Alaskan Mountain Attack

GIVEAWAY

VARLAND, SARAH

ALASKAN MOUNTAIN ATTACK

Saving lives in the mountains has put a bull's eye on her back.

Search-and-rescue worker Piper McAdams risks her life every day in the Alaskan wilderness, but she never expected to interrupt attempted murders -- or draw a killer's attention. Now Officer Judah Wicks needs her help to find out why someone wants her dead. Putting aside their past almost-relationship, they must work together to stop the murderer...or Piper's next rescue mission could be her last.

My Review:

Whooooooaaaa, that opening scene! Not for the faint of heart, or readers with a fear of heights! I found the mountain climbing aspects of this novel fascinating and what better location to face the elements than Alaska? So great setting too! And, once again, Varland creates a nice balance between romance and suspense. 

Piper and Judah had been friends and climbing buddies heading towards something more when Judah inexplicably put the brakes on. They've managed reserved civility whenever their paths cross since the 'break up' but now they are thrown together in a perplexing case where Piper seems to be the target. And, of course, all those old feelings flare back to life. Happy sigh. I really like the way the romance is developed, it's a little bit different than the norm and I loved the pacing.

The suspense is intriguing, with a nice splash of outdoor adventuring and plays out to a stunning conclusion. And, bonus, we get a glimpse at Levi and Adriana (Alaskan Showdown hero and heroine) in happily wedded bliss. Levi and Judah are brothers and it was fun to see the tables turned with Levi now cautioning Judah on romance. You don't need to have read the previous book or any of the other Raven Pass books to enjoy this one, though they are all great reads.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is a gently read paperback

If you would like a chance to win a copy of one of the 2021 Historical Carol Awards finalists, 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 July 10 2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Alaskan Showdown

GIVEAWAY

VARLAND, SARAH
ALASKAN SHOWDOWN

What she uncovers sheds light on a cold case...and can put her in a grave.

After finding the body of a missing hiker in her small Alaska town, search-and-rescue dog handler Adriana Steele becomes the target of a serial killer thought to have been inactive for decades. Now Adriana's determined to help Officer Levi Wicks catch the murderer. But with the cold case heating up...the jaded officer is all that stands between her and death.

My Review:

Alaska? Search-and-rescue dog? Romance and intrigue? I am so in!!! And I absolutely love the way Varland balances it all out. There's plenty of danger (hello -- creepy serial killer on the loose!) but it's not all tilt-a-whirl trauma every second. There's down time for casework and relationship building which gives a reader a chance to get her racing heart slowed down before the next bump in the road. :-)

The fur face on the cover is Blue. She's not only a search-and-rescue dog but a cadaver dog as well. She's a solid part of the team as she leads Levi and Adriana on a hunt for burial sites. There are some great tidbits about this kind of canine training and how it can be just as psychologically hard on the dogs as the humans. And I loved how fiercely protective Adriana was in guarding Blue from overwork that could lead to depression. They have a great relationship and Levi recognizes -- and more importantly -- respects that special bond.

While they've known each other for years on a professional basis, Adriana and Levi have never quite taken to each other until they are thrown together on a case. And suddenly it seems all too obvious that, not only are they attracted to each other, but neither is interested in pursing a relationship. There's a lovely wary awkwardness about them both as they stutter-start towards building up a camaraderie, struggling to find the courage to let go of past hurts in order to discover hope in a future together.

Compulsive-read-in-one-sitting good!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a gently read copy of  Alaskan Showdown, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your 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 August 22 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

Alaskan Christmas Cold Case

GIVEAWAY

VARLAND, SARAH
ALASKAN CHRISTMAS COLD CASE

Christmas under fire...
The Ice Maiden Killer is back

For years a serial killer has eluded authorities -- and he's set Alaska trooper Erynn Cooper in his sights. Erynn's only chance at survival to to trust Moose Haven police chief Noah Dawson with her life and the truth about her past. But with Christmas quickly approaching, Erynn and Noah are running out of time to catch the murder...before Erynn becomes the next viction.

My Review:

There's nothing like a menacing serial killer to put an armchair sleuth on high alert! And the friends to lovers romance is exceptionally well done. Noah's known he's been in love with Erynn for years and he's diligently worked his way into her life -- as a friend. Erynn's aloof and prickly demeanor casts off all kinds of 'stay away' vibes, but Noah is patiently determined. (Delicious sigh.)

Truth is, Erynn is half-way in love with Noah (at least, that's all she'll admit to) but she's stubbornly set on being a loner. Partly because she doesn't want to get hurt but also because she doesn't want someone to get hurt because of her!

Cue the creepy stalker music and grab some comfort chocolate and settle down for a heart-pounding, stomach-churning, page-turning read!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a gently read copy of Alaskan Christmas Cold Case, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your 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 November 9 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Alaskan Ambush

GIVEAWAY

VARLAND, SARAH
ALASKAN AMBUSH

He'll take down their pursuers...if she gets them out of the wilderness alive

Pursued through the wilderness after an ambush that left his partner dead, Anchorage police officer Micah Reed stumbles on his assailants other target -- backcountry tracker Kate Dawson.   His best friend's sister's just the person to help him outrun the criminals...and solve his case. But with pursuers closing in, can they rely on each other's strength to survive this hazardous chase?

My Review:

Why do I romanticize Alaska? I'm not keen on freezing cold weather or tons of outdoor winter sports but for some reason I find a book set in Alaska and I'm halfway into a swoon before I hit the check out counter. :-)

Love Kate's unusual profession -- don't think I've ever read about a wilderness tracker heroine before. The technical details and the outdoor scenes are breath-snatchingly good. And I didn't even mind spending more time in the midst of ice and snow despite just getting rid of the white stuff after a very long winter! With Kate as my guide I might even consider a winter camp-out...especially if Micah is invited along!

And speaking of a certain compelling police officer...blissful sigh bordering on a swoon. There's something about a childhood crush that doesn't ever quite let go. Only now they are all grown up and he discovers little Kate is "like some kind of backcountry ninja." (p 63) A realization that seems to fan "...the embers of a crush he'd had on Kate since she was seven and he was nine and she'd shoved him down a hill after he'd made fun of the fort she'd built at the top of it." (p 56) And yes, Kate still rocks the girl power vibe. And Micah is smitten. Only there are tons of reasons why that isn't a good idea -- one of which is her over-protective big brother who also happens to be the chief of police. Gotta love that big bro 'tude.

A gripping romantic suspense with tons of action and a healthy dose of sweet romance.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Alaskan Ambush, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your 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 11 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Mountain Refuge

GIVEAWAY

VARLAND, SARAH
MOUNTAIN REFUGE

Alaskan Refuge

When someone tries to grab Summer Dawson on a secluded mountain path, she escapes -- but soon discovers she's a serial killer's latest target. Her brother's friend, ex-cop Clay Hitchcock, promises she won't become the next victim, though, even if it means putting miself at risk. Clay though he was done with law enforcement, but after finding Summer running for her life off a mountain trail, he's back in cop mode. Determined to protect her, Clay shadows the brave, beautiful mountain runner. Now if they want to stay alive, Clay and Summer must work together to bring down the crazed killer lurking in the wilderness.

My Review:

I didn't even know that mountain running was a thing until I read Mountain Refuge! And the Alaskan settings adds an overall ambiance to the suspense. Be prepared for an accelerated heart rate the moment you start to read. The gripping opening scene promises spine-chilling perfection. 

"There was nothing remarkable about the knife except that it was large, four or five inches. Shiny. Sharp against her skin as he pressed just hard enough to leave the smallest of scratches. 'This is how it begins.'"  (p 9) Seriously, cue the creepiest music you can find and turn on every single light in your house and cuddle up under your biggest security blanket before losing yourself in this hair-raising tale.

A perfect balance of romance and suspense that includes some pretty interesting secondary characters.I'm hoping they are going to feature into future stories (Summer has three siblings) even though there's no indication that this is the first in a series. A reader can hope, though, right? Definite must read for the discerning romantic suspense aficionado.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Mountain Refuge, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your 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 for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday January 28 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Silent Night Shadows

GIVEAWAY

VARLAND, SARAH
SILENT NIGHT SHADOWS

Hijacked holiday

When she's snatched off a sidewalk en route to the local Christmas tree lighting, Claire Phillips knows her cozy small town is no longer safe. And when she's saved by a mystery man, she gets another surprise. Her rescuer is none other than Nate Torres -- a man from her past that she's tried to forget. He's in town undercover, investigating a drug smuggling ring, and he thinks she's witnessed more than she realizes. Worse, he thinks the ring's leader is a local. Someone she knows and trusts. There's no one for her to rely on but Nate, a man whose action-packed life is worlds away from the security she craves. As the attacks grow more menacing, it will take courage Claire no longer thinks she has to survive to Christmas.

My Review:

Nothing like a Christmas kidnapping attempt to herald in the season -- if you're a fanatical romantic suspense fan like I am. :-) Danger and intrigue right from the heart-pounding opening scene. Add in a man from the past...a past the heroine would rather forget...and you have a real pager-turner. Claire is all about  being the "perfect and predictable" small town girl. Nate is having a hard time reconciling the current Claire with the adventurous college student he used to know. Mystery and danger throw them together, igniting a deliciously uncertain romance. A breathtaking combination that makes a satisfying holiday read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  Silent Night Shadows please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday October 23 2016. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Treasure Point Secret

GIVEAWAY

VARLAND, SARAH
TREASURE POINT SECRET

Perilous pursuit

It's been five years since Shiloh Evans encountered the murderous gold hunters seeking Blackbeard's hidden stash. After they killed her policewoman cousin, Shiloh left town to regroup, and earn her own police badge. Because she would see this case solved—someday. She just didn't expect the killers to attack her new home in Treasure Point, Georgia…on the same day her ex-fiancé arrived in town. Adam Cole has tried to overcome his love for Shiloh. But he won't just sit by when she's in danger. Working together, they plan a trap. But springing it requires getting to centuries-buried treasure before the killers get to them.

My Review:

Who can resist a story about buried treasure? And pirate treasure at that! Spice it up with a delectable romance and enough danger to keep you looking over your shoulder for the duration of the book and you get a winner of a read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Treasure Point Secret  please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers. If you email me, please be sure to put the title in the subject line so it is easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday May 18  2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck.