book review

Ronie Kendig is one of those authors whose books I automatically want each time she releases one – and Havoc is the epitome of why. Her writing is like nobody else’s – it’s tight, it’s provocative, and she’ll keep you on the edge of your seat from the first page to the last.

Havoc is the first book in the new A Breed Apart: Legacy series being created with Sunrise Publishing, and this one is by Kendig herself. It shows. The level of military knowledge, terminology, and operations sets this series apart. It’s clear that Kendig knows what she’s writing about, and while that military slang may take some getting used to, it also makes the story more intense.

Which it is. Havoc himself is a beast of a working dog, and his sergeant Crew Gatlin is the kind of hero everyone wants on their team. He’s battle scarred and battle weary but also not bitter, which I think is pretty amazing, and his continued determination to serve and protect just ups my admiration of him.

Vienna Foxcroft hasn’t had it easy, either, and she’s chosen to fight her way through hardship literally. Trained in MMA and working in Hollywood as a stunt double, she doesn’t run away when the going gets hard, and that’s what makes this story so very exciting. Can these two people, who come from such totally different backgrounds, learn to put their personal fears aside and fight the enemy together? I love that Vienna isn’t a powderpuff girl but is instead the kind who will stand and fight, because really, whether you’re fighting physically or whether your battles are mental or emotional, it’s hard not to turn away from trouble. It’s hard to face it head on and with determination, and that’s what Crew and Vienna show readers how to do: they teach us that we, too, can be brave and face our fears.

Isn’t that what we need heroes for? To remind us that while monsters (of sorts) do exist, we can face them and be victorious? And even that sometimes it’s okay – and even encouraged – to ask for help, to work as a team, to know when to fight and when God is asking us just to acknowledge Him and be still?

That is what really makes Havoc great: it’s like a fairy tale for adults, modernized for our current world. It’s fast-paced, exciting, and suspenseful, with characters I want to know and a plot that reminds us that even though we’re adults, we can still dream of being heroes.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

If you’re a fan of Lynette Eason’s Elite Guardians universe, you can’t miss Christmas in the Crosshairs. Full of action-packed stories that update you on each couple since their original books released, this set of sweet stories packs a powerful punch.

In a way, the book is based on the premise that each couple needs to relearn their primary lesson from their main story – they need to be tutored to overcome their fatal flaw again, so to speak, and isn’t that right in tune with human nature? Don’t we doubt, and fear, and self-talk ourselves right out of God’s good-but-not-yet-understood plan? This basic foundation in human nature makes each story relatable to everyone in some way.

While the Elite Guardians are a romantic-suspense series, containing both elements, I think this book is definitely higher on the suspense and lower on the romance. It’s there, for sure, as each couple figures out how to overcome their fears to make things work; but while there’s still tingly tension between them, the fast pace and high stakes keep them primarily focused on survival. Each story takes place in a very short time span, keeping the action moving. This works well for me, and I think it will for people who maybe want a good story with less of the romantic angles.

So, then, can it stand alone? I think it could, though the cast of characters might get a bit confusing, especially since their backstories are referenced at times. Personally, though, I’d just start rereading the previous books so you’re ready when Christmas in the Crosshairs drops on October 3rd – because you won’t want anything to delay your reading pleasure when this book hits your hands.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Unseen Danger takes readers on a thrilling ride through the life of heroes securing a rapper’s family – and each other. With surprise twists coming from every direction and humor from unexpected places, this story will keep you on the edge of your seat!

I was surprised with the inclusion of a side character who played such a large role in the story and led a very secular life, but this allowed the author to put a main character in direct conflict with his faith, and I enjoyed the way that this thread played out. The story was very tight, as even seemingly minor details played important roles, and this resolution was well done.

Though the stakes were high, the story wasn’t the least bit scary to read – for me. If you don’t like reading about people in danger, then it may be a heart-pounding read for you, but if you like the tension high both in terms of romance and danger, then Unseen Danger is the book for you.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.

Lace up your boots, because Counter Attack by Patricia Bradley goes full throttle from the very first page! The reader is thrown into the midst of a serial killer investigation, and with a simmering romance, family drama, and crime at an all time high, your pulse will rise as you turn each page.

Chess players will love the game played by the serial killer, and all readers will enjoy the symbolism this displays. I’m not a chess fan, so while I didn’t understand the nuances of this part, Bradley explained it well, and I liked how expertly she wove chess moves throughout the story.

Even more than the clever symbolism, though, I loved the characters. Alex makes a great female leading lady: she’s confident, skilled, and strong, yet she isn’t afraid to learn and work together. Nathan is chivalrous and experienced, and he’s willing to put everything the line for the people he loves. They make a fantastic fun team as they try to solve this mystery, and they’re exactly the people I want protecting my town.

I actively tried to solve the case along with Alex and Nathan, so I was happy when I guessed right – and also quite surprised by some twists that Bradley through into the mix, right up until the end! I love when authors keep you guessing, and Bradley nailed this one with the perfect blend of suspense, mystery, and red herrings.

Counter Attack kicks off the Pearl River series with a bang, and I can’t wait to read the next one. If suspense and mystery is your jam, you’ll definitely want to get your hands on this book.

I received a complimentary copy of Counter Attack from the author. All opinions are my own.

Susan May Warren’s character universe has expanded greatly with the Minnesota Marshalls series, and the third book is about to drop! You don’t want to miss Ned.

Ned the Navy Seal is like a force of nature: he’s smart, he’s strong, and he’ll stop at nothing to rescue the woman he loves. It doesn’t hurt that he’s a hunk and a half, either. Seriously, while looks aren’t really what matter, it is pretty cool when someone’s character shines through and makes the outside wrapping just as amazing as the inside.

That’s Ned and Shae. They’ve been through it all – literally. They’ve been popping up in other Warren books for years, and their own story, now that it’s finally here, is everything that we’ve been waiting for.

Ned continues the global rescues and heroic ventures that Warren has made her signature in her last few series. The action is high and the stakes are higher – and it will all just keep you turning the pages faster and faster.

That’s really because you want what’s absolute best for Ned and Shae, though. You can’t help but cheer them on from your couch as they face terrorists, human traffickers, and more. The adversity that they’ve faced down shines through in the wisdom that floats off the pages. I wish that my digital version was highlight-able, because much of the text would’ve been pretty colors by the time I was done – there are so many hunks of wisdom that I want to remember.

So grab your copy of Ned now and clear your calendar, because you’ll want to settle in when this book arrives and enjoy the heart-wrenching ride uninterrupted.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.