Dustee Carr is running for her life from an attacker as she exits the bus near her home. She narrowly escapes down an alley and hides out until she can contact her WITSEC Deputy Taylor Mills. Dustee and her sister were relocated to Portland, Oregon in a deal to keep herself out of prison for hacking. She gave up information on Phantom, a notorious expert hacker who is top priority for the FBI.

FBI Agent Sean Nichols, who lives in Washington, DC, receives a call that the WITSEC database has been breached, and he needs to take his RED team to Portland to investigate. The hacker is believed to be Phantom, and he is selling WITSEC data for ten thousand dollars per person. Four people have already been attacked. Sean and Taylor worked together on another case about six months ago, but all their correspondence was online. They’ve continued their friendship since then, both only online and over the phone, divulging emotions and building a relationship. Both are stopped in their tracks when they see each other for the first time. It’s an instant attraction that might have happened even if they didn’t already have an online relationship.

Together, Sean, Taylor, and three members of Sean’s Rapid Emergency Deployment (RED) team, work at a frantic pace to find the database breach and the person who is responsible. Their own stubbornness and emotions keep getting in the way of doing their job. Can they work together to find Phantom before the potential murders of many vulnerable witnesses? Or will Phantom outsmart them again and escape their grasp once again?

SECONDS TO LIVE opens with a dramatic escape scene and escalates from there. The story line runs at break-neck speed with many supporting characters lending their expertise to help bring Phantom down. Sean and Taylor are strong-willed, passionate leading characters who know their jobs and do them well. They experience many awkward moments, as they have shared their hurts, disappointments and faith with each other for the past six months. Will they let their baggage from the past keep them from committing to a future together? Award-winning author Susan Sleeman brings us a new inspirational series entitled Homeland Heroes. . . Filled with cyber technology and talented characters on both sides of the law. SECONDS TO LIVE is a story about trust, both trusting in ourselves and trusting God. If inspirational thrillers are your genre, do not miss this book!

Witness protection, murder, cyber crimes and romance... Seconds to Live had a LOT going on. While sometimes that can make a book hard to keep up with or overwhelming at points, I felt like in this one is was a perfect blend of all of the above, keeping me captivated from page one right through until the end.

In Seconds to Live we meet Taylor, a US Marshal tasked with keeping those in witness protection safe. When their database is hacked and the security of the program threatened, this brings her online friend and FBI agent Sean into her real life. Their easy online relationship turns out to be a little more difficult to navigate when they are working side by side. As someone who met their spouse online, I really found that part of the story to be rather interesting. While my own experience was quite different from that of our romantic leads, I certainly did know a little something about the adjustment that they faced. Theirs however was certainly more to the extreme, both having built up walls after past events in their lives that made it hard to trust. Trust was a huge theme in this book, both in their relationship with each other, on the job and with God. I really enjoyed seeing them work through some of that throughout the story, though I must admit both characters could be a little frustrating at various points throughout the story... but then, aren't we all?

Though this was the first book in the series, I found myself wondering if perhaps I had missed a previous book as it referenced a previous crime that the team had worked on several times throughout--- an unsolved crime that is. As best as I could tell, this WAS in fact the first story, but it seemed to me that perhaps this was setting the series up for another side mystery that I hope we will see more of throughout the series. This didn't take away at all from the primary story at hand, but really kept me intrigued even further to want to pick up the next book.

I believe this is the first book that I had read from this author, but it most certainly will not be the last. I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us in the next book!

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.

I was a bit disappointed in this book and felt myself skimming a lot, which is unfortunate because I really love Susan Sleeman. I didn't feel there were as deep of connections with the characters as she usually does. And honestly the suspense in this book just didn't do it for me. When I found out who Phantom was, I was very underwhelmed. I thought Dustee's character could have been used and utilized more but she really just focused on Taylor and Sean.

Overall, disappointed. Especially after I read fatal strike and I thought it was really good!

Seconds to Live is an intriguing start to Susan Sleeman's Homeland Heroes series. It is a shocking and fascinating look into the prevalent cyber-crimes that affect people everywhere. I enjoyed the well researched details. The story was light on romance, and I was hoping to form a deeper connection with the characters than I did. Overall, a well written story that I would recommend to fans of suspense.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

I can honestly say I am ready for the next book I want to know what's the team is up to next. I found Dustee had her moments sometimes she acted like a child and other times like the adult she is, she kind of was borderline annoying. The author did a good job keeping you guessing and wondering what was going to happen next. That being said there was a part towards the end that kind of dragged for a chapter or two but over all I found the book hard to put down. I was not a fan of the epilogue I won't give the reason why as it will ruin what happens in the book. I will say that this is a clean read and there is so much suspense you will want to finish it in one setting just to find out what happened. I would totally recommend this book and I really can't wait to read more about what's happening next with the Montgomery Three.

Seconds to Live is an intense suspense novel involving the security of witnesses in the witness protection program when the WITSEC database is hacked. The FBI's RED team, headed by Sean Nichols, and WITSEC deputy Taylor Mills work together to locate the infamous hacker known as Phantom who is selling witnesses' data on the dark web. Sleeman's research into WITSEC procedures and the technology included in this story is evident.

The suspense drives this novel, and that is a good thing because the romance is over the top cheesy. While reading I asked my husband if he'd ever wanted to climb into a book and Gibb's smack a character, and he just looked at me like I was a bit nuts, but Sean and Taylor would both benefit from an encounter with Gibbs. (If that doesn't make sense to you, you have never watched NCIS.) The author interwove these characters' faith and trust in one another with their faith and trust in God. All of that said, I would still recommend this book because the suspense is so good.

I am grateful to have received a copy of Seconds to Live from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

As usual, Susan Sleeman draws readers in with the very first sentence. Sleeman’s writing in Seconds to Live, like her other works, is concise, taut, and suspenseful in a beyond-terrifying way. Yet Sleeman uses her remarkable knowledge of the cyber crimes world to craft a novel that is both thoughtful and uplifting. When I finished this book, my thought was, if Taylor and Sean can learn to trust God in their over-the-top FBI dangerous jobs, surely I can trust Him with my own life. Besides, even though both Taylor and Sean have jobs most of us can only imagine, their feelings, actions, and conversations make them very relatable.
While I didn't much like Dustee, I almost felt sorry for her. Not many in our techie world today would be able to go long periods without some connection to technology. Yet, Dustee had to stay completely away from the internet. Oy, vey!
All of Sleeman’s characters on the Red Team are introduced with enough character that my reading mind is tantalized with the idea of wanting to know them more.
Quotes:
" 'And all this pacing and frustration out here in the hall means you’re trusting Him?’ It was just like her to call him on his struggle.”

"But if Sean had learned anything on the Montgomery Three investigation, he’d learned God was in control. Not him. God. That was true now, too, and was worth remembering.”

"We all live in hiding to some degree...people in hiding want someone to care enough to look for them...”

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. I also received a copy direct from the author. This does not affect my opinions, which are solely my own.

This is book one in the Homeland Heroes series, so what a great place to start. I love the writing style of Susan Sleeman. Her books are always full of action, mystery, suspense, police/FBI and of course some romance. This one would make a great movie, just saying.
FBI agent Sean Nichols and US Marshal Taylor Mills must work together to find a very talented hacker before more lives are lost.
I loved the sparks between Sean and Taylor and I also loved the entire RED team and look forward to reading more about this team.

The plot involves Sean, an FBI agent from the east coast, and Taylor, a Deputy Marshal in the witness protection unit in Portland, Oregon. The two had collaborated before and via email had struck up a friendship. When Sean is in Seattle for a meeting, a potential lead in Portland causes him to go there. He and Taylor see each other for the first time and romance is heavy in the air. There is some difficulty and testiness in their relationship however, as they join forces to go after the villain attempting to kill one of Taylor's protected witnesses.

This is definitely a character driven novel in that there is much more time spent on character thoughts, relationships and interactions than there is on action or suspense. The emphasis on character feeling was a bit much for me. Here's an example. When Sean and Taylor, guns drawn, are approaching a potentially hostile location and Sean barks a command, Taylor's thoughts: she loved how sure he sounded, how strong he looked with his Kevlar vest and weapon in hand. (Loc 2595/4780) At another time, right before Sean goes into a dangerous location, he kisses Taylor. Later, still at the scene, he thinks she wants to talk about the kiss. “A crime scene's not the time or place,” she responds. (Loc 3636/4780) Exactly. Not the time or place to kiss either!

This is a book for readers who like lots of character work toward romance and very little suspense. There is a little suspense at the end but that's it.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

As I turned the first page, I was hooked, and with my heart in my throat I wondered if the victim would survive. Not knowing the story behind the chase, I was quickly pulled in.
There is a bit of sweet romance here, between two hurting individuals, but most of this story is about catching a murderer and computer hacker.
When they say “Big Brother is watching”, it may not be who we think it is, and why? We are dealing with elite government agencies, and they seem to work miracles, but as the facts begin to unfold, wow! Surprises abound, and some I really didn’t see coming, and you wonder how this is all going to end!
Be ready for a page-turner, you won’t be able to put this one down until you have answers!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

Seconds to Live is the beginning of a new series by this talented author. A Christian suspense romance that promises to keep us on the edge of our seats .
The premise of this story is that hackers infiltrated the WITSEC files and are selling them to the highest bidder. Meaning, now those who thought they were safe are now unprotected and likely will be harmed and possibly killed.
The one that has made the discovery is FBI agent Sean Nichols. A man determined to find the hackers and the evil person behind the operation.
The U.S. Marshall assigned to the case is Taylor Mills. Their methods are on opposites end of the spectrum but their goal is the same. Stop the hackers and keep the witnesses safe.
This action filled story was thought provoking. How far does the Dark Web and cyber crime reach? A scary thought in this day and age.
It’s also a story about trust, and faith.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Bethany House Publishing. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

The premise of this book had me really excited to read it. I liked the idea about witness protection agents and cibercriminals for a change of pace, but this book fell flat for me.

There was so much potential in the beginning. I was hooked from an exciting moment in the plot, but after that I felt like things flipped and instead of feeling the excitement and other emotions instead I was being told everything. I wasn't able to immerse myself in the book because the author kept explaining everything to me instead of letting me live in the story.

At about 30% I only kept reading because I wanted to know who the criminal was! There was a good plot twist toward the end, but overall it wasn't an engaging read.

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

Seconds to Live by Susan Sleeman is a romantic thriller dealing with a crazy cybercriminal. The US Marshals’ database has been hacked the info is being auctioned off.

Taylor is a WITSEC deputy. It was interesting to see what all they did in WITSEC and realizing that sometimes it was for a criminal. Taylor was a great character but a tad over the top. Taylor is protecting a witness that has worked with the hacker; Phantom who they suspect of the current hack. Phantom is an unusual hacker as most hackers are not also murderers.

Sean is an FBI agent assigned to the case with an amazing team of skilled professionals; each with a specific skill. Looking forward to each of them getting their own stories.

When the book opens, Sean and Taylor have been communicating online and have developed a very strong friendship. This case will be the first time they meet in person which added a unique dynamic to the storyline.

Both Sean and Taylor have to deal with issues from their past before they can move forward with a relationship.

Seconds to Live contains a cast of memorable characters some you will love, some you will hate and a few that you cannot wait to learn more about. I highly recommend it.

I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

Keeps you guessing:
This was an interesting book with many twists and turns as the team endeavored to find the hacker. I enjoyed meeting the different RED team members and think that the author has set things up well for the rest of the series. However the writing style made it difficult for me to settle into this book. It was slow going especially as the action and discovery tended to be more reactionary than proactive.
Sean and Taylor were authentic and complex characters. They were each grappling with issues such as fear,betrayal and lying and had to figure out how to forgive and trust so that they were no longer held back from living life to the fullest. Unfortunately they were like oil and water continually butting heads and misunderstanding each other. It was not a feel good romance but more of a slow grind as they fought against becoming more than just friends. It felt a bit depressing at times and I think the story could have done with more humor or good times to lighten things up a bit. I was however most relieved to find that they finally resolved some of their issues and there is the promise of a HEA!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

This is my first Sleeman book and it was a great one. It provided a glimpse into the WITSEC (witness security) program and what it would be like to be the one constant in a witness’ life. It was fascinating.

When the witness protection database is hacked, the FBI Red Team thinks one of the witnesses is the best chance they have to find out who the mysterious Phantom is. There are twists and intense danger with a real sense of urgency as the hacker is selling off information that is putting lives at risk.

Added to this drama, Sean of the FBI and Taylor of the Marshalls have been online friends and are now meeting for the first time. It is not an easy transition. Things that felt safe to say in the anonymity of an online friendship now feel too personal and intimate. They both have a history of betrayal and loss and that makes trust hard. They have to decide if the potential for hurt is worth the risk of deepening their friendship.

I really enjoyed this book and will look forward to the next in the Homeland Heroes series. Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

#Netgalley #SecondsToLive

“One Mistake. That was all it took to put Dustee’s life on the line—death right on her heels.”

And that right there is the explosive start of another stellar suspense written by Susan Sleeman! Someone hacked the Witness Protection database or WITSEC and now lives are at stake. FBI Sean Nicols and US Marshal Taylor Mills must put their skills to the test protecting Dustee while trying to bring down a criminal name Phantom, who has eluded law enforcement every step of the way.

One thing I can say for Sleeman, she never lets go of the reader once she hooks you with that first page! The pace rarely lets up and just when you think everyone is safe—bam!—she writes another twist into the plot. I also love the team effort of everyone involved—fellow FBI agent Kiley Dawson, Deputy U.S. Marshal Mack Jordan, and FBI Analyst Cameron Linn. I truly admire this team’s skills, personalities, and how much of themselves they put in to catch a criminal & protect a witness. Sleeman is one of the best at pulling differing characters together seamlessly! The push pull romance between Sean and Taylor adds an angsty layer of tension upping the suspense. Both were burnt in love, had rough childhoods and are wary of trusting another person, thus putting a wall up between them. Something God loves to tear down in lives!

“We have the same problem, you and I. We can’t trust ourselves, because we can’t trust others or God. We spout the words. Go through the motions. But actually trusting? Naw, we don’t succeed.”

I love seeing how everything culminates at the end as they bring down the Phantom, work out trust issues and once again rely on the Lord to get through every day. I can’t wait to read the next books where I hope we get each of the team members’ stories. Especially Mack, he fascinates me with his big personality to go with his big Texas drawl…getting him to open up will test Sleeman’s writing skills I think!

*I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House on behalf of the author and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions stated are my own. *

Seconds to Live by Susan Sleeman, a well written read. A well known violent hacker has accessed the Witness Protection Database and started selling off locations and names to the highest bidders as well as seeking vengeance for himself, will the U.S. Marshalls, and RED team be able to find him and stop him in time?

"Seconds to Live" is a Christian romantic suspense novel. I've enjoyed this author's previous books, but she unfortunately hit every one of my major pet peeves in this book. Taylor's very devoted to her job of protecting witnesses, and she's willing to stand up to others to make sure they stay safe. This put her in conflict with Sean, who needed her witness to help track down a hacker that broke into the witness protection database and threatens the safety of all of the witnesses in the program.

Though they were supportive friends online, they're in constant conflict once they meet and try to work together. They want to get along, but he's under a lot of stress and their personalities clash. He's impulsive. She likes to plan. They never really became a good team. They're also both devoted to their jobs on opposite coasts. The author did such a good job of convincing me that they could never be a couple that the quick turnaround at the end didn't work for me. They suddenly convinced themselves that their physical attraction and intense kissing meant their different personalities will complement each other instead of continue to create conflict. But I just don't see their relationship actually lasting as they still had many issues to work through.

Sean and Taylor were very distracted by each other's physical appearance and presence, but the rest of the team seemed rather dense considering they were supposed to be a top team. At 71%, they said, "we should have known that Phantom would do something like this." Well, I certainly had guessed that a long time ago. This happened several times, and the twists were not surprises me.

Any respect on my part for Taylor also took a nosedive after 91%. The author mentioned several times that she had her gun ready and loaded, but then she didn't take an opportunity to use her gun to save her witness. Instead, she irrationally, impulsively threw herself into danger so that the manly, capable hero – Sean – could save everyone. Why can't she be capable, too, not just a good babysitter for petulant witnesses?

Both Taylor and Sean had major trust issues that they had to overcome, including trusting God with the future. There was no sex or bad language.

I selected this from NetGalley, so it had some places where the print went from one chapter or section into anothe without a break to let the reader know there was a change. That being said, this was a good story by Susan Sleeman. I did not guess who the culprit was before the revelation at the end. The romance was a bit wishy washy for me, but I liked Sean and Taylor's characters and their interaction with the rest of the team, even Dustee the brat! The pacing is good and plenty to keep the reader guessing. I think there could be a series written about the WitSec Marshalls if Ms. Sleeman wanted to go in that direction. The cover is not as good as the covers for the Cold Harbor series, but I do think it lends itself to looking more like a mainstream action/suspense novel.

“Most people didn’t have a clue that only five percent of the internet was available for public viewing, with many private, hidden layers making up the remaining percentage. The dark web was one of those layers where criminals set up shop and prospered by selling illegal products and services.”

A darkly compelling read of the underground world known as the dark web. Susan Sleeman gives a powerful story in the fight against illegal activities through this new Homeland Heroes Series. The story itself is worth the read just for the intricate nature of these illegal activities. It helped my understanding of the fight our justice system has in stopping cybercriminal activity on so many layers.

That being said, after reading Seconds to Live, I found this one wasn’t my favorite. Though it was a good storyline, I just didn’t connect with the characters. It was written more technical/suspenseful, which was interesting, but for my romance loving heart it was a little lacking in the romantic connection. I believe it was a real struggle trying to capture the feelings between the two main characters since they were more online friends. Though Sean and Taylor worked well together, I found they questioned their relationship/not relationship too much. However, it probably does represent how hard it would be going from an online connection to navigating it face to face.

I loved how their relationship with God is worked through. How they call each other out on their lack of trust and their need to trust God more. “God has a purpose, you know. A reason. And we need to trust that He’s in charge and has a plan here.” That even when they are failing, they can trust He’s got their backs. Sleeman does a wonderful job in moving them past their fears into a deeper Godly relationship.

I am looking forward to more of this series. I’m hopeful that the next book in the series captures my romantic heart again. I love Susan Sleeman for engaging mystery and romance, so I’ll be back!

If you love this style of read, you will also enjoy Lisa Phillips series the Northwest Counter-Terrorism Task Force starting with first book First Wave. Another great series on homeland security not to be missed.

I was provided a NetGalley copy of this book by Bethany House. All opinions in this review are my own.