Cold Shot

GIVEAWAY

PETTREY, DANI
COLD SHOT

Four best friends and then one went missing...

In college, Griffin McCray and his three best friends had their lives planned out. Griffin and Luke Gallagher would join the Baltimore Police Department, Declan Grey would head to the FBI, and Parker Mitchell would study to become a crime scene analyst. But then Luke vanished before graduation and their world -- and friendship -- crumbled.

Now years later, Griffin has left the police and his friendships behind. Still trying to forget a case that went bad when he was a SWAT team sniper, he's living a quiet life as a park ranger at Gettysburg. Quiet until skeletal remains are uncovered near Little Round Top -- and they aren't Civil War-era.

Griffin just wants the case to go away, but charming forensic anthropologist Finley Scott discovers evidence pointing to the work of an expert sniper. When FBI agent Declan Grey steps in to take over the case, past and present collide. Griffin soon realizes he'll need to confront some of the darkest days of his life if he -- and those he cares about -- are going to escape a downward spiral of crime, danger, and murder.

My Review:

Exceptional start to a new series. I have to admit to being gutted after I read the last book in the Alaskan Courage series. I didn't want to leave the McKennas and I was mildy put out at the author for not making that clan bigger so there could be more books. :-) However, Dani Pettrey has redeemed herself with this magnificent start to a promising new series and a new host of swoonworthy heroes.

The stars of the Chesapeake Valor series aren't from the same family, but they are a brotherhood...of sorts. Fractured relationships are the result of past tragedies but they are beginning to move towards restoration. In Cold Shot they are united by a common goal -- solving a complicated cold case.

Pettrey provides delectable hints of background that she slowly reveals throughout the read. There's still plenty to learn about these intriguing men though, which has me rabidly anticipating the release of the next book.

So for now we'll concentrate on Griffin -- a taciturn and gruff park ranger who is carrying around a world of hurt and bitterness. He doesn't make a good first impression on Finley...or a good second, third or fourth one either. It is sheer delight to be privy to their inner thoughts as they size each other up. Finley's unsettled by her attraction to Ranger Grumpy until she burrows beneath the gruff exterior and catches glimpses of the real man. Be still my heart -- I was swooning way before she started (mind you I had the advantage of 'hearing' his musings about her.)

A delectable romance with loads of promise ensues. Pettrey develops it slowly, teasing her readers with just a glimpse of what is in store. Finley and Griffin learn to work together, respecting each others' strengths and weaknesses before gradually unbending enough to engage in some heart-to-heart talks that lead to a deeper relationship. Unexpected humour and compelling faith conversations make their love story even more thrilling.

As to the suspense -- intense, complicated -- the kind that keeps your heart racing and breath puffing out in shallow gasps from time to time. "Duck!" and "No!" became a kind of reading chant as I raced along plenty of hair-pin plot turns. Phew! Still catching my breath.

And I can't forgot to mention the road trip loving Irish wolfhound. Yes, I said Irish wolfhound. I might have swooned more over the dog than the hero. :-)

A definite 'must read' if you enjoy romantic suspense. Dani Pettrey fans will be ecstatic and she's sure to garner new ones with this enthralling story.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. in exchange for my honest review.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  Cold Shot 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 February 14 2016 . Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

February Giveaway - Week One

As always, I will contact the winners by email however thanks to the nefarious ways of the Internet my email might land in your spam folder so keep your eyes peeled! :-) If you haven't heard from me by Monday evening please email me your snail mail address at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca From time to time winners and I don't seem to connect, so I have a month time frame. If I can't reach you within four weeks your win will be forfeited.

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK'S GIVEAWAYS:

This is my TBR pile...it's kind of getting out of control because I've had a few health issues that have made...gasp...reading difficult. I like to read at least a week ahead for my blog and I'm sadly lagging behind. So --- giveaways will be random offerings for the next little while. Stick with me and hopefully I will get back on track real soon. In the mean time, you can anticipate what might show up as a review and when. Think there's some Pettrey, Coble, Turansky, Eason, Clipston, Wingate, Mehl...and more in that pile. Now to just be able to focus on the print. Bwahahahahaha!

Shenandoah Nights

GIVEAWAY

BELCASTRO, LISA
SHENANDOAH NIGHTS

The last thing sixth-grade teacher Rebecca O'Neill wants to do during the final week of her summer vacation is chaperone twenty-five students on a six-night, seven-day trip aboard the schooner Shenandoah. But after a desperate phone call from her school principal, she doesn't have a choice. Worse, the ship is rumoured to be "haunted." Five years ago, during the Holmes Hole student cruise, teacher Melissa Smith complained about hearing voices and seeing visions, then disappeared without a trace--from the very same cabin where Rebecca will be staying.

Everything seems normal on Sunday afternoon as Rebecca boards the impressive Shenandoah. But as she sits in Cabin 8, she hears hushed voices whispering about a cannon. Mike, a crewmember, insists he believes the crazy Island story that Melissa time-traveled to Colonial Boston. His eerie interest and constant tracking Rebecca's whereabouts rattles her nerves.

Her first night onboard, Rebecca drifts off to sleep...and wakes the following morning with memories of a dream about secretive conversation concerning a battle with Britain. Monday night Rebecca crawls into her bunk after an adventurous day of sailing, swimming, and overseeing students. She's startled awake when a man grabs her and yells, "Stowaway!" Dragged in front of Captain Benjamin Reed, she looks up into the most gorgeous brown eyes she's ever seen....

My Review:

Squuueeaaalllll!!! Time Travel!!! Suspend all logic, throw common sense out the window and be prepared to be swept away by a unique love story that spans centuries. I do love this genre and there aren't enough books written for the adult market, let alone in Christian Fiction. So I  am happy dancing after reading Shenandoah Nights -- especially since it's the first in a series.

It's campy and fun and romantically delicious. Benjamin is the stuff heroes are made of and Rebecca is quickly out of her element and not just because she's time travelled back two hundred years. A tenuous romance, some toe-curling love scenes and the shipboard setting all mesh together to make this an unforgettable read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

E-BOOK COPY ONLY

If you would like an opportunity to win an e-copy of  Shenandoah Nights 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 February 7 2016 . Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

A Virtuous Ruby

GIVEAWAY

HUGULEY, PIPER
A VIRTUOUS RUBY

An unexpected love in a small, Southern town.

After fifteen months of hiding from the shame of bearing an illegitimate child, two words drive Ruby Bledsoe to face the good citizens of Winslow, Georgia. Never again. She vows to speak out against injustice. For her sisters. For her parents. For her infant son, Solomon.

When she comes to help an injured mill worker, she bristles when a tall, handsome man claiming to be a doctor brushes her aside. Despite his arrogance, Ruby senses he’s someone like her, whose light skin doesn’t quite hide who he is.

Up north, Dr. Adam Morson easily kept his mixed race a secret. Now that he’s in Georgia, summoned by his white father, he can feel restrictions closing in around him.

Something powerful draws him to the beauty whose activist spirit is as fiery as her name. And soon, Adam wants nothing more than to take Ruby and her child far from Georgia’s toxic prejudice. But Ruby must choose between seeking her own happiness and staying to fight for the soul of her hometown.

My Review:

Such an emotional read. My heart feels bruised, achingly tender now that I'm in recovery mode. This is a somber story, but a hope-filled one as well.

Ruby is an incredible heroine -- such a mix of contradictions. She's poised and regal and proud. Intelligent and determined to improve her circumstances. But she's also stubborn and defiant. Just ask Adam. He's learned the hard way and, honestly, in a battle of wills, he doesn't stand a chance. There's great dynamics between these two -- set apart by the very different worlds they live in.

When Adam comes to Winslow, Georgia, Ruby becomes his guide, helping him adapt to the harsh realities of the South. Only she's a firebrand who refuses to be muzzled and she doesn't hesitate to speak out against the atrocities being committed among her people. She doesn't hold back when it comes to the interloper doctor either. Adam begins to anticipate -- even look forward to -- her scathing comments and looks of disdain as she strives to put him in his place. But love flourishes in unlikely places though Ruby and Adam have enough challenges to hurdle before they can begin to hope for a future together.

 Racism is ugly and Huguley doesn't mince words when it comes to the violence, degradation and brutality of white dominated Winslow Georgia. I was outraged through most of this read. Fuming at the ignorance and depravity of the inhabitants; shocked by the narrow-minded prejudice of Ruby's own people.

The author does an amazing job of capturing the volatile dynamics of this time period. It is present within Ruby's own family and the tenuous relationship she has with her mother. As well as in the complication her illegitimate child brings, leading to harsh judgements within her own church community. It is present in Adam's family as well and in the fine balance he attempts to navigate between white and black.

Faith is expertly woven into every aspect of the lives of these characters. It flows naturally into the overall story arc -- an extension of the time and the people. Beautifully uplifting in the midst of so many stark scenes.

A compelling introduction to Migrations of the Heart series. I can't wait to read the rest of the books!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

E-BOOK COPY ONLY

If you would like an opportunity to win an e-copy of  A Virtuous Ruby 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 February 7 2016 . Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Foul Play

GIVEAWAY

REES, ELIZABETH
FOUL PLAY

Diagnosis: murder.

After a failed attempt on her life, nurse Deborah Lewis knows her suspicions of foul play in the pediatric unit must be true. And her timely rescue by Cole Strachan—her ex-fiancé—allows her a second chance to prove it. The former navy SEAL who broke her heart is the last man she wants to see…but exactly the one she needs. Though Cole can't give her the future he once promised, he makes a new vow to help her uncover the truth and stop the culprits. And he has to keep this promise, because more than Deborah's heart is at stake—this time it's her life.

Navy SEAL Defenders: Bound by honor and dedicated to protection

My Review:

Gripping medical suspense. I always find that a hospital setting adds a bit of bonus intrigue to suspenseful read and this one certainly did. A truly creepy morgue scene followed by plenty of twists and turns kept me blissfully discombobulated.

As to the romance -- you know the old adage about a woman scorned? Well, Deborah lives up to it. She is so not happy to reconnect with Cole...even though his Navy SEAL brawn comes in mighty handy a time or two. Mind you, Deborah is no shrinking violet when it comes to fighting for her life either. Sometimes she's too brash for her own good and that comes from hurt feelings from the past compounded by an unwelcome attraction to Cole in the present. She keeps trying to ditch him, but he's committed to seeing her safely through. This is the kind of sparring romance that has a reader worried over the happily ever after. Thankfully Rees doesn't disappoint and I reached the end with a hearty sigh of satisfied relief.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  Foul Play 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 February 7 2016 . Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Keeper of the Stars

GIVEAWAY

HATCHER, ROBIN LEE
KEEPER OF THE STARS

She blames him for her brother's death. Can she let go of resentment and open her heart to love?

Penny Cartwright found it difficult to understand why her younger brother would choose to join a country singer’s band rather than return to Kings Meadow after college . . . and the separation strained their relationship. Then a car accident made certain her brother could never return.

Trevor Reynolds has chased stardom in Nashville for more than a dozen years, but it remains out of his reach. After an accident kills his young drummer, Trevor goes to Kings Meadow to keep a promise—and perhaps to discover what truly matters in this life.

Thrown together by circumstances, Penny and Trevor must learn to give and receive forgiveness. And if they do, perhaps something beautiful can rise from the ashes of heartbreak.

My Review:

A touching love story rises out the ashes of a whole lot of heartbreak. This is really a story about grief, the varying stages and the unique way each individual grieves the loss of a loved one.

Penny has drawn into herself, nursing the hurt over her brother's unexpected death until anger and bitterness begin to fester. There were times during this read that I didn't like her. I wanted her to snap out of the doldrums. I fumed at some of the things she said...and thought...about Trevor. In short, I wasn't very compassionate. And that's what's wonderful about this book -- it sheds some light on the inner workings of the grieving process and I think it has made me a more empathetic person as a result.

Trevor arrives in King Meadows without knowing what he's supposed to do there. But he made a promise to a dying friend so he's determined to stick it out, even though he can tell Penny can't stand having him around.  There's some deep-rooted resentment simmering beneath the brittle façade she presents to the world -- and it's all directed at Trevor. They both nurse a lot of 'what ifs' as they grapple to come to terms with young Brad's death.

And Brad is an interesting secondary character -- especially since he's dead! We're treated to insightful flashbacks from his perspective over the years leading up to the car crash and his untimely death. Hatcher expertly weaves his memory through the lives of those who loved him. His steadfast faith becomes the anchor that ultimately frees them all. A powerful testimony to God's purpose even in the midst of sorrow.

My thanks to the publisher and Litfuse Publicity Group for providing me with a copy of this book.

http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/keeper-stars-robin-lee-hatcher

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  Keeper of the Stars 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 February 7 2016 . Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

The author is also doing a Kindle Fire Giveaway -- see details below (and click on link to enter)

http://www.robinleehatcher.com/celebrating-my-76th-release-keeper-of-the-stars/

If I Run

GIVEAWAY

BLACKSTOCK, TERRI
IF I RUN

Casey knows the truth. But it won't set her free.

Casey Cox's DNA is all over the crime scene. There's no use talking to police; they've failed her abysmally before. She has to flee before she's arrested...or worse. The truth doesn't matter anymore.

But what is the truth? That's the question haunting Dylan Roberts, the war-weary veteran hired to find Casey. PTSD has marked him damaged goods, but bringing Casey back can redeem him. Though the crime scene seems to tell the whole story, details of the murder aren't adding up. Casey Cox doesn't fit the profile of a killer. But are Dylan's skewed perceptions keeping him from being objective? If she isn't guilty, why did she run?

Unraveling her past and the evidence that condemns her will take more time than he has, but as Dylan's damaged soul intersects with hers, he is faced with two choices: the girl who occupies his every thought is a psychopathic killer...or a selfless hero. And the truth could be the most deadly weapon yet.

My Review:

So intense my heart was hammering all the way through the read. The present tense, first person point of view from both Casey and Dylan's perspectives made this an even edgier read. I usually don't like reading books in present tense (I see vs I saw) but boy, did it work in If I Run. Catapulted me right into the hero/heroine's frame of mind and I lived each excruciating second right along with them. And I do mean excruciating. The tension is unbelievable.

Riveting from the very fist sentence: "There's blood on the bottom of my shoes." And I was hooked -- totally engaged in Casey's story. I mean reading If I Run made me so tense I had to consciously unclench my jaw. A lot. I became so absorbed in Casey's plight that it ceased to be a story. It was like real life playing out right before my eyes only I was helpless to offer assistance.

I love Casey. And I love how we get to know her. We recognize her tenacity and strength of will, her intelligence and determination not to mention her vulnerability and deeply rooted sorrow from reading her scenes. But we also discover Casey through the eyes of Dylan as he masterfully works a case and develops a profile. Trouble is, the more he discovers about Casey, the more he realizes her personality doesn't jive with that of a ruthless killer.

Dylan is quite the complex character as well. A criminal investigator for the Army forced to leave his job because of PTSD issues. He's hired by his murdered friend's family to find Casey and bring her to justice. A faith-filled man, honest and compassionate, he struggles with the investigation as he learns more about Casey and her family.

A compelling subplot chock-full of it's own suspense and an uplifting faith thread make this book over-the-top stupendous.

If you liked the movie The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford, you will love this book. But beware...Casey's troubles aren't over yet. She is still very much on the run and Dylan is in pursuit...of real justice this time. I've looked high and low on the Internet for information on when the next book in this series comes out but to no avail. I will be shatteringly distraught if I have to wait a whole year for book two.

Honestly, I am not someone to pick favourites, but if I'm asked in December what my favourite books of 2016 are, If I Run would be on that list. At the very top. And yes, I can say that even though there are still 11 months worth of new releases to read. It's simply that good.

My thanks to the publisher and Litfuse Publicity Group for providing me with a copy of this book.

http://litfusegroup.com/author/tblackstock

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  If I Run 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 February 7 2016 . Offer open to international readers. Good luck!