In the Dark by Lynette Eason

I love mystery anthologies–especially when my favorite go-to mystery Authors have a story in them! This can be said of Cornered: Three Romantic Suspense Novellas by Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, and Natalie Walters. Lynette Eason’s contribution to Cornered is In the Dark. In the Dark tells the story of Steph, who is mourning the death of her friend, Brenda. Brenda died in a car accident, but Steph does not believe it is as cut and dry as it looks. Neither does newly minted Detective Tate. As Steph and Tate seek the truth, and get closer to each other, Steph soon realizes not everything is like it seems. And the truth may hit closer to home than Steph ever anticipated.

Lynette Eason sure knows how to pack a punch of intrigue and suspense into a novella and Ms. Eason certainly does this with In the Dark! The suspense and intrigue hit you from the get-go which is very trademark of Ms. Eason. I love meeting Steph and Tate and thought they were a perfect fit. I also love that the romance aspect of the story was secondary to the mystery aspect, allowing the mystery to be front and center. I love the code cypher aspect of the mystery! I appreciated how Ms. Eason added layer upon layer to keep the reader guessing who will culprit(s) could be. In the Dark is awesome story that Ms. Eason contributed to Cornered: Three Romantic Suspense Novellas!

Downfall by Lynn H. Blackburn

Downfall is Lynn H. Blackburn’s contribution to Cornered: Three Romantic Suspense Novellas! In Downfall Chef Cassie is trying to move on with her life after a traumatic incident at work and a horrible breakup, only then being forced to return back to her hometown of Gossamer Falls where the horrible breakup happened. Things are going well for Cassie as she fills in as Chef at a local resort until her kitchen gets sabotaged. Ex-boyfriend Detective Donovan is put on the case, and quickly learns this not the first time someone has tried to get Cassie out of the kitchen. As Donovan and Cassie track down the Culprit, they begin to get close again while the Culprit continues to try to take Cassie out of the kitchen for good.

I love Downfall by Lynn H. Blackburn! I especially love meeting Cassie, Donovan, and Cassie’s loving yet overprotective Family. I love the Chef aspect of Downfall and thought it brought a fun aspect to the story, causing the plot to have a unique twist. I love how Cassie’s Family, especially her Cousins, and Donovan were extremely protective of Cassie. Downfall kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end and is a great contribution to Cornered: Three Romantic Suspense Novellas!

Perilous Obsession by Natalie Walters

Edgy with an Hawaiian twist is one way I would describe Natalie Walter’s Perilous Obsession in Cornered: Three Romantic Suspense Novellas! In Perilous Obsession readers meet Lahela, a woman who moved from Hawaii to Texas in order to start over after an embarrassing breakup, and Briggs, an ex-cop who is part of Lahela’s friends group and is smitten with Lahela. Lahela is enjoying and thriving in smalltown Texas, bringing Hawaiian flair to her elementary classroom where she teaches, and putting down new roots in her dream home. Lahela’s life is going well until Lahela starts being stalked, getting threatening calls and texts. Confiding in her friends about what is going on, including Briggs, her friends set out to try to keep Lahela safe…especially Briggs. As Briggs is keeping Lahela safe, Briggs discovers that Lahela is smitten with him as well. As Lahela’s Stalker (or is it Stalkers?) ramps up their threats, Briggs and Lahela’s relationship may not even have a chance before it even begins.

Perilous Obsession is an awesome addition that Natalie Walters brings to the Cornered: Three Romantic Suspense Novellas anthology! I love all things Hawaii and mystery, and when those two things can be married together into an thrilling story, I am really excited to read it! I love the essence of Hawaii that Natalie Walters brings into a story set in the state of Texas. I love how Ms. Walters pack a punch with Perilous Obsession, taking the reader on a rollercoaster ride, then giving it an explosive and powerful end. I love meeting Lahela and Briggs and thought they were perfect for each other. I love that Lahela has a strong group of friends behind her. I love the message of trusting your friends to help you get through life and not being afraid to be yourself in the process that is in the story. I was pleasantly surprised at how the mystery of Perilous Obsession turned out. (No spoilers from me!) Natalie Walters’ Perilous Obsession was a wonderful way to close out Cornered: Three Romantic Suspense Novellas!

Cornered: Three Romantic Suspense Novellas (As A Whole)

When Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, and Natalie Walters join forces to create a novella collection I know I am in for a treat of the suspenseful kind. This can definitely be said of Cornered: Three Romantic Suspense Novellas! Cornered is full-throttle from the get-go, full of dangers and twists–and I expect nothing less from Ms. Eason, Ms. Blackburn, and Ms. Walters. Each novella is unique, but has the writing DNA of it’s writer that people have come to know and love. I love how each novella is complete and at the same time left me wanting more of the story because I was enjoying it so much. If you love mysteries that give you a suspenseful escape, full of twists and turns, then I highly recommend Cornered: Three Romantic Suspense Novellas by Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, and Natalie Walters!

Have you read Cornered: Three Romantic Suspense Novellas? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank Lynette Eason for giving me copy of Cornered: Three Romantic Suspense Novellas to review (as well as NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book) and for letting me be on The Cornered Superstars Launch Team. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My review is on Goodreads, and my blog Leslie's Library Escape. Amazon review pending.

Three fantastic novellas full of suspense, mystery and plenty of action will keep you up late into the night flipping pages.

There is so much packed into these pages including consequences for choices you make which means you sometimes have to face your past, to stalking, as well as so many emotions that will have you going from one extreme to the other. Each novella was filled with characters that are relatable and easy to get to know through the pages.

You do not want to miss this collection from three expert writers in the Christian romantic suspense genre. You will be kept on your toes as you read each novella.

Thank you to Revell and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

These three stories are great. Full of suspense, romance and mystery. A mysterious death, a second chance romance and a stalker are in these stories. The heroines find themselves in danger and the heroes who are by their side protecting them. Well woven stories that will keep you guessing. I just loved them.

This fantastic collection features fast-paced and exciting stories from three of my favorite suspense authors. Sometimes novellas can feel rushed and leave me unsatisfied, but that was not the case here. These stories were jam-packed full of everything I love in a romantic suspense. I loved all three of them.

In the Dark by Lynette Eason
I was hooked from the very first page. I liked Steph and Tate together. They had great chemistry right from the start, and I enjoyed watching them work together to try and solve the mystery surrounding her friend’s murder. There was so much intrigue! I couldn’t read fast enough. I could hardly catch my breath during the climactic ending. And that twist left me reeling! So good!

Downfall by Lynn H. Blackburn
This story was suspenseful and full of danger. I was really rooting for Cassie and Donovan to work through their issues because they were so good for each other. I thought Cassie’s dislike of confrontation was relatable, especially after what had happened to her. I loved to see so much character growth packed into this novella. I also thought that the Hatfield and McCoy-esque feud added a really interesting aspect to the story.

Perilous Obsession by Natalie Walters
This was an intense and action-packed story that gripped me from the very beginning and didn’t let go until the very end. I instantly liked Lahela and Briggs and was eager to see them go from friends to more. They had amazing chemistry! The danger started off kinda slow, but it kept ramping up until I could hardly catch my breath. I was so worried for Lahela. There was one point near the end where I could hardly read fast enough. My anxiety was at an all-time high. There were a couple of moments that sent chills down my spine.

If you're looking for edge-of-your-seat, heart-pounding romantic suspense, grab a copy of this book! You won't be disappointed. Even though these stories are connected to the authors’ series, they standalone perfectly fine.

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

This triple threat novella features my three favorite suspense authors all wrapped up in one book! Each novella packs a unique punch and delivers the intensity and danger that I have come to expect from these authors! My favorite story in this collection was Perilous Obsession by Natalie Walters, because what is creepier than a stalker! I love the characters in this story, they felt real and it added pops of humor and fun to this suspense story! Downfall was also a great read and reminded me why I’m loving the Gossamer Falls series so much! With unexplained vandalism, a kidnapping and sparks of romance it was a great addition to this collection! In the Dark by Lynette Eason had me guessing until the action packed conclusion! I really enjoyed this collection and love that these authors each have their own style but deliver the same caliber of story each and every time! I definitely recommend grabbing this one if you are a suspense reader!

What do an accountant, chef, & school teacher all have in common? Find out in these three fantastic novellas by three amazing romantic suspense authors! I thoroughly enjoy reading all three of these authors & eagerly anticipate their books. I was so excited to find them all together in this thrilling collection. Each novella features endearing side characters from their nail-biting series, but each one can easily be read as a standalone & acts as the perfect introduction to their books.

In the Dark by Lynette Eason takes the reader on a wild ride as Steph Cross finds herself in the crosshairs of a murder investigation. When her fellow colleague is killed in a car accident, Steph takes on the responsibility of cleaning out her desk. What she finds suggests that her friend’s death wasn’t an accident. As she & Detective Tate Cooper (Lake City Heroes) work together on the case, Steph finds herself the target of a killer. I loved the romance, action, & edge of your seat suspense. It all comes down to the wire in this one & I was holding my breath as the final scenes played out.

Downfall by Lynn H. Blackburn continues Cassie’s & Donovan’s story in this new exciting novella in the Gossamer Falls series. Cassie Quinn’s a chef who recently broke up with Detective Donovan Bledsoe. When she’s given the opportunity to fill in for the chef at a famous mountain resort, she finds herself in the middle of a mystery when the kitchen’s destroyed. Forced to rely on the help of her ex, her feelings begin to thaw as it’s clear neither one wanted to end their relationship. Will they get a second chance at love before the culprit behind the destruction sets his sights on Cassie?

Perilous Obsession by Natalie Walters is a twisty, heart pounding mystery involving Lahela Young, the little sister of Kekoa from the S.N.A.P. Agency series. Lahela’s a school teacher who recently broke up with her boyfriend & is looking for a new start in Texas. She meets the handsome, ex police officer Briggs Turner & they immediately hit it off. But before they even have their first date, Lahela receives threatening phone calls. As things escalate, she relies on Briggs to help keep her safe, but will it be enough? This book was full of swoony romance, delightful humor, & plenty of action! There were some definite unexpected twists that kept me eagerly flipping the pages.

Every novella in this collection was fabulous & I highly recommend it to romantic suspense fans! It’s a great way to get to know these writers if you’re new to their series & for fans, it’s so fun seeing these side characters get their own stories. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the authors & publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

Another fun novella collection by three of the best romantic suspense authors around. I enjoyed getting to know these spin-off characters from the authors’ current or previous series. Full of adrenaline, intense and fast-paced action, wonderful and lovable characters and sweet romance, this collection is a treat you can finish in one sitting.

I especially enjoyed connecting with Cassie and Donovan in Lynn Blackburn’s story while catching up with the crew in Gossamer Falls. I loved getting to know Lahela and Briggs in Natalie Walters’ story that had all sorts of twists and turns.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

What a great three novellas full of really good suspense, romance, and wholesome values!

Each was different and unique, but pulled you into the story and had you guessing who was responsible!

In busy times of my life (like right now) I crave fast-paced suspense. Cornered, a 3-novella collection from Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, and Natalie Walters checked all my boxes! With stories inspired from my favorite series by these authors, this collection combined intriguing plots, characters to love, and inspirational themes. If you are a fan of any of these authors, you are in for a treat! Each novella contains a twisting/turning plot that keeps the characters and readers on their toes. I never knew just where the next threat would come from or just whodunit. I love when I can’t quite figure out just what is going on. In addition to the puzzles, the characters are realistically drawn and relatable. Finding a place and purpose in which to fit is a universal theme. These stories are clean too, but there’s plenty of sizzle between the main characters. Romance fans will find much to love. I really didn’t have a favorite among these novellas — each was supremely satisfying. The bad guys always get caught and the main characters have a HEA.

So if you are looking for a fun book that you can read this holiday season, then I recommend Cornered. Be careful though, once you start each novella you are not going to want to put them down. 😉

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(Thanks to Revell for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

This was a fun romantic suspense novella collection! The first story was "In the Dark" by Lynette Eason. When Stephanie's best friend and co-worker is killed in a car accident, some evidence comes to light that it might not be an accident and she works with the handsome new detective to figure out whodunit before it's too late. Of the 3, this one was my least favorite and I would give it 3 stars. I think this story would have made a better full-length novel with a bit more fleshing out. It was still an enjoyable story line, but it felt a bit rushed and off-kilter to me. The second story was Downfall by Lynn Blackburn. When Cassie Quinn comes in for a private meeting with the CEO of The Haven to find her kitchen completely trashed, she's at a loss. When her inability to manage conflict has some serious backlash, she finds her own life in danger and it doesn't help that the officer who responded to her case was her ex. I really enjoyed this story and would give it 5 stars. It fully sucked me in from the very beginning and took me along for the ride! The final book was Perilous Obsession by Natalie Walters. When Lahela Young receives a disturbing phone call and texts on the night she's out with her friends and expecting Briggs Turner to finally ask her out, even after she's changed her number, she wonders how her stalker has continued to find her. Will this be the thing that pushes her to move back to Hawaii after all? I also enjoyed this story and would give it 5 stars. With humor woven in to the suspense and romance, this one had a great mix!

Each of these stories had a fabulous mystery element to it, a sweet romance and a light spiritual thread. All of these were clean romantic suspense stories. All were well written, decently paced and enjoyable in their own rights. Each had a unique story line and a whodunit that had me guessing, along with some serious twists and turns. All in all, this was an enjoyable romantic suspense novella collection and one I would easily recommend to fans of the genre. Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this collection. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

Three romantic suspense novellas that keep you turning pages and keep you guessing. Tough heroines and loyal heros who love them and want to protect them makes for great stories complete with complex villains who make a mess of their lives. There is an underlying faith thread that shows the characters are grounded.
In the Dark- Lynette Eason
Steph is too ready to trust and needs to be more cautious. Tate gets a workout keeping up with her.
Downfall- Lynn Blackburn
Someone is sabotaging the kitchen in The Haven in Gossamer Falls. Who wants Cassie gone and why? Donovan searches it out. This was my favorite. I loved going back to Gossamer Falls.
Perilous Obsession- Natalie Walters
Stalking and a kidnapping keeps Lehela on edge but Briggs comes to the rescue and wants to take their relationship to the next level.
A great trio of suspense stories.
* A complimentary copy of the book was provided by Revell through NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*

All three of these romantic suspense novellas were so fun! I was very familiar with the characters from both Eason and Blackburn’s stories, and while I haven’t gotten to Walters’ newest series yet, I still didn’t feel lost. I don’t always love novellas for not getting the depth I’m used to in full length novels, but I never felt that way about this collection. All the characters deal with not only their current suspense plots, but also work through some other things. Each of the couples were just perfect for one another and I felt so rewarded with the conclusion of each one. I’m a huge fan of all three of these authors, and I completely recommend Cornered as either a way to get MORE from each of their respective series or as a way to introduce yourself to their writing, which will definitely leave you wanting more!

I received a complementary copy of this book from the authors. I was not asked to leave a positive review. My opinions are completely my own.

Buckle up for three suspenseful stories that will have you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out who done it! Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, and Natalie Walters have truly outdone themselves with these page-turning stories. Through it all, the best part of these stories is their ability to point to Christ regardless of what circumstance the characters, and we, may find ourselves in.

I highly recommend this trio of novellas to anyone who loves Christian fiction, suspense to the max, and mysteries solved!

I received an ARC from Revell and NetGalley; however, my review is my own opinion and done of my own volition.

Cornered is a high octane fueled compilation of three stories by a trio of romantic suspense writers! Each story had me biting.my nails for likeable characters I wanted to be best friends with. And, heroes that I wanted as my new book boyfriend. I enjoyed each one. I normally have a favorite story in a boxed set of books, but not this time. I ENJOYED ALL THREE!
Each story could be read in an evening with a satisfying and happy ending.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, and this is my honest opinion.

This collection of stories will definitely be enjoyed by readers who have read the series by these authors. Readers who are not familiar with Lake City Heroes, Gossamer Falls and the SNAP Agency series will enjoy this sampling. The message of faith runs strong in each novella. Likeable characters, a little romance, intrigue and mystery all wrapped up in this collection.

IN THE DARK
Lynette Eason
Non-stop action will keep you guessing right up till the end. Stephanie, a CPA, turns investigator when her friend is murdered. A code, embezzlement, money laundering - what had her friend discovered and who is behind it all?


DOWNFALL
Lynn H. Blackburn
You can’t make someone love you back. Plenty of excitement to keep you guessing in this story of a long-standing feud between two families and the fall out in the end. Kidnapping, vandalism, drugs and more will have the reader questioning will the perpetrator be found or will one family leave Gossamer Falls?


PERILOUS OBSESSION
Natalie Walters
Lahela Young loves teaching her 2nd grade students. Life would be just about perfect if she didn’t have a stalker. Silent calls from unknown numbers, pictures taken from a distance, arson and more. Who wants her gone?


Three incredible stories that will keep you guessing all the way through. An early copy was received through Revell, Baker Publishing Group and NetGalley. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.

If I wasn't already a fan of these three authors works, this anthology would be a great introduction. All three of these stories can be enjoyed as standalones, but also have connections to other works by these authors. 'Downfall' is my favorite. It's suspenseful and there is a second chance of romance for Cassie and Donovan. I also love Cassie's strong family ready to support her even on their rival family's ground. In 'Perilous Obsession' Lahela Young is jumpy after she has attracted a stalker. Unfortunately, there is little that the police can do to protect her. Briggs Turner is hoping for more than friendship with Lahela, but he will wait and make sure she stays safe. When Steph Cross's friend's death seems suspicious in 'In the Dark', Steph works with police detective Tate Cooper to unravel the clues in a coded notebook. I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. All three of these romantic suspense stories are terrific. I didn't want to put the stories down until I finished them.

This is a strong novella collection by three popular Christian authors. Each story is filled with suspense, as well as a little romance. They contain enough twists to keep readers engaged. Each story is connected to a series by the individual author, but you do not need to have read those books before this one. The stories can stand alone. This is a nice collection for those who enjoy romantic suspense stories and looking for a quick read.

Lynette is one of my favorite authors! Her storylines are ALWAYS very engaging -- real page-turners. I love that she includes zero gratuitous sexuality or profane language in her novels. Her stories carry the books! I'd characterize her plots as "Hallmark romance without the predictability." This book, Cornered, was excellent. As always, I love the angle of a scintillating criminal investigation. Red herrings kept me reading from start-to-finish. The plot moved swiftly to a momentous conclusion. Her characters were interesting. The plot was believable. The editing was clean. Her writing was well-crafted. I would read any Lynette Eason novel!

Cornered is a gripping collection of three novellas that will have you feeling the pressure of being backed into a corner, each with a suspenseful, emotional, and faith-inspiring punch. The novellas—by Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, and Natalie Walters—deliver everything I hoped for, with each story standing alone yet featuring familiar characters that tie them back to other books the authors have written, making the experience even more enjoyable.

In the first novella, In the Dark by Lynette Eason, I was immediately thrown into a corner with Detective Tate Cooper and Steph Cross. The tension in this story is thick, and I found myself flipping pages faster and faster, desperate to uncover the truth alongside them. Eason’s expert blend of suspense, romance, and emotional turmoil left me breathless. Both characters face overwhelming odds and are "cornered" by the choices they must make in the face of danger, all while trusting in God's plan for their lives. The deep emotional stakes keep you turning pages, hoping for a way out—but it’s the faith and resilience of the characters that ultimately shine through.

Lynn H. Blackburn’s Downfall brings a different kind of pressure, mixing humor with heart-pounding suspense. Cassie Quinn and Detective Donovan Bledsoe are tangled up in a complicated history, and as they navigate an increasingly dangerous situation, they must confront the past and learn to trust God in new ways. The faith theme here is especially wonderful, showing how trusting God can be a lifeline when you feel cornered by the weight of your past and present. The story of redemption and second chances rings true, as Cassie learns that the love of God—like love between two people—is built on trust, freedom, and the courage to step out of your comfort zone.

Perilous Obsession by Natalie Walters had me on an emotional rollercoaster, with Lahela Young feeling truly cornered by the terrifying reality of being stalked. The suspense is relentless, and as Lahela and Briggs Turner work together to uncover the truth, the lines between fear and faith blur. Lahela’s journey is a poignant reminder that, when we find ourselves cornered by fear or circumstances, God is our refuge—He never leaves us, even in the darkest moments. The romance in this story is built on deep trust and mutual respect, and the tension between the characters mirrors the gripping sense of being trapped in a situation with no clear way out. It’s only through their faith that they find the courage to face down their fears.

What ties these stories together isn’t just the spine-tingling suspense and romance, but the underlying Christian message that, no matter how cornered we feel, there is always a way out through if we fix our eyes on Jesus. Each character is tested in different ways, but ultimately, love and faith offer a way to break free from the traps that life sets. Cornered left me feeling inspired and mindful that when we’re backed into a corner—whether by life’s circumstances, our own mistakes, or the forces of evil—God always provides a way out. Sometimes, the greatest freedom comes from the unexpected ways He moves in our lives.

As Papa Quinn says in one of my favorite quotes, “We know that God is good. We know that He works for our good and His glory… through all the pain… still He is faithful… and we choose to offer up a sacrifice of praise.” This powerful reminder encapsulates the heart of Cornered—that no matter how stuck we feel, if we fully surrender to God, His faithfulness will always lead us through.

I highly recommend Cornered to anyone who loves Christian romantic suspense. This thrilling ride will leave you with a renewed sense of hope and love.

I received a copy of Cornered via Revell and NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on how true it is to Scripture, the writing style, the pacing, and the content, ensuring transparency and reliability.