Susan Sleeman is a name synonymous with clean, high-tension romantic suspense. Sleeman will draw you in with her first sentence, and keep you captivated until the last. Cold Fear is book five in Sleeman’s latest series, Cold Harbor. While the books share many of the same characters, a different hero and heroine take center stage in each, and each book can be read as a stand-alone. However, meeting secondary characters makes me want to go back and catch their stories, too.

Leah hires her ex/fiancé, Riley, and his “second-chance” group, Blackwell Tactical Protection, to stop the stalker who has been terrorizing her. Leah and Riley, in close proximity, struggle both to remember what separated them in the past and to find a path circumventing these differences. All the while, desperation is in the air as the stalker turns to murder and neither Leah nor those surrounding her are safe.

I enjoy Sleeman’s stories because they are high-octane, yet filled with obstacles the main characters still must overcome. I found I was surprised at how realistic the differences between Leah and Riley are. Sometimes we think as people of faith all our problems will disappear. Leah and Riley still find they have to work together to smooth the rough spots between them. Strong differences cannot just be ignored.

I highly recommend Ms. Sleeman’s novels for anyone who likes faith-filled, fast-paced, page-flipping fun. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way influenced my opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review. ( )

Cold Fear is the fifth book in the Cold Harbor suspense series by Susan Sleeman. Recording artist Leah Kent, calls on her ex-boyfriend, Riley Glen to help protect her from a stalker. When women start turning up murdered, Leah is the prime suspect. Can Riley protect her and also prove her innocence? Talk about intense, this story was packed with moments of nail-biting suspense. When you pick up a story by Susan you know that you are in for a suspenseful ride. She doesn’t disappoint! I love the way she weaves in the spiritual content along with the danger. Even though her characters have flaws and make mistakes they use them as stepping stones in their walk with God. The overall theme of love and forgiveness is a reminder that all we have to do is be willing to listen to that Voice that will guide you to where you should be. In this story the interaction between the characters was very refreshing. They didn’t come off as some storybook hero and heroine but more as believable, every day people. I would highly recommend this series.

I received this e-book from the author in exchange for my honest review. ( )

The Blackwell Tactical team is back! And growing!

When former Portland policeman receives a call from recording artist Leah Kent, he steps up to protect the woman he once loved from a stalker. But when a woman with connections to Leah is murdered backstage, Riley and the entire team band together to figure out who is behind the crime.
Oh, and then there’s the BIG secret Leah has kept from Riley for four years. One that is about to change his life (and oh boy, does he handle this in the best way).

Both Riley and Leah are challenged beyond their limits, leaving them no choice but to put their trust and faith in God. A feat that is especially difficult for Leah who has fought to gain her security.

Readers also get an introduction to the newest team member, Sam, a crime scene investigator in Cold Fear. She is a good fit for the rest of this team with their big personalities. In addition, it was a bit of fun to see a side of Eryn Calloway. Let’s just say she’s a bit star struck by Leah.

As always, Susan Sleeman kept me guessing as to who was behind the murders while embroiling me in the center of the investigation. I always learn something new about police work through Sleeman’s books. Yet, there is always a strong thread of faith, a lesson to be learned in those same books. Both things I thoroughly appreciate in these stories.

I am thoroughly looking forward to team jokester/pretty boy Alex meeting his match.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. ( )