Greetings Friends!
Today, I have a REVIEW of BURDEN OF PROOF by DiAnn Mills as part of the Lone Star Book Blog Tour for this release in a brand new series!
BURDEN OF PROOF
FBI Rapid Response, #1
by
DiANN MILLS
Genre: Inspirational /Mystery / Suspense / Romance
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Date of Publication: October 9, 2018
Number of Pages: 416
Scroll down for the giveaway!
Reeling from a negotiation gone wrong, FBI Special Agent April Ramos is caught off guard when a frazzled young woman shoves a crying baby into her arms, then disappears. Worry for the child’s safety quickly turns to fear when a man claiming to be the girl’s father abducts them at gunpoint. April puts her hostage negotiation skills to use to learn more about who she’s dealing with: Jason Snyder, a fugitive accused of murder.
As Jason spins a tall tale about being framed for the killing of his business partner, April must sort through his claims to find the truth. A truth that becomes all the more evident after April overhears a conversation between Jason and the local sheriff and realizes something more sinister may be happening in their small town of Sweet Briar, Texas. But aligning herself with a known fugitive to uncover the burden of proof could cost April her job . . . or worse, her life and the lives of other innocent people.
PRAISE FOR DiANN MILLS:
“The tension level rises as layers of lies are peeled away in multiple plot twists.” —Library Journal
“DiAnn Mills is a master of fast-paced and intricately plotted romantic suspense.” —Colleen Coble, Bestselling author
“[A] fast-moving, intricately plotted thriller.” —Publishers Weekly
I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest and thoughtful review.
“It all started when the negotiator became the hostage.”
This was such an exciting and intense story that set a thrilling tone from the opening line and delivered until the final sentence.
Told from multiple perspectives, each added layers to the growing suspense and built anticipation for the final and unpredictable showdown. The majority of the story follows April, an FBI hostage negotiator, who becomes a hostage herself when Jason decides that he has nothing else to lose in his quest to prove himself innocent of murder. Jason’s point of view provides key insights into how his anger, frustration, and grief led him towards committing a desperate act, while April is able to use her skills to keep the situation from escalating even more and also detail the intricate process of the criminal investigation. This approach continued to add depth and emotional understanding to so much of their individual decision-making throughout the narrative. The author’s balance between the good and bad forces at play where crime is involved created the perfect blend in the shades of gray that dwell within these two power dynamics.
The race is on to compile the evidence that will not only prove one man innocent, but also make the case of guilt in another’s. There is an extensive and heinous list of crimes that April and Jason set out to seek the truth on, and as the detective work picks up pace, so too does the mutual attraction felt between them. Despite the nature of their meeting, which could certainly complicate first impressions, the romantic feelings that develop between them never seemed rushed or unrealistic. It is ultimately through their shared connection to faith that inspires them to support each other through their own personal tribulations in an effort to build a relationship together in the future.
“If you’re lucky and come out of this without destroying your career…”
April’s path from law enforcement official, to hostage, to fugitive, and back was quite interesting and not something I come across often. Her ability to connect with individuals in their worst moments as a hostage negotiator puts her in a unique position to help others and the juxtaposition of her sense of duty to Sheriff Willis’ corrupt and abusive power highlights the fact that there are also good and bad players even within those thought to protect us. There is so much to overcome at all levels though Jason’s vigilante justice certainly begins to put the wheels of change in motion.
The colorful cast of secondary characters really cemented the small town feel of Sweet Briar, especially Miss Ella, who added heart, soul, and humor to the spiritual qualities of the story.
This well written plot was fascinating to read and really set some high expectations for the rest of the series, which I’m thoroughly looking forward to continuing!
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.
Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne du Maurier, Inspirational Reader’s Choice, and Carol Award contests. Firewall, the first book in her Houston: FBI series, was listed by Library Journal as one of the best Christian fiction books of 2014.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is co-director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.
DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas. DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers.
GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!
5 PRINT ARCs!
OCTOBER 9-18, 2018
(U.S. Only)
BEST OF LUCK!
Many thanks to Lone Star Book Blog Tours and DiAnn Mills! It was an absolute pleasure reading, reviewing, and hosting! Be sure to check out the other stops on the tour for more opinions and extras!
VISIT THE OTHER GREAT BLOGS ON THE TOUR:
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10/9/18
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Excerpt
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10/9/18
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Author Video
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10/10/18
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Review
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10/11/18
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Top List
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10/11/18
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Top List
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10/12/18
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Character Interview
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10/13/18
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Review
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10/13/18
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Excerpt
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10/14/18
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Playlist
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10/15/18
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Review
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10/16/18
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Review
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10/16/18
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Excerpt
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10/17/18
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Video Guest Post
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10/18/18
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Review
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10/18/18
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Review
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blog tour services provided by
That's What She's Reading 
Thank you so much for hosting me on the blog tour! I appreciate you!
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Great review! I love a book that draws you in from page one! Instant gratification!
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Thanks so much!
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Thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review! Can't wait to read more!
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I so appreciate your kind comments and encouragement.
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Great review! I'm excited to read Burden of Proof!
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I like the red & blue police light glow on the cover
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