I think this is one of DiAnn Mills' best novels ever. The tension, the characters, the stakes, the story take a grip on your heart and never let go.

What's great is these characters are believable, so much like real life characters. There's a little humor, a lot of suspense, some seemingly impenetrable mystery, and a desperate, handsome, loving father who is trying to figure out why it's all happening. He draws FBI special agent April into the fray--or rather his baby daughter does.

What's not to like about this story?

Romance is good.
Suspense is good.
Mystery is good.
It's a page-turner. So you won't go wrong by purchasing this book.

Five of Five stars. This review has been Facebooked and Tweeted
(Received this book from Netgalley. This is my honest review.)

FBI Agent April Romos is surprised when a woman shoves a baby into her arms, and then disappears. Then a man comes and holds a gun to her head demanding his daughter back, but she isn't about to give him the baby until she gets to the bottom of who she belongs to.



Jason Snyder doesn't know who to trust, the night before his best friend was shot, and the sheriff's main suspect is him. He just wants his daughter back and his name to be cleared.


As April sees the baby and Jason interact, she is convinced that he is the father, but she wants to see things done right, and help him and his daughter live in safety. The FBI wants her to back off, and let them handle it, but April is determined to see it through and help Jason even if it hurts her career. She is a caring and compassionate agent, and she is devoted to seeing justice done.



Jason is a brave man who fights to protect his own. He is a Christian, but comes to realize that in the craziness of the latest event he hasn't been living that way. He is a likable character, even though what he is doing isn't.



Overall, this is a action packed read, with a great combination of mystery and action, as well as great characters and dialog. I liked Jason's parents and Miss Ella, who were a great help to Jason and April. Corruption and intrigue come together in this riveting read that is hard to put down. Definitely recommend!





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Suspense at its best - Burden of Proof provides a thrilling read. When the lives of innocent children and families are at stake, stopping a killer becomes vitally important.

On a day when a negotiation ends badly, the last thing hostage negotiator April Ramos wants to have happen is a baby thrust into her arms. The day only worsens when a man claiming to be the baby’s father takes April hostage at gunpoint. Jason Snyder is determined to prove his innocence of his best friend’s murder. Taking FBI Special Agent April Ramos hostage is the only way Jason knows how to rescue his daughter and make someone believe his innocence. April isn’t sure what to believe, but as she gets to know Jason and his family a little better and they start digging into the case together, she is resolved to uncover the truth.

DiAnn Mills does suspense and criminal investigation stories so very well. Burden of Proof combines chilling crimes and a race to prove innocent one man, while compiling a case of evidence against another.

While the events of Burden of Proof only span a week it feels a lot longer. There are many developments, unfolding clues, new evidence brought to life and big twists, yet nothing feels rushed or develops unrealistically quick. Jason and April have to work hard to uncover the truths behind the case.

Jason is a construction worker, so it is refreshing to see a civilian working a case in this suspense novel. He is good at it too, and often takes the lead from April, who instead uses her hostage negotiation skills and work in public corruption to doggedly work at the case and support Jason as he battles grief, anger and desperation.

While the majority of Burden of Proof is focused on the detective work and trying to stay alive, there is still time for romantic feelings to grow between April and Jason. While the case and their lives complicate the getting-to-know-you phase of the relationship, there is no denying the attraction they share or the desire to see where it might take them in the future. They also share a connection to God, and it is April who, through the duration of the story, allows Jason’s faith to bring her closer to Jesus and her own faith.

I am always eager to get my hands on a new DiAnn Mills Christian romantic suspense novel, and Burden of Proof did not disappoint.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

“It all started when the negotiator became the hostage” (location 4675). When a murder suspect takes FBI agent April Ramos hostage, he tries to convince her that he’s been framed. Jason’s actions seem so contradictory that April doesn’t know what to believe. As she investigates, things become more complex and intertwined.
It’s pretty clear early on who the main villain is but that doesn’t subtract from the suspense. It makes it all the more creepy as you see him twist and manipulate the facts, abusing his authority. I enjoyed that this story had people who were clearly bad, people who were clearly good (like Miss Ella), and a bunch of people in the middle to leave you guessing which side they really should be on.
This is a great action adventure story. So much had happened by the time I was ¾ done, I couldn’t imagine how there could be a ¼ of the story left. But the pace didn’t lessen and it never dragged for me. There were twists that took things in a new direction. It was quite interesting and sometimes surprising.
If you like suspense, I’d highly recommend this book. Thank you to Tyndale House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Burden of Proof is the start of the FBI Rapid Response series by DiAnn Mills. It starts out in such a way as to draw readers in, but also to get them emotionally involved. One of the readers in my house was looking over my shoulder and was caught up in the mystery and intrigue of the story. The whole thing seems crazy, but it also demonstrates the desperation the characters feel.

The unknowns keep the story going, but a lot of the supporting details are predictable. Yet somehow the end results are uncertain. Near the end, it seems like things will end a certain way and it is not quite what this reader is expecting. Of course, as with all mysterious events, it seems like the story is headed a certain way, but the way things happen is a bit different.

The main characters are interesting and likeable. Especially admirable is FBI agent April Ramos and her desire to bring justice and support truth over protocol. She is an interesting character and her actions take a great deal of courage. The other main character is Jason and as the story unfolds, it makes one wonder what could have happened had he decided to just allow the FBI to handle things.

Surprisingly, this is the first book I have read by Mills. I have heard many good things about her, so I’m glad to have had the opportunity to read one of her books. It did not disappoint.

April Ramos is a skilled negotiator for the FBI. However, she never expected to find herself on the other end of the equation.

Jason Snyder is caring for his baby girl after losing his wife. His world is turned upside down when his best friend is killed and his daughter kidnapped. How far will he go to find his daughter and get justice for his friend?
Mills has crafted well-developed, realistic characters for this tightly plotted suspense. While things started a bit slowly, the pace did pick up and build throughout. April and Jason are strong leads, and I couldn’t help but root for Jason and his daughter. Scenes were easy to visualize. Forgiveness and healing are key themes. As the first book in Mills’ “FBI Rapid Response” series, this installment sets the stage for further engaging reads, particularly as this book contains an ample amount of action and suspense.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley, but I wasn't required to leave a positive revview.

While it did take me a few chapters to get into this book, I did end up enjoying this book and it was a great read. I am not normally of fan of mystery and crime fiction but this book was just what I needed to read. DiAnn Mills reminded a bit of Dee Henderson and her novels so if you are a fan of her's then definitely read this book. Despite it being a mystery and crime novel it was not at all dark. I loved the characters of April and Jason and it was great to see how they wrestled with their views during such a rough time. April wants to do what's right by the law but at the same time wants to help Jason get justice. Jason want's justice but also wants to put his daughter first and not put anyone else in danger.
It was a great read and a story I am glad I read.

Loved the story! Lots of action, mystery and suspense. Miss Ella's southern charm along with her deep faith in God was special. April was tenacious when trying to solve a crime and keeping everyone safe. Her pain of losing a person through hostage negotiation could be felt. Jason's love for his daughter was so sweet. This book grabs the reader from the beginning and will keep their interest throughout. Highly recommended!

Let me preface this by saying that I LOVE suspense filled Christian Fiction books! Like, really, I can not get enough of them. Some of my favorite authors include Lynette Eason, Dani Pettrey, DiAnn Mills, and Dee Henderson. I'm kind of a closet junky with this genre. But never fear, I went in to the reading and reviewing process of this book with an open mind. Like a blank slate. My mind was totally void of any preconceptions. But alas, I have to admit, this was definitely a 5 star book!! Read on...

So to start with, this is the beginning of a series entitled "FBI Rapid Response". (I'm hoping a long, drawn out series. The more the merrier when you find something you love!). Mills is wonderful at researching her topics and making sure she gets all the facts correct. She has a great track record in that department (make sure you check out some of her other books). She's laid the groundwork in this novel for the series by developing strong characters throughout that the reader quickly comes to love. Intertwining their lives in such a way that it feels real, like friends or acquaintances you know in your every day life.

Beyond the characters, the scenes and scenarios flow so effortlessly between the pages that it's easy to get lost in their world. Before you know it you've quickly progressed from the start of the book to the end. The fast paced, edge of your seat suspense keeps you on an ever winding roller coaster of a ride.

My suggestion? You pre-order this book and eagerly await the October 9 release. And clear your schedule. You will easily want to read it in one setting. I know I did. You won't be disappointed!

As previously mentioned, I give this book 5 stars! And 2 thumbs up!

**I was provided a copy of this book for my honest review**

Readers who love DiAnn Mills’ books will love this one! This is quite a unique storyline for an action/suspense novel. The first chapter of the book has at least two surprising twists. At one point, I wasn’t quite sure who was the “bad guy” or the “good guy”, and could hardly put the book down. Action, suspense, romance—this story has it all. Adding in great characters and dialogue make this a well-written, exciting story.

It’s always a pleasure to read a Christian suspense novel with no foul language or embarrassing scenes. If you’ve never read one of DiAnn Mills’ books, begin with this one. You’ll soon become one of her faithful readers.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

What an interesting intense suspense........I was hooked from the first page and it held me tight through the entire book. Well written with lots of action from the beginning! The plot was interesting with strong characters. We have a man jumping from a bridge to his death. A baby kidnapping, a FBI female kidnapped and held hostage, a man fighting for his innocence. There are so many twists and turn to this great novel and throughout you see the strong faith of the characters and the strong corruptness of other characters. 
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Romantic Suspense. ....I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.

Negotiation with Benson, three hours of talking and thought she had gotten thru to him and he asks one question. Who called him in, was it his ex wife, thinking she was worried there would be no alimony check. Depression hits hard for April, six years and now has lost two people.A sugar fix was needed. April got something else at the donut shop, a baby. Father comes saying she has his daughter, she was kidnapped last night.Showing her a gun, that it was his say of how this was going to be done.Jason showed no signs of deceit, the charges were many, and now FBI April is involved. Will it be April’s knowledge, or plain logic with a child at stake of what she was going to do. The story line is unusual, gripping, all logic even for reader, of how April would handle. Life for all is on the line, for taking an officer, if found, he would be killed on site. This is a book you can’t put down, it is a must read story by the author. Given ARC by Net Galley and. Tyndale l for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.

This book drew me in from the first page and it held me tight through the entire book. The plot was interesting and intense with the corrupt police, a man fighting for his innocence, and a woman caught in between.

These characters were so well written and complex.  I loved April's dedication, Jason's temper, and their passion to get to the truth. Just when you think you have a feel for the story, plot twist! 

I loved trying to figure out what was really going on and who was corrupt. I felt like I was April’s partner, trying to get the facts straight. It was a blast!

Recommendation: I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Romantic Suspense

*I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.*

Burden of Proof is a pretty good suspense filled story. Full of action, mystery and adventure.
I give it 4 1/2 stars.

I really enjoy DiAnn Mills's books and Burden of Proof was no different. She did a great job of setting up the plot to keep you guessing and there was definitely a twist towards the end.

I thought the characters were interesting. I would have liked a bit more detail on the main "bad guy" to give him a bit more interest, but overall the characters were pretty well rounded. My biggest issue was that the main character, April Ramos, was not super convincing as an FBI agent. I was hoping she'd be a stronger character, but she seemed several steps behind the entire time.

All-in-all I enjoyed the book and I will definitely read more by Mills.

DiAnn Mills writes another fantastic, on-the-edge-of-your-seat, suspense-filled (but not "scary") romance featuring FBI agent April and murder suspect Jason. The story takes place in just a few action-packed days, but the depth of character displayed in those few days is incredible. April sees real-life Christians acting out their faith in ways she's never seen or experienced in the middle of serious and scary situations. Jason and his family face abduction, near-miss shootings, and betrayal by friends. Great read!

DiAnn Mills has written a compelling and (mostly) believable story The books begins with FBI Special Agent April Ramos trying to talk Benson off the ledge from which he is threatening to jump. Before she can recover from that experience, a young woman thrust a baby into her hands before disappearing into a parking lot. Minutes later a man accousted April, claiming that he is the child’s father. Not knowing who to believe — she keeps the child and arrests Jason for kidnapping. Big Mistake. But would take most of the book to figure that one out.

What follows is a well-written story that twists around a variety of families — some to be trusted, some not. But of course, that is what makes for an interesting story.

The book will be appreciated by those who are fans of romantic thrillers — I did. The author did a good job showing how the faiths of both April and Jason grow as they work together to separate those who can be trusted and those who cannot be trusted. But one issue routinely presents itself in the typical romantic thriller. This pastor remains concerned about why a book from a Christian author and publisher would model a healthy romance developing in a week or two. Though the relationship grows too quickly given real people, the issues that face two people falling in love are not ignored. Given the confines of a single novel, it is the compromise that must be acknowledged.

Despite that concern, the story is fun and worth the time spent reading. The book will be well received by the church library. The elements of faith are not overwhelming; the book will also appeal to the general public. Thus, it would be worth purchasing for one's personal use or as a gift for other readers.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

"Burden of Proof" is a Christian romantic suspense novel. The hero helped the corrupt, local sheriff's wife and child escape his abuse, and the sheriff will do anything to get them back. The sheriff sets the hero up as the main suspect in a murder.

The hero has a temper and made some bad decisions. He insisted on doing things his own way and sometimes even kept important evidence to himself. The heroine tries to win his trust and to keep him from (legally speaking) messing up the evidence that has proven so difficult to gather. She has her hands full.

The suspense was created by the repeated attacks on the main characters. The main characters were likable, but I often felt exasperated with the hero since his actions often needlessly put the heroine (and himself) in danger. By the end, he realized that his desire to be in control (even the illusion of control) hadn't helped matters. The characters occasionally prayed for help. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this exciting suspense novel.

A fantastic story with loads of adventure and examples of faith and forgiveness and the work of God. Love the characters!

I love a book with so much to think about. I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

DiAnn Mills is hit or miss if I enjoy her romantic suspense. Some of her books take place with terrorists plots, and I don't like those type of stories. But for romantic suspense to work, I need a good bit of suspense as the main idea with a little bit of romance sprinkled across the top. I don't want the romance to be the main storyline. Some romantic suspense authors do make the romance the main storyline. It's fine for them, just not my type of story. With DiAnn Mills latest story Burden of Proof, I believe the suspense was the main focus.
Her description was well-written. I had no problem visualizing any of the settings or the people who populated the story. Emotions were described just the way they should be without overwhelming me. The third person point of view captured my imagination.
The plot was definitely something I haven't seen done before. It was original and predictable. I think it was predictable because Mills told you who the bad guy was early on, but she lead me down a trial of clues to prove what she wanted the readers to know. No evidence. No convinction. The story moved at a fast pace. I finished the book in over a day. I really wanted to see how they would catch the bad guy and who was all involved.
The characters of April and Jason drove the story. I did find it weird that Jason who did work in any type of law enforcement agency knew just as much about the inside workings of the FBI as April who was a FBI agent. April, the heroine, was a strong heroine who put herself in some daring positions in order to bring justice to Jason who she believes in innocence. Jason, on the other hand, ignores all the rules telling him to hide and keep cover until the case is solved.
The romance didn't rush through the pages. There were moments Mills jumped the gun with their emotions by stopping the fast pace of the novel to allow Jason and April to ponder their growing feelings for each other. It didn't really bothered me. It just took me out of the story when I was reading it.
Overall, A Burden of Proof by DiAnn Mills is a unique story filled with fast paced novel and a hint of romance that proves not all claimed guilty people are actually guilty. I think fans of Irene Hannon, Lynette Eason, and Colleen Coble will be excited to read this latest version.
I received a complimentary copy of Burden of Proof by DiAnn Mills from Tyndale Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.