I love Lacey Baker’s stories. LETHAL REUNION is a Christian Romantic Suspense, and Ms. Baker is one of the best writers I know at drawing the reader in at the very beginning of a story. This story takes place in Blueridge, Maryland, a small town in Western Maryland where everybody knows your name and business. For the heroine, Halle Jefferson, you would think her 15th class reunion would be a festive occasion, however, as she enters the venue, she whispers, “Lord, give me strength.” She is going to need it because this 15th class reunion is going to be epic in so many frightening ways. Kyle Briscoe, Sheriff and Halle’s former high school boyfriend is the first one to come to Halle’s rescue as a gunshot is fired aimed at her.
The underlying reason for all the mayhem and threats is the 15 year cold case murder of Halle’s twin sister Stella.
LETHAL REUNION is a suspense-filled story that will have you turning pages. It’s also the sweet reunion of Kyle and Halle’s second chance romance. I enjoyed this story and recommend it for your reading pleasure.

“Don’t make me any more promises. You don’t keep them.” Her words, though spoken softly, were like daggers shooting straight through his clothes to slice at him.

This quote from Lacey Baker’s Lethal Reunion perfectly encapsulates Halle Jefferson’s resolve against giving Sheriff Kyle Briscoe another chance, and I loved it. I gravitate toward second chance romances: the emotional turmoil and the last-minute hesitation before someone decides to risk their heart again on the same person.

The story had some really great romance elements and I’d call it an Rs instead of your standard RS for those who love the same amount of romance and suspense. But even though I lean closer to enjoying more suspense than romance, I really enjoyed how this story story began. The tension. Halle’s attempt to get through a high school reunion and a killer hiding behind my all time favorite trope—cold cases—all worked together to make this a great read. 

Great faith/ inspiration development. Here’s a quote from the story that resonated with me. “And as if the moment he’d made that decision was widely known, Ms. Joan had grabbed his hand at the end of one Sunday service and walked him down to the altar for special prayer. His thoughts, his actions, his life, were changed after that. If only he’d known then that it was just the beginning of the changes in store.”

A few things that could’ve been different: Marcia and Freddie seemed a tad one-note. Also, although a trendy trope, “small town sheriff” is a common misconception. In actually, Sheriff’s protect an entire county and police forces oversee cities or towns. All in all this was a great read. 

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. All words are my own.

Lethal Reunion by Lacey Baker gives readers an intriguing mystery from page one! Halle Jefferson heads back home to her high school reunion, but someone isn't happy about her return. After receiving a threating phone call--not to mention the gunshot at the reunion-- Halle reunites with Kyle Briscoe. He's the new sheriff in town and now he's going to protect his high school  ex-girlfriend at all costs. With Halle's twin sister's murder still unsolved, it looks like the killer might strike again.

This is a fast-paced suspense story. I love that the book starts in the heart of the action and takes readers on an exciting journey to find the killer. The chemistry between Lacey and Kyle is explosive. And I love the mountain setting in the Blue Ridge mountains.  Check out Lethal Reunion if you are a fan of romantic suspense.

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

A second-chance romance seems possible at a high school reunion. No one expects shooting to take place. An engaging couple and interesting back stories. The tale moved along at a good pace. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Halle Jefferson would rather be anywhere than at her high school reunion. This town holds nothing but bad memories for her. Her twin sister was murdered, and her case has never been solved. Halle's heart was broken by Kyle Briscoe, who is now the sheriff. So, though she does not want to be here, she has been invited to open up the time capsule from 15 years ago, which is a project her sister spearheaded. She intends to do her part and put this town in her rearview mirror, along with everyone in it.

She receives a threatening text which chills her to the bone. Apparently her sister's killer has something to hide and is afraid that Halle is about to reveal the secret. The action gets pretty hairy at first as Kyle tries to keep her safe. This cold case case just got hot again.

These characters were very emotional in so many different ways. I felt such empathy for Halle as she was having to relive the nightmare of losing her sister. Her deep faith is the only thing that has kept her centered all of these years. Kyle still carries a torch for Halle, although he broke her heart years ago. He had his reasons. Throw in a mean girl, who has obviously never grown up and you have the perfect storm.

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

Lethal Reunion by Lacey Baker started off with a bang. I like stories that start off with action because they draw me in, and it makes me curious to see what will happen next. Hallie is being targeted, and she needs to rely on her former high school boyfriend, Sheriff Kyle Briscoe, to keep her safe. I enjoyed the suspense and action which kept the story moving. I did, though, find certain elements to be lacking and I was required to suspend my disbelief at times. There were scant clues. Despite this, the guilty party can be identified long before the reveal (actions speak volumes). The faith aspect was prevalent in the story, and that it was at the center of each of the main characters’ lives as well. I would have liked the main characters to have been more developed. I also did not feel the chemistry between Hallie and Kyle. Hallie seemed focused on getting out of the town than on renewing her relationship with Kyle. There was too much repetition (I got it the first time). Lethal Reunion had moments that I enjoyed, but, overall, it is a forgettable story.

Lethal Reunion by Lacey Baker
Will a class reunion hold the answers
to her sister’s cold case murder?
The last thing Halle Jefferson expects is to receive a chilling threat at her high school reunion—or the gunshot that follows. It’s been fifteen years since her sister’s unsolved homicide, and now her twin’s killer is back. They want something from Halle, and they’ll stop at nothing to get it. And the only thing standing between her and certain death is her former high school sweetheart, Sheriff Kyle Briscoe. Can Halle and Kyle outwit a ruthless murderer and uncover the truth…before they’re silenced for good?
This is Halle Jefferson's story.
This is Stella Jefferson's story.
This is Kyle Briscoe's story.
“Lord, give me strength,” Halle Jefferson whispered as she walked into the room filled with former classmates who’d graduated with her fifteen years ago.
If coming back to Blueridge was a mistake, it was too late to do anything about it now. She took another step, just to prove she could do something other than contemplate and doubt—which had been her go-tos for the past few weeks. Clasping her purse in front of her, she forced in a breath, holding it a few seconds before releasing it slowly.
They wouldn’t know Halle Jefferson standing alone with a death grip on her purse. Not when they would’ve always seen Halle and Stella together—“ The Twins” as they’d often been called.
While they’d never dressed alike, she and Stella were identical twins, born two and a half minutes apart. And they’d done everything together.
“Who texted you?” Kyle asked. He could at least get a trace going. But this was Halle’s first time back in Blueridge in fifteen years— a fact he’d been grappling with for weeks now. And he doubted she’d kept in touch with anyone here. She hadn’t kept in touch with him. Still, he continued with “Did you recognize the number?” She looked around, then tilted her head back and closed her eyes. “I dropped my phone when you tackled me to the floor.” “Or when I saved your life, but you can thank me later.” He was already on his way to the door. “I have to get back downstairs. I want you to stay here, lock the door behind me and—” The rest of his directive— which Kyle wasn’t even certain Halle was going to follow— was lost as a loud blaring sound pierced the air. Halle jumped, and her gaze landed back on him.
“Fire alarm,” he said as a fresh ball of worry filled his gut. “We have to get outta here!”
I recommend this book.
Lethal Reunion by Lacey Baker is a 4 star book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Lacey Baker.
Homecoming (A Sweetland Novel)
Book 1 of 3: Sweetland
Just Like Heaven : A Sweetland Novel (LARGE PRINT)
Book 2 of 3: Sweetland

This is a Christian romantic suspense novel about Halle Jefferson, who is targeted at her high school reunion, signaling the return of her twin sister’s killer after 15 years. She teams up with her ex-boyfriend, Sheriff Kyle Briscoe, to uncover the truth.

While the book starts with suspense, the investigation lacks depth, focusing on a time capsule linked to the murder. Halle and Kyle reconnect, navigating personal growth and faith. Though the mystery has intriguing moments, the pacing is uneven. A clean read with light romance and faith-based themes, it’s suitable for those who enjoy mild suspense.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

I enjoyed this second chance romantic suspense and it was a quick and easy read. Halle left her hometown years ago with a mountain of grief because of the loss of her sister. Her boyfriend, Kyle, also broke off their relationship and didn't follow her to New York. Halle returns for a reunion and is opening their time capsule in the absence of her sister but she doesn't expect the chaos that breaks out.

Halle, with the help of her former love Kyle, hit the ground running from someone trying to kill Halle like they did her sister. Kyle, his Deputies, and his former FBI profile team are investigating and trying to uncover who wanted Halle dead and why. Lots of twists and turns in this book and a quick read.
3.5 stars

As some one who's getting ready for her 20th High school reunion this romantic suspense was a little more suspenseful and stressful than normal. But I still enjoyed it and I also loved the second chance romance with the high school sweethearts even when that's not a trope I normally like,

This was a new to me author and her first suspense novel. It was a bit of a mixed bag for me, between really engaging and likable characters, but a plot that didn’t always make sense. The suspense part was great, with event after event that kept the story moving along. The police-procedural aspect that I expect in a story marked cold case was lacking; we see little more of the investigators than them chatting about things, but only a clue or two discussed in a forensic context.

I particularly enjoyed the strong faith aspect of the story and how central that is to each of the good-guy characters.

Definitely a promising author to try again, though.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.

You may have an idea of how High School reunions go. Bringing up all the old memories and the old feels. The Blueridge 15-year High School reunion will be the same, except this time there's also a madman on the scene, intent on targeting Halle! As her phone pings with his bizarre demands, old beau Kyle steps in and changes the plans.
This is a second chance romance with drama and danger of the re-opening of a cold case. The cold case just happens to be about Halle's twin sister, Stella. Kyle is a former mischief maker, turned FBI profiler (think like Criminal Minds), now the town's sheriff. Nobody is going to hurt his girl Halle. They are finding them selves mixed up in all kinds of emotions but without many clues to what the bad guy really wants.
I liked the opening action scenes and the descriptions of people and places around town. They have some down time to reflect on what happened to them way back when. And then the action picks back up. You will like this book if you like second-chances, cold cases, and thoughtful characters.

I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher and Net Galley. This is my honest review of the book. Thanks.

This was an ok book. The story line was good but I just couldn't really get into it. There was a lot of repetition that I though dragged the book out.

I was given this book by Love Inspired Suspense via Net/Galley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

The last place Halle wanted to be was back in this town at her high school reunion without her twin sister. 15 years ago they had graduated from high school. The day after graduation, her twin, Stella, was found dead. Her only purpose for being here was to open the time capsule that her sister had put together and maybe find out what happened to her. She decides to attend the welcome mixer as the first in a series of events and shots are fired. Her ex happens to be the town’s sheriff and he whisks Halle away to safety. Kyle came back to town after completing his time in the military and the FBI. He’s making it his mission to find out what really happened with Halle’s sister and who did it. This book is a light read with a touch of romance and lots of mystery/suspense. Very well written with complex characters. I was expecting a bit more romance, but enjoyed the banter between Kyle and Halle. The back story was revealed at the appropriate times and didn’t feel like constant flashbacks.

This is a sweet second chance romance that has just the right amount of action, suspense, drama, and mystery to keep you turning the pages.
Halle and Kyle's story will keep you on the edge of your seat as they try to solve the cold-case murder of Halle's twin sister. It's a great read that you don't want to miss.
I received a complimentary copy from Harlequin - Romance via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Halle Jefferson has returned to her hometown for her fifteen-class reunion. She never wanted to return to town. Her twin sister was murdered after graduation and the killer never was found. Sheriff Kyle Briscoe is Halle's old boyfriend, and she doesn't know he lives there now. When she gets a text about getting the key to the time capsule her sister did for her class, she is stunned to see a fellow classmate shot as she is making her way over to get the key. It seems there is still someone out to keep the secret about her sister's death and puts Halle in the crosshairs. As Kyle works on the case, he brings in two of his former FBI agents to help.

This book started with an absolute bang sending our main characters scrambling quickly for their lives. Our main couple, Halle and Kyle, were once in love but deathand building a future tore them apart. A "lethal" reunion and a time capsule mystery hold the clues for them to find each other again. You had to feel for Halle, it was clear loosing her parents and then going to live with a unfeeling uncle had strengthened the bond further with her sister. Then to loose her sister and to loose the man she loves would be a lot for anyone to bear. Coming back to the town where all that pain happened was a challenge laid out for us. However, the author raised the stakes quickly. The author also gave us one central clue that kept us guessing.
That built the premise for a decent romantic suspense story with characters who drew strength from their relationship with God. However, there were times you had to suspend disbelief a bit to understand the actions of the characters. For example, I did not understand Kyle racing through the woods to save Halle at the expense of all the others. It just did not feel right to me. I'm sure it was done to increase the drama but fell flat instead.
Don't let my last comment deter you. It was a good romantic suspense, it just wasn't for me. I understood that sometimes we need to confront the past even when it hurts and yes, it is helpful to believe in a higher power. The characters off putting decisions made it tough for me to connect with them. I would rate this book between 3 and 4 stars and would lean toward maybe 3.3-3.4.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin - Romance | Love Inspired Suspense for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Lethal Reunion is. Well written inspirational romantic suspense. The plot is a real edge of your seat page turner. I recommend this to fans of romantic suspense.

This was a good read. It was my first by this author. I was challenged to read a book by a BIPOC and I found this new author to read from in the Love Inspired Suspense series. I enjoyed this small town set in winter with a second chance. Our heroine is back in town for the first time since her twin died a decade and a half ago. Our hero has returned to town and become the sheriff. When things go wrong at the reunion, they work together to figure out who the perpetrator could be. It was a nice read and I’d try more by this author.

This is a new to me author and I enjoyed the suspense and mystery throughout. A lot of twists and turns throughout, it definitely kept me engaged. This book is part of the Love Inspired Series and is scheduled to be released February 25, 2025.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. All words are my own.