Deadly Holiday

Deadly Trilogy #3.5

by Alexa Grace

It is four days before Christmas and all is not quiet as the characters you grew to love in The Deadly Trilogy books fight their inner demons, deception, and pray for miracles in this action-packed novella.

Shawn Isaac is a bright five-year-old who has experienced more than his share of domestic violence and abuse. His disappearance, the day he testifies against his father, terrifies a county who has already lost three young women to a vicious serial killer. What secret drives him into hiding as a deadly winter snowstorm bears down upon the area, putting those who love him most at risk?
Anne Mason-Brandt escaped the wrath of a vicious serial killer five years before. But the fear she had then is nothing compared to the terror instilled by a life-threatening disease and a secret that could blow her and Michael's happy marriage apart. Is love enough?

Nine months pregnant, Jennifer Brennan-Stone has a secret that will change Blake's and her life forever. She's already lost one baby and this pregnancy has her on bed-rest. Can they find a small boy who doesn't want to be found before it's too late?

Frankie and Lane Hansen are having an up-close-and-personal impact to their finances thanks to a lousy economy. One of them has a secret that could make a bad situation even worse.

Tim Brennan and his wife, Megan fell in love with their pink Victorian house the first year of their marriage more than thirty years before. As Megan plans to turn their lovely home into a bed and breakfast, Tim is unsure he can share his wife, home and memories with strangers.

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance, Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Crime, Mystery, Contemporary

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 10, 2012

About the author

Alexa Grace is the USA TODAY bestselling author of riveting romantic suspense novels including the Deadly Series and the Profile Series.

Alexa’s journeys into suspense are accurate police procedurals with a healthy dose of passion. A voracious reader, she has been influenced by writers ranging from James Patterson to Lisa Gardner to Nora Roberts.

Her books, Deadly Offerings and Profile of Evil, have been recognized by RT Book Reviews as Top Picks. Profile of Terror was awarded Best Romantic Suspense of 2014 by the Little Shop of Readers Reviewers Choice.

Alexa Grace earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication and a Master’s degree in Education from Indiana State University. Before becoming a full-time author, she worked as a corporate training director.

An Indiana native, Alexa divides her time between Indiana and Florida. She has a daughter and four Miniature Schnauzers, three of which are rescues.

As a writer, she is fueled by Starbucks lattes, chocolate and communicating with her street team and readers.

Books by Alexa Grace:

The Deadly Series
1. Deadly Offerings
2. Deadly Deception
3. Deadly Relations
4. Deadly Holiday

The Profile Series
1. Profile of Evil
2. Profile of Terror
3. Profile of Retribution
4. Profile of Fear

Reviews:
"Grace delivers enough sizzle to raise the temperature, showcases her talent for sharp repartee and executes the action like an ace fighter pilot. With riveting suspense and commanding characters, this is one addicting, must-have summer read." 4.5 out of 5 stars.
— Diane Morasco, Reviewer for RT Book Reviews

"... great chemistry, a great sexual tension, and enough drama to fill a corn field... really great mystery, with just a touch of horror in the form of a serial killer...I definitely recommend this if you are into romantic suspense novels!"
— Liz at Fictional Candy

Reviews

[Sharon Goodenough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly Holiday takes the reader on a fast trip that covers the days before and right after Christmas. You will laugh and cry. You will bite your nails in anxiety and curl your toes when you’re swept away with the passion in this express ride that covers everything from a small boy who has never known anything but pain in his life to a crazy scene of passion that’s hotter than Christmas cider.

Will a five-year old boy be found before officials are forced to call off the search for him because of an impending blizzard? Will Anne and Michael be able to save their marriage after a life-threatening problem threatens to change their lives forever? Will Jennifer deliver a healthy baby this time? Can Tim and Megan come to terms over a vision Megan has for their lovely Victorian home? How will Frankie and Lane work through the financial worries that is driving them to bankruptcy. And this doesn’t even begin to cover some of the surprise twists of life and death Ms. Grace has effortlessly woven into this novella.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novella, “Deadly Holiday.” It is an excellent story that will help take your mind off all the pressure of the holidays.

[My Book Addiction and More MBA · Rating 5 out of 5]

DEADLY HOLIDAY by Alexa Grace is an exciting romantic suspense. A delightful Christmas novella,such is part of the "Deadly" trilogy, but can be read as a stand alone. See,"Deadly Offerings","Deadly Deception", and "Deadly Relations". With search and rescue,danger,deceit,lies,a fight with breast cancer,secrets,domestic violence,romance,and love. The characters return from the "Deadly" Trilogy to help with this nail biting suspense to hopes of finding a Christmas miracle. Ms. Grace has done it again with this fast paced,quick read that is not only suspenseful,but heart lifting at a time when we all need a little Christmas cheer. Amazing story. More please....Received as a gift from the author. For more information please visit the author's website,CreateSpace publishing,and My Book Addiction and More.


RATING: 4.5

HEAT RATING: MILD

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews

[Phoebe Weitzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing piece of work by Alexa...Wow! I loved it and couldn't put it down! I loved reading the updates on all my favorite characters to see what is going on in their lives-especially at Christmastime. I am never disappointed with Anne & Michael, Megan & Tim, Blake & Jennifer, and Lane & Frankie...they are amazing! I feel like part of their tight circle of friends when I read about them. The story line in Deadly Holiday brought tears to my eyes because even at 5-years old the friendship bond between the boys was amazing. Thanks, Alexa...keep the books coming because I need more! You truly are a top-notch writer...and the very top of my list! I can't wait for the Profile Trilogy!!!

[Brett McArdle-Navarrete · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good story but who doesn't. Obviously, readers fall for the main characters of a book and any secondary characters that are introduced to help advance a story line; but sometimes I want to know what happens to the secondary characters. In the Deadly Trilogy that's exactly what author Alexa Grace has done continue the story line with each set of secondary characters that have been introduced. In Deadly Holiday, she brings everyone back for a great holiday/suspense read. I couldn't put it down!!! Thanks for continuing the story on all my favorite characters, I look forward for the next trilogy.

[DAISY READS HORROR · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved the cover of this book!I enjoyed the story too. It was a mystery during the Holidays. I liked it alot.

[Winter Sophia Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt, Gripping, Twists & Packed With Action! An Exciting Read! I Loved It!

[Chandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

READ THE DEADLY TRILOGY BEFORE READNG THIS NOVELLA... or miss out on a truly terrific series!! Another terrific work by Alexa Grace!! I just purchased this book last night and absolutely had to finish it this morning!! I just couldn't seem to put it down. I thought it was a terrific idea to write a novella about the past characters to allow readers to catch up and see that happily ever afters do indeed need continuous work to achieve. So many authors will write about characters and move on to their next work not giving past characters another thought or give them a byline in a future book. I guess once they had their happy ending they never faced any other trials worth mentioning. Kudos to Alexa to dare to write this book. It only made the characters that much more real for me. Yes, they have found their one true love, but it still takes work to maintain that relationship. I enjoyed reading about my favorite characters and catching up with them. Of course, I still love the Frankie/Lane story line. They are my 2 favorite characters in the deadly trilogy. However, in this book, I must admit that Blake and Jennifer's story was the most powerful. I absolutely loved this story! And poor Jennifer finally has her happy ending in this book. This woman has been through so much and I was thrilled that her dreams finally come true in this book. Looks like I have a new favorite couple! Absolutely loved it and cannot wait for the next!

[BBMoreB ~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to discover that the author had decided to do a Holiday Novella; allowing me to reconnect with some of my favorite 2012 characters.

The story is told with an unheard of amount of heart-wrenching emotion. Although short, about 100 pages, she was able to construct a complete storyline jammed-packed with suspense.

Without a doubt this book earned its 5 stars!!!

This is a novella with characters that I worship – so you can read it as a stand-along but, you shouldn’t miss getting the full trilogy experience.

~ Series Overview ~
This series puts the reader on full-alert; it is a high-voltage, fraught-with-danger, vicarious experience that is sprinkled with humor and super-charged with breathtaking love... Ms. Grace creates riveting stories that assails the senses and churns your emotions.

Even if you have read ridiculous amounts of suspense books lately and think you have seen all the twists and turns before – give this entire series a read; you are in for a sweet treat!

[Musing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexa Grace has done it again with this fabulous Novella concluding nicely the Deadly Series. It was a pleasure to read, providing just the right amount of suspense to keep you on edge, mystery to intrigue and romance to moan over!

Deadly Holiday capped off lots of story lines that had been introduced in the first three books. You were able to spend a chapter or two with your favorite characters, once again entering their worlds, invading their thoughts. Ms Grace brilliantly stayed true to her characters' personalities, flaws and all.

Although this Novella could be read as a Stand alone, it is best read after you've read the books in the Trilogy, starting with Deadly Offerings. I loved the whole series, and cant wait to read what Alexa Grace has planned for us next!

[Amanda Dorrier · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great way to bring us back into the lives of all of the beloved characters of the deadly trilogy!

I loved every page. Such a bittersweet moment when you love the book and need to turn that page to see whats happening and yet sad to turn the page because it brings an end to a much lied series! I dot what to let go of Ana, Michael, Frankie, Lane, Jennifer and Blake! I can only hope they well make small appearances in your next series!

Deadly Holiday is a great read, suspenseful, moving and chops full of holiday love! A must. Dad for anyone who enjoyed the deadly series but a great read for all!

Highly recommended!
Amanda

[Allyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexa Grace has done it again, I was completely hooked from page one and could not put the book down!Not only was Deadly Holiday full of suspense, that kept me on the edge of my seat, it was romantic as well! All of the Main Characters from Deadly Trilogy were involved, Michael& Anne, Lane & Frankie, Tim &Megan, Jennifer & Blake, it felt like a reunion that gave you extra info on their lifes now! What a wonderful, touching, heartwarming story! There were points and times I was moved to tears, as well as funny parts as well! Definetely a must read for the Holiday Season!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally read the 2nd book of Alexa Grace's Deadly trilogy as a Goodreads 1st read and completely LOVED it! I have gone back and read the 1st , re-read the 2nd, read the 3rd and absolutely HAD to get this. While it is a novella it doesn't lack any of the fast-paced, intense and romantic scenes that we are used to seeing from Ms. Grace. I loved it and for anyone else who has read her work, you will love it too! If you haven't....well now is a great time to start!! I will definitely be picking up anything else Ms. Grace writes!!

[Carey Sabala · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read the trilogy but everyone was saying I should. I saw the price of the novella and throught, well for the price, if I like it I can decide if I'd like to dive into the rest and let me just say this.....after this little sampling, I'm totally going for all the rest. This was a wonderful, action-packed short novella that is so worth the price. I love, love, loved it!!! A total new fan here! Can't wait to dive into the rest of the series. The story is everything you'd want in a novella, warm and fuzzy yet full of action. Totally recommend it!

[LaurLa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice Holiday entry for the series - a let's catch up with all the couples novella. But you don't really need it to feel the series is complete, although we did get closure on the Shawn Isaac's situation even though I'm not completely sold on killing off both his parents to do it. If things hadn't been so pat, I might have rated this 4 stars, but even so, it was a good read.

[Mel burge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful addition to this trilogy!!! I simply loved how it was short and sweet and jammed packed with action and suspense right away with no waiting! I love little Shawn and his attitude at such a young age. These characters are heart warming hard working and full of love for their families. Alexa Grace has a sure way of making you want more from them and knowing what else they can do.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute little novella tying all the characters in the Deadly Trilogy together. Having just finished the 3 books this was a nice little story to bide my time until the author's new series comes out next year.

[Mary Fazzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book. I read it in 1 day. I just couldn't put it down. I would read the deadly series first so you can learn about the characters first. Still a great book. Year and giggles and smiles while I was reading. Just a great book to get lost in and fell the love that went into.

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It has everything you want in a book! Love, romance, intrigue, mystery, murderer, and it gives you an update on all of your favorite characters. It is heart warming and at times intense! It is a don't miss if you love Alexa's writing!

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly enjoyable trilogy... Loved the characters, and the story line... The best part was the novella that helped answer the rest of my unanswered questioned a the end of the third book!!! Great Job Alexa - please keep writing. I am looking forward to The Profile Trilogy!!!

[Joyce Cappuccio-Quagliata · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good from beginning to end. I actually cried a few times in a gym full of people while i was walking on the treadmill. I didn't want this story to end I wish it was longer. Loved the story!

[Donnajo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four days before christmas when a yound boy testifies against his father in court he disappears and the hunt is on to locate it. This book has you go though different feeling. it grabbed me from the start.

I will for sure check out other books by this author.

[Marlene Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh My God! This book was absolutely fantastic. I was riveted from the very begging of the book. Alexa, true to form with the Deadly Trilogy, you did absolutely great with this book. I cried pretty much through the entire book. :O and it only took me a day to read it.

[Diana Tan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexa Grace did it again! Must read for all those who want to know what happens after the happily ever after. It's great to meet the different characters again.

[Mandy Blackwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a MUST read!!!! I loved Jennifer and Blake's story. I cried at the end. It was so good. This book has everything you need : suspense, good characters, and true love.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you liked the trilogy you'll love this story as well. Suspenseful and a great read!

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun way to reconnect to the characters that you've read in past books. Very quick, short novella.

[Jill Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great holiday book with all the characters from the three previous. With a very happy ending.

[Veronica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy reading Christmas short story

[Lizz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sad to see this series end, but this novella was a nice way to wrap up all the loose ends and have a chance to re-visit the characters one more time.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to the Deadly trilogy. I loved it and cannot wait for the next book!