Review: Let It Be Me by Becky Wade

 

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

The one woman he wants is the one he cannot have.

Former foster kid Sebastian Grant has leveraged his intelligence and hard work to become a pediatric heart surgeon. But not even his career success can erase the void he's tried so hard to fill. Then he meets high school math teacher Leah Montgomery and his fast-spinning world comes to a sudden stop. He falls hard, only to make a devastating discovery—Leah is the woman his best friend set his heart on months before.

Leah's a math prodigy who's only ever had one big dream—to earn her PhD. Raising her little brother put that dream on hold. Now that her brother will soon be college bound, she's not going to let anything stand in her way. Especially romance . . . which is far less dependable than algebra.

When Leah receives surprising results from the DNA test she submitted to a genealogy site, she solicits Sebastian's help. Together, they comb through hospital records to uncover the secrets of her history. The more powerfully they're drawn to each other, the more strongly Sebastian must resist, and the more Leah must admit that some things in life—like love—can't be explained with numbers.

My Review

These characters were so interesting! Sebastian is part of the group of kids that survived a collapsed building during an earthquake, so we get to know him a bit in the previous books. He was a bit of an enigma, so it was really fun to get in his head, learn about his true feelings and how he views the world. I loved his friendship with Ben (and Ben's awesome family), and how he stayed loyal to Ben even though it was a major struggle as his feelings for Leah deepen. 

 

Leah's journey is not what she anticipated- taking care of her brother and teaching high school math- but her latest twist really throws her. Sebastian is a huge support in her search for answers, and as they allow themselves to be vulnerable with each other their attraction and chemistry just increase. An angsty yet hopeful story with layered characters and a dynamic supporting cast.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the other books in the Misty River Romance series . . .

 

Review: Romancing the Artist by Sally Britton

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Caroline Clapham isn’t a world renown artist—she’s simply a farmer’s daughter possessed of natural talent with a paintbrush. Talent that her mentor, the Countess of Inglewood, is happy to foster for a summer at her beautiful seaside estate. Caroline’s friends warn her that the season will end and she will return home as insignificant as ever, but Caroline refuses to let go of the hope for something more. 

 

Mr. Edward Everly is preparing to take over the management of the estate from his father. His new responsibilities are many and varied, and include marrying the girl his parents have selected for him. Unfortunately, the chosen bride is in love with another, and Edward would rather help her cause than champion his own. When he stumbles upon Miss Clapham painting in the woods, he hatches a plan to help both himself and his supposed intended. The beautiful young artist agrees to enter into a pretend courtship with him, but before summer’s end, Edward’s emotions are far from feigned. 

 

Though it starts as a ruse, Caroline and Edward’s relationship quickly deepens into something neither of them expected. Edward has a role to fill, and Caroline’s lifelong dream is almost within reach. Will their pretend courtship have the chance to blossom into more, or will Edward follow the wishes of his family and risk breaking more than his own heart?

My Review

An absolute delight! I felt immersed in the setting and the characters' emotions. I loved Caroline's progress as an artist, that she recognizes her talent but also her desire for growth and further mentorship. It's fun to have characters from the author's previous books playing roles in this new series among the younger generation. It's interesting to see the dynamics between Caroline and her stepfather Lord Neil, as well as her art mentor, Lady Inglewood (Esther, from Rescuing Lord Inglewood- this makes me want to read it again!) Edward and Caroline have delicious chemistry based on friendship, and I enjoyed every minute of reading this book, even when they were still trying to figure out the future and the potential for their blossoming relationship while also following their dreams and fulfilling the expectations of others. 

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Book Tour & Review: A Wyoming Summer (Timeless Western Collection) by Carla Kelly, Christine Sterling, Heather B. Moore

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Can true love survive the changing seasons?

ELLEN FOUND by Carla Kelly
Set in location of Old Faithful Inn, 1903-4. Working in a discouraging cafe, Ellen escapes an awful situation in rough and tumble Butte, Montana, and goes to work as second in command to a wary cook in the shell that will become Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone Park. She meets Charles Penrose, head carpenter on the massive project of Old Faithful Inn, which is being finished in a harsh Wyoming winter. Will it really open June 1, 1904? Can Ellen start to trust the other workers? What will she learn about the other employees? And Charles. He's a widower with a young daughter there, too. Like Ellen, he wants more.

THE WIDOW OF DAYBREAK by Christine Sterling
Doris Whistler is learning how to survive in a town taken over by outlaws. When the leader of an infamous gang murders her husband, her choices are to tuck tail and run, or stand her ground and make Daybreak as promising as its name. It proves to be a difficult task with the good citizens in fear of the corrupt mayor and godlessness that abounds. What she doesn't expect is the support of a traveling lawman who believes in her and the tiny town she loves so much.

MAY I KISS THE BRIDE? by Heather B. Moore
Viola Delany is not happy about being sent to the middle-of-nowhere, small town Wyoming. Yes, it will be good to let the gossips find something else to talk about other than her failed engagement. And yes, it will be nice to spend the summer with her Aunt Beth. But as Viola sits on the train heading for Wyoming, wondering how she'll ever occupy her time in such a small town, none other than a real life cowboy sits across the way. She can't help but take peeks at him, noting that the condition of his unpolished black boots and scuffed rawhide jacket seem to be authentic . . . All right, so he might be tall, dark-haired, and handsome if a woman doesn't mind green eyes and a dangerous-looking scar, but this man certainly has nothing to do with her. Besides she'll never see him again. What are the chances he's traveling to the same middle-of-nowhere small town?

My Review

This collection was such fun to read! The first story set in Yellowstone was rich in historical details, a trademark of author Carla Kelly. She also wove in characters that came to life with admirable and realistic strengths. Ellen is sincere and genuine, with a strong work ethic and optimistic attitude despite her humble situation. She's a great match for gentle Charles and his lovable daughter Gwen. There are challenges that test the workers but with their enthusiasm for the project of building Yellowstone's large inn, they pull together as a group and find friendship, healing, and love.

The second story was by an author I had not yet read, set in a small declining town due to the outlaws running the sheriffs and families away. I could really feel the desperation of Doris. I had a harder time connecting to these characters since I didn't understand some of the choices they made that were not common sense. There was plenty of drama as Buck needlessly waits weeks to apprehend the outlaws with tensions escalating. 

 

I enjoyed the last story as Viola reinvents herself and discovers that it is possible to pursue her dream of studying to become a nurse against the wishes of her parents. The sheriff provides encouragement and support, which she had not experienced before, especially from a man. There is humor as the majority of the town's bachelors line up at Aunt Beth's bakery to catch a glimpse of Viola. The secondary characters are interesting and add to the story.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

 

Don't miss the other books in the Timeless Western Collection series . . .

 

 

About the Authors

Carla Kelly started writing Regencies because of her interest in the Napoleonic Wars. She like writing about warfare at sea and ordinary people of the British Isles, rather than lords and ladies. In her spare time, she likes to read British crime fiction and history, particularly the U.S. Indian Wars. She is a former park ranger, and double Rita Award and Spur Award winner. She currently lives in Utah, has five interesting children and four grands. Carla’s favorite authors include Robert Crais and Richard Woodman.

Website | Facebook | Goodreads

Christine Sterling is a USA Today best-selling author who writes small-town inspirational romances with a touch of humor. Most of her stories take place in the plains of Nebraska or Colorado, but she will write wherever there are cowboys needing to find love. Her favorite stories involve tight-knit families, and you will often find that her characters cross over in many of her stories.

She lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, four dogs, and one spoiled cat, aka The Floof. She can often be found in her garden with a notebook and a cup of tea.

Bookbub | Bookfunnel | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Heather B. Moore is a USA Today best-selling and award-winning author of more than seventy publications, including The Paper Daughters of Chinatown. She has lived on both the East and West Coasts of the United States, as well as Hawaii, and attended school abroad at the Cairo American Collage in Egypt and the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel. She loves to learn about history and is passionate about historical research.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Colter Sons series by Karen Baney

Welcome to the Blog Tour for the first three books of the Colter Sons series by Karen Baney, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Books

Title: The Reluctant Cattleman
Series: Colter Sons #1
Author: Karen Baney
Publisher: Desert Life Media
Release Date: August 19, 2022
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

A Love at First Sight Christian Historical Cowboy Romance. Coming of age story set in Prescott, Arizona in 1887. 

As Sam Colter takes on more responsibilities at the family ranch, he believes he is a disappointment to his father. He feels like the misfit of the family. When a journalist shows up to interview his mother, secrets from the past threaten his fledging sense of security. Can he overcome his fear and doubts to accept his role as a cattleman and rancher? Will he allow himself to love the woman who turned his life upside down? 

Ellie Mae Thatcher moves to Prescott to start her career as a writer. When she misleads the Colters about her identity, she hurts the man she is falling in love with. Can she win back his trust and his heart?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

Title: The Roaming Adventurer
Series: Colter Sons #2
Author: Karen Baney
Publisher: Desert Life Media
Release Date: October 21, 2022
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

A Shotgun Wedding, Main Character Disguise Christian Historical Cowboy Romance. Set in Prescott, Arizona Territory in 1890 – 1891.

Boisterous Boone Colter settled into his career as a surveyor when his older brother approached him to survey a route for a new railroad. When Boone hires Jack Bennett, he never expected to be forced to choose between his desire for independence and protecting Jack. Will he rise to the occasion? Can he find a way to strike a balance? 

Jaclyn “Jack” Bennett spent the last six years apprenticing as an assistant surveyor under her father. When her father asks her to give up her dreams, settle down, and get married, Jaclyn disguises herself as a man and flees to Prescott, Arizona. Except she never thought through how her choice would destroy the lives of those around her. Will she find a way to reconcile broken relationships?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

Title: The Railroad Magnate
Series: Colter Sons #3
Author: Karen Baney
Publisher: Desert Life Media
Release Date: December 2, 2022
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

A Love at First Sight Christian Historical Cowboy Romance. Set in Prescott, Arizona Territory in 1891 – 1893.

James Colter was a successful entrepreneur and businessman in the railroad industry. As he watches his younger brothers marry and start their families, his loneliness deepens. He has everything, except the one thing he longs for the most:  a wife and family of his own. When he dances with the daughter of an older friend, was it love at first sight, or will he put his personal dream on hold again to pursue his professional aspirations? 

Keri Glassman wants to follow in her parents’ footsteps. She dreams of becoming a contract attorney. When a handsome suitor invites her on a train ride, the course of her life is rewritten. Like her mother, she wants it all, a career, a loving husband, and a family. Can she find her own way or will her desire to please her parents threaten to destroy her hope for a lasting love?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More Books in This Series

     

Excerpt

I could tell you my name, but growing up at my house, I thought it was almost a curse word.

If Mama said my name, Boone, with her hands raised in the air and let them fall to her side, I knew I pressed her to the point of frustration that day.

If Mama said “Boone” with a low growl like a snarling dog going after a jackrabbit for its supper, the next words outta her mouth were something like: wait until my father gets home. It was an odd thing to say. We lived on a ranch, and he was always within earshot of a rifle.

If Mama said my name and wrung her hands at the same time as her eyebrows scrunched together, she just witnessed me do something highly risky that probably caused her heart to lodge up in her throat. Like the time I jumped outta the hay loft hanging onto a rope that wasn’t properly secured to anything. I should have busted up something. I had more lives than a cat.

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About the Author

Karen Baney is passionate about writing stories full of flawed characters. She enjoys weaving together stories of second chances, redemption, and overcoming personal trials. As a transplant to Arizona in the late 1990s, she loves researching the state’s history and finding ways to seamlessly incorporate real history and real settings into her novels. In addition to writing and speaking, Karen works as a Software Development Manager for a Christian ministry.

Her faith plays an important role both in her life and in her writing. Karen and her husband, Jim, make their home in Gilbert, Arizona, with their two dogs, Bella and Daisy. Both Jim and Karen are active at Rock Point Church in Queen Creek, Arizona. 

Connect with Karen by visiting karenbaney.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each win all 6 books in the Colter Sons series (winner picks paperback or ebook)!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 3, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 10, 2023. 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Blog Tour, Author Interview & Giveaway: Falling for the Cowboy Doc by Cari Lynn Webb

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Falling for the Cowboy Doc by Cari Lynn Webb, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Falling for the Cowboy Doc
Series: Three Springs, Texas #4
Author: Cari Lynn Webb
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Release Date: June 27, 2023
Genre: Contemporary Romance (Clean)

Can the rodeo cowgirl…  

Win his love? 

Professional roper Maggie Orr needs to secure a national sponsorship. And orthopedic surgeon Grant Sloan could derail her plans. Falling for the cowboy doctor is a distraction she can’t afford… Plus their careers are taking them in opposite directions. But from picnics to stargazing, Grant is reminding Maggie that there’s more to life than winning in the arena. Can they rewrite their dreams to include each other?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

 

More Books in this Series

     

Interview with Author Cari Lynn Webb

 

Can you tell us a little about yourself? 

 

My name is Cari Lynn Webb. I write sweet contemporary romance for Harlequin Heartwarming, ARC Manor, as well as publish independently. I currently live in South Carolina. I moved a lot as a child and now with my own family as well, so I’ve been fortunate to live in quite a few wonderful places. Every where we’ve lived has given me ideas for my stories and my writing and I’m grateful for that.

What do you do besides writing? 

 

I really enjoy cooking and baking. If I’m not writing, I’m often reading food blogs and magazines or watching cooking TV shows. I’m always on the lookout for new recipes to try. I also love to read and travel and spend time with my family.

What was your favorite part of researching for this book? 

 

In Falling for the Cowboy Doc, my heroine, Maggie Sloan and her sister are professional team ropers. I watched a lot of team roping events – the riders are all so talented and their connections with their horses are amazing. I really enjoy learning about the equestrian world – the people, the horses, and their passion for what they do is inspiring.
 

Do you like to find visual inspiration for your characters before or during your writing process? 

 

I need to have an idea of what my characters look like before I start writing the book. Most of my characters are loosely based off an actor, actress, or even a professional athlete. Most often I find an image online – one particular photograph – that gives me a direction for my character. And then as I write and get to know that particular character, the details get refined.

What are some songs that you listened to or inspired you while writing your book? 

 

I listen to both country music and classical music when I’m writing. I have different playlists, depending on the scenes I’m writing. I have a country playlist of all sad, heartbreak songs that I listen to when I’m working on more emotional scenes. Then I have an upbeat country playlist for the lighter scenes. I listen to classical music when I really need to concentrate because sometimes I get distracted and start singing instead of writing. I would say country music and the storytelling within country songs is what I really connect to the most.

What message would you like readers to ultimately take away from the book? 

 

Falling for the Cowboy Doc is a clean romance about love and family. I like to write about heroes and heroines who aren’t looking for love – in fact, their life plans don’t often include love. However, love finds them and that’s when their lives get interesting. And when you toss in family, it makes things even more fun.

What can we look forward to coming from you in the future? 

 

His Christmas Cowgirl, the next book in my Three Springs, Texas series will be releasing this November. Here is the blurb for His Christmas Cowgirl - Cowgirl Vivian Bryant needs a winning horse to fulfill her rodeo champion dream, and equestrian trainer Josh Sloan agrees to help. But when Vivian fibs to her family that Josh is her boyfriend, their pretend relationship slowly evolves–while planning a Three Springs, Texas, gala together. She’s competing for a trophy that will secure their separate futures, but the real prize just might be finding love…at Christmas.

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About the Author

Cari Lynn Webb lives in South Carolina with her husband, daughters and assorted four-legged family members. She’s been blessed to see the power of true love in her grandparent’s 70 year marriage and her parent’s marriage of over 50 years. She knows love isn’t always sweet and perfect, it can be challenging, complicated and risky. But she believes happily-ever-afters are worth fighting for. She loves to connect with readers.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $45 Amazon gift card, signed print copies of the first two books in the Three Springs, Texas series (The Texas Seal's Surprise and Trusting the Rancher with Christmas) and summer candy!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 28, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 5, 2023. 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Dedicated to the One I Love by Beth K. Vogt

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Dedicated to the One I Love by Beth K. Vogt, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Dedicated to the One I Love 
Author: Beth K. Vogt
Publisher: White Glove
Release Date: June 20, 2023
Genre: Contemporary Romance

She doesn’t believe in love anymore. He doesn’t either.  

They’re perfect for each other. 

Beloved romance novelist Kylie Franklin walked away from her pen-name career as bestselling and award-winning Veronica Hollins the day her husband died. Her loyal readers are eager for the final book in her sensational series. But Kylie’s given up on love, both fictional and in real life. Behind her back, Kylie’s agent contrives a way to get her writing again. 

Joe Edwards has made a name for himself with his popular military suspense novels under the pen name Tate Merrick. Yet he can’t quite break onto the bestseller list. What his books need, his publisher suggests, is some romance. Joe flat refuses. However, his publisher is determined and hires Veronica Hollins to save the day—and his career. 

Veronica and Tate quickly realize they’re Kylie and Joe, good friends who connected online via a popular word game and their mutual love of trivia. Surely they can wrangle their alter egos into this literary collaboration. But as the deadline looms, their differences threaten the romance developing off the page.  

From a Christy Award-winning author comes this charming mash-up of hidden identities, literary tug of war, and falling in love when you least expect it.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

 

Excerpt

This was one of the reasons Joe liked having Liza as his literary agent. Talking to her was like talking to his sister—and that was one of the best compliments he could ever give Liza. His favorite person in his family was his younger sister, Abbie, not that he would ever admit that to his mom.

He bit into the sub, savoring the smoky, mildly spicy bite of ham, mortadella, capicola, and provolone cheese topped with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and just the right amount of mayo and olive oil.

“Tell me the good news already.” Joe took a swig of water as he carried his phone and the remainder of the sub to his favorite chair in the living room, stretching out to continue the conversation. For Liza’s sake, when he turned on the flat-screen TV, he kept it on mute, only paying partial attention to whatever sports show was on ESPN. “They loved the manuscript, right?”

“Not exactly, Joe.”

“Wha—?” He choked on the wad of bread, cold cuts, and cheese. Sat up. Coughed. Wheezed.

“You okay?”

Joe grabbed the water bottle and took small sips. “What do you mean ‘not exactly’?”

“You know sales for your last three books have slipped.”

“Every author I know has struggled with sales numbers this past year.” Joe gulped more water. “Well, except for that romance writer who hasn’t even had a book out in the last few years . . .what’s her name?”

“Veronica Hollins?”

“That’s the one. But she can probably live off the royalties of her last two books alone for the rest of her life.”

“It’s interesting you mentioned Veronica Hollins.”

“Because?”

“After reading your manuscript, the editors suggested you should add more romance to the story.”

“There’s romance in the story, Liza.”

“Barely. No one holds hands. No kisses. It’s elementary school romance. You could cut the sexual tension with dental floss.”

 

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About the Author

Beth K. Vogt believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” She’s authored 15 novels and novellas, both contemporary romance and women’s fiction. Beth is a Christy Award winner, an ACFW Carol Award winner, and a  RITA® finalist. Her newest contemporary romance novel, Dedicated to the One I Love, releases June 20, 2023. Her novel Things I Never Told You, book one in her Thatcher Sisters Series by Tyndale House Publishers, won the 2019 AWSA Golden Scroll Award for Contemporary Novel of the Year. An established magazine writer and former editor of the leadership magazine for MOPS International, Beth blogs for Learn How to Write a Novel and The Write Conversation and also enjoys speaking to writers group and mentoring other writers. She lives in Colorado with her husband Rob, who has adjusted to discussing the lives of imaginary people.

Connect with Beth by visiting bethvogt.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Etsy Gift Card, a print copy of Dedicated to the One I Love, a box of typewriter themed gift note cards, Novel Teas Book Lover Teas, and a 24 oz insulated Tervis Floral Tumbler!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 19, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 26, 2023. 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Review: Ned by Susan May Warren

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

After four years of training to become a Navy SEAL, Ned Marshall is finally ready to marry the woman of his dreams, Shae Johnson. And Shae’s been uber patient, waiting, building a life as a free-lance graphic artist, moving around the globe to be with him. So, when she said yes to his proposal in Geneva, he fully expected to live happily-ever-after.

At the very least, he expected her to be waiting at the hotel for him three days after an emergency call-out. And maybe it was unreasonable to expect her to be sitting in the hotel, working on her watercolors—Shae, after all grew up in Montana, and she has adventure in her blood. So of course she’s going to go climb the beautiful Swiss mountains. Even make a friend.

But Ned isn’t thrilled with her new friend, and something about him doesn’t feel safe…

So she’s made some friends while waiting for Ned to return? Shae can’t believe that after years of sacrifice, Ned is actually angry at her—what did he expect, that she’d sit by the window? Dana and his friends are harmless, right?

Not so much. Because when Shae finds herself kidnapped, and brought to Russia, she fears the worst—she’s been swept up in a human trafficking ring. And when she’s sent to, of all places, Siberia how will Ned ever find her?

But Ned isn’t going to lose her—not after everything they’ve been through, and he’ll stop at nothing to rescue her. But when he discovers the real reason she’s been taken, he will have to become a traitor to his country if he wants her back.

Join the epic race to rescue Shae in the high-adrenaline book three in the Minnesota Marshalls series.

My Review

The high octane series continues with Ned and Shae's storyline that was introduced in the previous book Jonas, and it was more than I expected! I was fascinated with the dark setting in Sibera where Shae is sent. It's hard to believe slavery still exists in these forms in today's modern world, but it's horrifyingly true. Ned's devotion to Shae is limitless as he races against time and seemingly impossible barriers. The theme of faith and reliance on God and His plan is heartfelt and well-applied as Ned and his brother plan and fight on one end while Shae follows her instincts to stay alive and sane with help from a fellow prisoner. The twists had me glued to the pages and even when I thought I could let out my breath, the pace picked right back up! Along with Ned's rescue of Shae we have a subplot of his sister Iris and football player Hudson who are drawn into some secret agent stuff that's way over their heads and woven into the secrets and intrigue where many of the Marshalls siblings and cousins find themselves involved. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book! Because one story leads into the next, it's vital to read them in order. I do appreciate that the main character's story has a satisfying resolution even while the secondary characters have a cliffhanger to anticipate the continuing story.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

The Minnesota Marshalls series