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

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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: In Search of a Prince

Happy Monday everyone! I am so excited to share my review of In Search of a Prince by Toni Shiloh. If you haven’t read any of her books yet, I highly recommend trying them out! I have been a longtime fan of her contemporary romances and chick lit, and I always look forward to her upcoming releases.

Have you read any books by Toni Shiloh yet?


ABOUT THE BOOK

It seems like a dream come true . . . until it forces her to question everything.

Brielle Adebayo is fully content teaching at a New York City public school and taking annual summer vacations with her mother to Martha’s Vineyard. But everything changes when her mom drops a bombshell–Brielle is really a princess in the island kingdom of Ọlọrọ Ilé, off the coast of Africa, and she must immediately assume her royal position, since the health of her grandfather, the king, is failing.

Distraught by all the secrets her mother kept, Brielle is further left spinning when the Ọlọrọ Ilé Royal Council brings up an old edict that states she must marry before her coronation, or the crown will pass to another. Brielle is uncertain if she even wants the throne, and with her world totally shaken, where will she find the courage to take a chance on love and brave the perils a wrong decision may bring?

GOODREADS | AMAZON


MY THOUGHTS

In this modern-day fairy tale with a gorgeous African princess, set on the breathtaking African island of Ọlọrọ Ilé, author Toni Shiloh immediately draws readers in and keeps them fully invested in the storyline until the very last page.

Imagine living the first twenty-five years of your life as a typical American, then finding out that you are really an African princess, and your grandfather the King is dying and needs you to take over the throne. Sounds like a dream come true, but having to learn a new culture, a new language, and gaining the acceptance of Ọlọrọ Ilé’s citizens may be more difficult than Her Royal Highness Princess Brielle originally thought.

Toni Shiloh continues to bring a much-needed diversity to Christian fiction. She incorporates the characters’ faith authentically into the storyline throughout their daily lives and reminds us of God’s faithfulness and to always trust in Him.

In Search of a Prince is highly recommended for readers of contemporary romance, especially those who enjoy books by authors such as Becky Wade, Denise Hunter, and Melissa Tagg.

I RECEIVED A COMPLIMENTARY COPY OF THIS BOOK FROM BETHANY HOUSE PUBLISHERS AND WAS NOT REQUIRED TO WRITE A POSITIVE REVIEW.

ALL OPINIONS EXPRESSED ARE MINE.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and multi-published Christian contemporary romance author. She writes to bring God glory and to learn more about His goodness. Her novels, Grace Restored, was a 2019 Holt Medallion finalist, Risking Love a 2020 Selah Award finalist, The Truth About Fame a 2021 Holt Medallion finalist, and The Price of Dreams a 2021 Maggie Award finalist.

A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and of the Virginia Chapter, Toni seeks to encourage authors in the writing industry. She loves connecting with readers and authors alike via social media. You can learn more about her writing at http://tonishiloh.com.

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

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

Book Review: Romancing The Castle

Happy Wednesday reader friends! Do you love castles? Today’s book review is of Romancing the Castle by Cami Checketts.


ABOUT THIS BOOK

A single mom who will never forgive the father of her son. A military hero praying for redemption. Is a second chance at love possible?
Denzel Weaver lost his heart as an immature twenty year old. He’ll never forgive himself for his mistake, or forget his lost love.
Sarah Jenkins is a single mother fighting to be a good mom and succeed with her restaurants and her volunteer food pantries. When she’s given the opportunity to win half a million dollars for her charity foundation by going on a reality TV show, she has to say yes.
Leaving her son is going to be rough, spending a week with a handsome man who she loathes is going to be impossible.
In a picturesque castle setting will Sarah win the money? Or will her anger ruin a second chance at love with the man she’ll never forgive?

AMAZON | GOODREADS


MY THOUGHTS

This was a great story of forgiveness, redemption, and second chances. Denzel and Sarah met when Sarah was 18 and Denzel was a young man. Denzel was ashamed and left because things got out of hand. Sarah became pregnant with their son and raised him alone because they didn’t tell each other their names. They just went by Black Panther and Aphrodite. Imagine their surprise when they meet each other 10 years later when Sarah competes in Axel’s TV show.

The two of them are still attracted to each other, but both have to overcome the guilt and hurt of what happened 10 years earlier. Sarah also struggles if she should tell Denzel he has a son. I highly recommend this book.


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


Posted by contributor Allyson Anthony

Book Review: A Shattered Life Restored

Happy Monday reader friends. I’m delighted that today’s book review is of A Shattered Life Restored by Marshalee Patterson, a new-to-me author. Have you read any of Marshalee Patterson’s books?


ABOUT THE BOOK

Sitting at the Saint-Roch Train Station with tears in her eyes, Meg contemplated where her life had gone wrong. She was at a point in her life where she felt abandoned by God after the last remaining person who truly loved her, died.

Now with a baby on the way, she had begun to lose hope that the future, she knew the Lord had promised her was never meant for her.

With a gentle tap on her shoulder, her gaze turned to meet that of Derek’s, the kind stranger whose smile brought warmness into her heart. “Was he sent to fulfil God’s promise in my life?” she thought.

With assured faith, she followed him as he led her away, trusting that God had not forsaken her. Now she felt content to allow God to have his way in her life and totally surrender all to him.

AMAZON | GOODREADS


My THOUGHTS

I couldn’t stop reading this once I started. Set in France, A Shattered Life Restored is of a young pregnant widow named Meg whose husband passed away and of Derek who lost his wife and daughter in a car accident. This is a story of mourning turning into joy and of turning ashes into beauty. Marshalee Patterson weaves spiritual warfare into the story and the importance of prayer regarding spiritual warfare.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Marshalee Patterson was born in Kingston, Jamaica. She has always had a love for reading. It was while attending the Merl Grove High School that she discovered that she loved writing stories. Some of her favourite novels were written by Charles Dickens and Victor Hugo, as she found she liked the true to life stories that we all can relate to.

She never saw herself as wanting to be a writer until she took vacation in Italy back in 2003 and came back with the idea of writing a love story from her trip but mid-way into the book, the Holy Spirit changed the direction of the story and turned it into one about faith. It was then she knew it was her calling.  She gives credit to being a Christian as it is the Holy Spirit that she says guides her in writing her books.

She writes Christian romance with spiritual warfare books, where most of her characters are created from her own experiences, with a few exceptions and this she said helps her to write with a lot of heart and love.

She hopes that through her novels, she can inspire people of all ages with the message of hope in Christ and showing them that through him comes deliverance.

Her goal is that through this medium, she can give readers a better knowledge of how to be victorious against Satan’s tactics and exposes some of the devices he uses by creating stories, where readers can better understand situations and root causes, of demonic doors opening in our lives. Through spiritual warfare prayers that she herself have been using and saw results, she hopes that they too can learn to stand strong against the devil themselves too.

She is a lover of nature and the tranquility of it. She finds nature refreshing and peaceful. She loves different cultures, especially the Spanish, which she feels makes us learn to appreciate ours a little more in areas where we have been ungrateful or unappreciative. She loves salsa music very much and dances it well too. She is a proud Jamaican.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER


Post by contributor Allyson Anthony

Book Review: An Ever After Summer

Happy Wednesday dear reader friends! I’m so thrilled to share today’s book review of An Ever After Summer by Toni Shiloh today with you.


ABOUT THIS BOOK

Embrace the enchantment of summer with these contemporary twists on timeless tales.

A New Beginning — Who is she? Acacia Martin raised by an impostor mom serving a prison sentence for her sins, or Jasmine Callahan abducted at birth from a family she’s yet to meet? Luckily, she has Drake to help her untangle the mess that is her life. Will he ensnare her he art in the process?

An Ever After Summer — The employees of In a Bind are terrified of Jean-Luc Thibodeaux, so Bellamy Larson hops on a plane to France to deal with the beastly client. Yet once she arrives, she’s convinced he merely needs a friend. Then her heart begins to want ever after, not just one summer.

Gwen and the Three Dates — Life isn’t a romantic movie, but Gwen Lochs is determined to find her leading man. When she joins a cheesy dating site, Gwen agrees to just three dates. Can Ben Smith watch his best friend and soulmate find someone else? A romantic comedy about searching for that just-right love.

Unkissable — Reality diva Charlotte Lavigne’s on-camera meltdown reminds former teen-TV prince Jaime Reyes exactly why he left Hollywood ten years ago. A chance encounter leads to a bargain that transforms them both. When it’s time to face her past, will their rediscovered love be strong enough to build a future together?

AMAZON | GOODREADS


MY THOUGHTS

I love reading An Ever After Summer, a contemporary retelling of The Beauty and Beast. Jean-Luc Thibodeaux hires Bellamy Larson’s father’s In a Bind company to renovate his late wife’s château’s library. Bellamy heads to France to meet the deadline. I like how Bellamy refuses to show pity to Jean-Luc who has scars on his face from a car accident that killed his wife but offers him friendship instead. She also pushes him out of his comfort zone and convinces him to stop hiding because of his scars but to go out in public and start living life again while they restore the château. In the process, Jean-Luc takes another look at his faith and makes a transformation.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. Once she understood the powerful saving grace of the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior.

She writes soulfully romantic novels to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness.

Before pursuing her dream as a writer, Toni served in the United States Air Force. It was there she met her husband. After countless moves, they ended up in Virginia, where they are raising their two boys.

When she’s not typing in imagination land, Toni enjoys reading, playing video games, ​making jewelry, and spending time with ​her family.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER


Post by contributor Allyson Anthony