In 2012, Ronie Kendig released Trinity, the first novel in her A Breed Apart Trilogy and began her reign as the paramilitary romantic suspense genre qIn 2012, Ronie Kendig released Trinity, the first novel in her A Breed Apart Trilogy and began her reign as the paramilitary romantic suspense genre queen of Christian Fiction. Her latest novel, Havoc, is a spin off of that beloved series.
Though I haven't gotten around to reading Ronie Kendig's A Breed Apart Trilogy yet, I had no trouble following along since other than some possible cameos, the characters in Havoc seem to be all new. Kendig's experience and extensive research into the lives of "MWDs" (military working dogs) and their handlers shines through from every page. From the first prologue with Crew to descriptions of Vienna's life as a stunt double, there is a grounded authenticity in the worldbuilding and portrayals that kept me reading until the end! One thing I've always enjoyed in Kendig's novels is that she seems to have found the delicate balance of intense-yet-not-gratuitously-graphic in regards to action, romance, and language. Whether readers have been following Ronie Kendig from the very start or are just discovering her books for the first time, both will enjoy Havoc's journey and the humans by his side.
[Disclosure: I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes via JustRead Tours.]...more
The finale to Susan May Warren's Minnesota Marshalls series, Creed, felt much more grounded in plot compared to the previous books in this series I reThe finale to Susan May Warren's Minnesota Marshalls series, Creed, felt much more grounded in plot compared to the previous books in this series I reviewed. While Ned and Iris had more incredible action film vibes, Creed has a more tv crime drama feel that I preferred. Despite not being procedural-focused like some tv crime shows, the realistic focus on side plots focusing on wrapping up other family drama aspects really appealed to me. Creed has been through a lot in the two decades of his life and seeing him work through some of the trauma that affected his childhood and coming to terms with his past was rewarding. Besides being the youngest Marshall, Creed's adoption seemed to give him a bit of "imposter syndrome" in that he sometime struggles to see himself as being worthy of the Marshall name and feeling inadequate compared to his overachieving, heroic siblings (I think Iris also struggled with a bit of this on a small scale). Meanwhile, his oldest brother Frasier grapples with his identity being so tied to his profession that he struggles to let go. I thought Warren did an excellent job with the spiritual threads throughout this book, dealing with themes of forgiveness and identity in many ways through the different characters. Trust in God, allowing Him to direct your path, following His will rather than our own is something that resonated personally as a reader. Imani and Pippa were also strong female characters, I felt like they both had their moments to shine, especially Imani.
Featuring many cameos from Susan May Warren's past series and Rachel Hauck's True Blue Royals duology, these guest appearances will satisfy longtime fans of the author and made me curious to read some of the books they appeared in. The suspense thread is tied up almost completely, I suppose Warren may continue it future titles, but the series is brought to a very satisfactory end. I think fans of the Marshalls and Susan May Warren will be pleased with this series ender!
[Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review purposes via the publisher.]...more
I've been waiting for Iris Marshall's story ever since I first read about her in the last book featuring her brother Ned, and Susan May Warren did no I've been waiting for Iris Marshall's story ever since I first read about her in the last book featuring her brother Ned, and Susan May Warren did no disappoint! Not to be overshadowed by her many heroic brothers, the only daughter of the Marshall family has worked hard to build herself a career in the European League of American Football. However, when she decided to do her "patriotic duty" assisting who she thought was the CIA, Iris found herself on the run with who she initially thought was a most exasperating man, football player Hudson Bly.
Perhaps because I followed these characters since they were present in book three, I felt more invested in their journey than I did with Ned's. I thought Warren did an excellent job describing the football scenes, making them dynamic and full of action. I also enjoyed seeing more backstory to Iris and Hudson's lives before we were introduced to them in Europe. I also felt that the spiritual threads were more natural and integrated compared to the last novel I read from Warren. As with previous books in the series, set up for the next title takes place in the secondary plot, this one with the rest of the Marshalls back in Minnesota: primarily Garrett and Jenny with their sons Creed and Fraser, along with Princess Imani and her bodyguard Pippa. As all the plots converge, I eagerly await the finale to The Minnesota Marshalls series later this year!
[Disclosure: I read a copy of this book via the publisher for review purposes.]...more
I've been a longtime fan of Susan May Warren's Christiansen Family series but I haven't really read her romantic suspense titles. What a wild ride! FuI've been a longtime fan of Susan May Warren's Christiansen Family series but I haven't really read her romantic suspense titles. What a wild ride! Full of suspense and action, Christian Romantic Suspense fans are sure to enjoy this intense read. While I would recommend that you read the series in order, since it seems like the protagonists from each following book are introduced in the previous entry (I'm very much looking forward to Iris' book), I was still able to follow along even without having read the first two books. I did feel like I wasn't as attached to Ned and Shae compared to other romantic suspense titles I've read in the past, which I think could be partially attributed to, as I mentioned earlier, them perhaps being earlier introduced in Jonas. But overall, it felt like a Hollywood action flick coming to life in the pages: Full of larger than life heroes, a damsel in destress who finds her strength and agency, and an engaging plot that may keep you flipping pages throughout the night like I did.
[Disclosure: I received an eARC for review purposes via the publisher and JustRead Tours.]...more
I've been following The Coastal Guardians series from the beginning, and if you happen to remember my review of The Crushing Depths back in 2020, you'I've been following The Coastal Guardians series from the beginning, and if you happen to remember my review of The Crushing Depths back in 2020, you'll know that I was looking forward to Logan and Emmy perhaps being the main characters in book 3, The Deadly Shallows. Though that ended up featuring their boss, Noah Rowley, I was thrilled to find that Logan and Emmy would take center stage in a novella. While I had some doubts about the shorter format (clocking in at just under 200 pages), author Dani Pettrey penned a tightly plotted mystery that feels just as robust in character development and romantic suspense as her full length novels.
The Shifting Current continues where The Coastal Guardians series leaves off so I would recommend reading at least one of the full length novels first to get some background on Logan and Emmy's characters. However, I thought Pettrey especially excelled in her depiction of Colt, Logan's grandfather. Even though we never see him alive on page, his characterization from the recollections of other characters made him a vibrant, dimensional figure that made me care and desperately wish he was still alive and interacting with all of the main characters. Likewise, the other new characters introduced are fleshed out as well as they could be in a novella. While a spiritual thread is a bit lacking compared to her novels, I think that was a casualty of the brevity of the novella format itself. But I think fans of The Coastal Guardians series will surely enjoy this satisfying conclusion to the series. And as always, I look forward Dani Pettrey's next series!
[Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review purposes via Just Read Tours.]...more
Author Kelly Underwood closes out the first cycle of the Elite Guardians Collection with a successful debut featuring an ex-Israeli intelligence agentAuthor Kelly Underwood closes out the first cycle of the Elite Guardians Collection with a successful debut featuring an ex-Israeli intelligence agent and a reformed playboy heir. Laila Rabbinowitz is a strong, capable protagonist. Hired to protect Preston Whittaker, the reluctant heir to a multi-millionaire business, an unexpected comment sparks the idea to disguise her bodyguard status by masquerading as Preston's wife. Can they convince everyone they're totally in love or maybe they aren't faking it ...?
While I more commonly see the "fake marriage" trope in historical fiction, Underwood runs with it in a satisfactory way in Defending Honor. Seeing Laila and Preston's relationship evolve from awkward attraction to trust and sacrifice was rewarding to read. The romance was sweet with a bit of steam, and while not the main focus, a spiritual thread about redemption and letting God fight our battles was present. I thought the suspense and mystery aspect was enjoyable: there was lots of action and a sizable list of potential suspects --it felt like I was guessing until the end! Cameos of original creator Lynette Eason's beloved characters and characters from the previous two books show up, but even as someone new to the Elite Guardians books, I wasn't too lost since they weren't the main characters or focus. I definitely will have to read more from this series and I look forward to seeing more romantic suspense from Underwood and the other new authors continuing the Elite Guardians' stories!
[Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes from the publisher via Just Read Tours]...more
For over a decade, Ronie Kendig has been one of the leading Romantic Suspense authors in Christian Fiction and especially well known for her portrayalFor over a decade, Ronie Kendig has been one of the leading Romantic Suspense authors in Christian Fiction and especially well known for her portrayal of multi-dimensional military protagonists. With her indie published Metcalfes series, she exposes a small glimpse into the horrors of human trafficking and the brave heroes who combat it.
While Willow is what I would consider "edgy Christian fiction" compared to what is generally seen in the mainstream Christian fiction market, I felt that Willow balances treating the human trafficking thread with the gravitas it deserves without being gratuitously graphic. However, not to say that this book isn't intense. Definitely take note of the author note at the beginning of this novel, which reveals Kendig's heart and inspiration in tackling this heavy subject. While I reviewed an eARC, I hope that future editions may consider trigger/content warnings for some of the more heavier content like murder, rape, attempted sexual assault, etc. I would carefully consider who I recommended this novel to because some exclusively Christian fiction readers may be taken aback with the intensity, though I feel that readers need that to begin to understand a bit of this sobering situation that similarly occurs far to often in our world.
While I didn't really connect with the titular female lead at first, I could understand her stubbornness and tenacity. Chiji on the other hand, I was always a big fan of, and am interested to see how their stories continue in future installments. Though ideally read in order, I read Willow as a stand alone since I hadn't gotten to Stone , book one, and was able to follow along fine. I look forward to catching up with and following along with future installments of The Metcalfes. Fans of Kendig's previous series like The Tox Files and Discarded Heroes series will also enjoy seeing familiar characters reappear.
[Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book for review purposes via JustRead Tours.]
After The Princess Diaries series in the early 2000's, I think it's safe to say that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's engagement in 2010 and marriaAfter The Princess Diaries series in the early 2000's, I think it's safe to say that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's engagement in 2010 and marriage the following year helped inspired authors everywhere with royalty themed stories, especially where either the protagonist discovers they are long lost royalty or their love interest is heir to the throne of some fictional country. TV Tropes calls this the "Really Royalty Reveal" when a seemingly ordinary character is revealed to actually be an heir of importance, be it future ruler or what have you. In Christian fiction, I first remember noticing this royalty trend with Rachelle McCalla's Love Inspired Suspense series Reclaiming the Crown in 2011-2012, followed by Rachel Hauck's Royal Wedding Series in 2013. Nearly a decade later, Toni Shiloh's In Search of a Prince proudly sets itself apart from these contemporary royal romances by featuring a fictional African island kingdom instead of one of European origin.
Brielle Adebayo is a wonderful protagonist. Her emotions and struggles are authentic and believable for someone who receives such shocking news. Brielle's hurt at her mother's hidden secret is understandable and I liked that it took her time to come to terms with how her mother's decision affected her ability to get to know her father's family and results in Brielle having to essentially receive a crash course in everything about Ọlọrọ Ilé: language, culture, customs and more in a single summer as she tries to decide if she wants to take on the responsibilities of her heritage.
Shiloh's rich worldbuilding gives you enough information to make Ọlọrọ Ilé seem like a viable African country without distracting from the story, readers are swept along in Brielle's adventure as she explores her father's homeland and learns more about the country. I also enjoyed the strong spiritual thread in this novel. In my opinion, seeing Brielle and other main characters pray aloud or even in their thoughts doesn't seem forced or too preachy like in some early Christian fiction titles, but flows organically. The romance also compliments the main story of Brielle coming into her own as a princess and leader and while it's easy to see which of her suitors she should choose, I adored her main love interest and seeing their relationship grow throughout the story.
I'm really hoping Shiloh has a sequel in the future (featuring Brielle's best friend Iris?), though I'm pretty sure this is a standalone ... Regardless, this won't be my last Toni Shiloh novel and I hope we continue to see more richly diverse characters in mainstream Christian fiction. Contemporary royal romance fans will definitely want to check out In Search of a Prince!
[Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via Just Read Tours for review purposes.]...more
Angela Ruth Strong shines with her latest novel, Husband Auditions. A refreshing rom-com with heart, humor, and applicable advice and truths (not fromAngela Ruth Strong shines with her latest novel, Husband Auditions. A refreshing rom-com with heart, humor, and applicable advice and truths (not from a 1950s article!) for readers that set it apart from others in the Christian Romance genre.
Meri Newberg is in her early thirties and as the last single in her group of friends, is bequeathed a magazine article with ideas on how to get a husband (circa the 1950s). Her brother's roommate, Kai Kamaka, convinces Meri to let him film her for his online video channel as she tries the outdated advice suggested to snag a husband. Kai is sure that if their new web series goes viral, he'll be able to snag his dream cameraman job too ...
If I could choose one word to describe Husband Auditions by Angela Ruth Strong, "refreshing" would be a top choice! Besides a quirky premise, hilarious characters, and an unusual first-person dual narrative with the female and male leads, this novel hits deeper than many Christian Romances do.
As a longtime reader in the genre, (as much as I still enjoy them) I think too many romance novels in Christian Fiction don't always provide a lot of substance besides serving up "clean" romantic reads and it was refreshing to see the Christian principles and concepts that Meri and Kai discover regarding singleness, dating, and relationships are pretty on point. Things like focusing on growing in God, that marriage or falling in love doesn't magically make your life better (and both can become an idol at worst or at the least over-idealized), or the dangers of passiveness (in both genders: nothing ventured, nothing gained) are things that should be touched on in Christian Romance novels but oftentimes are pushed aside for the physically/intellectually descriptive, pure emotional, "all-the-feels" focus on the characters' romantic relationships.
I also appreciated how there was a variety of relationship examples between side characters that were realistic. I could definitely relate to Meri's insecurities regarding singleness, like seeing everyone else around you find love and wonder if it will ever happen for you, etc. and the first person narrative was fun (especially to see Meri and Kai's thoughts in alternating chapters). Strong definitely has a strength in crafting humorous prose but can definitely deliver on some swoon-worthy moments as well.
Finally, I want to highlight and give credit to Strong for featuring a (based on his name) cued Native Hawaiian male protagonist. As someone who grew up in Hawaii, I had no problems with his depiction though some may possibly take offense at one use of the word "exotic" to describe his mother or the "stereotype" of Kai's casual/laid back "Hawaiian" personality (but for many of us who have lived there, I feel it's not wrong or inaccurate, that "hang loose" culture can definitely be seen in Hawaii). I am always thrilled to see more ethnically diverse characters in Christian Fiction and hope other authors will be comfortable following suit if it fits their stories.
Overall, I was very impressed with Husband Auditions! I will definitely be looking to read more books by Angela Ruth Strong and I think fans of Contemporary Christian (Romance) Fiction will enjoy this fun rom-com novel!
[Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes from the publisher via I Read with Audra.]...more
The latest book in the Restoring Heritage series, Since You've Been Gone, features four more singles discovering love in the small town of Heritage, MThe latest book in the Restoring Heritage series, Since You've Been Gone, features four more singles discovering love in the small town of Heritage, Michigan. Though I hadn't read the previous two books, You Belong With Me and Until I Met You, it wasn't too difficult to acclimate myself to the setting and characters. Despite some (what I'm assuming are) cameos and perhaps slight spoilers regarding couples from the earlier books, considering that these are contemporary romances, I felt comfortable reading Since You've Been Gone as a stand alone though that may be different for other readers.
The character I connected to first was Leah. She's a creative, flighty type, and I very much related to her fears regarding falling in love and reluctance to starting a relationship even though she really wanted to. While there were moments where I got frustrated at Leah's jumping to conclusions, it was understandable considering her past assumptions. Jon is a steady, responsible type whose clashes and banter with Leah are rather entertaining.
Love is a risk, but a risk worth taking (with the right person), is one of the themes throughout the book that stood out to me and is highlighted not just with our main couple, but side characters Madison Westmore and Colby Marc. Both end up in Heritage not by choice, but by necessity: Madison to settle the affairs of her late estranged father and Colby to hide out after a scandal breaks up his popular music group. Like Leah, Madison is also reluctant to the risks of love, but her character arc was even more poignant to me and a reminder of how important our reactions as Christians are --Do we respond with grace and love or sanctimonious judgement and presuppositions? Seeing her grow to trust others and vice versa made me want to cheer. Meanwhile, Colby's heart and character reminded me of Hosea. He didn't care about Madison's past reputation, but saw her as she was now and how she changed even if others in town didn't.
As Tari Faris closes out her debut series, I will eagerly await her next book (after I go back and read the other Restoring Heritage novels)! I would recommend this book to fans of Christian contemporary romance authors such as Becky Wade, Julie Lessman, Carla Laureano, or Susan May Warren. My fellow librarians should also take note of this new Christian fiction author!
[Disclosure: I received an ARC copy from the publisher for review purposes.]...more
In The Crushing Depths, Dani Pettrey's Coastal Guardians series continues to follow the Wilmington, North Carolina-based Coast Guard Investigative SerIn The Crushing Depths, Dani Pettrey's Coastal Guardians series continues to follow the Wilmington, North Carolina-based Coast Guard Investigative Service team, this time focusing on Agent Rissi Dawson, a profiler, and new team member Mason Rogers, who specializes in dive investigations. Alongside the main plot, Pettrey deftly weaves a side investigation the team takes while protecting a Coast Guard medic colleague from a determined stalker. While I was able to identify one of the main suspects as soon as they were introduced, there was a twist I wasn't expecting the main case. The very short chapters, some only a couple pages long, reminded me of the format of many fast-paced adventure novels created for reluctant readers in youth fiction and isn't something I recall in her writing style previous to this series, but I haven't followed Dani Pettrey since her debut Alaskan Courage books.
Some of the characters introduced in previous title, The Killing Tide, such as Gabby and Finn, have more of a cameo role in this novel, while others such as Noah, Emmalyne, and Caleb are brought forward as more supporting characters, perhaps in anticipation of future books (I'm already predicting three other potential couples that may star in their own stories). Of course, our main characters in this story are Rissi and Mason, childhood friends who've reconnected through their careers unexpectedly. Seeing how they both were able to overcome similar traumas and past abuse made me want to cheer and their romance was swoon-worthy.
Another interesting note was that there was a slight love triangle which I feel I don't often see in Christian fiction. However, Pettrey made all the characters involved likeable and even though I rooted for the main couple, I sympathized with the unrequited crush and look forward to when that character will be the main focus in a future novel. I really liked the love triangle aspect because it added a sense of realism --the person you care for won't always love you back, and that's okay. I appreciated that the characters handled it maturely.
While part of an overall series, the Coastal Guardians novels can be read as stand alone novels, though of course the more of them you read, the more you'll get attached to all the team members. I'm personally looking forward to whenever Emmy and Logan get to be the main characters. Fans of Dani Pettrey and the Christian romantic suspense genre will enjoy unraveling several different cases in The Crushing Depths.
[Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes via Celebrate Lit Tours.]...more
Carla Laureano's Saturday Night Supper Club was one of best contemporary novels I've read in the Christian Fiction market in recent years, so I was thCarla Laureano's Saturday Night Supper Club was one of best contemporary novels I've read in the Christian Fiction market in recent years, so I was thrilled to be able get my hands on an ARC for The Solid Grounds Coffee Company. Delving into the artisan coffee roasting industry, the final novel in this foodie themed trilogy features compelling characters, distinct settings, and features a complex Asian American protagonist (providing diverse representation that is often lacking in the Christian Fiction market).
One of the things that drew me to this trilogy were the details that Laureano incorporates into her settings. Whether the worlds of a professional chef, columnist, or small business owner, I felt like I learned more about each industry or career. In The Solid Grounds Coffee Company, the details of things such as coffee roasting and farming, professional rock climbing, and crisis management add an air of authenticity to the story and setting.
Best of all were the characters. Not only do we see beloved characters from the two previous books in this trilogy, such as Rachel, Alex, Justin, and Melody, but Ana and Bryan, side characters we've seen throughout series, finally get their story told! Bryan (Alex's best friend) has returned back to Colorado a changed man and struggles to be taken seriously due to his past reputation as a bit of a rogue. Meanwhile, workaholic Ana finds herself adrift after her perfectly organized life slowly unravels.
I won't lie, I had definite Han Solo/Princess Leia vibes from the main couple and I loved it! They were definitely "opposites attract" and it was so fun to read! Themes touching on perfectionism, reputation, new life through Christ, and trusting God were subtle and not preachy. I also was interested to see a slightly non-traditional closure for Christian romance and I'm curious to see the reactions of other readers.
Finally, it was incredible to see a strong, contemporary female Filipino protagonist in Christian Fiction. While I'm not Filipino myself, I grew up in a town that had a large Filipino population and while Ana being Asian American wasn't a huge part of the plot (and rightly didn't need to be), she was very authentic and her family felt so believable, I had flashbacks to Camy Tang's Sushi Series. As a librarian, I'm so excited to be able to suggest this book to those looking for Asian American protagonists in Christian Fiction. I pray more authors in the Christian publishing industry will also be inspired to introduce more diversity to their characters in the future. It was also refreshing to see the agency of the lead female characters and I think it's good to have a diverse range of ideas and characterizations in the Christian fiction market. As someone who stayed up until 3am to finish this novel, I eagerly look forward to seeing what Carla Laureano will write next!
[Disclosure: I received a complimentary digital advance reader's copy for review purposes as a member of the author's street team.]...more
Last year I read and enjoyed my first Becky Wade novel, Meant to Be Mine (Porter Family #2), so I jumped at the opportunity to review Her One and OnlyLast year I read and enjoyed my first Becky Wade novel, Meant to Be Mine (Porter Family #2), so I jumped at the opportunity to review Her One and Only! Dealing with the youngest Porter sibling, Wade's contemporary Christian romance is a swoon-worthy close to her successful series.
If you don't mind small "spoilers" (the couples of the previous novels are mentioned so you know who ends up together), Her One and Only can easily be read as a stand alone. Since this is in the romance genre, I didn't have a problem with that --after all, if you read the back cover blurbs you can safely assume that the main characters are the couple you'll want to root for in the story! This book occurs about five years after book 2 (and books 1-4 span eight years total), so while I was briefly taken aback at the time jump, I was still able to adjust. I guess that's what I get for missing book 3!
Dru and Gray are well-developed characters. They both are motivated by and are very shaped by their pasts. A large age gap between Dru and her older brothers drove her independent, self-reliant attitude and her determination to prove herself. Meanwhile, Gray's turbulent childhood left him wary of love and long term commitment.
While never inappropriate, Dru and Gray's chemistry sizzles --contemporary Christian romance is more than Janette Oke's prairie romances! I loved it, though a part of me (the real life me) thinks that Dru shouldn't have invested so much of her heart with a man whose relationship with God was still unclear. I did appreciate that it was briefly touched on a couple of times in the novel, so I know Dru did realize that. I also like how it shows that Christians can --and do-- have different standards when it comes to dating and romantic relationships --it would make a good discussion point for a book club or just for the reader to think about in general.
Finally, Wade also tries her hand at romantic suspense --I believe this is her first novel to add a mystery element to her romances. While still published as contemporary romance, the mystery and action elements are well done and believeable. It makes me curious to see what direction Wade will go in for her next novel!
Recommended for Christian romance fans who love contemporary, real world settings and authors such as Susan May Warren or Danni Pettrey.
[Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review purposes via Litfuse.]
4 1/2 stars for Julie Lessman's contemporary romance debut! Full review to come!4 1/2 stars for Julie Lessman's contemporary romance debut! Full review to come!...more
Loading...
