And the award for best thriller so far this year goes to “Collision of Lies” by Tom Threadgill! I’ve recently read a few great suspense novels, but this one went above and beyond. It’s always a delight to find a new Christian suspense author because the secular market for this genre is so full of profanity and lewdness. Another perk for me was that there was not a romantic side plot. I prefer to focus on the suspense and not be distracted by romantic affairs. Like the train wreck that forms part of the plot, I could not look away once I started turning the pages.

Threadgill builds the plot carefully, piece by piece, rather than revealing it all at once, and this approach draws the reader inexorably into the burning mystery. Three years ago, a school bus full of children died in a devastating accident. Or was it? And is there a chance that one of the children, Benjamin Reyes, could inexplicably still be alive? San Antonio police detective Amara Alvarez finds herself unintentionally drawn into investigating this closed case, with coincidence upon coincidence adding up to a shocking conclusion. Each step had me questioning how I would react or what I would do, and I felt empathetic toward Amara and the Reyes family, a sure sign of adept writing. Likewise, the camaraderie between the police officers warmed my heart; especially in times such as these, it is so refreshing to see those in blue working together in a coed environment and building one another up while doing their level best to serve the community.

Gaining insight into the inner workings of law enforcement, trying to puzzle together the truth of the 3-year-old collision and how it relates to current happenings, and even being entertained by Almara’s pet iguana all make “Collision of Lies” a must-read for suspense aficionados as well as for anyone who enjoys an intriguing, clean story that will have readers questioning everything.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.

@faberelise, #Contemporary, #Romance, 4 out of 5 (very good)

Collision at Roosevelt Ranch is the third book in the Roosevelt Ranch series, and we see Haley and Sam in more detail. Although they have both played parts in the two prior books, I don't think it is absolutely necessary to have read those two. I would still recommend it, just so you get the most out of each story, but they also standalone.

Haley has just finished her shift at the hospital, and is exhausted. Sam has just finished his day, and is exhausted. Are you seeing a link here yet? Due to wildlife, they have an accident and Sam realises just how much of a woman Haley now is. For her part, Haley has always crushed on Sam, but he was involved with her sister, so there's no way anything can happen... is there?

I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of emotion, of taking the blame for something you haven't done just because it's easier, for always feeling second-best but then realising that the other person has the same doubts as you. 

This story is an excellent addition to the series, and if I was allowed half stars, it would be four and a half. Best one of the series so far and highly recommended by me.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa

Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

Is it possible to meet the right person at the wrong time? Life tends to be full of surprises and when the heart teams up with fate is when crazy becomes the perfect fit for forever. Faber gives stirs up both the emotional and hypothetical with Collision at Roosevelt Ranch. Haley and Sam are match made of disaster, but pure heaven for the heart.

The Crush Collision 

by Danielle Ellison

(Southern Charmed #2)

Publication Date: February 18, 2019

Publisher: Entangled Teen: Crush

Haley Howell has had a hopeless crush on her brother’s best friend, Jake Lexington, for as long as she can remember. Too bad to him, she’ll forever be off-limits. But with senior year and acceptance to a college outside their tiny southern town of Culler, South Carolina, comes new confidence. Haley’s ready to get Jake to notice her—whatever it takes.

No one in Culler notices the real Jake anymore—to them, he’s nothing more than the star football player or the kid with the family tragedy. When one mistake lands him in community service, he’s shocked to find his best friend’s little sister there, too, looking cute as hell and threatening all his no-friends-with-benefits rules. But Jake isn’t ready to take a chance, no matter how crafty Haley’s willing to get to prove him otherwise… 

Link to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43602666-the-crush-collision

Purchase Links:

Amazon | Amazon Australia | Amazon UK | Amazon Canada | B&N | iBooks | Kobo

Link to Tour Schedule:

http://www.chapter-by-chapter.com/blog-tour-the-crush-collision-southern-charmed-2-by-danielle-ellison/

The Crush Collision by Danielle Ellison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is #2, in the Southern Charmed series. This can be read as a standalone novel. For reader enjoyment, and to avoid spoilers, I recommend reading this series in order.

Haley has been in love with her brother's best friend for years. When they have more in common during the school year - they end up spending time together. Can she keep it a secret from her own BFF who thinks she is in love with Jake?

Jake is finding this the worst year of his life. The only thing he looks forward to right now is spending time with his best friend's little sister. He wants to tell everyone but knows it will cut their time together short. Will he get the guts to tell all?

This series is so good. I love the couples and friendships. This is my favorite trope - no secret there - but I especially love when its done right. I loved the characters and how rich and deep they were. Considering all the touchy subjects touched on in the book this was a terrific way to read about them.


***This early copy was given by Netgalley and its publishers, in exchange for an honest review only.

View all my reviews

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Danielle Ellison is a nomad, always on the lookout for an adventure and the next story. In addition to writing, she’s the founder and coordinator of the NoVa TEEN Book Festival. When she’s not busy with books, she’s probably watching her favorite shows, drinking coffee, or fighting her nomadic urges. She is newly settled in Oklahoma (for now) with her cat, Simon, but you can always find her on twitter @DanielleEWrites.

Website • Twitter • Facebook • Instagram • Goodreads

Blog Tour and materials provided by:

This is #2, in the Southern Charmed series.  This can be read as a standalone novel.  For reader enjoyment, and to avoid spoilers, I recommend reading this series in order.

Haley has been in love with her brother's best friend for years.  When they have more in common during the school year - they end up spending time together.  Can she keep it a secret from her own BFF who thinks she is in love with Jake?

Jake is finding this the worst year of his life.  The only thing he looks forward to right now is spending time with his best friend's little sister.  He wants to tell everyone but knows it will cut their time together short.  Will he get the guts to tell all?

This series is so good.  I love the couples and friendships.  This is my favorite trope - no secret there - but I especially love when its done right.  I loved the characters and how rich and deep they were.  Considering all the touchy subjects touched on in the book this was a terrific way to read about them.  I give this story a 4/5 Kitty's Paws UP!

***This early copy was given by Netgalley and its publishers, in exchange for an honest review only.