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

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

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

Book Review: The CEO’s Companion

Happy Monday, friends! Today I am thrilled to share my thoughts on The CEO’s Companion, the fourth book in Rose Fresquez’s Caregivers series.

Have you read any books by Rose Fresquez yet?


ABOUT THE BOOK

Despair held him captive. Can her love break his chains?

After a deadly fire robbed him of his wife and children, billionaire Eric Stone clings to God and buries himself in work to distract himself from his grief. But when a mysterious illness takes away his ability to work, Eric must retreat to his childhood home to rest and recover. Grief-stricken and hopeless, he is irritated by his new care taker’s enthusiasm for life. But against his will, her sunny outlook makes inroads.

Joy Musana got a new lease on life after beating cancer four years ago. Now, she lives every day to serve God and others. In her opinion, the grumpy CEO she is caring for doesn’t need her sympathy—but making him smile is her priority.

When she asks him to attend a wedding with her to avoid the matchmaking efforts of her roommate, Eric surprises himself by agreeing to pose as her fake date to shield her from a pushy suitor. As unexpected sparks fly, Eric’s and Joy’s hearts are trapped between what’s fake and what’s real. Could this weekend be their chance for a new beginning?

This is the fourth standalone book in the caregiver series. Each book can be read in any order.

Books in the series

1. The Doctor’s Nanny

2. The Entrepreneur’s Nurse

3. The Physician’s Helper

4. The CEO’s Companion

5. The Investor’s Wife

6. The Soldier’s Trainer

7. The Realtor’s Attendant


MY THOUGHTS

In The CEO’s Companion, author Rose Fresquez creates another beautiful faith-filled contemporary romance that will draw readers closer to their faith. With an engaging storyline and authentic characters, this heartwarming tale of finding one’s purpose and discovering true love is a delight to read.

After the struggles and heartache CEO Eric Stone has faced in his life, it would be understandable for him to doubt his faith. However, despite difficult times, his trials have eventually helped strengthen his faith and his desire to help others realize God’s grace. The romance between Eric and Joy develops at a realistic pace and allows readers to experience the journey along with them.

The CEO’s Companion is recommended for readers of inspirational contemporary romance.

 I RECEIVED A COMPLIMENTARY COPY OF THIS BOOK FROM THE AUTHOR/PUBLISHER AND WAS NOT REQUIRED TO WRITE A POSITIVE REVIEW.

ALL OPINIONS EXPRESSED ARE MINE.

GOODREADS | AMAZON


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rose Fresquez is a stay-at-home mom, with a husband and four kids. In her free time, she likes to spend time outdoors with the family, sing gospel music and plotting her next writing project.

Rose’s writing projects include both Christian non-fiction and Christian fiction.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS | BOOKBUB

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: The Physician’s Helper

Happy Monday, friends! Today I am thrilled to share my thoughts on The Physician’s Helper, the third book in Rose Fresquez’s Caregivers series.

Have you read any books by Rose Fresquez yet?


ABOUT THE BOOK

He was in love with his best friend but she got engaged to his brother.

Just when Lucas Matthews was about to reveal his secret feelings for his best friend Britt, his brother beat him to the punch and proposed to her— forcing Lucas to take desperate measures.

Lucas rocked Brittney Young’s world when he challenged the status of their friendship. Sealing his confession with a melting kiss left no room for confusion, but by the time Britt got over her doubts, Lucas had left town. Not only had she lost a best friend, she ended her engagement. The only thing she didn’t lose was her job as Lucas’ Grandma’s caregiver.

With each passing day, Britt realized that her own feelings for Lucas went beyond friendship.

Ten years later, when Britt’s ex- fiancé’s wedding brings Lucas back into town, she’s not prepared for the way her blood sizzles in his company.

Could this be a second chance to renew their friendship and find something more? Can Lucas risk giving his heart again to the woman who crushed it?

Books in the series

1. The Doctor’s Nanny

2. The Entrepreneur’s Nurse

3.The Physician’s Helper

4. The CEO’s Companion

5. The Soldier’s Trainer

6. The Investor’s Wife

7. The Realtor’s Attendant


MY THOUGHTS

Ever since I discovered Rose Fresquez’s books, I have enjoyed her sweet interracial romances and always look forward to her upcoming releases, but she really steps up her game in The Physician’s Helper. With engaging characters and a fun storyline of former childhood friends reconnecting, The Physician’s Helper is definitely my favorite novel of hers.

If you are new to Rose Fresquez’s books, you can definitely jump right in with this novel. The Physician’s Helper, book three in The Caregivers series, can be easily read as a standalone, but fans of the series will enjoy some cameo appearances from characters they met earlier in the series.

The spiritual thread was weaved perfectly into the storyline with the hero Lucas’s recently discovered faith and the heroine Brit wanting to learn more about God herself. I especially liked how the hero and heroine are forty and almost forty years old, now that I’m getting older myself (even though I hate to admit that I will turn forty next year)! Lucas and Brit are highly relatable characters and refreshing to read, when many other characters in Christian fiction are often in their twenties. Fans of kissing scenes will enjoy the romantic moments between Lucas and Brit.

The Physician’s Helper is recommended for readers of inspirational contemporary romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

GOODREADS | AMAZON


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rose Fresquez is a stay-at-home mom, with a husband and four kids. In her free time, she likes to spend time outdoors with the family, sing gospel music and plotting her next writing project.

Rose’s writing projects include both Christian non-fiction and Christian fiction.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS | BOOKBUB

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

Book Review: Arms of Freedom

Happy Wednesday, friends! I can’t believe it’s October already! This year has really flown by for me. Today I am thrilled to share my review of Arms of Freedom by Kathleen Neely. This is the first book of hers that I have read. I always love a good time slip (dual timeline) novel, and I was so impressed by her well-written storylines.

Have you read any books by Kathleen Neely yet?


ABOUT THE BOOK

With each page of the age-old journals, Annie discovers all that unites her with a woman who once lived in her farmhouse. One lived with wealth and one with poverty, but both knew captivity. Both longed to be free.

Miriam yearns to escape her life as a super model. She drops the pseudonym and uses the name she gave up years ago—Annie Gentry. Then she alters her appearance and moves to rural South Carolina to care for her grandmother. Can she live a simple life without recognition? Can she hide a net worth valued in the millions? Love is nowhere in her plans until she meets a man who wants nothing more than Annie Gentry and the simple life he lives.

Charlotte lived in the same farmhouse in the tumultuous 1860’s. The Civil War was over, but for a bi-racial girl, freedom remained elusive. She coveted a life where she wouldn’t bring shame to her family. A life where she could make a difference. As she experiences hope, will it be wrested from her?

The journals stop abruptly with a climactic event, leaving Annie to search for information. What happened to Charlotte? Did her life make a difference? Did she ever find freedom?

GOODREADS | AMAZON


MY THOUGHTS

“These walls hold secrets.”

In Arms of Freedom, author Kathleen Neely has penned an incredible dual timeline novel that fans of both post-Civil War historical fiction during the Reconstruction period and contemporary fiction will immensely enjoy. The novel intertwines the historical storyline with the present as a young bi-racial girl’s journal from the 1800s turns into a search for family history and answers about the past. This powerful and emotional story demonstrates the strength and determination of the human spirit during the time of the Emancipation Proclamation, the Reconstruction period, and the rise of the KKK.

I enjoyed the present-day storyline as much as the historical storyline, which is often not the case for me when reading dual timeline novels. The light romance developing in the present-day storyline made my romance-loving heart happy. The faith threads weaved throughout the novel are inspiring to readers. Arms of Freedom is highly recommended for fans of time slip novels, historical fiction, and women’s contemporary fiction with light romantic threads. Such a wonderful novel!

 I RECEIVED A COMPLIMENTARY COPY OF THIS BOOK FROM THE AUTHOR/PUBLISHER AND WAS NOT REQUIRED TO WRITE A POSITIVE REVIEW. ALL OPINIONS EXPRESSED ARE MINE.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathleen Neely is the author of THE STREET SINGER, BEAUTY FOR ASHES, THE LEAST OF THESE, and IN SEARCH OF TRUE NORTH. She is a former elementary teacher. Following her years in the classroom, she moved into administration, serving as an elementary principal. Kathleen is an alumnus of Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania and Regent University in Virginia.

Among her writing accomplishments, Kathleen won second place in a short story contest through ACFWVA for “The Missing Piece” and an honorable mention for her story “The Dance.” Both were published in a Christmas anthology. Her novel, THE LEAST OF THESE, was awarded first place in the 2015 Fresh Voices contest through Almost an Author. She has numerous devotions published through Christian Devotions. She continues to speak to students about writing. Kathleen is a member of American of Christian Fiction Writers.

She resides in South Carolina with her husband, two cats, and one dog. She enjoys time with family, visiting her two grandsons, traveling, and reading. You can contact her at www.KathleenNeely.com.

TWITTER | INSTAGRAM GOODREADS | BOOKBUB

Book Review: Peril on the Ranch

Happy Wednesday, friends! Today I’m thrilled to share with you my review of Peril on the Ranch by Lynette Eason! Be sure to check this one out if you’re a romantic suspense fan!

About the Book

They’ll shield her newest charge…

no matter what the cost.

When an infant is abandoned on her ranch, foster mother Isabelle Trent will do anything for the child—even put her own life on the line. She might not know who left the little girl, but it’s clear someone’s after her and will kill to reach their target. With Isabelle’s ranch hand, Brian “Mac” McGee, at her side, can she survive long enough to protect the baby?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

AMAZON | GOODREADS


My Thoughts:

This is a great story from one of my very favorite romantic suspense authors! 
Isabelle is a fantastic heroine, I instantly liked her and was cheering her on through the whole book. Mac is an awesome, swoon-worthy hero! There’s just something about a protective hero who is great with kids, and is perfectly comfortable cradling a baby in his arms that never fails to melt my heart, and Mac is definitely one such hero! 
I don’t know if Peril on the Ranch is going to be part of a series or not, but this story has a great cast of secondary characters (Creed, Regina, Cody Ray, Ms. Sybil, Ben, and a few others) whom I would love to see again in future stories! 
I loved the small town setting of Timber Creek. I love how this author writes both small town and more urban settings with equal brilliance, making both types of setting come to life for the reader! 
The suspense in this book was excellent, it kept me flipping pages as fast as possible because I had to know what would happen next! 
I really enjoyed Peril on the Ranch, and highly recommend it! 
I can’t wait to read Lynette Eason’s next book!


About the Author

Lynette Eason lives in Simpsonville, SC with her husband and two children. She is an award-winning, best-selling author who spends her days writing when she’s not traveling around the country teaching at writing conferences. Lynette enjoys visits to the mountains, hanging out with family and brainstorming stories with her fellow writers. You can visit Lynette’s website to find out more at www.lynetteeason.com or like her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/lynette.eason


Post by contributor Caitlyn Santi