Stuff & Nonsense: action

Showing posts with label action. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

Rebecca Reviews ~ The Deadly Shallows | Coastal Guardians 3 | Dani Pettrey

From Goodreads:

A DEADLY ATTACK.
A STOLEN WEAPON CAPABLE OF IMMENSE DESTRUCTION.
A PAINFUL SECRET THAT THREATENS TO TEAR TWO HEARTS APART.

CGIS Agent Noah Rowley is rocked to the core when several of his valued team members come under fire on his Coast Guard base. He and his remaining team race to the scene and end the attack, but not before innocent lives are lost. Furious and grief-stricken, he vows to do whatever is needed to bring the mastermind behind the attack to justice.

Stunned by the ambush, Coast Guard flight medic Brooke Kesler evacuates in a helicopter carrying the only surviving gunman. The gravely wounded man whispers mysterious information to Brooke that immediately paints a target on her back.

As Brooke and Noah race to uncover answers, emotions between them ignite. Noah struggles to protect Brooke at all costs and to conceal the secret that prevents him from becoming what he longs to be--the right man for her.

Everything is at stake as a horrifying truth emerges. . . .

The attack wasn't the end game. It was only the beginning.

Bestselling author Dani Pettrey again delivers a fast-paced story in an acclaimed style readers have come to love: full of snappy dialogue, thrilling adventure romance, and unexpected plot twists.

__________________________________________________________________

Rebecca's Review 3.5 stars

"Cold water rose from below. Deeper water. She dove, bullets straying farther from her. . . . Her breath nearly burning in her lungs, she swam as fast as she could towards shore."

There was death in those shallows, and Coast Guard flight medic Brooke Kesler knew exactly what was riding on reaching solid ground, and then . . . . she would have very little time to figure out the "what next"; her body had been brutally abused, plus, she had seen one of their faces. Under extreme duress, when she thought her life might end then and there, the name that whispered from her lips had been . . . . Noah. . . . . . . would they ever have a conversation about "what next".

CGIS Special Agent Noah Rowley had a lot on his plate; a mass shooting, a toxic waste dump, a highly classified weapons theft . . . . and Brooke. The fact that she had been through such a traumatic experience broke his heart, making Noah more determined than ever to stand by her side; forever, if she would let him. Unfortunately, Brooke didn't have all the facts about Noah's past, totally his fault. Would knowing more keep their relationship in the "good friends" category? He sincerely hoped not, but time would tell.

What I enjoyed most about this book were the relationships, they were woven deeply and securely into everything that happened, definitely softening the jagged edges of a plot line that included more body bags than I could count. It's always nice when a series closes on a very high note!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I also purchased a copy. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

Friday, June 11, 2021

Review ~ The Heart’s Charge | Hanger’s Horsemen 2 | Karen Witemeyer

For Years They've Been Nomads for Justice, but a Final Mission May Just Lead Their Hearts Home.

Members of the legendary Hanger's Horsemen, Mark Wallace and Jonah Brooks arrive in Llano County, Texas, to deliver a steed, never expecting they'd help deliver a baby as well. Left with an infant to care for, they head to a nearby foundling home, where Mark encounters the woman he nearly married a decade ago.

After failing at love, Katherine Palmer has dedicated her life to caring for children, teaming up with Eliza Southerland to start Harmony House. Eliza understands the pain of not fitting society's mold, being illegitimate and of mixed ancestry. Yet those are the very attributes that lead her to minister to outcast children. The taciturn Jonah intrigues her by defying all her stereotypes of men, but there are secrets behind his eyes--ghosts from wars past and others still being waged.

When the Horsemen hear rumors of missing children, they stay to investigate, sticking close to Harmony House and its beautiful owners. As they work together to uncover the truth, love and danger grow hand in hand until a final sinister scheme threatens to destroy them all.

Read an excerpt here.

Purchase *here.

*I am NOT affiliated with any vendors. Purchase links are for your convenience only.

_______________________________________________________________

My Review ~ 5 STARS!!!

Witemeyer is on my list of not-to-be-missed authors. In The Heart’s Charge, the character that resonated over and over with me was Jonah. Oh, the others are superbly written because, helloooo, it’s Karen Witemeyer, but there is just something about Jonah—the hardships he has overcome and not been embittered by—that makes him exceptional.

As a Horseman, Jonah has a physical presence that is quite intimidating to those who don’t know him. I could easily picture his tall stature and confident stride (or sitting a saddle) with a touch of arrogance. But he also has an intelligence and sensitivity that sees beyond the exterior to interior motives and emotions. He is quietly observant with a crackerjack sense of humor and is absolutely the perfect match for Eliza Sutherland! Their tension on the page is palpable, and the banter so much fun!!!

This has become one of my favorite series by this author. Not only will you laugh out loud but you’ll feel as if your own heart has been lassoed by these children and their plight, and that just might have you shedding a tear or two.

If you enjoy historical fiction interlaced with strong faith and sweet yet heart galloping romance, then do grab a copy of The Heart’s Charge today!

Pssst…I also recommend reading the first book, At Love’s Command, because…again…it’s Karen Witemeyer. J

I received a copy of the book from the publisher for review purposes. No compensation received.

Sunday, March 21, 2021

Review ~ Sword of Trust (Winds of Change2) by Debbie Lynne Costello

I'm so excited to announce that on Tuesday, March 22nd, I will have an interview with the two main characters from Sword of Trust!!!

It was originally scheduled for today but I had to postpone. I sure hope you'll come back because not only will you get a little glimpse into Bryce and Deirdre, but there will be a giveaway involved as well!!

I really enjoyed this medieval novel and share my review below.

If you haven't read it, it's available on Amazon.

Amazon - Sword of Trust

*I'm not affiliated with Amazon. Link is provided as a courtesy only.

My Review ~ 4.5 STARS!!!

Sword of Trust (Winds of Change 2) by Debbie Lynne Costello

“There comes a point when a man must stand up for what he knows is right regardless of whether it goes against his king.”

Sword of Trust is the long-awaited second book in the Winds of Change series and it was worth the wait! Medieval is not my era of expertise but I was completely and utterly fascinated by the landscape, characters, and history displayed. It was an age of inconceivable brutality and Costello does not shrink back from that reality, yet with subtle words engaged this reader to the point that I was rather antsy when I had to put the book down.

I found much depth to Bryce and Deirdre and many others, loving them each for their unique qualities. Faith struggles are on prominent display as well, and hope brought about in a natural way that was quite encouraging. There is one character that stands out robustly in my mind and I sure hope *he gets his story someday because what a story it would be.

*whispers to the author “Michael, Michael” LOL

If you have not read the first book, Sword of Forgiveness, I recommend doing so as I think it will add context and depth to this one. I highly recommend Sword of Trust! I received an ARC from the author and also purchased a personal copy. No compensation received.

Monday, November 2, 2020

Review ~ Night Fall (Nighthawk Security 1) by Susan Sleeman

She faces dangerous situations all the time…

Olympic downhill skier, Harper Young, knows what it’s like to look danger in the face. After all, she does it every time she races down a ski slope. She’s fine with that danger and even excels under the pressure, winning Olympic gold. And as a governor’s daughter, she’s familiar with receiving threats from the general public. But when a stalker turns his sights on Harper, she possesses zero skills to protect herself.

But she has no idea what lurks in the shadows.

Former Navy SEAL and ATF Agent, Aiden Byrd of Nighthawk Security is well versed in protection skills and knows the dangers she faces. Problem is, there’s an instant attraction between Aiden and Harper, and Aiden has to fight hard to remain professional. As the stalker grows bolder and tries to end Harper’s life, Aiden’s only hope in keeping her safe is to deny his feelings. Something that borders on impossible.

Purchase:

Amazon

__________________________________________

My Review

4 STARS!!!

Tight writing, fabulous pacing, and well-developed characters, all make Night Fall an intriguing romantic suspense. Harper Young faces life head on but when it comes to a stalker, she’s going to depend on Aiden Byrd and Nighthawk Security to keep her safe. I was on pins and needles several times while reading this book. Sleeman is a pro at weaving realistic suspense and the romance thread is just as heart thumping. I also appreciated a good level of wit in many scenes.

I’m looking forward to the next book in this series. I recommend Night Fall to fans of contemporary romantic suspense containing solid faith elements.

I received an electronic copy of the book from the author. No review was required. No compensation received.

___________

If you enjoyed my review, please consider going to Goodreads and Amazon and 'liking' my review there.

Thanks!!!

God bless you,

Anne

Thursday, April 23, 2020

Review ~ Kings Falling (The Book of the Wars 2) by Ronie Kendig

Paperback, 352 pages

Published March 31st 2020 by Bethany House Publishers

Leif Metcalfe and his team, dubbed Reaper, need to recover the stolen, ancient Book of the Wars if they hope to stop the Armageddon Coalition and their pursuit of global economic control. But their attention has been diverted by a prophecy in the book that foretells of formidable guardians who will decimate the enemies of ArC. While Iskra Todorova uses her connections in the covert underworld to hunt down the Book of the Wars, Leif and Reaper attempt to neutralize these agents but quickly find themselves outmaneuvered and outgunned.

The more Reaper tries to stop the guardians, the more failure becomes a familiar, antagonistic foe. Friendships are fractured, and the team battles to hold it together long enough to defeat ArC. But as this millennia-old conspiracy creeps closer and closer to home, the implications could tear Leif and the team apart.

Purchase:

Christian Book

My Review

4 STARS!!!

Reaper Team comes back like a rocket launcher! Talk about explosive scenes, snappy dialogue, heart thumping action, and crazy-cool fight scenes…Kings Falling has it all.

Kendig is well known for causing readers to stay up late into the night to finish her stories and this one is no exception. I was engrossed in the continuing plot and had a hard time putting the book down. It’s not a nice and tidy ending but will culminate in Soul Raging, coming November 2020. I cannot wait to find out how in the world this team is going to survive…and who is going to survive.

I received a copy of the book from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own.

Monday, January 20, 2020

Review ~ The Way of the Brave (Global Search & Rescue 1) by Susan May Warren

Paperback, 352 pages

Published January 7th 2020 by Fleming H. Revell Company

About the Book

Former pararescue jumper Orion Starr is haunted by the memory of a rescue gone wrong. He may be living alone in Alaska now, but the pain of his failure--and his injuries--has followed him there from Afghanistan. He has no desire to join Hamilton Jones's elite rescue team, but he also can't shirk his duty when the call comes in to rescue three lost climbers on Denali.

Former CIA profiler and psychiatrist Jenny Calhoun's yearly extreme challenge with her best friends is her only escape from the guilt that has sunk its claws into her. As a consultant during a top-secret mission to root out the Taliban, she green-lighted an operation that ended in ambush and lives lost. When her cathartic climb on Denali turns deadly, she'll be forced to trust her life and the lives of her friends to the most dangerous of heroes--the man she nearly killed.

Her skills and his experience are exactly what's needed to prevent another tragedy--but in order to truly set Orion free from his painful past, Jenny will have to reveal hers. They'll have to put their wounds behind them to survive, but at what cost?

Leap into action with this high-octane, breakneck new series from bestselling author Susan May Warren.

Purchase:

Amazon

My Review

4 STARS

Fans of Susan May Warren will certainly be wooed by majestic language, beautiful word pictures, and deep faith themes. If you aren’t familiar with climbing techniques and equipment, you might become overwhelmed with all the jargon. I know I sure did. Warren writes The Way of the Brave as if she has literally faced the mountain and all its treacherous terrain and wild weather and survived only by the grace of God.

A major factor that kept me glued to the pages is how Warren builds connections between characters. She is one of the best when it comes to the intricacies of relationships. Orion and Jenny challenged and encouraged one another both physically and spiritually. In the darkest moments, when life and limb were literally on the line, they never gave up on God or each other and not only did their relationship strengthen but most important of all, their faith was rejuvenated. Characters Jake and Aria haven’t discovered God’s amazing grace yet so I am looking forward to that love story in book two, coming June 2020.

I received a copy from the publisher. The opinions stated are entirely my own.

Happy Reading,

Thursday, January 9, 2020

Review ~ Collateral Damage (Danger Never Sleeps #1) by Lynette Eason

Paperback, 320 pages

Published January 7th 2020 by Fleming H. Revell Company

About the Book

Honorably discharged from the Army after an explosion nearly killed her, former military psychiatrist Brooke Adams has set up shop to help others--but her days of helping military personnel are over. She's got her own battles to fight from her time overseas, and she's not equipped to take on more. Former Army Special Ops Sergeant First Class Asher James could handle anything that war sent his way--terrorists, bombs, bullets. The only thing that scares him now is sleep. As the shadows close in, the nightmares begin.

Finally convinced that he needs help, Asher makes an appointment with a counselor, and Brooke is pressed by her boss to take him on. When he arrives at her office she isn't there--but a dead body is. Brooke is devastated when she walks in, and Asher is a conveniently strong shoulder to cry on. But she can't take him on as a client after sharing such an intimate and unprofessional moment, can she? And he's not sure he can handle sharing his deepest fears with such a beautiful woman.

When it becomes clear that Brooke was the real target of the attack--and that her secrets go even deeper than his own--Asher vows to protect her no matter what.

Bestselling author Lynette Eason is back with a new series that spans the globe and will have your heart working overtime.

Learn more about the author ~ Lynette Eason website

Purchase Link
CBD

My Review

4 STARS!!!

Collateral Damage is an intense start to Eason’s new Danger Never Sleeps series. Numerous twists and turns kept me glued to the page. Brooke and Asher are strong characters both reeling from trauma sustained in Afghanistan while serving in the US Army.

I enjoyed getting to know the backstory of each and watching how they navigated murky waters when dealing with PTSD. I felt like I gained a bit of perspective and compassion for our current and past military members.

Eason delves into a deep and dark stratum of society that completely took me by surprise. I was saddened and disturbed that some of the ‘enemies’ would be among those we normally think of as heroes. That left me slightly disheartened (as it should) but I did find the story mesmerizing.

I recommend this book to fans of romantic suspense because watching Brooke and Asher’s relationship develop was endearing, and Eason’s criminals are chilling.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

Monday, December 9, 2019

Rebecca Reviews ~ Seconds to Live (Homeland Heroes #1) by Susan Sleeman + Giveaway!!!

~GIVEAWAY ENDED~

About the Book

When cyber criminals hack into the U.S. Marshal's Witness Protection database and auction off personal details to the highest bidder, FBI Agent Sean Nichols begins a high-stakes chase to find the hacker. Trouble is, he has to work with U.S. Marshal Taylor Mills, who knows the secrets of his past, and the seconds are ticking down before someone dies.

About the Author

SUSAN SLEEMAN is the bestselling author of over thirty-five novels with more than one million books sold. She writes romantic suspense novels that are clean with inspiring messages of faith. Readers love her series for the well-drawn characters and edge-of-your-seat action. She graduated from the FBI and local police citizen academies, so her research is spot-on and her characters are real.

In addition to writing, Susan also hosts TheSuspenseZone.com. She has lived in nine states but now calls Oregon home. Her husband is a retired church music director, and they have two beautiful daughters, a very special son-in-law, and an adorable grandson.

To learn more about Susan’s books sign up for her monthly email that includes exclusive excerpts, giveaways, and other goodies. http://www.susansleeman.com/susans-ne...

Or stop by any of these locations on the web.

Website - http://www.susansleeman.com

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/SusanSleemanB...

Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/susansleeman

Review Site - http://www.TheSuspenseZone.com

Purchase Link:

CBD

3.5 stars

"Help. Oh, help. . . . she'd made a huge mistake."

When one of U. S. Marshall Taylor Mills' witnesses breaks protocol and is hunted down by a vicious criminal, the tip of the proverbial iceburg breaks through the surface. Not only has Dustee's whereabouts been compromised but the notorious "Phantom" has managed to breach the entire database of the Witness Protection Program. Frantic to protect those for whom she is responsible, Taylor relunctantly agrees to join forces with an elite FBI RED team, (Rapid Emergency Deployment). However, the lead agent on the case is none other than a man she has only known in cyber-space; Sean Nichols.

Glimpsing Taylor Mills in person for the first time nearly takes F. B. I. Agent Sean Nichols' breath away. They know each other so well, and then again they don't, since their only conversations have been through various emails back and forth across the country. How interesting has this case become, when not only are the lives of dozens of innocent people at stake, but rapid fire emotions are threatening to rise to the surface as well.

As the team rushes to stay one step ahead of a deranged hacker, Taylor and Sean struggle to find a middle ground through some of the tough decisions that a high profile case demands. In the end, who may have "seconds to live"?

What an interesting story line, especially for those who have a profound understanding of technology and how dangerous criminal infiltration can be when exercised at the highest levels. The two main characters spend a lot of time in their own heads analyzing their relationship from every possible angle, which may slow the story down for some readers or it could have the opposite effect . . . . an enhanced satisfaction in the end.

I received a book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

Senior Reviewer, Rebecca Maney

Rebecca is a graduate of Bryan College with a degree in Christian Education, and is currently serving at the First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Gastonia, North Carolina as the Director of Children's Ministry. With over 30 years of experience in her field, she has had many opportunities to use her love of reading and writing in creative ways across the generations. A wife, mother of four "nearly" grown children, and grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren, Rebecca has been able to return to her love of reading and more recently reviewing, with a renewed passion for the "beauty of story".

Rebecca is offering an extra copy of this book to one blog follower. Just in time for Christmas!!!

GIVEAWAY RULES

1) Sign up through GFC in the right hand sidebar

2) Leave a comment letting us know what you most like about reading Christian Fiction

3) Leave your email address in a non-spam format
( jane at doe dot com)

A winner will be drawn on December 13th.
US entries only (lower 48) because postage is a bear. Sorry!

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Rebecca Reviews ~ One Final Breath (Dive Team Investigations 3) by Lynn H. Blackburn

Paperback, 336 pages

Published September 3rd 2019 by Revell

Investigator Gabe Chavez and Dive Team Captain Anissa Bell have a complicated history. But when Anissa's fractured past collides with Gabe's investigation of a shooting, they must work together to catch the murderer before someone else dies.

Rebecca's Review

4 STARS!!!!

"I'm just trying, always, to make up for my messes. Trying to do enough to be worth the sacrifice they made."

If the truth were known, both investigator Gabe Chavez and dive team captain Anissa Bell had been living their entire adult life trying to compensate for the misinterpreted mistakes of their youth. As different as they were on the outside, the two had a lot in common on the inside; they were both terribly afraid of moving beyond the annoyance/fascination friendship that they had tentatively formed. It would take a trio of unsolved crimes to break through those kind of defenses and even then, there were no guarantees.

When a young woman nearly drowns on Lake Porter while holding a near lifeless friend in her arms, investigators quickly hit a dead end on what appears to have been a random shooting. However, more and more "random" occurrences emerge on their radar, especially after Anissa is convinced that a teenager they see in the hospital following the shooting, is someone she knows. And that's before danger comes knocking on her front door; literally.

What a superb balance of character and story! The author has given her characters plenty of space to breathe while strategically positioning the unknowns in carefully guarded locations. The romance is tender and sweet, allowing the suspense to hover in the background . . . . until it doesn't. Will Anissa be forced to take "one final breath"?

I received a copy of this story from the publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

Sunday, April 1, 2018

Review ~ The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y'Barbo

Paperback, 256 pages

Expected publication: April 1st 2018 by Barbour Books

A Former Privateer and a Desperate Heiress Join Forces to Find a Treasure
Jump on board with a brand new series for fans of all things related to history, romance, adventure, faith, and family trees.

One hundred years after her mother's family came to the New World on the Mayflower, Maribel Cordova has landed in New Orleans to seek the man who holds the key to finding her father’s lost treasure. Attorney Jean-Luc Valmot has buried his past life so deep that no living person will ever find it—or so he hopes as he accepts a position on the governor’s staff. But the daughter of an infamous pirate threatens all he holds dear. Can Maribel and Jean-Luc compromise so they both can hold onto what they most desire?

About the Author

Bestselling author Kathleen Y’Barbo is a multiple Carol Award and RITA nominee of more than eighty novels with almost two million copies in print in the US and abroad.

A tenth-generation Texan and certified paralegal, she has been nominated for a Career Achievement Award as well a Reader’s Choice Award and is the winner of the Inspirational Romance of the Year by Romantic Times magazine.

Extended Preview Link- Kindle is FREE right now. As always, check the price before you hit BUY. And remember, it is ONLY an extended preview, not the full book!

Purchase Link - Paperback
*Amazon
*I am not affiliated with Amazon and do not receive any monies if you use a link in this post.

My Review

5 STARS!!!

The Pirate Bride is a real treasure. It has been a long time since I read a novel featuring a pirate or rather privateer, as Captain Jean Beaumont continually reminds Maribel. The story and its characters engulfed me from the first page.

Y’Barbo has crafted an exciting tale of adventure on the high seas and in exotic locales. Combining snappy dialogue and witty characters, my attention never wavered. I did not experience one moment of boredom aboard ship or on land. The descriptions are incredibly vivid, creating pictorial images that made me long to spirit away on a ship to the islands. A hefty dose of danger and secrecy add paramount drama. And shiver me timbers, there is an unexpected twist to this story that made my jaw drop!

The Pirate Bride is the second book in The Daughters of the Mayflower series which will be comprised of six novels. Yes. Six! I have not read the first book in the series but I did purchase it as soon as I finished this one.

I was gifted a copy of The Pirate Bride from the publisher. I was not required to write a review. No compensation has been received.

~Happy Reading~

Pages

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

Friday, June 11, 2021

Sunday, March 21, 2021

Monday, November 2, 2020

Thursday, April 23, 2020

Monday, January 20, 2020

Thursday, January 9, 2020

Monday, December 9, 2019

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Sunday, April 1, 2018