Review: Protector (Heroes of Renegade Book 3) by Jennifer Pierce

SYNOPSIS

★ Some fires can't be fought with water. Some battles require faith. ★

Firefighter Samantha Williams thought she knew who she could trust with her life.
For six years, she's fought fires alongside her crew in Renegade, Colorado, building the family she never had while hiding from a deadly past that forced her and her sister into witness protection. When a string of arsons threatens the community, the danger is only beginning…

Then walks in the one man who could save her... or break her heart.

Deputy US Marshal Liam Roberts has made it his mission to protect people whose lives are in danger. Newly named guardian to his niece, Liam battles the challenge of balancing his new role in Renegade with family responsibility. Professional duty quickly develops to more as both Sam and Liam navigate raising teens and the growing threat.

As their enemies close in, nowhere is safe.

When the final trap is set, and escape seems impossible, Sam will discover that sometimes the greatest rescue comes from the One she thought had abandoned her long ago.

When love means putting everything on the line, how far will they go?

As Sam and Liam race against time to unmask a killer hiding in plain sight, their partnership becomes something deeper, more dangerous than either expected. But when Sam's teenage sister Isabella and Liam's niece Sophia disappear, their growing feelings are put to the ultimate test. Someone is collecting the people they love most—and using them as bait for the final trap.

Caught between a killer who knows her every secret and a man whose love she never dared hope for, Sam must decide: keep running from her past or fight for the future her heart is beginning to crave.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I really enjoyed this heart-pounding romantic suspense. It’s my first book by Jennifer Pierce, but it definitely won’t be my last.

I really liked the characters. Sam is a firefighter and in witness protection with her sister, Bella. US Marshal Liam is new to town and taking care of his niece, Sophia, while his sister’s in jail. Sophia and Bella were fast friends, but getting into trouble together at school. I was very curious about what was going on with them. I loved seeing Liam’s strong faith in the face of adversity. It was really inspiring.

With an arsonist starting fires all over town and getting bolder and more dangerous at every turn, the suspense just kept ramping up. By the end, I was flying through the pages as fast as I could. I had my suspicions about who the arsonist was, but I was totally wrong. I was shocked by the reveal.

While this is book three in the Heroes of Renegade series, it can stand alone just fine. I highly recommend it to fans of romantic suspense with a strong thread of faith.

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

4.5 STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Don't Cross the Blue Line (The Blue Ox Boys Book 2) by Susan May Warren and Sarah May Warren

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 Don't Cross the Blue Line (The Blue Ox Boys Book 2) by Susan May Warren and Sarah May Warren releasing June 30.

SYNOPSIS

What happens when you discover your anonymous pen pal is the hockey player you've been secretly writing a book about—and you're trapped in a mall with thieves?

⭐ A Secret Identity Hockey Romance That Will Steal Your Heart ⭐

Everly Hart has mastered the art of hiding. As E.J. Hartley, she writes heart-pounding thrillers. As Sutton Blake, she pens sweet hockey romances about players who are valued for who they are, not just what they achieve. Both identities are secrets—especially from her father, Blue Ox Assistant Coach Hart.

Her current project? Blue Line Redemption—a romance about Beckett 'Blue Line' Brooks, the disgraced center she can't stop thinking about. He's her ultimate book boyfriend. Her muse. Her fantasy hero. And he has absolutely no idea.

But there's one reader who truly sees her work. For six months, Beckett has been writing thoughtful fan mail to Sutton Blake's publisher address. The scandal-plagued hockey star finds solace in her stories about heroes who matter for who they are, not what they do. If only someone could see him that way in real life.

When a charity gala elevator malfunction traps them in darkness, Everly and Beckett are devastatingly honest with each other—without exchanging names. He confesses about 'this romance author I'll never meet' who makes him feel seen. She realizes with growing panic: he's been writing to ME.

Weeks later, a blizzard locks them in an abandoned mall during a charity event. Awkward? Yes. Survivable? Maybe. Until thieves break in for a heist. Suddenly Everly's thriller-writer brain kicks into overdrive as they dodge criminals, hide in the old rink, and bicker their way through escape attempts. It's hilarious. It's terrifying. It's definitely not the meet-cute either of them planned.

As danger escalates and secrets spill, they must outsmart thieves, survive a Minnesota blizzard, and decide if they can trust each other—and their feelings.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: All That Glows by Lauren Smyth

SYNOPSIS

The apocalypse didn’t take everyone. It just took us.

Ever since the rain turned green, Kyrie’s world has been bathed in glowing dust. She packs it into old mascara tubes and sells it as makeup alongside dried cacti, threadbare blankets, and long-expired canned food. There’s not much else to do when everyone outside Kyrie’s small town in the Mojave Desert died from the plague-bearing rain ten years ago.

Everyone—except the man in the rubber mask.

He’s on the dangerous side of the fence, huffing infected air like it’s nothing, babbling to Kyrie about college and umbrellas and yogurt and everything else that disappeared the day it rained. He doesn't seem to know that the world ended, and he has no explanation for how he survived the apocalypse. But Kyrie doesn't believe in ghosts.

She can’t trust him, but he’s right about one thing: Towns without secrets aren’t surrounded by chain-link fences. And chain-link fences won’t keep out the plague forever.

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Enclave Publishing Store / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

"On the night the world ended, raindrops stained our roof tiles green."

All that Glows was a truly unique and captivating dystopia. I was invested in the story from the very beginning. The compelling first chapter gripped me and didn’t let go. I was so curious to learn more about the world, the characters, and the virus.

I enjoyed how the story unfolded piece by piece. There were clues about what had really happened, and when I finally figured it out, my mind was blown. The second half of this story flew by. There was nonstop action, and I had a hard time setting it down. I finished it in record time.

I was a big fan of Smyth’s previous book Warsafe, so I was really looking forward to this new release. It did not disappoint. In fact, I loved it even more! I can’t say enough good things about All that Glows. I know I’ll want to read it again and again. If you’re a fan of young adult dystopia or post-apocalyptic fiction, you’ll love this book! I really hope there’s a sequel.

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

FIVE STARS

Review: On the Fence About You (The Chimney Creek Romances Book 1) by Emily Conrad

SYNOPSIS

If good fences make good neighbors, these former childhood sweethearts are doomed to stay enemies.

Combat veteran Hale Bastian and veterinarian Morgan Reynolds were best friends in childhood, but since a falling out twenty years ago, they’ve become strangers to each other. So much so that they don't realize Hale bought the house next door to Morgan upon his return to small-town Chimney Creek, Wisconsin. He recognizes his mistake—and her—as soon as his dog jumps her ridiculous little fence and absconds with her dinner. Morgan doesn't recognize him as anything but an inconvenience.

All but sworn enemies, they'd avoid each other if not for their devotion to the local animal shelter, where Morgan's animal-loving aunt used to take them as children. If they hope to raise enough funds to save the shelter, the animals in its care, and her aunt’s legacy, Morgan and Hale will need to work together, and that means confronting their painful past.

When their growing connection threatens the peace Hale’s fought so hard to find and Morgan’s carefully crafted plans, it seems they can’t have it all. But what if all they need is waiting just on the other side of the fence?

A warmhearted and faith-filled clean romance about surrendering your plans, finding peace, and, of course, loving your neighbor.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I absolutely adored this sweet, heartfelt, and faith-filled romance. Emily Conrad has a way of pulling you into a story and making you feel right at home. And that’s exactly how I felt while reading this story.

Morgan and Hale had a complicated history. They were former best friends who hadn’t spoken or seen each other in 20 years. There was a lot of time to make up and hurts to heal. I really liked both of them and was rooting them on. I really loved all the dogs too.

I loved the charming small town of Chimney Creek and the residents who lived there. I loved seeing the community come together and pitch in when help was needed.

I loved this book so much and can’t recommend it highly enough. If you’re a fan of contemporary romance with a strong thread of faith, don’t hesitate to grab a copy. You’ll love 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: On the Fence About You (The Chimney Creek Romances Book 1) by Emily Conrad

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 On the Fence About You (The Chimney Creek Romances Book 1) by Emily Conrad. This was a really sweet story. I loved it! I'll have my review for it up on Monday. 

SYNOPSIS

If good fences make good neighbors, these former childhood sweethearts are doomed to stay enemies.

Combat veteran Hale Bastian and veterinarian Morgan Reynolds were best friends in childhood, but since a falling out twenty years ago, they’ve become strangers to each other. So much so that they don't realize Hale bought the house next door to Morgan upon his return to small-town Chimney Creek, Wisconsin. He recognizes his mistake—and her—as soon as his dog jumps her ridiculous little fence and absconds with her dinner. Morgan doesn't recognize him as anything but an inconvenience.

All but sworn enemies, they'd avoid each other if not for their devotion to the local animal shelter, where Morgan's animal-loving aunt used to take them as children. If they hope to raise enough funds to save the shelter, the animals in its care, and her aunt’s legacy, Morgan and Hale will need to work together, and that means confronting their painful past.

When their growing connection threatens the peace Hale’s fought so hard to find and Morgan’s carefully crafted plans, it seems they can’t have it all. But what if all they need is waiting just on the other side of the fence?

A warmhearted and faith-filled clean romance about surrendering your plans, finding peace, and, of course, loving your neighbor.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

The barking reached a fever pitch that echoed through the lush peace of early summer in Chimney Creek, Wisconsin.

Friday 56

As usual, Morgan’s busy week kept her from social media, but on Friday night, as she relaxed into the weekend, she opened one of her apps.

What have you been reading lately?

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Spy Keeper of Marseille by Roseanna M. White

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 The Spy Keeper of Marseille by Roseanna M. White releasing July 7.

SYNOPSIS

In occupied France, a woman becomes a spy for the Resistance and rises to lead the largest intelligence operation in the country in this propulsive new World War II historical novel by bestselling author Roseanna M. White.

Marseille, France, 1941. Zelie Bellerose never fit the mold of an army officer's wife. She was too passionate in her convictions, too indifferent to societal expectations. After her husband is killed in the war, Zelie focuses on securing a brighter future for her children, hoping to help free her country from the Nazi regime by joining the Resistance. She is soon one of the most trusted operatives in Alliance, and when their leader is imprisoned, she takes command, hiding her identity from all but a few. With enemies closing in, Zelie must earn the trust of her network and prove herself to those who doubt a woman's place at the helm of France's largest spy ring.

Marcel Laurent was a renowned concert pianist before joining the French army and being sent to a POW camp. Freed in a prisoner exchange by a wealthy businessman with ties to the Resistance, Marcel agrees to spy for Alliance by conducting a youth orchestra, gathering intelligence from patrons who are loose-lipped Nazi sympathizers. Marcel's weekly radio broadcasts introducing the orchestra's performances give him the perfect cover to send coded messages over the airwaves.

As Zelie and Marcel grow closer through their shared love of music, she begins to rely on him. But betrayal from within Alliance puts everything they've fought for at risk. When a double agent infiltrates their ranks and the two are captured, their bond faces its greatest test . . . and any misstep could jeopardize not only Alliance but the very outcome of the war.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Sunshine and Sin: Echoes of Olympus by Anna Hawke

SYNOPSIS
A cursed human. A cynical god. A bewildering prophecy that binds them together.

Apollo loathes the life he’s forced to lead. After an Oracle ties the sun god to a human who doesn’t recognize him, he must grapple with a dangerous mission and a woman who challenges him at every turn. As dark forces attack his throne, Apollo will either claim victory with Cyrene at his side or find devastating defeat.

Cursed by Zeus, Cyrene has struggled to make ends meet. When she accepts help from a man cast in mystery, an unexpected passion begins to burn between them. Despite their connection, she realizes that truth isn’t always what it seems—and the gods have wronged her before.

With every attack against the pantheon, more lives are lost. If Apollo and Cyrene can’t uncover the danger that lurks in the shadows, it may devour them whole.

Echoes of Olympus is a non-explicit shared world of dark fantasy and paranormal romance reimagining classic Greek myths through shadow and desire. Each story follows different myths, different couples, and a different descent into danger—where gods and mortals collide.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I loved this story so much! I used to read a lot of books about mythology, but it’s been a little while since I have. So it was great to get back into it with Sunshine & Sin.

I liked that it’s set in the present time. I thought it was really interesting seeing the gods dealing with modern issues.

Apollo was very arrogant in the beginning, but I loved getting to see a different side to him the further into the story I read. I ended up liking him quite a bit. Cyrene was an endearing and easy-to-like character. I loved her fiery spirit. Cyrene and Apollo’s first meeting was super memorable, to say the least! I loved their banter.

If you’re a fan of urban fantasy with no explicit content, don’t miss out on this book. It’s fantastic! I’m so excited to check out the rest of the series.

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

FIVE STARS