Welcome to Friday Reads!
Connie has agreed to give away a print copy of Justice Undercover (US ONLY)! You can enter to win by using the Rafflecopter link at the end of my blog post. (Giveaway ends October 30, 2020.) Click To Tweet If you are the randomly chosen winner, I’ll contact you.
Story behind the story…
I’ve always loved secret identity stories. There is something fun about a character pretending to be someone they’re not, even though we know there will be consequences when the truth comes out.
I had been writing for twenty years and had finally turned my sites from westerns to Love Inspired Suspense. At the beginning of 2019, Love Inspired announced a writing contest for unpublished writers and I knew I had to enter. They were looking for suspense stories.
As I began to brainstorm ideas, the secret identity theme kept returning. I wanted my heroine to pretend to be something she wasn’t, but I wanted her to have a good reason. What if my heroine was US Deputy Marshall who lost a family in her protection? What if she was supposed to die in that explosion? What if she faked her own death in order to save her own life?
The idea of a fully qualified law enforcement officer having to pretend she had no training while playing the role of a nanny took root and Justice Undercover was born.
Blurb…
Keeping her true identity a secret is the only way to stay alive.
Going undercover as a nanny brings presumed-dead ex-US Marshal Kylie Stone closer to catching the man who murdered the witness in her protection—and also killed Texas Ranger Luke Dryden’s sister. When someone tries to kidnap the twins in her care, Kylie must tell their uncle the truth…and convince Luke to help her. But will revealing her identity put all their lives at stake?
Excerpt…
Had her identity been compromised?
Everyone believed she was dead. If someone knew she was really Melody Garner, what did they have to lose by killing her for real?
“You all right?”
She looked at Luke and found concerned eyes staring back.
He directed his gaze back to the road, a frown firmly in place. “I shouldn’t have hired you as a nanny. Or anyone to watch the kids. This is my fault. I should’ve known I could put you in danger.”
“What? No.” She wanted to tell Luke the truth. Tell him everything. Not having anyone—no family, coworkers, a significant other or anyone—was excruciating. “We don’t even know who’s targeting us. Or if someone is after the kids or just me.”
“I appreciate you saying so, but I doubt anyone would be after you unless it has to do with you working for me. Why would anyone want to hurt you?
How could she answer? If she told him the truth, would he tell the rest of the Rangers? How long until everyone knew she was alive? Was she ready to take the chance?
My review…
What a wonderful debut novel!
Kylie Stone is working undercover as a nanny, hoping to catch the killer who has her in his sight. Her hand is forced to reveal who she is after a kidnapping attempt on the twins she cares for. She tells their uncle, Texas Ranger Luke Dryden what’s going on. He wants to catch the killer, too, as it’s the same man who killed his sister, the twins’ mother. Luke and Kylie aren’t looking for a relationship, but the Lord may have different plans. They must work together to keep the twins, and Kylie, safe.
This is an action-packed story with enough twists and turns to keep the reader turning the pages.
It’s a quick read. The faith element is woven in, but it’s not overpowering. It’s a good reminder that God has a plan for everyone and there is a key theme of trusting Him, even when circumstances may appear less than ideal.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.
About Connie…
Connie Queen spent her life in Texas where she met and married her high-school sweetheart. Together they’ve raised eight children and are enjoying their grandchildren. As a child, Connie remembers her mom and sisters reading but she preferred to be outside. It wasn’t until later, she found the joy of being whisked away into another world. Today she resides in Nebraska with her husband, and Nash, her Great Dane, where she’s working on her next suspense novel.
Where you can find her online…
Website: conniequeenauthor.com
Email: conniequeenauthor@gmail.com
Twitter: @conniesuequeen
Facebook: @queenofhearthrobbingsuspense
Rules for giveaway can be found here.
My favorite story theme is friendships that go astray and need repair.
Thanks for sharing, Danielle. Good luck!
I love those, too, Danielle.
Thank you for stopping by.
I read Justice Undercover and thought it was a great romantic suspense!
Congratulations, Connie on your first published book!
Awesome! Thanks for stopping by, Jackie. Good luck!
Congratulations on your new book! I love a good suspense book with a theme of secret/lost identity!
That theme definitely makes for an interesting story! Good luck!
Thank you, Shelia!
Secret identity has always been one of my favorites.
Thank you, Shelia!
Secret identity is one of my favorites!
Thank you for having me today, Leslie.
I’ve been looking forward to this!
You’re very welcome, Connie. Congrats on your stunning debut!
I love secret identities too!!! Congratulations on your book! I love the cover. 🙂
It’s a great cover! Good luck, Sherrinda!
Congratulations, Connie! Justice Undercover sounds like a wonderful read. And I love that cover. This is definitely on my TBR stack. Can’t wait to read it…soon!
Laura, I think you’ll really enjoy it. Good luck!
This book sounds so good!
It is! Good luck, Beverly.
I like stories with amnesia and secret identities. I just remembered that I like stories that deal with people with impairments or conditions, not perfect people!
I find those themes interesting, as well. It’s nice to have relatable characters.
Good luck, Janice!
Imperfect people make great characters. I so agree. They make me feel like I can relate.
Thanks so stopping by.
I loved Justice Undercover! Secret identities are one of my favorite types of stories! Such an awesome debut, Connie Queen!!
I agree, Sharee! Thanks for stopping by. Good luck!
I love friends to couples, and second chances. Actually a lot more also!
I love second chance stories too. Sometimes we just need a do-over.
Thanks Donna.
There are a lot of great themes, and those are two of them. Thanks for stopping by my blog, Donna. Good luck!
I like stories that have a law enforcement character of some kind. I also love a dog to play a big part of the story. Thanks for the chance. The blurb sounds good. I like the cover.
Thanks, Lynn.
I think a lot of readers agree with you. Law enforcement and dogs! 🙂
I enjoy the animal stories, as well. Good luck, Lynn. Thanks for visiting my blog!
Oh, this sounds good!!! My favorite theme is salvation!!
That’s a great theme, Trudy. Good luck, and thanks for stopping by!
My favorite story trope is second chances.
Everyone can use a second chance. Good luck, Roxanne. Thanks for visiting my blog.
Connie, hidden identity stories are so intriguing……and I loved yours! So glad you took a chance and entered your suspense in the contest. Congratulations on following your dream to success!
Sherida, I agree that they’re interesting reads. Thanks for stopping by!
I like friends to lovers and second chance stories.