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.

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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

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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

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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?

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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

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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.

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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. 

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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

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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?

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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

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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.

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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

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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?

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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

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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.

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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

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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?

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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

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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.

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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

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Posted by contributor Allyson Anthony

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

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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!

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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

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Post by contributor Caitlyn Santi

Book Review: Power Play

Happy Saturday, friends! Today I am thrilled to share my thoughts about Power Play by Rachel Dylan, who is one of my favorite romantic suspense authors. Power Play is the third and final book in Rachel Dylan’s Capital Intrigue series. This fabulous book releases in just three days, on Tuesday June 1st.

In Power Play, Rachel Dylan gives us another wonderful hero and heroine to root for. Readers will be introduced to the tall, dark and handsome Latino hero, Supervisory Special Agent of Diplomatic Security Service, Jacob Cruz. I sure do love it when Rachel Dylan includes tall, dark, and handsome heroes in her romantic suspense novels! Power Play will definitely be on my list of top 10 books of 2021.

Have you read any books by Rachel Dylan yet?

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ABOUT THE BOOK

Trapped in a dangerous game, can she counter the enemy’s deadly power play?

When Vivian Steele, an attorney at the State Department, witnesses two ambassadors collapse as if poisoned at a diplomatic dinner in Washington, DC, she is recruited to be a member of a joint FBI task force assigned to investigate. But she soon finds her by-the-book ways clashing with a special agent in the Diplomatic Security Service, Jacob Cruz. A former Navy SEAL and in charge of the event’s security, Jacob takes the attack personally and is driven to act quickly, unhampered by rules and regulations.

As Viv starts to work her diplomatic sources, her past as a State Department lawyer comes back to haunt her, and secrets held tightly by the government thrust her into a web of danger. Afraid, she turns to the one man bent on protecting others. But can she accept Jacob’s reckless ways as exactly what she needs to stay alive and to discover the truth behind the attacks?

AMAZON | GOODREADS

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MY THOUGHTS

“Love could make you do crazy things. Even become a traitor to your country.”

Power Play, the third installment in author Rachel Dylan’s Capital Intrigue series, is a captivating tale of deception, friendship, and romance.  Rachel Dylan is one of my favorite romantic suspense authors because of her wonderful characters who feel like old friends, her intense action-filled storylines, and the perfect balance of romance and suspense in her novels.  She continues to incorporate well-written diverse characters into her storylines, such as Power Play’s Latino hero Jacob Cruz, who the readers will easily fall in love with. 

In Power Play, State Department Attorney Vivian Steele is suddenly thrust into a world of danger and subterfuge after two ambassadors appear to have been targeted at a diplomatic dinner she is attending.  Being partnered with Supervisory Special Agent Jacob Cruz on a task force to investigate places her life on the line in a fascinating and thrilling conclusion to the Capital Intrigue series.

The romance in this novel develops realistically at a slower pace as Jacob dislikes Vivian from the beginning, mainly due to her job as an attorney.  However, once they realize their feelings for each other, get ready for sparks to fly between the two!

Rachel Dylan intricately weaves beautiful messages of faith into the storyline.  This novel can be read as a standalone, but fans of the Capital Intrigue series will enjoy cameo appearances from characters featured in books one and two.  There are also new supporting characters introduced in this book as part of the special joint task force, but it is done in such a way that there is no confusion over these additional characters. 

Power Play is highly recommended for readers of romantic suspense, especially those who enjoy books by authors such as Lynn H. Blackburn, Irene Hannon, Dani Pettrey, and Lynette Eason. Power Play will definitely be one of my top reads of 2021.

 I RECEIVED A COMPLIMENTARY COPY OF THIS BOOK FROM BETHANY HOUSE AND WAS NOT REQUIRED TO WRITE A POSITIVE REVIEW. ALL OPINIONS EXPRESSED ARE MINE.

ADDITIONAL QUOTES:

“For the first time in a long time, she had hope that love wasn’t just something out of fairy tales, but something she could have with Jacob.”

“That’s where our faith has to come in. It’s one of the only things that has gotten me through the dark times – knowing that our God is greater than all of these dark things we’re dealing with. It’s a source of comfort and strength for me.”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rachel Dylan (www.racheldylan.com) is an award-winning and bestselling author of legal thrillers and romantic suspense. Rachel has practiced law for over a decade, including being a litigator at one of the nation’s top law firms. Her Atlanta Justice series has won the Holt Medallion, the Maggie Award, and the FHL Reader’s Choice Award. Rachel lives in Michigan with her husband and five furkids–two dogs and three cats.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS | BOOKBUB

Book Review: Expired Flight

Happy Wednesday reader friends! Today’s book review is Expired Flight by Lisa Phillips. Expired Flight is book 9 in the Last Chance County series.

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ABOUT THE BOOK

She can’t remember who she is.
He’ll never give up the life he knows.

Jeff Filks lives life as a ghost. It’s the only way to keep the people he cares about safe. But a lifetime of training doesn’t just go away, even when he’s suffered a life-altering injury.
When he spots a woman fleeing a gunman in the middle of the night he steps in to help, determined to remain anonymous. But the secret she’s forgotten is deadly—to both of them—and the past won’t quit coming. The hunt is on.

A woman with no memory on the shore of the Last Chance lake.
A man who must remain nameless to survive.

Welcome to Last Chance County
*Christian romantic suspense*

AMAZON | GOODREADS

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My THOUGHTS

I love reading The Last Chance County series and meeting the characters in this series. Expired Flight is suspenseful and filled with surprises and twists. Jeff comes across Toni as she is running away from someone, but she hit her head and has amnesia. Jeff finds a piece of paper with his address from her pocket and wants to know why. The two of them try to piece everything together as Toni struggles to remember who she is, who she was running away from, why, and if she had murdered someone. Both of them have some things in their past they have to deal with. I highly recommend this book and this series.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London, Lisa attended Calvary Chapel Bible College where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. 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 can be found in Idaho wearing either flip-flops or cowgirl boots, depending on the season. She leads worship with her husband at their local church. Together they have two kids and an all black Airedale known as The Dark Lord Elevator.

WEBSITE | GOODREADS |FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER

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Post by contributor Allyson Anthony

Book Review: Calculated Risk

Happy Monday, Everyone!!

I’m excited to bring you a new book review on Calculated Risk by Lynn Shannon. It was my first read of hers and certainly won’t be my last. Have you read it? Keep reading to find out why you should.

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About the Book

He carries the burden of his mistakes.

The wounds on Jason Gonzalez’s body are nothing compared to the ones on his heart. The former Marine avoids getting close to anyone new, especially his gorgeous next-door neighbor. Until he hears a scream coming from her house in the middle of the night.

Her enemies are too numerous to count.

Addison Foster escaped an abusive marriage and has become an advocate for others. When an intruder breaks into her home and nearly kills her, Addison is rescued by an unlikely protector. But the threats against her aren’t over and she needs help.

Danger around every corner.

Jason makes it his mission to keep Addison safe, but keeping her out of his heart proves impossible. As the threats increase, there’s no room for mistakes. Will his calculated risk pay off or will it end in tragedy?

Amazon | Goodreads

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My Thoughts

Y’all, this was my first Lynn Shannon read! I was so happy I picked it up. The cover is amazing, and definitely conveys the mood of the story.

Jason Gonzalez makes an epic hero. He’s strong, loyal, and protective. I loved his heart and desire to protect Addison.

And Addison is an awesome heroine! Brave, determined, and a heart for those who have been abused, what more could you ask for?

I loved seeing these two navigate through the romance aspect and I was riveted for the suspense portion of the story. I loved Lynn Shannon’s writing so much, I went and got another book of hers. I’m happily working my way through her backlist as I wait for book 2 in this series.

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About the Author

Lynn Shannon writes novels that combine intriguing mysteries with heartfelt romance. Raised in Texas, she believes pecans and Blue Bell ice cream are must-haves for every household. Lynn lives with her husband, two children, and a couple of very chirpy cockatiels. You can find her online at: www.lynnshannon.com.

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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Post by contributor Toni Shiloh

First Line Friday: Expired Flight

It’s Friday! Welcome to 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 Expired Flight by Lisa Phillips.

And the first line is…

He was nothing but a shadow–a man with no name, as far as anyone else was concerned.

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ABOUT THE BOOK

She can’t remember who she is.
He’ll never give up the life he knows.

Jeff Filks lives life as a ghost. It’s the only way to keep the people he cares about safe. But a lifetime of training doesn’t just go away, even when he’s suffered a life-altering injury.
When he spots a woman fleeing a gunman in the middle of the night he steps in to help, determined to remain anonymous. But the secret she’s forgotten is deadly—to both of them—and the past won’t quit coming. The hunt is on.

A woman with no memory on the shore of the Last Chance lake.
A man who must remain nameless to survive.

Welcome to Last Chance County
*Christian romantic suspense*

AMAZON | GOODREADS

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London, Lisa attended Calvary Chapel Bible College where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. 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 can be found in Idaho wearing either flip-flops or cowgirl boots, depending on the season. She leads worship with her husband at their local church. Together they have two kids and an all black Airedale known as The Dark Lord Elevator.

WEBSITE | GOODREADS |FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER

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

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Post by contributor Allyson Anthony