Natalie Walters: Blind Trust

By Kelly Bridgewater

When Lyla Fox receives a threatening letter from a man she put in prison, she uncovers clues that lead to a deadly government conspiracy--making her a target that fellow SNAP Agent Nicolás Garcia will protect at all costs. But working with Lyla proves to be more dangerous than he expects--for the mission and for his heart.

 

My Thoughts:

Blind Trust by Natalie Walters is defined as a romantic suspense novel. With plenty of suspenseful moments and an overarching romance, Walters does deliver exactly what fans of the genre want. However, the plot does focus on the romance between Nic and Lyla way more than the suspense in the first half of the novel. With the constant reassurance that they were not in a relationship, Lyla and Nic's emotions ran across the pages of the story. Of course, there is a suspense element. Someone wants to take out Lyla and with Nic's overbearing emotions and feelings for Lyla, he does not want this to happen. The suspenseful plot was a little disappointing. I wanted a lot more. The ending was predictable and has been done a number of times before. While I love the idea of the SNAP group, it was not really that prominent in this story. Walters does handle the idea of a suspense novel but with her safe topics. I want suspense novels that keep me on the edge of my seat, flipping through the pages way past my bedtime. Sleep is for the weak. With Blind Trust, this was not the issue. Readers could put down the story and return at another time and completely remember what they had read before. Overall, Blind Trust by Natalie Walters delivers a romantic suspense novel, but it is a little heavy on the romance more than the suspense.

I received a complimentary copy of Blind Trust by Natalie Walters through Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 3. 5 out of 5 stars

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Blackburn, Eason, and Walters: Targeted

 By Kelly Bridgewater

In this novella collection, an FBI computer hacker, the vice president's son, and a CIA officer each find themselves in the clutches of merciless criminals. These thrilling stories offer excitement, intrigue, and romance--and hit the bullseye every time. 

 

My Thoughts:

Overall, I’m not a huge fan of novellas. In my opinion, they never have enough time to develop the characters and give them the chance to really change. OR the novellas that I do like feature characters I am already familiar with but place in them a moment of time that readers are dying to see what happens. Of course, I am familiar with all three authors in the Targeted novella collection, so I was interested in reading what they have wrote.

“On the Run” by Lynette Eason

This novella is a quick run down of a girl on the run from her father’s legacy. Since it is such a tiny amount of space for a story, the entire novella was one big chase scenario with plenty of action and final showdown. The heroine has been featured in another of Eason’s novel, but as a background character. Now readers can see more of her past and see the romance that occurs. Would I want this as a bigger story? Yes, but for the moments of the story, Eason does a wonderful job at crafting enough background, romance, and action to keep any suspense reader happy.

“Deadly Objective” by Lynn H. Blackburn

While Eason’s story had plenty of action, Blackburn’s really did not have much. Her story laid out the foundation for a budding relationship, but the suspense was not there. Many moments of talking and taking a camping trip and the hero and heroine discovering more about each other and the charge they were watching. Occasionally, Blackburn would remember to throw in some bullets flying to keep the suspense element moving. Not really a good novella. Wanted more action to keep me interested.

“Caught in the Crosshairs” by Natalie Walters

Walter’s story had a little more action than Blackburn, but still not as much as Eason’s. Readers who are familiar with Walters first published series will see familiar characters, which is a nice touch. Plenty of suspense and action to satisfy the cozy mystery fans of the romantic suspense genre. As for the romance, it was ramped up and threw each character for a loop as they navigated the danger that threaten their lives. Good for the romantic suspense genre.

I received a complimentary copy of Targeted by Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, and Natalie Walters from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating:  3.5 out of 5 stars

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Most Anticipated Suspense Fall 2022

 By Kelly Bridgewater

Here is another favorite post:

Most Anticipated Suspense Novels for Fall 2022

All covers come from Goodreads.

Fallout by Carrie Stuart Parks

The Premonition of Withers Farm by Jaime Jo Wright

Sundown by Susan May Warren

Targetted by Natalie Walters, Lynette Eason, and Lynn H. Blackburn

Dark Fall by Brian Andrews

How about you? I believe we need more stories in this genre!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Most Anticipated Suspense for Summer 2021

 By Kelly Bridgewater

Last week, I shared with my most excited novels for Historical Romance that I am most excited to read. 

This week, I am sharing the suspense novels that I can not wait to get my hands on. 

(All covers come from Goodreads!)

Code of Courage by Janice Cantore

Dark Angel by Andrews and Wilson

Sunburst by Susan May Warren

Fatal Code by Natalie Walters

The Deadly Shallows by Dani Pettrey

Free Fall by Nancy Mehl

Crossfire by Lynette Eason

Critical Alliance by Elizabeth Goddard

Deception by Patricia Bradley

Elysium Tide by James R. Hannibal

What about you? What would you add?

Natalie Walters: Fatal Code

 By Kelly Bridgewater

In 1964, a group of scientists called the Los Alamos Five came close to finishing a nuclear energy project for the United States government when they were abruptly disbanded. Now the granddaughter of one of those five scientists, aerospace engineer Elinor Mitchell, discovers that she has highly sensitive information on the project in her possession--and a target on her back.

SNAP agent and former Navy cryptologist Kekoa Young is tasked with monitoring Elinor. This is both convenient since she's his neighbor in Washington, DC, and decidedly inconvenient because . . . well, he kind of likes her.

As Elinor follows the clues her grandfather left behind to a top-secret nuclear project, Kekoa has no choice but to step in. When Elinor learns he has been spying on her, she's crushed. But with danger closing in on all sides, she'll have to trust him to ensure her discoveries stay out of enemy hands.

Natalie Walters sucks you into the global race for space domination in this perfectly paced second installment of her SNAP Agency romantic suspense series.

 

My Thoughts:

Fatal Code by Natalie Walters is a nasty treat of a hunt for a cyber code that is left by the heroine’s now deceased grandfather. Because of this, Elinor, the heroine, is focused on her science project, Van Gogh, but someone keeps attacking her asking her to release the code. Of course, she has no idea what they are talking about. From then on, the story features numerous attempts on her life, but enters the handsome Kekoa, her neighbor, who jumps into her protect and see what the real threat is all about. The story is unpredictable and original while still carry moments of familiarity to readers of the romantic suspense genre. The romance is also pretty normal for this genre. Sparks and emotions start to fly as Kekoa has to observe Elinor. My favorite part is near the beginning when Walters has the SNAP team sitting in a conference room, and they are teasing one another. The familiarity and joyful talking between the team members is a nice touch. I enjoy seeing this side of these trained soldiers. Overall, Fatal Code by Natalie Walters is an enjoyable way to spend a day. I would highly recommend fans of romantic suspense to pick up this novel and any of her other books. You won’t be disappointed.

I received a complimentary copy Fatal Code by Natalie Walters from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Natalie Walters: Lights Out

By Kelly Bridgewater

CIA analyst Brynn Taylor developed a new program to combat terrorism, and she invited members of foreign intelligence agencies to America to foster cooperation between countries. Now one of them, Egyptian spy Remon Riad, is missing.

Jack Hudson has been working for the Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency (SNAP) for almost nine years and takes the lead in hunting down the missing spy. But he isn't at all pleased to find out Brynn is involved. It's hard to trust a woman who's already betrayed you.

Every lead they follow draws them dangerously deeper into an international plot. Kidnapping, murder, explosions, poisoning--the terrorists will do anything to accomplish their goal of causing a digital blackout that will blind a strategic US military communications center and throw the world into chaos.

Can Brynn surrender control to a man who doesn't trust her? And can Jack ever get over what she did to him? The fate of the world--and their hearts--hangs in the balance.

 

My Thoughts:

Egypt. Terrorism. Romance. All of these elements work nicely together in Natalie Walters’ newest release, Lights Out. The story and plot center on the SNAP agency as they deal with life and working to stop the terrorism from other countries. Brynn, the heroine, is thrown into this agency as a temporary employee as she works through the current issue. The characters are crafted with enough personality and knowledge that I can’t wait to see what Walters does with the sideline characters that appear in this novel. Of course, what romantic suspense novel does not do well without a little romance? Walters throw this into the plot to keep the readers interested. Jack, the hero, and Brynn have a little past that filters onto the current story and does have them wondering what if. The plot was a little unpredictable, but being a terrorist plot story, it is really not that original. Most stories with terrorism feature the same elements and usually have the same vein to an ending. While I believe this story is a lot stronger than her previous series, I do wish the terrorism plot was written with a unique twist. Overall, if readers are a fan of DiAnn Mills, Colleen Coble, or Patricia Bradley, then this is definitely a novel for you to read.

I received a complimentary copy of  Lights Out by Natalie Walters from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating:  4 out of 5 stars

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Most Anticipated Suspense Fall 2021

 By Kelly Bridgewater

Last week, I shared my most anticipated Historical Romance. 

This week, I am sharing my Most Anticipated Suspense. 

(All images come from Goodreads!)

Dark Intercept by Brian Andrews

Labyrinth of Lies by Irene Hannon

Lights Out by Natalie Walters

Dead Fall by Nancy Mehl

Crosshairs by Patricia Bradley

Deadly Target by Elizabeth Goddard

How about you? Anything to add?

Natalie Walters: Silent Shadows

By Kelly Bridgewater

Pecca Gallegos moved to the tiny town of Walton, Georgia, to protect her son and escape the dangerous lifestyle that once defined her. When a series of strange circumstances evolve into threats, Pecca finds herself confiding in an unlikely ally--her stubborn patient.

Army veteran Colton Crawford is desperate to recover from the undiagnosed disorder that is ruining his life, and his instincts are on high alert when threats against his nurse and her son force him to take action. But Colton's involvement only ramps up the danger when he uncovers a family secret revealing that whoever is after Pecca is closer--and more deadly--than they realized.

With this suspenseful new story, Natalie Walters welcomes you once more to Walton, Georgia, where everyone knows your name--but no one knows your secret.

From Amazon

My Thoughts:

Natalie Walters brings the inner turmoil of a retired Army soldier to life in her current novel, Silent Shadows. Being an Army wife for twenty-two years, I'm sure Walters has dealt with a lot of PTSD with soldiers her husband encounters. It was nice to see Walters bring Colton's issues to life. It wasn't the typical PTSD of having nightmares and mood changes. It was something different. Something I had never heard of before. I enjoyed how Walters allowed Pecca to use her skills to help him overcome his issues even though there is a long road ahead for both of them. The writing is excellent. Walters gives the fans of romantic suspense just what they desire. The romance is more than the suspense in the novel. I don't think the suspense was that important to the storyline as the develop of learning to move forward from the characters' individual pasts. Overall, Silent Shadows is enjoyable way to spend a day. I can't wait to see what Walters comes up with next.

I received a complimentary copy of Silent Shadows by Natalie Walters from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Natalie Walters: Deadly Deceit

By Kelly Bridgewater

Independent and tenacious journalist Vivian DeMarco is back in Walton, Georgia, for one reason--to do her job and get out. When her boss suddenly dies under suspicious circumstances, Vivian's only hope for finding the truth--and the next big story--is small-town law enforcement's lanky poster boy, Deputy Ryan Frost. But the deeper they dig, the more twisted the truth becomes, and Vivian finds herself fighting for not only answers but also her life. False leads, incriminating emails, and someone called The Watcher force Vivian to confront the secret of her past and decide: How much is she willing to risk for the sake of a headline?

Author Natalie Walters welcomes you back to Walton, Georgia, where everyone knows your name--but no one knows your secret.

From Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Deadly Deceit by Natalie Walters is a non-stop tension driven novel with a hint of romance. Romantic suspense can go one way or other. Either too much romance or too much suspense or a nice balance of both. With Walters newest novel, the story leans more to the suspense side, which is my taste anyways. The romance is there and hinted at, but it doesn't take over the whole hunt for the Watcher. The idea of the Watcher has been done before and quite predictable, but I had a hard time buying who the Watcher was at the end of the novel. While the reality of the bad guy had me shaking my head, Walters is a fabulous writer who gives fans of the romantic suspense genre what they are looking for. The romance kept beating on just like the suspense and came to its predictable ending. Overall, Deadly Deceit by Natalie Walters is a romantic suspense novel just right for the fans of the genre. With transformation characters, a good dose of suspense, and a budding romance, Deadly Deceit will definitely fit onto the shelf alongside DiAnn Mills, Irene Hannon, and Colleen Coble.

I received a complimentary copy of Deadly Deceit by Natalie Walters from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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About the Author:

From Amazon

My world revolves around GIJOE and our three adult (or almost adult) children who keep my life anything but predictable. Our boots hit the ground wherever the Army sends us but home is when we're all together no matter the zipcode. My passion is writing stories where adventure meets love and share my belief that life rooted in purpose is a story worth telling. (Taken From Amazon.)

Most Anticipated for Rest of 2019

By Kelly Bridgewater

Now that fall is within reach, there is a number of books coming out from now to the end of the year that I can't wait to get my hands on.

Here they are in particular order: (All images come from Goodreads, unless noted.)

The Spice King by Elizabeth Camden 

 

Diamond in the Rough by Jen Turano

 

 

 Memories of Glass by Melanie Dobson

The Painted Castle by Kristy Cambron

 

Synapse by Steven James

 

 

 Deadly Deceit by Natalie Walters

 Smoke Screen by Terri Blackstock

 Echoes Among the Stones by Jaime Jo Wright

The Piper's Pursuit by Melanie Dickerson

 

 The Bridge to Belle Island by Julie Klassen

What about you? Do you have any books to add to this collection? Are you looking forward to any of these books too?

Natalie Walters: Living Lies

By Kelly Bridgewater

In the little town of Walton, Georgia, everybody knows your name--but no one knows your secret. At least that's what Lane Kent is counting on when she returns to her hometown with her five-year-old son. Dangerously depressed after the death of her husband, Lane is looking for hope. What she finds instead is a dead body.

Lane must work with Walton's newest deputy, Charlie Lynch, to uncover the truth behind the murder. But when that truth hits too close to home, she'll have to decide if saving the life of another is worth the cost of revealing her darkest secret.

Debut novelist Natalie Walters pulls you to the edge of your seat on the first page and keeps you there until the last in this riveting story that will have you believing no one is defined by their past.

From Amazon

My Thoughts:

Natalie Walters debut novel Living Lies is full of tension-filled moments with a hint of romance on the sidelines. Depression is something that is realistic in the world. No one really knows what it feels like unless you have been affected by it personally or by being near someone close who has dealt with it. Living Lies dives into depression as the background for Lane, the heroine. She tries to keep secrets from her past from coming to life. The inner workings of the suspense captivate readers and allow them to follow Lane and Charlie on their hunt for the killer. With the discovery of the dead body in the first chapter, Walters takes readers on a hunt for justice. The romance seems out of place for me. Not that Charlie and Lane don't deserve happiness. It just the romance didn't seem to flow naturally. Overall, Walters definitely created a romantic suspense novel that should be picked up by lovers of romantic suspense. I believe fans of Irene Hannon and DiAnn Mills would enjoy this book.

I received a complimentary copy of Living Lies by Natalie Walters from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

About the Author:

From Goodreads