This is an incredible romantic suspense novel!

I absolutely love both of the main characters. They are very well developed and have many strengths and hangups that are very evident throughout the story. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how the interacted with each other and the additional characters in the book.

The plot of the story was very intricately woven. We found out fairly early on who they were looking for but the twists and turns that occurred kept me guessing as to how it would all play out. There were some wonderful surprises.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

This one was a real page turner.
The two main characters, Jack and Aubrey, were very well developed. I was rooting from them from the very beginning.
There were so many unexpected plot twists, the ending couldn't be predicted. I love when that happens. I like for a book to keep me guessing.
I enjoyed the writers writing style and loved the setting as I am from Corpus Christi.
If you like inspirational suspense, you will love this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley in exchange for my honest impression of the book.

Extra star added for not being able to put this down once I started it! It’s a trilling ride from start to finish as Aubrey and Jack race to stop spies from stealing government secrets. It’s the Chinese against the Russians against a man who may or may not be actually betraying his government. I loved the continual twists; from the start it’s clear that the fairly simple intel they get at the beginning is gravely understated.

Aubrey, a local detective, is ready for anything, and I was ready to root for her from the very beginning. She made an excellent lead and was a heroine that made me root for her right away. Her sidekick, old friend, and romantic interest Jack is a solid hero who brings the power and expertise of the FBI to her side in the hunt to find and stop her father and his cohorts/enemies.

The story is mostly geared toward suspense and solving the spy disaster they are trying to defeat; the romance is secondary but quite satisfactory. The Christian message is short but well stated. Overall, it’s a great thriller and a book I’m happy to recommend.

Content: clean. Would be suitable for teens as well as adults.

Thanks to the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.

“Love did that sometimes. Made you stay when you should run.”

This was a book with an intriguing storyline and fast-moving read. The opening chapter started with a killer scene that kept the suspense moving. Harris kept the mystery up with not knowing who was being targeted, a high ranking official or his like a daughter, Aubrey Grayson. Her absentee father has really impacted her trust in him, but God has put others in her life that she can trust…or so she thought. As her childhood best friend, and now FBI agent, Jack Shannon returns to help on the case, she struggles with him losing connection with her. I love how much they both work through the emotions of that loss in their relationship. Some of it is key to how this romantic suspense plays out. This was a great mystery, with conspiracies, kidnappings, danger and will keep you guessing as to who the bad guys really are. The romance had a lot of potential, but was a little on the short side for me. However, for mystery lovers, the light touch of romance is probably just right.

“…I can’t put my ultimate hope in people or circumstances. I can only put it in God, because he’s always faithful.” One of the key elements of Harris’ writing is the spiritual thread and Traitor’s Pawn does not disappoint. She weaves in how much God has protected and guided the characters’ lives. This is ultimately a book about giving forgiveness. It’s about accepting the person for who they are and putting your ultimate trust in God. I love how much Aubrey and Jack have to walk through some of those old fears to figure out this mystery.

“I do know that sometimes forgiveness is more for the person who needs to forgive than the person who needs to receive it.”
As Aubrey comes to terms with personal issues, she is learning to put things in the past. However, in the midst of danger those old doubts keep creeping back. The question is can she stay alive long enough to have a fresh beginning with the man who left her all those years ago? For mystery and conspiracy lovers, a fast-moving read with heart. Perhaps a little on the analytical side, but still a good read. It definitely had a rollercoaster ride of suspense to it, which I love!

I was given an ARC through NetGalley by the publisher. All opinions given in this review are my own and given honestly.

Traitor's Pawn is a page-turner from the opening scene. Almost immediately the heroine is on a race to help stop a traitor -- but it quickly becomes personal when the traitor is someone she knows well. Then Jack Shannon shows up and the sparks begin to appear. Best friends years ago, he walked away and Bree has never understood why. Thrust together to find the traitor before it's too late, the tension tightens with each chapter. Lisa Harris is quickly becoming one of my favorite romantic suspense authors.

I appreciate everything Lisa writers. She is definitely gifted in her genre. For some reason, this book wasn’t my favorite from her, but I can’t put my finger on why! That’s not to say it wasn’t good, just not my favorite. I can’t quite decide what didn’t jive with me. Maybe it was my mood! COVID19 Quarantine has been a doozy, and getting back into the habit of reading was a hard one for me. Let’s chalk it up to that!
The plot was intriguing, well thought out, and believable. I enjoyed the characters, but didn’t quite connect with them at first. I appreciate Aubrey’s logical framework, but I didn’t warm to her right away. I enjoyed Jack, a lot, but wished there had been more of him. Overall, the plot definitely drove me more than the characters in the first part of the story. Despite those feelings, Harris will continue to be a “pre-order author” for me, and I may try this one again when life is a little more normal.
What I did love about this book were the high stakes at every turn. Government secrets, international spies, and family entanglements make each new revelation one that you’re not sure you can resolve by the end of the story. Harris definitely kept me guessing until the very end. As always, a strong spiritual thread (that isn’t pushy or overdone) runs throughout this book. The beauty of forgiveness was on display!
Lastly, CAN WE TALK ABOUT THAT COVER?! Breathtaking. Revell has really been kicking it up a notch, but whoever designed this needs a raise. I can’t stop staring at it. It is gorgeous.

Detective Aubrey Grayson is looking forward to some time off to do some duck hunting with Papps, the man who has been like a father to her. However, things quickly head south when Papps is shot in front of her and she's kidnapped. Enter FBI agent Grant McKenna who's back in his home town to track down a lead on another case. Aubrey had been his best friend throughout school, but he quietly bowed out of the picture when she started dating his brother. As the two cases become intertwined, he realises he still has feelings for Aubrey, but he'd never explained to her why he left town in the first place. Is it too late to rekindle something between them?

This is a good romantic suspense, with likable leads. There's a lot of action, with Chinese spies, a plot involving Aubrey's biological father who may or may not be a traitor, and his ex who may or may not be involved up to the hilt. Faith issues surrounding forgiveness were also handled well., and there are lots of twists and turns. The only thing I wasn't crazy about was that the writing tended a bit too far towards telling rather than showing. There were lots of of scenes where we were told what the characters were thinking, rather than really being shown how it was affecting them. However, it was a good read overall. This is my first book by Lisa Harris and I would probably try another.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

When the opening line is "Watch your back....this isn't over", you can only hope the storyline truly delivers. Well The Traitor's Pawn by Lisa Harris is exactly what you would expect - fast paced, suspenseful and an engaging read. The lead female character is bold, brave and holds her own. She is not a damsel in distress, but rather faces her enemy with courage and intelligence. There a few twists and turns that keep you guessing as to who the traitor will be. Tension between family members adds to the characters complicated pasts that come back to haunt them. It's a book you won't want to put down until the end!

During this time of social distancing, you would think that reading would top my list of diversions. But distraction seems to be the order of the day. I have found that books with a lot of action keep my attention, and The Traitor’s Pawn by Lisa Harris fit the bill. Harris has long been a go-to author for me, and her latest novel is definitely one I will recommend to those whose favorite genre is romantic suspense.

Detective Aubrey Grayson and FBI agent Jack Shannon are the focus of The Traitor’s Pawn. Childhood best friends, the two are reunited by a shooting and kidnapping. The two become a team investigating Russian and Chinese spies and the Americans selling them information. Aubrey’s abandonment by her father set up trust issues and Jack’s long held romantic feelings for Aubrey muddy their friendship. The two work out their respective issues as the action heats up. And the books is certainly action-packed – shootings, bombings, kidnappings. The reader does not have a shortage of suspense-filled moments as the plot takes one twist after another. The two main characters depend on their faith in God to get them through the danger of the case and their rocky relationship.

As a fun escape, The Traitor’s Pawn was a great choice. Unfortunately, this page-turner was quickly read leaving me longing for more from Lisa Harris. But that’s ok — her books are well worth the wait.

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

Title: The Traitor's Pawn

Author: Lisa Harris

Chapters: 33

Pages:336
Genre: Christian Suspense

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Revell

The Traitor's Pawn is the first book that I've read by Lisa Harris and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. FBI Jack Shannon is in Corpus Christi Texas following a lead on his case only to find that Aubrey Grayson his childhood best friend and the woman he once loved has ties to the case. He's determined to keep her safe while solving his case.

This is a stand-alone suspense at least right now. I enjoyed the story it was a fast-paced suspense novel that only had a hint of romance which is how I like my suspense novels. The Traitor's Pawn is a suspense novel that has something for everyone, suspense fans who don't' like a lot of romance in their will like this one, and even romantic suspense fans will like this one because there is still hint of romance.

I read this one in two days I couldn't put the book down. I do know that I will be looking for any new books by Lisa Harris in the future and for now I plan to work my through her back list.


I received a copy of this book from the publisher a part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I did not like this book. The beginning was promising, but fell apart shortly thereafter. To me, this book read like it was written for young adults, or even teens. Run-on sentences were rampant throughout and became very annoying. The characters' internal thoughts read like junior high students when thinking about one another. The plot was okay, but the way the characters behaved just seemed fake, and stereotypical. I skimmed through several chapters, and then just jumped ahead and didn't feel like I had missed anything. I did not finish reading this book, as I could not stand it any longer. I have read other books by this author and enjoyed them, but this will not be making that list. The premise was good, but the execution was not. If this is a series, I would not read the next book.

This book started off with high intensity and lots of action, with a plot twist right at the beginning that drew me into the story! It’s part suspense and part spy thriller, with the added intrigue of Aubrey’s estranged father being part of the spy ring she and Jack are trying to bring down. The high-stakes action moments are nicely woven in with quieter, more reflective moments where Aubrey and Jack reconnect, as they work through the issues that drove them apart years earlier and she struggles to forgive her father. The story is full of twists and turns that kept me guessing right until the end! I really enjoyed this book, and I’m eagerly awaiting Lisa Harris’ next release!

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

FBI agent Jack Shannon is reunited with his childhood friend Aubrey Grayson in this thrilling suspense novel about spies, selling secrets and betrayal. Jack is supposed to be in Corpus Cristi investigating a spy ring that is passing secrets to both Russia and China. When Aubrey’s life is endangered, Jack jumps into action. I loved how their former friendship was revealed and how their current interaction is like prickly porcupines at first. I also enjoyed the storyline that is as relevant as possible in today’s world. I was totally enthralled with the family dynamics, too, especially the broken relationship between Aubrey and her father Charles. I liked how the author protected all of the innocents who were caught in the crossfires of the investigation and how she tied up all the loose ends in a believable and satisfying way at the end. This is a completely clean read, I’m happy to say, so that I can recommend it without reservation to all of my friends and, most importantly, to my teenaged granddaughters. Thanks to the author for a book worth reading that was clean! Fans of Christian romantic suspense will not want to miss this spy thriller that is spine-tingling, edge-of-your-seat reading!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher Revell via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Lisa Harris has done it again! Like the rest of her books, The Traitor's Pawn is absolutely incredible. You won't be able to put this one down!

Aubrey and Jack were best friends for years, but grew apart when Jack suddenly moved away. Now that they're both working in law enforcement, can they rekindle their friendship? Can Aubrey forgive the people who have hurt her most? Will Jack's long-hidden feelings resurface?

I loved watching Jack and Aubrey's story unfold. The Traitor's Pawn was full of redemption, forgiveness, and grace, as well as a great love story.

*I was provided a complimentary copy of The Traitor's Pawn from NetGalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book has a LOT packed into it. Betrayal by people our characters wanted to trust and love, patriotism, treason, childhood friendships, surrogate family... all things that make for a really good story!!

It's probably not just me, but I am a sucker for things Aubrey had in her life. Her childhood was rough and she didn't get the love she needed from her family, but someone else stepped in and filled the gap for her. She has a childhood best friend who, though they drifted apart for a time, is always there for her.

Speaking of that friendship, I loved the teasing and humor that Bree and Jack had together and how it came back naturally even after so much time. The best friends are the ones who can always make you smile and laugh. All throughout the book, there were little things that would pop up and just show the depth of the friendship. [I think that anyone who grew up with a close guy friend could relate to that fear of trying to move forward but "what if we ruin what we have?" feelings. (hide spoiler)]

There is a huge theme of letting go of anger and learning to forgive that is especially poignant because [Bree has been abandoned by her father her whole life, yet she has always longed for his love and still wants it. He's hurt her over and over and now is trying to use her (hide spoiler)]. It's wrestled with well and Bree and Jack have lots of good conversations about their faith and how it impacts what's going on and what has happened in the past. At one point, Jack says, "I do know that sometimes forgiveness is more for the person who needs to forgive than the person who needs to receive it". It took me a long time to really learn that and I'm glad authors are putting it into their books.

This was my first book by this author. The characters were well developed and the connections were well defined and useful. The story was good overall.

The Traitor’s Pawn grabbed my attention from the opening pages and held it throughout.
Former best friends Aubrey and Jack and brought back together in an investigation to find the person who is selling US government secrets. And the investigation is intense.
Lisa Harris delves into police procedure and the dangers surrounding Jack and Aubrey while giving readers a feel for the Corpus Christi, Texas, area. And, of course, there’s the history and unresolved questions between these two characters.
Aubrey’s character is well-developed with a great arc throughout the story. There are some extremely difficult choices she must make at times. And her ability to offer forgiveness despite her past hurts is admirable.
On the flip side, I would have liked to see a little more development of Jack. He’s there when it counts but we don’t get the insight into him and his life that we do Aubrey’s. That said, I was cheering for him to get the girl by the end of the book.
If you enjoy romantic suspense that leans toward the procedures and processes of investigation and where the romance takes a backseat to the suspense, add The Traitor’s Pawn to your list of books to read.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Another hit from Lisa Harris!
The action begins from the get-go in this story. Detective Aubrey Grayson is spending a little vacation time duck hunting with the man who is like a father to her and a former senator, when they are shot at, hitting the senator. Aubrey goes after the shooter. How's that for a starter to an action packed story?
FBI special agent, Jack Shannon, is in town working on another case. Or, are the two tied together? Jack and Aubrey were close childhood friends. Then, Aubrey starts dating Jack's brother, and it changed everything between them and their friendship. Jack moved away and they lost touch. Now, he's back in town and the case brings them together again. Who, besides myself, is a sucker for action with a little romance thrown in?
This one is a real page turner.
I was given a complimentary copy from the publisher, Revell and Netgalley. I was under no obligation to write a positive review.

My favorite kind of novel starts right in the middle of the action! The Traitor’s Pawn starts off with an attempted abduction as Aubrey Grayson tries to make sense of why anyone would want to kidnap her. Aubrey’s long-lost friend from childhood, FBI Agent Jack Shannon, happens to be in town with an investigation of his own. Their paths cross as Aubrey realizes her connection to the FBI investigation. Aubrey’s involvement in the case becomes personal when she finds out why she’s the target.

I’m a fan of Lisa Harris. Her novels are always action-packed with lots of plot twists. I enjoyed the super-fast pace of The Traitor’s Pawn. The chemistry between the two main characters worked well, as they had been childhood friends that never wanted to wreck a friendship to take a chance on a romantic relationship. I liked the fact that Aubrey was in law enforcement and became part of the investigating team. While Jack felt protective, Aubrey held her own and I enjoy stories with strong female leads.

The story had a lot of depth while delivering plenty of intrigue. This gets a definite “must read” from me. It’s definitely a page-turner.

Overall: 5 stars (I loved it, couldn’t put it down)
Suspense: 5 stars (Non-stop edge-of-your-seat suspense from start to finish)

I received an ebook review copy of this book from Revell Publishing via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The Traitor’s Pawn by Lisa Harris

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Lisa Harris presents her readers with a fairly suspenseful new story that is well written with good characters but can be a bit slow at times.

Lisa Harris has become an author who’s stories can be hit or miss with me. I’ve loved reading her Nikki Boyd series as well as several others but I never know if her newest books will be worth the time. Thankfully, this latest release was pretty good. The main characters were likable and the plot was well developed but the story did run a bit slow at times. It begins with a newly promoted Houston Police detective who is taking a short vacation before diving back into the many cases on her desk. Aubrey Grayson has worked hard for her position and is pleased she has finally achieved her goal of making detective. Her mentor and surrogate father, former Senator Grant McKenna/”Papps” has invited her to his hunting cabin in South Texas and Aubrey is enjoying the time away. But her restful weekend becomes anything but that when the senator is unexpectedly shot. Hoping others heard the shot and will come running, Aubrey takes off to capture the attempting killer. She is taken by surprise when he sneaks up on her and demands that she come with him. Knowing this will not end well, Aubrey acquiesces while she ponders a way out of this situation. Meanwhile, Agent Jack Shannon is meeting with his brother, Adam, for breakfast when they are called in to help with the shooting/ kidnapping. Jack is also in town to follow a lead on his most current case but he quickly sets that to the side to find out where the kidnapper has taken his former best friend, “Bree”. They catch up to the boat she was taken in but Aubrey has already overpowered her assailant and subdued him. But the danger is not passed, in fact it is about to get a whole lot worse. When those in charge see that their man is about to be taken in for questioning, they will quickly seek to silence him. So begins a non-stop search to find out what is going on and who is the intended targets. And when the case that Jack is working is shown to be connected to Aubrey’s, there are even more players added to the dangerous game that someone has drawn them into. Jack and Aubrey will have to work very fast to find all the connections if they are going to keep more people from dying. And if they can make it through this case alive, they might have a chance at finally becoming more to each other than best friends. There was a lot of good plot and crime drama to work with in this story, which is why I was sad that it flowed so slow. There would be some great spurts of action and development on the cases and then it would move into some dragging conversation. Also, I was a bit miffed that Jack was such a chicken when it came to telling Aubrey how he felt. I’m of the opinion that if you love someone, you should fight for them. Jack just tiptoed around his love for Aubrey and that made me dislike him a bit. Even Aubrey was annoyed with him when he wouldn’t be straight with her about what he felt. But overall, I felt the book was good and seemed worth my time to finish. Perhaps if it was shortened a little it might have been even more likable. I will recommend this book as a fairly good read but not one that will keep you up late, desperate to find out the answers. Hope Ms. Harris gets back to her better writing like in her Nikki Boyd series for the next books.

I received this temporary complimentary E-book from Revell Publishing via NetGalley in order to provide a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.