Month: September 2022

Bargain books September 13, 2022

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BookBub has a bargain suggestion for us. It’s a collection I’ve read and enjoyed, several years ago. Five books in the collection, a good deal.

Northwest Counter-Terrorism Taskforce: the complete series

The complete series. All five books in one collection.

Book 1: First Wave

Just another Friday night. Or is it? Homeland Security Agent Dakota Pierce is in the Washington backwoods to sniff out domestic terrorism. DEA rookie Josh Weber and his dog show up to uncover a mystery of their own. When a young woman’s body is discovered, everything points to a local militia.

Book 2: Second Chance

The agent left behind. Stuck on probation with nothing to do but busywork. Niall’s case points to a research college hiding more secrets than the local police. He meets Haley, who is looking for her missing friend. The former Navy sailor won’t stop until she’s figured out what the disappearance has to do with the Russians in Portland. When the two collide, a bigger plot is revealed. One that puts hundreds in danger.

Book 3: Third Hour

Hiding from her enemy. Talia takes an assignment at a bank, where she meets a dashing Secret Service agent. Before anything can happen, the NSA analyst is implicated in a cyber-crime. Mason knows there’s more going on, but Talia won’t tell him what happened to her. When the hacker closes in, and the Secret Service office is targeted, the only way to uncover what’s really going on is for them all to trust each other. But with their histories, that’s a whole lot easier said than done.

Book 4: Fourth Day
A dead woman returns. The trap is set.

Allyson can’t get caught up in feelings. Not when there’s work to do. The night her phone rings, the voice on the other end changes everything. Drawn into the latest Northwest Counter-Terrorism Taskforce case, Allyson has to figure out where her loyalties lie. Sal knows things are changing with the team, but he isn’t sure what’s next for him. As soon as he clears this one last investigation he’ll figure it out. Trouble is, finding Allyson might be the hardest thing he’s ever done.

Book 5: Final Stand
A vendetta. The biggest case of her life.

Victoria Bramlyn has been a spy, a State Department Director, team leader and friend. But there’s one role she’s never realized. The woman in Mark Welvern’s life. When the capture of a corrupt FBI agent and one of the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted is finally within her grasp, Victoria has to make one last choice between the people she loves and the score she needs to settle. Mark has loved Victoria for years. But there just might be too much history between Victoria and Mark for them to make a relationship work. When the truth about everything she’s done comes to light, his loyalty to her is tested and he is forced to decide between duty and having what he’s always wanted. Will he give it all up for her? Love meets obligation head on in this explosive conclusion to what readers are calling, “a five-star series!”

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Five books sounds like enough to me for a blog post. I will admit to an unsuccessful look to see what else might be available. Always disappointing but not the end of the world.

I’m excited about my current read. It was a pre-order I’d forgotten about and it showed up this morning as a surprise. It is still a bargain.

As Silent as the Night (Strike to the Heart Series)

He can procure anything, except his heart’s deepest wish. She might hold the key, if she’s not discovered first.

Chicago, 1933―Lucia Critelli will do anything for her ailing grandfather, including stand in a breadline to have enough food to make him a St. Nicholas Day meal. When she catches the eye of a goon who threatens her grandfather, she discovers the end of Prohibition doesn’t mean the end of the mafia’s criminal activity.

Retired Marine Scout Giosue “Gio” Vella can find anything, especially if it helps a fellow Italian immigrant, so he has no doubt he can locate his neighbor’s granddaughter, who has gone missing from a local church. Keeping her safe is another matter. Especially when he chooses to hide out with his Marine buddy in Eagle, Wisconsin, the site of a barely-held truce among striking dairy farmers.

Will Christmas bring the miracle they all need or will Gio discover there are some things even he can’t find, particularly when he stumbles upon the most elusive gift of all: love.

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Happy Reading y’all

Free books September 12, 2022

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This is a day for FREE books.

The first one is a BookBub suggestion. I’ve read this author but it’s been awhile and I can’t remember what the experience was like. This will be a refresher. Book 1 was on the list already.

Fort Point (Maine Justice Book 2)

An ill-fated class reunion at Fort Point. . . Maine’s most famous author is murdered the night after the reunion. A classmate turns up dead a few days later, apparently drowned at Fort Point. What does a cold case burglary have to do with the deaths? And did a third classmate really commit suicide?

The Priority Unit solves its most challenging case, relying on wits, hard work, and faith. Meanwhile, Jennifer Wainthrop plans her wedding but manages to hand the detectives some important clues. Detective Harvey Larson is offered a job he doesn’t want, until he learns the police chief has had a tragic accident. Captain Mike Browning is on vacation in Maine’s far north, and proves a difficult man to track down. Harvey and Jennifer continue their faith journey and romance while untangling the evidence. Despite many obstacles, the Priority Unit is once again serving up Maine Justice.

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LPC Free Books has a couple of suggestions we’ve seen before. I’ve read and enjoyed both of them.

Tempest: The Veil Chronicles, Book One

For eighteen-year-old Lexi, freedom is a luxury. She’s spent her life evading capture for a genetic gift that feels more like a curse. Her bulletproof immunity and monstrous disfigurement is of great interest to a secret organization, but they aren’t the only ones. A cryptic tip alerts Lexi that something else hunts her—something darker.

Desperate to enjoy her life before it’s too late,Lexi leaves the protective cocoon her parents created for her and signs up for art classes at her local college. There she meets Conner, who is confined to a wheelchair, and they become friends who are willing to share each other’s secrets. But a chance encounter with Connor’s foster brother Killian changes everything.

Killian shares the same mysterious secret within his blood as Lexi. Their fateful meeting sets off a chain reaction of catastrophic events that exposes the terrifying truth—Lexi is a celestial queen of a bygone race. Connor is their last royal heir, and Killian is a half-breed abomination hated for his very existence. With Connor kidnapped by an ancient god determined to rid the world of the stain of humanity, Lexi and Killian find themselves under the protection of the secretive Order of Kings.

Lexi believes she’s been thrown into a world of myths and legends, but things are not as they seem. Lexi becomes convinced the Order is keeping dangerous secrets that threaten not just her but all of mankind.

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Hidden Danger (When Darkness Falls Book 3)

When Carley Sutherland receives a frantic call for help, she races to a desolate park to meet her best friend. On a dimly-lit park bench, Carley’s friend fumbles in her handbag for her phone. She has a picture of a couple arguing, a picture of a woman who was later found dead in a ditch. Before Carley can examine the picture her friend took of the secretive encounter, a dark SUV stops near the bench. The window rolls down. A gunshot rips the silence. Carley’s friend tumbles from the bench, dead.

No need to wait for the second shot. Carley’s on the run, now, with a target on her back.

Wounded Army vet, Blake Richards, recuperates stateside while awaiting new orders. He doesn’t want to jeopardize his recovery or risk further injury, but at the sound of gunshots, his training kicks in. Blake ducks behind a tree and drops to one knee, scanning the area around him. A shadowy figure darts down a path. A woman nervously looks back over her shoulder. Hunkered down, he waits until the last second and then grabs her by the waist. With his hand clasped over her mouth, he pulls her to safety.

Blake doesn’t need to get involved with any woman, particularly one as beautiful and intriguing as Carley Sutherland. But he may be Carley’s only hope of staying alive. And she may his only hope of finding peace and healing amidst hidden dangers.

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This has been a good day. One new book in the mix makes it good.

I’m about to finish today’s current book, looking forward to what comes next.

Happy Reading!

This and that September 11, 2022

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I guess it was by design that my current read is about survivors and family members left behind after 9/11. By design of the publishers, that is. That’s OK, I do enjoy the author and the book. It is book two in the series and I’m pretty sure I read book one somewhere along the line, way back when. These books came out in 2004 so they are not new releases.

For sure this remembrance is uppermost in everyone’s mind but the loss of Queen Elizabeth is showing up often in my news feed too. And politics, that’s another big subject. I admit to having conservative leanings and so I’m happy they finally elected a new leader. It will go along way toward being ready if our Prime Minister were to call a surprise election. Hopefully. Enough of that conversation.

Spending all this time watching the news online has had a detrimental effect on my thinking process. Mainly because I don’t want to talk about any of the subjects mentioned above. I need to spend more time thinking on subjects I can talk about but I have to make room for that to happen..

The biggest hindrance to quiet meditation is that I’ve become addicted to the noise and find myself forever searching for one more video to watch. Even though I’ve heard most of the content over and over again.

Both my writing and my reading have suffered lately because of this fixation. Must make some changes and get back to normal.

I did go for a nice walk in the sunshine this afternoon and it definitely interrupted the unhealthy routine. Walking is something I rarely do. The city has added more pretty walking paths, a big surprise to me, and now there are even more options. The thought did keep running through my mind that this was pleasant and I should do it more often. Maybe I will. No promises but maybe.

So my current enjoyable read…

Beyond Tuesday Morning: Sequel to the Bestselling One Tuesday Morning (9/11 series Book 2) 

The hope-filled sequel to the bestselling One Tuesday Morning. In this new novel by Karen Kingsbury, three years have passed since the terrorist attacks on New York City. Jamie Bryan, widow of a firefighter who lost his life on that terrible day, has found meaning in her season of loss by volunteering at St. Paul’s, the memorial chapel across the street from where the Twin Towers once stood. Here she meets a daily stream of people touched by the tragedy, including two men with whom she feels a connection.

One is a firefighter also changed by the attacks, the other a police officer from Los Angeles. But as Jamie gets to know the police officer, she is stunned to find out that he is the brother of Eric Michaels, the man with the uncanny resemblance to Jamie’s husband, the man who lived with her for three months after September 11.

Eric is the man she has vowed never to see again. Certain she could not share even a friendship with his brother, Jamie shuts out the police officer and delves deeper into her work at St. Paul’s. Now it will take the persistence of a tenacious man, the questions from her curious young daughter, and the words from her dead husband’s journal to move Jamie beyond one Tuesday morning.

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I’m 1/4 of the way through and anxious to see what will happen next. This book is still a bargain if you are tempted.

Happy Reading!

Another good read September 10, 2022

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It’s Saturday but it feels like Sunday for some reason. I’m glad it is Saturday though, that means we have one more day in the weekend to read.

My current read was definitely able to keep my attention, once again. It’s a two book collection, I loved book one and I’m almost finished book two, also an attention getter. It is still a bargain, if you are interested.

Protecting Her Daughter and Under the Lawman’s Protection 

A promise to protect

Protecting Her Daughter by Lynette Eason

After someone attempts to abduct her daughter, single mom Zoe Collier flees to a remote ranch for safety. But when the would-be kidnappers follow them to Wrangler’s Corner, Zoe must figure out why somebody wants Sophia. Quick-witted and caring, local vet Aaron Starke is just the type of man she needs in her corner. And he might be her partner for keeps…if they can find the truth without losing their lives.

FREE BONUS STORY INCLUDED IN THIS VOLUME!

Under the Lawman”s Protection by USA TODAY Bestselling Author Laura Scott

For SWAT team negotiator Isaac Morrison, safeguarding Leah Nichols and her young son is his most challenging mission yet. Leah’s brother—his best friend, Shane—has gone missing while working undercover. Now it’s up to Isaac to shield mother and child from Shane’s enemies. He’ll need his best protection skills against their formidable adversary. Because he can’t risk losing the little family who has stealthily claimed his heart.

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I didn’t notice until now that there are two authors, not just one. The cover lead me astray. It wasn’t very clear about identifying the second book.

I did vaguely notice a difference when starting the second story but passed it off as the author managing to sound a little different in the second book. I guess not. There is always, at the very least, a subtle sameness that is most noticeable when reading a full series in a short space of time. That was missing this time. I was blissfully unaware but happy.

Anyway, I enjoy both authors and enjoyed both books.

There was a sameness to them in that the publishing house must have specified a theme that was closely carried through both books. They almost could have been written by the same author if story line was the only consideration.

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There are just a few chapters left and curiosity is killing me.

Happy Reading y’all

Read and enjoyed September 09, 2022

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Three books in a row, great books. Every one of them kept me reading much too late at night but the last one read was the best one. They were well written (less-well is a distraction to me. that’s the trouble with reading so many books, it’s easy to become picky about likes and dislikes,) and there was a satisfying amount of meat on the bones of the story.

There were a few things in each book that were less than thrilling but in the long run they were minor when stacked up against the good. Best one first.

Buried Cold Case Secrets (Deputies of Anderson County Book 1)

Recovering her missing memories

could be the key to solving a murder

Searching for her best friend’s remains could help forensic anthropologist Melanie Hutton regain her memories of when they were both kidnapped—unless the killer gets to Melanie first.

For her safety, Melanie must rely on Detective Jason Cooper, who still blames her for his sister’s death. Can Jason set the past aside to solve the cold-case murder…and shield Melanie from the same fate?

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This next story turned out to be much better than expected. A pleasant surprise, indeed. It may even be a tie for first place on this favorites list, now that I refresh my memory of the story.

Even Forever: A Clean Western Romance (Boulder Creek Romance Book 1)

The last thing Rosalie Tomkin wants is another man trying to control her life.

Rosalie’s abusive jailbird father and her ne’er-do-well brother have cured her of that. Not even the wealthy visitor staying in her beleaguered mother’s boarding house can tempt her. She plans to leave Boulder Creek as soon as she can scrape together the funds to do so, and when she does, she won’t ever look back.

Michael Randolph is in a high-stakes competition for the family business and intends to beat his half-brother, no matter what. So when an innocent encounter with Rosalie threatens to cost him everything he hopes to achieve, he’s willing to pay the price demanded by her no-good father. Even if it means marrying a damsel in distress.

Strangers placed in an impossible position, Michael and Rosalie can agree on one thing. Neither of them wants to stay together any longer than they must. What they don’t know is that fate might have a better future in store for them than either could imagine.

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Last but not least another good book.

Risky Ambition (Vanishing Ranch Book 3)

Former Navy fighter pilot Nate Casper, also known as Ghost, splits his time between flying jet-setting celebrities around the world and volunteering to help with rescues at Vanishing Ranch. When movie star Chesney Blake books a trip with him, Ghost sets aside his attraction to her in order to remain professional.

But when his flight plan gets waylaid by a barrage of bullets, putting Chesney in danger, his intention of keeping his distance takes a nosedive.

Chesney Blake needs a break before filming her next movie. But when her getaway erupts into nothing short of chaos and her pilot transforms into her protector, her vacation plans are forgotten. Does someone really want her dead? Or was she even the intended target?

As more incidents threaten their safety, Chesney and Ghost set out to uncover the truth. But as they get closer to finding answers, Chesney is faced with a fate worse than she ever imagined—even worse than death itself.

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The last two are still on at bargain prices if you are interested.

Happy Reading y’all

The day we said good bye September 08, 2022

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I think I will forever remember the day Queen Elizabeth died. On my daughter’s birthday, today.

I remember Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip visiting Canada when I was living in British Columbia many years ago. I’m not sure what year though, they made a number of visits and I can’t tell which one it would have been. I was young and it made quite an impression on me, I do remember that.

There is no doubt about it. This is the end of an era. She is an impossible act to follow, an amazing woman gifted in a way few are. She was a queen, through and through, it wasn’t something assumed when out in public and hung in the closet when arriving home.

It looks like those coming behind will be assuming a role, it is not who they already are. Sad for us and for them.

Life changes and the world moves on, maybe culture is becoming such that a monarchy – king/queen is no longer needed the way it once was. Maybe a role play will be enough to do the job.

RIP Queen Elizabeth II, we will remember you with a lifetime of respect and appreciation.

LIFE Queen Elizabeth: 70th Jubilee

Out an about, she was a classy lady. At home with her dogs she was real, with her rubber boots and earthy toned heavy coat. Comfortable both ways. Remarkable.

Bargain book September 07, 2022

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1531 Entertainment has a suggestion for us from an author who was often in my pile of library a decade ago when that was still my main source of reading material. I’m looking forward to this read. I wondered if I may have read it when it first came out but it’s not ringing any memory bells for me. That means I would need to reread it anyway.

Beyond Tuesday Morning: Sequel to the Bestselling One Tuesday Morning (9/11 series Book 2) 

The hope-filled sequel to the bestselling One Tuesday Morning. In this new novel by Karen Kingsbury, three years have passed since the terrorist attacks on New York City. Jamie Bryan, widow of a firefighter who lost his life on that terrible day, has found meaning in her season of loss by volunteering at St. Paul’s, the memorial chapel across the street from where the Twin Towers once stood. Here she meets a daily stream of people touched by the tragedy, including two men with whom she feels a connection. One is a firefighter also changed by the attacks, the other a police officer from Los Angeles. But as Jamie gets to know the police officer, she is stunned to find out that he is the brother of Eric Michaels, the man with the uncanny resemblance to Jamie’s husband, the man who lived with her for three months after September 11. Eric is the man she has vowed never to see again. Certain she could not share even a friendship with his brother, Jamie shuts out the police officer and delves deeper into her work at St. Paul’s. Now it will take the persistence of a tenacious man, the questions from her curious young daughter, and the words from her dead husband’s journal to move Jamie beyond one Tuesday morning.

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My current read is turning out to be a good choice. I left off at a good part and I need to hurry back and see what is going to happen next.

Flee the Night (Team Hope Book 1) 

Ex-CIA operative Lacey Montgomery is a liar, a murderer, and a fugitive—or is she? Former Green Beret Jim Micah must either prove her innocence or bring her to justice. Too bad his heart won’t stay out of the way. With a little girl’s life and national secrets hanging in the balance, Jim and Lacey must trust God to help them flee the secrets of the night.

The little blurb with the book sells this story short. There are life threatening things happening at every turn and who to trust is a question with no apparent answer. Not yet anyway.

This story reaches out and grabs the reader and it’s impossible to keep from being drawn in to the action. At the moment we are running for our life.

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Check it out, you may want to read it too.

That’s it for today, sadly, that’s all I have.

Happy Reading y’all

This and that September 06, 2022

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I’m coming up empty on what to talk about tonight. We have no good book suggestions to get excited about. My head is not settled on subjects I could pursue. It’s probably because I’ve spent the evening listening to YouTube podcasts. There were a bunch of short ones related to the news of the day, not something I really want to talk about. They weren’t of the feel good type, more of a downer, life is like that sometimes.

The last one, though, has given me much to ponder. It was a long interview, 2 and 1/4 hours long, and in my mind it could have been longer. The interview was between two highly successful men. It was very interesting, mostly because they both got to the heart of the matter in a very real and candid way. It was relatable and left me feeling richer for the experience. I’ll be chewing on it for awhile.

The other unique aspect was that it turned into a double interview. Both of these guys have successful podcasts with huge audiences and of course the interviewee had to have a chance to interview his host. They both did an awesome job of switching roles. I will probably watch it again another day. There was so much to unpack that once is not enough.

I will include the link in case you are curious to see what it was all about. The original guest was inducted into a Canadian hall of fame for marketing genius. His name is Tony Chapman. The subject was marketing but they got into personal territory when they talked about their early life, their families, their jobs and how they got their start and how they progressed to where they are now. Fascinating.

The awesome thing was they wanted to be helpful. They left their egos at home and shared real down-to-earth things. I love this type of interview, it draws me in and touches my life in profound ways.

Anyway, that is where my head is tonight.

It was a good night.

Maybe we will have books to share tomorrow.

Happy reading and maybe even listening.

Free and bargain books September 05, 2022

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BookBub has a FREE suggestion for us. An author and book we’ve seen before, in a Christmas collection. I think it was probably a good read but I don’t remember much after reading that many books in a row. I just remember enjoying the collection. I may have to read this book again along with you.

A Beautiful Mess (The Mosaic Collection)

A single mother’s journey from bitterness to forgiveness.

Nearly four years ago, Erin Belden’s happy life became a shattered mess. After her husband admitted to an affair and that a child had been conceived, he left her and their young daughter for his new family. Now, she’s finally ready to put the pieces of her life together. She’s set to launch her own business and even thinks her heart might be open to romance—should the right man come along.

But just when everything seems to be lining up, she receives a devastating call: her ex-husband and his wife have been killed in a car accident, and Erin is listed in their will as their daughter’s legal guardian.

How can she be a mother to the child—let alone love the child—who broke up her marriage? Does she have the courage to start over yet again and turn this mess into a mosaic of beauty?

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1531 Entertainment has a bargain suggestion by one of our favorite authors. Two books in one, books we’ve not read. Bonus!

Protecting Her Daughter and Under the Lawman’s Protection

After someone attempts to abduct her daughter, single mom Zoe Collier flees to a remote ranch for safety. But when the would-be kidnappers follow them to Wrangler’s Corner, Zoe must figure out why somebody wants Sophia. Quick-witted and caring, local vet Aaron Starke is just the type of man she needs in her corner. And he might be her partner for keeps…if they can find the truth without losing their lives.

FREE BONUS STORY INCLUDED IN THIS VOLUME!

Under the Lawman”s Protection by USA TODAY Bestselling Author Laura Scott

For SWAT team negotiator Isaac Morrison, safeguarding Leah Nichols and her young son is his most challenging mission yet. Leah’s brother—his best friend, Shane—has gone missing while working undercover. Now it’s up to Isaac to shield mother and child from Shane’s enemies. He’ll need his best protection skills against their formidable adversary. Because he can’t risk losing the little family who has stealthily claimed his heart.

*****************************

Not to bad for a holiday Monday.

Happy Reading.

Happy Birthday to me. September 04, 2022

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It’s my birthday today. It has been a good day and I don’t even care that we don’t have any book suggestions today.

Four family members were available to spend some time with me and we had fun. Three of us have birthdays within 5 days and we were all here today. Bonus. We get to celebrate at least twice, some of us even more. How could we be sad about that?

We will party officially another day when everyone else is available. We aren’t given to formal occasions, just a chance to be together and express our appreciation and love for one another.

I should have taken pictures but sadly, I didn’t.

I did try to do a sell job on my last read, though. I’m pretty sure they would enjoy it but it doesn’t appear I’m much of a salesman, no one took the bait. The most avid reader in the group has a good excuse – her last visit to the public library netted her 10 new books. I remember those days so I can’t fault her, she has deadlines after all.

My daughter prefers hard copy while I favor e-copy. There are many conveniences about my e-reader that I can’t live without.

I’m just happy for all the readers we have in the family no matter how they read.

So, I was going to move on to book two in the series I was reading and loved. It was not working for me. The main characters are so different it was hard for me to change lanes. I think a bigger break will make for a smoother transition.

During the break I’m reading the third book in another series I follow. These people are running for their life at the moment.

Risky Ambition (Vanishing Ranch Book 3)

Former Navy fighter pilot Nate Casper, also known as Ghost, splits his time between flying jet-setting celebrities around the world and volunteering to help with rescues at Vanishing Ranch. When movie star Chesney Blake books a trip with him, Ghost sets aside his attraction to her in order to remain professional.

But when his flight plan gets waylaid by a barrage of bullets, putting Chesney in danger, his intention of keeping his distance takes a nosedive.

Chesney Blake needs a break before filming her next movie. But when her getaway erupts into nothing short of chaos and her pilot transforms into her protector, her vacation plans are forgotten. Does someone really want her dead? Or was she even the intended target?

As more incidents threaten their safety, Chesney and Ghost set out to uncover the truth. But as they get closer to finding answers, Chesney is faced with a fate worse than she ever imagined—even worse than death itself.

*********************

Happy reading y’all