My Thoughts Lipstick and Gunpowder Author: Jane Daly

 

About the Book

Book: Lipstick and Gunpowder

Author: Jane Daly

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: March 10, 2025

Dale Hardy, a disgraced FBI agent, goes undercover at the Double-Bar-G Ranch in Ione, California to gather intel on a suspected opioid-growing operation.
Mark Goodson, who hired Dale to help run the ranch while his brother recovers from an injury, is initially skeptical of her abilities. But when they are both targeted in escalating violence, they must join forces to uncover the truth and save Mark’s niece who has been kidnapped for ransom.
Their past betrayals and broken relationships are put aside as they fight against enemies that threaten their lives and Mark’s ranch.

 

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About the Author

Jane Daly is the author of sixteen books, including two nonfiction works. When she isn’t hunched over her computer, she is on the move – literally. She and her husband of 48 years make their home in Rigsby, their 37-foot motor home. Together they chase sunsets, discover quirky roadside attractions, and take the Gospel to fellow travelers.

 

More from Jane

Do you like stories with strong female characters?

Dale Hardy, a disgraced FBI agent, goes undercover at the Double-Bar-G Ranch in Ione, California to gather intel on a suspected opioid-growing operation.

Mark Goodson, who hired Dale to help run the ranch while his brother recovers from an injury, is initially skeptical of her abilities. But when they are both targeted in escalating violence, they must join forces to uncover the truth and save Mark’s niece who has been kidnapped for ransom.

Their past betrayals and broken relationships are put aside as they fight against enemies that threaten their lives and Mark’s ranch.

MY THOUGHTS 

 Lipstick and Gunpowder is written by Jane Daly. This is a new to me author and it will be one I keep an eye out for in the future. This is a Christian romantic suspense novel and the first book in the Gold Country series. I’m excited to see where the series goes. 

Our female lead is Dale Hardy.  She is a disgraced FBI agent who goes undercover at the Double-Bar-G Ranch in Ione, California.  She is hired under the pretense of managing operations of the ranch while his brother recovers. However Mark Goodson, the one who hires Dale is skeptical of who she is. 

Then danger strikes. I loved how capable Dale was in the face of danger. The author has created flawed characters who are realistic feeling and have shattered pasts. She has written in a beautiful reminder of     redemption, forgiveness, and faith. 

If you like clean romance stories with suspense and mystery this is for you. Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 23

Simple Harvest Reads, May 24 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 25

Artistic Nobody, May 26 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys , May 26

Texas Book-aholic, May 27

Guild Master, May 28 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, May 29

Fiction Book Lover, May 30 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol , May 31

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, June 1 (Author Interview)

Because I said So, June 2

Vicky Sluiter, June 3 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, June 3

Holly’s Book Corner, June 4

For the Love of Literature, June 5 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jane is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/hoPfh/lipstick-and-gunpowder-celebration-tour-giveaway

MY THOUGHTS- Lies To Forever by Marlene M. Bell

 

 

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Join us for this tour from May 18 to June 5, 2026!​​
​Book Details:

Book Title:  Lies To Forever by Marlene M. Bell
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 316 pages 
Genre: Suspense Thriller
Publisher:  Ewephoric Publishing
Release date:   March 2026
Format available for review:  print-softback (USA and Canada) and ebook (GIFTED KINDLE, EPUB, PDF, Book Funnel download ) internationally. 
Content Rating:  PG because: There are a couple of references such as "hell" or "damn" in the dialog. No sex. Mild attraction. Mild description of dead bodies. Not too graphic. No strong language.

Book Description:

​First they stole her trust. Now they want her life. 

April Manning’s generous nature has always been a gift, and her greatest weakness. After being conned out of her life savings she’s left with an eviction notice and one last hope: reclaiming her old job at an architectural firm, even if it forces a showdown with head architect Hunter Ellis, her cheating ex-boyfriend.

There’s only one small hitch. The owner of the firm is dead, and the last thing April expects to find is the bloody murder weapon on her doorstep.

As the killer runs free, disturbing reminders arise from April’s troubled childhood, and suspicion flares at every turn…from the mysterious new handyman, to an estranged family member she’s tried to forget. Only one thing is certain. Death is stalking April, and she must unmask the killer before they land the fatal blow.

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Meet the Author:

Marlene M. Bell shares many traits with the bold protagonists she writes. Her Annalisse series stars a New York antiquities appraiser who chases dangerous criminals in far-flung locales. The series has won eight international literary awards and an avid fan base around the world. When Marlene's not busy plotting her next novel, she's exploring her wooded Texas ranch with camera in hand and thirty sheep faithfully in tow. As an accomplished painter and nature photographer, she's always hunting for the next spark of inspiration - or the next adventure calling her name.
​
connect with the author:  website ~ X ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

MY THOUGHTS 

Lies to Forever is a stand alone thriller that is written by Marlene M Bell. This book held my attention from the moment I started to read, and did not let go. April Manning is having to start over. She is an interior designer, but falls victim to a scammer. She arrives at an old architectural farm, and suddenly she finds herself having to clear her name when the owner of the firm is found dead on her doorstep. 

Her ex boyfriend, Hunter - offers to try and keep her safe. However she still has a soft spot for. Her life has suddenly become a dumpster fire and I had a front row seat to watch it unfold. I love that April is a relatable character. She is flawed. I love characters that are not perfect or cookie cutter. I also love the setting of the book - I love the Smokey Mountains. I loved the short chapters.  I also was suspicious of EVERYONE. 

This book is well written, the storyline is suspenseful and engaging. I hope to read more from this author. Thank you to the author, publisher and IRead book tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

Enter the Giveaway:

CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENTER MARLENE M. BELL'S GIVEAWAY

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My Thoughts - JANE WON'T QUIT by Eva Shaw

 

JANE WON'T QUIT by Eva Shaw May 11 - June 19, 2026 Virtual Book Tour

I’ll protect her—even if she hates me for it… until the day she actually needs saving. Perfect for readers who love: Dark conspiracy mysteries with emotional stakes Romantic tension without overpowering the plot Strong, unconventional heroines Protective, duty-bound heroes Stories where justice matters as much as love Pastor Jane Angieski has never fit the mold—too outspoken for church politics, too compassionate to look the other way, and too stubborn to quit when lives are on the line. When a high-profile scandal erupts inside a powerful Las Vegas mega church, Jane is pulled into an investigation far darker than corruption or infidelity. Behind the polished sermons and celebrity pastors lurks a brutal international trafficking ring—one that buys, sells, and returns unwanted children through a diabolical foreign adoption scheme. Captain Frank Morales has spent his career protecting the city from monsters. He knows exactly how dangerous this case is—and exactly how reckless Jane is being by digging into it. The attraction between them is instant. The trust is nonexistent. And the closer Jane gets to the truth, the harder Frank has to fight to keep her alive… whether she wants protecting or not. When a lost disabled child is found abandoned on the streets of Sin City, Jane and Frank are forced into an uneasy alliance. Because this isn’t just one victim. It’s thousands. To stop the operation, they’ll have to expose powerful men, corrupt ministries, and an international pipeline that treats children like merchandise. And someone is very willing to kill to keep it buried. In a city built on secrets, faith and justice may not be enough to save them—but walking away isn’t an option. Tropes include: Law Enforcement x Civilian Investigator Forced Partnership Opposites Attract (Faith vs Procedure) Slow Burn Romantic Suspense “Stay Out of My Case” Dynamic Protector Hero Book Details: Genre: Romantic Suspense Published by: Varus Publishing Publication Date: March 12, 2026 Number of Pages: 393 pages, Paperback ISBN: 9798249459451, Paperback

Author Bio: Mystery writer Eva Shaw, Ph.D. is one of the US’s premier ghostwriters specializing in memoirs. She’s the author of more than 100 award-winning books. Eva has been a university writing instructor with for two decades, mentoring more than 50,000 writers in her remote-learning classes through Education to Go. Novels with her byline include: Jane Won’t Quit(Vaus Publishing, March February 2026), The Beatrix Patterson Mystery Series from Torchflame Books (The Seer, The Finder, The Pursuer and The Conductor). Other novels include Games of the Heart and Doubts of the Heart. She shares her life with Coco Rose, a rambunctious 7 year old Welsh terrier, loves reading, painting, traveling, spending time with friends and family, playing the banjolele, volunteering with her church, the American Cancer Society and other organizations. She lives in Carlsbad, California. Catch Up With Eva Shaw: www.evashaw.com Amazon Author Profile Goodreads BookBub Instagram - @evashawwriter Facebook - @evashawwriter

MY THOUGHTS  Jane Won’t Quit is written by Eva Shaw. This is a new to me author - and will be one that is added to my TBR list. This is a romantic suspense that will leave you on the edge of your seat. I could not put this book down. First, I loved Pastor Jane – she is outspoken and does not fit into any mold (I get that) She also is compassionate and does not like to ignore injustice. So when she is pulled into an investigation in a mega church - there seems to be more then meets the eye. She is shocked to hear that behind the illusion of perfection it’s  a world full of sinister evil, child trafficking and so much corruption.  Jane is quite the powerhouse when it comes to unmasking the monsters behind the hurt, pain and corruption. I loved her fierce determination - just like the title says, Jane won’t quit.  This book is well written, the storyline is suspenseful and engaging. I hope to read more from this author. Thank you to the author, publisher and Partners in Crime book tours - all thoughts are my own.

Giveaway: This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for Eva Shaw. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited. The giveaway is for:    5 - $5 Amazon.com Gift Cards https://pictbooks.tours/FmGnUOHn

My Thoughts -The Targeted by Cara Putman

 

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Targeted by Cara Putman, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Targeted
Series: Secrets to Keep #3
Author: Cara Putman
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: May 19, 2026
Genre: Romantic Suspense

Can she protect her gym students before her past catches up?

When Chloe Ainsworth's older sister reappears after fourteen years, she brings with her the news that Chloe's abuser is back in town. Chloe is a coach at her childhood gym and fiercely protective of her young gymnasts. She won't allow them to suffer the way she did, but she's desperate for an ally—one who can help her make her case.

Law student Dare Shepherd works at the local legal clinic, where he meets Chloe and hears her out. He believes her case but can't get the clinic director on board. As he learns more about her story, he finds himself bound by a deepening personal care for Chloe.

They band together in search of answers, and suddenly the stakes skyrocket. It's clear they're onto something, but will they be able to find the answers before it's too late?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

More Books from this Series:

 

About the Author

Cara Putman is a professor, an attorney, and an award-winning, best-selling author of more than forty novels, including the Cornhusker Dreams series, the Hidden Justice series, and The Vanished.

Connect with Cara by visiting caraputman.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

MY THOUGHTS

Targeted is book three in the Secrets to Keep series that is written  by Cara Putman. I have not read the whole series, but there were no issues following along. It blends legal suspense, emotional healing, faith themes, and a romance subplot. I was hooked immediately. One of the things that you can count on from this author is that you will be on the edge of your seat. 

The story follows Chloe Ainsworth, a gymnastics coach who survived abuse by a former coach during her childhood. When her estranged sister suddenly returns after fourteen years with the alarming news that Chloe’s abuser is back in town, Chloe becomes determined to protect the young gymnasts she now coaches. She is determined to make sure that what he did to her did not happen to anyone else - she enlists the help of  Dare Shepherd, a law student working at a legal clinic. She has been hitting roadblocks with assistance, and it does not seem that anyone believes her story. Which, I can understand - as a assault victim myself (age 8) noone believed me either .

I really admired Chloe. She had to confront her past - and has to face what feels like a giant. I admire her strength and determination. The author has written such a powerful story that will bring healing to many.(It’s me - I am many)  If you like legal thrillers, romantic suspense, relatable characters, ripped from the headlines stories then this is for you. 

Thank you to the author, publisher and JustRead Publicity Tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own. 

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of The Targeted and $20 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 20, 2026 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 27, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!