Book Review: Christmas Past by Mary Burton

Christmas Past by Mary Burton

Publisher & Release: Zebra Books, October 29, 2019

Time and setting:  Present, Virginia

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Romantic Thriller

Length: 96 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating:  4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Photographer Nicole Piper moved to Virginia hoping to put a troubled past behind her and start fresh with her baby daughter. But those hopes are dashed when she receives a very unwelcome Christmas gift—from her late husband. It’s a letter that holds clues to an elusive killer’s identity. The victim had helped save Nicole’s life—and paid with her own. Nicole owes it to her to follow the letter’s trail, and perhaps put to rest the fear that stalks her once and for all. But she can’t do it alone.

When Homicide Detective David Ayden first met Nicole, he was looking for a fresh start too. Widowed and raising two teenage boys, Nicole was the only woman who’d stirred his interest—and the attraction was mutual. But that was months ago, and she wasn’t ready to trust again. Maybe she still isn’t. All that matters now is that she needs his help—even if it means embarking on a road trip that will take them both into the heart of danger—and desire . . . 

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Silver-Bells-Mary-Burton-ebook/dp/B07NCPW51M

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44371704-christmas-past

Vikki’s Musings

I’ve become a huge fan of Mary Burton in the last year, so when I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, to read and review I See You in advance of publication, I eagerly accepted. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

Christmas Past is another spin chilling romantic thriller with plenty of action. The pacing is fast as with most novels in this sub-genre. This book does have a twist that isn’t normally in Mary Burton’s books. The heroine has an infant child, which makes the heroine a nurturer.

Nicole Piper is a wonderful heroine. I fell in love with her from the start. My heart ached for what she went through with her late husband. Her fear is palpable when she receives a letter from her dead husband eighteen months after his death. I love that she turns to David Ayden for help.

David Ayden’ character is a warrior who will protect his loved ones with his life. He understands a mother’ love because he’s the father of two boys. He’s a patient man, and his willingness to accept whatever Nicole is ready for, even though he wants so much more. 

The romance between Nicole and David is sweet. Even when it heats up, David lets Nicole take the lead. The chemistry between them is sensuous and lovely. I truly wanted them to find their happy ending.

If you enjoy romances with plenty of nail-biting action, and a villain that will send chills down your spine, then you will loveChristmas Past as much as I did. Mary Burton never disappoints, and I always know I’m in for an exciting read. Happy reading!

Author Bio:

New York Timesand USA Todaybestselling novelist Mary Burton is the popular author of thirty-five romance and suspense novels as well as five novellas. She currently lives in Virginia with her husband and three miniature dachshunds.

Social Media:

Website: https://www.maryburton.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryburtonfanpage

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaryBurtonBooks

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15020.Mary_Burton

Book Review: I See You by Mary Burton

I See You, Book 2, Criminal Profiler series by Mary Burton

Publisher & Release: Montlake Romance, October 8, 2019

Time and setting:  Present, DC and Virginia

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Romantic Thriller

Length: 348 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating:  4 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

From New York Times bestselling author Mary Burton comes a gritty, suspenseful story in the Criminal Profiler series.

FBI special agent Zoe Spencer uses skeletal remains to recreate the faces of murder victims through sculpture. Though highly scientific, the process is also sensitive and intimate; she becomes attached to the individuals she identifies, desperate to find justice for each.

As Zoe examines old remains, she sees a teenage girl looking back at her—the victim in a cold case from over a decade ago. Zoe wants nothing more than to tell this young woman’s story and to bring her killer to justice.

Zoe’s case leads her to the victim’s hometown and to homicide detective William Vaughan, Zoe’s on-again, off-again lover. As the two become more involved in the case, they quickly realize that it isn’t as cold as they first believed: someone’s still out there hunting women. And with more women gone missing, time’s running out. Can they work together and stop this madman before he kills again?

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/See-You-Criminal-Profiler-Novel-ebook/dp/B07P32NGR6

Barnes & Noble:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/i-see-you-mary-burton/1130765798?ean=9781542007603#/

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44094464-i-see-you?from_search=true

Vikki’s Musings

I’ve become a huge fan of Mary Burton in the last year, so when I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, to read and review I See Youin advance of publication, I eagerly accepted. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

I See Youis a spin chilling romantic thriller with plenty of action. The pacing is fast as with most novels in this sub-genre. There is a great mystery to solve, and for me, I was quite surprised when I discovered who the villain was at the end.

Zoe Spencer’s character is a jack-of-all-trades. She’s an FBI criminal profiler, and a talented artist who has the ability to create an image that reveals the identity of bones found in an old trunk. She sets out to avenge the death of the young woman who had disappeared over ten years ago. I liked her zeal for her work and determination to solve the crime and find justice for the victim.

William Vaughan is a great hero. He’s a hardened professional who will leave no stone uncovered when trying to solve the case. He’s also the father of a teen who has recently left for college. That gives his character more dimension and shows his softer side. He shows great passion for his work and for Zoe, the woman who has titillated his senses for quite some time.

As with many romantic thrillers, the romance takes second place to the mystery that must be solved. However, there is plenty of chemistry between Vaughan and Zoe, and I wanted them to find their happy ending.

If you enjoy romantic thrillers with plenty of suspenseful scenes and compelling characters, then you will love I See Youas much as I did. Mary Burton has yet to disappoint me. Happy reading!

An Affair (and a Murder) To Remember with Author Mary Burton

I SEE YOU, my latest romantic suspense, features two of my very favorite characters: Homicide Detective William Vaughan and FBI Special Agent Zoe Spencer. 

Zoe Spencer is a member of an FBI criminal profiling team dedicated to finding the most violent and prolific killers. Zoe, a talented artist and agent, specializes in forensic reconstruction. She skillfully merges her interview skills with pencil and paper to create stunning likenesses. And when only bones remain, she molds clay over bone to recreate the faces of the lost.

Zoe’s work generates a high case-closure rate, which draws the attention of the law enforcement community. Her lectures at the FBI headquarters at Quantico are often standing room only. Among those interested in her work is Homicide Detective William Vaughan.  

Detective Vaughan, divorced and raising a college bound teenager, is a man of few words and when he does comment, his observations are always thoughtful and insightful. He not only hears what is said and but sees what is communicated via body language.
The more time Vaughan spends with Zoe, the greater his desire to breach her cool demeanor. He draws upon all his powers of observation, practiced detective skills and his somewhat rusty charm to win her. Though they begin an affair, she still remains elusive.
When a charred skull is found in Vaughan’s jurisdiction of Alexandria, Virginia, he turns to Zoe. Zoe recreates a stunning clay bust that leads to the identification of a girl who has been missing for fifteen years.

As Vaughan and Zoe dig deeper, the cold case heats up when several more women, similar to their victim, are discovered brutally murdered. This killer, who has avoided capture for so many years, is still hunting women. It becomes a race against time to catch a madman who shifts his sights to his next victim: Zoe Spencer.

I hope you enjoy I SEE YOU and this magnetic couple who I’ve pitted against one of my most chilling villains so far.  

Excerpt:

The instant Vaughan woke, he knew she was gone. He should not have been surprised. She never stayed long, but he’d thought last night would be different. 

He swung his legs over the side of the bed and instantly spotted the note on the mirror. It was written on the back of the fast-food receipt in fluid and graceful handwriting. 

Called a car. Didn’t want to wake you. 

Spencer. He knew how to make that woman’s body tighten with desire and how to make her moan in a way that told him she was fully attuned to his body. But beyond that, she was still a complete stranger. 

He flicked the edge of the note, surprised he had not awoken. Since he had become a cop and father, he had turned into a light sleeper. Both incarnations, like a doctor on call, were summoned at all times of the day and night. His ability to shake off sleep in seconds and then think clearly was well honed. But yesterday had been long, even for him. 

He laid the note on his dresser as he glanced at the pillow that still held the impression of her head. It was not like him to be sentimental, but he was sorry he likely would not see her for a while. 

He showered, and fifteen minutes later he was dressed, his badge and sidearm on his belt. As the coffee brewed, he scrambled five eggs before he realized Nate was gone. He toasted a bagel and ate alone at the kitchen table. 

He filled a travel mug with more coffee and was on the road by six o’clock. Moonlight mingled with the lights looming over I-395 as he looped around the beltway and headed north toward his exit. The traffic was already building, and soon it would slow to a snail’s pace. 

With luck, the first wave of files from the Prince case would be in his office. He had been warned that there were a dozen file boxes, but he did not care. He also had the autopsy of the Jane Doe stabbed to death in the motel room to attend. It was going to be another long day. 

Fifteen minutes later, he had parked and was in the break room, refilling his coffee. When he flipped on the lights of his office, there were six file boxes stacked in front of his desk. A green sticky note read More to come. 

It was too early to call the medical examiner about his Jane Doe from the motel room, so he set his cup down and flipped through the first set of files. 

He spent the next hour and a half reading through the detectives’ notes. At the time of Marsha’s disappearance, the detectives had exhausted every lead and tip that had come into the station, but in the end came up with nothing.

Author Bio:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist Mary Burton is the popular author of thirty-five romance and suspense novels as well as five novellas. She currently lives in Virginia with her husband and three miniature dachshunds. Visit her at www.maryburton.com.

Social Media:

Website: https://www.maryburton.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryburtonfanpage

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaryBurtonBooks

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15020.Mary_Burton

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Book Review: Hide and Seek by Mary Burton

Hide and Seek by Mary Burton

Publisher & Release: Montlake Romance, April 23, 2019

Time and setting:  Present Day, Virginia

Genre: Romantic Thriller

Book Length:  344 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

She’s hunting. He’s watching.

Special Agent Macy Crow is a survivor. After a vicious hit-and-run nearly kills her, she gets right back to work, and now she’s gunning for a spot on the FBI’s elite profiling team. As an audition, she offers to investigate the recently discovered bones of Tobi Turner, a high school girl who disappeared fifteen years ago.

While investigating with local sheriff Mike Nevada, a former colleague and onetime lover, Macy discovers a link between Tobi’s case and several others that occurred around the same time as her disappearance. As Macy interviews victims and examines old cases, she uncovers a sinister picture of a stalker who graduated to sexual assault—and then murder.

Macy and Nevada race to put this monster behind bars before he can come out of hiding. But the murderer’s had years to hone his skills, and soon Macy herself becomes a target. She’s no stranger to pain and terror, but will Macy’s first profiling case be her last?

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Hide-Seek-Criminal-Profiler-Novel-ebook/dp/B07H4J6T7X

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41751511-hide-and-seek

Vikki’s Musings

Hide and Seek is another spine-chilling romantic thriller from Mary Burton. I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, to read and review this book prior to publication, and could not wait to read it. My opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way.

This is a fast-paced novel with plenty of suspense and intrigue. It kept me enmeshed from the first page to the last. The writing is amazing, the plot is brilliant, the main characters are dynamic, and the villain is truly evil. While I suspected who the villain might be, it did not take away from the excitement at all.

I met Macy Crow in Cut and Run, and I hoped I would see more of her. I’m so pleased to have her story in Hide and Seek. She is intriguing with so many facets to her character. Her determination to solve the case is amazing. She’s like a dog with a bone who will not give it up! While her character is gritty, she has a vulnerable side as well. After recovering from her near-death experience, she wants to prove she still has it as a profiler for the FBI.

Mike Nevada’s character is her ex-lover and the sheriff of Deer Run. He’s connects the bones found recently, to several cold cases from 2004. Using DNA, he confirms his suspicions. He involves the FBI, and is glad when they send Macy, the woman he never should have let slip through his fingers. His feelings for Macy are strong from the beginning, and while they work to solve the case, he falls even harder for her.

As with most romantic Thrillers, the romance is not as strong as the suspense, but no less fulfilling. The attraction between Mike and Macy is blistering. I enjoyed that aspect of the story a great deal and wanted them to find their happy ending. 

If you are looking for a novel that’s hard to put down with plenty of suspense and a “who done it” mystery to solve, then you will enjoy Hide and Seek. I certainly look forward to reading other releases by this amazing author in the future. She’s fast becoming one of my favorite Romantic Thriller authors. Happy reading!

Fall into a Romantic Mystery Tour: 3 Fabulous Romantic Suspense Authors

Fall Into A Romantic Mystery 

Let's have some fun! Oh, and don't forget to enter the 

Rafflecopter drawing.

With the temperature dropping and leaves turning colors, it’s time to get ready for the cool days of fall. And what better way to prepare for the long nights ahead than to download a great whodunit novel with a dash (or heaping helping) of romance. Below we have crafted a quiz to help you find your next great read, but be warned, the titles all have mysteries that need to be solved and villains that must be brought to justice. So grab a thick blanket, a cup of hot cocoa, and answer the following questions to discover which romantic mystery you will want to “fall” into next.

1. Where is your perfect romantic mystery set? 

a) In “small town USA”. The everyday setting makes the violent crimes all the more shocking. 

b) The rolling hills of Texas where there are lots of places to hide.

c) In a historic mansion near the choppy waters of Virginia, giving the story a Gothic feel.

2. I want to read about a heroine who is … 

a) ...one hundred percent devoted to her family yet balanced enough to find success in her chosen career. 

b) … intelligent and diligent, with a pressing drive to help others. 

c) … currently in mourning after losing a loved one, but strong enough to take on any challenge.

3. Is your heroine in peril? 

a) She may face down a bad guy (or two), but thankfully her significant other is always there to guard her with his life. 

b) In my fictional world nobody is safe. NOBODY! 

c) The heroine doesn’t face physical danger, but her emotions take a severe beating as she learns terrible secrets from the past. 

4. When your heroine needs backup, who is she going to call? 

a) Her BF who just happens to be a private investigator that solves crimes for a living. 

b) A steely-eyed Texas Ranger who is known for delivering justice.

c) The town leader who is a successful businessman and pillar of the community. 

5. My ideal hero is....

a) ...totally and completely devoted to supporting his woman. 

b) ...dependable and incredibly strong, however, he has suffered a loss and every once in a while his vulnerability shows through. 

c) ...steadfast, principled, and dedicated to his community. 

6. When sitting down to read a mystery, the crimes should be… 

a) … studied in a clinical, professional manner.

b) … frequent and terrifying! I want something that keeps me up at night. 

c) … in the past. I like trying to figure out who the bad guy is instead of focusing on violence. 

7. When the last page of the book is read, I want to feel... 

a) … that second chances are not only real, but they can be incredibly joyous.

b) … a sense of deep satisfaction that justice has been found and order restored. 

c) … tremendous hope and optimism for the future. 

***

If you choose mostly As… then get ready to follow dedicated defense attorney Morgan Dane as she takes on her next case in Melinda Leigh’s What I’ve Done. 

Morgan has been hired to defend Haley Powell after the young woman wakes up in a pool of the victim’s blood. And while Haley has no memory of the night and no alibi, Morgan is sure that there is more to this crime than a simple case of murder. With the help of her private investigator boyfriend Lance Kruger, Morgan inches towards answers all the while dodging threats meant to keep her silent. 

PurchaseWhat I’ve Doneby Melinda Leigh Here >>

https://amzn.to/2xSesRv

***

If you choose mostly Bs… then the lightning fast twists and turns of Mary Burton’s romantic suspense novel Cut and Runis just right for you. 

Medical examiner Faith McIntyre is used to investigating grizzly crime scenes, yet she is totally unprepared when faced with a barely-alive victim that looks EXACTLY like her. With no answers and nowhere else to turn, Faith teams up with her colleague-with-benefits Texas Ranger Mitchell Hayden. Together they discover decades old crime scenes, as well as new victims of a serial killer. 

PreorderCut and Runby Mary Burton Here >> 

https://amzn.to/2OaJKgT

***

If you choose mostly Cs… then get ready to be transported to the windswept beaches where Mary Ellen Taylor sets her next release Winter Cottage. 

When heroine Lucy Kincaid loses her mother, she receives an unexpected inheritance—a lonely old estate big enough to hold the secrets of Lucy’s family. Why did her mother never mention the mansion or the sea swept town of Cape Hudson? Who is Lucy’s father? And why is there a (literal) skeleton on Lucy’s property? With more questions than answers, Lucy turns to handsome local Hank Garrison only to find he has a motive for wanting the Winter Cottage all to himself…

PreorderWinter Cottageby Mary Ellen Taylor Here >> 

https://amzn.to/2xVFHKW

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/07c2363f200

My Musings

Cut and Run by Mary Burton

Publisher & Release: Montlake Romance, October 9, 2018

Time and setting:  Present Day, Austin, Texas

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Romantic Thriller

Book Length:  321 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Twin sisters separated by the past are reunited by unspeakable crimes in New York Times bestselling author Mary Burton’s throat-clutching novel of suspense…

Trauma victims are not new to medical examiner Faith McIntyre, but this one is different. The unconscious woman clinging to life after a hit and run is FBI agent Macy Crow. What the woman from Quantico was doing in a dark alley after midnight is just one mystery. The other is more unsettling: Macy is Faith’s mirror image—the twin sister she never knew she had.

Faith knew that she was adopted, but now she’s finding that her childhood concealed other secrets. Following the trail of clues Macy left behind, Faith and Texas Ranger Mitchell Hayden make a shocking discovery on an isolated country ranch—a burial ground for three women who disappeared thirty years before.

They weren’t the only victims in a killer’s twisted plot. And they won’t be the last.

As the missing pieces of Faith’s and Macy’s dark lives snap into place, Faith is becoming more terrified by what she sees—and by what she must do to save her sister and herself from the past.

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Cut-Run-Mary-Burton-ebook/dp/B07BDF7WKP

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39182872-cut-and-run

Vikki’s Musings

Cut and Run is another spine-chilling romantic suspense form, Mary Burton. I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, to read and review this book prior to publication. My opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way.

This is a fast-paced story with plenty of mystery and intrigue. It kept me engaged from the first page to the last. The writing is fluid, the plot well planned and the characters are enthralling. Ms. Burton held her cards tight, and I was surprised when I found out who was behind the murders.

Faith’s character quickly earns my empathy as she goes about discovering the mystery of the unconscious woman lying at death’s door who is her identical twin. I loved her tenacity, even when it almost gets her killed.

Mitchell is the typical cool ranger, determined to solve the murders. He is drawn to Faith and is determined to gain her trust. While the romance is not the central theme of this spell-binding thriller, it is gently woven into the story. By the end of the novel, I truly wanted them to find their happy ending.

If you are looking for a novel that is hard to put down with plenty of action and mystery, then you will enjoy Cut and Run. I can’t wait to read the next book in this amazing series. I highly recommend this outstanding book. Happy reading!