Review: Last Chance Christmas (Last Chance Fire and Rescue Book 9) by Lisa Phillips, Michelle Sass Aleckson, Laura Conaway

About the Book

This Christmas, love is the greatest rescue of all...

Christmas was supposed to be peaceful in Last Chance County—until escaped killers turn their winter wonderland into a deadly hunting ground.

When a catastrophic blizzard causes a prison transport crash, hardened criminals scatter into the frozen wilderness. With roads impassable and temperatures plummeting, Last Chance County's bravest first responders must abandon their holiday plans for the most dangerous manhunt of their lives.

But in the heart of winter's fury, love is the light in the storm…

Firefighter Izan Collins has waited months to win guarded cop Olivia Tazwell's heart, but when a cartel killer targets his family during a church event, their first date becomes a fight for survival.

Officer Anthony Thomas never believed in Christmas magic—until protecting fierce firefighter Della Nixon from a vengeful serial killer shows him that some gifts are worth any sacrifice.

K-9 Officer Cole Stuart has hunted his nemesis for two years, but partnering with determined EMT Kianna Russell in a deadly mountain pursuit teaches him that some battles are meant to be fought together.

Three couples. Three heart-stopping chases through winter's deadliest storm. Three Christmas miracles that prove love conquers all.

Perfect for readers who love pulse-pounding romantic suspense, Christmas magic, and heroes who fight for love.

Discover why readers are calling this "unputdownable" and "the perfect blend of heart-stopping action and swoon-worthy romance."

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

When a prison transport van is involved in an accident, dangerous criminals escape, and it's a race against time to catch them. This was a wonderful collection of suspenseful and heart-pounding Christmas stories. Each story focuses on catching one of the fugitives.

Rescued Justice by Lisa Phillips
This was an action-packed read focused on Olivia and Izan as they hunt down a merciless cartel member who has a connection to Izan. I thought the budding romance between Olivia and Izan was really sweet.

Rescued Trust by Michelle Aleckson
Officer Anthony Thomas is on protection duty, trying to keep Firefighter Della Nixon safe from the escaped serial killer she put behind bars. The danger was palpable in this suspenseful tale. Things just kept ramping up and had me glued to the page. I liked grinchy Anthony and enjoyed seeing the developing romance between him and Della.

Rescued Hope by Laura Conaway
EMT Kianna Russell lost someone she cared about to one of the escapees, so, when he escapes custody, she teams up with K-9 Officer Cole Stuart and his K-9 partner, Titan, to catch the guy before he hurts anyone else. This was a great concluding story. It was my favorite of the bunch. My favorite thing was seeing the strong faith of these characters.

This collection can be enjoyed by old fans of the series and new alike. I highly recommend it to fans of faith-filled romantic suspense!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FOUR STARS

Review: Every Longing Heart (Bonds of Blood Book 2) by Claire Trella Hill

About the Book

Victorian London’s vampire society has a new ruler—just in time for Christmas.

Bluestocking turned vampire Genevieve has endured hell for twenty years, forced to obey by her loathed vampire maker because of the blood bond connecting them. Now with her maker finally dead, she’s free of his oppressive control but left with little hope and too many scars. This bleak midwinter, she has a slim chance at a different future, for better or worse—but that depends on the new vampire ruler choosing a different path and not being dispatched first.

One of the oldest vampires in England, Kendrick has returned to London wielding his sword to reform vampire society. He understands the mistakes and failings of the past but struggles to see a way forward after years of being alone. Attempts on his un-life don’t help either—but he is more intrigued than he has been in centuries by a comely woman who leaves him cryptic warnings and harangues him on the conduct of his new rule.

Genevieve has the foresight for what the relationship between vampires and humans could be. Kendrick has the power to make it come to pass. But to surmount the resistance from London’s vampires, they must join forces in a most convenient union to bring outcasts in from the cold and prove that not all bonds are forged with blood.

Love breathes life into the dead in this Christmas gothic Victorian romance, perfect for fans of Mimi Matthews, Jacquelyn Benson, and all those who like a little bite amidst their comfort and joy. Every Longing Heart is a cozy vampire marriage of convenience and the companion novel to Black and Deep Desires.

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I’ve loved everything I’ve read by this author, so to say I was excited for this book is an understatement. It did not disappoint. I loved that this was a Victorian vampire story set during Christmastime. You don’t really see that combination, but I loved it!

The characters were wonderful and so likable. Genevieve was so kind, and I loved her passion for justice. Kendrick was the very definition of swoonworthy. He was noble, sincere, and a strong and fair leader. I loved seeing his commitment to changing things for the better.

I loved the faith elements in this story. And the fact that it addressed a vampire’s struggles and longings for their faith.

If you’re a fan of cozy vampire tales, grab a copy of this book. You’ll love it! I highly recommend it!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Last Chance Christmas (Last Chance Fire and Rescue Book 9) by Lisa Phillips, Michelle Sass Aleckson, Laura Conaway

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. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over for the time being.

This week I'm featuring Last Chance Christmas (Last Chance Fire and Rescue Book 9) by Lisa Phillips, Michelle Sass Aleckson, Laura Conaway. This is a collection of three connected stories. My snippets are from the first story, Rescued Justice by Lisa Phillips. 

About the Book

This Christmas, love is the greatest rescue of all...

Christmas was supposed to be peaceful in Last Chance County—until escaped killers turn their winter wonderland into a deadly hunting ground.

When a catastrophic blizzard causes a prison transport crash, hardened criminals scatter into the frozen wilderness. With roads impassable and temperatures plummeting, Last Chance County's bravest first responders must abandon their holiday plans for the most dangerous manhunt of their lives.

But in the heart of winter's fury, love is the light in the storm…

Firefighter Izan Collins has waited months to win guarded cop Olivia Tazwell's heart, but when a cartel killer targets his family during a church event, their first date becomes a fight for survival.

Officer Anthony Thomas never believed in Christmas magic—until protecting fierce firefighter Della Nixon from a vengeful serial killer shows him that some gifts are worth any sacrifice.

K-9 Officer Cole Stuart has hunted his nemesis for two years, but partnering with determined EMT Kianna Russell in a deadly mountain pursuit teaches him that some battles are meant to be fought together.

Three couples. Three heart-stopping chases through winter's deadliest storm. Three Christmas miracles that prove love conquers all.

Perfect for readers who love pulse-pounding romantic suspense, Christmas magic, and heroes who fight for love.

Discover why readers are calling this "unputdownable" and "the perfect blend of heart-stopping action and swoon-worthy romance."

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Officer Olivia Tazwell gripped the steering wheel and swung the squad car around a turn onto Rutland Boulevard. She'd broken her wrist a couple months back, but it had healed since. The memories? Not so faded.

Friday 56

Olivia watched Izan walk toward her, a sheepish expression on his face that she'd never seen before.

What have you been reading lately?

Can't Wait Wednesday: On the Edge of Trust by Patricia Bradley

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring On the Edge of Trust by Patricia Bradley releasing November 4. 

About the Book

Sometimes the closer you get to justice, the deadlier it becomes

When decorated FBI undercover agent Scott Sinclair suffers a gunshot wound in his right arm, the injury threatens his future career in the field. He is determined to regain his former job by training himself to use his left hand, and failure is not an option--especially when he's unofficially pulled into an investigation.

Tori Mitchell is a passionate crime reporter and podcaster who has dedicated her life to seeking justice. Her relentless pursuit of the truth has freed a wrongfully convicted man from prison, making Tori an enemy of the true killer. When her nephew is accused of a different murder, nothing can stop her from getting involved and clearing his name.

Soon after Tori and Scott reconnect on the case, shots are fired, leaving them to wonder which of them has been targeted. As the investigation intensifies, so do the threats and the sparks between them, but Tori's doubtful if she can extend grace and trust to Scott. They'll have to combine their skills and rely on their growing relationship to outsmart the killer.

Perfect for fans of Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, Elizabeth Goddard, and readers who love faith-based fiction and edge-of-your-seat thrillers, this riveting, clean romantic suspense delivers heart-pounding danger and forced-proximity romance.

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Glass Across the Sea (Realms of Allumeria Book 1) by Sara Ella

About the Book

Light always finds a way to break free . . .

Noelle Perrault has felt drawn to the tales her glassmaker father told of the four Firefly artisans since she was a child. But when her mother falls under a curse, Noelle suspects the stories are more than mere fables. Their last hope is for her father to embark on a desperate journey to another realm, where he must seek a miracle. Alone but not defenseless, Noelle is forced to navigate battles that rise against her beloved home, while her dearest friend, the prince, vows to help her father.

Dante Marin is a prince prepared to bear the crown. But the king offers an ultimatum: find the fabled Firefly Vestiges, believed to hold the Lamplighter’s ancient power, or forfeit the crown. Only then will Dante be considered worthy of his birthright and given the freedom to choose his bride. But how does one hunt down a legend?

Connected by the past, but forced apart in the present, Noelle and Dante must discover the truth about the Firefly and Vestiges before they lose all hope—and each other—for good. But breaking a curse comes at a great sacrifice—one neither of them predicted. With a mysterious foe rising to power, will they survive, let alone succeed? Or will darkness shroud their future, shattering the light they’ve striven to restore?

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Enclave Publishing Store / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

"Some dreams are made of memories," the woman said. "Others are formed from wishes. But nightmares? Nightmares are fashioned from curses only the oldest magic has the power to break."

Y'all! I absolutely loved Glass Across the Sea! I was hooked from the very first page. The story really came to life. I was transported to Allumeria. I felt like I was right there beside the characters and experiencing everything right alongside them.

I loved the nods to the original story of Cinderella, but I also really loved all the differences. It stayed true to the tale but was also so much more.

I loved the faith parallels too. There were some pretty powerful messages, which I really appreciated seeing woven into the story.

I loved the multiple points of view. It was mostly Noelle and Dante, but there were a few other characters that gave some very interesting insight into things too.

I didn't think there was any way Sara Ella could top The Wonderland Trials, but she's done it with this beautiful and engaging Cinderella reimagining. I loved it so much and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys sweet and enchanting fairy tales!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Review: She Had Glass Eyes by C.S. Schiavone

About the Book

When Dr. Joseph Faber unveils his eerie invention in 1846 London—a mechanical marvel that simulates human speech—the public recoils. But one witness listens too closely.

Deliverance Edvane, a solitary undertaker with a mind sharpened by disdain, sees in the invention not horror, but possibility. What begins as fascination soon spirals into obsession, as she plots to take the machine for herself. Darkness stirs in the spaces between invention and insanity in this chilling tale of machines, madness, and the dangerous echo of a voice not quite human.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I appreciated darkness more. For what is black, if not all the colors combined? The summation of all life lived?

I loved this haunting and creepy tale. It had the feeling of a classic horror story. I couldn’t get enough of it!

I was instantly pulled into the story. I loved the writing style and thought the world building was excellent. I felt like I was right there in the middle of things, which was a little unsettling at times, but I loved.

This story raised some really intriguing and important questions. I know I’ll be thinking about it for a long time. If you’re looking for a quick, spooky read, grab a copy of this book. I highly, highly recommend it. I look forward to reading more from this author.

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Every Longing Heart (Bonds of Blood Book 2) by Claire Trella Hill

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. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over for the time being.

This week I'm featuring Every Longing Heart (Bonds of Blood Book 2) by Claire Trella Hill. I haven't started reading this book yet but am so excited to this weekend. 

About the Book

Victorian London’s vampire society has a new ruler—just in time for Christmas.

Bluestocking turned vampire Genevieve has endured hell for twenty years, forced to obey by her loathed vampire maker because of the blood bond connecting them. Now with her maker finally dead, she’s free of his oppressive control but left with little hope and too many scars. This bleak midwinter, she has a slim chance at a different future, for better or worse—but that depends on the new vampire ruler choosing a different path and not being dispatched first.

One of the oldest vampires in England, Kendrick has returned to London wielding his sword to reform vampire society. He understands the mistakes and failings of the past but struggles to see a way forward after years of being alone. Attempts on his un-life don’t help either—but he is more intrigued than he has been in centuries by a comely woman who leaves him cryptic warnings and harangues him on the conduct of his new rule.

Genevieve has the foresight for what the relationship between vampires and humans could be. Kendrick has the power to make it come to pass. But to surmount the resistance from London’s vampires, they must join forces in a most convenient union to bring outcasts in from the cold and prove that not all bonds are forged with blood.

Love breathes life into the dead in this Christmas gothic Victorian romance, perfect for fans of Mimi Matthews, Jacquelyn Benson, and all those who like a little bite amidst their comfort and joy. Every Longing Heart is a cozy vampire marriage of convenience and the companion novel to Black and Deep Desires.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

November 1880, London

When the blood bond severed, she felt it. 

Friday 56

"Oh, please Miss Dryden, a Christmas song," Hannah pleaded. "Isn't Christmas coming soon?"

What have you been reading lately?