The second book in the author's "Homeland Heroes" series, FBI Agent Kiley Dawson is devastated when her CI is shot right in front of her, just before being able to communicate the details of a major threat. Although Kiley has long spent her life behind a computer she decides this is her time to request lead on the investigation. She soon realizes just how many twists and turns this dangerous threat is going to take.

Meanwhile, ICE Agent Evan Bowers is on the opposite coast (Seattle) discovering a threat of his own. When it turns out his case connects with Kiley's, sparks of all kinds fly. Kiley and Evan actually know each other, and she holds him responsible for the death of her partner on a previous mission. She will agree to work with Evan for the good of the mission and the hope to prevent a catastrophe as they work together to identify the terrorists and determine exactly what they are planning.

There were plenty of twists and turns, and ultimately enough to like about this book. As this is a second book and it has been some time since I read the first one, I struggled to comprehend the depth of Kiley's bitterness, and it was a challenge to reconcile with their growing attraction. I honestly can't recall if she is referenced in the first book, and I especially think it may have been helpful to re-read it prior to starting this one. :) Overall, I am glad to recommend this book and series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I love a good suspense or police procedural novel. I have read a couple of Susan Sleeman's book, so I was familiar with how she writes. With Minutes to Die, the heroine is definitely a brave woman who struts across the pages of the story. Sometimes a little too much. The hero, Evan, is remarkable that he would want a woman so forceful. As for the plot, it was a terrorist plot that has been over done. It could be just be, but I'm not really interested in thrillers that have terrorist trying to destroy our country again. Too close to reality might be why. Sleeman is a wonderful storyteller who really shows how the police work and what they actually have to do to stop something as horrific as a terrorist threat from happening. I enjoyed the inside look. I enjoyed the race against the clock. I enjoyed the plot as it twisted and turned. Overall, Susan Sleeman's newest book Minutes to Die is a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours. I believe that fans of Janice Cantore and DiAnn Mills would enjoy this story.

I received a complimentary copy of Minutes to Die by Susan Sleeman through Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

When Agent Kiley Dawson is meeting with one of her CI's the girl is killed. Kiley is determined to find out who and why her informant was killed. Before her informant died she was able to tell Kiley that what was coming to the US was way more significant than 9/11 and millions of lives were in danger. Kiley requests to be lead on the case so that she can be the one that finds her informants killer.



ICE Agent Evan Bowers is looking into a suspicious container that has come into the port. What he finds is an elaborate set-up that harbors no good! When Agent Kiley and her team arrive they quickly realize that their cases are overlapping. Kiley and Evan used to work together until Evan allowed someone to kill their partner Olin. Kiley has never forgiven Evan and she isn't happy to be working with him now. But for the greater good they must put their past behind them and help each other before it is too late.



I love the RED team in this series. They respect each other and they are elite so they are good at what they do. And they are able to make things happen! I especially liked Kiley and Evan's relationship. It was rocky at first, but then they were able to work through some things and acknowledge the attraction they had for each other. As always the danger was nail-biting! The author always writes realistically and in this case she wrote about terrorism that truly would be more devastating than 9/11. My heart was racing and my stress level was definitely up there with the team as they raced against time to stop this devastating act of violence.



FAVORITE QUOTE:



No one has power over you unless you give it to them. You are in control of your life and your choices. Decide your own future.



I love the details that the author places in her stories. Here is one example:



The process is called phenotyping, Philips explained. Basically, DNA can now be used to provide physical characteristics that are compiled in a composite sketch. There have been great results in locating suspects this way.



Seriously, how cool is that? A sketch from DNA! Who knew?



I'm looking forward to the next book in the series where hopefully the team is able to wrap up the case of The Montgomery Three, a case that has haunted them for several years.

I was a little disappointed in this read and would give it 3.7 stars. I thought the amount of characters in this book were overwhelming. While I enjoyed Kiley and Evan I felt it was hard to keep track of everything because there were so many. I think eliminating some of the characters could have helped developed the main characters more. I read a lot of Christian romantic suspense and was happy the Christian and God connection wasn’t overwhelming. However I felt the build up of suspense and action didn’t do the main plot justice. Once I got to the end honestly I was underwhelmed. There were also a few grammatical mistakes that were a bit distracting. Overall though, an easy read. I just wish the story was more focused and I could have connected with not only the story but the characters and plot more. This just wasn’t a book where I could easily picture the events and story In my head.

This was action packed the whole way through. It left me wanting more and I was slightly depressed to realize that I had to wait until 2021 to read the next one in the series! Now I know I mentioned that it was a series but this is one that can be read as a standalone. I'm not sure this will be true of books later in the series as there is a side plot which has carried on from the first book and was developed in this book. I feel that this will become even more important as the series increases.

I liked that this story introduced me to new technology and made me learn more. I did go and do some research after reading this because it interested me. While I got this book free (in exchange for an honest review), I would highly recommend it. I enjoyed reading it and I'm a fan of Susan Sleeman!

MINUTES TO DIE by SUSAN SLEEMAN is a fast paced romantic thriller with a good Christian message. It kept my interest from beginning to end and had me on the edge of my chair most of the time! The characters are well defined and the plot is well worked out.
FBI agent Kylee Dawson has issues with her mother, who, after her husband's death, became neurotic about keeping her daughter out of harm's way. This has affected Kylee badly and things became worse when her partner, Olin, is shot in an operation that goes bad. When she has to work with ICE agent, Evan Bowers, who she blames for Olin's death, she is determined to keep their relationship professional, in spite of her roiling emotions.
There is so much action in this book, as we see all facets of law enforcement working around the clock to stop a terrorist attack from happening on the anniversary of 9/11. Kylee, being lead agent for the first time, feels very responsible and sometimes quite inadequate for the task.
The author has not only given us a riveting story of courage and commitment, but has also drawn us into the characters' emotions.
Minutes to Die is a really good read and one I can highly recommend to anyone who enjoys this genre.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.