Kain Kessler created a life defined by control, ink,
and the belief that love is a weakness he can’t afford. But when Eva Collins
crashes into his life, his entire world is turned upside down, sparking a
fierce devotion he never expected. When a brutal kidnapping drags Eva into
Kain’s dangerous past, he realizes there’s nothing he wouldn’t do to keep her
safe. Readers who crave high-stakes, he-falls-first, age-gap romances will fall
head over heels for Etched in Ink, a steamy billionaire romantic suspense from
Nadia Han. Read Now!
With dark secrets etched in his soul, Kain Kessler is an
astute tattoo artist who does not believe in love. But that belief changes when
he meets a beautiful woman who shifts his internal axis, leaving him stunned
and determined to make her his even after she rejects him.
Eager and resourceful, Eva Collins is saving up for her own
flower shop. Having her heart shattered has left her unavailable for
relationships until her grandfather sets her up with an irresistible man much
older than her. When she is kidnapped and tossed into a terrifying world, she
gathers every ounce of courage to survive.
Eva wants nothing more than to erase the cruelty Kain has
suffered, and all he wants is to protect the woman he loves from the darkness
that wants them both dead. Excerpt Copyright 2026, Nadia Han Her POV “You’re older than me by sixteen years. Don’t you want a
woman closer to your age?” “I go by feelings.” He lifted a shoulder. “Besides, being
older means I have a lot to teach you.” A wicked smile stretched across his
handsome face. “Is there anything you’d like to learn? To know?” I want to know what it’s like to kiss you. But I was too embarrassed to say that out loud, especially
when my grandfather was just around the corner, probably eavesdropping. As though Kain understood, he leaned in and whispered, “I’ve
imagined doing so many things to you. Very inappropriate things that would have
your grandfather kicking me out right now if he knew.” His warm breath caressed
my skin, and tingles rushed through me. “Give me the chance to show you.” Gathering myself, I touched his cheek. “Why are you
still single?” “Like I told your grandfather, I’m waiting for the right
woman. I haven’t wanted anyone as much as I want you.” His honesty warmed me, and I didn’t know what to say. Some
people might not be concerned about the big age gap between us, but I was. Kain
was an experienced man. Would he get bored talking to someone like me who
hadn’t seen life as much as he had? Would he move on after one date? Give him one date. You have nothing to lose. Accompanying him at the event would allow me to get to know
him. Before I could reply, Grandpa walked into the room groaning.
I knew from his facial expression that he’d been eavesdropping. “My back is sore from all the cooking.” He stretched to the
side. “I heard something about a banquet? In case you’re thinking about
inviting me, I won’t be able to make it. I’ve got a bingo game going on with my
friend Emilio. You kids go and have fun.” “It’s not until next week, Grandpa.” Apparently, my
grandfather had a friend who lived in my building but forgot to mention it. “Oh.” He looked up at the ceiling, pretending he’d forgotten
something. But I knew the wheels in his head were spinning fast. Looking back
at me, he said, “Maybe you can take one of his self-defense lessons and come
home to show me. You’re home all week.” He turned to Kain. “Do you have time to
squeeze my granddaughter in?” “I always have time for Eva.” “I’ll give you my bingo winnings as a thank you.” Oh my God. “No need for that,” Kain said, probably suppressing a laugh.
“Thank you for lunch.” I looked at Kain, and an amused glance passed between
us—Grandpa had just set me up on a date at the gym. My grandfather was such a
troublemaker. “Thank you for the cupcakes, Kain. I’ll be having one
tonight.” Grandpa went back to the kitchen, leaving me alone with Kain again. “I can’t believe this,” I muttered. “I can.” Kain looked down the hallway. “He’s a smart man. He
knows what’s best for his granddaughter.” “Is that so?” “Meet me at the gym tomorrow and you’ll find out.” About Nadia Han
I write swoonworthy, sophisticated, and suspenseful romance
for readers who love protective heroes, sassy heroines, and twisty plots. I
live in New England with my husband and two creative children. My love for
mysticism, astrology, astronomy, K-Dramas, C-Dramas, true crime TV shows, cats,
and nature are sprinkled throughout my stories. When I’m not writing, I spend
time with my family, create art, practice yoga, read, explore nature, and eat
all kinds of foods.
Operations Manager Carli Porter runs The Lochwell as
if it were her own and is fiercely protective of the community she’s built
within its walls. But when the building's owner sends in his best friend to
evaluate its future, Caril finds herself fighting to keep everything she loves
from slipping away. Left with no other option, she’s forced to team up with
Alexander Grassi, the very man who could decide the building's fate. Readers
who enjoy steamy, he-falls-first romances will devour Fight It Until We Can’t
by Cissy Mecca & Tina Gallagher, a small-town, rivals-to-lovers romance.
She's the operations manager who will make sure he doesn't.
Carli Porter runs The Lochwell like it's hers. The coffee
shop is her living room. Its book club members are her family. The residents
are her friends. The pub is her Friday night. The only problem? The building
belongs to someone else, and that someone just sent his best friend to decide
its fate.
Alexander Grassi is smart and annoyingly hard to hate. He
also has the kind of forearms that make it very difficult to stay mad at him.
(She's tried. It hasn't worked.) He's supposed to write a report, hand it over
to his friend and leave. He wasn't supposed to start showing up to trivia
night. Or turning her coffee cup so the handle faces her. Or looking at her
like she's the best thing in a building full of things worth saving.
She says his report could ruin her life.
He says she's not wrong.
She says that's makes him the last person she should want
around.
He says he's staying anyway.
Because some legacies (and people) are worth fighting for.
Excerpt
Copyright 2026, Author Cissy Mecca & Author Tina
Gallagher
"Did you tell her?" Chris asked Vee as he emerged
from the small kitchen at the back of the shop.
"Tell me what?" I asked. Vee slid two coffees
toward Maria Grazia and me.
"Only that the hottest guy I've ever seen was asking
for you earlier," Chris said. "He wasn't just hot. He was
extraordinarily hot. Casual, buttoned-up, perfect hair, two days shadow with a
smile that could melt polar ice-caps kind of hot".
"I know the man looking for you. And can guess why he's
here," Maria said. She set her cup down. That small, deliberate gesture
told me more than her words had. "He's a good man," she added
carefully. "His mother is one of my dearest friends. But good men can
still be sent to do difficult things".
Before I could figure that out, or even take another sip of
coffee, he stepped into the coffee shop. At least, I assumed it was him. But
since the Brew didn't often see extraordinarily hot men with smiles that could
melt polar ice-caps every day, I assumed that was probably him. His light blue
buttoned-down shirt was open, no tie, but the casual tan sport coat still gave
him a polished appearance. Honestly? Chris's description was overall pretty
spot-on.
He scanned the room, his gaze pausing when it reached us. He
smiled at Maria Grazia and headed our way.
"I'm thinking this is Carli?" he asked her.
"You didn't tell me you planned to meet with her,
Xander". Maria Grazia's tone was sharper than usual.
"I don't have an appointment," he turned his
attention to me. His eyes were hazel, in the best way possible. "And
honestly didn't think I'd actually find her. You get around." Xander stuck
his hand out. "Alexander Grassi".
A firm handshake from someone accustomed to shaking hands.
"Carlina Porter," I responded, defaulting to my full name, as I did
when I met someone new.
"I'm a property analyst," he said.
Before I could fully register that, Maria Grazia added,
"And one of Graeme Lochwell's best friends".
The bottom dropped out of my stomach. Property analyst.
Graeme Lochwell's best friend. Both pieces landed separately, and then all at
once, the way bad news always did. I looked at Xander. He wasn't smiling
anymore either. Whatever this morning had been before... Lou's Instagram,
AnnMarie's bathtub, the abandoned coffee cup on some forgotten high top... it
had just become the least of my problems.
About Cissy Mecca
A "recovering" 8th-grade teacher and curriculum
consultant with a PhD in Language & Literacy, Cecelia loves writing
high-heat, emotionally charged romance. The Brands (The Mecca Romance
Multiverse): Cissy Mecca: Contemporary Romance, Cecelia Mecca: Medieval and
Scottish Historical Romance. C.L. Mecca: Fantasy and Paranormal Romance. Mecca
Romance Signature Style: Heroines: Bold, strong women who fall hard but never
lose their identity. Heroes: High-heat, protective, and intense. Vibe: Visceral,
sensory-rich escapes... from family-owned vineyards to the war-torn
Anglo-Scottish borders. Other Info: Representation: Katie Reed (Katie Reed
Literary) Personal: Married, two teens, Disney enthusiast, traveler, and wine
lovers Authority: PhD background makes her an excellent guest for craft-focused
podcasts or literacy-based panels.
Tina Gallagher grew up and continues to live in Northeast
Pennsylvania. As a tween, she and her best friend would create happily ever
afters for their favorite soap opera couples. Eventually, the soap operas lost
their appeal, but the writing never did. Before living her dream as a full-time
author, she worked a spectrum of jobs ranging from baking and cake decorating
to marketing and project management. In between creating memorable characters,
traveling, and taking pole dance lessons, Tina enjoys spending time with her
two grown children and Golden Irish named Thea.
Operations Manager Carli Porter runs The Lochwell as
if it were her own and is fiercely protective of the community she’s built
within its walls. But when the building's owner sends in his best friend to
evaluate its future, Caril finds herself fighting to keep everything she loves
from slipping away. Left with no other option, she’s forced to team up with
Alexander Grassi, the very man who could decide the building's fate. Readers
who enjoy steamy, he-falls-first romances will devour Fight It Until We Can’t
by Cissy Mecca & Tina Gallagher, a small-town, rivals-to-lovers romance.
She's the operations manager who will make sure he doesn't.
Carli Porter runs The Lochwell like it's hers. The coffee
shop is her living room. Its book club members are her family. The residents
are her friends. The pub is her Friday night. The only problem? The building
belongs to someone else, and that someone just sent his best friend to decide
its fate.
Alexander Grassi is smart and annoyingly hard to hate. He
also has the kind of forearms that make it very difficult to stay mad at him.
(She's tried. It hasn't worked.) He's supposed to write a report, hand it over
to his friend and leave. He wasn't supposed to start showing up to trivia
night. Or turning her coffee cup so the handle faces her. Or looking at her
like she's the best thing in a building full of things worth saving.
She says his report could ruin her life.
He says she's not wrong.
She says that's makes him the last person she should want
around.
He says he's staying anyway.
Because some legacies (and people) are worth fighting for.
Excerpt
Copyright 2026, Author Cissy Mecca & Author Tina
Gallagher
Hold on a second. Since when can't we start with the sex
scene? That's some kind of bullshit." Everyone laughed. I was pretty sure
they thought I was kidding. I wasn't. One simply didn't joke about really good
sex scenes, especially when the hero drags the heroine up his chest to sit on
his face. "We always start with our overall thoughts of the book,"
Tiff said, her eyes dancing. She was the leader of our sometimes-unruly pack,
but even she couldn't keep the grin off her face. We were sitting in the back corner
of The Brew, the coffee shop that served as the heart of the Lochwell.
The smell of roasted beans and old wood settled around us like a blanket.
Outside, the Finger Lakes sun was beginning to dip, but inside, the heat was
all on the pages of this month's pick. "My overall thought is that the
hero needs to stop talking and start doing more of... that," I
said, tapping the cover. This was my life. My sanctuary. These women were my
family, and this building—this beautiful, crumbling, historic brewery—was my
soul. I’d spent three years making sure every brick was in place, every tenant
was happy, and every cup of coffee was perfect. I was the operations manager. I
was the fixer. And I was damn good at it. But as I looked at the door, I saw
him. The man who didn't belong here. The man with the expensive suit and the
professional audit folder tucked under an arm that looked like it belonged on a
Roman statue. Alexander Grassi. He wasn't here for the book club. He was here
to decide if the Lochwell was worth saving, or if he was going to recommend his
best friend sell it to the highest bidder. He caught my eye through the glass,
and for a second, the banter of the book club faded into static. He didn't look
like a villain. He looked like a man who knew exactly how much trouble I was
about to give him. And God help me, I knew exactly how much trouble he was going
to be for me.
About Cissy Mecca
A "recovering" 8th-grade teacher and curriculum
consultant with a PhD in Language & Literacy, Cecelia loves writing
high-heat, emotionally charged romance. The Brands (The Mecca Romance
Multiverse): Cissy Mecca: Contemporary Romance, Cecelia Mecca: Medieval and
Scottish Historical Romance. C.L. Mecca: Fantasy and Paranormal Romance. Mecca
Romance Signature Style: Heroines: Bold, strong women who fall hard but never
lose their identity. Heroes: High-heat, protective, and intense. Vibe: Visceral,
sensory-rich escapes... from family-owned vineyards to the war-torn
Anglo-Scottish borders. Other Info: Representation: Katie Reed (Katie Reed
Literary) Personal: Married, two teens, Disney enthusiast, traveler, and wine
lovers Authority: PhD background makes her an excellent guest for craft-focused
podcasts or literacy-based panels.
Tina Gallagher grew up and continues to live in Northeast
Pennsylvania. As a tween, she and her best friend would create happily ever
afters for their favorite soap opera couples. Eventually, the soap operas lost
their appeal, but the writing never did. Before living her dream as a full-time
author, she worked a spectrum of jobs ranging from baking and cake decorating
to marketing and project management. In between creating memorable characters,
traveling, and taking pole dance lessons, Tina enjoys spending time with her
two grown children and Golden Irish named Thea.
Jess Harper finally has the fresh start she was
looking for until she needs a fake date to survive her ex’s wedding weekend.
Caleb Ward is the reliable, closed-off man who agrees to help, expecting
nothing more than a favor. But when their pretend relationship starts to feel
real, they’ll have to decide if they’re brave enough to risk everything for
something neither of them believed they deserved. Readers who enjoy steamy fake
dating romances will devour Fake It Until It’s Real by Tina Gallagher & Cissy
Mecca, a small-town, forced proximity romance.
Read Now!
She's afraid she's too much. He's convinced he'll never
be enough.
Maplemoor is Jess Harper's fresh start. A quiet place to
rebuild after a future that never happened. Now she has a book club that feels
like family, a coffee shop that knows her order, and a life that finally feels
steady again.
Enter Caleb Ward. Dependable. Steady. The kind of man who
shows up before you even have to ask—for everyone except himself. He's got a
life in Maplemoor that works for him, but when it comes to love, he keeps his
walls firmly in place—and exactly where he wants them.
Agreeing to be Jess's date to the wedding is just a favor.
Nothing more.
Until it isn't.
One weekend together. One very convincing performance.
Turns out the line between pretending and real is thinner
than either of them thought. The hard part is knowing which side they're on.
Copyright 2026, Author Tina Gallagher & Author Cissy
Mecca
When he kissed me, it felt deliberate.
Not rushed. Not distracted. Just…there.
Present.
His hands settled at my waist like he had nowhere else he
needed to be, no next step he was trying to get to.
And that was new.
Because in my experience, kissing was usually a means to an
end. Something you moved through on the way to something else.
But this?
This felt like the point.
When he pulled back, it wasn’t far.
His forehead rested lightly against mine, his breath warm
against my lips.
For a second, neither of us moved.
My eyes stayed closed, like opening them would break
whatever this was.
My heart was beating too fast—loud enough that I was sure he
could hear it.
And maybe he could, because his thumb brushed slowly along
my jaw, like he was paying attention to every tiny reaction.
Like he was cataloging it.
Like it mattered.
My eyes opened.
His gaze dropped to my mouth again, like he wasn’t quite
done.
And then he kissed me again.
Softer this time.
Slower.
No urgency. No hesitation. Just intention.
My fingers curled lightly into the front of his shirt, not
pulling him closer, just…holding on.
He didn’t rush.
Didn’t push.
He just stayed there with me, like this moment—this exact
moment—was enough.
And that was what undid me.
Because I wasn’t used to that.
Wasn’t used to someone not trying to get somewhere else.
Wasn’t used to someone who seemed perfectly content to just
be here.
With me.
When he finally pulled back, it was gradual, like he wasn’t
entirely convinced he should.
His hands stayed at my waist.
Mine stayed where they were.
Neither of us stepped away.
There was something in his expression now that hadn’t been
there before.
Not uncertainty.
Not surprise.
Just awareness.
Of me.
Of this.
Of whatever this had just shifted into.
And suddenly, it didn’t feel like pretending anymore.
About
Tina Gallagher grew up and continues to live in Northeast
Pennsylvania. As a tween, she and her best friend would create happily ever
afters for their favorite soap opera couples. Eventually, the soap operas lost
their appeal, but the writing never did. Before living her dream as a full-time
author, she worked a spectrum of jobs ranging from baking and cake decorating
to marketing and project management. In between creating memorable characters,
traveling, and taking pole dance lessons, Tina enjoys spending time with her
two grown children and Golden Irish named Thea.
A "recovering" 8th-grade teacher and curriculum
consultant with a PhD in Language & Literacy, Cecelia loves writing
high-heat, emotionally charged romance. The Brands (The Mecca Romance
Multiverse): Cissy Mecca: Contemporary Romance, Cecelia Mecca: Medieval and
Scottish Historical Romance. C.L. Mecca: Fantasy and Paranormal Romance. Mecca
Romance Signature Style: Heroines: Bold, strong women who fall hard but never
lose their identity. Heroes: High-heat, protective, and intense. Vibe: Visceral,
sensory-rich escapes... from family-owned vineyards to the war-torn
Anglo-Scottish borders. Other Info: Representation: Katie Reed (Katie Reed
Literary) Personal: Married, two teens, Disney enthusiast, traveler, and wine
lovers Authority: PhD background makes her an excellent guest for craft-focused
podcasts or literacy-based panels.
A breakup on the way to a Fourth of July getaway was supposed to be the end for Merritt and Ben until a strange accident sends them five years into a future neither of them remembers. No longer together and surrounded by lives that have shifted in unexpected ways, Merritt and Ben must piece together what went wrong between them and their once-tight friend group. As old feelings reignite and hidden truths are exposed, the past and present collide in ways they never anticipated. Readers who enjoy heartfelt second-chance romances, stories with emotional time slips, and a love that refuses to fade will devour Five Summers from Now, a steamy new romance from Michelle Dayton. Purchase at Your Favorite Retailers!
They were supposed to spend the Fourth of July weekend with their closest friends—fireworks, laughter, traditions. Instead, Merritt Sullivan and Ben Samuels broke up on the drive to the lake, before the first spark lit the sky.
But after a strange accident on the dock, they wake up to find that everything’s changed. It’s five years later. They’re no longer a couple. Their friends’ lives have shifted in ways they never saw coming. Careers, relationships, even loyalties have rearranged—some for the better, some painfully worse. And neither of them remembers the years in between.
Forced to navigate a future they don’t recall, Merritt and Ben must work together to understand what fractured not only their relationship, but their entire friend group. The only way back—if going back is even possible—is to face the heartbreak they once tried to outrun.
As old feelings resurface and new truths come to light, they’ll have to decide: is the future worth keeping…or worth rewriting?
Tears formed and slid down my cheeks. I dashed them away with one hand, silent, not wanting to break the spell. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Ben’s right hand jerk in my direction as if he wanted to touch me, needed to touch me, but then realized he shouldn’t.
Oh, to hell with it.
I reached over, grabbed his hand, and pulled it to my heart. I bent my head and pressed my lips to it. He’d said his brother’s name to me, for the first time ever.
A broken sound escaped his mouth at the feel of my lips on his skin. The next thing I knew, he was pulling me into his arms, the tight confines of the car be damned.
He pushed the driver’s side seat back, settled me onto his lap sideways, and held on to me for dear life, panting into my neck.
“It’s okay,” I murmured, winding my arms around his neck and stroking through the hair on the back of his head. “It’s okay.”
I closed my eyes and breathed him in, the Downy fabric softener and chlorine scent of my Ben. His arms tightened around my waist, and I let myself luxuriate in his embrace. God, I hadn’t felt this safe in ages. I’d been so angry with him for so long. Even when we hugged, it was perfunctory and quick. I hadn’t let myself cling or need him. Hadn’t let him hold me or need me.
I’d taken his hand because he needed comfort. We both did. This was his body’s response to my earlier apology. He didn’t have the words, so holding me like this was his way of showing me he forgave me.
But now, the embrace was changing for me. It was becoming about need. All about need. I needed to feel his chest expand and contract, needed to feel his breath against my bare neck, needed his hands tugging on the strands of my hair.
I was suddenly hot all over, despite the air-conditioning. It’d been so many months since he’d touched me, and even if this embrace was simply in the spirit of forgiveness and comfort, my body was responding in a very not-PG way.
“Merritt,” Ben whispered.
I pulled my face back, brushing my cheek against his on my way to eye contact.
He stared up at me, at my mouth, his pupils expanding and obliterating the blue. When I sucked in my bottom lip, he groaned in the back of his throat. “If you don’t want to be kissed, you better get the hell off my lap.”
Instead, I gripped the seat behind his shoulders and used it as a brace as I twisted my body upright and carefully brought my right leg over to straddle him.
Later, I’d probably kick myself for this. Escalating things with Ben at this moment made about as much sense as the defeat of the aliens in Independence Day, but common sense didn’t stand a chance against the desire in Ben’s eyes, my racing heart, and the singing sense of rightness in my veins every time his mouth was on mine.
Ben’s body was taut with restraint as he waited for my right knee to find purchase on the seat cushion between him and the door. The very instant my weight stabilized, he cupped the back of my neck and drew my face to his, claiming my mouth.
About Michelle Dayton
There are only three things Michelle Dayton loves more than sexy and suspenseful novels: her family, the city of Chicago, and Mr. Darcy. Michelle dreams of a year of world travel – as long as the trip would include weeks and weeks of beach time. As a bourbon lover and unabashed wine snob, Michelle thinks heaven is discussing a good book over an adult beverage.
Jess Harper finally has the fresh start she was looking for until she needs a fake date to survive her ex’s wedding weekend. Caleb Ward is the reliable, closed-off man who agrees to help, expecting nothing more than a favor. But when their pretend relationship starts to feel real, they’ll have to decide if they’re brave enough to risk everything for something neither of them believed they deserved. Readers who enjoy steamy fake dating romances will devour Fake It Until It’s Real by Tina Gallagher & Cissy Mecca, a small-town, forced proximity romance.
Tina Gallagher grew up and continues to live in Northeast Pennsylvania. As a tween, she and her best friend would create happily ever afters for their favorite soap opera couples. Eventually, the soap operas lost their appeal, but the writing never did. Before living her dream as a full-time author, she worked a spectrum of jobs ranging from baking and cake decorating to marketing and project management. In between creating memorable characters, traveling, and taking pole dance lessons, Tina enjoys spending time with her two grown children and Golden Irish named Thea.
A "recovering" 8th-grade teacher and curriculum consultant with a PhD in Language & Literacy, Cecelia loves writing high-heat, emotionally charged romance. The Brands (The Mecca Romance Multiverse): Cissy Mecca: Contemporary Romance, Cecelia Mecca: Medieval and Scottish Historical Romance. C.L. Mecca: Fantasy and Paranormal Romance. Mecca Romance Signature Style: Heroines: Bold, strong women who fall hard but never lose their identity. Heroes: High-heat, protective, and intense. Vibe: Visceral, sensory-rich escapes... from family-owned vineyards to the war-torn Anglo-Scottish borders. Other Info: Representation: Katie Reed (Katie Reed Literary) Personal: Married, two teens, Disney enthusiast, traveler, and wine lovers Authority: PhD background makes her an excellent guest for craft-focused podcasts or literacy-based panels.
In suburban Westchester County, just outside the frenetic pace of New York City, a deadly murder occurs. After a violent struggle, FBI agent Shane Walsh is dead and his wife, Caitlin, has vanished. At the urging of a mysterious text, the Walshes’ nine-year-old daughter, Kennedy, has been safely whisked away by a close family member.
The FBI is determined to bring down whoever assassinated one of its own and is focusing on Caitlin as a prime suspect. Ryan McKay, Forensic Instincts’ chief technology officer, as well as Shane’s cousin and lifelong friend, vehemently disagrees. Ryan knows the Walsh family well. He insists that Caitlin is innocent, and that she, herself, is in danger.
After convincing his team to cast a wider net, Ryan leads FI on a zigzag course across two continents to locate Caitlin, sidestepping the FBI at every turn, and protecting Kennedy at all costs. But the FBI is on the warpath, and threatens to permanently shut down Forensic Instincts if they don’t back off. Undeterred by the FBI’s threats, FI goes underground in pursuit of their rogue mission.
As the pace quickens, Kennedy becomes the target of unnerving text messages. Both The FBI and the Forensic Instincts teams sense that the end game is near and that the chess match is spiraling to a stunning conclusion. Determined to declare “checkmate” before the killer, Forensic Instincts must not only protect Kennedy but make sure that their team doesn’t end up as collateral damage when the king falls.
Life Or Death Trailer:
Book Details:
Genre: Suspense Thriller Published by: Bonnie Meadow Publishing, LLC Publication Date: March 17, 2026 Number of Pages: 304, HC ISBN: 9781682320686 (ISBN10: 1682320685), HC Series: Forensic Instincts, Book 11 | Each is a stand-alone novel Book Links:Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub | RBmedia, Audiobook Links
My thoughts:
Life or Death is the 11th book in the Forensic Investigations series. I've always been a big fan of this series because the characters are just so interesting. It always feels like visiting old friends when I pick up the latest book. While it could be read as a stand alone, I feel like at this point in the series, there is so much back story that you miss with the characters. You will really be shorting yourself if you don't read from the start.
The entire team have all come so far since book one. It's been amazing to watch. This one takes place a few months after the end of the last book, Struck Dead. In this book, the team is drawn into an investigation involving members of Ryan's family. The mystery was solid. I always enjoy watching this team work together to put the pieces together. Ryan and Claire really shine this time. I won't spoil anything especially the very sweet ending. I'll just encourage you to read the book as well as the series.
Read an excerpt:
Bronx River Parkway
Friday, 3:55 p.m.
It wasn’t rush hour—not quite yet. So the drive was an hour plus away. That now left a short distance to go.
Ryan remained quiet and tense, staring out the passenger window as he had throughout the trip to Westchester County.
“Where are we going in New Rochelle?” Marc finally asked, glancing at his GPS, aware that he didn’t recognize the address Ryan had given him.
“To my cousin, Shane Walsh’s, house,” Ryan replied.
Marc nodded as they reached their exit and he eased his car around a loop and off the parkway. “Tell me only what I need to know. I’m not going to pry.”
“You’re not prying. I’m just really freaking out.” Ryan cleared his throat and relayed the entire situation to Marc.
Marc took it all in. “You’ve mentioned that you had a cousin with the Bureau. But that’s about all you’ve said, other than the fact that he has a wife and a young daughter.”
Ryan shrugged. “Shane’s a private guy, so I don’t talk about him much. He’s a Special Agent, Violent Crimes division, at the New York field office. He’s been there since he joined the FBI about eight years ago.”
“Does Hutch know him?”
“I never asked. But I doubt it. Hutch is in charge of all the Violent Crimes divisions. That’s too high up to know every agent who works under him.” Ryan pointed, shifting to the edge of his seat, and reiterating what the GPS was already showing them. “Make your next right. Two blocks down and make a left. Go through a few lights. You’ll see a cul-de-sac on your right. Marigold Terrace. Shane’s house is number 15.”
Marc understood that Ryan’s redundant supply of information was a manifestation of his anxiety. He just nodded again, then pressed his foot a little harder on the gas pedal to speed them up without accelerating too much. Suburban cops lived for speed traps.
Four minutes later, Marc turned onto Marigold Terrace and eased slowly around the curvy road.
“Three down on your left,” Ryan instructed. “White clapboard house, blue shutters.” His tension intensified as Marc reached Shane’s home. “That’s Caitlin’s car parked in the driveway. And Shane’s parked in his usual spot on the street. If they’re both home…but they don’t want Kennedy there… Shit.”
Ryan flung open the passenger door before Marc had brought the car to a complete stop. He was halfway to the front door, digging in his pocket for the key Shane had given him long ago, when Marc reached his side.
“Ryan, wait.” Marc grabbed his arm, stopping him in his tracks.
“Why?”
Marc tugged out the two pairs of latex gloves and shoved one pair into Ryan’s hand. “Put these on.”
Ryan gritted his teeth, while he and Marc worked their hands into the gloves. “Can’t leave any new fingerprints,” he muttered. “In case this is a crime scene.” He sounded ill.
“Is the door unlocked?” Marc asked, quickly assessing the garage door, which was up. He might have suggested accessing the house through there, but Ryan was already in motion. And time was precious.
Ryan jiggled the doorknob. “No.”
“Okay, use the key. I’ve got my Glock. Let’s go.”
Ryan’s hands were shaking as he turned the key and pushed open the door.
He and Marc stepped inside. The foyer was empty and quiet. In fact, the whole house was silent in a way that suggested no one was home.
“Shane?” Ryan called. A pause. “Caitlin?” No response. No sound of footsteps. Nothing.
Marc eased his way in front of Ryan, then crept ahead, sweeping the area with his gun.
Ryan followed behind him, aware that, not only was Marc armed, he was former FBI. He was trained at this. Ryan was not.
They’d barely gone fifteen feet, when Marc caught something in his peripheral vision, and swerved to his right. “Shit,” he muttered.
Ryan peered around him and gasped. Just outside the bathroom was a crumpled body, unmoving and lying in a pool of blood. Beside it, were two shell casings and a cell phone that had been crushed. On the other side of the cell phone was a jagged line of blood.
The inconsistency of the blood pattern struck Marc at once. Reflexively, he whipped out his cell phone and took a few quick photos.
Ryan was in a whole different headspace. Pushing past Marc, he strode over, squatting as he reached the body. “Shane,” he managed.
“Oh my God. Shane.”
Marc was beside Ryan in a heartbeat, restraining him from doing anything that would contaminate the scene. He leaned over Shane’s body, checking for a pulse, a breath—any sign of life.
There were none.
Marc gripped Ryan’s arm, standing and pulling him to his feet. Ryan’s entire body was stiff with shock, but Marc knew that consolation would have to wait.
“Ryan, we’ve got to get out of the house,” he said, visually sweeping as much of the ground floor as he could. “The killer might still be inside. He might have Caitlin.” A hard swallow, as Marc considered the possibility that she might also be dead. That additional jagged line of blood didn’t bode well. “I’ll call 911 as soon as we’re on the front lawn.”
Ryan didn’t budge. He was staring, wild-eyed, down at Shane’s lifeless form. It was only when Marc tugged insistently at his forearm that he regained some semblance of awareness. “No, Marc.” He gave a firm shake of his head. “I have to stay with him.”
“He’s gone,” Marc stated simply, placing a supportive hand on Ryan’s shoulder. “But Caitlin might not be. Let’s get the EMTs and the cops here. We might be saving her life.”
Slowly, Ryan turned, allowing Marc to lead him outside the house and to the front lawn, where he sank down on the grass, still unable to process this horrific occurrence.
Marc kept his Glock at the ready—just in case it was needed. “I’ll watch the windows and the doorways to block any attempt at escape,” he told Ryan. When there was no response, Marc glanced down, giving Ryan a worried look. The poor guy was staring off into space and wasn’t even hearing him.
Stationing himself close to his friend’s side, Marc took out his iPhone and called 911.
“What is your emergency?” was the immediate response.
Marc supplied his name, the address of the crime scene, and then, in staccato phrases, the necessary information.
He disconnected the call, knowing that it would be two minutes, at the most, before the ambulance showed up. He used the time wisely, pressing the button to Hutch’s private cell phone line.
One ring. Then, “Marc?”
“We’re in New Rochelle,” Marc said. “Ryan’s cousin, Shane Walsh, has been killed at his home. He worked for the Bureau, New York field office, Violent Crimes. I called 911, so the locals must already have been dispatched.”
Not even a heartbeat of a pause. “Text me the address.”
“Already done.”
“Then I’m on my way.”
***
Excerpt from Life Or Death by Andrea Kane. Copyright 2026 by Andrea Kane. Reproduced with permission from Andrea Kane. All rights reserved.
Author Bio:
Andrea Kane is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thirty-three novels, including nineteen psychological thrillers and fourteen historical romantic suspense titles. With her signature style, Kane creates unforgettable characters and confronts them with life-threatening danger. As a master of suspense, she weaves them into exciting, carefully-researched stories, pushing them to the edge—and keeping her readers up all night.
Kane’s first contemporary suspense thriller, Run for Your Life, became an instant New York Times bestseller.
She followed with a string of bestselling psychological thrillers including No Way Out, Twisted and Drawn in Blood.
Her latest in the highly successful Forensic Instincts series, Life or Death, forces this eclectic team of investigators to navigate a high wire act between the FBI on one side and a vicious killer looking to terminate the rest of a young family on the other. The first showcase of Forensic Instincts’ talents came with the New York Times bestseller, The Girl Who Disappeared Twice, followed by The Line Between Here and Gone, The Stranger You Know, The Silence That Speaks, The Murder That Never Was, A Face To Die For, Dead In A Week, No Stone Unturned, At Any Cost, Struck Dead and Life or Death.
Kane’s beloved historical romantic suspense novels include My Heart’s Desire, Samantha, Echoes in the Mist, and Wishes in the Wind.
With a worldwide following of passionate readers, her books have been published in more than twenty languages.
Kane lives in New Jersey with her family. She’s an avid crossword puzzle solver and a diehard Yankees fan.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
