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Recommend this book:
Countermeasure
Chris Almeida & Cecilia Aubrey
2013 Gold Medal
354 Pages
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Romance - Suspense
Reviewed by Ellen Hogan for Readers' Favorite
Cassie's father's security company was picked to safeguard a new drug at Bristol Pharmaceutical company. Just when Cassie thinks all was secure, the information is stolen by an employee of Bristol. She is removed from the case but continued to ponder on the crime. Cassie met Trevor Bauer who worked for the NSA and asked his help in finding Allison, the girl that stole the information. They head for France and find her but she is murdered after calling Trevor to tell him she will turn over the information. Cassie and Trevor search for the killer. Cassie and Trevor draw closer together despite the fact that neither planned nor wanted to fall in love. They both have to deal with ghosts from their past in order to forge a future together.
This book with non-stop action takes the reader on an exciting journey from California to France and on to Monte Carlo. Murder, espionage and romance keep the reader eagerly turning pages. I enjoyed watching the romance between Cassie and Trevor develop. Readers will be pleased with this new series.
Cassie's father's security company was picked to safeguard a new drug at Bristol Pharmaceutical company. Just when Cassie thinks all was secure, the information is stolen by an employee of Bristol. She is removed from the case but continued to ponder on the crime. Cassie met Trevor Bauer who worked for the NSA and asked his help in finding Allison, the girl that stole the information. They head for France and find her but she is murdered after calling Trevor to tell him she will turn over the information. Cassie and Trevor search for the killer. Cassie and Trevor draw closer together despite the fact that neither planned nor wanted to fall in love. They both have to deal with ghosts from their past in order to forge a future together.
This book with non-stop action takes the reader on an exciting journey from California to France and on to Monte Carlo. Murder, espionage and romance keep the reader eagerly turning pages. I enjoyed watching the romance between Cassie and Trevor develop. Readers will be pleased with this new series.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/the-red-wrath&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51fTKpxHDgL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="The Red Wrath" is a poignant read highlighting the plight of the people of Afghanistan. Despite the oppression of the Communist Regime the people maintained their bravery and courageously sought their independence. The rule of the communist was harsh but the rule of the Taliban was much worse. The people that resisted the loss of independence were...){kind=link}
The Red Wrath
A journey between two destinies
Hatef Mokhtar
2013 Bronze Medal
474 Pages
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Romance - Suspense
Reviewed by Bernadette Acocella for Readers' Favorite
"The Red Wrath" is a poignant read highlighting the plight of the people of Afghanistan. Despite the oppression of the Communist Regime the people maintained their bravery and courageously sought their independence. The rule of the communist was harsh but the rule of the Taliban was much worse. The people that resisted the loss of independence were considered dissidents and were imprisoned, tortured and put to death. "The Red Wrath" demonstrates the rich and colorful culture of the Afghans. The women were oppressed by society; they lived under the strict rule of their father until marriage at which time they became the property of their husband. The characters in this tale are fictional but realistic. Their actions demonstrate their strong will and desire for self-rule. In "The Red Wrath" we meet Asif and follow his journey from childhood to adulthood. He witnessed the takeover by the Communist Regime and the Taliban. He experienced the loss of his soul mate early in life. Although his mother attempted to force him into a loveless marriage Asif resisted. After his father’s arrest for protesting the communist takeover, Asif took a change of clothes to his father but was denied access to him. On his final visit he discovered that his father had been executed.
"The Red Wrath" was written by Hatef Mokhtar. I found it impossible to put this book down once I began reading. I was quickly caught up in Asif’s life. Mokhtar is a master at bringing his characters to life. Many books have a strong plot or strong characters but this book is unique in that it has both strong, well-developed characters and an amazing plot.
"The Red Wrath" is a poignant read highlighting the plight of the people of Afghanistan. Despite the oppression of the Communist Regime the people maintained their bravery and courageously sought their independence. The rule of the communist was harsh but the rule of the Taliban was much worse. The people that resisted the loss of independence were considered dissidents and were imprisoned, tortured and put to death. "The Red Wrath" demonstrates the rich and colorful culture of the Afghans. The women were oppressed by society; they lived under the strict rule of their father until marriage at which time they became the property of their husband. The characters in this tale are fictional but realistic. Their actions demonstrate their strong will and desire for self-rule. In "The Red Wrath" we meet Asif and follow his journey from childhood to adulthood. He witnessed the takeover by the Communist Regime and the Taliban. He experienced the loss of his soul mate early in life. Although his mother attempted to force him into a loveless marriage Asif resisted. After his father’s arrest for protesting the communist takeover, Asif took a change of clothes to his father but was denied access to him. On his final visit he discovered that his father had been executed.
"The Red Wrath" was written by Hatef Mokhtar. I found it impossible to put this book down once I began reading. I was quickly caught up in Asif’s life. Mokhtar is a master at bringing his characters to life. Many books have a strong plot or strong characters but this book is unique in that it has both strong, well-developed characters and an amazing plot.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/however-long-the-night&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51NPuRUVe2L._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=Nineteen year old Cid Milan leaves Cuba with his family in 1980. His father, the Colonel, had fought with Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, but when he turned against their Marxist leanings, he was put in jail for three years. Twenty-five years pass and Cid is a U.S. citizen and college educated, a successful architect, and has just been named "South ...){kind=link}
However Long the Night
David Pereda
2012 Honorable Mention
282 Pages
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Romance - Suspense
Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers' Favorite
Nineteen year old Cid Milan leaves Cuba with his family in 1980. His father, the Colonel, had fought with Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, but when he turned against their Marxist leanings, he was put in jail for three years. Twenty-five years pass and Cid is a U.S. citizen and college educated, a successful architect, and has just been named "South Florida's Hispanic Man of the Year. "He has not spoken to his father in years, but he is called to Tampa as the Colonel, dying of lung cancer, has a confession to make to Cid. What is on the Colonel's mind? Years before, as the Milans were leaving Cuba, the Colonel knew that Cid's girlfriend, Sandra, was pregnant with their child, but would not let her join them in their escape from Cuba. Can Cid get back into Cuba to find Sandra and their son, now a grown man?
"However Long the Night" is a well-written and well-edited story of lovers separated for years by their families. The characters of Cid, Sandra, their son Diego, Cid's brother Manny, and all the other characters both major and minor are well-developed and highly believable. The plot proceeds believably as Cid goes to great lengths to find Sandra and their son. His trip to Mexico to get into Cuba and the people he must find and then interview to reach his long-lost love are quite real and will draw the reader into the story. The build up of suspense as "However Long the Night" comes to its conclusion will keep the reader absorbed until the story's concluding pages. "However Long the Night" is a sure keeper!
Nineteen year old Cid Milan leaves Cuba with his family in 1980. His father, the Colonel, had fought with Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, but when he turned against their Marxist leanings, he was put in jail for three years. Twenty-five years pass and Cid is a U.S. citizen and college educated, a successful architect, and has just been named "South Florida's Hispanic Man of the Year. "He has not spoken to his father in years, but he is called to Tampa as the Colonel, dying of lung cancer, has a confession to make to Cid. What is on the Colonel's mind? Years before, as the Milans were leaving Cuba, the Colonel knew that Cid's girlfriend, Sandra, was pregnant with their child, but would not let her join them in their escape from Cuba. Can Cid get back into Cuba to find Sandra and their son, now a grown man?
"However Long the Night" is a well-written and well-edited story of lovers separated for years by their families. The characters of Cid, Sandra, their son Diego, Cid's brother Manny, and all the other characters both major and minor are well-developed and highly believable. The plot proceeds believably as Cid goes to great lengths to find Sandra and their son. His trip to Mexico to get into Cuba and the people he must find and then interview to reach his long-lost love are quite real and will draw the reader into the story. The build up of suspense as "However Long the Night" comes to its conclusion will keep the reader absorbed until the story's concluding pages. "However Long the Night" is a sure keeper!
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/a-matter-of-time&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51hAd7msbKL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="A Matter of Time" is one of the most compelling supernatural tales I have come across in a long time. Any Titanic enthusiast will find a very different take here on the original story. A young college man is catapulted into another dimension where he becomes a part of the tragic Titanic saga. He will discover a hidden secret that existed on board ...){kind=link}
A Matter of Time
Michael Bowler
2012 Silver Medal
340 Pages
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Romance - Suspense
Reviewed by Lorraine Carey for Readers' Favorite
"A Matter of Time" is one of the most compelling supernatural tales I have come across in a long time. Any Titanic enthusiast will find a very different take here on the original story. A young college man is catapulted into another dimension where he becomes a part of the tragic Titanic saga. He will discover a hidden secret that existed on board that also led to the ship’s demise. Here he will experiences jolts of time travel, visions and and paranormal encounters that leave him bewildered until he can figure out a way to solve the why and how he will solve this mystery. His college buddies believe he has gone mad, and he has only one teacher who will befriend him. Jamie will tragically become a changeling from a normal college student to someone who is out of control when he is possessed by a dark entity. He struggles to find out that he has a destiny with the doomed liner and must find a way to cross over and try to save the Titanic from its fateful journey. He will also meet the woman he loves, but one that fate will not allow. The reader is constantly in suspense as we follow Jamie on each adventure that holds many surprises at each turn. He risks the possibility of losing his life while embarking on this journey. Vivid descriptions of the ship are brought to life as to teleport you on board with Jamie. The ending has such an intense emotional component that it will pull at your heart strings.
Michael Bowler writes with such passion as the lives of the characters are filled with such emotion. He is well versed on the data of the Titanic as many real factual data is included. It is colored rich in vivid imagery. The story flowed so well with great syncronicity. This story will appeal to a vast audience and most of all will be a winner for young adult males who enjoy reading about the paranormal and great heroism.
"A Matter of Time" is one of the most compelling supernatural tales I have come across in a long time. Any Titanic enthusiast will find a very different take here on the original story. A young college man is catapulted into another dimension where he becomes a part of the tragic Titanic saga. He will discover a hidden secret that existed on board that also led to the ship’s demise. Here he will experiences jolts of time travel, visions and and paranormal encounters that leave him bewildered until he can figure out a way to solve the why and how he will solve this mystery. His college buddies believe he has gone mad, and he has only one teacher who will befriend him. Jamie will tragically become a changeling from a normal college student to someone who is out of control when he is possessed by a dark entity. He struggles to find out that he has a destiny with the doomed liner and must find a way to cross over and try to save the Titanic from its fateful journey. He will also meet the woman he loves, but one that fate will not allow. The reader is constantly in suspense as we follow Jamie on each adventure that holds many surprises at each turn. He risks the possibility of losing his life while embarking on this journey. Vivid descriptions of the ship are brought to life as to teleport you on board with Jamie. The ending has such an intense emotional component that it will pull at your heart strings.
Michael Bowler writes with such passion as the lives of the characters are filled with such emotion. He is well versed on the data of the Titanic as many real factual data is included. It is colored rich in vivid imagery. The story flowed so well with great syncronicity. This story will appeal to a vast audience and most of all will be a winner for young adult males who enjoy reading about the paranormal and great heroism.
Recommend this book:
Pic Jump
Michelle Erickson
2011 Bronze Medal
274 Pages
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Romance - Suspense
Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers' Favorite
Pictarine Nebbie loved her parents but not her name; she prefers Pic. Pic and her best friend/cousin, Dar, run an employment agency. Pic meets the most marvelous man, Mason Jump, in the elevator of the building where her employment agency is located. Mason entertains terminally ill children, gives to charity and is totally devoted to doing for others. He and Pic fall deeply in love, meet each other's families, and marry weeks after meeting. Do they live happily ever after? No, their wedding car is sideswiped, Pic suffers massive head injuries and lies in a coma!
Though badly injured, she is given an out-of-body ability to transfer from one pair of eyes to another. Pic connects with a trucker named Trig, and then lands as a little girl's Barbie doll's eyes. The little girl, Emma, and her mother and father board a plane with a terrorist on board. Pic, Emma and Emma's mother flee for their lives. Pic and Emma land back in Pic's hometown of Evanston, Wyoming, with one of the terrorist's comrades coming after them. Pic has visions of Mason and her loved ones when she's held under water, but will she ever awake from her coma get away from all the terrorist troubles and resume her life with her wonderful husband?
This is a really first rate story with a unique plot that flows well from beginning to end of story. It offers romance and then adventure that will keep the reader enthralled until story's ending. It is well-edited, extremely well-written with believable characters who hold true throughout the story. A wide number of readers will enjoy this when it's in book form. The discerning will be delighted at the author's insertion of a book written by herself into the storyline.
Pictarine Nebbie loved her parents but not her name; she prefers Pic. Pic and her best friend/cousin, Dar, run an employment agency. Pic meets the most marvelous man, Mason Jump, in the elevator of the building where her employment agency is located. Mason entertains terminally ill children, gives to charity and is totally devoted to doing for others. He and Pic fall deeply in love, meet each other's families, and marry weeks after meeting. Do they live happily ever after? No, their wedding car is sideswiped, Pic suffers massive head injuries and lies in a coma!
Though badly injured, she is given an out-of-body ability to transfer from one pair of eyes to another. Pic connects with a trucker named Trig, and then lands as a little girl's Barbie doll's eyes. The little girl, Emma, and her mother and father board a plane with a terrorist on board. Pic, Emma and Emma's mother flee for their lives. Pic and Emma land back in Pic's hometown of Evanston, Wyoming, with one of the terrorist's comrades coming after them. Pic has visions of Mason and her loved ones when she's held under water, but will she ever awake from her coma get away from all the terrorist troubles and resume her life with her wonderful husband?
This is a really first rate story with a unique plot that flows well from beginning to end of story. It offers romance and then adventure that will keep the reader enthralled until story's ending. It is well-edited, extremely well-written with believable characters who hold true throughout the story. A wide number of readers will enjoy this when it's in book form. The discerning will be delighted at the author's insertion of a book written by herself into the storyline.
Recommend this book:
Not Without Risk
Sarah Grimm
2011 Silver Medal
170 Pages
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Romance - Suspense
Reviewed by Rita G. for Readers' Favorite
Not Without Risk by Sarah Grimm is an entertaining read. Sergeant Justin Harrison had spent the last six months recuperating from a gunshot wound that collapsed his lung. Justin loved his job; it was his life. He and his partner were called to their first case since Justin's return to work at the San Diego Homicide Unit; the victim had been murdered in a hotel. Paige Conroy was the only link to the murderer. She had received a call from the victim, insisting he had to meet with her. He claimed to have some information that she needed to know about. When she arrived at the appointed time, he was dead. Suddenly Paige was the killer's next target. Justin wanted to help her but found he was falling in love with her. Paige wanted nothing to do with him or any other cop. Her fiance, who was also a cop, had been murdered in front of her.
Not Without Risk is a book you won't want to miss. The plot is interesting and held my attention from the first to the last page. The interaction of the characters is fantastic. They all worked well together. Grimm is a master of characterization. As the plot moved along, the suspense built. I eagerly turned the pages to see what would happen next. The name of this book Not Without Risk is perfection. It fits in well with the plot. This was an easy and fast read, yet it was intriguing. The cover is simply done and fits well with the plot. If you want to know how this romance/suspense ends, pick up a copy of the book. This is a mystery you won't want to miss.
Not Without Risk by Sarah Grimm is an entertaining read. Sergeant Justin Harrison had spent the last six months recuperating from a gunshot wound that collapsed his lung. Justin loved his job; it was his life. He and his partner were called to their first case since Justin's return to work at the San Diego Homicide Unit; the victim had been murdered in a hotel. Paige Conroy was the only link to the murderer. She had received a call from the victim, insisting he had to meet with her. He claimed to have some information that she needed to know about. When she arrived at the appointed time, he was dead. Suddenly Paige was the killer's next target. Justin wanted to help her but found he was falling in love with her. Paige wanted nothing to do with him or any other cop. Her fiance, who was also a cop, had been murdered in front of her.
Not Without Risk is a book you won't want to miss. The plot is interesting and held my attention from the first to the last page. The interaction of the characters is fantastic. They all worked well together. Grimm is a master of characterization. As the plot moved along, the suspense built. I eagerly turned the pages to see what would happen next. The name of this book Not Without Risk is perfection. It fits in well with the plot. This was an easy and fast read, yet it was intriguing. The cover is simply done and fits well with the plot. If you want to know how this romance/suspense ends, pick up a copy of the book. This is a mystery you won't want to miss.
Recommend this book:
Recovery
Alexandrea Weis
2011 Gold Medal
306 Pages
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Romance - Suspense
Reviewed by Ellen Hogan for Readers' Favorite
David Alexander is dead and Nicci has to learn to live without her love. To do this she decides to write a book about their relationship. While in New York for a book signing, Nicci is contacted by Simon La Roy. He was David's boss for many years when David worked as a spy. He tells Nicci that he wants to find out who killed David because the police are not getting the job done. He thinks that it was someone close to Nicci. She agrees to let Dallas August come home with her and act like her new boyfriend, so he can sniff around her friends and try to solve the case. They don't fool everyone, and they finally have to tell Nicci's father and uncle what they are up to. Both of them say they will help in any way they can, but they want Nicci kept safe.
This is one of the best books I have read in awhile. It had everything from suspense to a little romance and quirky minor characters that you came to love. Nicci, though struggling with the death of David, opens herself to a new love. She's strong in her resolve to find his killer, though, and willing to do anything to help. Dallas is not looking for romance and just wants to find his friend's killer; but he was half in love with Nicci before they even met. Aunt Hattie and cousin Colleen provide the levity that the book needed; they are very enjoyable characters. I love the cover of the book...very New Orleans...and highly recommend this book for anyone who loves a good mystery.
David Alexander is dead and Nicci has to learn to live without her love. To do this she decides to write a book about their relationship. While in New York for a book signing, Nicci is contacted by Simon La Roy. He was David's boss for many years when David worked as a spy. He tells Nicci that he wants to find out who killed David because the police are not getting the job done. He thinks that it was someone close to Nicci. She agrees to let Dallas August come home with her and act like her new boyfriend, so he can sniff around her friends and try to solve the case. They don't fool everyone, and they finally have to tell Nicci's father and uncle what they are up to. Both of them say they will help in any way they can, but they want Nicci kept safe.
This is one of the best books I have read in awhile. It had everything from suspense to a little romance and quirky minor characters that you came to love. Nicci, though struggling with the death of David, opens herself to a new love. She's strong in her resolve to find his killer, though, and willing to do anything to help. Dallas is not looking for romance and just wants to find his friend's killer; but he was half in love with Nicci before they even met. Aunt Hattie and cousin Colleen provide the levity that the book needed; they are very enjoyable characters. I love the cover of the book...very New Orleans...and highly recommend this book for anyone who loves a good mystery.
Recommend this book:
Little Miss Straight Lace
Maria Romana
2010 Gold Medal
370 Pages
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Romance - Suspense
Reviewed by Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite
Josie Natale was a brilliant bio-statistician. Her report proved that a drug had high adverse reactions. She refused to change her report when threatened. Josie was good at her job but she was just as lax concerning her life. She was always running late. She rarely cooked, cleaned, or did laundry. When they began receiving strange emails from The Warriors Of God, they called in a computer security team to track them. Josie turned to Nic,a handsome security expert from South America. Josie did not know what to do or who to trust. Someone entered her home and her best friend was attacked at the women's clinic where she worked. Who was responsible: her former boss, ex boyfriend Henry, or could it be Nic?
There is one thing for sure, the reader is in for a rollicking ride. It is full of suspense and mystery along with romance and humor .This book will keep you guessing to the very last page. The prologue was a bit perplexing at first. I was half way through the book before I could make the connection. A very enjoyable read.
Josie Natale was a brilliant bio-statistician. Her report proved that a drug had high adverse reactions. She refused to change her report when threatened. Josie was good at her job but she was just as lax concerning her life. She was always running late. She rarely cooked, cleaned, or did laundry. When they began receiving strange emails from The Warriors Of God, they called in a computer security team to track them. Josie turned to Nic,a handsome security expert from South America. Josie did not know what to do or who to trust. Someone entered her home and her best friend was attacked at the women's clinic where she worked. Who was responsible: her former boss, ex boyfriend Henry, or could it be Nic?
There is one thing for sure, the reader is in for a rollicking ride. It is full of suspense and mystery along with romance and humor .This book will keep you guessing to the very last page. The prologue was a bit perplexing at first. I was half way through the book before I could make the connection. A very enjoyable read.
Recommend this book:
Looks Are Deceiving
Michele Hart
2010 Bronze Medal
252 Pages
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Romance - Suspense
Reviewed by Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite
Elissa Baker’s hair was a mess and her clothes were streaked with dirt from working in the garden. She had made a quick trip to the store, not taking time to clean up. Her car insurance was due and she needed to buy gas. Three strangers walked up to her and offered her money to go on a blind date.
Elissa showed up for the date dressed to perfection. Gregg Moretti was awe struck. The four men were always playing pranks on each other. Gregg and Elissa agreed to play a little trick of their own. They would go out together for a month to win a $1000.00 bet. He pretended to be in love with her and she agreed to act like a dumpy plain Jane. Only, soon, Gregg could not deny his feelings for her. Can he convince Elissa that he truly loves her? Throw in the mob and murder for an exciting mixture of romance, suspense and humor.
I eagerly turned the pages to see what would happen next between the two great lead characters. The sensual tension between Gregg an Elissa is delicious. Excellent read!
Elissa Baker’s hair was a mess and her clothes were streaked with dirt from working in the garden. She had made a quick trip to the store, not taking time to clean up. Her car insurance was due and she needed to buy gas. Three strangers walked up to her and offered her money to go on a blind date.
Elissa showed up for the date dressed to perfection. Gregg Moretti was awe struck. The four men were always playing pranks on each other. Gregg and Elissa agreed to play a little trick of their own. They would go out together for a month to win a $1000.00 bet. He pretended to be in love with her and she agreed to act like a dumpy plain Jane. Only, soon, Gregg could not deny his feelings for her. Can he convince Elissa that he truly loves her? Throw in the mob and murder for an exciting mixture of romance, suspense and humor.
I eagerly turned the pages to see what would happen next between the two great lead characters. The sensual tension between Gregg an Elissa is delicious. Excellent read!
Recommend this book:
Love Triumphs!
Myrna R. Caudill
2010 Silver Medal
254 Pages
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Romance - Suspense
Reviewed by Lynette Fowlston for Readers' Favorite
Gloria Mayweather, out of money and a job, had a baby to take care of and one option left. She returned home to the baby’s father, only Jake does not know he has a son. He is a detective on the police force and in the midst of an investigation. The police are trying to find the killer before he can attack again. Jake was still in love with Gloria but wasn’t ready to forget about the past. Gloria was still in love with Jake but determined to stay independent. Can there be a future for Gloria, Jake and their son?
This was a very entertaining read. The plot is filled with suspense and a touch of humor. The chapters are short. The characters make this book, they are likable and easy to relate to. Myrna knows how to capture and hold the attention of the reader. Fans of romance/suspense will not want to miss this book.
Gloria Mayweather, out of money and a job, had a baby to take care of and one option left. She returned home to the baby’s father, only Jake does not know he has a son. He is a detective on the police force and in the midst of an investigation. The police are trying to find the killer before he can attack again. Jake was still in love with Gloria but wasn’t ready to forget about the past. Gloria was still in love with Jake but determined to stay independent. Can there be a future for Gloria, Jake and their son?
This was a very entertaining read. The plot is filled with suspense and a touch of humor. The chapters are short. The characters make this book, they are likable and easy to relate to. Myrna knows how to capture and hold the attention of the reader. Fans of romance/suspense will not want to miss this book.
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