First Line Friday: Zero Sum

Happy Friday reader friends! It’s time for First Line Friday hosted by Hoarding Books. Grab the book nearest to you and share the first line! Today I’m sharing the first line from Zero Sum by Jan Thompson.

And the first line is…

“This better pay off, Kel,” Cayson Yang said when his employee and friend came back to their booth at a corner of the noisy convention center.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Publisher’s Note: Zero Sum debuted in the Kill Zone anthology that was published on October 3, 2017.

She opens a case she cannot close.
If he helps her solve it, he will die.

From USA Today bestselling author Jan Thompson comes Binary Hackers, an inspirational Christian romantic suspense technothriller collection, featuring hackers and cybercrime specialists at Binary Systems, Inc. Binary Hackers begins with the trials and tribulations of Cayson Yang, the fearful leader of the struggling Binary Systems, Inc.

FBI Special Agent Stella Evans finds the last surviving computer consultant who holds the key to destroying a terrorist organization’s global network, but poor Cayson may not live long enough to dismantle the computer system.

The Chaos…

Computer network specialist Cayson Yang’s struggling network infrastructure company has received a rash of new clients lately, the total income of which finally puts Binary Systems, Inc., in the black for the first time ever.

He is now able to give pay raises to himself and his business partner and cousin, Leland Yang-Joule, and bonuses to his employees. Cayson dreams of a bigger office space for them all.

Somewhere between two dollars in his bank account and a two-million-dollar computer network contract, Cayson finds himself in the crosshairs of the world’s most notorious terrorist organization, now coming after him, his business partner, and his family.

Ignoring repeated warning lights might have been Cayson’s downfall, but it’s too late for him to backtrack now that his enemies have implanted a cybernetic kill switch in his head.

The Crime…

Assigned to the National Cyber Investigative Joint Task Force, FBI Special Agent Stella Evans finishes assisting her colleagues from the Counterterrorism Division to apprehend a notorious terrorist.

On trial in Europe for war crimes too numerous to list, Molyneux refuses to help the authorities dismantle her sophisticated international computer network. The only alternative is to find the architects of this network and hope they will cooperate.

Shutting down Molyneux’s underground computer network is the best way to destroy those mercenary terrorists for hire. However, the terrorist organization doesn’t want to be outdone. A successor is named, and they begin to kill off anyone who has worked on the underground network in the past.

The Crisis…

By the time Stella reaches the Binary Systems global headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, most of the original computer specialists who worked for Molyneux are either dead or have disappeared—except their fearful leader, Cayson Yang, the final link, kept alive for reasons unknown.

Stella finds herself at a crossroad between duty and following Cayson and the cybernetic implants in his head. She stands to lose not only her carefully cultivated career but, more dangerously, her closely guarded heart as she decides what to do with the Pandora’s box she has opened…

Binary Hackers

  • Book 1: Zero Sum
  • Book 2: Zero Day
  • Book 3: Zero Base

AMAZON | GOODREADS


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

USA Today bestselling author Jan Thompson writes clean and wholesome multiethnic contemporary Christian romance with elements of women’s fiction, Christian romantic suspense with an air of mystery, and inspirational international thrillers with threads of sweet Christian romance.

Jan’s books are for readers who love inspiring stories of faith, hope, and love in Jesus Christ.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER


Post by contributor Allyson Anthony

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Book Review: Zero Sum

Happy Monday reader friends! Today’s book review is of Zero Sum by Jan Thompson. Have you read this series?


ABOUT THE BOOK

Publisher’s Note: Zero Sum debuted in the Kill Zone anthology that was published on October 3, 2017.

She opens a case she cannot close.
If he helps her solve it, he will die.


From USA Today bestselling author Jan Thompson comes Binary Hackers, an inspirational Christian romantic suspense technothriller collection, featuring hackers and cybercrime specialists at Binary Systems, Inc. Binary Hackers begins with the trials and tribulations of Cayson Yang, the fearful leader of the struggling Binary Systems, Inc.

FBI Special Agent Stella Evans finds the last surviving computer consultant who holds the key to destroying a terrorist organization’s global network, but poor Cayson may not live long enough to dismantle the computer system.

The Chaos…

Computer network specialist Cayson Yang’s struggling network infrastructure company has received a rash of new clients lately, the total income of which finally puts Binary Systems, Inc., in the black for the first time ever.

He is now able to give pay raises to himself and his business partner and cousin, Leland Yang-Joule, and bonuses to his employees. Cayson dreams of a bigger office space for them all.

Somewhere between two dollars in his bank account and a two-million-dollar computer network contract, Cayson finds himself in the crosshairs of the world’s most notorious terrorist organization, now coming after him, his business partner, and his family.

Ignoring repeated warning lights might have been Cayson’s downfall, but it’s too late for him to backtrack now that his enemies have implanted a cybernetic kill switch in his head.

The Crime…

Assigned to the National Cyber Investigative Joint Task Force, FBI Special Agent Stella Evans finishes assisting her colleagues from the Counterterrorism Division to apprehend a notorious terrorist.

On trial in Europe for war crimes too numerous to list, Molyneux refuses to help the authorities dismantle her sophisticated international computer network. The only alternative is to find the architects of this network and hope they will cooperate.

Shutting down Molyneux’s underground computer network is the best way to destroy those mercenary terrorists for hire. However, the terrorist organization doesn’t want to be outdone. A successor is named, and they begin to kill off anyone who has worked on the underground network in the past.

The Crisis…

By the time Stella reaches the Binary Systems global headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, most of the original computer specialists who worked for Molyneux are either dead or have disappeared—except their fearful leader, Cayson Yang, the final link, kept alive for reasons unknown.

Stella finds herself at a crossroad between duty and following Cayson and the cybernetic implants in his head. She stands to lose not only her carefully cultivated career but, more dangerously, her closely guarded heart as she decides what to do with the Pandora’s box she has opened…

Binary Hackers

  • Book 1: Zero Sum
  • Book 2: Zero Day
  • Book 3: Zero Base

AMAZON | GOODREADS


MY THOUGHTS

This is a wild ride. Lots of action, mystery, and intrigue in this romantic suspense novel. Cayson is a hacker who got implants in his head without his knowledge. Cayson and Stella make a great team. Cayson works with other hackers to remove the implants before the bad guys get to him and detonates him while Stella protects him. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

USA Today bestselling author Jan Thompson writes clean and wholesome multiethnic contemporary Christian romance with elements of women’s fiction, Christian romantic suspense with an air of mystery, and inspirational international thrillers with threads of sweet Christian romance.

Jan’s books are for readers who love inspiring stories of faith, hope, and love in Jesus Christ.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER


Post by contributor Allyson Anthony

First Line Friday: Target for Treason

Happy Friday, friends! It’s time for First Line Friday hosted by Hoarding Books. Grab the book nearest to you and share the first line! Today I’m sharing the first line from Target for Treason by Laura Scott.

And the first line is…

Lina Parker paused for a moment, glancing up and down the street that was illuminated by streetlights and the full moon.


ABOUT THE BOOK

From USA TODAY Bestselling Author Laura Scott

Protecting the innocent while saving their country…

Will they save the President in time?

Former Secret Service Agent Boyd Sinclair finds protecting Lina Parker more difficult than anything he’d faced at the White House. Relentless attacks from the Chinese Mafia interferes with his investigation around the potential threat to the President. And when Boyd learns of a possible family connection to Lina, his mission turns complicated. For the first time in his life, he’s torn between saving the woman he’s fallen for, or the President of the United States.

A simple DNA test has pulled Microbiologist Lina Parker into a dangerous game of hide and seek, one she has scant hope of winning without Boyd’s help. When the truth about her mother’s family is revealed, she knows Boyd is the only man she can trust – with her life and her heart. But first they must uncover the identity of the real traitor in their midst…

What reviewers are saying about Laura Scott’s Security Specialists, Inc. series…

“Thrilling! If you enjoy the works of Irene Hannon or Elizabeth Goddard, you will want to give this a try.” L. Couter VINE VOICE

AMAZON | GOODREADS


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I’m often asked when I started writing and I have to be honest, I can’t remember when I wasn’t writing. I loved books as a kid and like many authors I ran out of stories that I liked to read so I began to make up my own. I wrote my first teen novel when I was thirteen and my first romance when I was seventeen. Of course neither manuscript was very good, but I never gave up and after I finished Graduate school I decided to take some time for myself and get back to my writing. I’m so glad I did!

I grew up reading faith based books by Grace Livingston Hill so writing for Love Inspired Suspense is a dream come true. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy writing them.

I currently live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with my husband of thirty-three years. My daughter Nicole is married to a wonderful man named Mike and my son Jonathan is a Registered Nurse at the same hospital where I work. I’m so blessed to have such a wonderful family. 

I’m a dog lover and had to put my Westie named Mac down a year or so ago. I still miss him but now have a chance to dog sit for my sisters and brother. I try to incorporate pets in my my stories as much as possible

In May of 2017 I was the humble recipient of the Wisconsin Romance Writers Lifetime Achievement Award. I’m blessed to be a member of such an amazing group!

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM | TWITTER


Post by contributor Allyson Anthony

Book Review: Target for Treason

Good morning reader friends! Today’s book review is of Target for Treason by Laura Scott. This is book 4 in her Security Specialists, Inc. series, and it is a fabulous suspense series. Have you read any of these books?


ABOUT THIS BOOK

From USA TODAY Bestselling Author Laura Scott

Protecting the innocent while saving their country…

Will they save the President in time?

Former Secret Service Agent Boyd Sinclair finds protecting Lina Parker more difficult than anything he’d faced at the White House. Relentless attacks from the Chinese Mafia interferes with his investigation around the potential threat to the President. And when Boyd learns of a possible family connection to Lina, his mission turns complicated. For the first time in his life, he’s torn between saving the woman he’s fallen for, or the President of the United States.

A simple DNA test has pulled Microbiologist Lina Parker into a dangerous game of hide and seek, one she has scant hope of winning without Boyd’s help. When the truth about her mother’s family is revealed, she knows Boyd is the only man she can trust – with her life and her heart. But first they must uncover the identity of the real traitor in their midst…

What reviewers are saying about Laura Scott’s Security Specialists, Inc. series…

“Thrilling! If you enjoy the works of Irene Hannon or Elizabeth Goddard, you will want to give this a try.” L. Couter VINE VOICE

AMAZON | GOODREADS


MY THOUGHTS

This is a fabulous read. It drew me straight in from the start. Lina, curious about her Chinese roots, discovered through a DNA website she had a family connection on her mother’s side of the family. Only her meeting with her aunt didn’t go as planned. The Chinese mafia is after her and Boyd, and she is being framed. This suspenseful story, filled with twists and turns and family secrets, kept me turning the pages until the end.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I’m often asked when I started writing and I have to be honest, I can’t remember when I wasn’t writing. I loved books as a kid and like many authors I ran out of stories that I liked to read so I began to make up my own. I wrote my first teen novel when I was thirteen and my first romance when I was seventeen. Of course neither manuscript was very good, but I never gave up and after I finished Graduate school I decided to take some time for myself and get back to my writing. I’m so glad I did!

I grew up reading faith based books by Grace Livingston Hill so writing for Love Inspired Suspense is a dream come true. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy writing them.

I currently live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with my husband of thirty-three years. My daughter Nicole is married to a wonderful man named Mike and my son Jonathan is a Registered Nurse at the same hospital where I work. I’m so blessed to have such a wonderful family. 

I’m a dog lover and had to put my Westie named Mac down a year or so ago. I still miss him but now have a chance to dog sit for my sisters and brother. I try to incorporate pets in my my stories as much as possible

In May of 2017 I was the humble recipient of the Wisconsin Romance Writers Lifetime Achievement Award. I’m blessed to be a member of such an amazing group!

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK |INSTAGRAM | TWITTER


Posted by contributor Allyson Anthony

First Line Friday: Loving the Athlete

Happy Friday, friends! It’s time for First Line Friday hosted by Hoarding Books. Grab the book nearest to you and share the first line! Today I’m sharing the first line from Loving the Athlete by Cami Checketts.

And the first line is…

Corbin Johns went through the motions, performing stunts he could do in his sleep.


ABOUT THE BOOK

A world-renowned athlete and a fugitive. When he falls for her will she let him protect her or will she keep running because it’s all she knows?

Sawyer Creed has dedicated his life to not only being famous himself, but to making each of his friends famous in their own right. Sometimes the best-laid plans backfire and if Sawyer doesn’t kill himself with one of his stunts, one of his best friends might finish the job when his scheming goes too far and ruins not only their lives but their chances at love.
Famous Friends Romances:
#1 – Loving the Firefighter
#2 – Loving the Athlete
#3 – Loving the Rancher
#4 – Loving the Singer
#5 – Loving the Sheriff
#6 – Loving the Coach
#7 – Loving the Entertainer

AMAZON | GOODREADS


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cami Checketts is the author of over eighty bestselling novels. Her journey began on an Idaho dairy farm daydreaming book ideas on her bike or tractor and landing herself in the hospital numerous times for head wounds. She settled down after college to raise four adventurous boys and write down all those fabulous ideas. Cami thoroughly enjoys living in her imaginary world, but tries to visit her family on occasion. 
Cami loves her husband, her boys, her Savior, her friends, traveling, chocolate, and exercise.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER


Post by contributor Allyson Anthony

Book Review: Loving the Athlete

Happy Wednesday reader friends! Today’s book review is Loving the Athlete by Cami Checketts. This is the second book in her newest series. Have you read her newest series?


ABOUT THIS BOOK

A world-renowned athlete and a fugitive. When he falls for her will she let him protect her or will she keep running because it’s all she knows?

Sienna Nelson ran away from home to protect her family. She’s lived on her own for nine years and she doesn’t need help from anyone but heaven above. When Corbin Johns discovers her at one of his events can he convince her that she not only needs him, but that she also needs to love him?Famous Friends Romances:
#1 – Loving the Firefighter
#2 – Loving the Athlete
#3 – Loving the Rancher
#4 – Loving the Singer
#5 – Loving the Sheriff
#6 – Loving the Coach
#7 – Loving the Entertainer

AMAZON | GOODREADS


MY THOUGHTS

This is an incredible read that involves danger, suspense, and romance. Sienna has been on the run and hiding for 9 years. Corbin sees Sienna and ends up chasing after her wanting to know the truth why she had disappeared. Sienna tells him the truth, and Corbin promises to protect her. She is afraid to fall in love with him because she still is in danger and wants to protect her family too.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cami Checketts is the author of over eighty bestselling novels. Her journey began on an Idaho dairy farm daydreaming book ideas on her bike or tractor and landing herself in the hospital numerous times for head wounds. She settled down after college to raise four adventurous boys and write down all those fabulous ideas. Cami thoroughly enjoys living in her imaginary world, but tries to visit her family on occasion. 
Cami loves her husband, her boys, her Savior, her friends, traveling, chocolate, and exercise.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER


Post by contributor Allyson Anthony

First Line Friday: Last Line of Defense

Happy Friday, friends! It’s time for First Line Friday hosted by Hoarding Books. Grab the book nearest to you and share the first line! Today I’m sharing the first line from Last Line of Defense by Lisa Phillips. 

And the first line is…

Her sneakers whispered on the wax hallway floor.


ABOUT THE BOOK 

The fight is almost over.

Reporter Soraya Adams tried to tell the world about Travers Industries and wound up losing everything. Disgraced by a tech company reshaping law enforcement communications, she is forced to flee or be killed.

Judah Havig found a family in Chevalier Protection Specialists, but like everything else in his life it will eventually go bad. When British Intelligence calls in a long overdue favor Judah has to choose between loyalty and a future.

Enemies become friends. Tragedy strikes when it’s least expected. And the entire team is put to the test as Chevalier takes on Travers Industries.

AMAZON GOODREADS


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lisa Phillips is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Since then she’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.

Lisa also writes supernatural thrillers under the name JL Terra.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER


Post by contributor Allyson Anthony

Book Review: Last Line of Defense

Happy Wednesday dear reader friends! Today’s book review is of Last Line of Defense by Lisa Phillips. Have you read any of her romantic suspense series?


ABOUT THIS BOOK

The fight is almost over.

Reporter Soraya Adams tried to tell the world about Travers Industries and wound up losing everything. Disgraced by a tech company reshaping law enforcement communications, she is forced to flee or be killed.

Judah Havig found a family in Chevalier Protection Specialists, but like everything else in his life it will eventually go bad. When British Intelligence calls in a long overdue favor Judah has to choose between loyalty and a future.

Enemies become friends. Tragedy strikes when it’s least expected. And the entire team is put to the test as Chevalier takes on Travers Industries.

AMAZON | GOODREADS


MY THOUGHTS

Filled with surprises and twists and turns, Last Line of Defense is the exciting conclusion of the Chevalier Protection Specialists series. Judah, the British teammate, is pulled into a mission by the British intelligence while the rest of the Chevalier teammates are searching for him. He encounters Soraya, a reporter intent on clearing her name after she tried to tell the world about Traver Industries. I enjoyed the storyline of Judah and Soraya and the ending of what happens to Isaac. It is a page turner.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lisa Phillips is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Since then she’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.

Lisa also writes supernatural thrillers under the name JL Terra.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER


Post by contributor Allyson Anthony

Book Review: Last One Still Standing

Happy Wednesday dear reader friends! Today’s book review is of Last One Still Standing by Lisa Phillips. This is an excellent romantic suspense novel featuring Asian characters. Have you read any of her suspense novels?


ABOUT THIS BOOK

The fight never let them go.

Plucked from a life on the streets and trained as a covert agent, Karina chose loyalty until the secret organization she worked for pushed her too far. Falling for the target on a mission was never the plan. When he turned out not to be the good man she loved, Karina faked her death and built a safe life for their child.

Eas never wanted to wear a mask, but his life is the tragic tale of a boy born into a family at war. Raised in secret, he’s the answer to taking down a powerful company. At the helm is the cousin who murdered his parents, and the sister he needs to rescue from that life.

Now the secret organization has found Karina, and they won’t let her go. His family’s company wants him out of the way, but Eas never wanted to take over.
Between them is the child that represents everything they meant to each other.

Which one of them will be the Last One still Standing?

Book 3 in the explosive new Last Chance County spin-off series featuring Zander and his team of protection specialists.
**Christian romantic suspense**

AMAZON | GOODREADS


MY THOUGHTS

I love this series as it keeps on getting better and more interesting. I was curious as to why Eas had to wear a mask since he first appeared in book one. Now that the reason why has been revealed, I enjoyed getting to know Eas and Karina, along with Aria, in Last Man Still Standing. As always, Lisa kept me glued from the first page to the very end. Fast paced and clocked full of surprises, this story will keep you entertained and wanting more. I also enjoy the cameridian and banter of the Chevalier Protection Specialists team.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lisa Phillips is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Since then she’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.

Lisa also writes supernatural thrillers under the name JL Terra.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER


Posted by contributor Allyson Anthony

Book Review: Perfectly Designed

Hello reader friends! Today’s book review is Perfectly Designed by C.D. Gill. This is a prequel novella to her Against all Odds series. Have you read her Against all Odds series? If not, check out this series.


ABOUT THIS BOOK

She craves the thrill rebellion brings.

Gia Carter works at the one of the top architecture firms in the country, has an adult relationship, and a family who loves her. After a lifetime of protection, she kinda likes the dangerous world her boyfriend has exposed her to.

Until the guns are pointed at her.

AMAZON | GOODREADS


MY THOUGHTS

Perfectly Designed is a short novella to Undefeated and gives us the background as to why Gia left New Orleans for a fresh set. Gia was raised as a ruler follower but is drawn to her boyfriend Bronc, the complete opposite of her. From street racing to a hilarious moment on the golf course to danger, this short story introduced me to Gia and her family members and kept me reading to the end. I highly recommend this novella.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

As most authors, I have been writing since I was a little girl. Stories and ideas were written on any type of scrap paper that made its way into my clutches.  Aside from the folders filled with such papers, spiral-bound notebooks could be found strewn about the house with a range of stories from fanciful fiction to autobiography. I had written the first chapter of a fanciful fiction story about the adventures of pants and pantyhose long before Pixar came out with “Toy Story” and “Cars.” My story was similar to “Homeward Bound,” just with a textile twist. What can I say? My overactive imagination was ahead of the curve.

My imagination has matured, and I now have the attention span to sit down and flesh out a story idea before starting another one. My inspiration comes in many forms, but Jesus, travel, cultures, languages, and justice are passions of mine that I love to study and pursue.

rThere’s a big wide world out there beyond what I have seen. There are stories that deserve a spotlight and lessons we can learn, if not through experience then through fiction. Join me in exploring places, hearing stories, and meeting people that will change our path forever.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM

Posted by contributor Allyson Anthony