Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Shadow (Heroes of Renegade Book 7) by Susan May Warren

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 Shadow (Heroes of Renegade Book 7) by Susan May Warren. 

SYNOPSIS

The most dangerous man isn't the one who lies to you. It's the one who makes you want to believe him anyway.

SHE PROTECTS EVERYONE. EXCEPT HERSELF.
Daphne Cross hasn't lost a witness in thirty-two protection details. She's fierce, independent, and operates by one rule: trust no one. It's kept her alive. It's kept her alone. And it's kept her heart safely locked away since her father died a hero and she swore never to let anyone close enough to destroy her again.

But this job requires the one thing she's spent fifteen years avoiding—returning to the hometown where she buried her father and left her heart behind.

HIS JOB IS LYING. TO EVERYONE.
FBI Agent Asher Morrison has spent eighteen months undercover as a corrupt agent, feeding intelligence to the Shadow Syndicate while secretly working to destroy them. He's watched witnesses die. Betrayed colleagues who trusted him. Become the monster he's hunting.

All to bring down the criminal empire that murdered his sister seven years ago.

But when a coordinated hit exposes a mole inside the FBI and puts two more witnesses in the crosshairs, Asher's carefully constructed lies begin to crumble. Someone inside is selling witness locations. And his new partner—a woman with trust issues and a perfect record—suspects him.

HOW DO YOU TRUST SOMEONE WHOSE JOB IS DECEPTION?
To protect their witnesses, Daphne and Asher must pose as husband and wife—hiding in plain sight while the Syndicate hunts them and their own agency might be compromised.

Daphne knows better than to trust a professional liar. But Asher sees past her walls. He makes her laugh. He makes her feel. And that's more dangerous than any bullet.

Because the woman who protects everyone has no defense against falling for a man who might be exactly what he seems—or the greatest lie she's ever believed.

Good men are worth fighting for. But is he good? Or is she just another mark who wants to believe?

SHADOW is Book 7 in the Brave series—a heart-pounding Christian romantic suspense featuring an undercover hero who's forgotten how to tell the truth, a fiercely guarded heroine learning that some risks are worth taking, fake marriage with very real sparks, and a faith journey from darkness into light. Can be read as a standalone.

"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light." —Isaiah 9:2

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Asher Morrison was tired of being a traitor.

Friday 56

This was what happened when you let your guard down. When you trusted. When you fell for the one person you had no business falling for.

What have you been reading lately?

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Resurrection of Evania James by Jaime Jo Wright

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 Resurrection of Evania James by Jaime Jo Wright releasing October 6.

SYNOPSIS

If walls could talk, what nightmare might they expose?

1879
When Eloise James's sister, Evania, goes missing after being admitted to an asylum, Eloise is determined to find her sibling but instead discovers evidence of dying patients and missing remains. Wannabe journalist Silas Dobbs has his own suspicions that something more nefarious is at work, and that black market sales may originate at the asylum. Together, they are intent on learning whether Evania is alive, or if her body has also been stolen. But unraveling a web of underground resurrectionists proves daunting, and the dead cannot share their secrets.

Present Day
Tilly Thompson is horrified to find historical human remains entombed in a wall of the Gothic mansion her grandfather just purchased, launching her into an investigation of the original owners' questionable past. The James family legacy harbors a darkness tightly woven through decades of secrets, but the past refuses to remain ensnared by silence. Will revealing the truth resurrect dangers best kept buried forever?

Jaime Jo Wright masterfully weaves a dual-timeline gothic suspense novel that brings together a haunting historical tale and a shadowy modern-day mystery. For fans of atmospheric thrillers, spooky reads, the Victorian era, creepy mansions, and dark family secrets.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Story Between Us (Maple Lake Collection Book 1) by Susan May Warren & 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 The Story Between Us (Maple Lake Collection Book 1) by Susan May Warren & Sarah May Warren releasing September 29.

SYNOPSIS

Best friend’s older brother. The almost-kiss summer. And one bestselling manuscript that’s years overdue.

Livvie Fox has spent six years being too nice for New York publishing — bringing cupcakes to the man who stole her promotion, watching senior agents take credit for the books she fought for, smiling while the bestseller list ticks past her name and lands on someone else’s.

Then her agency drops the bomb: bestselling reclusive author Ian Rivers is two years past deadline. The contract is about to die. The agency is about to take a hit it can’t afford. And if Livvie can’t fix it, she’s the one out the door.

Someone like the woman who knew him before he was Ian Rivers.

Before the bestsellers. Before the funeral. Before the night on a Maple Lake dock when she told him exactly how she felt and he just stood there, frozen, while every star in northern Minnesota watched her heart break.

Nate Rivers shouldn’t open his door.

Not for the publisher. Not for the lawyer. Not for the woman who walked off his sister’s dock seven years ago and took half the world with her.

But Livvie Fox is back in Maple Lake. With stolen soup. With his sister’s name in her mouth. With a publisher’s deadline that could cost him the only house left where Emma still feels real.

The town is gearing up for the Flannel Festival. The maples are turning. The dogs already love her. And the chapter Nate has been refusing to write for three years is suddenly demanding a co-author.

Some what-ifs deserve a second chapter.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: A Lady's Handbook to Gadgets and Guile (A Daughters of Genius Society Novel) by Angela Bell

SYNOPSIS

Margaret Kingsley's routine revolves around invention not investigation--until her ordered world springs a gasket.

London, England, 1895
Ambulatory wheelchair user Margaret Kingsley secretly crafts gadgets for the Daughters of Genius Society, a covert team of lady inspectors disguised as harmless bluestocking spinsters. While her fellow inspectors gallivant about London solving crimes, Margaret has been perfectly content assisting from the sidelines--until her expertise is needed to infiltrate the domain of London's most prolific inventor.

Charles Noble sacrificed his career as a musician to support his family after his father's stroke. Now he balances ledgers as a secretary by day and tends to his disabled father by night, but he can't pass up the chance to take a temporary job as event coordinator for a famous inventor commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of his mechanical empire. As strange occurrences cause Charles' event planning to collide with Margaret's case, the pair must unravel a plot of sabotage against the inventor's legacy while also investigating the sparks of attraction between them. 

Little Women meets Inspector Gadget in Angela Bell's witty romp of brilliant women, whimsical gadgetry, and sweet he-falls-first romance set in the Victorian era with themes of disability representation, women in STEM, light academia, and steampunk.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I absolutely adored this whimsical historical romance! This story was a lot of fun but also dealt with serious topics with grace. I really appreciated the chronic pain, invisible illness, and anxiety rep. They were described with such care and knowledge.

I was very intrigued by the comparison to Inspector Gadget and Little Women. It totally fit! Inspector Gadget was one of my favorite cartoons when I was a kid, so I loved all the gadgets! They were really neat!

I really liked both Margaret and Charlie. I thought they made a good pair. Charlie’s struggle with anxiety was very relatable. While I’m not usually a fan of “love at first sight," which is what happens when he first meets Margaret, I didn’t mind it all that much. I appreciated how honestly Margaret’s struggles were portrayed. I loved seeing her passion for her work. And I also loved seeing how loving and supportive her family was.

I loved the strong message of faith woven throughout the whole story. I highlighted so many passages! I can’t recommend this book highly enough! If you’re a fan of whimsical historical romances with a dash of mystery, don’t hesitate to grab a copy. You’ll love it!

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: A Lady's Handbook to Gadgets and Guile (A Daughters of Genius Society Novel) by Angela Bell

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 A Lady's Handbook to Gadgets and Guile (A Daughters of Genius Society Novel) by Angela Bell. This was even better than I thought it would be. I adored it! 

SYNOPSIS

Margaret Kingsley's routine revolves around invention not investigation--until her ordered world springs a gasket.

London, England, 1895
Ambulatory wheelchair user Margaret Kingsley secretly crafts gadgets for the Daughters of Genius Society, a covert team of lady inspectors disguised as harmless bluestocking spinsters. While her fellow inspectors gallivant about London solving crimes, Margaret has been perfectly content assisting from the sidelines--until her expertise is needed to infiltrate the domain of London's most prolific inventor.

Charles Noble sacrificed his career as a musician to support his family after his father's stroke. Now he balances ledgers as a secretary by day and tends to his disabled father by night, but he can't pass up the chance to take a temporary job as event coordinator for a famous inventor commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of his mechanical empire. As strange occurrences cause Charles' event planning to collide with Margaret's case, the pair must unravel a plot of sabotage against the inventor's legacy while also investigating the sparks of attraction between them. 

Little Women meets Inspector Gadget in Angela Bell's witty romp of brilliant women, whimsical gadgetry, and sweet he-falls-first romance set in the Victorian era with themes of disability representation, women in STEM, light academia, and steampunk.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

March 29, 1895

London, England 

How was a lady supposed to discreetly conceal a grappling hook on her person, that was the question. And the answer, quite logically, was within the handle of a parasol.

Friday 56

As they entered the Invention Factory, the pair was greeted not by the rhythmic clanking of tools of the frenetic whirring of machinery, but by a familiar voice warbling a lively tune one would expect to come staggering out of a pub.

What have you been reading lately?

Can't Wait Wednesday: Fatal Pattern (The King Legacy Book #2) by Kate Angelo

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 Fatal Pattern (The King Legacy Book #2) by Kate Angelo releasing September 15.

SYNOPSIS

A COVERT INVESTIGATION
A stalker attacks behavioral analyst Dr. Tori Crew at knifepoint, shattering the fierce independence she's built since her parents' unsolved murder. Forced into an off-the-books criminal investigation, Tori must push her expertise--and her fiercely guarded heart--to the breaking point as a killer's pattern emerges.

A LOOMING THREAT
Homicide detective Blade St. James has been Tori's friend and protector since childhood. Haunted by his own past of parental abandonment, Blade is determined to build a stable life and find the peace that always seems just out of reach. But when Tori's life is threatened, his guardian reflexes collide with everything he's been trying to build.

A HIDDEN MENACE
As the conspiracy rooted in Tori's past pulls them deeper, the boundaries of their friendship blur, and the truth neither can deny becomes impossible to ignore. Can they unmask the sophisticated serial killer before they become the final, fatal piece in the pattern?

In this gripping romantic suspense thriller, Kate Angelo delivers pulse-pounding psychological suspense and forensic investigations threaded with slow-burn romance and a heart-stopping cold case. Perfect for fans of Criminal Minds, Lynette Eason, Nancy Mehl, Colleen Coble, and Irene Hannon.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Lazarus Protocol (Division Zero Special Ops Book 1) by Lisa Phillips

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 Lazarus Protocol (Division Zero Special Ops Book 1) by Lisa Phillips releasing August 19.

SYNOPSIS

A suspicious death in Washington, ruled an accident.
A team dispatched into hostile territory.
A covert agent, bruised and hunted, but very much alive.

The CIA saved Stephanie-Jo’s life. Now she owes them her soul, and there’s no way out. When a private black-ops team becomes her only chance at survival, the mission shifts to a battle of wills. These men answer to no government, only to each other, and they’re hunting the same device she’s been sent to secure. Steph’s handlers don’t accept failure. She has to complete the mission—or die trying.

Adam Helton was declared dead by the Army years ago. Now he leads a team racing the clock to retrieve sensitive technology from a hostile zone, unaware of what will be unleashed if they fail. He’s always risked everything, but this time the stakes are different. Caught between the loyalty he lives by and the oath he swore a long time ago, Adam must risk it all if any of them are going to make it out intact.

With a ruthless group of true believers closing in and an enemy who always seems one step ahead, Division Zero faces its greatest test yet. Every thread they pull in this global conspiracy only reveals another, placing them squarely in the crosshairs as they race to stop an ally from making a catastrophic mistake.

The greatest threat isn’t always the one coming for you.
Sometimes it’s the one standing beside you.

*The new action-packed espionage thriller series from Lisa Phillips features a deadly conspiracy that stretches across the whole series, plenty of threads to keep you reading late into the night, and happily ever afters in each book.*

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Defender (Heroes of Renegade Book 6) by Michelle Sass Aleckson

SYNOPSIS

She's his best friend's little sister. He's always been off-limits. Until their cases collide and everything changes.

Police Detective Michael Martinelli has spent four years hunting his mother's killer. When a string of burglaries reopens the cold case, the last complication he needs is Dani Kim walking back into his life.

She came back to prove herself—then get out. She never expected him to make her want to stay.

FBI Special Agent Dani Kim's "punishment" assignment in Renegade is temporary—keep her head down, prove she belongs in the big leagues, and escape back to her real career. But when her investigation into financial irregularities collides with Michael's case—both leading to a shadow syndicate that may have murdered his mother—everything changes. Michael's always been off-limits—her brother's best friend, nothing more. But working together ignites feelings neither expected.

When enemies strike and bodies pile up, can they survive long enough to explore what's growing between them?

Sometimes justice requires faith, courage, and risking your heart on forbidden love.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Defender was another great addition to this series. In fact, it’s one of my favorites. It wasn’t quite as action-packed as some of the previous books, but it was no less compelling. I was completely invested and didn’t want to put it down.

I really liked Michael. He was helpful, chivalrous, and just an all-around good guy. It took a little while to warm up to Dani. She was impulsive, rushing into things without thinking about the consequences, even when she was told not to do it. But she did mean well, and by the end of the book, I ended up liking her. I enjoyed seeing her character growth. I thought Michael and Dani were really good together. They really balanced each other out.

There was even more progress made with the Shadow Syndicate. I’m really curious to see how things end up in the final book of the series! If you’re a fan of faith-filled romantic suspense, don’t hesitate to pick up this series. It’s so good!

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: Defender (Heroes of Renegade Book 6) by Michelle Sass Aleckson

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 Defender (Heroes of Renegade Book 6) by Michelle Sass Aleckson

SYNOPSIS

She's his best friend's little sister. He's always been off-limits. Until their cases collide and everything changes.

Police Detective Michael Martinelli has spent four years hunting his mother's killer. When a string of burglaries reopens the cold case, the last complication he needs is Dani Kim walking back into his life.

She came back to prove herself—then get out. She never expected him to make her want to stay.

FBI Special Agent Dani Kim's "punishment" assignment in Renegade is temporary—keep her head down, prove she belongs in the big leagues, and escape back to her real career. But when her investigation into financial irregularities collides with Michael's case—both leading to a shadow syndicate that may have murdered his mother—everything changes. Michael's always been off-limits—her brother's best friend, nothing more. But working together ignites feelings neither expected.

When enemies strike and bodies pile up, can they survive long enough to explore what's growing between them?

Sometimes justice requires faith, courage, and risking your heart on forbidden love.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Roused from a deep sleep, Detective Michael Martinelli swatted at the buzzing near his ear.

Friday 56

A beat of silence reigned for a moment. Then her father wrapped an arm around her mother. "I think that's enough for one night. I need to get your mother home."

What have you been reading lately?

Can't Wait Wednesday: Twilight Tactics (Soldiers in Shadows Book #1) by Lynette Eason

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 Twilight Tactics (Soldiers in Shadows Book #1) by Lynette Eason releasing August 4.

SYNOPSIS

He came to protect a witness. She came to teach survival skills. Now they're targets with an enemy who won't let either of them walk away.

FBI agent Sully Sullivan arrives at Broken Chains Ranch with Ollie Callahan--a foster teen and sole witness to a mob hit. The ranch, started by Sully's cousin to provide a trauma recovery facility for veterans, should be a place he can keep Ollie safe until the trial. But what was meant as a peaceful haven becomes a battleground when armed attackers surround the property.

Survival expert Elena Thompson teaches wilderness skills at the ranch and coaches Ollie in self-defense. As the series of attacks on the ranch escalates into a full siege, the question becomes who the attackers are after: Ollie, the young witness? Or Elena, with her mysterious past? With communications down and help out of reach, Sully and Elena fight to keep everyone alive as secrets and danger close in.

A gripping romantic suspense thriller from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lynette Eason, full of action and danger and set on a remote ranch. Forced proximity, surprising twists, and a race against tech-savvy enemies make this a pulse-pounding read for fans of Irene Hannon, Dani Pettrey, and Elizabeth Goddard.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Can't Wait Wednesday: Twelve Days and Twelfth Night by Sarah Sundin

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 Twelve Days and Twelfth Night by Sarah Sundin releasing September 1.

SYNOPSIS

She needs a star for her wartime Christmas show. He needs a second chance. Together they stage a production neither expected.

World War II USO director Maggie Oliver faces an impossible task: stage a Christmas show in San Diego for thousands of sailors, with dwindling resources and a quickly approaching deadline. To star in the show, she enlists Prescott Duke, a former Hollywood heartthrob whose career ended in flames after an accident left him scarred and adrift. He eagerly accepts Maggie's invitation and seizes the chance to reclaim what war has stolen from him.

Inspired by Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and "The Twelve Days of Christmas," Maggie and Prescott craft a show at a Shakespearean theater that promises to lift spirits. But as rehearsals progress, Maggie discovers a secret that could transform her production into something unforgettable. With opening night approaching and unexpected feelings complicating everything, Maggie must decide how far she'll go to rewrite not just her show but the outcome for everyone involved.

A romantic World War II Christmas novella of Hollywood stars and a holiday production. Perfect for fans of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, the opposites-attract trope, redemption, and second chances.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Rescuer (Heroes of Renegade Book 5) by Dana R. Lynn

SYNOPSIS

Some rescues require risking everything—including your heart.

Special education teacher Mia Turner never wanted to return to Renegade, especially not to face Jackson Stewart—the man who shattered her heart and abandoned her in her darkest hour. But when her students start disappearing and a shadowy foundation's "youth camp" becomes ground zero for a dangerous plot, she has no choice but to trust the one man she swore she'd never forgive.

When the past collides with a deadly present, survival depends on forgiveness.

Paramedic Jackson Stewart will do anything to find his missing brother Dylan, even work with the woman who decimated his heart. But as dangerous secrets surface in Renegade, Jackson must face the possibility that finding his brother means confronting not just his painful past with Mia, but a conspiracy that could destroy everything he's fought to protect.

In a town where secrets kill and trust is a luxury they can't afford, love might be the only thing that can save them all.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I really enjoyed this second-chance romance. Full of suspense, depth, and a great message of faith, I had a hard time putting it down.

I really liked Mia and Jackson. They had a past. A not so great one. There was a lot of history and hurt between them. Things ended badly, to put it mildly. There was a lot for them to work through, but I was rooting for them the whole time.

There were quite a bit of revelations and progress made with the Shadow Syndicate. I’m very curious where things will go next.

This ended up being a beautiful story of redemption and reconciliation. I really enjoyed my time reading it. I thought it handled some of the more serious topics with grace. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys romantic suspense with a strong inspirational thread. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!

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

FOUR STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Rescuer (Heroes of Renegade Book 5) by Dana R. Lynn

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 Rescuer (Heroes of Renegade Book 5) by Dana R. Lynn 

SYNOPSIS

Some rescues require risking everything—including your heart.

Special education teacher Mia Turner never wanted to return to Renegade, especially not to face Jackson Stewart—the man who shattered her heart and abandoned her in her darkest hour. But when her students start disappearing and a shadowy foundation's "youth camp" becomes ground zero for a dangerous plot, she has no choice but to trust the one man she swore she'd never forgive.

When the past collides with a deadly present, survival depends on forgiveness.

Paramedic Jackson Stewart will do anything to find his missing brother Dylan, even work with the woman who decimated his heart. But as dangerous secrets surface in Renegade, Jackson must face the possibility that finding his brother means confronting not just his painful past with Mia, but a conspiracy that could destroy everything he's fought to protect.

In a town where secrets kill and trust is a luxury they can't afford, love might be the only thing that can save them all.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Jackson Stewart tore up the steps and into the courthouse, dirty and smelling of blood and sweat. Gavin, the guard inside the courthouse, shot up from his chair, his eyes locked on the dark blood stains that smeared Jackson's light-gray uniform. 

Friday 56

He revved the engine and shifted into Drive, then they left the parking lot without looking back. She could almost feel the accusing glares on the back of her head.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Worlds Collide (Worlds Collide Trilogy Book 1) by Clint Hall

SYNOPSIS

Five worlds at war. Only one can survive.

Ten thousand years ago, five cosmic beings—a dragon, a phoenix, a serpent, a lion, and a wolf—set their worlds on an inevitable collision course. Each civilization was given one command: destroy the rival worlds, or crash into them and die.

As the planets draw near to each other, the moment of final reckoning is at hand. In a galaxy filled with starfighters and superweapons, magic and manipulation, planet-killing devices and mechanized legions, five heroes must defend their homeworlds against overwhelming odds.

But when prophecy and destiny collide, a far greater power begins to stir—one that challenges everything they’ve been told.

Oaths will be broken. Chains will be shattered. Champions will rise. The fate of the universe hangs in the balance as these heroes discover whether any world deserves to survive.

The War of the Creators has begun.

Perfect for fans of Red Rising, The Expanse, and mythic sci-fi epics, Worlds Collide blends high-stakes interplanetary war with a legendary, fate-driven mystery—where the final battle may not be what it seems.

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / Enclave Publishing Store / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

It’s not often that I want to go back and immediately reread a book right after I’ve finished it, but that’s exactly what happened with Worlds Collide. What an intricate, compelling, and just downright fantastic start to this sci-fi series. I loved it so much!

The worldbuilding is stunning. So complex and detailed. It follows five different characters on five different worlds. I was afraid that with all the characters and information that I might feel overwhelmed and not be able to keep things straight, but that wasn’t the case at all. It was fascinating learning about everything. And I really enjoyed reading about each of the characters and their world. But I think my favorite was TOM. I won’t say much, but his story was so fascinating.

I can’t recommend this book highly enough. It’s one of the best books I’ve read, not just this year, but maybe ever. I can’t say enough good things about it. If you’re a fan of this genre, don’t hesitate to grab a copy. You won’t be disappointed.

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: Worlds Collide (Worlds Collide Trilogy Book 1) by Clint Hall

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 Worlds Collide (Worlds Collide Trilogy Book 1) by Clint Hall. I was lucky enough to read an e-ARC of it and loved it! It's a definite contender for book of the year.

SYNOPSIS

Five worlds at war. Only one can survive.

Ten thousand years ago, five cosmic beings—a dragon, a phoenix, a serpent, a lion, and a wolf—set their worlds on an inevitable collision course. Each civilization was given one command: destroy the rival worlds, or crash into them and die.

As the planets draw near to each other, the moment of final reckoning is at hand. In a galaxy filled with starfighters and superweapons, magic and manipulation, planet-killing devices and mechanized legions, five heroes must defend their homeworlds against overwhelming odds.

But when prophecy and destiny collide, a far greater power begins to stir—one that challenges everything they’ve been told.

Oaths will be broken. Chains will be shattered. Champions will rise. The fate of the universe hangs in the balance as these heroes discover whether any world deserves to survive.

The War of the Creators has begun.

Perfect for fans of Red Rising, The Expanse, and mythic sci-fi epics, Worlds Collide blends high-stakes interplanetary war with a legendary, fate-driven mystery—where the final battle may not be what it seems.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Song was the perfect warrior, a living weapon, forged by the fire of the Great Cosmic Dragon. She had dedicated her life to saving her world by destroying its enemies.

Friday 56

The smoke from the funeral pyre lifted into the night sky, fading into the distant stars.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Don't Cross the Blue Line: A Contemporary Hockey Romance (The Blue Ox Boys Book 2) by Susan May Warren & Sarah May Warren

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' Benson, 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.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

What a fun and suspenseful read! It had a good amount of humor and more suspense than I was expecting. There was also a sweet and swoony romance, a lot of depth, and a wonderful message of faith too. I absolutely adored this book!

I really liked both Everly and Beckett. She’s an author with two pen names. And the inspiration for her upcoming hockey romance is Blue Ox defenseman Beckett Benson. Beckett was super likable and endearing. He’s a reader who’s been sending secret fan mail to one of Everly’s pen names. Neither one knows the real identity of the other. Not yet, at least. The two have a past. A not-so-great one. But I loved seeing them reconnect and was rooting so hard for them.

I loved this book so much and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, lightly suspenseful read with a lot of heart and a strong message of faith. I can’t wait for book three.

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

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 Don't Cross the Blue Line: (The Blue Ox Boys Book 2) by Susan May Warren & Sarah May Warren. 

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' Benson, 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.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Here's the problem. I lie for a living. Sort of. 

Friday 56

I shoot her a look. Is she laughing? "It's not funny, Mom. She hates me."

What have you been reading lately?

Can't Wait Wednesday: Worlds Collide (Worlds Collide Trilogy Book 1) by Clint Hall

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 Worlds Collide (Worlds Collide Trilogy Book 1) by Clint Hall releasing July 14. I actually just recently finished an ARC of this book and loved it so much! I'm so ready for it to be out so more people can read it, and I can talk about it with them.

SYNOPSIS

Five worlds at war. Only one can survive.

Ten thousand years ago, five cosmic beings—a dragon, a phoenix, a serpent, a lion, and a wolf—set their worlds on an inevitable collision course. Each civilization was given one command: destroy the rival worlds, or crash into them and die.

As the planets draw near to each other, the moment of final reckoning is at hand. In a galaxy filled with starfighters and superweapons, magic and manipulation, planet-killing devices and mechanized legions, five heroes must defend their homeworlds against overwhelming odds.

But when prophecy and destiny collide, a far greater power begins to stir—one that challenges everything they’ve been told.

Oaths will be broken. Chains will be shattered. Champions will rise. The fate of the universe hangs in the balance as these heroes discover whether any world deserves to survive.

The War of the Creators has begun.

Perfect for fans of Red Rising, The Expanse, and mythic sci-fi epics, Worlds Collide blends high-stakes interplanetary war with a legendary, fate-driven mystery—where the final battle may not be what it seems.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Guardian (Heroes of Renegade Book 4) by Jennifer Chastain

SYNOPSIS

★ When your past refuses to stay buried, love becomes your strongest weapon. ★

Aubrey Richardson survived a killer's vengeance once. She won't get a second chance.

After twenty years of hiding, Aubrey finally has everything she's dreamed of—a job she loves with the US Marshals, a reunion with her estranged family, and most importantly, the love of Deputy Ethan Butler. But when a federal prisoner transport plane crashes outside of Renegade, Aubrey realizes her nightmare isn't over. Someone from her past has found her, and this time, they're not just coming for her—they're targeting everyone she loves.

The past never forgets. And it never forgives.

Ethan Butler has faced down killers, survived ambushes, and protected countless witnesses, but nothing has prepared him for this. When the woman he loves becomes the target of a methodical killer with a twenty-year grudge, Ethan must navigate a deadly game where every move could be their last. The attacks are personal, calculated, and designed to destroy not just Aubrey's life, but her faith, her sanity, and everyone she holds dear.

As bodies pile up and the killer's true identity emerges from the shadows, Aubrey faces an impossible choice: continue running and let innocent people die, or stand and fight against an enemy who knows her every fear, her every weakness, her every secret.

When love means risking everything, how far will you go?

From deadly snipers to midnight chases through Colorado's mountain wilderness, Aubrey and Ethan race against a killer who's had two decades to perfect their revenge. But when the final confrontation forces Aubrey to choose between her own survival and saving the lives of everyone in Renegade, she'll discover that sometimes the greatest guardian isn't the man with the badge—it's the God who's been protecting her all along.

Perfect for fans of:

• High-stakes romantic suspense
• Faith-tested-by-fire storylines
• Alpha protective heroes
• Strong heroines overcoming trauma
• Small-town secrets with deadly consequences
• US Marshal romance
• Found family bonds tested by fire

Themes:
Trauma and Healing Faith Under Fire Protective Love Trust and Betrayal Divine Protection Courage in Crisis Second Chances Found Family Love Worth Fighting For

Book 4 in the Renegade County series by Jennifer Chastain, created by Susan May Warren and Lisa Phillips. Complete story where danger meets desire and love conquers all!

Get ready for the most dangerous—and romantic—installment yet in the series readers can't stop talking about.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I really enjoyed this grumpy/sunshine romantic suspense! It didn’t take long before the suspense kicked in and I was hooked! It became an impossible to put down thrill ride.

I really liked Aubrey and Ethan. She works for the US Marshals as an administrative assistant. She’s a stress baker with a sunshiny attitude. I was really worried for her when the killer she put in jail years ago came after her. Ethan’s a Deputy Marshal with a strong protective instinct and a secret sweet tooth. He was a bit of a grump, but the more I got to know him, the more I liked him.

This was the first book I’ve read by this author, but it won’t be my last. I look forward to reading more from her. I recommend reading this multi-author series in order because there’s an overarching mystery surrounding the Shadow Syndicate. If you’re a fan of romantic suspense with a strong thread of faith, you’ll love it!

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

FOUR STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Guardian (Heroes of Renegade Book 4) by Jennifer Chastain

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 Guardian (Heroes of Renegade Book 4) by Jennifer Chastain. This is another great addition to the series! 

SYNOPSIS

★ When your past refuses to stay buried, love becomes your strongest weapon. ★

Aubrey Richardson survived a killer's vengeance once. She won't get a second chance.

After twenty years of hiding, Aubrey finally has everything she's dreamed of—a job she loves with the US Marshals, a reunion with her estranged family, and most importantly, the love of Deputy Ethan Butler. But when a federal prisoner transport plane crashes outside of Renegade, Aubrey realizes her nightmare isn't over. Someone from her past has found her, and this time, they're not just coming for her—they're targeting everyone she loves.

The past never forgets. And it never forgives.

Ethan Butler has faced down killers, survived ambushes, and protected countless witnesses, but nothing has prepared him for this. When the woman he loves becomes the target of a methodical killer with a twenty-year grudge, Ethan must navigate a deadly game where every move could be their last. The attacks are personal, calculated, and designed to destroy not just Aubrey's life, but her faith, her sanity, and everyone she holds dear.

As bodies pile up and the killer's true identity emerges from the shadows, Aubrey faces an impossible choice: continue running and let innocent people die, or stand and fight against an enemy who knows her every fear, her every weakness, her every secret.

When love means risking everything, how far will you go?

From deadly snipers to midnight chases through Colorado's mountain wilderness, Aubrey and Ethan race against a killer who's had two decades to perfect their revenge. But when the final confrontation forces Aubrey to choose between her own survival and saving the lives of everyone in Renegade, she'll discover that sometimes the greatest guardian isn't the man with the badge—it's the God who's been protecting her all along.

Perfect for fans of:

• High-stakes romantic suspense
• Faith-tested-by-fire storylines
• Alpha protective heroes
• Strong heroines overcoming trauma
• Small-town secrets with deadly consequences
• US Marshal romance
• Found family bonds tested by fire

Themes:
Trauma and Healing Faith Under Fire Protective Love Trust and Betrayal Divine Protection Courage in Crisis Second Chances Found Family Love Worth Fighting For

Book 4 in the Renegade County series by Jennifer Chastain, created by Susan May Warren and Lisa Phillips. Complete story where danger meets desire and love conquers all!

Get ready for the most dangerous—and romantic—installment yet in the series readers can't stop talking about.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

It had either been a colossal mistake volunteering to assist with the annual Fourth of July Renegade Days or a brilliant idea.

Friday 56

The next morning Ethan sat at his desk, no further along with the case. He glanced up from his laptop every few minutes, checked his phone.

What have you been reading lately?