I’m extra excited to share my book recommendations with you this month. I have two suspense books that I think you will enjoy. But we’re going to do things a little differently and I’ll be including a partner reviewer today!
The first one is my new release, Second Guess. This is the sixth book in the Griffin Force series, but can be read standalone. It’s an action-adventure romance and I’m so excited that it’s finally here. Obviously, I couldn’t review my own book, so today, we have Michele Ashman Bell as a guest reviewer!
“In her newest release, Second Guess, author Julie Bellon takes readers into the dangerous fight to dismantle terrorist organizations. Elliot Burke, a member of the special ops group known as Griffin Force, has spent years trying to dismantle the worst terrorist group in world. Finally, he’s captured their leader, and is transporting him to an undisclosed location, but his plane is hijacked and Elliot finds himself in a deadly situation.
Taken to Syria and trapped underground in the maze of guarded tunnels, an explosion overhead causes a cave in. In the midst of the ensuing chaos, Elliot meets a mysterious woman named Eden. With only seconds to react, Elliot and Eden team up to escape, but it soon becomes clear Eden isn’t who she said she was. In a twisted turn of events, they find themselves trying to infiltrate the insidious world of evil together and develop an attraction neither can ignore. Risking their safety at every turn, they worry if they will survive the mission and possibly create a future together.
Bellon has written a powerful story that is eerily poignant and timely. Her meticulous research and attention to detail allow the lens of her story to reflect the current state of the Middle East today. With a heart-pounding plot, captivating characters, and a fascinating setting, readers will find themselves on the edges of their seats from beginning to end. An important book in an exceptional series, I give this book five out of five stars and await anxiously for the next installment in the Griffin Force series.”
Thank you so much for your review, Michele!
Second Guess by Julie Coulter Bellon, published by Stone Hall Books, 252 pages, available in ebook and paperback on March 8th.
The second recommendation I have for you today is Jim and Katherine by Traci Hunter Abramson. This is the romance of the mother and father who are prominent characters in her Saint Squad series. Some might call it a near-history fiction, since it takes place in the 80s, but it doesn’t seem so long ago! I admit, it was fun to remember some of the things from that era like floppy discs, classified ads, and landlines.
Jim Whitmore dreams of being president one day. He becomes acquainted with a Congressman’s daughter, Katherine, and is intrigued by her down-to-earth demeanor and easy sense of humor. They soon become close, but Katherine isn’t sure she can date someone with political aspirations. It’s difficult enough being the daughter of a Congressman when all she wants is a private life and her own bakery. (And readers will definitely be craving cinnamon rolls after reading this book!) But Katherine’s pull to Jim is something she can’t ignore, even when he’s accused of theft. Will they be able to weather this storm together or will it push them apart?
This is a sweet romance with plenty of hints toward what awaits them in future books, giving readers a glimpse into events that shaped Jim and Katherine and what they had to overcome. Jim is perfect in every way, honest and upright, and anxious to do all he can to win Katherine’s love. Katherine is trying to find her own way, reconciling her own hopes with what is expected of her. Jim is a good support to her in that respect, showing her the options, and helping her feel strong enough to face hard things in her life. The theft and other accusations against Jim add a nice element of suspense and readers will enjoy unraveling the mystery of who is behind everything right along with the characters. Fans of the Saint Squad series will definitely enjoy this tender love story between their beloved Jim and Katherine.
Jim and Katherine by Traci Hunter Abramson, published by Covenant Communications, 313 pages, available in ebook and paperback on March 12th.
Michele Ashman Bell is the author of many books and Christmas stories. She is married and is the mother of four children, and a grandma of one. Aside from supporting her children in all of their many activities, she loves to travel, do research for her books and eat chocolate.
After winning $10 in a second-grade writing contest, Julie Coulter Bellon knew she wanted to be a published author someday. That dream came true and she is now an award-winning author of thirty books. She is also a podcast host for Authors Off the Page and Book Chat with Julie.