I wanted to love Susan Sleeman's "Minutes to Die" and I did like it.

But, you hear a but coming, right?

Well, yes, there is a but. 

But, I struggled with connecting to Kiley after her character changed completely from what we saw in "Seconds to Live" now, I'm not saying that I didn't like her, I liked her well enough, I just didn't love her character as much as I expected to.

Evan, hmmm, he was okay, I liked how he grew from his past and it was nice to follow his story as he healed from the past.

Honestly, I liked the idea of the book but the plot lacked the action that I expected, I'm sad that this one is not my favorite book from Susan Sleeman.

I do still look forward to the next book in the series.

There was something that made me uncomfortable about the beliefs the characters had but it wasn't something bad, per se. Just a warning.

I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Another enjoyable read! The second book in this series is just as good as the first. Again, there's plenty of mystery, suspense, and romance. Kiley and Evan are both characters that I like. One mystery is still unsolved, so on to the next book, as soon as it comes out!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance e-book. All opinions of this book are my own.

This second book in the series belongs to FBI agent Kiley Dawson and ICE agent Evan Bowers.
When a terrorist attack is identified, Kiley and Evan are put in charge of the mission.
But these two have a history . Kiley blames Evan for the death of her former partner, and the animosity towards Evan is evident. While Evan carries the guilt of his bad call.
As they are faced to work together and the danger increases, so do the  feelings.
Will they be able to stop the terrorists? Will they survive the danger ? Will they each go their separate way or will they allow the feelings to develop?
This was an action packed story with interesting characters and a subject matter that is very real.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and the publisher. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

Terrorist plots. Millions of lives on the line. Unforgiven anger. Grudges that fuel that unforgiveness. 

Minutes to Die is full of suspense that has you turning pages late into the night. As FBI Agent Kiley Dawson and ICE Agent Evan Bowers must track down a terrorist cell that smuggled two terrorists into the US in a shipping container. But these two agents have a past. Kiley blames Evan for the death of her former partner and this anger threatens to impede this investigation that needs to thwart this attack that could be bigger and more deadly than 9/11. 

Fast-paced, and ever-evolving, Minutes to DIe had me guessing what was around the corner as each new chapter began. I enjoyed watching Kiley and Evan learn about forgiveness as they learned to work together. I loved this story and can't wait to see what's next in this series!

This book was intense and kept me on the edge of my seat from the first page. I found these characters interesting and relatable and I loved how well they complimented eachother. 
I would recommend this book to anyone.

A book that is so real, it felt like we are on the team, and often holding your breath, expecting the next shoe to drop, hoping it is not too late.
We are transported across our country, from coast to coast, and all the while trying to figure out the target of these culprits, and hoping that the team and all that are helping will be in time.
The main characters FBI Kiley and ICE Even end up back together, there is friction between them, and God's hand is needed, forgiveness. Can these two work together for the good of our Country? Will all of these agencies be able to put their egos aside for the greater good.
In the end will everyone be in time, and this horrible threat and hate be thwarted. You are about to embark on a journey to save the lives of many, and hope those who serve will be alive at the end.
Yes, this one quickly became a page turner!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

Kiley and Evan have a heap of trouble ahead of them as they race the clock to stop terrorists from killing millions. Add in the fact Kiley has a major grudge against Evan and sparks start flying.
The lessons Kiley was forced to learn, that not everything you think you know as truth is true, and I was hooked. The suspense builds from page to page, increasing in intensity until you can't take anymore. 
I only wish there was more emotional connection from Kiley and Evan. I love digging deep into characters' emotions, so this is entirely a personal preference on reading. The suspense completely kept me riveted and the final chapter had everything I could want all wrapped up in a pretty picture.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via netgalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

If you like shows like “24” or “Mission Impossible,” check this book out.  It has a crack shot team out to find the culprits bent on a deadly mission.  The problem is that they don’t know who the culprits are or what their mission is.  With the anniversary of 9/11 days away, they know they’re running out of time.  There’s a fantastic sense of urgency and desperation, action, and danger. 
I loved seeing how they went about trying to find and track down leads.   I enjoyed meeting the team members and can’t wait to learn more about them, especially Mack. I love how they work together and support each other and even tell one another when they’re making decisions based on emotions instead of wisdom. 
I enjoyed this intense ride and would highly recommend it.  Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book.  All opinions are my own. 

Homeland Heroes series:
Book 1:  Seconds to Live
Book 2:  Minutes to Die

"Minutes to Die" is a Christian romantic suspense. The team only had seven days to stop a terrorist threat that could kill millions of people. This did create high suspense, but I was confused by why the main team focused so much on who was going to carry out the attack rather than on trying to determine the target of the attack. I was also baffled by things like why someone would get a tattoo providing the key to a code since usually one tries to hide a code's key. But mostly I was distracted from the suspense because Kiley deserved someone more supportive than Evan. He was a self-centered, manipulative jerk.

Evan promised to be of great help to the team, but he spent most of his free time fantasizing about kissing Kiley rather than looking for ways to help. He was told to make sure that Kiley got enough to eat, drink, and rest, but he didn't even do this simple task. She was professional and very focused on the task of saving millions of lives, but he kept forcing the issue of talking about their relationship even though this could have waited the seven days until the job was done. He demanded that they talk about it even when he knew it would upset her and disrupt the much-needed nap she was about to take or pull her focus from tailing the bad guy.

He also undermined her authority by questioning her plans and refusing to follow her orders several times. Twice, he tackled her to the ground when someone shot at them, preventing her from doing her job. Yet Evan was very, very dismissive of Kiley's concern when he did something dangerous. He justified all of his behavior as acceptable because he "loved" her so much, and a member of Kiley's team said the same. This caused Kiley to start doubting everything she did. It wasn't until Kiley finally agreed to consider a relationship with Evan that he suddenly became supportive, telling her what a good job she's doing and saying they needed to stay focused on the job. I would have been more impressed if he'd been that way from the start rather than waiting until 24 hours before the terrorist attack.

At one point, Evan suddenly grabbed and kissed Kiley. It was such an Amazing Kiss that they're convinced they need to get married. Kiley convinced herself that this feeling must be love. Pretty sure that Amazing Kisses and a disrespectful, controlling attitude aren't mentioned anywhere in the Bible when defining love, though. Kiley struggled with forgiving Evan and trusting God with her loved ones. There was no sex or bad language.

Edge of your seat suspense:
Wow, what a action packed and suspenseful book! It drew me in from the very beginning and I thought the pacing was excellent. The investigation was complex yet it evolved and was shared in such a way that you are able to track along with them. It was frighteningly realistic and had me frantically turning the pages to find out what would happen next.
I enjoyed the mystery and suspense but there was also a touching personal side to the story. Kiley and Evan used to work together years ago yet there are hard feelings between them. Tensions run high now that they are suddenly thrust back together to work on an imminent threat. I was so glad that they were able to work through their respective issues and find forgiveness and ultimately love. I really liked that unlike in the previous book, this time I could really feel a connection to the characters. They seemed real and authentic and I could also feel the energy and chemistry that existed between them. Furthermore I loved the reminder to let go of our fears and rather rest and trust on God's promises.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

With terrorism and cyber security in the forefront of today's news, this makes for a timely novel. Readers will get an inside view of the FBI's RED team as they are deployed to find a terrorist threat set for the 9-11 anniversary. By cooperating with several agencies, time will the essence as FBI Agent Kiley Dawson and her team race for answers. ICE Agent Evan Bowers will join the team and Kiley will have to face their past. I think the romance aspect got in the way of the story at times but on a whole this is s very enjoyable read. Recommended!

When her Confidential Informant is gunned down in the street, FBI Agent Kiley Dawson asks for the lead on the investigation. Kiley is a member of the elite FBI Red Team. She, Mack, Sean and Cam work well together. This is her first time to take the lead role, but this is personal. Her CI had become a friend. Firuzeh Abed was coming to tell Kiley about a possible terrorist attack on 9-11, which is just days away. Her last words were “port, coma, B342”.

While Kiley’s team begins their investigation, ICE Agent Evan Bowers is closing in on some illegal immigrants thought to be in a shipping container at the port in Tocoma, WA. When the two investigations collide in cyberspace, Evan is brought on board with the Red Team. He and Kiley have a history, and it isn’t a good one. Kiley blames him for the loss of a team member a few years back. Can she put her feelings aside and work with Evan to find these terrorists and what their intended target might be?

Susan Sleeman brings us her second installment of her Homeland Heroes Series with MINUTES TO DIE, a dynamic, inspirational thriller. Kiley and Evan are well-developed, realistic main characters with a strong work ethic. That’s a good thing, as this fast-paced, emotion-driven storyline leaves little time to rest, sleep or even eat. The cast of supporting characters includes Kiley’s team, as well as agents from just about all the “letter” government organizations and several local law-enforcement departments. This means a lot of resources at their fingertips. Kiley and Evan crisscross the United States from coast to coast, with a few stops in between in search of these terrorists. Even more terrifying is the fact that they don’t know where the attack will be, nor the weapon that will be used. MINUTES TO DIE is a story about fear, loss and unforgiveness … about holding on to anger and letting it eat away at you. Can Kiley find a way to trust Evan and move on? If you love police procedural and are looking for a good inspirational thriller, this is your book!

This is a fast paced suspense novel about an FBI agent and an ICE agent who with other members of their special team are tasked with finding out before it’s too late where to find terrorists that were smuggled into this country and tasked with an attack that would kill thousands of people.  Kiley is the FBI agent in charge and this is the first time she has been team leader.  Evan, the ICE agent, is new to the team, but has worked with Kiley before.  Each member of the team has an area of expertise and Kiley and Evan work closely together because of Evan’s experience with terrorists of all sorts.  

I really enjoyed this book.  Even though some of the terrorist plots were scary for our country if they come to fruition at some point, it was an interesting peek into some of the intrigue                                           being played out in today’s culture.   I am recommending this to anyone who wants a good read that will totally involve them and keep them glued to the story until the very last page.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Net Galley.  All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

FBI Agent Kiley Dawson learns from her confidential informant that there is a big threat on the United States. But she is unable to learn more. Her other elite team members add their expertise. But they need help from ICE Agent Evan Bowers. The problem is that Kiley DOES NOT think she can ever work with Evan again. She blames him for an incident that happened as a part of another team. She is not sure she can forgive him. 

This book's positive traits: teamwork, learning to use strengths, working together. Sean, Mac, Cam and Kiley definitely have each other's backs. I liked the fact that Evan was willing to work with them no matter what. The mystery itself was interesting. How the terrorists arrived into the country was a bit scary. All of the levels that they went to on behalf of destruction was also scary. And everything that the team had to do to determine the solution required a lot of involvement. The result was the reader felt a bit frantic with them.  I liked the fact that there was resolution in some of the relationships by the end of the book.

Negatives:. Occasionally this team acts rather elitist - they expect all other law enforcement officials to help them immediately. But they do not always seem to be team players or aren't willing to disclose their own 
knowledge.. Some of that was due to clearance levels, but occasionally this attitude got annoying. 
They all worked SO hard that they rarely slept. I can't figure out how realistic that type of devotion really is for days on end.

Overall I did like this second book in the Homeland Heroes series. I do look forward to reading book three. My final rating is 4.6 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for letting me read an early copy. I wanted to review the book, and all opinions are my own.

'Evan grabbed a rifle as a spark of adrenalin lit in his body.  He willed himself to calm down, but the fire sizzled like ignited detcord.'

The elite FBI Red Team has intel that terrorists have been smuggled into the country and are planning an event that will far surpass 9/11.  Kiley Dawson heads this mission and must work with ICE Agent Evan Bowers, a man she holds responsible for the death of a fellow agent years ago.  Can she set aside these feelings to work with Bowe3rs and prevent this tragedy?

Once again Susan Sleeman proves she just cannot write a bad book.  Quite the contrary.  From the first few sentences to the riveting climax, this book is pure high-octane suspense.  Guaranteed to set your nerves and senses on high alert, Sleeman's writing is pure adrenalin to the system of her readers. 

When you read a Susan Sleeman book, you don't just read a terrific book with great characters and and plot, you get an education.  She researches police procedures and weaponry to a tee and it brings even more depth to the story.  I absolutely love this aspect of her books!  Sleeman is a go-to author for me without even reading the synopsis.  If her name is on it, I'll read it.  Every time.  Highly recommended.  

*My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for a copy of this book via Net Galley.  The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

Minutes to Die
by Susan Sleeman


 Bethany House 

Bethany House Publishers
 Christian 
Pub Date 04 Aug 2020



I am reviewing a copy of Minutes to Die through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:



The intel every agent fears tells them terrorists have been smuggled into the country, FBI Agent Kiley Dawson, and ICE Agent Evan Bowers must take this terrorist cell down, a terrorist cell whose determined to unleash the deadliest attack on the United States since 9’11.  The problem is Kiley blames Evan for the death of her previous partner, so she can barely stand being in the same room as him, but she has no choice but to work with him because millions of lives are at stake.



If it wasn’t for a bad call, Evan had made Kiley’s partner wouldn’t have been killed.  Evan has to live with the guilt of that decision for the rest of his life.  But when Evan starts falling for her, the death of Kiley’s partner seems to be an impossible obstacle, but it is the last thing he needs to think about.  When the terrorists plot targets Kiley's family, the two are pushed to the breaking point in a race to save countless lives.




If you are looking for an action packed read, that holds a lot of Intrigue and Suspense, I recommend Susan Sleeman’s Minutes to die.




Five out of five stars!



Happy Reading!

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.

Sleesman has written another awesome can't put down book that will make you sit on the edge of your seat to see what happens next! 
Another reason I liked this story so well was that it raised a few hairs on the back of my neck in some places. 
Certain things happen in life that are often out of control and the only thing that we can do is make it right the best way we know how. 
I appreciate the way the teams work together and how they respect each other to make things happen. 
Great characters and an awesome plot with some pretty cool twits and turns that I didn't see coming. I love surprises like that. I finished the book in one afternoon. 
I enjoyed getting to know Kiley and Evan and thought they made an awesome team.
This book deserves 5 stars and more.
My thanks to Netgalley for an awesome read! I highly recommend this book for people who like this genre. It's awesome! 
I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.

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.