This is a mystery or suspense novel for readers who like lots of character thinking about past events. There is a great deal of rehashing of events from ten years ago and the relationships between key people then. There is some essential relationship information not revealed until near the end of the novel so many of the previous memories and thoughts about them really are not that important to solving the mystery.

I had mixed feelings about the characters. Delaney is a good heroine, having healed pretty well from past hurts. Hunter was hard for me to like as I felt he was way too pushy in wanting to rekindle a romance with Delaney. Jess was certainly a good foil to the investigating efforts of Hunter and Delaney. I felt his character and opposition was a bit over done.

The villain was no surprise to me as I anticipated the result early on. Irvin added a red herring or two, such as Michael's client, but they did not feel genuine to me. There is a little suspense near the end, marred by a long explanation of the reason behind the murders. There is a good faith message included. I just don't feel this novel is up to Irvin's previous offerings.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Kelly Irvin delivers a suspense loaded thriller that keeps the reader guessing until the end. A decade old murder is mirrored in the present, is there a link? The original crime found the guilty party, or did it? He has always claimed his innocence and now the question is: is he telling the truth or has he done it again? With attention to detail, characters that spring off the pages, and adrenaline filled late nights, this book will entertain and keep the pages flipping no matter the hour.
Delaney has always clung to family, since losing her parents at a young age. Her brother means the world to her, until he is tragically and horrifically torn away from her by murder. She will never forget finding his body. And the guilty party? Her boyfriend Hunter, her brother's best friend. A court of his peers found him guilty, despite his not guilty plea, and he spends the next 10 years behind bars. Delaney has done her best to move on with life, staying close friends with a number of people from her brother's life before his murder. But now another murder invades her life, and there are many similarities to her brother's murder a decade ago. With an ominous warning to stay out of it, the killer is back and closer than Delaney realizes. On the same day of her best friend's murder, Hunter is released from jail. He has spent the last 10 years proclaiming his innocence, though no one seems to listen. He lost the support of his girlfriend at the trial, but his love has never died. He needs to find out once and for all if she will believe him. So he starts to hunt for the truth the cops missed all those years ago. With a new murder hanging over his head, Hunter is quickly running out of time. He and Delaney both have crosshairs centered on them the closer they get to revealing the real killer's identity. But who could it be?
Kelly Irvin delivers her best book to date. The adrenaline was pumping for most of the book as her realistically flawed characters come to grips with danger, lost love, and the possibility of second chances. They are so relatable as they fight their way through trials, doubts, and fighting through to the end. This page turner will keep you up late to find the answers everyone is seeking. A must read for any suspense reader. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a story of second chances and everyone deserves a second chance to prove themselves. I liked the plot and the main characters…. Delaney Broward’s brother, Corey, was brutally murdered, and Hunter Nash, Delaney’s boyfriend at the time, was convicted of the murder. After a ten year incarceration, Hunter is released from prison. He intends to prove that he did not kill his friend. That he served 10 years for a crime he did not commit. Of course this causes one to be bitter. On the very same day he is released, Delaney’s best friend, Ellie, is murdered. Because of the timing and commonalities in the murders, Hunter is once again the targeted suspect. Now he has to prove he did not commit this one. You will enjoy all the ins and outs as Hunter searches for the murderer and the dangers that lurk. Also once again romance blooms…..I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Enjoyable read:
Hunter had been wrongfully convicted of murdering his girlfriend's brother. Now out of prison he was determined to not only prove his innocence but to also win her back. Meanwhile Delaney had suffered much loss and was still hurting and angry with God. I was glad to see some personal growth and her faith being restored, however it still felt a little lacking to me.
The murder/mystery aspects were stronger than the romantic ones and I thought that the plot and flow of the investigation progressed smoothly. There were plenty of twists and I liked how it kept my attention without burying me in endless facts.
Overall this was an enjoyable romantic suspense with a light Christian message of trusting God and maintaining one's faith even in the face of terrible loss and hardship.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Wow! This was a Nailbiter!

Have you read books that as you’re reading your eyes widen and you gasp out loud? Well you are in for treat. This is one of those books! I tend to try to figure out who did it and this book will keep you wondering until it finally clicks.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

Because I have enjoyed the light Christian romances written by this author I was intrigued to see she had written a Christian Romance Thriller. Set in San Antonio (probably my favorite city), I quickly dove into the read. The main character, Delaney, has had a rough life. Ten years ago her brother was murdered and her boyfriend was found guilty of the crime. The boyfriend, Hunter, has just been released and is still claiming his innocence when another murder occurs. Not exactly the usual premise to rekindle an old flame but Hunter believes that if he can find the real guilty party, he can at least redeem himself in Delaney’s eyes. While this is definitely a romance, it is light on the thriller side. To me, this was more a story of loss, finding or refinding your religion and redemption.

The Christian theme is strongly carried throughout the book but especially with Hunter. Through the help of a Pastor, he is leading a new life. I would have enjoyed seeing a little more depth of this character to better understand his transformation however only glimpses were given to help the reader understand the person he was and the person he has become.

Delaney appears to have inner strength and has dismissed Christianity from her life. But this turns out to be a partial façade that has allowed her to continue her life after the death of her brother and the incarceration of her boyfriend. As the story opens, her best friend has been murdered and she may be the next person on the killer’s list.

Keep an eye out for a few red herrings – but then again, you may only realize what they were in hindsight which is a kudo to the author and her skill.

In Trust Me, author Kelly Irvin transports the reader to San Antonio, Texas for an intriguing Romantic Suspense story that will keep the reader guessing and turning the pages.

Delaney Broward's brother Corey was murdered a decade ago in his art studio, and his best friend and Delaney's boyfriend Hunter Nash was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to fifteen years.

Ten years later, Hunter is paroled and determined to prove his innocence, find the real killer, and regain Delaney's trust.

Delaney walks into her best friend Ellie's shop and finds it trashed and Ellie stabbed to death, and a man dressed in black and a dark stocking over his face grabs her and threatens her to stay out of it or she'll be next.

Hunter finds himself a person of interest in Ellie's death, and he talks Delaney into joining forces and investigate both Corey and Ellie's deaths. They are determined to find the real killer and prove Hunter's innocence before the killer places a target on them.

Author Kelly Irvin weaves a fast-paced and suspenseful tale written in the third person narrative that follows Delaney and Hunter as they search for the truth behind the murders of Corey and Ellie, and embark on a dangerous cat-n-mouse game with someone who will do anything including targeting them next in order to keep the truth hidden.

The reader will be easily drawn into this action-packed and well written story with its richly descriptive plot that will keep them guessing as secrets, possible motives, deceptions, and clues are uncovered during the search for the killer. Just when you think you know who is behind the murders, the author teases the reader with unexpected twists and turns that keeps them sitting on the edge of their seat and guessing until the surprise ending.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention how much I loved the intertwining of a Christian themed story with intriguing suspense, and the angsty underlying attraction between Delaney and Hunter. You can't help but hope that they can regain trust in each other, and get a second chance at rebuilding the love that was so cruelly taken away from them in the past.

Trust Me has enough drama, tension, action, dark secrets, a touch of romance, and unexpected twists and turns that will take the reader on one heck of a thrilling roller coaster ride.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.

https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2022/02/trust-me-by-kelly-irvin-vbt-book-review.html

"The truth is always a good place to start. Sometimes a person had to dig deep for it, through layers of friendship, grief, sweet memories, and the sheer desire to slough off anything that would hurt. To the aching, bruised, incontrovertible truth."

Ten years ago, Delaney's world fell apart. Her brother was murdered, and her boyfriend was found guilty of manslaughter. But now he is out of prison, and he claims that he is innocent. And she wants to believe him until her best friend is murdered the day that he gets out of prison. Now she does not know how to find out the truth.

This book is layered with secrets. Unlike Irvin's other suspense books, this one has a cast of characters as suspects. A group of friends was a part of an art co-op that fell apart when Delaney's brother died. Despite the circumstances, they have stayed in contact and tried to support each other. But perhaps more is there than meets the eye.

One aspect I appreciated about this book is that the original detectives are involved in the new case. This book is positive about law enforcement. The officers want to get to the truth.

This was an enjoyable suspense book with a touch of romance. While I predicted certain parts, most of the plot kept me guessing. There was an evident process of growth in the characters.

I requested to read this book through NetGalley. I wanted to review it. All opinions are my own.

I loved this latest release that was full of suspense! This book focuses on Delaney, whose brother was murdered about ten years before. She is left with no one after her boyfriend is convicted of the murder. She finds it hard to trust anyone after this happens. The name trust me is so key to this story, but leaves a person thinking about how much they trust others and God. The book begins tens years later with Hunter getting out of jail. He is trying to figure out who really murdered his friend and connect with Delaney. Quickly after getting out of jail, he realizes he better pick up the pace to discover what is really occurring. If you like action-packed stories, then this book is for you! I highly recommend this book and know you will not be disappointed!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, this is my own opinion.

Oh how I loved Hunter Nash! My heart broke for him so much early in the story.

Released after serving eight years for killing Corey Broward, his best friend and girlfriend’s brother, Hunter is looking for a fresh start. He’s always professed his innocence though no one believed him, including girlfriend, Delaney, didn’t believe him.

Now that he’s a free man, Hunter is determined to find Corey’s real killer.

Which could be a problem for Hunter when on his release day from prison, Delaney’s best friend, Ellis, is killed in the same manner as Corey.

So, does the same type crime involving the same circle of friends and the same overzealous detective also involve the same man convicted of the first murder?

Hunter Nash claims to be innocent of both murders and looks for a killer while everyone looks at him. A skeptical Delaney eventually joins him, unable to forget the man who attacked her after Ellie’s murder and told her to, “Stay out of it or you’re next.”

Irvin’s top notch suspense thriller makes us wonder if we can ever truly know anyone, and can there be redemption without grace.

Enjoy!

Ten years ago, Delaney Broward discovered her brother’s bloody body in his art studio. With his death, she had no one left. Because police charged her boyfriend, Hunter Nash with the crime. Now she’s rebuilt her life, set the past behind her, and runs a profitable framing business in San Antonio’s River Walk art district. When she goes next door to check on her best friend, Delaney discovers another horrific crime—and the killer.

His chilling words, ‘Stay out of it or you’re next,’ haunt her as she recovers from her injuries and grieves her friend’s violent death. Could the two murders be related? What should she stay out of?

Hunter Nash has served eight years for a crime he didn’t commit. An overeager detective and poor legal counsel put him away for an unthinkable crime—murdering his best friend. The day he gets out of prison, the detective, older and wiser now, shows up asking for his alibi. There’s been another murder—this time Delaney’s best friend and her brother’s former girlfriend.

Convinced the two crimes share a connection, Hunter sets out to prove his innocence and win back Delaney’s love. Both tasks seem impossible. Prison changed Hunter, though, and his newfound faith helps him as he struggles to become the new creation God wants him to be.

Why I Loved This Book

Irvin excels at spine-tingling, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and you won’t want to miss Trust Me (trust me!). The local flavor adds depth to the story, and readers will relate to characters who choose to make changes in their lives through God’s power.

As will all of her suspense, Irvin does a masterful job of keeping the killer’s identity a secret—no easy guesses in this who-done-it! Fans of Colleen Coble and Cara Putman will love this book.

A decade ago, Delaney Broward discovered her brother’s murdered body at the San Antonio art co-op he founded with friends. Her artist boyfriend, Hunter Nash, went to prison for the murder, despite his not-guilty plea.

This morning, Hunter walks out of prison a free man, having served his sentence.

This afternoon, Delaney finds her best friend dead, murdered in the same fashion as her brother.

Stay out of it or you’re next, the killer warns.

Hunter never stopped loving Delaney, though he can’t blame her for not forgiving her. He knows he’ll get his life back one day at a time, one step at a time. But he’s blindsided to realize he’s a murder suspect. Again.

When Hunter shows up on her doorstep asking her to help him find the real killer, Delaney’s head says to run away, yet her heart tells her there’s more to his story than what came out in the trial. An uneasy truce leads to their probe into a dark past that shatters Delaney’s image of her brother. She can’t stop and neither can Hunter—which lands them both in the crosshairs of a murderer growing more desperate by the hour.

My review: This is the story of Delaney learning to trust Hunter again after he was convicted of killing her brother. She believed in his innocence right up until he was convicted. Hunter maintains he didn't do it even when he is released from prison. The morning he's released another murder happens. How can he convince Delaney he didn't kill her brother or her best friend? The police don't want to look at anyone by Hunter either. Delaney seems to have lost her faith during the last decade. Hunter found God in prison. Their rolls are now reversed. The killer is revealed and Hunter is vindicated.

I was given this book by Thomas Nelson Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

Gripping and Engaging

Wow! I wasn't sure what to expect with this story, but from the onset and beyond it kept me on the edge of my seat!

Ten years ago, Delaney Broward's brother, Corey, was brutally murdered, and Hunter Nash, Delaney's boyfriend at the time, was convicted of the murder. After a ten year incarceration, Hunter is released from prison. Coincidentally, Delaney's best friend, Ellie, is murdered on the same day that Hunter is released from prison. Because of the timing and commonalities in the murders, Hunter is once again the targeted suspect.

With all that he's been through, Hunter finds himself on a mission to prove that he is innocent of the crime he was incarcerated for as well as maintaining his innocence in Ellie's murder. Hunter also wants to regain Delaney's trust and friendship, while maintaining the hope that they can possibly renew a relationship. And although Delaney doesn't trust Hunter's claim of innocence in the murders, she agrees to work with him on finding the truth, while insisting that a relationship beyond that is a no go.

I absolutely loved and thoroughly enjoyed Trust Me! It is a wonderful mixture of romance and gripping sit on the edge of your seat intrigue and suspense. Integral elements of trust and forgiveness were also integral parts of the story that added even more to the plot. It is also very thought provoking in that it really makes you think of the sad reality that being falsely accused and convicted of a crime or any situation, doesn't just occur in fiction, but also in real life. All of these elements were flawlessly woven together in this fantastic story that will not only have you guessing all the way through, but will also touch your heart with a deep sense of what it truly means to trust and forgive.

***I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.***

"It wasn't over. In fact it was just beginning, but she didn't need to know that" (location 106). I thought this book got off to a great start. The very day Hunter is released from prison for killing Delaney's brother, Delaney's best friend is murdered. Coincidence? Hunter soon finds himself embroiled in another investigation even though he claims he's innocent and only wants to find the truth. Delaney doesn't know what to believe anymore.

There's a lot of danger and a few twists. I liked how Hunter reached out to kids and wish that had played a bigger part in the story. I also felt there should have been more of an acknowledgement from the detectives at the end. It was a solid suspense. I enjoyed it.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I have really enjoyed Kelly Irvin’s suspense novels, and the description of this one definitely sounded intriguing. The story starts off with Hunter being released from prison after serving time for a murder he didn’t commit. He sets out to prove his innocence and win the forgiveness of his ex-girlfriend Delaney. Things are complicated when another one of their friends is murdered on the same day he is released.

While I appreciated the uniqueness of the story, I didn’t enjoy it as much as I have the author’s other books. I didn’t really feel connected with the characters, and the secondary plot line of Hunter's investigation into the original murder felt a little like filler and a distraction from the real killer rather than a valuable part of the plot. Overall, it was still an enjoyable story, and if you’re a fan of the author I think you’ll still want to give it a try.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

What a story! I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. It flowed flawlessly from page to page.

In Trust Me, Hunter Nash has just been released from prison for a murder he swears he didn't commit. The murder of his best friend who also happens to be his girlfriend, Delaney's brother. He makes it his mission to prove his innocence to the world along with Delaney. The growth of their reunion is lovely. They must work together and it's quite organic. I appreciated Hunter's desire to not overwhelm Delaney, but to slowly show her his innocence. I also really enjoyed Delaney's growth as a person after her brother's killed, her boyfriend is sent to prison, and then her best friend is murdered. Her desire to stand on her own two feet and fight for her future.

The theme of forgiveness is quite prominent. The need to forgive those who've wronged you, to forgive yourself for your own wrongdoings, and to forgive those who've wronged those you love. I really appreciated how well Ms. Irvin handled these difficult topics! All in all, this is a great book for lovers of romantic suspense!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

I have been reading the author's books right from the start and always look forward to reading every one of her books.
This suspense, as many of her books takes place where Kelly knows the area the best. Texas.
Texas has a lot going on and makes for action filled reading.
Delany Broward's brother was murdered a decade ago and her boyfriend Hunter Nash was blamed and jailed for this despite his plea of not guilty.
Hunter finally walks out of jail a free man, very soon after this her best friend is found dead in the same manner as her brother.
Coincidence? Proof of guilt? What would you think?
Delaney is broken, she's lost a lot. Her parents,her grandparents,her brother,her best friend. How much more can a person take. Through her tragedies she's lost her belief in God and lives with bitterness.
Hunter comes out of jail still claiming his innocence and with a strong conviction. He's found God in prison, he believes now and will do everything in his power to make Delaney a believer again.
He's working so hard at getting his life back on track and showing Delaney he is a worthwhile person, he has never stopped loving her.
He never counted on being blindsided by being a murder suspect again.
Slow burn romantic suspense done right. It will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat to an ending you won't see coming.
#TrustMe #NetGalley

Pub Date 08 Feb 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

This was the first suspense I've read by Kelly Irvin. I really enjoyed her Amish book, Love's Dwelling, so decided to read more of her and I have to say that this was just as great. I was drawn into Delaney and Hunter's story right from the beginning and read it all in one short afternoon. For the first half of the book I just read to enjoy it then I started thinking about who could be behind all the killings and finally figured it out. I'll definitely be checking out more of her mysteries!

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Published 8 February 2022.

A decade ago, Delaney Broward’s brother, Corey, was murdered in the art Co-Op he owned with his best friend and Delaney’s boyfriend, Hunter.

When circumstantial evidence pointed directly at Hunter, he was soon convicted of manslaughter. When he is released from prison he heads home to San Antonio determined to prove his innocence.

On the day of his return Corey’s old girlfriend, Ellie is murdered in her shop. Once again Hunter is under suspicion. It was Ellie’s testimony that help seal Hunter’s fate.

Delaney wants nothing to do with Hunter, her heart is bitter and she has turned her back on God. Hunter, on the other hand, has found God in prison and wants her to help him clear his name.

Are Ellie and Corey’s deaths connected and is Delaney the next target? Having nowhere else to turn, Delaney joins forces with Hunter, even though she really doesn’t trust him. Is Hunter innocent, or is there another killer out there ready to strike again?

Whew! This story had me tense from beginning to end, waiting for another shoe to drop, waiting to see who was behind everything, not wanting it to be who I thought it was, not wanting any other person close to Delaney’s heart to be hurt. Irvin masterfully fashioned this plot to be both a roller coaster ride and a slow burn all at the same time – and I loved every minute of it!

Delaney has already dealt with more loss than any one person should before they even reach middle-aged. And not just heartbreaking losses but horrifyingly tragic losses. Her brother viciously murdered. Her boyfriend sent to prison for it. Ten years later, her best friend (and her brother’s former girlfriend) murdered the same way. The same day Delaney’s ex-boyfriend Hunter comes back into her life, released from prison on good behavior. He’s found God; she’s turned her back on them both. The way the author presents their new relationship dynamics is realistic and well-paced. Delaney’s wariness doesn’t immediately vanish just because Hunter tries to convince her of his innocence. They don’t pick up their romance right where they left off. They’ve both changed so much in the last ten years, both traumatized by her brother Corey’s death. The author addresses this with authenticity and sensitivity, and I felt it really solidified their characters, their layers, and the growth they experience as the novel progresses. It also makes that first kiss after 10 years all the more delicious!

Bottom Line: Trust Me by Kelly Irvin is aptly named – an exploration of relationships, of trust, and of betrayal, set against a backdrop of riveting suspense and heart-in-your-throat danger. Twists you won’t be expecting. Turns that take your breath away. Honest questions & raw answers on the goodness of God. It’s a well-written, steady-paced novel that will keep you glued to the page and deeply invested in Delaney & Hunter’s story. A must-read for fans of Natalie Walters, Colleen Coble, and Irene Hannon!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)