Thriller – Page 2 – Jill's Book Blog

Review: Bygones Be Damned

Title: Bygones Be Damned
Author: Jules Parker
Genre: Fiction, Thriller
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Source: Publisher
Format: Ebook
Release Date: August 12, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Facing years in prison, Marcelina Page leaves her fate in the hands of her sexy, tough-as-nails lawyer, Walker Bishop. But she’s holding back a secret past that may ruin her chances in court…and her chances with Walker. When an opportunity to guarantee her freedom arises, she fears there is no choice but to enter the very world of organized crime she has tried so hard to avoid.

Walker is used to dealing with difficult clients, but never one that threatens to penetrate his heart the way Marcelina does. Her forbidden mouth captures the unwanted attention of his criminal enemies as well, prompting a deal from the DEA that could work in everyone’s favor…if not for his own selfish desire to keep Marcelina for himself.

Review:

This was an intense and steamy crime novel! There was a lot of tension between Marcelina and her lawyer Walker. Since he was her lawyer, they couldn’t be together as a couple, even though they both wanted to be together. There were a few different subplots with different crime bosses, but everything tied together in the end. This story kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time!

Bygones Be Damned is a great crime novel!

Thank you The Wild Rose Press for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Content warnings: death, murder, gun violence, knife violence, kidnapping

Have you read Bygones Be Damned? What did you think of it?

Review: The Price of Truth

Title: The Price of Truth
Author: Michele Clarizio
Genre: Young Adult, Thriller, Romance
Publisher: Ciao Bella Publishing
Source: iRead Book Tours
Format: Ebook
Release Date: June 15, 2025
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Seventeen-year-old Karis Russo is no stranger to pain. Still reeling from her father’s death, she’s weighted down by grief she can’t seem to outrun. But nothing prepares her for the night that upends her life once again.

After attending the grand opening of The Aragon Luxury Resort and Spa, Karis wakes up bloody and bruised with no memory of what happened. Determined to find the truth, she embarks on a relentless quest for answers.

Her investigation takes a surprising turn when she learns Mason Whitman, practically Duncan High “royalty”, has harbored a crush on her for years. His charm and their undeniable chemistry throw her into a tailspin. Caught between piecing together the night she lost and embracing the possibility of love she never saw coming, Karis convinces herself she can juggle both worlds.

But the deeper she digs into the mystery of that fateful night, the darker the truth becomes. As shocking betrayals surface and long-buried secrets claw their way to the light, Karis realizes the price of truth may cost more than she’s willing to pay.

Review:

This was a fast-paced and suspenseful YA story! There was a mystery around what happened with Karis one night when she was assaulted because she had lost her memory. She had to learn what happened to her along with the reader. The story was quite intense at the end, with a lot of twists. I really enjoyed this book!

The Price of Truth is a fast-paced YA book!

Thank you iRead Book Tours for providing a copy of this book for a paid campaign!

Content warnings: death of parent (off page), suicide (off page), sexual assault, animal death

Have you read The Price of Truth? What did you think of it?

Review: Bad Guy

Title: Bad Guy
Author: Ana Diamond
Genre: Fiction, Thriller
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Source: Publisher
Format: Ebook
Release Date: February 10, 2025
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Luke Daniels has done his fair share of bad things. But when the FBI offers him a deal in exchange for infiltrating the local Mafia’s infamous Costa Crew, Luke has no choice but to accept the challenge.

Beautiful, smart and tough, Sophia Costa wants out of the Crew. Appointed boss by her brother after he’s sent to prison, she wants no part in the murder, deceit and secrecy typical of Mafia life.

Just as things heat up between Luke and Sophia, a mysterious hitman targets Sophia, and Luke’s handler starts to wonder if Luke is up for the task.

As the lovers face the possibility of losing everything in order to be together, the line between loyalty and betrayal blur.

Review:

I really enjoyed this story. It was a fast paced mafia story, and it was quite short at under 200 pages. The events kept moving quickly. The characters were well developed from the beginning, which can be tough to do in a short book. There was also a bit of romance.

Bad Guy is a great mafia thriller!

Thank you The Wild Rose Press for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Content warnings: death, parental death, broken bone, gun violence

Have you read Bad Guy? What did you think of it?

Review: Missing Clarissa

Title: Missing Clarissa
Author: Ripley Jones
Genre: Young Adult, Thriller, Contemporary
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: March 7, 2023
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

In a gripping novel perfect for fans of Sadie and A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, two best friends start a true crime podcast—only to realize they may have helped a killer in the process.

In August of 1999, dazzlingly popular cheerleader Clarissa Campbell disappears from a party in the woods outside the rural town of Oreville, Washington and is never seen again. The police question her friends, teachers, and the adults who knew her—who all have something to hide. And thanks to Clarissa’s beauty, the mystery captures the attention of the nation. But with no leads and no body, the case soon grows cold. Despite the efforts of internet sleuths and true-crime aficionados, Clarissa is never found—dead or alive.

Over twenty years later, Oreville high-school juniors and best friends Blair and Cameron start a true crime podcast, determined to unravel the story of what—or who—happened to this rural urban legend. In the process they uncover a nest of dirty small-town secrets, the sordid truth of Clarissa’s relationship with her charismatic boyfriend, and a high school art teacher turned small-town figurehead who had a very good reason for wanting Clarissa dead. Such a good reason, in fact, that they might have to make him the highlight of their next episode…

But does an ugly history with a missing girl make him guilty of murder? Or are two teenage girls about to destroy the life of an innocent man—and help the true killer walk free?

Review:

This is a suspenseful thriller! It really kept me guessing until the end. I couldn’t figure out what could have happened to Clarissa or who could have killed her. I really liked Cam and Blair. They were a fun pair of best friends to read about because they were similar but also different in a lot of ways. The ending was very fast-paced and exciting! I’m looking forward to reading the sequel!

Missing Clarissa is a suspenseful and exciting thriller!

Content warnings: death of parent (off page), kidnapping, stalking, grooming (off page)

Other books in the series:

The Other Lola

Have you read Missing Clarissa? What did you think of it?

Review: No Good Deed

Title: No Good Deed
Author: C.D. Bennett
Genre: Thriller, Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Source: Publisher
Format: Ebook
Release Date: June 26, 2024
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

No Good Deed…goes unpunished.

Kiya James’ relocation to idyllic Riverton Colorado is disrupted when she discovers a critically wounded man lying in a field near her home. Little did she know that her selfless act to save the man’s life would thrust her into a world of corruption, greed, and danger. As the only witness to the initial attack, and shaken by an attempt on her own life, Kiya is offered refuge with the victim’s family. Together, they struggle to uncover the circumstances that would trigger an unknown assailant to unleash a string of deadly attacks in an otherwise quiet rural ranching community.
Jake McCleary’s world could have been destroyed with a single bullet if it hadn’t been for the quick actions of a stranger. Now, in a desperate attempt to protect her, and his entire family, Jake must fight to defend his home, livelihood, and the woman who is rapidly capturing his heart, against the vicious actions of a criminal that will stop at absolutely nothing to get what he wants. But will they find the answers they need in time, or will they lose everything to the conceit of a madman? And will the bond between his wounded brother and the woman that saved him prove to be too big of an obstacle for Jake to overcome in the pursuit for Kiya’s love?

Review:

This book was suspenseful and exciting. I loved how close the McCleary siblings were. They all worked together to run their ranch, and to solve the mystery of who shot Dylan. There were quite a few heart pounding twists that kept me wondering what would happen next. The ending was sweet and heartwarming!

No Good Deed is an exciting thriller!

Thank you The Wild Rose Press and Bookinfluencers.com for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Content warnings: gun violence, knife violence, hospital scenes, blood, kidnapping, car accident

Have you read No Good Deed? What did you think of it?

Review: The Ghosts of Apollo

Title: The Ghosts of Apollo
Author: John Madower
Genre: Thriller
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Source: Publisher
Format: Ebook
Release Date: January 15, 2025
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

An edgy, modern spy thriller, The Ghosts of Apollo challenges our perception of the US space program, and our current world. Reluctant heroine Tess Shefford desperately struggles to protect a secret, hidden since NASA’s Apollo Program, as she races to solve an audacious modern crime. With her life in peril, how can she prevail with assassins on the loose, autonomous vehicles used as killing machines, data mining to expose deeply hidden secrets, and a system that does not trust her?

President Kennedy’s 1961 speech to Congress not only aimed to land a person on the moon and bring them back safely, it also set forth other objectives that we tend to forget.

This fast-paced novel follows the logical extension of the president’s speech and imagines where that might have led.

Review:

This story is about a device that communicates with a NASA satellite that was stolen by Russian spies. The main story was fascinating and exciting. There were a few times the story went off on tangents or told anecdotes from the past that didn’t really have anything to do with the main story. However I really enjoyed the twists and the way the story ended!

The Ghosts of Apollo is a great read!

Thank you The Wild Rose Press and Bookinfluencers.com for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Have you read The Ghosts of Apollo? What did you think of it?

Review: The Mystery at Love’s Manor

Title: The Mystery at Love’s Manor
Author: D.W. Thompson
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Contemporary
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Source: Publisher
Format: Ebook
Release Date: December 4, 2024
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Emma Love never thought she’d return to her hometown after years away from her estranged family. But when her sister-in-law is kidnapped, Emma puts her life on hold to help an old flame, Deputy Sam Mattingley, solve the case and bring Gwen home. With a degree in Criminal Justice and part-time experience working at a detective agency, Emma’s skills are tested.
As the layers of secrecy are peeled back, Emma realizes the mystery shrouding Love’s Manor and her brother’s marriage is more intricate than anyone could have fathomed. Can she navigate the convoluted trail of clues and locate Gwen before it’s too late? And what of her long-suppressed feelings for Sam Mattingley…are they merely a product of nostalgia…or something more?

Review:

This story was a thrilling mystery, with lots of twists that kept me guessing. The characters were well developed, with enough backstory to understand their dynamics and relationships. I thought I had the story figured out, and I was close, but I was surprised at the reveal at the end. This was a great story!

Mystery at Love’s Manor is a mystery that will keep you guessing until the end!

Thank you The Wild Rose Press and Bookinfluencers.com for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Content warnings: kidnapping, death, death of parents, drowning, car accident (off page), hospital scenes, adultery (off page)

Have you read The Mystery at Love’s Manor? What did you think of it?

Review: Fast Times, Big City

Title: Fast Times, Big City
Author: Shelly Frome
Genre: Historical Fiction, Thriller
Publisher: BQB Publishing
Source: iRead Book Tours
Format: Paperback
Release Date: June 22, 2023
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Like most people, Bud Palmer felt this was just another day. Though the era was drawing to a close, he assumed his life as a sports columnist in the subtropics, in keeping with the benign fifties itself, would go on as predictable as ever. But that particular autumn morning he was thrust into a caper that was totally beyond him, forced him to leave Miami and take the train to Manhattan, and suddenly found everything in this restless “Big Apple” was up for grabs, on the brink, at a dicey turning point.

Review:

This was an interesting thriller. Bud had to hunt for an aspiring actress who had stolen an important briefcase from some gang members in Miami. I loved the world building. It really felt like I was in New York in the 1950s.

Fast Times, Big City is a suspenseful thriller!

Thank you iRead Book Tours for sending me a copy of this book for a paid campaign!

Have you read Fast Times, Big City? What did you think of it?

Review: Empire of Billions

Title: Empire of Billions
Author: E. Masson
Genre: Romance, Thriller
Publisher: Author E. Masson
Source: Bookinfluencers.com
Format: Ebook
Release Date: August 13, 2024
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Amazon Best Seller. Book Lovers would truly enjoy reading this Novel.
A Must Read Novel Today.

Revenge may be a dish best-served cold.
But love can melt the hardest heart.

The Roberts family are super rich. But everyone knows that money can’t buy happiness.
And they should know. Losing their parents at a young age meant they had to rely on each other.

The four boys and their little sister had been taught that rules keep you safe. And what the brothers say goes. But what if the heart wants something else?

Elizabeth may be the youngest but now she’s all grown up. And her heart yearns for Henry Kinkaid — a man her brothers hate.

This just makes her more determined for their forbidden love to flourish. Only when she learns her lover’s dark secret does her heart threaten to shatter.

But how long can she keep Henry out of her life? Especially as she’s carrying a piece of him with her.

The Roberts brothers have strict relationships Keep emotions out of it.

But will the patter of tiny feet melt their materialistic hearts?
And will they bury old wounds before it’s too late?

Review:

This book is about multiple generations of a wealthy American family. They leave a trail of murders and trauma throughout their family tree. The story was exciting and intense. I would have liked to see more action and more description of the characters. This was a fast paced story that kept me intrigued until the end!

Empire of Billions is a great family saga thriller!

Thank you Bookinfluencers.com for providing a copy of this book as part of a sponsored campaign!

Content warnings: death, death of parents, car accident, gun violence, domestic violence, murder

Have you read Empire of Billions? What did you think of it?

Review: Janie’s Hope (Southport #3)

Title: Janie’s Hope (Southport #3)
Author: S.R. Fabrico
Genre: Thriller, Contemporary
Publisher: SRF Creations
Source: iRead Book Tours
Format: Ebook
Release Date: February 11, 2025
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Award-Winning author of The Secrets We Conceal, Call Her Janie, and Keeping Janie.

Janie’s Hope is a powerful and heartwarming conclusion to the Southport Series, set in a charming small town where secrets run deep, and love can heal the deepest wounds. Janie, a strong neurodivergent heroine raised by a reclusive billionaire, is finally ready to step beyond her sheltered world and uncover the truths of her past. Following whispers of her late mother, she journeys to Southport, where her father’s warnings of hidden dangers only strengthen her resolve.

Her existence has been shaped by stories of her mother, Lizzie Levine, and the fleeting moments they shared in Southport. Eager to uncover her past, Janie is determined to follow in her mother’s footsteps, even as her father’s warnings of danger loom large.

Enter Noah, the sweet and adorkable cinnamon roll with hidden abs and quiet confidence, who falls for Janie almost immediately, captivated by her fiery spirit. But hidden truths linger in the shadows, including Janie’s secret identity, complicating their growing connection.

In this emotional journey of self-discovery and love, Janie’s Hope will sweep you away into a world where second chances and found family collide, proving that sometimes, the strongest bonds are forged in the most unexpected ways.

Janie’s Hope will sweep you into an emotional journey of self-discovery, romance, and the unexpected strength of a found family. S.R. Fabrico’s storytelling captivates with suspense, passion, and unforgettable moments, making this finale a must-read for fans of heartfelt romance and compelling mysteries.

Review:

This book is the finale to the Southport series. I haven’t read the first two books, but this one can be read as a stand-alone. However, there were some complicated relationships that happened in the first two books, so it might be helpful to read them first. This was a thrilling read. It was fast paced and difficult to put down. Everything came together very well in the end so I think it’s a great ending for a series!

Janie’s Hope is a great thriller!

Thank you iRead Book Tours for providing a copy of this book as part of a sponsored campaign!

Content warnings: death, parental death (off page), kidnapping (off page), gun violence, cancer

Other books in the series:

Call Her Janie (Southport #1)
Keeping Janie (Southport #2)

Have you read Janie’s Hope? What did you think of it?