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Review (and Giveaway): Fatal Mistake by Susan Sleeman

May 1, 2017 by Suzie Waltner 16 Comments

My Review

Filled with an intensity from the first sentence that never releases its grip on the reader, Fatal Mistake is a must-read for fans of romantic suspense.

Author Susan Sleeman weaves high octane action, anticipation, and palpable attraction throughout this book. And the longer word count (from her fantastic category suspense stories) allows her to delve more deeply into the motivations and emotions of her characters.

The detail in this book of weapons, investigative procedures, and military specialties is excellent, giving the readers the feeling of being in the middle of a police procedural show. Sleeman knows her stuff.

I loved the strength of both Tara Parrish and former-SEAL-turned FBI explosives expert Cal Riggins. There isn’t a cowering, simpering heroine in this book. Nope, Tara can hold her own against the intense FBI Critical Incident Response team.

And what a team it is, each member willing to do whatever it takes to protect innocent lives. I can’t wait to read the others’ stories!!

Disclosure statement:

I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

A Sapphire Season by Lynn Morris

August 9, 2015 by Suzie Waltner Leave a Comment

Lady Mirabella Tirel has determined this is the season in London in which she will find a suitable husband. Her desire is to be married and have children. With that in mind, she and her friend Josephine travel from their home in Camarden to London where they navigate the nuances of the ton. Mirabella sets her sights on three potential matches.

Sir Giles Knyvet is in love with his best friend. They have grown up together but it’s only been in the past few years he’s realized his feelings for Mirabella. But he knows he’s not a suitable husband for her. He’s merely a baronet and is trying to settle the debts of his family’s estate. There is no way he’s going to live off of his wife’s dowry.

As Mirabella and Giles spend time with the wealthy, titled upper class of England, they both seem interested in the other. Will Giles finally confess his love for Mirabella before it’s too late? Will Mirabella give up comfort and security for true love?

While I’m usually a fan of Regency fiction, this book felt a little lacking. First of all, I was disappointed I didn’t get to see more of Giles’s point of view. There were only a handful of chapters in the book that followed him and his friends. I found myself wondering a few times what Giles was up to. In addition, I was three quarters of the way through the book, wondering why it’s listed as Christian fiction before there was mention of God, prayer, or religion. Although, isn’t that the way it goes in life sometimes? We happily go along until something goes wrong and then we reach out to God. Finally, the narrative style was a little cumbersome and took some getting used to. I guess I prefer first or second point of view to being told a story.

With that said, if you enjoy the caste system of England, the costumes, the parties and balls, then this book is chock full of those details. The gossiping matrons, Gentleman Jackson’s boxing club, the ton, and etiquette were all in this book.

***Faithwords/Center Street provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Love Gently Falling by Melody Carlson

December 9, 2014 by Suzie Waltner Leave a Comment

After several years working at an upscale salon in Hollywood, Rita Jansen returns home to Chicago when her mother has a stroke. She learns her mother is in for a long recovery and decides to visit the hair salon she grew up loving—Hair and Now. Business is down with the lower portion of the mall under construction and another, more updated salon on the upper level of the mall. Rita decides to take on the job of remodeling the hair salon in the short time she has at home—all to be completed in a few weeks time before Valentine’s Day. As Rita reconnects with her best friend from high school—a friend she has lost touch with—and another friend, Johnny, from high school, Rita learns friendship can be rekindled (and maybe something more). Johnny always seems to be there when she needs him, willing to lend a hand. But since she’s going back to California, she doesn’t want to get attached to Johnny romantically.

It’s been years since I’ve read anything by Melody Carlson. I know she focused on YA books for a while and I lost touch with her so when the opportunity came up to read Love Gently Falling, I was happy to read it. While the book was an entertaining read, it wasn’t my favorite. Perhaps it’s a personal preference but I enjoy romances from both the hero and heroine’s perspectives as it gives the reader a more round picture. And while there is tension in most romance books because the main characters don’t share their feelings with each other, there comes a point in time when it’s gone too far. There was little meat to this story. It would have been enhanced with more focus on Rita’s relationships with her family members or more in-depth conversations with her best friend. If you need a break from more heavy or in-depth books and are looking for a light, cute romance, this one is a good choice.

Available for preorder from Amazon or Family Christian Stores. Available everywhere January 6, 2015

****FaithWords/Center Street provided me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.