Why Not? Because I Said So Book Reviews and Author Interviews.
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In this gripping romantic suspense set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, danger closes in and trust may be the only way to survive.
A woman tormented by her past.
For eight years, FBI Agent Alexa Kyndall relentlessly pursued justice, leaving no room for the guilty to escape. In Witness in the Shadows, her dedication draws her into a deadly hunt for a serial killer—and into the path of the most unexpected criminal of her career.
A man willing to do whatever it takes to save her.
When a child witnesses a brutal slaying, Alexa’s life becomes intertwined with Craig Pierson’s, a man with his own haunted past. They join forces, only to discover they must put everything on the line in a pulse-pounding struggle to protect and survive.
A killer closing in.
As the shadows deepen and danger tightens its grip, Alexa and Craig must risk everything to survive.
Book Details:
Genre: Romantic Suspense Published by: Blaire Morgan Books Publication Date: March 16, 2026 Number of Pages: 255 Series: Kyndall Family Suspense Series, Book 1 Book Links:Amazon | Kindle | Goodreads | BookBub
Author Bio:
Blaire Morgan is a pseudonymous American author blending danger, emotion, and high-stakes storytelling into gripping romantic suspense. She lives wherever the next adventure takes her—usually somewhere with a lot of trees, or a place that exists only in her imagination.
Click through the other tour stops for can’t-miss spotlights, book features, author info, and more ways to discover WITNESS IN THE SHADOWS by Blaire Morgan.
The bet was simple.The plan was perfect. The result was bewildering. To win a high-stakes wager, Ambrose Hartley must find a wife, preferably one who will help secure his ideal future. Hardened by past disappointment, he is avoiding fickle emotions by focusing on a logical list of requirements. His plans include a serious courtship, a suitable partner, and a predictable life.
Susanna Fenton is unpredictable, unsuitable, and rarely serious. A contented spinster, she believes love is the only proper reason to surrender her freedom. Having known Ambrose since childhood, she doesn’t hesitate to mock his plan. But as she watches him court eligible ladies, she begins to wonder if what she feels isn’t sisterly concern but jealousy.
As Ambrose’s plan unravels, Susanna worries that she will never measure up to his impossible standards. With their mutual misunderstandings mounting and six hundred pounds on the line, can they find the courage to risk their hearts for a future they never thought to plan?
Seven Gentlemen. One Reckless Wager. A Fortune in Play—and Their Hearts on the Line. ***The Gentlemen's Gamble is a series about seven men racing to the altar in order to avoid losing a wager. Starting January, the books will release in an unannounced order to keep the loser of the wager a surprise.***
Book Details
Publisher: Brillig Press
Publication date: March 1, 2026
Series: The Gentlemen's Gamble
Language: English
Print length: 248 pages
ISBN-10: 1958270113
****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****
My Review
In the fifth installment of The Gentlemen’s Gamble, the stakes are higher than ever! This series follows seven men in a desperate, high-speed race to the altar to avoid losing a massive wager. I’ve read two so far, and they are an absolute delight.
This novel features two leads who couldn't be more different. Ambrose Hartley is the definition of "by the book" because he’s serious, rigid, and constantly making lists. With his friends already marrying off or getting betrothed, Ambrose is panicking. His solution? Find a wife immediately, even if love isn't part of the equation.
Enter his childhood friend, Susanna Fenton. She is his polar opposite: opinionated, playful, and always ready with a witty retort. While she’s publicly embraced her "spinsterhood" and lives life to the fullest, she secretly holds out hope for a true love match. When she discovers Ambrose’s cold-blooded plan to find a bride, she decides to sabotage his efforts with every shenanigan in her arsenal.
Poor Ambrose is completely outmatched by her antics! As Susanna realizes she’s falling for her old friend, she finds that Ambrose is hilariously dense when it comes to her clues. Between the laugh-out-loud humor and the obvious jealousy as they watch each other flirt with rivals, their journey is a total rollercoaster.
This Regency romance is a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the person you’ve been searching for has been standing right in front of you the whole time. If you love the genre, this series is a must-read!
****Meet Author Holli Jo Monroe****
Holli Jo is a country girl who joined the Army and became a Captain before leaving the service to travel and pursue writing. She enjoys all genres as long as they have some romance. Holli Jo’s survived live nerve agent training, deployed to Afghanistan, climbed Kilimanjaro, backpacked around the world, and SCUBA dived in Bali so she knows that sometimes staying home with a book is the best adventure of all.
She's caught in a deadly game. He's the only one who can help her win.
Bronwyn Pierce has poured everything into The Haven, her family's exclusive mountain resort in Gossamer Falls. But when financial discrepancies surface and the numbers suggest something far darker than simple mismanagement, she's forced to call on the one person with the skills to help her: Mo Quinn, a former Army intelligence officer, her first love, and the last person she ever wanted to trust again.
Mo has spent years avoiding the woman he once loved and the secrets that tore them apart. But when Bronwyn calls, he can't walk away--especially when it's clear someone wants her gone for good. As they dig deeper into the treacherous motives behind a blackmail scheme, their proximity reignites long-buried feelings neither of them are ready to face. And when the evidence points to an unexpected culprit, Mo faces an impossible choice: trust the proof in front of him or trust his heart.
With danger closing in and no one else to turn to, Bronwyn must break years of silence with Mo to uncover who's trying to destroy The Haven. They'll have to risk everything--including their hearts--to expose the truth before it's too late.
The finale to Blackburn's Gossamer Falls series is an exhilarating romantic suspense novel packed with tension. This gripping read will hook fans of the family rivalry, bodyguard, small town, second chance romance, and forced proximity tropes.
Last to Fall is book 3 in the Gossamer Falls series, which is set in North Carolina. From the moment I stepped back into this world, I was completely hooked. What follows is a hard-fought, second-chance romance wrapped in a high-stakes thriller.
The novel highlights Bronwyn Pierce and Mo Quinn. They have a "friends-to-lovers-to-strangers" backstory that will tug at your heartstrings.The Pierce family owns The Haven, a secluded resort for wealthy people, and Bronwyn is the CEO. After many years, the Pierce and Quinn families get thrown together as Bronwyn feels her life is in danger, and the resort’s finances are under threat. She reaches out to the only people she can trust—Mo and his family.
Things you can expect in this novel:
-Exciting and fast-paced scenes
-Double POV of Bronwyn and Mo
-Intense chemistry between main characters
-Close-knit family
-Healing from a heartbreaking past
-Can be read as a standalone (but you really need to read books one and two)
You won't want to miss a single moment of this series. I loved how everything was wrapped up in the book and the series. A good thing is I know Lynn Blackburn will continue to write novels that are hard to put down.
****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****
Read an excerpt:
Author Bio:
Lynn H. Blackburn is the award-winning author of Never Fall Again, as well as the Dive Team Investigations and Defend and Protect series. She loves writing swoon-worthy Southern suspense because her childhood fantasy was to become a spy, but her grown-up reality is that she's a huge chicken and would have been caught on her first mission. She prefers to live vicariously through her characters by putting them into terrifying situations while she sits at home in her pajamas. She lives in Simpsonville, South Carolina, with her true love, Brian, and their three children.
This giveaway is hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Lynn H. Blackburn and Revell. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.
Sometimes it takes a small deception to uncover the truth.
England, 1954
Anna Lang lost everyone she loved during the Second World War—except her cherished music teacher, Esther Haymann. When Miss Haymann dies under suspicious circumstances and rumors of suicide swirl, Anna doesn’t want to believe them. Her doubts intensify when she catches a stranger rifling through Miss Haymann’s papers, claiming a link between her death and that of renowned scientist Alan Turing.
Arthur Cavendish, a former prisoner of war in Korea, can’t completely escape the nightmares of combat and captivity. Nor can he forget that Dr. Turing’s advice once saved his life, so Arthur is determined to get to the bottom of his associate’s alleged suicide, even if it involves trespassing and danger.
When a suspicious fire nearly kills Arthur and Anna, they form a reluctant alliance to clear their mentors’ names. From shadowy corners of seaside resorts to the guarded gates of a secret government agency at Hanslope Park, Anna and Arthur chase elusive clues—and wrestle with their growing attraction for each other. With divergent goals and hidden secrets, a future together seems unlikely. Yet as more and more pieces of the puzzle fall into place, a sinister pattern unfolds, and they find that their hearts are not the only things at risk. Uncovering the truth might cost them their lives.
Book Details
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Publication date: March 2, 2026
Series: Falcon Point Historical
Language: English
Print length: 296 pages
ISBN-10: 1524429228
****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and/or authors. A review was not required, and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own. ****
My Review
It is such a bittersweet feeling when a beloved series comes to a close, isn’t it? I loved to see how Sowards tied this ambitious historical arc together.
This is the third and final book in the Falcon Point historical series, where each book follows a different sibling after they are separated years before. There is also a prequel novella co-written with other authors, Traci Hunter Abramson, Sian Ann Bessey, and Paige Edwards, and a spinoff contemporary series written by them, but this historical series can be understood on its own as well. It was truly inspiring to see how well they collaborated to build the world of Falcon Point.
It’s such a win when a book actually delivers on that "history meets heart" promise. A.L. Sowards really does have a knack for making the 1950s feel just as high-stakes as the height of the war.What makes this final installment so gripping is the shift to 1954. In Bridge of Betrayal, she captures that specific brand of Cold War paranoia perfectly, where the dust of WWII hasn't quite settled, and the "bridge" between the past and the future feels incredibly fragile. It’s a testament to her research that the historical backdrop of Hanslope Park and the tragic reality of figures like Alan Turing feel like a natural part of the story rather than just a history lesson and is a true talent of A.L. Sowards.
Sowards clearly did her homework on the transition between the end of WWII and the height of the Cold War. Here’s why that setting worked so well for Anna and Arthur:
Having Arthur as a Korean War vet adds a layer of "forgotten" trauma. It contrasts beautifully with the WWII trauma Anna has carried, showing how the world just kept spinning into new conflicts.
As a concert pianist, Anna’s world is one of precision and performance—a perfect metaphor for someone trying to hide her past and her vulnerabilities while navigating a conspiracy.
It was hard to guess who the true villains were, but with so many surprising changes, it was hard to always keep up. That’s the mark of a great mystery! Even if you spot one "red herring," a well-crafted plot like this one keeps you second-guessing the why and the how until the very last chapter.
It was great to be able to finally read the full story of the youngest Lang sibling and see how each person had similar but wholly unique journeys of healing and discovery. This one is a bit softer than the previous two books, even though the characters still have difficult things to work through. The romance was sweet and supportive and developed in a natural but unique way.
This book and series was a joy to read! If you haven't read them, you need to go on this incredible journey with the Lang family like I have.
****Meet Author A.L. Sowards****
A. L. Sowards is the author of multiple historical fiction novels, with settings spanning the globe from the fourteenth to twentieth centuries. Her stories have earned a Whitney Award, several Whitney Finalists positions, and a Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal. She enjoys hiking and swimming, usually manages to keep up with the laundry, and loves it when someone else cooks dinner. She lives in Alaska with her husband, three children, and an ever-growing library.
For more information, please visit her website, ALSowards.com
Title: Whiteout Author: Lynette Eason and Dani Pettrey Publisher: Bethany House Publishers Release Date: February 3, 2026 Genre: Romantic Suspense Novella Collection
Brace yourself for double the suspense in these snowbound adventures as an avalanche forces two couples to face down their enemies in a ski resort shut off from the outside world.
In Buried in Shadows by Dani Pettrey, Cassandra Parker arrives at her best friend's destination wedding, praying her stalker hasn't tracked her to Colorado. Also part of the wedding party is Sheriff Joel Brunswick, the man she stunned by leaving at the altar to hide a dangerous truth. When an avalanche strands their ski group in an abandoned lodge, it becomes chillingly clear that Cassandra's stalker has followed her . . . and he's willing to kill to make her his.
In Snowbound Secrets by Lynette Eason, Dr. Maya Sullivan fully intends to escape her past and finish planning a retreat for military veterans at the ranch she's inherited. Unfortunately, her plans go sideways when an avalanche traps her in a Colorado ski resort. An unexpected reunion with her high school crush forces her to confront past wounds, but she soon realizes someone is targeting her, and their search for a shadowy enemy becomes a matter of life and death.
A gripping romantic suspense novella collection from bestselling authors Lynette Eason and Dani Pettrey featuring second-chance romance, trapped together forced proximity, military and law enforcement heroes, a small-town destination wedding, and snowbound survival at a Colorado ski resort.
My Review
Whiteout delivers a double dose of romantic suspense with two gripping novellas that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Set against a backdrop of treacherous ice and snow, the atmosphere is chilling—not just because of the sub-zero temperatures, but because of the unsettling danger lurking in the drifts. After a massive avalanche traps the characters, they soon realize nature isn't their only enemy; an unknown stalker is closing in.
Though both stories take place at the same ski resort, they unfold on opposite sides of the mountain. Tension skyrockets as "accidents" turn into disappearances, creating a sense of anxiety, making you turn pages quickly, and losing track of time because you're so engrossed in the story. I loved both couples, especially the brave, handsome men standing guard through the chaos.
In Dani Pettrey’sBuried in Shadows, childhood friends Cassie and Joel are reunited under the weight of a broken engagement. Having fled her home to escape a stalker, Cassie finds herself hunted once again. This story carries such an eerie vibe that I’d recommend not reading it at midnight! Meanwhile,Snowboard Secretsby Lynette Eason follows Maya and Gideon. Despite years apart, their chemistry is undeniable as Gideon steps up to protect her.Whiteoutis a heart-stopping collection full of twists, turns, and high-stakes tension—a must-read for any romantic suspense fan.
****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****
With over a million copies sold worldwide, Dani Pettrey’s novels have captivated readers who crave adrenaline-laced suspense fused with faith, redemption, and heart. A three-time Christy Award finalist, Dani’s books have also earned Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and HOLT Medallion awards, affirming her place as a beloved voice in inspirational romantic suspense. Known for her authentic characters and plot twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats, Dani writes with a passion for stories that not only thrill but point toward God’s unrelenting grace and love. When she’s not dreaming up danger and devotion, Dani enjoys beach days, espresso-fueled chats, and time with her family. A natural encourager, she also mentors aspiring writers and speaks at events, believing in the power of story to inspire hope and bring people together.
Connect with Dani by visiting danipettrey.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.
Lynette Eason is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of Twilight Tactics and Deadly Charade. She has written many thrilling romantic suspense series, including Lake City Heroes, Extreme Measures, Danger Never Sleeps, Blue Justice, Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite Guardians. Learn more at LynetteEason.com.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card, snowflake journal and wintry pen, a winter wonderland candle and arctic white hot chocolate!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 3, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 10, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
USA Today Bestselling Author Elizabeth Goddard Presents a Gripping Thrill Ride Investigative journalist Cressida Dane arrives in Hidden Bay after a worldwide journey to finish her late father's manuscript on shipwrecks. As she tries to discover the story behind the "ghost ship" Specter's Bounty, her only lead is a name her father left behind--Evelyn Monroe. As Cressida uncovers more about the ship, she quickly realizes that her research has placed her in the crosshairs of dangerous forces.
County detective Braden Sanders is in Hidden Bay for one reason--to get his niece lifesaving medical treatment. To do that, he is assigned to protect Cressida from a revenge-driven enemy. Together, Braden and Cressida dig deeper to discern the myth from the facts surrounding the Specter's Bounty.
But more is brewing under the surface than they could ever imagine. Entangled in secrets, they must unravel the past before the current sweeps away their future.
Book Details
Publisher : Revell
Publication date : February 17, 2026
Series : Hidden Bay Book #3
Language : English
Print length : 352 pages
ISBN-10 : 0800746163
ISBN-13 : 978-0800746162
****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****
My Review
Deadly Currents is a phenomenal, fast-paced conclusion to Elizabeth Goddard’s Hidden Bay series. It's filled with twists and turns, making it a "notebook and pen" kind of mystery keeping track of clues. It kept me guessing until the explosive ending. Featuring brilliant storytelling readers have come to love from Goddard, this final book perfectly ties up loose ends. Braden and Cressida have to rely on each other, dealing with their growing attraction amidst the chaos, though trust issues get in the way.
Cressida is on a mission to finish her late father’s research into the shipwreck, The Specter's Bounty. Braden is there to protect her, but in this small town, who do you trust when all looks shady? I love that familiar characters from the first two books returned to play minor, but important roles. I am sad to see this series end, yet I'm eagerly looking forward to Goddard's new series, Mercy Ridge, launching in August 2026. This book and series are highly recommended for fans of clean romantic suspense! Author Elizabeth Goddard will always be an instant read for me.
****Meet Author Elizabeth Goddard****
Elizabeth Goddard is the PW, ECPA, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of over sixty novels, including the Missing in Alaska and Rocky Mountain Courage series. Her books have sold more than 1.5 million copies. She is a Christy Award, Carol Award and Reader's Choice Award winner and a Daphne du Maurier Award and HOLT Medallion finalist. When she's not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry. For more information about her books, visit her website. https://elizabethgoddard.com/
Sazana of Persia creates exquisite pottery that graces Susa's finest tables, but her master, Lord Haman, does not know her Sazana is one of the Jews he despises. When Haman discovers her true identity, he forces her into indentured servitude. In an unexpected reversal, at Haman's downfall, Queen Esther becomes the new master of the pottery workshop, restoring Sazana to her rightful place. But her troubles are not over. The loss of their inheritance has enraged Haman's ten sons, so the queen assigns one of her men to the workshop, posing undercover to root out any spies.
Sazana is shocked to discover that the queen's agent is none other than the man who left her heart in ruins years ago. On assignment from the queen, Jadon safeguards the workshop, yet the situation escalates with the need to discover an ancient artifact. Can Jadon and Sazana set aside past heartache and unearth the secrets that will allow them to thwart the impending tragedy threatening their people? Rooted in biblical truths and detailed historical research, Tessa Afshar paints a moving and captivating tale of life, love, and intrigue in Queen Esther's royal court.
Book Details
Publisher : Bethany House Publishers
Genre : Christian Historical Fiction
Publication date : November 4, 2025
Language : English
Print length : 368 pages
ISBN-10 : 0764243705
****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****
My Review
I read the first book in the "Queen Esther's Court" series, and it was amazing. The second book, The Royal Artisan, is along the same lines. This series is not specifically all about Queen Esther, but about those with whom she associates. I loved the diary entries that were in Queen Esther's words. It gave me new insight into who she truly was.
I loved the story of Sanza and Jadon. There is a rich biblical history in this novel. The feeling overall is one of fear, hope, and faith. The mystery and political intrigue behind the plot shed new light on ancient Persia during the reign of King Xerxes I. Sanza is gifted at making high-quality pottery but has suffered many losses in life: her family and her betrothed. When she and her uncle are threatened by Haman, Queen Esther sends a member of her security called the Immortals. Jadon goes to his new appointment to only find his lost love. This aspect brought about a beautiful depiction of a second-chance romance.
Readers will immerse themselves in the drama, mysteries, heartache, risks, and sweet romance of this heartfelt biblical tale. I look forward to reading book three and more stories within Queen Esther's Court.
****Meet Author Tessa Afshar****
Tessa Afshar’s ancient historical fiction has been on Publishers Weekly, CBA, and ECPA bestseller lists and has been translated into 12 languages. Her novel, Pearl in the Sand is the recipient of the ECPA’s Bronze Milestone Sales Award. Tessa’s books have received the Christy, INSPY, and ECPA Christian Book of the Year (Bible Study category) Awards, and are Carol, Christy, and ECPA Christian Book Award finalists. Born in the Middle East, Tessa spent her teen years in England and later moved to the United States. Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life. She holds a Master of Divinity from Yale, where she served as co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship for a year. Tessa is a devoted wife, a mediocre gardener, and an enthusiastic cook of biblical recipes.
