Review: Cold Heat by Toni Anderson

Author: Toni Anderson
Publisher: Toni Anderson Inc.
Publication date: January 2026

 FBI HRT operator Jordan Krychek has built his life around discipline and duty, hiding scars that run bone-deep. The night his family was murdered, the man responsible vanished into the wind. Now that ghost has reappeared—and a woman Jordan has sworn to protect is caught in the crossfire.

Daisy Montana doesn’t need a bodyguard, least of all her father’s dangerously intense teammate. But when a terrorist targets her area of research, and a killer from Jordan’s past resurfaces, she becomes a pawn in a deadly game of vengeance.

Forced into hiding—and into each other’s arms—the line between duty and desire combusts. From Mexico to Virginia, a relentless enemy draws them into a web of deception and betrayal. As the stakes rise and the body count climbs, Jordan and Daisy must untangle the mystery of what the next target might be, before it's too late.

This time, Jordan’s mission is personal. And protecting Daisy might cost him everything—including his heart.

COLD HEAT delivers explosive action, heart-stopping suspense, and the kind of forbidden love that will bring even the most hardened operator to his knees.

Cold heat is the 7th installment in the Cold Justice: Most Wanted series.  This one is Jordan and Daisy's story.  It's one of my favorite tropes, fake romance mixed with high stakes suspense.  As with all of the books in this series, the action is fast paced and intense.  There were a lot of "edge of your seat" moments that kept the book moving. Because of that, I didn't mind the amount of technical information about nuclear energy and reactors. 

I also really loved Jordan and Daisy together.  I loved that it wasn't insta-love and they had a little bit of a history.  Jordan's past and his loss was so heartbreaking.  I was rooting for him to realize he did deserve a future with Daisy.   I also loved that Daisy was intelligent and driven.  They were a great match.  I definitely recommend this one.  I can't wait to see whose story is next.

Spotlight: Excerpt from Mercy's Peril by Virginia Barlow

 

Title: Mercy’s Peril
Author: Virginia Barlow
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Publication Date: January 19, 2026
Pages: 348
Genre: Historical Western Romance
Formats: Paperback, Kindle

When Mercy Jackson slips into Calhan Shipping under cover of darkness, she expects to steal a secret and disappear. What she doesn’t expect is Connor Calhan, a man as dangerous as he is relentless. Mercy has one mission: to expose a killer, protect her family, and vanish before anyone uncovers her true identity. But the deeper she digs, the more tangled the lies become, and the more drawn she is to the man who stands in her way. Connor is determined to unmask The Phantom, a traitor hiding in plain sight. But Mercy’s arrival threatens everything. Her secrets run deep, and her presence stirs a past Connor cannot outrun.
 
Mercy’s Peril is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
 
BOOK EXCERPT

Richmond, Virginia, 1857

Tonight, I gave birth to a fragile miracle, a daughter. She arrived feet first, and Dr. Perry urged me to surrender to death, but Mammy, through her courage and faith, turned the child. For two long hours, I clung to life while Mammy fought beside me, and when it was over, my daughter’s tiny fingers curled around mine, bringing tears of gratitude.

Percival sent a cruel message condemning me for my failure to produce a son and vowed to take my gilded chest as punishment. He demanded I name her Rue, for regret. But I will not let his darkness define her. I call her Mercy, for she is my salvation, a light in this house of shadows, and a reminder that grace can bloom even in sorrow. She will grow strong and pure, a light undimmed by her father’s shadow. –Grace Bennett

– Excerpted from Mercy’s Peril by Virginia Marlow, Marrow Publishing, 2025. Reprinted with permission.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Virginia Barlow has been a dreamer her whole life. She loves reading, traveling, and roses. She will dive headfirst into any romance she can get her hands on in any genre. Although her first love is Regency Romance and always will be.  Something about the era calls to her soul like a siren’s song rising from the depths.

She writes richly layered historical romance infused with intrigue, drawing readers into worlds of aristocratic scandal, hidden bargains, dangerous desire, and women who refuse to remain pawns in other people’s games. Her heroines are intelligent, resilient, and quietly defiant; her heroes carry honor, guilt, and a capacity for devotion that cuts deep. Beneath the silk gowns and rigid rules of society, Virginia’s stories explore freedom, longing, and the cost of choosing one’s own heart.

Known for her sensual yet elegant prose, Virginia favors emotional tension over excess, intimate moments over spectacle, and romance that simmers before it ignites. Her work often weaves together family secrets, shadowed power brokers, and high-stakes love, where a single kiss can be as dangerous as a duel.

The most important thing in Virginia’s life is her family, and spending time with them. When she is not bouncing a grandbaby in her arms or handing out popsicles, she is writing and dreaming up her next story.  Virginia has published sixteen romance novels with another two on the way and has half a dozen more circling inside her head, eager to make their debut.

Her latest book, Mercy’s Peril, is available at  Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Visit her website at www.virginia-barlow.com. 
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Cover Reveal: Burning Vengeance by Tricia T. LaRochelle

 

Join us for the cover reveal of Burning Vengeance by Tricia T. LaRochelle. Fans who love High Stakes & Forced Proximity Romances will sink their teeth into this steamy, small-town, fireman romantic suspense thriller. Keep scrolling for more details about this sexy cover. 

Title: Burning Vengeance
Author: Tricia T. LaRochelle
Release Date: 03/24/2026
Genre: Romantic Suspense Thriller
Page Count: TBD
Trope(s): Scarred/Reclusive Hero, Strong but Vulnerable Heroine, Love in Unexpected Places, Small-Town Secrets & Gossip, Whodunit Mystery, Forced Proximity, Emotional Healing, High Stakes, Fireman Romance

When Natalie Dugan trades spreadsheets for scrub brushes, she hopes her new cleaning business will give her independence—and the chance to care for her ailing mother. Love isn’t on her agenda, but everything changes when she meets Aaron Marino, a reclusive ex-firefighter scarred by the blaze that nearly claimed his life.
As a string of suspicious fires threatens

their quaint Virginia town, every man in Natalie’s orbit becomes a suspect: her hard-working new boyfriend, her mother’s unfairly maligned partner, her unsettling neighbor, and even Aaron himself. But the closer Natalie gets to Aaron, the harder it is to ignore the spark that refuses to extinguish.

When the truth behind the fires finally ignites, Natalie will have to confront betrayal, vengeance, and danger that hits far too close to home. Survival—and love—depend on whether she can brave the flames of the past … before they consume her.

Pre-Order on Amazon

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About Tricia T. LaRochelle

Since she was a little girl, award-winning author Tricia T. LaRochelle has been obsessed with tragic love stories. No beach reads for her. Bring on the grit with a double side of turmoil. She likes to feel the character’s anguish as they fight to overcome obstacles to be together. Growing up in central Vermont, she has seen her share of tragedy but remains a hopeful romantic. She now lives in central Virginia, where she continues to foster the possibilities of how love can conquer all.

 

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January DNFs

The Bridesmaid:  I really wanted to like this book because the premise sounded like a good mystery.  However, I found there were too many characters to keep track of and they were all kind of annoying. Especially Holly.  She was too quirky  and "edgy" for my liking.

Beth is Dead:  I didn't realize this was a loose Little Women retelling.  I was bored from the beginning.  I'm not a fan of retellings so that may have skewed my opinion.  There were no likable characters.  I really didn't care int he end find find out what happened. 

The End of The World As We Know It:  The Stand is one of my all-time favorite horror novels.  So I had high hopes for this collection of stories set in that world.  Unfortunately, I didn't like any of the stories that I did manage to make it through.  I felt like they were all trying too hard.  I got through about 5 stories and gave up.

Review: You Better Watch Out by James S. Murray and Darren Wearmouth

Author: James S. Murray and Darren Wearmouth
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: October 2024

 Forty-eight hours until Christmas, Jessica Kane wakes up with blurred vision, ears ringing, and in excruciating pain. A gash in her head and blood running down her face, the last thing she remembers is going for a run and something or someone hitting her in the head. It doesn't take her long to realize she is trapped in an unknown, deserted town with five other strangers who share similar stories of being attacked and stranded there. Unsure why and how they got there, she knows one thing for certain, she has to find a way out. That becomes nearly impossible when someone is meticulously orchestrating their deaths, one by one, and the only thing Jessica can do is watch the life leave their eyes. The fenced-in town is the killer’s very own playground and there's nowhere left to hide... she better watch out because she could be next

I really liked, Awakened, the first book in the Awakened trilogy, So I was excited to pick this one up. The premise was great.  A woman wakes up in a weird replica of an old town with several other strangers.  Soon it's apparent that someone in the town is picking them off one by one.  As I said, I had high hopes for this one, but it just didn't live up to my expectations..

There was definitely suspense.  There was also a good amount of gore and gruesome deaths.  What I felt was lacking was not getting to know the characters very well.  I didn't know enough to really care whether they got picked off or not.  The reveal came out of nowhere and didn't really make sense to me; at least to the logistics of it.   I disliked the ending.  It was a real let down.  The epilogue maybe sets it up for a sequel?  Overall, it's OK, but it could have been better.

January Mini Musings

Cold Case Tracker:  This one was just OK. While I did enjoy the action and the ultimate romance, there were so many things about it that just didn't sit right with me. I had a hard time buying into Amy not recognizing Jackson. I mean he is her best friend's brother who apparently did something so upsetting that she never forgot it.  I'm not sure I would forget what that person looked like.  And really, the reason for the grudge was over the top. Also, there were way too many coincidences in this one especially with the reveal at the end.  I can suspend my disbelief, but that one was just too much. Finally, what 6 month old says "doggy"?  If you can ignore those issues, then you might enjoy this one.

Standing Watch:  So far, this one is the best out of the Dakota K-9 Unit series.  I really enjoyed watching Zach and Eden realize they should stay together.  Their issues were a clear case of mis-communication and untold past hurts. Especially Zach who finally realized he would be a great father. I also enjoyed the mystery and action in the story.  I do recommend this one.

The Asylum:  I know it's a prequel and a novella, but it was honestly kind of boring. I'm not sure why but I thought it was set in the earlier 1900s, not in modern day.  It just had an old time feel to it.  Maybe I wasn't paying too much attention to be honest. I might try the first full book in the series. 

Never Fall Again:  This was a very sweet romantic suspense.  I love romances where the heart disagrees with the brain and wins in the end.  Landry and Cal's fall into love was very endearing.  I also really enjoyed the other characters in Cal's world.  The mystery was also very solid and had me guessing.  I highly recommend this one.

Release Blitz: Grumpily Ever After by Teagan Hunter

 Grumpily Ever After by Teagan Hunter is now LIVE!

An obstinate ex–NHL player meets his match in a cheerfully resilient wedding planner prone to chaos in this sweet and spicy romantic comedy about game-changing second chances.

Wedding planner Odette Chambers has a knack for ruining every ceremony she touches. But her latest gig could be a curse breaker. The bride is her best friend, Izzy, and the venue is a local cidery with the Pacific Northwest mountains as a beautiful backdrop. The cidery’s only rotten apple is its owner, former NHL player Noah Stevens—Izzy’s older brother and a recently divorced, fully committed grump who doesn’t believe in happy endings.

But Noah can’t say no to his hopeful little sister. His decision sends Odette barreling into his life, and she insists on making picture-perfect renovations to his cidery. She’s demanding, irritatingly optimistic, and quite possibly the prettiest woman he’s ever seen. Noah is turning Odette’s head, too, but if she wants a wedding to finally go off without a hitch, he’s a handsome distraction she can’t afford. Right?

As Noah risks a second chance at love, Odette’s luck might change as well. For better or for worse.

 

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Narrated by Chloe Ryan & Nelson Hobbs 

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Review: The Last One You Loved by LJ Evans

Author: LJ Evans
Publisher: That's What She Said Publishing
Publication date:September 2022

 Maddox Between my badge, my daughter, and my hometown, I’ve got a busy life. It’s a mostly happy one. But late at night, when the house is quiet, I still see her face. McKenna may have left me and this town behind a decade ago, but a century wouldn’t be long enough to get over her. There’s only one thing worse than never seeing her again. If she came back, the secret I’ve been keeping would destroy lives. Mine included. As long as she stays gone, everyone is safe.

McKenna When my world catches fire, destroying the dreams I’ve sacrificed so much for, there’s only one place I can think to go. One man I can run to. But going back is no homecoming. Sheriff Maddox Hatley hasn’t forgotten me. And he sure hasn’t forgiven me either. He’s hiding something beneath all that anger. I’m going to stick around until I find out what it is.

I picked this up as a random Kindle unlimited pick.  I'm so glad I did.  In The Last One You Loved, McKenna is back in town after her career path is temporarily derailed.  She's looking for a place to lay low.  What she didn't bargain for is that the love that she walked away from is now occupying that place.  Maddox is surprised to see McKenna. He holds a secret that could jeopardize his relationship with his daughter.

I thought this was a really sweet second chance romance with a bit of suspense thrown in.  I loved watching McKenna and Maddox getting to know each other again and realizing that they belong together.  Both of them have changed and grown. Both of them are still wrestling with their past as well.  Maddox's daughter was adorable and I loved their relationship.  Maddox's extended family and their relationships rounded out the story nicely.  I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

Blog Tour: Review & Excerpt from Track of Courage by Susan May Warren

TRACK OF COURAGE

by Susan May Warren

January 5 - 16, 2026 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

CALL OF THE WILD

 

A hijacked plane. A pursuing killer. And a K9's instinct to help them make it out alive.

Pop singer Keely Williams's search for her biological mother in Alaska has been painfully unsuccessful. Now she just wants to escape this wild frontier and never look back. But when her plane is hijacked, she's suddenly plunged into a race against not only an Alaskan blizzard but also a killer who's on her tail.

After a career-ending injury, ex-cop Dawson Mulligan has only one friend--Caspian, the stray dog he adopted. Dawson just wants to figure out how to get his life on track, but during a flight home to Copper Mountain, he spots a downed plane and stops to help. Except, when his not-a-rescue dog runs off into the woods and discovers the trail of a missing survivor, it's up to the former cop to stage a rescue.

But Dawson has no idea he's being pulled into a deadly pursuit, or that Caspian is more than he seems. There might be redemption and second chances waiting for both Dawson and Keely if they have the courage to face their wounded pasts and fight for their future.

Join master storyteller Susan May Warren for a propulsive ride through the Alaskan wilderness, where love might be the riskiest--and most rewarding--adventure of all.

Prepare to experience edge-of-your-seat action combined with heart-stirring romance and heroic K9 companions in this exhilarating romantic suspense that will thrill fans of Lynette Eason and Elizabeth Goddard.

Book Details:

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense Thriller
Published by: Revell
Publication Date: January 6, 2026
Number of Pages: 320 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780800746056 (ISBN10: 0800746058) Pbk
Series: Call of the Wild, #1
Book Links: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub | ChristianBook | Baker Book House

My thoughts:

    Track of Courage is a Christian romantic suspense that takes place in Alaska. It's the first in the Call of the Wild series.   This one involves ex-cop Dawson, who is just trying to get his life on track after being injured on the job.  And Keely, also known as pop singer Bliss, who is looking for her birth mother.  Throw in a plane crash and a deadly pursuit and you have non-stop suspense and romance.

I did enjoy this one.  It was a little slow to start, but the descriptions of Alaskan scenery more than made up for that.  I enjoyed the suspense part of the book.  It made for some edge of the seat moments.  More than that, I really enjoyed the romance between Dawson and Keely.  Both of them have some major baggage, but their time in the blizzard and close proximity allowed them to work through it together.  I loved how Dawson kept denying the fact the Caspian was more than "just a dog" he adopted.  It was amusing.  I do recommend this one.  I look forward to the next book in the series.

Read an excerpt from TRACK OF COURAGE:

 

 

Author Bio:

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling author of nearly 100 novels with more than 1.5 million books sold, including the Global Search and Rescue and Montana Rescue series. Winner of a RITA Award and multiple Christy and Carol Awards, as well as the HOLT Medallion and numerous Readers' Choice Awards, Susan makes her home in Minnesota.

Catch Up With Susan May Warren:

SusanMayWarren.com
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads - @SusanMayWarren
BookBub - @SusanMayWarren
Instagram - @SusanMayWarren
X - @SusanMayWarren
Facebook - @SusanMayWarrenFiction
YouTube - @SusanMayWarrenFiction

 

Tour Participants:

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Click here to view the TRACK OF COURAGE Tour Schedule

 

 

 

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Review: The Lake House by Sarah Beth Durst

Author: Sarah Beth Durst
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: April 2023

 Claire’s grown up triple-checking locks. Counting her steps. Second-guessing every decision. It’s just how she’s wired – her worst-case scenarios never actually come true.

Until she arrives at an off-the-grid summer camp to find a blackened, burned husk instead of a lodge – and no survivors, except her and two other late arrivals: Reyva and Mariana.

When the three girls find a dead body in the woods, they realize none of this is an accident. Someone, something, is hunting them. Something that hides in the shadows. Something that refuses to let them leave.

I was hoping for a good start to 2026 in terms of reading  But sadly, The Lake House did not deliver.  The premise of the book was great. 3 teens dropped off at an off-grid summer camp.  Each one hoping for a great summer and a new start.  But they instead find a burned building and a dead body. 

My main issue with the book was that it was boring.  It was way too slow. UNtilt he end I never felt an urgency of danger.  There was too much introspection from Claire that really added nothing to the story.  I get it, she is super cautious and not brave.  How do I know? Because she keeps telling me.  Except when she, of course, proves that she can be super brave. I honestly got tired of being in her head. 

 I am going to get a bit spoilery, but one of the reveals was really dumb.  They find out they are on an island after walking the shoreline for a day and ending back up in the same place.  I was confused. I thought that was implied from the beginning of the book. If I knew, why didn't they?  After that I kind of checked out of the story.  The ending was fine.  But nothing earth shattering.

Kari's Top 10 of 2025

In no particular order, here are my top 10 books that I read in 2025: