LIS – Vickie's Book Nook and Meditation Corner

About the Book:

Author: Virginia Vaughan
Series: Cowboy Protectors, Book 1
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense
Tag: Love Inspired
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Publication Year: 2023
ASIN: B0B4B5KL7G
ISBN: 9781335587534

Synopsis:

After witnessing an abduction, FBI agent Luke Harmon vows to return the teenage victim safely to her aunt, his ex, Abby Mitchell. But Abby has a secret—the girl is their daughter. To rescue his child from a human trafficking ring, he’ll partner with the woman who deceived him. But can he forgive the past before Abby becomes the next target…and his family is lost forever?

My Review:

This book has a pace faster than a speeding bullet and it kept me engaged from beginning to end. Beginning with the terrifying kidnapping of a young girl named Kenzie off the streets of a small town in Texas, this book deals with the difficult topic of human trafficking in a realistic and gut-wrenching way. Abby, Kenzie’s guardian and aunt, witnesses the kidnapping but can do nothing to stop it. Enlisting the assistance of FBI Agent Luke Harmon, her former boyfriend, Abby is determined to do whatever it takes to get Kenzie safely home again. The story of Luke and Abby’s former love and how they need to trust each other again is one that touched me deeply. Luke not only lost his love but he also lost his faith in God and needs to find his way back. I enjoyed the realistic portrayal of the characters and all of the feelings that I experienced as I read about them. I especially enjoyed the twists in the story and the way the author kept me guessing about the bad guys until the ultimate revelation at the end. I love a good mystery and this one fit that perfectly! I also liked how the fast pace continued throughout the book, as new details were added about the case and the predicament that Kenzie was in. Abby’s faith was important in the story but it does not overwhelm it; it’s just part of who she is and this makes her more realistic as well as admirable. Luke is a likable character, flawed and vulnerable but strong when the occasion demands it. He is a hero to emulate and a dynamically complex male protagonist. The fact that the book is a clean read in spite of the difficult topic it deals with was a bonus for me. The entire book was an enjoyable, quick read and I highly recommend it to all who enjoy suspense, romance and faith all mixed together to make a remarkably cohesive story.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

This is LIS and is a clean read. Rated PG due to content about human trafficking.

Releases tomorrow, 1-24-23! You can order the book by following a link below:

https://amzn.to/3FAF0uA (Amazon)

http://bit.ly/3h1ViUd (BN)

http://bit.ly/3Y8Xudg (Google Play)

http://bit.ly/3iL9q4A (Harlequin)

http://bit.ly/3FABCjJ (Powells)

http://bit.ly/3FCCe8t (Book Shop)

About the Author:

You can visit the author’s website at http://www.virginiavaughanonline.com

LIS is always an entertaining genre for me and this book was no exception. Having read and been enticed by the synopsis, I was thrilled to be chosen to read and review it, and it did not disappoint. There were some parts on the book in which I got bogged down in details that seemed superfluous, but overall the book was well written. It was filled with action and surprising twists that kept me guessing who the villain was. My favorite thing about the book was how well the author expressed the emotional turmoil of the characters as they raced to catch the killer. FBI Special Agent Fiona Kelly returns to her old team in Memphis because she has heard that the Nursery Rhyme Killer, known as NRK or just “Rhyme” is active again and is beckoning her there with messages just for her. Her history with him has her magnetically drawn to the scene and working on guessing what the clues mean and when and where he will strike again. Once in Memphis, Fiona has to also confront her ex Asa Kodak, the leader of the team who is currently involved with a police detective named Amanda. There are tons of characters in this book, but the way the author depicted each of them realistically helped me to keep them all straight. The plot was complicated but well-developed so that even when the racing train veered in a different direction, I was able to hold on to the straps and stay in my seat reading. The secondary characters are important to the action and unified to catch the killer. There was also an element of faith involved, especially since Asa is a new Christian and openly shares his faith. The intense action and the dynamic characters made this a book worth reading and worth looking for more in the series. Fans of high-octane romantic suspense will enjoy trying to solve the mystery along with the team.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”