Review: Backlash by Rachel Dylan

About the book:

With a target on her back, she's determined to find answers.

But can she escape the deadly backlash?

CIA analyst Layla Karam is thrust into a dangerous DEA field operation against a cartel, and after one of her team members is murdered because of fallout from the op, Layla is left scrambling to find safety.

At the same time, the CIA opens an internal investigation against her. Out of options, Layla turns to ex-boyfriend and private investigator Hunter McCoy for help finding out who might want to ruin her career.

Layla and Hunter soon discover that a mole inside the DEA has sold out the team's identity to the cartel. She needs to clear her name with the Agency in order to protect herself and her teammates from cartel retaliation. With threats on all sides, Layla must put her trust in Hunter--the man who broke her heart--and hope they both come out of it alive.

For those who are content sensitive: this book contains non-graphic scenes and descriptions of physical and sexual assault.

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

My rating:
4 stars
(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

Backlash is the second book in Rachel Dylan's Capital Intrigue series and another thrilling suspense. I found the characters likeable and I liked how there were some unexpected twists. 

I'm not sure if it was just me and my reading mood at the time, but the storyline was a little difficult to completely follow at times. It might be because I wasn't really in the mood to read at the time and trying to get over a slump. It was still enjoyable…but I think some things went over my head. 

All in all, Backlash was a good read. I look forward to reading the next book when it releases. If you are a fan of romantic suspense, then I think you'll like this one, too.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

Review: When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin

About the book:

Munich, 1938

Evelyn Brand is an American foreign correspondent determined to prove her worth in a male-dominated profession and to expose the growing tyranny in Nazi Germany. To do so, she must walk a thin line. If she offends the government, she could be expelled from the country--or worse. If she does not report truthfully, she'll betray the oppressed and fail to wake up the folks back home.

Peter Lang is an American graduate student working on his PhD in German. Disillusioned with the chaos in the world due to the Great Depression, he is impressed with the prosperity and order of German society. But when the brutality of the regime hits close, he discovers a far better way to use his contacts within the Nazi party--to feed information to the shrewd reporter he can't get off his mind.

As the world marches relentlessly toward war, Evelyn and Peter are on a collision course with destiny.

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

My rating:
4 stars
(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

It's been four years since I've read a Sarah Sundin novel, so I was excited to dive into When Twilight Breaks. I felt like this book was slightly different from her other stories, but it was still amazing. 

I loved the story and found it so intriguing to read this point in history from the setting of Germany. I thought the story was believable and written in a way that made me feel like I was really there. 

There were points in this book where I was on the edge of my seat in suspense. I didn't know what was going to happen and there was so much danger. 

All in all, When Twilight Breaks was a great read. I highly recommend it. Now I must make a point to read my backlist of Sundin novels. ;)

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

Review: Network of Deceit by Tom Threadgill

About the book:

She's following her instincts. They're following her every move.

After her rescue of nearly fifty kidnapped children made international headlines, Amara Alvarez gets what she's worked for: a transfer to San Antonio's Homicide Division. But reality sets in quickly when her first case, the suspicious death of a teenager at a crowded local water park, plunges her life into chaos.

As the investigation moves forward, Amara finds herself stalked online by cybercriminals who uncover her personal life in frightening detail. With few leads, she's forced to resort to unconventional methods to find the killer and prevent her first murder investigation from ending up in the cold case files.

Tom Threadgill is back with another riveting page-turner featuring the detective who is willing to put everything on the line to see justice served and lives protected.

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

My rating:
4 stars
(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

Network of Deceit is the second Amara Alvarez book and the first Tom Threadgill book I've read. I started the book with no expectations since I hadn't really heard much about this author and so I was just hoping for the best. I'm so happy to say that it was unbelievably good and I am eager to read the next book whenever it releases. 

The suspense was amazing. I had so much fun trying to figure out who the killer was and what was really going on. There were several twists and the ending was satisfying. 

All in all, with a great storyline and believable characters, Network of Deceit was a very good read and I recommend it. 

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

Weekend Wrap-Up | March 12, 2021

Weekend Wrap-up is where I share what I read this past week, am currently reading, and my reading plans for the coming week. 

Feel free to join along and post your own Weekend Wrap-up on your blog/site (if you do, please leave the link in a comment so I can stop by) or, in a comment, share what you've read this past week. :)

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This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

~

Books I Finished This Past Week:

Both 5 star reads. I absolutely loved these books. :D

What I'm Currently Reading: 

Guest Post: Tips for Surviving your Time Travel Adventure | Review: A Wagon Train Weekend by Stephenia H. McGee

Guest Post by Stephenia H. McGee

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Tips for Surviving your Time Travel Adventure

Have you suddenly found yourself stranded in an era not your own? Did you book a room at a mysterious bed and breakfast, expecting an old-fashioned room and a hot meal, only to find yourself transported to a different time?

This handy little guide will help you anticipate some of the more jarring aspects of your trip.

1. There are no cell phones. Depending on your particular time location, you will need to conduct all communications by letter, calling card, carrier pigeon, or face-to-face interactions. Some trips are equipped with telephone services, but can only be accessed through available land lines. Consider this a great time to disconnect and work on anemic people skills!

2. Bathroom facilities can vary wildly. To best prepare, don’t expect hot water unless it comes from a pot heated over a fire. Showers, in almost all cases, are nonexistent. But don’t worry. Hats are provided to cover dirty hair and scented handkerchiefs help you avoid the smells of others.

3. The people around you may exhibit wildly different mannerisms than you are used to. Try to keep an open mind about attire, idioms, and customs. When in doubt, try to blend in as much as possible. 

4. Modes of transportation. For most adventures, you will not be equipped with motorized vehicles. Be prepared to travel by animal or by foot. In most cases, horses will be the most common means of travel. If you are afraid of horses, we suggest locating a comfortable pair of shoes as soon as possible.

5. To avoid such mishaps as public panic and possible time in an asylum, it is best to refrain from informing those around you that you have traveled from the future.

Finally, keep in mind that should you wish to return to your time of origin, you will need to figure out why you got sent back in time in the first place. Lessons will vary from traveler to traveler, but in order to get your ticket home, you’ll need to make certain discoveries in relation to your own personal hang-ups, expectations, or character flaws. Should you fail, we hope you enjoy your new home.

Good luck and happy travels!

About the book:

It was just one night at a Victorian B&B. Until they woke up in 1857.

Collette Donaldson never should have taken her boyfriend to her cousin’s wedding. Or introduced him to her parents. After a disastrous weekend, all she wants is to get back home and sort out the mess that had once been their relationship. A heartbreaking fight, a flat tire, and an inconvenient storm force her and Seth to stay the night at a quaint bed and breakfast. But when Collette finds an antique photograph of herself, circumstances quickly shift from weird to unimaginable.

Seth Stone was ready to propose. Now he isn’t sure if he and Collette even have a relationship. People he'd never want to be his in-laws, an irritable girlfriend, and now he has to spend the night in a creepy old Victorian inn. He should have never wondered how things could possibly get worse. When they wake up stranded on a wagon train in 1857, Seth is determined to get home. But the only way to get out of the past is to face the problems stealing their future.

Available now in kindle and kindle unlimited, paperback, and audio.

About the author: 

Award winning author of Christian historical novels, Stephenia H. McGee writes stories of faith, hope, and healing set in the Deep South. She’s a homeschool mom of two boys, writer, dreamer, and husband spoiler. Stephenia lives in Mississippi with her sons, handsome hubby, and their fur babies.

Visit her website at www.StepheniaMcGee.com and be sure to sign up for the newsletter to get sneak peeks, behind the scenes fun, the occasional recipe, and special giveaways.

Facebook: Stephenia H. McGee, Christian Fiction Author

Twitter: @StepheniaHMcGee

Instagram: stepheniahmcgee

Pinterest: Stephenia H. McGee

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

My rating:

5 stars
(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

A Wagon Train Weekend is the first book I've read by this author, but I'm excited to read more. This story, while short, was SO good. I wasn't too sure how I would like the whole time travel aspect, but I think it was very well done. 

I really liked the characters. It was great to see how their relationship was tested throughout this story and the ending was perfect. I also enjoyed the wagon train aspect - that was interesting. ;)

All in all, A Wagon Train Weekend was a great read and I recommend it. I can't wait to read the next one!

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), B&N, Goodreads