jack Hudson has been working for the Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency (SNAP) for almost nine years and takes the lead in hunting down the missing spy. But he isn't at all pleased to find out Brynn is involved. It's hard to trust a woman who's already betrayed you.

Every lead they follow draws them dangerously deeper into an international plot. Kidnapping, murder, explosions, poisoning--the terrorists will do anything to accomplish their goal of causing a digital blackout that will blind a strategic US military communications center and throw the world into chaos.

Can Brynn surrender control to a man who doesn't trust her? And can Jack ever get over what she did to him? The fate of the world--and their hearts--hangs in the balance.

*************************************************************

Book Beginnings

Seif El-Deeb watched the noisy trio of American boys cross the street away from Cairo American College.

Friday 56

Grovel? No Way.  She did not grovel.

My thoughts so far

Natalie Walters is a newly published author, with this only being her second series.  I'm only 17% in, but have a feeling that she upped her writing standard with this one.

*************************************************************

Author Discovery: Natalie Walters

So, I first got introduced to Natalie Walters when her first book, Living Lies, came up as Read Now on Netgalley.  To be 100% honest, I did enjoy her first book, but this new author had some big Romantic Suspense Names to live up to... Lynette Eason, Irene Hannon, Terri Blackstock, Colleen Coble and Susan May Warren, just to name a few favourites, so I added her name to follow, but at that point it was not a priority.

Lucky for me, I am OCD with series, so if I like a series I started, I definitely want to read all the books in the series, especially if it is in my favourite genre, Suspense.  So, then I picked up Deadly Deceit and this author went on my Next to Buy list, which is basically my priority book list when I have money to spend.

Why did this author won me over, to add to favourites among the big names I listed above?

💜  Her characters is real - they have their own issues and challenges they need to work through and it was easy to connect to them.

💜 The banter between her characters was fun!

💜 Her suspense kept me guessing and the twists and turns was not expected!

💜 This author seems down to earth and has time to personally connect with her readers.

So, hopefully I intrigued you enough to try Natalie's books, but if you need some additional motivation, keep on reading for some interview questions Natalie answered:

Author Questions

1. Tell us, in two sentences, about you.

 I’m married to my Army soldier who I affectionately call GIJOE and we have three adult children and a son-in-love. I love reading, writing, traveling, game nights, tea, and chocolate.

 

2. Who had the most influence in your life?

 I would say my Gigipa. He’s no longer alive but when he was, he taught me to value family, creating memories, not to sweat the big stuff, and what true, unconditional, and sacrificial love is.

 

3. What is your greatest accomplishment to date?

 Raising my kids. Being a parent isn’t easy and I’ve made plenty of mistakes along the way but I am incredibly proud of my children.

 

4. What is the biggest mistake you have made?

 Not actually realizing how fleeting time is and getting caught up in the to-do’s of life instead of enjoying more time being present with my kids. There’s that quote, “The days are long but the years are short.” It’s so true, so if I could go back in time, I’d leave the dishes, laundry, chores, and play with my kids more, hug them more, read to them more, be with them more.

 

5. What do you love about the characters you create?

I love creating fun characters with their own sense of humor and flaws that make them vulnerable and so real I want to hang out with them in real life.

 

6. Why do you enjoy writing?

 I think this goes back to why I love reading. I love being transported into a life that’s not my own. Experience new things through the words of a story and I love doing that in my writing too.

 

7. What genre do you enjoy reading?

 Romantic suspense and contemporary romance

 

8. Which authors is on your auto-buy list and give a short reason why.

 Joel C. Rosenburg, fast-paced political thrillers seemingly ripped from the headlines that make my heart pound.

Melissa Tagg, strong characters, swoony romance, fabulous cast of characters that literally make me wish they were real and I could visit them.

 

9. Why should readers read your books—what do you hope they learn from reading your stories?

 I want readers to have fun when they read my books; to meet authentic characters who find their way into reader’s hearts; to experience exciting suspense; and to finish the book believing that hope exists through Christ no matter the circumstances any of us face.

 

10. Which of your books would you recommend a reader to start with?

 Probably Living Lies since it’s my debut novel and the message within is personal and special to my family.

 Or the first book in my new SNAP Agency series, Lights Out, which I think is just a really exciting plot and great team of characters.

 

11. Anything else you want readers to know about you?

Hanging out with readers is my favorite! They can find me on social media but I love getting to meet up in person too. Depending on where I travel, I’ll announce my location and meet up with local readers for a cup of tea and to chat all things life and books!

 

12. Preference:

 Kindle/paperback/audio: Paperback

Coffee/tea: Tea (hot or cold)

Sweet/savory: Ooh, this is hard. Probably savory…but it depends on my mood!

Rain/sun: Both

Morning person/night owl: I’m definitely more productive in the morning but I love my sleep!

Favorite reading spot: In a comfy chair with a blanket and a cup of tea nearby. My family too, so long as they don’t interrupt me ;)