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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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

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: 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

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

First Line Friday: All the Moore

Happy Friday everyone! You know what that means…it’s time for First Line Friday, hosted by Hoarding Books. Grab the book nearest to you and share the first line! 

Today we are featuring the first line of All the Moore by Toni Shiloh. This novella was previously a part of the Something Borrowed collection, a collaboration between several different authors. The great news is that All the Moore is now available to purchase individually!

and the first line is…

“Leilah Anderson stared at the text from her newly-engaged best friend, Hanady Ellsworth.”


ABOUT THE BOOK

Leilah Anderson has been living behind the screen to hide her disability. Everything she does can be done from the safety of her home in a remote setting. When she starts a friendship online, she never thought they’d see each other face-to-face.

Reggie Moore can’t believe he gets the chance to finally meet his online friend and fellow gamer, Leilah. Yet she seems happy with the distance between them. When a job promotion comes with an opportunity to close the distance, Reggie takes it as a yes from God.

All the Moore is book two in the Something Borrowed collection.

GOODREADS | AMAZON


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


Let us know the first line of the book closest to you & then head over to Hoarding Books to see who else is participating!

First Line Friday: After She Falls

Happy Friday everyone! You know what that means…it’s time for First Line Friday, hosted by Hoarding Books. Grab the book nearest to you and share the first line! 

Today we are featuring the first line of After She Falls by Carmen Schober.

and the first line is…

“Adri doesn’t turn on the radio or pull up Eva’s playlist on her phone.”


ABOUT THE BOOK

She’s always had that fire in her. She just needs to find it again.

Strong-willed Adri Rivera nearly achieved her goal of being a professional mixed martial artist, but then she fell in love with a man who knocked all the fight out of her. When their abusive, tumultuous relationship finally comes to a head, Adri flees with their young daughter to her small hometown in the mountains of Pennsylvania. There, she must face the people she left behind and put her broken life back together again.

A hardened Max Lyons can’t believe Adri is back in town after abruptly cutting him and everyone else off years ago. Despite the distance that grew between them, he feels compelled to help her regain her independence and offers her a job at his gym. But regaining each other’s trust is another matter, made even more complicated by the lingering spark between them. As Adri dares to pursue her dream again, she trains for a big tournament with Max’s help, but they’ll both have to confront their own doubts in order to rise victorious.

GOODREADS | AMAZON


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carmen Schober (www.carmenschober.com), author of After She Falls, is a wife, mom, and design show enthusiast! Growing up, she experienced two fascinating worlds, thanks to her mother’s Cuban heritage and her father’s ties to the American South. When she’s not writing fiction, she curates lifestyle content for fans interested in faith, food, fashion, and everything in between. Carmen earned a master’s degree in English literature and creative writing from Kansas State, and she currently lives in Manhattan, Kansas.

INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS


Let us know the first line of the book closest to you & then head over to Hoarding Books to see who else is participating!

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