Counterfeit Love

GIVEAWAY

CAUDILL, CRYSTAL

COUNTERFEIT LOVE

Can this undercover agent save the woman he loves -- or is her heart as counterfeit as the money he's been sent to track down?

After all that Grandfather has sacrificed to raise her, Theresa Plane owes it to him to save the family name -- and that means clearing their debt with creditors before she marries Edward Greystone. But when one of the creditors' threats leads her to stumble across a midnight meeting, she discovers that the money he owes isn't all Grandfather was hiding. And the secrets he kept have now trapped Theresa in a life-threatening fight for her home -- and the truth.

After months of undercover work, Secret Service operative Broderick Cosgrove is finally about to uncover the identity of the leader of a notorious counterfeiting ring. That moment of triumph turns to horror, however, when he finds undeniable proof that his former fiancee is connected. Can he really believe the woman he loved is a willing participant? Protecting Theresa and proving her innocence may destroy his career -- but that's better than failing her twice in one lifetime.

They must form a partnership, tentative though it is. But there's no question they're both still keeping secrets -- and that lack of trust, along with the dangerous criminals out for their blood, threatens their hearts, their faith, and their very survival.

Combining rich history, danger, suspense, and romance, Crystal Caudill's debut novel launches this new historical series with a bang. Fans of Elizabeth Camden, Michelle Grief, and Joanna Davidson Politano will be thrilled to find another author to follow!

My Review:

So, that cover caught my eye first. Striking! And atmospheric with the heroine looking behind her and the mysterious gentleman standing further down the way. Friend or foe? I just had to get the book to find out! Don't you love a cover that tells a story and lures you in?

Extremely hard to believe this is a debut novel! I'm a forever Crystal Caudill fan now and -- eeeeepppp!!!! -- Counterfeit Love is the first in a series! Super excited about that.

I go into a near swoon at the prospect of two of my favourite genres -- historical and romantic suspense -- colliding so that was another draw for me and Caudill handles both brilliantly.

Danger and suspense and romantic entanglements...even a bit of a love triangle (gasp!) but I could handle it because it's obvious who the best man is. :-) The story is rich in historical detail which contributes to the overall ambience of the suspense and makes certain parts more chilling. Make sure you have some comfort chocolate on hand to get you through the tough spots. At least that's my excuse for indulging. :-)

A solid suspense plot kept me riveted, even though I figured some key parts out early on. It was still fun to be 'in the know' when the characters weren't. And I might have screamed dire warnings a time or two (which Theresa and Broderick ignored. Gah!) But I could never in a million years predict exactly how everything would play out in such stupendous nail-biting glory!

I'm thrilled to report that there's a solid faith thread woven through out the entire story as our hero and heroine grapple with the kind of struggles any reader can relate too -- trusting that God has a plan even in the midst of difficulties and sorrow. And that forgiveness isn't an option, it's a sacred opportunity. Caudill is never preachy -- she quietly speaks with conviction through the lives of Theresa and Broderick.

So, romance + suspense + faith = sublime reading bliss! Please tell me book two is due out soon!

P.S. I enjoyed the audible edition narrated by Stephanie Cozart.

Goal Update: #3 Read more doubt authors

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy -- winner's choice.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Counterfeit Love, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT AND DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the Draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday May 14 2022. Offer open to